The House Finance Committee finished deliberations on the tax package this evening. Amendments taking out the beer and wine tax increases passed. So without the cigarette (which was taken out earlier in the day), wine and beer tax increases the package is $159 million less than when they started. The total package of tax increases is $784 million. The package will be rolled into the budget document tomorrow. How to spend all that money is still being debated in the Appropriations Committee where they are debating a slew of amendments, including one that bans golden parachutes for state employees that easily passed.
The budget, as amended is expected to be voted out of committee tonight and on the floor tomorrow, where more amendments will, no doubt be considered, along with plenty of debate.
