by Mick Mines | April 5, 2021 | Advocacy
Consent Tomorrow is Day 51 of this 90-day legislative session. It is also the first time this year we’ve seen Consent Calendar. The process is not unlike the Password Lightning Round. First, the Speaker identifies “non-controversial” bills that...
by Mick Mines | March 29, 2021 | Advocacy
Piles of Money The Appropriations Committee sent their $9.7 billion biennial budget to the printer. That means floor debate will soon turn to the distribution of piles-o-money over the next two fiscal years. K-12 education stands at the head of that line. Their $2.65...
by Mick Mines | March 22, 2021 | Advocacy
Bills, Bills, Bills Wednesday will mark the 45th legislative day of this COVID molested 90-day session. Public hearings for new legislation concluded Friday, and all-day floor debate begins tomorrow. Senator Priority Bills (1 each) and Committee Priority Bills (2...
by Mick Mines | March 15, 2021 | Advocacy
Priorities This week, the Judiciary Committee will close out their final public hearings of the session while Speaker Hilgers continues to prep the kids for full-day floor debate. A large majority of bills remain in committees. This week sets up perfectly for...
by Mick Mines | March 8, 2021 | Advocacy
Flush with Cash Our state economic prognosticators met last week. It seems their “wet index finger in the air” formula worked. State tax revenue will be higher than they predicted only four months ago. $462 million higher in fiscal years 20/21 ($204M),...
by Mick Mines | March 1, 2021 | Advocacy
Forecast This Monday, the Legislature will stand in recess. It’s a four-day workweek! Come to think of it; every week is now a four-day workweek. If you believe that state senators have a cozy gig, you’re sadly mistaken. During the legislative session,...
