A quid pro quo?
Both HB 16 (Ramone) and HB 175 (Schwartzkopf) are on today’s House Agenda. HB 175 raises corporates taxes and fees and makes a substantial dent in the budget deficit. HB 16 eliminates the Estate Tax.
I wouldn’t be shocked if Speaker Pete placed HB 16 on the Agenda as part of an agreement with the R’s that they would not oppose HB 175 if they got a roll call on HB 16. That, of course, doesn’t mean that D’s will vote for HB 16. Agreeing to place a bill on the Agenda is not the same as agreeing to rustle up votes for the bill. In fact, any D who does vote for the bill deserves a primary opponent. ‘Nuff said.
Today’s House Agenda is probably its most ambitious agenda so far this year. The only question is: Will the House work the entire agenda today? While the answer would ordinarily be no, this is the last legislative session until June. It will either be a long day in the House, or everybody will scramble out pretty early for some Vay-Kay. All except for the Joint Finance Committee members, who will be doing some budget markup during the break.
HS 1/HB 85 (Williams) will be considered. We’ve discussed this bill eliminating charter school enrollment preferences before. Rep. Kowalko has introduced a substantive amendment to the bill. Fate of the bill and/or the amendment is uncertain. If you can only listen to one Leg Hall feed today, make it the House.
The Senate Agenda is equally long but less noteworthy. This one’s a good campaign brochure bill: SB 38 (Townsend) codifies existing property tax exemptions for individuals with disabilities, even if the subdivision subsequently eliminates those exemptions. Other than that, some Sunset bills, plus some odds ‘n ends. (Hey, it’s Thursday, I’m burnt out.)
OK, let’s see what happened yesterday. For you completists, here is the Session Activity Report,
The highlight? Legislation banning the practice of conversion therapy passed. The roll call on SB 65 (McDowell) was 12 Y, 3N, 4 NV, and 2 Absent. The three nays were Hocker, Lawson and Richardson. The Not Votings were Ennis, Marshall, Pettyjohn and Simpson. The three R’s who voted yes were Cloutier, Delcollo and Lopez. BTW, I’ve made no secret of my affinity for Bob Marshall. I like him personally and professionally. However, he no longer can be considered a reliable vote on progressive issues. It might be better for all concerned if he were to retire at the end of this term.
I’m retiring at the end of this paragraph for a two-week break from the General Assembly. Got to steel myself for what will likely be a contentious June. Perhaps we’ll even have a Jellyfish John sighting. Buh-bye.