One step left for North Dakota lawmakers – before the special session wraps.
And that’s for the House to vote on the budget bill that will close a projected $310 million gap in the state budget.
The bill dips into the state’s “rainy day” fund, and potentially into the Bank of North Dakota’s profits, to restore some budget cuts to the Departments of Human Services and Corrections. But it leaves in place both the earlier 4 percent allotment, and the recent 2 ½ percent cut.
The House Appropriations Committee gave the bill its approval Wednesday afternoon. The Senate earlier passed the bill 46-0.
"It's my personal hope that this Committee would see fit to bring the bill forward clean in the end, the same way the Senate passed it over," said House Appropriations Chairman Jeff Delzer (R-Underwood).
The committee did turn down two proposed amendments. One, sponsored by Rep. Kathy Hogan (D-Fargo), would restore more spending to the Department of Human Service’s budget. It was rejected on a party-line 17 to 3 vote. A second amendment – proposed by Rep. Mark Dosch (R-Bismarck) – called for further budget reductions, to make it a 10 percent allotment. Gov. Jack Dalrymple had ordered allotments of 4.05 and 2 ½ percent.
Dosch did not get a second to his amendment, so the Committee took no action.
"A bill was placed in front of us," Dosch said. "There's been virtually no opportunity to comment or give input on this bill. It was formatted by leadership and the Governor, and I believe it does a great injustice to the people of North Dakota."
House Majority Leader Al Carlson (R-Fargo) took issue with that.
"We discussed the 10 percent reduction, because the Governor is requesting 10 percent less from state agencies next time," Carlson said. "The decision was made, with a lot of discussion, that that was probably 3 1/2 percent farther than we could go."
The final vote was 16-to-4. Dosch joined the three Democrats in voting “no.”
Earlier, the Senate debated nearly two hours, as Democrats offered amendments to restore other budget cuts. All were rejected.
Senate Minority Leader Mac Schneider (D-Grand Forks) said he was voting for the final bill – with a “heavy heart.”
"It averts additional damage, but it doesn't help those who were damaged by the cuts that have taken place," Schneider said. "So if a budget is a statement of priorities, this bill shows our priorities are seriously out of whack. Saying we'll get our priorities straight in January doesn't cut it."
Lawmakers will convene for their regular session in January. Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner (R-Dickinson) said that’s only five months away – and lawmakers can then take another look at the budget reductions.
"I'd love to pass these amendments," Wardner said. "I could feel real good back home. But I also know -- sustainability, and being able to make sure we get the resources strategically in the right place. And we have to have the resources to do that."
The House convenes at 8 am Thursday. If the House passes the bill, the session ends.
