Here’s a rundown of 10 items I think the Legislature wants to decide before adjourning.
Taxes: Right now it’s a stare down among Democrats on whether to include a sales tax increase in the final revenue package. Senate Dems (barely) agree that an additional three pennies on a $10 purchase is not too much to ask and they also want to provide rebates for the state’s poorest residents. House Dems aren’t there yet and might not get there and force the Senate to change course.
Operating Budget: This is the cart behind the tax horse. Once they figure out how much they have to spend they can get down to serious talks on what cuts to make and not make. A big stickler may be closure of McNeil Island.
Transportation Budget: It’s all done but the voting as leaders of the House and Senate transportation committee wrapped up their negotiating Saturday.
Capital Budget: Lots of conversing still to go here. The Senate waited pretty long to release its version and it’s different enough from the House to make it one of the last things that will get done. Budget writers in both chambers think their plan will foment job creation – but in very different ways.
Jobs Act of 2010: Remember this bond measure? Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown may have shoved it aside and out of view but Rep. Hans Dunshee hasn’t given up. The end game may be to “skinny it down” – Dunshee’s words – so it requires far less money from the general fund for bond repayments.
MOTCA – Hazardous Substances Tax: We know it won’t be tripled but will this rate climb at all? Both House and Senate capital budgets count on an increase in the tax.
Cell phones: Suddenly, the House and Senate can’t agree on whether it should be a primary offense for people to drive while talking on a handheld device. It is against the law today but a secondary offense. The House got all libertarian last week and rejected making it a primary offense as sought by the Senate.
Education: To lift or not to lift, that is the question on levies.
State workers: To furlough or not to furlough, that is one of the thornier issues dividing the House and Senate.
Bail: This seems like a done deal but it isn’t done yet. The House is expected to agree with the Senate on wording of a constitutional amendment allowing judges to consider denying bail to a greater number of suspected offenders. Voters will get the final say in November.
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