State legislators have gotten themselves into a tight corner. They have only until June 30 to pass a budget during the special session or risk seeing much of state government shut down. The House and Senate have each passed a version of the bill, so they now have five days to reconcile the two. You'd think they'd be feverishly meeting at all hours of the night and day to make sure they don't blow the deadline. But House Democrats apprarently have more important things on their minds:
. . .but most of the hearing was spent taking public testimony from university presidents, social services advocates and others worried about seeing their funding cut.
That frustrated Republicans on the panel, who said there had been ample time devoted to public testimony throughout the year.
"Time grows very short and we need to get down to the nitty gritty of working out these details," said Senate Tax Chairman Brandt Hershman, R-Wheatfield.
OK, you've made your point. Education is vital, and you love educators. All those people waiting for state money are going to be hurting. You're compassionate! We get it. Quit the damn posturing (you've done quite enough to ensure continued money and support from the teachers' union) and get to work on the budget.
