As we start the second week of Session, budget hearings are in full swing.

FY 11 Budget bills that have been introduced in the House by the Governor are as follows:

HB 300 Operating Budget; HB 301 Capital Budget; HB 302 Mental Health Budget.

Agency budget increases have been kept to a minimum, however, the Governor has presented some big ticket items including deferred maintenance and the Merit Scholarship Program which will be discussed in depth by the Committees.    The Legislature is still awaiting the arrival of the Scholarship bill and the Supplemental bill.

For the next two weeks,  Budget Overviews from each Department will be presented before the House Finance Committee.  The briefings will include two departments per meeting and most will be held at the normal 1:30 time.   Gavel to Gavel is very good at covering these meetings and actual meeting times are listed on the Legislature’s BASIS system.

Rep. Kelly and Rep. Fairclough - House Finance Committee

Subcommittees have also started their in depth review of the budget.  Time is limited with the 90 day session to be allow a budget bill to pass House Finance,  to pass the House Floor and be on its way to the Senate by early March.  We’re off to a good start!