Thursday, September 20, 2007

And the vote is on in the House...

Here is what they are voting on right now-


The proposal would raise the state's income tax from the current 3.9 percent to 4.6 percent.


The income tax proposal would raise about $1.1 billion for the state next fiscal year, leaving more than $600 million of a potential deficit to be eliminated by cuts. About $83 million of the increased revenue would go to the state's lowest-funded K-12 schools, and another $42 million would go to a state fund supporting fishing and wildlife. The income tax rate would drop back to 4.2 percent in 2011.


And perhaps more tonight too-


Other votes later Thursday could possibly include extending the sales tax to some services. Some spending cuts also may be voted on. House Democrats were trying to woo Republican votes for the income tax by tying it to several cost-cutting proposals, possibly including the elimination of lifetime health benefits for lawmakers, a reduction in the use of state vehicles and other changes to benefit levels for state employees.


And of course, Bishop said no already.


It appeared late Thursday that whatever bills the Democrat-controlled House might pass, the Republican-controlled Senate wasn't on board. Matt Marsden, a spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop, said there had been no agreement reached between leaders of the two chambers several hours after House Speaker Andy Dillon announced the House would be voting.


You can watch the vote(s) here. I doubt I will be up for the third shift - but if I'm around, I'll update.




UPDATE 11:50PM: They cleared the board. I believe they try again after midnight.