NB: The Budget (November 2016 - February 2017)

[Drew]

We should just eliminate "other" outright if we're not even going to specify what that is - a rainy day fund?*  Booze and hookers?  What, exactly?

General government and police can probably take some modest cuts without having any serious disruptions in daily functions.

* Come to think of it, we could probably use a section of the budget for emergencies.

Setting up a $10 billion emergency fund would be fair in my mind. Cutting general govt to $20 billion and police/justice to $15 billion would be fine with me. That'd trim roughly $40 billion.

I'm in support of creating a section for Emergency (i.e. natural disasters, etc.).  An 'Other' category to me is not very transparent.

[Drew]

Here is an updated proposal:

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Without the tax revenue or the new automobile purchase tax accounted for, we're currently sitting at a deficit of $473.104 billion. We are not allowed to have a deficit.

I suppose we should revisit this and open it to new ideas from both our new and returning members alike.  I think that we had fine-tuned many of the expense numbers, but the big hangup here was the uncertainty about income tax data.  I know that we had some input from our Senators, though one eventually went on LOA and we had some turnover with the Assembly over the last term. 

[Drew]

Thank you Clyde!  It does appear that we have a healthy surplus.  Keep in mind that we enacted new programs and policies over the last term such as a new green business program and tax cuts for new residents.  The surplus should cover those policies.  So what would the new date range be, Mar-June 2017?  Any other thoughts/ideas from the Assembly?

[Drew]

If we have the funds left over after the new programs are funded, I propose we allocate some funding to investigating high-speed rail.

I would definitely support looking into a high speed rail plan for the region.  I will be happy to bring such legislation onto the floor.

[Drew]

Alright, I have just one edit before we pass it (HSR can be in our next budget):

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I support the motion and will open a 48-hour period for a vote on the above proposed budget.

[Drew]

Aye

[Drew]

With 4 Ayes, 0 Nays, and 1 absence, the bill passes and is sent to the Governor.