March 3 Legislative Update by Jon Eames
The Ways and Means Capital Construction Subcommittee just met to discuss the final budget bills, including those associated with funds for University capital expenditures. Both the Arts and Education Complex and the Student Success Center were fully funded with a combination of bonding and general fund dollars. While funding for the second phase of renovations for Cordley Hall was not included in the final budget bill, OSU will resubmit Cordley Hall Phase II for consideration in the 2021 session. Even though the budget does not include all three projects, we are grateful for the funding for the other two OSU/Beaver Caucus funding priorities. The bills now move to the full Ways and Means Committee which meets at 4 pm today.
Of course, House and Senate Republicans continue to be out of the building, preventing any final votes of all bills on the Senate and House floors. It is still unclear whether Republicans will remain out of the building or return sometime prior to the March 8th conclusion of this year’s legislative session. If a quorum is not reached prior to March 8th, all legislation, including budgets, will be dead.
More to come as we learn more about the final few days.
Thank you to the Beaver Caucus for all your work in this area. Follow us for more updates.
