Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Committee Process topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Members criticize removal of legislative branch budget from subcommittee, call move disrespectful
Summary
Several members of the General Government Subcommittee criticized leadership decisions that would advance the legislative branch budget out of their committee and into capital construction, saying the move denied them a public forum for debate.
Several members of the General Government Subcommittee used Tuesday’s meeting to criticize the process that moved the legislative branch budget out of their committee and toward capital construction, saying the decision denied the subcommittee a public forum for debate.
Representative Gomberg asked whether budgets the subcommittee worked on would be advanced to capital construction. Committee staff said the legislative branch budget is one likely item to advance. Multiple committee members said they were disappointed the subcommittee would not have an opportunity to publicly debate the legislative budget.
“I'm disappointed that this committee doesn't have an opportunity at a minimum to publicly debate the legislative budget,” said Mr. Koetjer during the discussion, adding that the subcommittee had taken hearings and developed a record. Representative Chi Chi described the move as “disrespectful,” saying members had presented testimony and requested increased funding but were not consulted before the decision. Members said the change created a perception—among legislators and constituents—that raising concerns could harm a member’s other legislation.
Several members urged that presiding officers address the perception that members who speak up could be targeted. One senator suggested the Senate president and the House speaker should reassure members that disagreement will not result in loss of support for their signature bills. Committee members said they had discussed the issue privately with leadership but wanted a public remedy to reduce concern and restore trust in the process.
No motion or formal committee action was recorded on the topic. The subcommittee proceeded to conclude its business and adjourn.
The exchange came near the end of what staff warned might be the subcommittee’s final meeting for action this session; members used the moment to register concerns about transparency and committee prerogatives.
