Dear Neighbors,
With 28 days left until adjournment, the pace has certainly picked up this week at the Capitol. This week, 3 major finance bills are on scheduled for a full House floor vote among the 134 State Representatives.
Last week finance committees were putting together and debating their “omnibus” bills –a compilation of prioritized bills heard previously in recent committee hearings and are chosen by committee chairs in each subject area, like Public Safety, Health and Human Services and Environment, to name a few. Once these omnibus bills pass through the committee process, most of our time shifts to the House floor for debate on these bills.
Traditionally, the House usually examines and debates each omnibus bill one at a time, ensuring legislators have adequate time for review. However this year, the House Majority has decided to combine omnibus bills into 3 “Mega” omnibus bills with the following subject groupings: Agriculture, Environment and Jobs; Public Safety, Health and Human Services, and State Government Finance; and Higher Education and E-12 Education. As I mentioned above, each of these are scheduled for a full vote this week.
Moving forward, a compromise on taxes, transportation and bonding will have to be determined by May 23 or we will be at an impasse for this year.
Please feel free to share your thoughts on the state budget or any other state related issue. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Sandy Masin
State Representative