Weekly Legislative Update 4.24.15
5.3.2015
This Week At The Capitol:
Both the House and the Senate were in Session this week moving bills through the process.
There were no bills of note for YSBs.
Senate and House Republicans announced their alternative budget Friday morning. I am happy to report that YSBs were treated exceedingly well as they restored EVERY PENNY of YSB funding in both line items back into the budget. As I was thanking Leadership and rank and file Members, it was obvious that Republicans strongly believe in the value of the services YSBs provide in each of your communities and that good, quality programs should be funded. Each Member I spoke with said our message earlier in the session came across loud and clear. While this is very good news, please remember that this is still the Minority parties budget. Undoubtedly, the Appropriations Chairs will review the budget prior to releasing the Committee version on Monday. Will they accept any of the GOP ideas or will it simply be relegated to the back seat of the Appropriations Committee? We will know in a few days’ time!
As I mentioned, on Monday the Appropriations Committee budget will be released and voted on. As soon as I get my hands on a copy, I will call Barbara to let her know the details. We’ve done everything in our power to mitigate the Governor’s cuts to YSBs. I believe our message has been heard. The question remains, what are the priorities of Legislative Democrats? We’ll find out on Monday!
