Latest news with #statebudget
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Blanco: State budget contains $146M for El Paso projects
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Texas Senate adopted the conference committee reports for both the House and Senate budget bills on Saturday, May 31, state Sen. Cesar Blanco's office said in a news release. The state budget contained more than $146 million for projects in the El Paso area, said Blanco, a Democrat who represents the El Paso region in the state Senate. Blanco said the state budget and supplemental appropriations act contained the following funding that will benefit El Paso: $65 million to construct the Fox Cancer Center ($130 million to date) $50 million for the construction of a mental health facility $20 million for the Mining Engineering Program at UTEP $14 million for the El Paso Surface Water Augmentation Project $10 million for the I-10 Deck Park Plaza Project $8 million for UTEP to partner with NASA $7 million to replace the Wyler Aerial Tramway ($27 million to date) $5 million for the El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank $2 million for the preservation of the Rio Vista Farm National Historic Landmark $1 million for the Far West Texas Regional Public Defender Sustainability Grants Blanco issued the following statement about the state budget: 'I fought hard to make sure El Paso's needs were front and center in this budget, and I'm proud of what we delivered. 'This state budget makes bold, lasting investments in El Paso's future. From cancer treatment and mental health care to water infrastructure, UTEP, and food security, this funding reflects the pocketbook issues working families care about. 'I want to thank Senate Finance Chair Joan Huffman and the budget conferees for their support in securing these critical priorities. These investments are about making El Paso more affordable, expanding opportunity, protecting our health and safety, and building for long-term growth. This budget is a major win for our region, and I'm proud to have championed these efforts for our community.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Will Dunleavy's freeze on new regulations affect paid sick leave for Alaskans?
The Alaska and American flags fly in front of the Alaska State Capitol on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon) Two weeks ago, Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced a hiring freeze for most state agencies, paused new state regulations, and restricted state workers' travel. The governor's administrative order arrived amid growing concerns about state spending, and much of it is similar to orders issued during the COVID-19 pandemic emergency and the oil price shock of the mid-2010s. But this order has a new wrinkle: a pause on new state regulations. 'In order for agencies to focus their attention on the State's core mission of providing essential services to Alaskans and maximizing operational efficiency, there is, effective immediately, a freeze on the promulgation of new regulations by all agencies. This freeze does not apply to regulations currently out for public notice,' the governor's new order states. If laws enacted by the Legislature and governor are the building blocks of state government, regulations are the mortar that holds them together: Regulations, proposed by state agencies or boards and commissions, cover the details that laws don't, prescribing how state agencies should implement those laws. 'Governor Dunleavy issued Administrative Order 358 to ensure we are spending wisely and living within our means. This temporary pause on new regulations gives agencies time to evaluate priorities and reduce unnecessary regulatory growth,' said Jessica Bowers, a spokesperson for Dunleavy. Since Dunleavy's order, the state's public records system shows only one new regulations package has been posted for public comment. In the same period last year, the online public records system shows seven. There were three during the same stretch of 2023 and five during that stretch of 2022. This year, one of the biggest items affected by the governor's order is a packet of regulations that would fully implement last year's Ballot Measure 1, which requires paid sick leave and a minimum wage increase for workers starting July 1. The measure, which was approved by 58% of participating Alaska voters last year, also forbids 'captive audience meetings,' in which employees must listen to an employer's views on religion, politics or unions. New regulations require a 30-day comment period where the public can suggest changes to the final draft, and those regulations typically don't become effective until 30 days after the final version is signed by the lieutenant governor. In March, Adam Weinert, a special assistant to state Department of Labor Commissioner Cathy Muñoz, said that 'the regulation packet is currently with the Alaska Department of Law, and we intend to have the packet out for a 30-day public comment in the near future.' More than two months later, the packet still has not been published for public comment. The Department of Labor has not answered multiple requests for further information. The delay has alarmed some of the measure's supporters, who think it could be part of a national pattern. In Nebraska and Missouri, voters also passed paid sick leave ballot measures last year. In both places, state legislators proceeded to overturn those ballot measures this spring. Here in Alaska, five Republican members of the state House introduced a bill that would roll back Alaska's voter-approved law. 'As those issues have won at the ballot box, really since 2016, we have seen an escalation of attacks to direct democracy and voter-approved initiatives,' said Chris Melody Fields, executive director of the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, a national progressive organization. 'We've seen that especially on the economic justice ballot measures that were passed in 2024,' she said. The Alaska bill lacks the support needed to pass the House or Senate and may be unconstitutional, which leaves regulatory hurdles as the last obstacle before it becomes effective. Bowers, in the governor's office, cited the text of the governor's administrative order and said that agencies 'can submit a waiver to move forward with paused regulations if the regulations are necessary to protect the safety of the public or to meet other essential State responsibilities.' By email, she confirmed that the Department of Labor has submitted a waiver request and that it is under review. The Alaska Department of Law, which has been examining the regulations package for more than two months, did not answer a question on Friday seeking information about the status of that review. Joelle Hall, president of the Alaska chapter of the AFL-CIO, a federation of 63 national and international labor unions, said that regardless of what happens with the regulations, Ballot Measure 1 will become law on July 1. She supported the measure and has been tracking its implementation with interest. 'Those regs need to have a 30-day comment period … they should have been out 90 days ago, so they could have taken in public comment,' she said. Without regulations, Alaskans will still be entitled to sick leave and a higher minimum wage, but employers might not know how to keep track of that sick leave and report it properly, she said. She noted that the Department of Labor has an FAQ about the measure. Other organizations, including the Foraker Group and the law firm Landye Bennett Blumstein have also published detailed explanations on the new law going into effect. Attorney Scott Kendall said that a regulations package could still go forward after the law becomes effective. But Hall said that still leaves employers guessing. 'You're going to have a lot of employers who are confused about how they're going to track things,' she said. Of the state's decision to wait on releasing regulations, she said, 'I'm not sure what they think they're doing aside from confusing people.'
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Louisiana House committee passes budget that closes $200 million shortfall without raising taxes
BATON ROUGE — The House Appropriations Committee advanced a $49.4 billion state budget Monday that funds $2,000 teacher stipends for next year, closes a nearly $200 million shortfall and balances the books without raising taxes. To bridge the budget gap, lawmakers pieced together a solution using a mix of cuts, delayed spending and the discovery of unspent or underutilized funds tucked away in various agencies. This included clawing back excess appropriations, redirecting one-time revenues and freezing certain state expenditures. Some of the savings came from blocking state vehicle purchases and combing Medicaid rolls to remove people who have moved out of state. The committee's approach not only avoided tax hikes but also safeguarded critical areas like education and healthcare. The effort won praise from both sides of the aisle, with Republicans applauding the fiscal discipline and Democrats recognizing the protection of key public services and the funding of teacher stipends. At the heart of the plan is House Bill 1, the state's main operating budget authored by Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland, R-Winnfield. The bill, originally submitted by Gov. Jeff Landry as a standstill plan, was overhauled to address the shortfall and fund the $2,000 stipends for teachers and $1,000 for school support staff, including charter school employees, The stipends that were in jeopardy after Louisiana voters rejected a constitutional amendment in March that would have secured a permanent funding source for the stipends. 'In tough times, families tighten their belts,' McFarland said in a news release. "We made sure the state government did the same — responsibly, and without asking more from taxpayers.' Protecting teacher raises: Louisiana legislative panel funds teacher pay raises in surprise move Income tax plan advances Louisiana House passes bill that could further cut income tax, with constitutional amendment TOPS funding TOPS tweaks trouble cofounder Taylor: 'Let's not throw the baby out with the bath water' The final package included a series of cost-saving measures. Lawmakers blocked $91 million in vehicle and equipment purchases for state agencies, cut $26.3 million in Medicaid spending by removing ineligible recipients and saved $20 million through a statewide hiring freeze ordered by Landry. They also used state reserves to pay down $148 million in retirement debt for the State Police system, generating $25.5 million in interest savings, and eliminated 'high-dosage' tutoring programs, freeing up an additional $30 million. 'We balanced the budget, protected taxpayers, and made government more accountable. And we're just getting started,' said House Speaker Phillip DeVillier, R-Eunice. 'These cuts lay the groundwork for long-term reform and financial stability.' The committee also kept intact Landry's request for $94 million in funding for the new Louisiana GATOR program, an education savings account initiative that allows families to use public funds for private school tuition and other non-public education expenses. The program is a key part of Landry's school choice agenda and is expected to launch in phases. It is controversial among some education advocates and rural lawmakers, who say it could eventually drain money from public schools. McFarland acknowledged the teacher stipends are being funded with one-time dollars and that a long-term solution remains elusive. 'Until then, this is what we had to do, but I don't want to have to do it again,' McFarland said. Democrats praised the bipartisan work needed to achieve this bill. "I want to thank the chairman and administration and everyone who has worked on getting these amendments done, particularly for teacher stipends,' Rep. Denise Marcelle, D-Baton Rouge, said. 'Thank you for looking under tables and around the corners.' Rep. Jason Hughes, D-New Orleans, the vice chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, noted that early childhood education funding remains untouched and pointed to new investments in public safety. Gov. Landry's hiring freeze is expected to save $20 million annually and is seen as a way to preserve healthcare and education spending without deeper cuts. 'The public should know this budget represents no cuts in services,' Hughes said. 'We found surpluses elsewhere. But this is just one step in a very lengthy process.' The budget increases spending by $7 million for domestic violence shelters under the Department of Children and Family Services. The budget also reduces dedications from the State General Fund and officially ends remote work for state employees. If HB1 passes the House as expected, it will move to the Senate Finance Committee for further deliberation. The committee also advanced other key budget bills. House Bill 460 allocates $148.8 million in surplus funds to pay down State Police retirement debt, saving $25.5 million in interest compared to the original plan to spread the money across four systems. House Bill 461 sends 25% of the 2023–2024 surplus to the Budget Stabilization Fund and authorizes emergency spending. House Bill 463 funds ancillary agencies without tapping the State General Fund, while House Bill 647 finances the judiciary. Additional allocations in the budget include $7 million for domestic violence shelters under the Department of Children and Family Services. The budget also reduces dedications from the State General Fund and officially ends remote work for state employees. This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Louisiana House Appropriations Committee passes budget, closes shortfall
CBS News
23-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Special session headed for after Memorial Day weekend as Minnesota lawmakers continue to work through unresolved budget bills
A special session of the Minnesota Legislature is headed for after Memorial Day weekend as lawmakers continue to sort through unresolved bills that will make up the next two-year state budget. On Thursday, the conference committees between the House and Senate that have transformed into unofficial working groups met to continue their negotiations on spending plans for K-12 education, transportation, human services and economic development. Those panels met in public, after many meetings over the last several days have been in secret. Gov. Tim Walz won't officially call the special session until everything is wrapped up, but now it will be next week at the earliest, leaders conceded. "It is clear we're not going to have a special session by the end of this week because that's tomorrow. But I hope that in the work of today, and people are working really hard today, and hopefully tomorrow, we're able to button these things up,' said Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, DFL-Saint Paul. Murphy, GOP House Speaker Lisa Demuth and former DFL Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman gave negotiators until 5 p.m. Wednesday to find agreement between House and Senate versions of different spending plans, but none of them met that deadline. The House leaders told reporters they are pushing for everything to be finalized by Friday and then the bills can be drafted for a mid-week special session next week. "Even though it's slower than we would like, things are going well. It doesn't appear that anyone has quit or given up, and that is a very good sign in the right direction," Demuth said. Hortman noted that the situation becomes more complicated the closer lawmakers get to June with no budget passed. Layoff notices will go out to agencies without continued funding approvals starting June 1 — the government will shutdown if there's no budget by July 1. "That is really the next deadline that comes after May 19," Hortman said. "And human beings are deadline driven. So Friday is May 30. Saturday is May 31 I think people are probably not going to want to be here on Saturday May 31, so I think the drive will be to probably finish by the 30th." The Legislature adjourned the regular session Monday night, and the forthcoming special session will be the first since 2021, the last time there was divided government during a budget-writing year. The margins are slim at the capitol; the House is tied at 67-67 for only the second time in history and the DFL has a one-seat majority in the Senate. That means the make-up is more closely divided than ever before and it forced a compromise on a top-line budget agreement between Walz and legislative leaders with both the GOP and the DFL. Republicans and Democrats shared power on committees with co-chairs, so they had to find agreement among themselves before they could begin conversations with the DFL-led Senate, which is unique. Murphy lamented that dynamic has made the process of reconciling bills between both chambers difficult. "You would expect that the House conferees would come in together united, like, 'we passed a bill, and we're united, and we're going to fight for our position,'" she told reporters Thursday. "But instead, the House is coming in like a two headed monster." Hortman and Demuth — who had a rare joint news conference Friday — both said that despite the bumpy start to the session, they worked well together this year. "We had legitimate disagreements at the beginning of session. So it wasn't about trust or not trust, a relationship or not relationship. It was about a very different view of what was unfolding at the beginning of session," Hortman said. "We're at a different phase of session where we're working together to get things done." Demuth echoed those feelings. "I think that the way that we have set up our organizational agreement here in the House has served us well," she said.
Malay Mail
22-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Chow says Penang's RM100m advance will be offset via grant cuts from 2027 to 2029
GEORGE TOWN, May 22 — Penang's RM100 million advance application to the federal government last year was to cover the state government's projected deficit. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the application was in line with the provisions of Article 109(6) of the Federal Constitution, which places the responsibility on the federal government to assist state governments. He said the application was approved by the Finance Ministry (MOF) and the funds were disbursed to the state government the same year. 'With the disbursement of this advance, the MOF will offset the amount by reducing four types of grants allocated to the state government — the Capitation Grant, Service Charges Grant, Concurrent List Grant, and the Tahap Grant — in the years 2027 (RM33 million), 2028 (RM33 million), and 2029 (RM34 million),' he said during his winding-up speech at the Penang State Legislative Assembly today. 'From an accounting standpoint, to ensure that the advance amount matches the MOF's offset (mechanism), the state government will record the advance as non-revenue receipts in 2027 (RM33 million), 2028 (RM33 million), and 2029 (RM34 million),' he said. Meanwhile, Chow said the state Finance Department had reviewed the state revenue from two perspectives: increasing collection from existing revenue sources, including arrears, via methods such as data cleansing and revising outdated rates. He said the second perspective involves identifying new sources and methods to generate state revenue, including reviewing land tax rates and reclassifying rural to urban areas, as well as empowering statutory and state organisations to enable new revenue collection. Chow, who is also the state finance, economic development, land, and communications committee chairman, said several strategies are being implemented to boost revenue this year, including collecting RM1 million in arrears from parcel rent in 2025. He also proposed government land auctions, such as land forfeited under Section 100 of the National Land Code or other high-value and auction-worthy state-owned land. Other strategies include reviewing processes for changing land conditions and categories, and proposals for partnerships with private entities to operate or manage state government quarters. Chow, currently serving his second and final term as Chief Minister, pledged to hand over the leadership with the state in a strong financial position. 'I am confident that it will be in an excellent financial standing — perhaps even with the Consolidated Revenue Account restored to RM1 billion — when my successor takes over,' he said. — Bernama
