Lawmakers get Close to Passing a Budget
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Lawmakers could decide on a budget as early as Wednesday.
Tuesday evening both the Senate and House made great strides to come up with a plan to cover the 200 million dollar shortfall.
The legislature approved transferring 80 million dollars from the Education Trust Fund to the General Fund.
They also approved a 25 cent-a-pack cigarette tax. They also approved nursing home provider taxes as well as prescription drug provider taxes.
This will give a total of 166 million dollars in revenue to the General Fund.
“I am excited to say, whatever you think, we all wanted to fund those essential services that deal with children, seniors, the less fortunate. We were able to do it and I’m proud of that,” said Sen. President Pro Tem Del Marsh.
The budget will allow level funding for DHR, Medicaid, mental health, and prisons. Other agencies will get about a 5 percent cut.
Lawmakers will meet at 11 am Wednesday to head back to work.
