Do these guys listen to themselves? Crawford accuses the Republicans of not bargaining in good faith because they support a continuing resolution that would, as Kenley said, “Keep the lights on”. But earlier he said that a budget could be reached as soon as Republicans “wised up”. Yep – that sounds like good faith to me. We can negotiate as soon as you agree I am right. By the way – did it strike anyone else that Crawford was worried about laying of teachers, but mention the affect that would have on kids? Maybe he just didn't have time. I do agree with Crawford that the idea of taxing people on the heating assistance they get from the feds is ridiculous and should be eliminated, though.
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Republicans are sounding a little more reasonable – not that that is saying much. However the suggestion that Espich mentioned (I don't know if the proposal was made by a Dem or Republican) to let CIB borrow from future earnings is ridiculous. The problem is that they don't have earnings. I haven't even seen any numbers that say they will be making money when the Convention Center expansion is done.
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To me it seems like common sense. Do a two-year budget because we certainly don't want to go through this mess again in 5 months, but put legislation in place that says if revenue comes in higher than expected – here is where it goes. As Espich said, we might want to spend more on education, but there is only so much money. If it turns out there is more money – send it to the schools.
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As for school funding – do a Samson and split the difference.

Both Crawford and Carson represent me…one at the state the other in DC, talk about taxation without representation. These two haven't a single viable brain cell between them.
Crawford must have a “big set” with the way he acts but if they work like his brain, then they are useless.

Would someone in the media outline the Senate and House budgets and reconcile the similarities/differences?

What is being cut?

What is getting increases?

Whats going on with the CIB proposals?

We are in the final stretch and the public is completely out of the loop on what they are really doing. (Except a lot of empty rhetoric and petty personal disagreements)

It really is going to come down to education in a couple of ways. Dems wants schools in their districts to have better money, even when they have less students. IPS, in particular, would be hit hard by the Republican budget. However, as said on the Senate floor, they are losing about 300 students per grade. There has to be less money for that many less students. IPS needs to revamp their budget when they have that many less students to educate. I wonder if charter school caps are still going to be pushed.

I wouldn't be surprised if education money is the only major disagreement they have. Except for Dems wanting to go beyond the $1 billion mark.

Also, how would it look if the House keeps a budget from reality, while not addressing the fail-safe at all? They need to get over who is to blame for something two months ago, and just get this done.

Schools in Indiana were shut down in the 1850s. No one will die from it.

Can IPS explain why it costs nearly twice as much to educate a child in their hallowed halls?

Yu may have some good points on this issue, Abdul. But Jeff has (mis)represented my parents since 1976. Nothing he has to say is worth a cup of warm spit. He need to go—yesterday,

Schools in Indiana were shut down in the 1850s. No one will die from it.

Can IPS explain why it costs nearly twice as much to educate a child in their hallowed halls?

Yu may have some good points on this issue, Abdul. But Jeff has (mis)represented my parents since 1976. Nothing he has to say is worth a cup of warm spit. He need to go—yesterday,