Where is the Majority?

To the Editor,

Frustration does not even begin to describe how I feel about the current status of the budget process. Currently, we are waiting for the majority party to call us back into session in order for the House to take action.

Last week, we were blindsided by a short-noticed veto override session. The deck was so heavily stacked against the possibility of an override that it became obvious that calling the session was clearly an act of political theatrics. If it were not, then the legislative majority would have been prepared to offer an alternative budget option in lieu of the override. That did not happen.

As a result of the inaction, our municipalities in the Northwest Corner are suffering. Education funding is being slashed and other aid and state programs are being zeroed out.

The legislative minority does not have the ability to call a session, but we have already shown that we are ready to lead by producing several budget options and actually passing a budget through both chambers. Unfortunately, the version that had legislative approval was vetoed by the governor.

It’s time for legislative action on a budget.

Sincerely,

Jay Case
State Representative, 63rd District