May 5, 2003

The Omnibus conference committee worked through the weekend and wrapped up
Sunday afternoon. The Omnibus bill will go to both chambers this afternoon
when the Senate and House convene at 2:00 pm. Both Senate and House conferees
agreed to put some state general fund dollars into waiting lists:

Frail/Elderly               $254, 952
Physically Disabled     $460,969
Dev. Disabled           $460,969

This is a total of approximately $1.2 million for Big Tent issues. While this
is a start, it is no where near the amount initially requested by the Big
Tent Coalition.  If you recall our package called for $99.0 million to fully
restore the cuts and address the waiting lists.  Estimated need to eliminate
all waiting lists is $24 million.

This budget bill is far from being done. There are still many huge items still
to be determined; the tax refund delay is still in the bill and the Gov has
promised to veto this item; the ending balance appears to be under $30
million and Again this will be unacceptable to the Governor.

Word is that some of the GOP legislative leadership and the Governor are
putting together yet another revenue package to plug some of the holes and
end up with a reasonable ending balance. 

The House Taxation committee is meeting today at 1:00 pm, still some bills to
be worked out there...possibly to work on revenue proposals.

Will keep you all posted.  I'm still betting that we will be here until Wed. 

Shannon Jones

SILCK

Click Here to Return to KACIL Home Page