Hours wasted?
The House continues to hear empty appropriations bills today, even though a budget agreement has been reached and passed by the Legislature.
The legislation — often called shell bills because there are blanks where funding figures could be inserted later with amendments — singles out every state agency. There are about 200 of these empty bills in the House and Senate this year.
In the past, each of the bills have been used to fund each agency individually. But, this year lawmakers have passed a general appropriations bill, meaning all agencies are funded in one bill.
It is unclear if the Governor will sign the budget passed last week. He has complained he was left out of budget negotiations, which occurred between House and Senate leaders.
If the governor vetoes all or part of the funding bill, it is possible the shell bills will be needed. Otherwise, it may be hours of wasted time in the House and Senate. Only time will tell.
Jennifer Mock
Capitol Bureau
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