From the Director - A Quick Start

Four days into the Session and the Governor has already signed the first bill, legislation providing $7.6 million to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

A number of other issues are being hotly debated including residency restrictions and supervision of sex offenders, an issue of significant importance to the Association. And we already have a hearing scheduled on the Governor’s Streamline Sales Tax legislation. The pace has been hectic, and we don’t expect a change.

Legislative Calendar

Each year, the Legislature adopts a calendar outlining internal deadlines, or cut-off dates, for consideration of legislation. Bills, except those necessary to implement the budget, must meet these deadlines or they are considered dead for the year. In a short, 60-day session, these deadlines come rather quickly.

The first cut-off date, by which bills must be approved by the original committee, is February 3. By Valentines Day (February 14), all bills must be approved by either the full House or the full Senate. The final deadline is March 9 – the last scheduled day of the session.

These deadlines often require quick action and phone calls from city officials. Your calls have made the difference in the past and will do so in the future. Please watch for requests from AWC to take action on important legislation, and respond as quickly as you can. Thanks for your continued assistance.

Streamline Sales Tax Hearing

The Senate Ways and Means Committee has scheduled the Governor’s SST bill for a hearing on Tuesday, January 17, at 1:30. AWC is coordinating city testimony in an effort to display a unified city position in support of the legislation with full mitigation. We appreciative the Governor taking the lead on this issue and will continue to work with all parties as we seek full mitigation. Please see the Municipal Finance section of this Bulletin for a complete write-up on the issue.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact AWC Legislative staff with questions or comments regarding important legislative issues for your city.

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