Lawmakers will stay in Juneau today with additional floor sessions scheduled, despite yesterday marking the 90th day of this legislative session.
The State is yet to pass a spending package, delayed in part by yesterday’s drawn-out joint session on confirmations.
Governor Walker said he’s still waiting to see how lawmakers tackle Medicaid, but he’s staying patient…
Gov. Walker: “A lot of the time this session’s been focused on the budget. That’s why we want to give them a little more time on Medicaid expansion and reform. They just had to have a lot of focus on the budget this year. That was just the elephant in the room this session. This was the year of the budget.”
Representatives will have to come to an agreement on education spending, where the Senate cut more deeply than the House or Governor.
Gov. Walker: “Obviously, we think the cuts on education went further than we were comfortable with.”
Senate President Kevin Meyer said they are willing to negotiate.
Democrats are also insisting on three main priorities: Medicaid expansion, funding for public broadcasting, and honoring pay raises negotiated with labor unions.