Certain conservative lawmakers had their last hope for a magical pot of budget-saving money dashed Monday, when Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne updated the Joint Budget Committee on state contracts.
“How many contracts do we have as of May 27th?” Dardenne asked rhetorically. ‘"Fifteen thousand and 23.”
Lake Charles Rep. Mark Abraham asked about the breakdown Dardenne gave.
“Agency-identified contract savings opportunities – only 25-million was reported that there’s possible savings? Is that what I’m reading here?”
“Yes,” Dardenne replied.
Shortly thereafter, the Senate convened, taking custody of the House-passed revenue bills thus far. None were referred to committee – yet. There was an indication that the Senate is plotting…something.
“Waiting on a… I was busy typing a bill and it’s going to be coming down to get introduced in a little while, so just stand at ease for a minute,” Senate President John Alario told the upper chamber, after several minutes without any action.
But the Senate adjourned without further explanation.
The House, due to start at the same time as the Senate, instead convened two hours late. Republican members were closeted in the sub-basement, and Democrats caucused on the House floor. When they all showed up and began their business, the bills scheduled for a Monday vote were punted.
“Gentleman moves we return it to the calendar, giving notice of his intention to call it Wednesday, the 15th,” House Clerk Butch Speer intoned on measure after measure.
“Without objection,” House Speaker Taylor Barras pronounced.
Ultimately, it became clear the negotiations circle around one specific bill – and that there’s no deal, yet.
“Rep. Abramson asks that we suspend the rules and allow the committee on Ways and Means to meet Wednesday the 15th, 1 p.m.,” Speer announced, “And consider HB 38 – reduce the amount of the individual income tax deduction for excess federal itemized personal deductions.”
“Is there any objection?” Barras asked. “Without objection, so ordered.”
Barras then told House members that they would not convene at all on Tuesday, meeting Wednesday afternoon following Ways and Means.
There was a reminder, though, that time is limited.
“Rep. Jones, why do you rise?” Barras asked.
“To make sure we keep our eyes on the calendar and to make sure we meet the constitutional requirements,” Jones chided, gently.
“The calendar is of utmost importance, absolutely,” Barras replied. “Thank you.”
Tick tock.