Rep John Blust R Guilford has an amendment that keeps agencies from requesting additional money at the end of the year, not because they need it but to keep their allotment. Representative Pryor Gibson says he likes this but that the amendment needs to say ?effective a year out? (perhaps giving agencies time to game the system?).
Blust says he’ll change the amendment to make it effective in a year if that would help get it implemented. Moves to make a perfecting amendment that would make it effective the second year of the biennium. Addresses concerns that Representative Gibson raises.
Both Representatives Gibson and Michaux speak against the amendment saying agencies need the extra money and flexibility. Rep Dale Folwell (R Forsyth) challenges Gibson. Gibson says he’s spoken enough tonight, says he’s done and sits down (thank goodness).
Vote on the amendment: 53 yes; 65 no. Amendment failed.
Looks like the end of the amendments on the budget.
Discussion moves on to the budget.
