We Have a Deal, In Theory
House Speaker Pat Bauer says there’s a budget deal, but he cautions, “it’s in theory.”
The House will vote on the budget tomorrow. The Senate could take up the measure tonight. Bauer would not reveal a lot of details, however he says the budget funds education and avoids massive teacher layoffs. He also says it does not include a cap on charter schools, but it reduces the dollars allotted for virtual charter schools and the educational tax credit is reduced.
The budget leaves $1 billion in the bank and spends it over two years. There are no tax increases and it spends $28 billion over the next two years.
It also addresses the Capital Improvement Board by expanding the professional sports district, allowing the city to raise hotel, car rental and ticket taxes, alters the make up of the CIB for more state participation.
Republican leader Brian Bosma says there are a substantial number of Republican votes for the budget.
You can hear Bauer’s comments below.
June 29th, 2009 at 7:14 pm
I'd imagine it's easy to get intoxicated on a deal. I'd like to not see our state shutdown too. But, not at the price of spending money we don't have. I'm backing whomever's the fiscal conservative in this three-act play.
June 29th, 2009 at 7:17 pm
Channel 13 reports Bauer settling for $160 million additional for education. Wonder where THAT money comes from? Reserves?
June 29th, 2009 at 8:11 pm
If there's a God in heaven, the extra money, whatever the sum, was extracted directly from Mitch Roob. And those of his ilk.
Budgets are always about choices. Given a finite amount of (dwindling) resources, if you choose to fund one thing, at an extra amount, you've got to reduce something else.
I've opined here about my changed view of Mitch, and I do not like Bauer's attitude. But I do not trust the governor's motives when it comes to some of those choices. His record is, uh, let's just say–unflattering. As in:
Privatizing FSSA functions, with the contraft awarded to a company for which Roob used to work. Really stupid.
Sometimes I think this neocon crowd loves government so much they're going to buy it.
Im betting there are two goblins sitting on Mitch's shoulder: one good, one bad. Both whispering in his ear. He clearly has the ability and talent to choose the better goblin. I hope he does.
June 30th, 2009 at 4:13 am
I vote to abolish the Indiana BMV. Let insurance companies be responsible for providing drivers training. Bet that we'd get better drivers!
June 30th, 2009 at 9:13 am
I vote to abolish the Indiana BMV. Let insurance companies be responsible for providing drivers training. Bet that we'd get better drivers!