Senate explains modest BAA changes: flood-relief apportionment, housing flex, small increases for ABE and syringe services

Senator Pichel summarized the Senate27s package of amendments to a budget adjustment (BAA), saying most funding changes were modest and focused on targeting assistance for flood-damaged communities and preserving emergency housing and social services through the end of the fiscal year.

The Senate preserved most of its original allocations but adjusted three main areas: public health syringe exchange funding, supplemental support for adult basic education (ABE) providers, and a refined approach to flood relief. "The other body agreed with what the Senate did," Pichel said, adding that where changes were made the Senate aimed to avoid using general fund dollars for these services: "It was not general fund to, support, this, public health, service...and that change was...$218,000." The $218,000 came from the Tobacco Fund to cover additional need for the syringe-exchange program for the remainder of the fiscal year.

On education, Pichel said the Senate increased ABE funding after new information on provider deficits. "We increased the money for adult basic education, I believe, to 380,000 to get them through," she…