Liberalgeek and I are now listening to the debate on HB 290, the budget bill.
Right now they are praising the hard work of putting together the budget.
OMB Visalli testifying. Rep. Marshall: why not 2.5% cut for judges?
Case law says that judges are exempt by law, based on DE Constitution.
Why no cut on the governor’s salary?
Visali: Governor has taken 10% pay cut in 2009 and 20% in 2010.
Visali: Judges are looking at giving themselves a pay cut.
Rep. Lavelle – I’m taking a 10% pay cut.
Rep. Atkins – Are pensions protected? Yes
Rep. Kovach calls for an attorney. Any old attorney will do.
Attorney is Mr. Bill Bush. Asks about Constitutionality of cuts on state legislators – allowed by Constitution? Thinks it must be voluntary, like judges. The sponsors say that legislators will have to file suit to get that money back, and he doubts they will.
27 yes, 14 no HB 290 passes.
SB 173 up now, on renewable energy. It amends the SEU.
Passed
HB 282 passes house, 41 yes, 0 no.
House adjourns for now.
Update 11:30 PM: Back in House
SB 52 up now. This is about interstate placement of children.
Passed 35 yes
SB 143 – exempts Ministry of Caring and Sacred Heart Housing from local properties.
Passed 35 yes
House Joint Resolution 5: Goal to produce zero waste in Delaware. Good luck with that one! House Amendment 1 is adopted – to do this in a cost effective manner. WTF does this mean? Sec. of DNREC testifying – “reduce, reuse, recycle.”
Passed
SB 153 up now, concerning new energy grid technology. Auto to grid electric charge system for electric cars.
Passed 33 yes.