On Tuesday, April 6th just before noon the Senate Budget bill as substituted was brought to the Senate chamber for discussion and three hours later the Senate passed the budget bill unanimously. The bill will now move over to the House for further deliberation.
The following summary of CSSB 1 was provided as the bill was laid out:
- The Committee Substitute includes $250.7 billion in All Funds and $117.9 billion in GR; increase in 2.6% in GR
- Fully funds HB 3 and commitments and teacher retirement commitments; $3.1 billion to cover enrollment growth
- $452.8 million to address contribution rates to retired teachers
- Will hold healthcare premiums to the current level
- $8.1 billion, increase in $57 million, to maintain financial aid
- Education is largest in the budget followed by Health and Human Services
- Increases funding $8 million for children’s advocacy, $50 million to address Medicaid waiver programs, $352.6 million for women’s programs
- $8.1 billion for mental health; $329.2 million over current levels to address mental health concerns especially arising from the pandemic
- Increase of $19.5 million for early intervention for substance abuse/suicide
- Treatment programs
- Supports $57.6 million to fight human trafficking; $34.4 million for rape crisis center, an increase in $4.7 million; including $7.5 million for family violence centers
- Maintains security efforts at the border; correctional officer salary increases, and $45 million to increase security at the Capitol
- 100% of the Sporting Goods Tax will go towards state parks and historical sites