Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Legislation Language topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee debates drafting language for supplemental; recesses to Aug. 4
Summary
Members questioned bill language that would earmark $11.4M "solely for subsidy payments affected by delays," arguing the wording did not reflect broader funding shortfalls; the chair recessed the committee to reconvene on August 4 at 9:00 a.m.
During floor debate senators said draft language in Section 3 of the administration's rider—describing $11.4 million "solely for subsidy payments affected by delays"—did not match the committee's understanding of the program shortfall and could unduly constrain how funds are used.
One senator asked whether the language could be amended and cautioned that the rider, as drafted, would "handcuff" the department by restricting use to only delay-affected subsidy payments rather than covering broader shortages that resulted from reduced federal cadence and other operational costs. DPHSS reiterated that the department's immediate need is to pay outstanding provider invoices and to fund July–September subsidy payments.
Because key technical issues and related airport budget items were outstanding, the chair recessed the committee until August 4 at 9:00 a.m. for additional drafting and follow-up work.
