Day: July 2, 2017

This post if fairly typical of the battered wife mindset of "centrist" chamber of commerce Dems. It is all "hoist up the white flag, we've lost" before the battle is even joined. Del Dem says, “Andria Bennett has given the Republicans all the leverage.” How does he figure when Dems hold a super majority in the house? I’m not saying Bennett made her play in order to make the Acting Gov come back to the table with more Rev, but why not take the opportunity? Bennet’s vote seems very gettable in that with some minor amendments. As the post notes, Bennett was one of six Democrats who voted against the budget in 2015 BECAUSE it did not do enough to raise new revenues. The only possible reason not to go with HB 107 and a package that brings more revue, and less draconian cuts is that the Acting Gov, some chamber of Commerce DINO’s, and the figure head Gov might peel off back the the GOP side.

Whatever happens today, it should include a vote on HB 107:

This bill creates two new tax brackets at $125,000 with a rate of 7.10%, and $250,000 with a rate of 7.85%. Also, the bill provides a tiered reduction of the otherwise available itemized deduction based upon the individual's taxable income.

Bring up up with HB 101 (Grant-in-aid). Andria Bennett has given the Democrats a great opportunity to expose the Republicans for the scoundrels that they are. The problem is that Acting Gov Pete has played the bigger scoundrel so far. Multiple sources have painted a picture of Acting Gov Pete's heavy handed treatment of the Dem's in the closing hours of Friday's session. His bullying style, his unwillingness to entertain any ideas that did not come from his own head are hall marks of terrible leadership. It is time the Acting Gov takes another approach and backs away from his Republican allies and take a more Democratic stance regarding the mix of revenues and cuts required to balance the budget.