Session Updates
Washington |
March 12, 2010 Regular Session Ends without Budget; Special Session Next Week
Lawmakers adjourned the 2010 regular session late Thursday without closing a $2.8 billion budget gap, prompting Governor Christine Gregoire (D) to call a seven-day special session beginning Monday to finalize a spending plan. Legislative leaders indicated they also will attempt to pass a jobs bill with funding for infrastructure improvements. As the session concluded, legislators were able to reach agreement on education funding and reform legislation, including a measure to allow cash-strapped school districts to place local property tax increases on a ballot. The governor -- who does not possess a pocket veto -- has 20 days upon transmittal (excluding Sundays) to sign or veto legislation that reaches her desk. Find out more: |
Utah |
March 12, 2010 Regular Session Adjourns
The 2010 regular session adjourned yesterday after lawmakers approved measures designed to affirm the state's sovereign rights; including the exemption of Utah-made firearms from federal gun laws, restrictions on the activities of federal law enforcement, curbing eminent domain, and opting out of federal health care reform. Many of the measures face likely court challenges. Legislators also reached agreement on an $11.1 billion state budget by trimming $90 million in spending -- including approximately $10 million for public schools -- and increasing the cigarette tax by one dollar per pack. As the session concluded, lawmakers failed to place a measure on the ballot that would "prohibit preferential treatment based on race, sex or national origin." Governor Gary Herbert (R) -- who does not possess a pocket veto -- has until March 31 to sign or veto legislation that reaches his desk. Find out more: |
Wyoming |
March 08, 2010 Budget Session Adjourns
Lawmakers concluded the 2010 budget session Friday after reaching agreement on a $2.9 billion state budget without tapping into the main reserve fund. Legislators also approved tax breaks for energy producers and small businesses, wind energy generation projects, a health care pilot-program for those who cannot afford insurance, a measure to allow health insurance to be purchased across state lines, recalibrated education spending. The legislature also passed mandatory minimum sentences for child sex offenders, as well as enhanced penalties for recidivist DUI offenders and persons who murder pregnant women. Governor Dave Freudenthal (D) -- who does not possess a pocket veto -- has until March 20 to sign or veto legislation that reaches his desk. Find out more: |
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New Mexico  |
March 05, 2010 Special Session Adjourns
Lawmakers concluded a special session Thursday after approving $230 million in tax increases -- including gross-receipts, food, cigarettes, and income -- to balance the state budget. Legislators also passed a measure that grants the governor budget-cutting authority if the state faces a projected deficit before the 2011 regular session. Governor Bill Richardson (D) has until March 24 to sign or veto the legislation that passed during the special session.
Find out more: |
Arkansas |
March 04, 2010 Fiscal Session Formally Adjourns
The legislature recessed its inaugural fiscal session February 25 after approving most of Governor Mike Beebe's (D) proposed $4.5 billion budget, which restores most of the $206 million in recent budget cuts and increases spending overall by $176 million next year. Lawmakers also approved a measure that sets state lottery-funded scholarships at $5,000 for four-year college students and $2,500 for students attending two-year institutions. Lawmakers officially adjourned sine die today, without considering an override to Governor Mike Beebe's (D) sole veto of a measure that transfers funds dedicated to financing constitutional officers in order to pay for redistricting costs. House members also elected Robert Moore (D) as the Speaker-designate for the 2011 regular session. Find out more: |
Florida |
March 02, 2010 Regular Session Begins
Lawmakers return to Tallahassee today to begin the 2010 regular session and will hear Governor Charlie Crist (R) make his state-of-the-state address this evening in a joint session. In addition to deliberations over closing a $3 billion spending gap, legislators are expected to consider economic development and job creation, offshore oil drilling, property insurance deregulation, and a two-year moratorium on an unemployment compensation tax increase for employers. The regular session is expected to adjourn April 30. Find out more: |
Nevada |
March 01, 2010 Special Session Adjourns
Lawmakers adjourned the first special session of 2010 early today after approving a $805 million budget-balancing legislative package that combines spending cuts and the tapping of several funds, shifts of federal funding, and fee increases. Legislators also passed measures to implement a four-day workweek for certain state offices and to grant school districts the increased flexibility with state funds. Governor Jim Gibbons (R) has until March 11 to sign or veto legislation passed during the special session.
Find out more: |
Oregon |
February 26, 2010 Supplemental Session Adjourns
Lawmakers adjourned the 2010 supplemental session Thursday after approving an annual-sessions ballot measure to be decided November 2. Specifically, the measure would establish a 160-day session in odd-numbered years and a 35-day session in even-numbered years. The even-numbered year session would likely be dedicated to budget and taxation matters, as well as other top-priority issues deemed necessary to consider. Voters narrowly rejected an annual-sessions ballot measure in 1990. Legislators also reached agreement on a budget-balancing package to address a $170 million shortfall projected earlier this month as well as new two-year spending plan. Find out more: |
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New Mexico |
February 18, 2010 Regular Session Adjourns without Budget Deal
Citing disagreements over proposed tax increases, lawmakers adjourned the 2010 regular session today without reaching an agreement on a $5 billion state budget. This prompted Governor Bill Richardson (D) to call a special session beginning March 1 in order to finish work on the spending plan. Despite the budget impasse, legislators were able to approve a solvency measure that both cancels several public works projects around the state and restores approximately $150 million to the state's treasury to make immediately due payments. Lawmakers also passed a measure that prohibits "double dipping" by governmental retirees who later return to work with a salary and pension. Find out more: |
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Rhode Island  |
February 12, 2010 Fox New Speaker
Late yesterday, House members elected Majority Leader Gordon D. Fox (D-4) to succeed William J. Murphy (D-26) as the 222nd House Speaker. Fox defeated both Gregory Schadone (D-54) and House Minority Leader Robert Watson (R-30) in a chamber-wide vote. Fox has indicated his priority is improving the economy and creating jobs. Murphy indicated he will serve out the remainder of his term as a rank-and-file member.
Find out more: |
California |
February 12, 2010 Lieutenant Governor Situation
After the Senate voted Thursday to confirm Senator Abel Maldonado (R-15) as the state's new Lieutenant Governor, the Assembly voted 37 to 35 in favor of the appointment -- failing to achieve a 41-vote majority for or against him. The Assembly vote creates a constitutional question as to whether Maldonado was confirmed. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) insists Maldonado was confirmed since the state Constitution allows him to take office if he is "neither confirmed nor refused confirmation," and that the 35 negative votes fell short of the 41-vote threshold required for a decisive rejection. Assembly leaders dispute the governor's explanation, stating that failure to obtain 41 affirmative votes indicates rejection of the nominee. The post has been vacant since John Garamendi (D) won a congressional seat last November. The lieutenant governor acts as the state's chief executive when the governor is out of state and presides over the Senate, casting a vote in the event of a tie. UPDATE: Governor Schwarzenegger announced late Friday that he will withdraw Senator Maldonado's nomination and resubmit it next week, thus avoiding an imminent court challenge over the differing constitutional interpretations. This action resets the 90-day clock for consideration. Find out more: |
Arizona |
February 12, 2010 Special Session Adjourns
Lawmakers adjourned the budget-related special session Thursday after approving a May 18 ballot measure to raise the state sales tax by one percent to alleviate the current spending gap. However, legislators were unable to reach agreement on a measure aimed at saving $450 million in this year's budget by delaying payments to K-12 schools and colleges. Legislative leaders indicate that they will consider this proposal as well as others to close a projected $700 million budget deficit during their regular session.
Find out more: |
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New York  |
February 10, 2010 Senator Monserrate Expelled
The Senate voted yesterday to expel Senator Hiram Monserrate (D-13) for conduct "not compatible with his oath of office," in relation to a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction last year. While continuing to appeal the conviction, Monserrate has indicated his intention to both contest the expulsion in federal court and run in the March 13 special election -- called by Governor David Paterson (D) today -- to fill the vacancy. While the Democrats retain nominal control of the Senate, Monserrate's expulsion reduces their majority to one vote short of the 32-member majority required to pass legislation. Find out more: |
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Nevada |
February 09, 2010 Special Session Called
Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons (R) announced yesterday that the legislature will convene a special session February 23 to consider his proposal to close an $880 million budget deficit. The governor's plan involves avoiding tax increases, closing the Nevada State Prison, laying off 234 state workers, and proposing a 10 percent cut to certain state agencies, especially public and higher education. Senate Democratic leaders indicated they will introduce their own plan, which includes funding shifts; a reduction in the school year; and teacher salary reductions. At this time, an adjournment date has not been specified. Find out more: |
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Wyoming |
February 08, 2010 Budget Session Begins
Lawmakers will convene today for the 2010 budget session. Against a backdrop of $380 million in lost revenues due to the recession, legislators will focus mainly on Governor Dave Freudenthal's (D) two-year, estimated $3 billion budget, including funding levels for local governments and infrastructure improvements, while avoiding a tap of reserve funds. Non-budget related legislation would require a two-thirds vote in each chamber to be considered. The session is expected to adjourn March 5.
Find out more: |
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Arkansas |
February 08, 2010 Inaugural Budget Session Convenes
Lawmakers will convene today in Little Rock for the first-ever even-year "fiscal" session, which was approved by the voters in 2008. Legislators are expected to focus on Governor Mike Beebe's (D) $4.5 billion budget, set amounts of lottery scholarships, and consider his proposal for another rainy-day fund. Lawmakers will be able to consider non-budget legislation with approval by a two-thirds vote in each chamber. While the budget session is limited by law to 45 days, legislative leaders indicate that the session should be completed by early March. Find out more: |
Minnesota |
February 04, 2010 Regular Session Reconvenes
Lawmakers return to St. Paul today to begin the 2010 regular session. Legislators are expected to focus on the state's $1.2 billion budget deficit and a bond bill to finance public works construction projects. Governor Tim Pawlenty (R) has indicated that he opposes any tax increase in a potential spending plan and will veto any bond bill greater than $685 million. Legislators also are expected to consider a new stadium for the Minnesota Vikings, health care coverage for the poor, reductions in education spending, new nuclear power plants, home mortgage mediation, and a measure to give DUI offenders a choice of longer license suspensions or submitting to ignition interlocks on the offender's vehicle. The legislature is expected to adjourn the regular session in May. Find out more: |
Connecticut |
February 03, 2010 Regular Session Convenes
Lawmakers return to Hartford today to begin the 2010 regular session. In her State of the State address, Governor M. Jodi Rell (R) is expected to emphasize reducing the budget deficit, currently estimated at $500 million despite recent cigarette and income tax increases. Legislative leaders indicate that they will also consider postponing an increase in the estate tax ceiling. Legislators also are expected to consider job creation, enhanced domestic violence penalties, mandatory seat belts on school buses, and tolling state highways. The session is scheduled to adjourn May 5. Find out more: |
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Arizona |
February 02, 2010 Special Session to Convene Today
Governor Jan Brewer (R) called the Legislature into a special session beginning today to consider her proposal for a temporary one-percent state sales tax increase to help balance next year's state budget. The governor is hoping that lawmakers will approve the measure by February 16, so it may be placed on a May 18 statewide ballot. Brewer is also recommending that legislators approve measures to inject cash-flow into the current budget (with an estimated $1.5 billion deficit), including borrowing against the state lottery; sale of state buildings; delayed payments to schools; and collecting income taxes from Arizona workers who live out-of-state. Legislative leaders have indicated that the measures enjoy moderate support, however approval is not certain at this time. Find out more: |
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Oregon |
February 01, 2010 Supplemental Session Begins
Lawmakers will convene today in Salem to begin the 2010 supplemental session. Legislators are likely to consider unemployment benefits and a measure for the November general election that would partially divert excess income tax revenues into a reserve fund before issuing rebates, known as "kicker reform." Legislators also are expected to consider placing an annual-sessions measure on the ballot. Normally, Oregon meets for approximately six months during odd-numbered years only, with no time limits for concluding the session. The proposed ballot measure would set sessions at 135 days in odd-numbered years and 45 days in even-numbered years. The state would remain on a two-year budget cycle, subject to annual reviews. While a specific adjournment date has not yet been specified, lawmakers are expected to wrap up the supplemental session by February 28. Find out more: |
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