We are still waiting on the House/Senate budget conference committee. Obviously, we prefer the House budget, as it was more consistent with our request and provide adequate maintenance and equipment funding. The Senate version would leave us with only $1.5 million for maintenance and equipment, a $4.5 million cut from the House budget. We will have a difficult year if that funding is not restored.

 

Best case scenario for this agency is that the conference committee chooses the House version with the addition of $1.9 million that would allow us process R&E inmates on Fridays and lift our quotas on the jails.

 

Both versions contained 3% general increase for state employees, so that should be settled. Also, as proposed in the Governor’s executive budget, both versions held the line on health insurance costs to state employees again this year.

 

I recently completed a new (to me) Jeff Shaara historical novel, The Rising Tide. It is his first in a trilogy of WWII. This one focused on the campaign in North Africa and Italy. I recommend it.

 

Even the great warfighters of that generation had to contend with a great deal of petty, grandstanding, second guessing and sniping. Much of it came from politicians and others in the cheap seats. The source of such sniping may vary, but anyone involved in opposing evil or challenging the comfort of the status quo will be subject to those familiar refrains.

 

Thankfully, those men persevered and succeeded in liberating two continents.

 

Persevere in doing right. It will never be painless, but it will be worthwhile.

 

 I will update you as soon as we know about our budget situation. Have a great week.