Good Morning,

 

Thought I would give you a heads up on the budget process. We did OK in the House, with Representatives Young, Cobb-Hunter and Simrill meeting us half-way in total dollars, while following our order of priority.

 

Coming off of years of maintenance, vehicle and equipment neglect, we included those items at the top of our list of priorities. House leaders remembered those years and maintained those priorities in their budget bill.

 

Unfortunately, the budget recently passed by the Senate finance committee cuts $4.5 million from the $6.0 million proposed by the House for maintenance, equipment and vehicles. For more detail on this, go to our NEW and IMPROVED website (thanks RIM) and find Friday’s press release on this issue.

 

The Senate cuts would be devastating to our operations. On your own time, you may wish to call or write your Senator and tell them how far behind we are on equipment, vehicles and maintenance. Examples from your institutions or functions would be helpful.

 

As the Governor requested, both bills included a 3% across the board for state employees, with the state also absorbing the entire increase in health care premiums.  

 

Finally, leaders do not get to take a day off: you are always under the microscope. Pay attention to detail, your people will see your actions and many will take note.

 

Have a great week.