by Aundrea Cline-Thomas
NASHVILLE, Tenn.- The State House of Representatives has passed its budget but the work is far from over. As the legislative session winds down, lawmakers still have to find common ground.
Time is running out and a bevy of bills are still up for consideration.
But the most important bill of all....is the budget.
The more than $31 billion House proposal includes lowering the estate, gift and food taxes. The proposal also still keeps more than $100 million in the bank. It's money the state fears it may have to dip into as the new federal healthcare laws begin to go into effect.
"Over $100 million we're lowering taxes, we're reducing the size of government and we have a budget that's balanced less than where we were last year," Rep. Charles Sargent, (R) Williamson County, said.
Just how good the proposal is depends on who you ask.
"I'm not going to vote for the House version at this time unless we put some of those job creating programs in the budget," Democratic Caucus Chairman Mike Turner said.
The House proposal passed 66 to 30 after hours of discussion and consideration of amendments.
The Senate still has to approve its version, one that has many differences especially when it comes to funding local programs. Then both houses have to find common ground...and that's still days away.
"Some miracle could happen and we could get through late tomorrow (Friday) but I don't think it's going to happen at this point," Turner added.
The House and Senate have to come to an agreement and combine elements from both budget proposals. That discussion is expected to start early next week.
Email: acline-thomas@newschannel5.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/NC5AundreaCT
Twitter: Twitter.com/NC5_AundreaCT
