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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As I’m sure you’ve heard, the Legislature has entered a special session as a result of partisan disagreements over the state budget and a transportation package. This will be the 11th special session the last 10 years. The main sticking points boil down to this:
Republicans believe the 9 percent increase (more than $3 billion) in revenue the Legislature will receive for this budget is enough to responsibly balance the budget, continue to fund critical programs, and address the McCleary and mental health treatment capacity state Supreme Court mandates.
On the other hand, Democrats and the governor do not believe the additional $3 billion is enough, and seek to raise $1.5 billion in taxes.
Neither the House Democrats’ nor the Senate Republicans’ budget proposals are perfect. But many of my colleagues and I would like to see a plan that prioritizes spending, is paired with cost-saving reforms, and relies on tax increases only as a last resort.
As of today, the Legislature is in special session; budget negotiators are meeting to come to an agreement on a two-year budget, as well as craft a responsible K-12 investment plan and a transportation budget.
In addition to the operating, capital and transportation budgets, the Legislature passed about 300 bills this session, many of which are awaiting the governor’s signature. You can find the list of bills here, which includes the passage of the Senate’s version of Joel’s Law.
As special session continues, I encourage you to contact me with questions, concerns or ideas. Thank you to all who have reached out to me thus far, and continue to be involved in state government.
Sincerely,
Jay Rodne
