Delegation passes House Local Bill 24-50 after substitute; author warns of funding shortfall and proportionate cuts

House Local Bill 24-50, Substitute One, passed the House delegation after debate about available balances and necessary reductions to planned appropriations.

Representative Ralph Yumo, the bill’s author, said he had appropriated $990,000 in the draft but that the Department of Finance informed members there was only $676,858.97 available under the referenced revenue accounts, leaving a shortfall of a little over $300,000. He recommended proportionate cuts to the proposed line items and said he had pre-filed a follow-up local bill to cover remaining requests.

Why it matters: members debated proportionate reductions to meet the confirmed available balance; the author flagged upcoming adjustments to payroll-related requests and emergency needs that required immediate attention.

Vote and next steps: the delegation adopted Substitute One for House Local Bill 24-50 and, on roll call, recorded all 17 members present voting yes. The author said he would continue working on a follow-up local bill to address remaining requests and asked members to propose amendments if needed.

Implementation notes: Representative Yumo said departments had informed the delegation of the precise available balance and that cuts were necessary; administrative follow-up will be required to implement the approved substitute and to process any additional appropriation put forward in a subsequent bill.

The delegation adjourned after completing the bill calendar.