Democrats optimistic on state budget as Republicans focus on PURA
On Friday lawmakers gave an update on the state's next two-year budget during news briefings. Democratic House Speaker Matt Ritter said the budget is being 'drafted.'
Gov. Lamont: Budget on the '1-yard line'
It's expected to be voted on early next week after much back-and-forth.
'I don't know Monday, maybe Tuesday,' Ritter said. 'On the spending side it looks like we've reconciled all the numbers according to those 25-line items and figured it out.'
Meanwhile, House Republican leaders talked about their 'ambitious agenda' Friday, saying they won't back down on Senate Bill 4, which is focused on energy bill costs and the makeup of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA).
'I think if it doesn't address the structure of PURA,' Republican Minority Leader Vincent Candelora said. 'To make sure it is operating in a transparent way, with a body of five making decisions, yes I would block that bill.'
Lawmakers will reconvene this weekend. The legislative session ends on June 4.
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