Senate Budget Negotiators Make Headway

In an all day session, lawmakers hammered out deals on the Highway Fund, the Department of Corrections, and the Liquor Commission, among others.

Instead of a gas tax or higher tolls, the budget committee agreed to a series of new fees, including a $30 increase on vehicle registration.

The deal severely underfunds the ten year highway plan, but as one committee member put it, it’s a solution for 24 months, until a long-term plan can be put in place.

Lawmakers approved changes in Corrections that allows that department to implement a program aimed at reducing recidivism rates.

The Committee also gave the Liquor Commission authority to use 5% of its operating budget, but the General Council still retains full budgeting authority.

Budget negotiators still must decide on a plan to fund state services.

That is how they will spend the better part of today.