Rep. Condotta’s 2015 legislative session update, April 9

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

It is Day 88 of the scheduled 105-day session. We are coming down the home stretch of the regular session scheduled to adjourn on April 26.

We are seeing a lot of bills in both chambers trying to be amended. Remember, the House is run by the Democrats and the Senate by Republicans. So, as bills get passed to the opposite chambers there is a tendency to amend them to look more like the versions of the opposing party. Watch my video this week to give you an update. Just click on the photo below.

There is still a lot of negotiating to take place. However, the bottom line is there no reason for us to go into a special session. We have $3 billion in additional revenue - almost a 9 percent increase. The House Democrats' budget is not realistic since they didn't even pass their tax revenue bills to go along with their spending plan.

The Senate takes an innovative approach by substantially reducing tuition - a huge cost for parents and students right now - offering $2,000 to every state employee, reducing the wage gap among our state employees, and they maintain the state spending limit. It is not a perfect budget, but a good start to reaching a final agreement.

If you have any questions on the operating, capital or transportation budgets, as well as any other legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me. Your input is appreciated.

Sincerely,

Cary Condotta