The drama that was the special session of the state Legislature came to a close Tuesday night as a two-year budget was passed by both the House and Senate, ending speculation of a state government shutdown.
The budget debate left many representatives, including District 63 Rep. Mark Messmer, R-Jasper, waiting until Tuesday afternoon to vote for the budget. The Legislature has been in special session since June 11 after it could not come to an agreed budget during the regular session.
Messmer said Monday night that after a meeting of the 48 House Republicans, all were ready to vote for the proposed budget.
According to the Associated Press, the vote in the house was 62-37, with Messmer voting for the budget compromise. The Senate vote was much closer on the $27.8 billion bill.
“(The special session) has been very challenging and you have to be very patient,” Messmer said. “It’s a shame that back in April, we couldn’t get this agreed on.”
The freshman legislator said he wasn’t sure if there would be a budget passed by Tuesday’s midnight deadline, until he was in caucus with fellow House Republicans on Monday.
“In reality, up until (Monday), I was almost certain they would have a shutdown,” Messmer said.
One of the sticking points in budget negotiations was a possible decrease in funding for urban and rural schools due to stagnant enrollment. Messmer said that most schools in his district, including rural schools like Barr-Reeve and Northeast Dubois, should not see their funding cut in the new budget.
“We received an estimated run and (schools) look to be getting 1 to 2 percent in extra revenue,” Messmer said.
Also helping will be an additional $8 million a year for those smaller schools that will be added into the school funding formula.
Messmer did vote for the budget, as did District 45 Rep. Bruce Borders, R-Jasonville.
Dist. 64 Kreg Battles, D-Vincennes, along with Dist. 62 Rep. Sandra Blanton, D-Orleans, voted against the budget.
In the Senate, Sens. Lindel Hume, D-Princeton, Richard Young, D-Milltown and John Waterman, R-Shelburn, voted for the budget.
Although a budget compromise did happen, Daviess County judges Greg Smith and Dean Sobecki did not take a promised compromise for granted. Before the House voted Tuesday afternoon, the two judges issued a press release saying they would remain working even though they would not be paid for it during a possible state shutdown.
Pay for judges and their staff come from a combination of state and county revenue.
“Judge Smith and Judge Sobecki have stated they take their constitutional duties and obligations seriously and will continue to work whether or not they have a pay check from the state,” the release said.
Local News
Messmer votes ‘yes’
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ND commencement is Friday evening
North Daviess High School will hold it commencement exercises at 7 p.m. Friday.
Following the processional led by North Daviess faculty and juniors Janice Knepp and Cari Jo Wilson, the voluntary invocation will be led by Chelsea Graber. Stacey Beard, class president, will then make welcoming and introductory remarks. -
Fire destroys home in minutes
A Tuesday afternoon fire in rural Daviess County has left a family homeless, although unharmed.
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Barr-Reeve holds 47th commencement Saturday
Barr-Reeve High School will hold its 47th Commencement Exercises on Saturday afternoon in the high school gymnasium beginning at 2 p.m. Again this year, the graduation will be an afternoon affair.
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Loogootee to hold graduation Friday
Loogootee Junior/Senior High School Class of 2012 will hold its graduation exercises at 7 p.m. Friday.
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ND finds ways to use cell phones
A lengthy discussion between North Daviess school board and administrative members concerning future student cell phone usage dominated the board’s Monday meeting.
Board members were considering a second reading for the school’s junior and senior high school handbooks when the discussion began. -
Relay for Life kicks off
The 2012 Relay for Life kicked off at the Lena Dunn Elementary School track on Friday. The event started (above) with the survivor lap with the other participants lining the track to cheer them on. The relay continues through today at the track.
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WHS DECA shows off national award
Washington High School DECA advisor Bill Turner had show-and-tell at the Washington Community Schools Board meeting Thursday night.
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Brashear, Bush make history at DECA conference
Connor Brashear and Austin Bush became the first students from Washington DECA to place first at the international career development conference.
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NSWC Crane to host charity bike event Saturday
Bike enthusiasts will use pedal power to raise funds for injured military personnel Saturday on the 100-square-mile Naval Support Activity Crane facility.
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Shoals to hold commencement Saturday
Shoals Junior/Senior High School will hold its commencement at 2 p.m. Saturday in the high school gymnasium.
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ND commencement is Friday evening
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