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Senate approves $98 million supplemental package as part of FY2010 adjustments
Summary
The Utah Senate advanced First Substitute Senate Bill 3, a fiscal-year 2010 supplemental appropriations bill that leaders say includes roughly $70 million in reductions toward a $194 million shortfall; the chamber passed the substitute 27-0 and sent it to the House for action.
The Utah State Senate on its 19th day approved First Substitute Senate Bill 3, a current-fiscal-year supplemental appropriations package, after expedited floor consideration and a roll-call vote that sent the measure to the House.
Senator Hal Knudson, speaking for the bill, said the substitute reflects work by the Executive Appropriations Committee and described the plan as “$70,000,000 in reductions to reach our goal of the shortfall of $194,000,000” for fiscal year 2010. Lawmakers moved the substitute under suspension of rules and voted it through final passage.
Why it matters: Leadership said agencies need the legislation quickly so they can implement program changes tied to the state—s shortfall and because new revenue figures were expected the following week. The bill package was described on the floor as the product of several weeks of committee debate.
Votes and next steps: The Senate recorded 27 yea votes, 0 nays and 2 absences on final passage; the measure was transmitted to the House for its consideration and further action.
What supporters said: Knudson told colleagues the bill compresses prior committee work into a single substitute so agencies could plan for implementation. "It's very important for us to get this bill moving because the agencies which are affected will need this legislation to implement the changes," he said on the floor.
What opponents said: On the floor, debate was limited; no recorded opposition votes were registered in the final tally, though senators noted the substitute may need future revision depending on forthcoming revenue reports.
Procedural posture: First Substitute Senate Bill 3 was circulated, substituted and circled earlier in the session to place it atop the second-reading calendar, then considered for final passage under suspension of rules and approved.
The Senate returned the bill to the House following the vote; further action will depend on the House—s calendar and any subsequent amendments.
