This was the last week for the legislature’s main session before they go on break until May 1. The spring recess provides a great opportunity to reach out to your legislators, attend a coffee conversation or meet and greet event. Legislators want to hear directly from you and share their opinions of the session progress.
The Senate also confirmed Laura Howard for Secretary of the Department for Children and Families as well as the Department for Aging and Disability Services. Bradford Loveless, Secretary of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism; Donald Brownlee as Racing and Gaming Commission Executive Director; and Jeffrey Wagaman as State Securities Commissioner were confirmed as well.
March tax revenues were up $21.9 million above last March. Fiscal year-to-date results were $140 million higher than last year at this time. The House passed the K-12 school finance measure on Thursday, and the Senate quickly followed suit and sent it to Gov. Kelly. Budget negotiations in the legislature have stalled, and the legislature will not consider a Mega bill at this time. Rep. Waymaster indicated that waiting until after the consensus revenue estimates come out mid-April would give the legislature a better basis to work from in making budget decisions.
No action has been taken on the Medicaid expansion bill, which remains in the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee. The House passed the bill last month 69-54 and sent it to the Senate.
