Pension reform, spending bill Legislative update

Updated May 15

This week the Legislature began work on the omnibus supplemental finance bill, Senate File (SF) 3656, attempting to reconcile the wide differences between the House and Senate positions. The process will be long, with less than two weeks left in the legislative session.

In their current form, the governor has expressed concern over many of the controversial provisions included.

The pension reform bill, SF 2620, has begun to move through the committee process. The bill was amended Tuesday to include small provisions for volunteer fire departments. The next stop is House State Government Finance on Friday morning. We anticipate it has one more stop before heading to the House floor for a vote.

Update: The pension reform passed the House Ways and Means Committee Monday night and is headed to the House floor, possibly for a floor vote as early as late this week.

A constitutional amendment to divert auto sales taxes on auto parts to fund new road and bridge projects also began to work through the House committee process. MAPE opposes the proposal, since it permanently dedicates general fund dollars to a small portion of the overall transportation needs, while potentially depriving resources from agencies to provide critical public services.

MAPE will be using our social media and text updates to keep members informed. (Text LegAction to 55000 to receive legislative action alerts through the end of the legislative session!)