Dear Neighbor,
Before we get into official business, I want to recognize our friends in law enforcement as we celebrate National Police Week. Thank you for all you do to keep us safe!
Things have been busy at the Capitol this week, with a working weekend in store as we make our way toward our midnight Sunday deadline for passing bills and adjournment scheduled for Monday. It will be interesting to see what unfolds the next few days, especially with so much up in the air right now.
The House majority broke from custom Wednesday shutting down discussion of a bill and calling for an immediate vote. It was an ugly departure from parliamentary custom that sent the House into a chaotic finish that you can see unfold at this link.
That move may have been convenient for Democrats at the time, but it burned a bridge with the minority and puts at risk any number of bills where Republican votes are needed to pass. House Republicans conducted a press conference Thursday morning to share more about this and I was happy to attend. Click this image for video of that:
I will be back soon with a closer look at exactly what shakes out between now and the end of session. For now, here’s a clip of me going to bat for local small businesses this week as the majority prepared to pass a bill that raises payroll taxes on businesses … a $735 million hit that employers and workers alike will suffer. (This is on top of the $10 billion tax increase Democrats passed last year.)
Have a good weekend and please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
Sincerely,
Jeff