Session Updates
Texas |
July 02, 2009 Special Session Adjourns
Lawmakers adjourned a special session July 2 after approving measures to extend the existence of several state agencies (slated to expire without renewing legislation) and to allow the state to issue $2 billion in transportation bonds. Legislators failed to reach an agreement on a measure to extend the state’s authority to enter into long-term contracts with private toll road companies.
Find out more: |
Arizona |
July 02, 2009 2009 Regular Session Adjourns; Special Session Called
Lawmakers adjourned the 2009 regular session July 1 after reaching agreement on an $8.4 billion state budget that closes a $3.1 billion budget deficit, cuts $600 million in spending, borrows $700 million from reserve funds, and averts a November ballot measure to enact a temporary one cent increase in the state sales tax. Citing the need to meet certain spending obligations in "vital services and public safety," Governor Jan Brewer (R) partially vetoed the budget and subsequently called for a special session July 6 to re-consider the sales tax increase. Legislative leaders have indicated that they may instead attempt to override to the governor's partial veto. As the session concluded, legislators also agreed to a bill allowing persons with concealed weapons permits to carry such weapons in establishments that serve alcohol, but were unable to agree on a measure to criminalize the presence of illegal immigrants in the state by expanding the scope of the trespassing law. The defeated bill also prohibited localities from limiting law enforcement's execution of federal immigration law and required police officers to determine a suspect’s immigration status. Brewer -- who does not possess pocket veto power -- has until July 13 to sign or veto legislation that reaches her desk. Find out more: |
Delaware |
July 01, 2009 Regular Session Ends; Special Session Called
The General Assembly's 2009 regular session adjourned June 30 after lawmakers approved a $3.1 billion state budget, which includes $206 million in increased gross receipts, corporate franchise, and personal income taxes; incorporates $155 million in federal stimulus funds; cuts funding for public school construction; and closes a $800 million deficit. The budget was signed into law by Governor Jack Markell (D) early July 1. Legislators also agreed on a $284.5 million bond bill for transportation and infrastructure improvement projects; a measure to reduce electricity and natural gas consumption by 15 and 10 percent, respectively; enhanced penalties for certain sex offenders who commit additional crimes against minors; and a measure to prohibit employers from misclassifying employees as independent contractors. As the session concluded, lawmakers were unable to agree on a measure to raise taxes on alcohol and elimination of the school tax exemption for certain seniors. After concluding the regular session, lawmakers immediately convened a special session to address unfinished business. After deliberating several hours, the special session was recessed at the call of the chair. Markell - who does not possess pocket veto power - has until July 30 to sign or veto legislation that reaches his desk. Find out more: |
|
Rhode Island  |
July 01, 2009 Legislature Recesses
Lawmakers recessed the regular session -- the House on June 27 and the Senate on June 30 -- after reaching agreement on a $7.8 billion state budget -- subsequently signed by Governor Don Carcieri (R) -- and several other matters, including measures to allow 24-hour gambling at Twin River; to permit 16- and 17-year-olds to pre-register to vote; to ban organized "pub crawls;" and to exempt funeral directors and embalmers over the age of 65 from continuing education requirements. As the session recessed, several issues were left unresolved, including a ban on indoor prostitution; vanity plates for sports fans; changes to the states Open Records law; a measure to require municipalities and school districts to consolidate IT, purchasing, and maintenance functions by 2011; creation of a Department of Veterans Affairs by 2011; and a constitutional amendment to drop the phrase "and Providence Plantations" from the state’s official name. It is unclear when the General Assembly will return. Find out more: |
|
New Hampshire  |
July 01, 2009 Floor Sessions Conclude; General Court Recesses
The General Court completed floor sessions June 25 after lawmakers reached agreement on a $11.5 billion budget, which was signed by Governor John Lynch (R) June 30. The General Court’s regular session is now technically in recess, subject to the call of the chair. Legislative leaders indicate that lawmakers may return later this year for a veto session.
Find out more: |
Mississippi |
July 01, 2009 Special Session (Budget) Concludes
Lawmakers adjourned the second special session late Tuesday evening after approving most of the $6 billion budget, including funding for the state's Medicaid program, but without resolving appropriations for the Public Service Commission. Legislators also approved a 25-cent cigarette tax increase (in addition to a 50-cent increase approved earlier this year) and a measure to fully fund K-12 education.
Find out more: |
Indiana |
July 01, 2009 Budget Agreement Reached
Lawmakers concluded a special session (necessitated when legislators failed to reach a budget agreement during the regular session) after approving a $28.7, two-year state budget, subsequently signed into law by Governor Mitch Daniels (R). Specifically, the budget increases overall public school spending by 1.4 percent; maintains $1 billion in state reserves; incorporates federal stimulus funds, and anticipates a $1 billion surplus by 2011.
Find out more: |
Oregon |
June 30, 2009 2009 Session Adjourns
Lawmakers adjourned the regular session after reaching agreement on a new two-year budget, including a tap of federal stimulus and state funding streams; a $2 billion cut in projected spending levels; increased fuel taxes and vehicle fees to finance infrastructure improvements; increased taxes on provider hospitals and insurers to enable more children and low-income adults to access state-supported health care; and a $733 million tax increase on corporations and the top 2 percent of high-income households. Legislators also voted to override Governor Ted Kulongoski's (D) veto of the school budget, approve a tax amnesty period for October, curtail most field burning in the state after 2009, and establish a two-year moratorium on enrollment growth in virtual charter schools. Kulongoski -- who does not possess pocket veto power -- has until August 10 to sign or veto legislation that reaches his desk. While Oregon does not normally convene in even-numbered years, lawmakers will return February 2010, for a four-week "supplemental" session -- analogous to a special session -- that will likely address anticipated budget shortfalls. Find out more: |
Louisiana |
June 26, 2009 Regular Session Adjourns
Lawmakers adjourned the 2009 regular session late yesterday after reaching agreement on a $28 billion state budget that incorporates $98 million in federal stimulus funds to assist with unemployment benefits and makes significant cuts to higher education and health care spending. Legislators also approved legislation on several other issues, including increased scrutiny of Department of Social Service employees who have contact with children; a measure that enables health-care workers to refuse services based on their conscience; enhanced penalties for DUI offenders and child-care providers who knowingly employ sex offenders; and legislation to allow certain state-owned buildings to be used or retrofitted for evacuation shelter use. As the regular session concluded, lawmakers were unable to agree on other issues, including a proposal to give school superintendents sole authority on hiring practices; a ban on smoking in all bars and gambling establishments; increased taxes on tobacco; and a ban on hand-held cellular phone use while driving. Governor Bobby Jindal -- who does not possess pocket veto power -- has 20 days to sign or veto legislation upon reaching his desk. Find out more: |
|
Texas |
June 25, 2009 Special Session Announced
Today, Governor Rick Perry (R) announced a special session to begin July 1 for lawmakers to address several issues, including the extension of several state agencies' existences slated to expire without renewing legislation. These state agencies include the Departments of Transportation and Insurance, as well as the Texas Racing Commission, Office of Public Insurance Counsel, and Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation. Lawmakers will also address measures to allow the Department of Transportation to issue general obligation bonds as well as to enter into comprehensive development agreements for infrastructure improvements. Though special sessions are limited to 30 days, there is no scheduled adjournment date at present.
Find out more: |
Kentucky |
June 25, 2009 Special Session Adjourns
Lawmakers adjourned a special session late yesterday after reaching agreement on a measure to resolve an estimated $1 billion budget shortfall that utilizes more than $740 million in federal stimulus funds and adds funds for prosecutors and public defenders. Legislators also approved an economic incentive measure that prescribes several tax breaks, including an exemption of active-duty military pay from the income tax; an automobile trade-in benefit to reduce taxes on new-vehicle purchases; and a tax credit of as much as $5,000 for purchases of newly-built houses. While Governor Steve Beshear (D) indicated his concern over deeper budget cuts than originally planned by most state agencies, he is likely to sign the legislation. As the special session concluded; lawmakers were unable to agree on legislation to allow racetrack slot machines. Find out more: |
Wisconsin |
June 23, 2009 Special Session Announced
Governor Jim Doyle (D) announced today that lawmakers will convene for a special session June 24 -- concurrent with the regular session -- to address a revised estimation of the state's hospital assessment. According to the governor's proposal, increasing Medicaid payments to hospitals by $108 million during the current fiscal year would allow the state to claim $74 million in additional federal Medicaid revenue. This will also reduce the state's General Purpose Revenue spending for Medicaid by $26.6 million during the current fiscal year. The governor has also indicated that the revision must be enacted by June 30 to meet a federally-mandated deadline for the assessments to be in place.
Find out more: |
Tennessee |
June 19, 2009 Regular Session Adjourns
Lawmakers adjourned the 2009 regular session late yesterday after reaching agreement on a $29.6 billion state budget, which incorporates over $2 billion in federal stimulus funds; a $350 million bond measure over the next four years for education and infrastructure improvements; and a provision that allows the governor to impound $55 million by October 1 if collected revenues fail to meet the actual projections. The budget agreement also reserves approximately $525 million in rainy day funds. Legislators further agreed on other issues, including a licensing and inspection program for domestic cats and dogs and a charter school program expansion to accept at-risk students or those from failing schools. As the session concluded, lawmakers were unable to agree on a measure to withhold disclosure of a list of holders of handgun permits. Governor Phil Bredesen (D) - who does not possess pocket veto power - has until July 11 to sign or veto legislation that reaches his desk. Find out more: |
Maine |
June 15, 2009 2009 Session Ends
Lawmakers adjourned the 2009 regular session Friday after reaching agreement on a $150 million bond package for infrastructure improvements, subject to voter approval at the November General Election. Bonds for economic development, energy, and environmental cleanup will be decided at an election in June 2010. Legislators approved several other measures, including recognition of same-sex marriages; foreclosure assistance for homeowners; a mandatory helmet law for motorcyclists under age 18; a reduction on the top income tax rate coupled with a broader-based sales tax; fee increases for snowmobile and boat registration as well as hunting and fishing licenses; tougher enforcement of child support laws; prohibiting sex offenders from residing within 750 feet of schools or playgrounds; a statewide smoking ban in all outdoor dining establishments; and a package of bills to ban or regulate products containing mercury. Governor John Baldacci (D) -- who possesses pocket veto power -- has until the third day of next year's session to sign or veto legislation that reaches his desk. Find out more: |
|
West Virginia  |
June 15, 2009 Second Special Session This Week
The Legislature reconvened June 15 to consider supplemental appropriation proposals from Governor Joe Manchin III (D) relating to several issues, including public school funding; higher education assistance; social services; and infrastructure improvements. UPDATE: Lawmakers adjourned the second special session June 17, after approving supplemental appropriations for several state agencies, as well as infrastructure improvements; public education; and the arts. Find out more: |
|
New York  |
June 09, 2009 Senate Leadership in Flux
Altering the political landscape, the Senate leadership structure changed yesterday when two Democratic Senators -- Pedro Espada, Jr. and Hiram Monserrate -- voted with all 30 Republican members to reorganize the Senate in a power-sharing deal, effectively transferring control to the GOP. The reorganization returns Dean Skelos (R) to the position of Majority Leader, while Espada will assume the role of Senate President. The reorganized chamber then proceeded to enact several rules reforms, including leadership term limits, equal operating budgets, and equal distribution of "pork barrel" projects. After failing an attempt to adjourn the session to stall the reorganization resolution, Majority Leader and Temporary Senate President Malcolm Smith (D), called the takeover illegal and vowed to contest it in court. Yesterday's actions will likely have an immediate impact on several issues currently before the Senate, including tenants rights, abortion, legalization of same-sex marriage, mayoral control of the New York City school system, and property tax reform. UPDATE: On June 16, State Supreme Court Justice Thomas J. McNamara refused to overturn the GOP-led takeover of the Senate. The ruling, coupled with Representative Monserrate's announcement yesterday of his intention to return to the Democratic caucus, currently results in a 31-31 partisan split in the chamber (factoring in Rep. Espada's intention to remain in a coalition with the 30-member Republican caucus). The Senate Democrats also announced yesterday that John Sampson is assuming the post of "caucus leader," apparently replacing Malcolm Smith as the day-to-day leader of the caucus. The Democratic caucus is expected to appeal the ruling. Further complicating matters is the current vacancy in the Lieutenant Governor's office created when then-Lieutenant Governor David Paterson (D) assumed the governorship after Elliot Spitzer (D) resigned. NY state law allows the vacancy to remain unfilled until the 2010 elections. Find out more: |
Vermont |
June 04, 2009 Special Session Adjourns
The first special session of 2009 adjourned sine die yesterday as lawmakers voted to override Governor Jim Douglas' (R) veto of the $4.5 billion state budget and, in addition, approved a budget bill that -- among other provisions -- includes a one-year extension of the current unemployment system; increases funding for the Vermont Telecommunications Authority; and phases in previously-agreed to income tax rate reductions. The legislature may return in one week should the governor veto additional bills.
Find out more: |
|
Mississippi |
June 04, 2009 2009 Session Adjourns without Budget Agreement
Lawmakers adjourned the 2009 regular session yesterday despite the lack of agreement on a $5 billion budget. As a result, the legislature will likely meet in special session later this month to discuss how to bridge the fiscal gap.
Find out more: |
Connecticut |
June 04, 2009 Regular Session Concludes; Budget Special Session Pending
Lawmakers concluded the 2009 regular session without an agreement on the state budget, thus necessitating a special session to finalize a spending plan. The special session began today, but it is unclear when it will adjourn. Legislators were able to reach agreement on other issues, however, including expanded eligibility for the state's health insurance plan to local governments, small businesses, and non-profit organizations; mandatory cystic fibrosis screening of newborns; allowances for long-term prescriptions for Lyme disease patients; and a measure to require group health insurance policies to include autism diagnosis and treatment. Also agreed to were measures to prohibit ownership of certain dangerous pets; replace capital punishment with life prison terms without parole; and to remove the governors power to fill U.S. Senate vacancies. Among the measures that failed to pass prior to adjournment were bills to ban on open alcohol containers in vehicles; allow same-day voter registration; and establish new regulations for hedge fund management and teacher certification Governor M. Jodi Rell (R) - who does not possess pocket veto power - has 15 days upon transmittal to sign or veto legislation that reaches her desk. Find out more: |
|
West Virginia |
June 03, 2009 Special Session Adjourns
The first special session of 2009 adjourned late yesterday after lawmakers approved all of Governor Joe Manchin III's (D) proposals for the session, including tax breaks for parents of autistic children; an expansion of Coalfield Community Development's land development; the governor's alternative and renewable energy program; and two supplemental appropriation bills. Legislators also approved three of the governor's education initiatives that failed during the regular session, including help for certain underachieving students; teacher recruitment improvement; and "school innovation zones." Find out more: |
If you already have a favorite feed reader, subscribe by clicking on the reader of your choice:
What is RSS?
RSS, which stands for "Really Simple Syndication," is a technology for sharing information on the Internet. Web sites will publish RSS "feeds" that you can subscribe to using the RSS reader (or "aggregator") of your choice. Your reader checks all your subscribed feeds regularly for new content and downloads any updates it finds. Using an RSS reader, you can read content from multiple web sites all in one place, without having to go to each individual site separately.
If you do not have a feed reader, it is easy to get one. Most RSS readers are free and web-based. Here are links to the sign-up pages for some of the popular ones:
If you do not have a feed reader, it is easy to get one. Most RSS readers are free and web-based. Here are links to the sign-up pages for some of the popular ones: