The hearing by the House Appropriations Committee on HB 156 was perfunctory, but perhaps indicative of its linkage to HB 157 and a coming battle ahead.
In the few minutes that the committee met, HB 156 author and chairman John Alario said the bill contained fewer cuts that previously believed necessary (about $94 million), but that it did not restore previous cuts outlined by Gov. Kathleen Blanco. He stressed no borrowing was involved, and in fact yanked HB 157 which would have permitted it from the committee’s calendar.
This brought questioning from Rep. Cedric Glover who confirmed these programs remained unfunded in part or whole. Borrowing would be one way to restore any or all of these cuts. It remains to be seen whether members of the Legislative Black Caucus will use their united muscle to deny HB 156 unless they get amendments to it and passage of HB 157 to be able to spend more. But fiscal conservatives have their own vetoing ability with HB 157, unless that is amended to put in strict controls on use of the borrowed money for continuing operations. Therefore, sparks could fly, if not a train wreck ensue, over the next few days.
After a review of HB 156, it has been added to the list of good bills, considering from where it cuts come.
MONDAY: For yet another day, HB 76 is scheduled to be heard by the House Commerce Committee; HB 157 is scheduled to be heard by the House Appropriations Committee; SB 5 is scheduled to be heard by the Senate Local and Municipal Affairs Committee; SB 6 is scheduled to be heard by the Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee.
SCORECARD:
Total House introductions: 161; total Senate introductions: 95.
Total House good bills: 6; total Senate good bills: 6.
Total House bad bills: 11; total Senate bad bills: 3.
Total House good bills heard in committee: 4; total Senate good bills heard in committee: 2.
Total House bad bills heard in committee: 6; total Senate bad bills heard in committee: 2
Total House good bills passing committee: 3; total Senate good bills passing committee: 1.
Total House bad bills passing committee: 2; total Senate bad bills passing committee: 0
Total House good bills passing House: 1; total Senate good bills passing Senate: 0
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