One more amendment from Rep Paul Luebke (D – Guilford) has an amendment that is House Bill 1588 which was the revenue package from yesterday – rolled into the budget bill (SB 202). With some restoration of services that have been cut.
Rep. William Wainwright asks if this is the exact document from last night that passed – HB 1588. Luebke says yes. House Majority Leader, Paul Stam (R Wake) says no it’s’different in that the title is much tighter to prohibit anyone from making changes, like removing the franchise tax. Stam says he objects to the process and can’t vote for it.
Rep David Lewis (R Harnett) makes argument that he hasn’t had time to read this amendment/bill, has not had it available on line, wants more time to read and study the amendment. Rep Larry Womble (D Forsyth) wants to know if there is money available to pay for some programs that are being restored here. Majority Leader Hugh Holliman (D – Davidson) says, sure. Womble says okay, he supports the amendment. Rep Thom Tillis (R Mecklenberg) says a yes vote says there is no compromise on making the business economy competitive – good ideas are off the table – no opportunity to provide tools to grow the economy. Rep John Blust (R. Guilford) says revenue estimates have been off before, are you sure these estimates are accurate? Finance Chair Rep Paul Luebke (D Guilford) says staff has been working hard to get accurate estimates and have been conservatively cautious – we’re relying on our professional staff. Rep David Lewis (R Harnett) asks if the amendment passes will it go the floor tomorrow? House Finance co-chair , rep Pryor Gibson (D Anson) says yes. Lewis asks about previous concerns regarding the fee on policemen> Gibson says it will be fixed on the floor and Lewis can ask only one more question cause it’s getting late. Lewis says on pages 38 and 39, nunerous non-state entities are getting funds, grassroots science programs don’t look like essential services. Luebke says they are essential services and you can’t have it both ways – are you in favor of restoring the deep cuts or not? Says that is what the amendment is all about.
Gibson won’t let Rep Johnathan Rhyne (R Lincoln) offer a perfecting amendment. Parlimentary procedure arguments. Gibson won’t let Rhyne state his motion, cuts off debate and won’t recognize him, Rhyne moves to adjourn, Gibson says he;s out of order
Roll call vote on the amendment: party line vote: 16 -13 the amendment passes. Welcome tto democracy.
Now vote on the bill. Gibson says he’ll allow two people to speak in favor of the billl and two against it and then vote. Rep Rhyne tries to make a motion, Gibson again won’t let him make a motion.
Stam says the preceeding until about 10 minutes ago was fair. Bill spends too much, taxes too much, overstates cuts, title is a disservice to the House becuase it ties the bill too tightly – he’ll vote no. Rep Dale Folwell (R Forsyth) says we talk about priorities, they talk about cuts. He wants opportunitie to talk to his constituents over the weekend and see what they want. Luebke says do you want to restore deep cuts or not. Folwell says he represents same people as everyone else. Speaker accuses some of not meeting their constituional duty. Folwell argues there is no constitutional duty to agree with your tax increases or your cuts. He wants to talk to his constituents – real people – and see what they want.
Vote ont he bill is 16-13. Bill passes along party line vote.
Lewis asks for list of projects funded under Grassroots Science Museum tomorrow line in the budget.
Meeting adjourned. Budget bill will goes to House floor tomorrow for first vote.
