Republican and Democratic leadership in the statehouse are looking ahead to balancing the budget. But both sides face an upcoming hurdle: crossover day.
Senate Majority Leader Kris Langer expects to spend next week solidifying one-time and ongoing budget priorities that the House and Senate find agreeable.
“That will be the remainder of the couple weeks is making sure that we’ve got a balanced budget, but making sure we have something that both sides agree as well as working with the Governor and the Governor’s office, comparative to her budget and where we’re at.”
House Minority Leader Jamie Smith agrees, and points to the Democrat’s big three funding priorities:
“We’re sticking to the fact that we need to follow the law. We need to make sure we’re taking care of educators, we wanna make sure state employees are taken care of. Also at the top of our list are community service providers.”
But before budget agreements, both chambers must send their bills to the other side by cross-over day next week. House Majority Leader Lee Qualm says representatives have their work cut out for them.
“One of the representatives figured up on the house side in committee there was still 118 bills before this morning that we had to go through committee.”
The Senate is expecting less of a challenge. Senate Minority Leader Troy Heinert says the body has been able to clear its calendar efficiently.
“I’m betting our friends in the house might need their pajamas on Thursday.”
By crossover day, all bills must have passed through their original chamber or been withdrawn by their sponsor.