State Government

The biggest difference from the House budget is that the Senate bill does not include $1.28 billion for school funding. The Senate would provide that money in separate legislation.

The bill was changed so that it won’t affect the use of electronic cigarettes or marijuana. It also would allow municipalities to opt out of the workplace smoking ban.

School administrators, teachers and parents from across the state testified before the House Finance Committee Tuesday in support of increased school funding. Rep. Les Gara’s HB 339 would increase the base student allocation by $100 to $6,030.

A bill that would have the state issue bonds to pay oil and gas companies is on the move in the legislature.

Opposition to Linden’s appointment to the Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives was centered on Planned Parenthood’s role in providing abortions.

It’s not clear which bills lawmakers will pass in the remaining days, other than those related to the budget.