This week, the Joint Budget Conference Committee began work on finalizing decisions on key Budget issues of difference between the Senate and Assembly budget plans. Currently, the Conference Committee has addressed Human Services, Health, Education, Higher Education, and Resources, and is expected to pursue the remaining topics through the end of the week. However, agreement has been reached on very few issues in any of these categories, and most issues slated to be addressed have been “held open” for further discussions. Items are left “held open” when Conferees feel like they need additional information or the issue requires more negotiation before a final outcome can be reached. The final product on most, if not all, of these issues will be most likely be determined in private leadership meetings, rather than during a public Conference Committee hearing, and will be unknown until the Budget and associated trailer bills are addressed on the Floor of each house. The final Budget is constitutionally required to be passed before midnight on Sunday, June 15.
For additional information regarding the Conference Committee or individual Budget issues, please contact the RCRC Governmental Affairs staff at (916) 447-4806.