The Budget Process is Moving Forward

Budget negotiations continue, but with no finished product.  Talks between key budget negotiators concluded this week with no final budget, but did result in a “better understanding” between both sides on their differences. The House Appropriations Committee passed a budget framework vehicle (House Bill 1460) as a procedural motion to have the process start more quickly if/when an agreement is put into place.  As reported by PLS,  Chairman Bill Adolph (R-Delaware) said the move was necessary as part of House rules in order to make sure an agreed-to product can be considered in a timely manner. “House rules require the posting of a General Appropriations bill for second consideration, it takes about two weeks in advance of when this bill will actually be voted on the floor,” he told committee members. “We are voting House Bill 1460 today so we can get it a first reading and get it in position for second consideration whenever we’re able to reach a negotiated agreement with the administration." In the meantime, most state agencies continue to receive funding even without a budget, schools, non-profits, and local governments will not.