Indiana

We Have a Deal, In Theory

By Abdul Hakim-Shabazz

House Speaker Pat Bauer says there’s a budget deal, but he cautions, “it’s in theory.”

The House will vote on the budget tomorrow.  The Senate could take up the measure  tonight.  Bauer would not reveal a lot of details, however he says the budget funds education and avoids massive teacher layoffs.  He also says it does not include a cap on charter schools, but it reduces the dollars allotted for virtual charter schools and the educational tax credit is reduced.

The budget leaves $1 billion in the bank and spends it over two years.  There are no tax increases and it spends $28 billion over the next two years.

It also addresses the Capital Improvement Board by expanding the professional sports district, allowing the city to raise hotel, car rental and ticket taxes, alters the make up of the CIB for more state participation.

Republican leader Brian Bosma says there are a substantial number of Republican votes for the budget.

You can hear Bauer’s comments below.

bauer-budget-2

Full post as published by Indiana Barrister on June 29, 2009 (boomark / email).