Being a committee chair is still a work in progress. On the one hand I hadn’t anticipated the impact of the increased workload, and on the other, I am liking the effect of the ‘gavel.’ Wow, the gavel bangs and people are paying attention and things start to happen. I haven’t gotten brave enough to bring it home for a try out yet…
Some action and positioning on some of the key bills. The revenue estimates are going to make the news for awhile because of the large difference between the two reports. By statute the legislative fiscal division provides that estimate to the legislators. Historically that figure is conservative and over the test of time is very solid to work from. The governor’s office likes to use the estimate from their own budget director’s office. Historically that number tends to be optimistic and depends on business growth, wage income and agriculture to be at increased levels over the previous biennium. So who has the crystal ball? There will be plenty of wrangling as both bring the budget requests to the various appropriation sub-committees.
As we do this planning, we find ourselves in a surplus position as the last biennium comes to an end, because of higher revenues both from the spin-off impacts of the oil and gas areas, and record price levels for most agriculture products. So, what to do with the surplus is gaining lots of attention in the capitol. Should we give back to the taxpayers that paid it in, or reduce taxpayer rates going forward, or should we put the extra into infrastructure, where we have many very badly needed upgrades and help?
A fun bill to watch will be heard in the Human Services House committee this week. This bill is much improved from last session where it passed through the House, but was stopped by the Senate Ag committee in a turf protecting move. HB 245 is the Raw Milk bill which will allow small herd dairies to sell their non-pasteurized milk from their farms. They will be licensed, inspected and tested just like the grade A dairies. The chief sponsor is Rep. Nancy Ballance, with support from Senator Mary Caferro and myself. Strong support is also coming from all around the state. I anticipate some of the same turf resistance from the Ag and dairy folks. I’m expecting that supporters will fill the room and then some which will make for a fun and good hearing. Stay tuned, this should be a moooooving bill. (-:
Rep. Ed Greef, HD 88
Florence