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Greetings, Legislative Update #2, January 27, 2009 We don't hear too much from the House Rules and Journal Committee, but they are considering a resolution HR 6004 that is much like TABOR in disguise. It would limit lawmakers ability to set fiscal policy. It essentially changes a rule in the legislative process that would hinder floor amendments during debates on budget bills and require such bills to be revenue-neutral. This means amendments would have to have a corresponding cut of the same cost for consideration. Obviously this is bad. Much like the GOP's solution of an ax to the state budget in contrast to a scalpel to solve our state budget problems. Hopefully, this will not have any legs! A Senate debate is likely tomorrow on a rescision bill that makes deep cuts to state agencies including education K-12 funding. The Senate Ways and Means Committee passed a rescission bill yesterday by a vote of 8-5. Most expect the deficit to increase above the $186 million when we receive new projections on state revenue and the state fiscal picture. What exactly to the 3.4% across the board reductions to state agencies mean for education? It is a $22 BSAPP (Base State Aid Per Pupil) cut. The result is $95 less per student than the Governors cut. That is an example of the impact the 3.4% across the board cuts will have on state agency budget. Call your Senator and urge them to instead seek strategic solutions to the state budget. Alternatives could also be to wait and not act too hastily when congress is considering an economic stimulus that could free other general funds to fund state government. |
