Blue Mass Group

Reality-based commentary on politics.

Budget Brouhaha on Beacon Hill Today

By

May 14, 2009:  Acting in an informal session, the House introduces and passes a supplemental budget on the same day.  Republicans offer no amendments or debate and do not ask for a recorded vote.      

March 10, 2008:  Acting in an informal session, the House introduces and passes a supplemental budget on the same day.  Republicans offer no amendments or debate and do not ask for a recorded vote.      

February 14, 2007:  Acting in an informal session, the House introduces and passes a supplemental budget on the same day.  Republicans offer no amendments or debate and do not ask for a recorded vote.  

So Representative Polito is right that the Democrats today would have liked to introduce and pass a supplemental budget today “without debate, without the possibility of anyone offering amendments, and without recording anyone’s vote on the matter.”  But hardly without precedent.  We’ll see what happens tomorrow.  

   

Please share widely!
fb-share-icon
Tweet
0

Comments

  3. This isn’t Washington; there’s not filibuster or cloture.  If the Dems can’t get unanimous consent can’t they just call an actual vote and get it through that way?

      • What I was suggesting was that if they can’t get something through an informal session, simply reconvene a formal session and do it the “right” way, complete with roll call if necessary and appropriate.

        • …and that’s what the Gov says.  

          <

          p>But there’s the problem that if the legislature suspends its rule (ending formal sessions in July of election years) to deal with this, then why not for a host of other things, too?    

          <

          p>In general, I think it’s probably a good thing that the legislature isn’t in session during election season — probably saves us from some stunts and posturing.    

  4. Another busy day for Rep. Polito.  She again blocked House action on the supplemental budget and also got in a (completely unsubstantiated) swipe at her Democratic opponent for Treasurer, Steve Grossman, for supporting a graduated income tax:

    <

    p>

    Steve Grossman’s support for a graduated income tax is just another Beacon Hill money grab by the tax-and-spend crowd. The graduated income tax would raise taxes on middle-income families that are struggling to make ends meet in this recession.

    <

    p>The State House News take on the the budget brouhaha is available via the Dorchester Reporter.

    <

    p>And wonks can find the supplemental budget itself here.  The big ticket items are in the Mass Health program (4000-0500 and 4000-0700), a place Congress intended its August funding to go.          

Archives