The House passed a second reading of its two-year budget on a 68-51 party-line vote tonight. Here's a quick summary of the arguments for and against the bill. (Not direct quotes.)
Rep. Bill McGee: I don't like the certificates of participation. We have too much debt. What'll happen in the future? Rep. Deborah Ross: That's not a big deal. We have an excellent credit rating. Rep. Bill Owens: Don't vote against the budget just because you don't like two percent of it. Rep. Paul Stam: Yeah, but that two percent caused us to break our word on the "temporary taxes." Rep. Leo Daughtry: We didn't even get a chance to vote on them. Rep. William Wainwright: That money will be well spent on worthwhile programs. And the budget also provides a tax credit for adoption, an Earned Income Tax Credit and tax cuts for small businesses. Rep. Pricey Harrison: And lots of good conservation stuff too. Rep. John Blust: Come on. We would throw a CEO in jail for signing a financial statement this dishonest. Rep. Annie Mobley: Can't we all just get along?
