HB 2012 — Day 4
By ddepledge
House and Senate negotiators moved closer on Tuesday night to completing an $11 billion supplemental state budget for fiscal year 2013. Negotiators agreed to Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s request for $25 million to help cover an increase in public school bus costs, far less than the state Department of Education has said is needed. Some in the department have warned of massive cuts to bus service.
“The shortfall is still significant,” said Kathryn Matayoshi, the state schools superintendent. She said the department would look at reducing costs or finding money from other parts of the education budget.
Negotiators also agreed to an additional $14 million for the department’s student spending formula to account for an increase in enrollment. Lawmakers described the new money as an investment in the classroom at a time when educators are preparing innovations and reform to improve struggling schools.
Negotiators also signed off on new money for Abercrombie’s justice reinvestment initiative and for information technology. Abercrombie took a seat in the front row of Room 309 at the state Capitol during the public portion of the budget deliberations, a rare appearance for a governor. The governor had privately greeted the negotiators last week before the conference committee opened.
House and Senate leaders said budget talks would resume Wednesday night. Other bills with a finance-related component are on hold until a budget agreement is reached, leaving little time for discussion before Friday’s deadline.
Political Radar
April 25th, 2012 at 10:59 am
This is where the sausage is made and where our hard earned dollars are spent. Abercrombie of course has nothing better to do that sit on his okole and watch in hopes of intimidating the legislators. Millions here and there. People just remember that there are million taxpayers in the state so when then talk 11 billion you can equate that to around $11,000.00 out of your pocket.this is for every men, women and child.
People wake up the State is like the biggest ponzi scheme around giving your money to Democrat special interests unions, democrat suporrting corporation, and a variety of political allies. Of course the poor are the biggest losers. They don’t even let the Hawaiians live as homeless in the bushes. Democrats have deceived the Hawaiians into poverty. They keep increasing taxes and cutting away benefits for the poor like the school bus. Rich kids don’t catch the school bus only the poor kids use the bus. Auwe.
April 25th, 2012 at 6:01 pm
At least sausage makers know how to make ends “meat”. Must be the missing “pork” link.
One don’t like “pork” can always move to have a “cow”.
April 25th, 2012 at 9:29 pm
And maybe a “mad cow,” California-style.
April 26th, 2012 at 2:10 pm
Why are California Cows happy? Because of the grass they eat. Why would a cow be mad? More like a Hawaii Cow that is so. Grass is illegal in Hawaii. Moooove on to next subject.