The Senate adopted another Continuing Resolution (House Bill 102) today that will keep government up and running (again!) until they come to a final budget agreement.
This one would still reduce funding to 84% of current spending, allows
for cuts that were in both the House and Senate versions to go ahead
and be implemented, and allows for a county?s Medicaid costs to be
determined regardless of federal stimulus money.
Sen Andrew Brock proposed an amendment that would have de-authorized
the construction of the North Carolina Aquarium Pier at Nags Head.
Through a procedural move, the amendment was tabled and not condsidered.
Instead of an expiration date, this Continuing Resolution will remain
effective until ratification of the new budget, prompting rumors that
the democrats are finalizing a budget deal as they meet in closed-door
caucuses.
The CR goes over to the House Appropriations Committee and if approved, to the floor tomorrow. In order to keep state government running, it must be approved before the current CR expires at 11:59 pm on July 31, 2009.
UPDATE, JULY 30 (11:30am): The House considers the Continuing Resolution sent over from the Senate. They vote not to concur and will make changes in the Appropriations Committee, send it back to the House floor and then back over to the Senate to consider the changes made by the House. Vote on the motion not to concur is 108 – 0.
It all has to be settled by midnight tomorrow to government running.
