It never ceases to amaze how politicians can rationalize the irrational. The schedule for the state’s operating budget is the latest example.
Note how the same situation changes as the desires of the leges change:
On Tuesday, it’s behind schedule: House Bill 1, the $24.2 billion proposed state operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year, is mired in the dispute. The House is holding onto the legislation with less than a month left in the legislative session. Advocate, May 25, 2010.
On Thursday it’s still behind schedule: (Senate President Joel) Chaisson complained about the delay in receiving the budget, which is usually in the Senate by Memorial Day.
On Friday, it’s even further behind schedule: Last year, the House passed the budget bill with 40 calendar days to spare for the Senate to meet its deadline for passing the bill. This session, the Senate will have only 15 days to pass the bill once the House delivers it. Times Picayune, May 28, 2010.
On Sunday, it’s ahead of schedule: The House broke Thursday afternoon and won’t return until Wednesday. House Speaker Jim Tucker, R-Terrytown, said the House is ahead of schedule and doesn’t need to meet Tuesday. Sunday Advocate, May 30, 2010.
(Note: As of this writing, the budget bill is not scheduled to be heard by the House until Friday, June 4.)
Today, when the House returns from its latest 5-day paid holiday, we may learn that the House is so far ahead of schedule that it is already working on the budget for the 2011-12 Fiscal Year.
Pay attention at the end of the session when we will hear the leges say that, despite their hard work, they don’t have enough time to get everything done.
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