The House convened its Thursday floor session more than an hour late, and went straight to Cameron Henry’s HB 122, to slash $117-million more in state spending.
“We have to balance cuts with revenue,” Henry began.
The measure was immediately peppered with amendments, and before long, the Speaker called a recess. Huddles in the hallways ensued. An hour and a half later they reconvened, and surprise!
“There are no more amendments, Mr. Speaker,” House Clerk Butch Speer announced.
There was a quick vote, and Henry’s bill passed, 102 to 0.
It was clear a deal had been made. And when the Governor’s key bill --to add another penny to state sales tax – came up, author Katrina Jackson added an amendment.
“The bill will only be effective for 18 months with this amendment.”
That amendment passed, as did the bill, 76 to 27.
Numerous revenue-raising bills were put off for another day, while others moved through smoothly.
Then freshman lawmaker Beryl Amedee brought her first bill:
“House Bill 77 establishes the “Payments Toward State Debt Fund” -- a GoFundMe account,” she explained.
The usual verbal hazing of a first-timer followed, and she handled it with good grace, like this from Rep. Sam Jones:
“Are you considering also passing a bill to go do can shakes and street drives to try to raise the money?” he asked.
“No, sir, I’m not,” Amedee said, with a smile.
Though many were amused, Amedee was in earnest, closing on her bill by saying, “If enough people get together and send some funds, there’ll be change.”
The bill did not pass. And a subsequent announcement by Rep. Jack Montoucet showed not everyone was amused.
“Moody’s Investor Service just took action and downgrades us,” Montoucet told his fellow House members. “Our related debt outlook remains negative.”