PROCESS:

After week one of the second session of the legislature, the House and Senate committee work was fast and furious.  The introduction of many tax code bills took place to help correct next year’s budget deficit as well as a  variety of policy bills that dealt with various subjects – from Fantasy Sports games to consolidation of state agencies.  Week two will continue with the introduction of bills by members, but internally, budget leaders will be looking for ways to piece together a balanced budget.

POLITICS:

This week, State Finance Director, Preston Doerflinger announced a second revenue failure based on the continued loss of revenue due to the slump in oil prices.  He also stated that on Tuesday, February 16, the State Board of Equalization will meet to set the exact dollar amount needed to balance the 2017 budget.  He also told all state agencies that there will be additional cuts to their budgets during 2016.  Of course this is not good news and will set up many battles to come, not only between the Republicans and the Democrats but between the legislature and the Governor’s office - as we saw evidence of a clash this week over a suggested moratorium on business tax incentives.

PROGRAM:

This past week, we made some progress on our agenda.  We heard from Jackson County that they are entering into an agreement to become a participant in the State’s Purchase Card Program.  This is a positive step and should negate the reason for introduction of our ‘P’ Card legislation.  Rep. Cockroft introduced our bill to raise the dollar amount of road materials from $3 to $7 – it passed 6-0.  Another big story – a 9-1-1 funding bill passed out of full House Appropriations this week – 24-0.  Although it is a small increase of an additional .25 cents per cell device, it is a positive step forward.

Additionally, we held several meetings this week with Senate and House leaders discussing the County Highway Fund and the bills that have been filed that greatly impact the Commissioner’s budgets across the state.  Our strategy is to continue to educate the legislators – informing them of the consequences of the apportionment bills and that the legislature cannot continue to balance the state budget off the backs of County Government.  Thank you to all county officers and employees that came to the Capitol this week – please continue to do so and please talk to your legislators – asking them to reconsider their thoughts on reapportionment of gross production taxes and fuel taxes that are currently allocated to county government.

Bills to watch this coming week:

Monday, Feb. 16 – House Rev & tax – HB2623 Apportionment of gross production and HB2310 to increase county sales tax levy to 3.5%

Tuesday, Feb. 17 – House County & Muni Govt. – HB2451 removes the 15,000 population cap on towns so counties can assist with road projects

Wed. Feb. 18 – Senate Appros. on Gen. Govt. – SB1391 and SB1392 – apportionment of motor vehicle fees to CIRB

There are other important bills to monitor – but our continued focus at this time will be on the Senate apportionment bills.  Keep the calls coming.

BC

Bill Case
Capitol Gains
405.570.2900
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ACCO Legislative Update: 2/11/16 from Caleb Taulbee on Vimeo.