Skinny Budget Effort Falls Apart
The House Appropriations Committee hearing on the “skinny budget” lasted about thirty minutes before the effort hit a brick wall in the form of committee Democrats and Republican Reps. Hoffman and Udall. The committee took up HB 2841, the general appropriations act, also known as the “feed bill” which contains the appropriations for state government. After some testimony, Democrats on the committee lamented what they say was a wasted opportunity to craft a comprehensive budget, and voted “no.” They were joined by Republican Rep. Jake Hoffman, who said government already spends too much, and Rep. Michelle Udall, House Education Committee chair, who said that the budget doesn’t address a number of issues that need to be addressed.
The bill failed, 6-7, essentially dooming the effort. However, the chair brough each succeeding bill in the package up for a vote anyway. They all failed 6-7. AZ Capitol Times Reporter Nathan Brown captured the mood nicely in the Twitter thread below. You can also read the updated AZEdNews story
Today’s Action
Aside from the budget drama, there were a few bills up for floor action today.
HB 2034 CTEDs; associate degrees (Udall)—passed Senate 3rd read. It now returns to the House for concurrence on the Senate amendments. It was amended to require all CTED associate degree programs to apply for regional accreditation.
SB 1327 alternative assessment advisory committee (Barto)—passed the House on 3rd read. It now heads to the governor’s desk.
SB 1654 schools; seizure management; treatment plans (Kerr)—passed the House on 3rd read. It now heads to the governor’s desk.
No Work Means No School
With no budget work apparently forthcoming this week, both the House and Senate have adjourned until Monday.