WHAT THEY ARE NOT SAYING...about the comprehensive water deal? Nov 18, 2009
Bond funds appropriations should be debated and made during the budget discussions, not in the policy process. This measure adds 25 new state positions at the State Water Resources Control Board and empowers them to adopt emergency regulations and issue significant fines. (San Andreas Calaveras Enterprise, CA)
Legislature Digs In to Budget Debate Nov 18, 2009
Debate begins today in the Nebraska Legislature on the Appropriations Committee's proposed plan to address a $334 million budget shortfall. The committee sent LB1, 2 and 3 to the Legislature on unanimous votes. (Nebraska Statepaper)
The Big Intelligence Chill Nov 18, 2009
There are rumblings that another national security bill, the Defense Appropriations Act, may have D. C. voting rights or an increase in the national debt limit attached to it. But these abuses are just the tip of the iceberg. (Human Events Online)
Republican gov. candidate in town Nov. 23 Nov 18, 2009
He is a member of the Appropriations Committee and chairs the Health Policy Committee. A practicing anesthesiologist, he formerly served in the House of Representatives. (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
Budget outlook bleak Nov 18, 2009
Staffers for the House Appropriations Committee told its members yesterday that the weak economy, increasing mandatory spending on Medicaid and other programs, and the drop-off when federal stimulus money goes away, all combine to create a shortfall of $2 ... House Appropriations staff director Robert Vaughn said he predicts additional revenue reductions of $250 million to $300 million for fiscal year 2010, which also impacts budgets through 2012 that are predicated on 2010 revenues. (Fredericksburg.com, VA)
Rich Myers to run for re-election Nov 18, 2009
He is the Republican spokesman on the Appropriations - Higher Education Committee ... As Republican spokesman on the Higher Education Appropriations committee, I have fought to protect vital funding for our institutions of higher learning like Western Illinois University. (Carthage (Hancock County) Journal Pilot, IL)
Lawyers, doctors top state pay lists Nov 18, 2009
Heath Mellos suggestion that the Legislature freeze the salaries of state employees making at least 85,000 and cut back the salaries of everyone making more than 100,000 a year got no traction last week during Appropriations Committee budget-cutting discussions ... Another Appropriations Committee member, Sen. (Beatrice Daily Sun, NE)
U.S. Web site says stimulus created jobs in districts that do not exist Nov 18, 2009
David Obey, the Wisconsin Democrat who chairs the House Appropriations Committee. "The administration owes itself, the Congress and every American a commitment to work night and day to correct the ludicrous mistakes.". (AZCentral -- News)
Lawmaker wants readers to know where she stands on earmarks Nov 17, 2009
RE (Page A1, Nov. 12): I wholeheartedly disagree with the premise of the article, and I think Globe readers deserve to know my priorities when considering appropriations requests ... I submit to the Appropriations Committee those projects that will retain and create jobs, advance economic development, and improve the quality of life for Fifth District residents ... When I was elected, I took the extra step of publicly disclosing all of the federal investments that I asked the Appropriations... (Boston Globe -- Editorial)
Washington Report: FHA Mortgage Insurance Reserves Nov 17, 2009
Put another way: There should be no need for congressional appropriations or a Treasury bailout of FHA, and no need for sharp cutbacks in the availability of FHA financing for first-time buyers and individuals with credit issues. That was the upbeat message last Thursday from HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan and FHA Commissioner David Stevens, who held a special briefing on the agency's politically-sensitive annual financial audit. (RealtyTimes)
Neb. spending cuts set for debate by lawmakers Nov 17, 2009
On Monday, the budget-writing Appropriations Committee completed it's budget-cutting plan and the Legislature will begin debating it on Tuesday. The committee used Gov. Dave Heineman's plan as a template, and largely stuck with the governor's proposals. (Fremont Tribune, NE)
GOP Accuses Democrats of Delaying Spending Bill Over Guantánamo Fears Nov 17, 2009
ranking member of the Appropriations Committee, said in a statement late Monday that conference committee negotiations on the Commerce, Justice and science appropriations bill had been delayed because Democrats were afraid of a Republican motion to ban the transfer of Guantnamo Bay prisoners to the United States for trial. The transfer of Guantanamo detainees into the U.S. is a dangerous, expensive, and unnecessary risk that the American people are not willing to take, Lewis said. (Roll Call)
Market Forecaster Nov 17, 2009
The Legislature s budget-writing Appropriations Committee voted to ditch Gov. Dave Heineman s plan for the checkoff money. His plan would have taken about 700,000 from the wheat, corn, sorghum and dry-bean funds to help the state close a 334 million budget gap. (Midwest Bulls Eye, NE)
Onorato to appeal assessment ruling Nov 17, 2009
He also called upon the state Senate appropriations committee to release a bill already passed in the House that calls for a two-year moratorium on any property reassessment plan, allowing for further study of a more comprehensive plan ... He said the senate appropriations committee was the only thing standing between the county and a massive tax increase. (Pittsburgh Business Times, PA)
Onorato vows appeal of reassessment Nov 17, 2009
"The only thing standing between you and a property tax increase is the [state] Senate Appropriations Committee," said Mr. Onorato. He urged property owners to call members of the committee and their state senators and ask them to push through a bill that would place a moratorium on court-ordered reassessments for two years, as one of the ways of preventing a reassessment in Allegheny County. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
PSU decides against tuition hike Nov 17, 2009
Although the university is still waiting on its appropriations from the state, Barry Ciccocioppo, a spokesman for Gov. Ed Rendell, said $334 million in state funding for Penn State has been approved by the state Senate and is now waiting on approval from the House of Representatives. Tuition bills were released Monday ahead of Penn State receiving its appropriations because the university had to stay on schedule, university spokeswoman Annemarie Mountz said ... However, Mountz said, if the final... (Daily Collegian, PA)
Va. Lawmaker Resigns Amid Federal, State Probes Nov 17, 2009
Hamilton was the top Republican on the budget-writing Appropriations Committee. The investigations focus on allegations that he arranged a $40,000-a-year job for himself at Old Dominion University as he steered hundreds of thousands of dollars in appropriations to the Norfolk school. (Newsmax)
Legislative panels prep for session Nov 16, 2009
Lawmakers have lots of work over next few months. CHEYENNE -- This is the time of year when legislative committee work is coming to fruition after several meetings since lawmakers adjourned in March. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Presidential Dithering, Dawdling and Defeat Nov 16, 2009
Appropriations Dithering ... Yet the cramped appropriations schedule hasn t deterred the liberal leadership in Washington from over-promising legislative achievements for December signing ceremonies ... Conservatives should beware in late December, when a bunch of appropriations bills may be cobbled together into a minibus spending bill so liberals can avoid difficult votes and finally finish the appropriations process. (Human Events Online)
End of a record for state's 'Silent Senator' Nov 16, 2009
WASHINGTON - As the soft-spoken chairman of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee and Senate president pro tempore, Carl Hayden was a legislative giant who was instrumental in the evolution of modern Arizona, with the 1968 creation of the Central Arizona Project water-delivery system perhaps his greatest achievement ... Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, the third-longest-serving senator in history and the current Senate Appropriations Committee chairman, praised Hayden as "a powerful and gracious... (AZCentral -- News)
US deficit is factor in decision about increasing troops Nov 15, 2009
Senior members of the House Appropriations Committee have already expressed reservations about the potential long-term costs of expanding the war in Afghanistan. And Obama could find it difficult to win approval for the additional spending in Congress, where he would have to depend on Republicans to counter defections from liberal Democrats. (Boston Globe)
Obama eyes budget costs of Afghan plan Nov 15, 2009
Long-term costsSenior members of the House Appropriations Committee have already expressed strong reservations about the potential long-term costs of expanding the war in Afghanistan ... Senior members of the House Appropriations Committee have already expressed strong reservations about the potential long-term costs of expanding the war in Afghanistan. (MSNBC -- International)
City to review new sidewalk project proposals Nov 14, 2009
-- Hearing the first reading of a supplemental appropriations request for the 2009 budget. -- Holding a question-and-answer session with Leadership Madison participants. (Madison Daily Leader, SD)
Evans legislator warns of more state budget cuts Nov 14, 2009
"Some days I look at (the budget) and shake my head with worry. I'm not going to lie," said Mr. Harbin, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. "But I'm not too worried.". (The Augusta Chronicle)
State to spend $448K on World Expo booth Nov 14, 2009
The latest round of appropriations comes from a $10 million marketing opportunity fund established in June by the HTA to respond to the dramatic downturn in tourism. To date, $8. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Some Neb. caregivers may be in line for raise Nov 13, 2009
The Legislature's budget-writing Appropriations Committee voted Thursday to increase state funding to groups that care for the developmentally disabled by 1 percent, a move one official said could keep their doors open and serve the same number of people they are now ... In addition to the 1 percent increase, the Appropriations Committee set aside $500,000 to help boost pay to providers of services to the developmentally disabled. (Fremont Tribune, NE)
Appropriations Committee Begins to Craft Budget Nov 13, 2009
But that didn't stop the Nebraska Legislature's Appropriations Committee from beginning to work on its recommendation to resolve a $334 million budget shortfall. Gov. Dave Heineman presented his plan. (Nebraska Statepaper)
Pelosicare? Harrycare? Which? Nov 13, 2009
The Senate must still complete Military Construction Appropriations and a cloture motion has been filed on the nomination of David Hamilton to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. In order to immediately begin consideration of the health care bill, Reid must have a unanimous consent agreement, which is unlikely. (Human Events Online)
Conklin asks Pa. legislators to give funds Nov 13, 2009
A local representative called for state legislators to give appropriations to Penn State and Pennsylvania's other three state-related schools at a press conference Thursday ... Scott Conklin's speech focused on the almost $680 million in appropriations being held back while legislators debate the legalization of table games in Pennsylvania casinos ... Gov. Ed Rendell and other legislators say giving the appropriations to the state-related schools -- Penn State, University of Pittsburgh, Temple... (Daily Collegian, PA)
Q&A: Abortion Issue And Health Care Bill Nov 13, 2009
That ban only applies to funds distributed through the annual appropriations for the Health and Human Services Department. Money for new health insurance coverage wouldn't be allocated that way. (13WMAZ.com, GA)
Selectmen change position on special Town Meeting articles Nov 13, 2009
Article 1 calls for adjustments to fiscal 2010 budget appropriations by restoring salary cuts to non-union town employees who previously took a 2. 5 percent pay cut to balance the budget. (Hamilton Wenham Chronicle, MA)
Twenty-Eight Blue Dogs Vote For Pelosi's $1.3 Trillion Health Bill Nov 13, 2009
The Hyde Amendment must be renewed every year in the DHHS appropriations bill. As Republicans have warned all along, the Hyde Amendment did not cover federal funding in the Pelosicare bill. (Human Events Online)
Kondracke: Will Reid Decide on Reconciliation to Get Health Care Bill? Nov 12, 2009
Under the rule named for former Appropriations Chairman Robert Byrd (D-W.Va. Hoagland said, any line item in the bill that has no budget effects is subject to being stricken such as authorization of prevention and wellness measures. (Roll Call)
Senator seeks inquiry following accidents on D.C. transit system Nov 12, 2009
Mikulski is a member of an Appropriations subcommittee that partially funds WMATA. Other sources of the agency's funding come from Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. After Mikulski called for the investigation, Sen. (TheHill.com)
State faces major spike in pension costs Nov 11, 2009
The Patrick administration is working on a plan to avoid a portion of a projected $900 million spike in annual pension system appropriations set to begin next year, an increase that would keep the state on track to eliminate unfunded pension liabilities by 2030 while taking into account big pension investment losses ... Administration and Finance Secretary Jay Gonzalez, testifying before lawmakers mulling pension system reforms, said the goal is to piece together a bill by the end of the year... (Belmont Citizen Herald, MA)
GUSA Creates Fund for Student Clubs Nov 11, 2009
The Funding Council will be comprised of the seven members of the Finance and Appropriations Committee and five non-GUSA members who must be nominated by the GUSA president ... The first bill gave the Funding Council the ability to allocate funds over $100 without consulting the Financial Appropriations Committee. (The Hoya, Washington DC)
WHAT THEY ARE NOT SAYING...about the comprehensive water deal? Nov 11, 2009
Bond funds appropriations should be debated and made during the budget discussions, not in the policy process. This measure adds 25 new state positions at the State Water Resources Control Board and empowers them to adopt emergency regulations and issue significant fines. (San Andreas Calaveras Enterprise, CA)
Wenham holds special Town Meeting Nov 11, 2009
Wenham voters will head to Buker School tonight for the special Town Meeting at 7:30 p.m., to decide whether to approve a debt exclusion override to fund a portion of the Cutler HVAC system, whether to offset revenue reductions by amending and making new appropriations to balance the fiscal 2010 budget, and the future of the Dearborn property, among other items ... According to Finance and Advisory Committee Chairman Jack Wilhelm, the disagreement is over the nature of the appropriations... (Hamilton Wenham Chronicle, MA)
MARIO SANTOYO: Latino Water Coalition praises governor Nov 11, 2009
I believe a National Academy review is an important step, and last week I placed $750,000 in the 2010 fiscal year Interior Appropriations bill to pay for it. The National Academy is the most highly respected scientific body in the nation, and a review would settle questions about whether the federal government used the best-available science in determining how much water can be pumped without violating the Endangered Species Act. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Sheriff's Department allocated $100,000 for safety, equipment Nov 10, 2009
Sheriff Bill Marcum said this morning he would put the dollars, part of the Congress' 2010 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Bill, to good use. It's going for cameras and some investigative equipment for the mobile data equipment we're using. (Murray Ledger & Times, KY)
Lynch’s wife tied to agencies he won grants for Nov 10, 2009
Instead, he said, the organization is concerned about an appropriations system with the potential to award funds based on personal ties, rather than merit. He said the current earmark system, which presidential candidate John McCain often derided in the 2008 campaign, is a broken process. (Boston Globe)
Editorial: Senate holds key to health reform Nov 10, 2009
Although Feinstein has been hammered by liberals for raising concerns about new health care entitlements, she has an obligation as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee to look out for the bottom line. Interestingly, Feinstein has recently shown an inclination to speed up instead of slow down the race toward expanded health care. (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
Oklahoma Lawmakers Eye Tax Breaks Amid Shortfall Nov 10, 2009
Doug Cox, R-Grove, chairman of an appropriations subcommittee in the House that manages the budgets of public health and social services agencies. "I think those are on the table," Cox said. (Newsmax)
Wyoming briefs Nov 10, 2009
Stephen Sommers, who represents retirees on the Wyoming Retirement System Board, outlined problems with the fund for the Joint Appropriations Interim Committee. He said the big problem with the plan is that it's closed. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Inouye's earmarks go to his donors Nov 10, 2009
It is all part of a pattern for the powerful chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, the self-proclaimed "No. 1 earmarks guy" in the nation. In the Senate version of the fiscal year 2010 defense appropriations bill, which Inouye was instrumental in drafting, he is sponsoring almost three dozen provisions that would spend more than $200 million on projects in Hawaii that the Pentagon generally does not want, an Associated Press analysis o 00000D84 f federal election reports has found ...... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
House leader: Early ed system focus not on par with K-12 Nov 10, 2009
A state law enacted last year put in statute a universal pre-kindergarten program but left it "subject to appropriation," and so far, those appropriations haven't resulted in a universal program. About 6,600 students are participating in a universal pre-K pilot program, and the proportion of public school kindergarteners in full-day programs has nearly doubled to 75 percent since 2000, according to advocates. (Cambridge Chronicle, MA)
Georgia tax collections drop again Nov 10, 2009
Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Jack Hill, R-Reidsboro, said any additional cuts required to balance the budget might not need to be drastic. The budget Mr. Perdue proposes in January for the next fiscal year could be more difficult. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Though not illegal, appropriations raise questions Nov 10, 2009
Daniel Inouye that are in the Senate version of the fiscal year 2010 defense appropriations measure ... Daniel Inouye that are in the Senate version of the fiscal year 2010 defense appropriations measure. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Lyndon Johnson's 1964 Acceptance Sp... Nov 10, 2009
Johnson s only direct reference to foreign affairs referred to defense appropriations, begun early in the Kennedy Administration. Although later historians would criticize the massive increase in nuclear weapons, including Polaris submarines, it was important to counter the build-up of Soviet arms and to appear militarily strong in the face of Republican Party criticisms. (Suite101.com)
Spanier: Tuition increase possible Nov 9, 2009
With state appropriations still in flux, Penn State President Graham Spanier told the Penn State Board of Trustees on Friday that students could see an increase in tuition for spring 2010 -- though only under the "most dire circumstances.". As the state legislature reconvenes today, Spanier said he hopes lawmakers will reach a conclusion. (Daily Collegian, PA)
Georgia misuses fees, loses out on $$ Nov 9, 2009
Ben Harbin (R-Evans), the chairman of the budget-writing House Appropriations Committee. We have to balance our budget. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
UA program helps rural doctors stay connected Nov 8, 2009
Senate President Robert Burns, R-Peoria, who is co-chairman of the Arizona Telemedicine Council, got involved when he served on the House Appropriations Committee that approved funding to establish the program in 1996. Originally providing telemedicine services to eight rural sites, the program now has 171 clinics in its network. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Cry in your beer if you can afford it Nov 8, 2009
Last week the Joint Appropriations Committee was alerted to the market impact on a little known state retirement fund, firefighter's pension fund A.. The account has, I think, a strange history. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Senator Alexander gives commuter rail through Central Florida a boost Nov 8, 2009
J.D. Alexander, R-Winter Haven, gives a thumbs up to an amendment to the appropriations bill during Senate session, Thursday, April 16, 2009, in Tallahassee, Fla. The amendment and the bill passed. (Lake Wales News, FL)
Wyoming faces difficult school funding choices Nov 8, 2009
The Joint Appropriations Committee voted in Cheyenne on Tuesday to make no cost-of-living adjustment for schools. But it also took action that will further drain school district coffers by approving a 1. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
The corporate takeover of U.S. intelligence Nov 7, 2009
In return for the bribes, Cunningham used his position on the House appropriations and intelligence committees to win tens of millions of dollars' worth of contracts for MZM at the and the Pentagon's CIFA office, which has been criticized by Congress for spying on American citizens ... Rather, it sets guidance that is typically followed by congressional committees that decide appropriations. (Salon)
AP: Education leaders discuss future of schools Nov 7, 2009
Missouri ranks 45th nationally in per capita state appropriations for higher education, he said, and spends $4. 91 in support per $1,000 in personal income. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
Neb. Lawmakers Hear 2 Sides About Budget Crunch Nov 7, 2009
He is a member of the budget-writing Appropriations Committee, which has been listening to testimony from state agencies that will face cuts. "They accept the cuts as fair and reasonable and the governor told them what to do," Hansen said of agencies where directors work directly under Heineman. (ABC News -- Wire)
Obama eyes options to spark jobs rebound Nov 7, 2009
"We need to give the economy a bigger kick," House Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey said in a statement. "The bottom line is that additional action is required to help families and small businesses who are struggling," he added. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Rand leaving N.C. Senate for parole board Nov 6, 2009
Rand is the majority leader, and serves on the appropriations, commerce, finance, health care and judiciary committees. He is also chair of the Senate rules and operations committee. (Charlotte Business Journal, NC)
Charges considered against Perzel Nov 6, 2009
Mr. Feese represented Lycoming County in the Legislature from 1994 to 2006 and was chairman of the House Appropriations Committee when his party held the majority. Dennis Roddy can be reached at or 412-263-1965. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
NATIONAL GUARD - FY 2010 Bill Includes Guard Nov 6, 2009
The other is the appropriations bill, which is being reviewed by a Senate-House committee to resolve differences between the two chambers versions. Printer Friendly. (DOD DefenseLINK)
$800,000 In Club Funds Unspent Nov 6, 2009
It is a major issue when that much money is tied up and things do go unfunded, said Zack Bluestone (SFS 09), chair of GUSAs Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee ... The GUSA Finance and Appropriations Committee plans to meet with the six advisory boards on Wednesday to develop a budget to appropriate funds to the boards for the upcoming academic year ... Schiffmann said the Finance and Appropriations Committee has requested that each of the six boards complete a proposal, to be... (The Hoya, Washington DC)
Top Democrat: House Will Pass Health Bill Nov 6, 2009
Currently, federal appropriations bills include language known as the Hyde Amendment that prohibits the use of federal funds to pay for elective abortions under the Medicare and Medicaid programs, while another provision, known as the Smith Amendment, prohibits federal funding of abortion under the federal employees. health benefits plan. (CBS News -- Politics)
Federal stimulus spokesman defends Web site Nov 6, 2009
Boomgaarden told members of Wyoming's Joint Appropriations Committee on Monday that the Recovery. gov federal Web site that provides information to the public about stimulus spending was "a mess.". (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
