Glass Half Full
The Senate's two top budget writers sparred good-naturedly today over the $147.6 billion, two-year budget bill that was introduced by legislative leaders last week.
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Steve Ogden, R-Bryan, said the "base bill" is only a starting point but is a pretty fair effort. Referring to Finance Committee Vice Chairwoman Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, he said it's "what Senator Zaffirini referred to the other day in a press conference as probably the best base bill that we've ever had."
Just minutes earlier, Sen. Zaffirini had complained the bill doesn't fund the next step in a promise made last session to eliminate over 20 years the big waiting lists Texas has for in-home care of the mentally retarded and disabled.
The Democrat confirmed she had praised the bill. She then elaborated on what she meant: "We're starting the fight at a higher level."