As reported by Kevin Zwick of Capitolwire
House Democratic leadership is more involved in state budget negotiations this year than any time since Republicans won the majority in 2010, but it doesn't necessarily mean any of their key priorities will be included in the budget.
House Appropriations Committee Minority Chairman Joe Markosek, D-Allegheny, said Wednesday their involvement in the early stages of budget talks has been "an exponential pick-up" compared to the last three years, when Democrats often complained they were "shut out" from giving input toward crafting the state spending plan.
He said the interactions thus far during this budget season have been "informational," rather than Democrats having direct input.
"They've asked us questions, we asked them questions," Markosek said.
"We're satisfied that they're talking to us," he added.
The House Appropriations Committee voted Wednesday along party lines to move the general appropriations budget vehicle, House Bill 2328, to the House floor without substantive budget language. It's the latest the vehicle has moved out of committee in years, Markosek said.
House lawmakers have until 2 p.m. Monday, June 16, to file amendments to HB2328, according to House Democratic Caucus spokesman Bill Patton. The earliest the full House could vote on the bill is June 23, and it could be passed to the Senate as early as June 24, he said.
Markosek said the Democrats were shut out of the first two budgets, but were more involved last year, like when House Republican leadership met with their Democratic counterparts in seeking votes for a transportation funding proposal.
"I think there's been a change in attitudes," Markosek said, "I think they've seen the mistake of their previous ways."
So are the Republicans just buttering them up for when they need their votes on a revenue generating proposal?
"That remains to be seen. I can't speak to their motive. I think they're doing what they should have been doing anyway," Markosek said.
House Appropriations Committee Majority Chairman Bill Adolph, R-Delaware, said budget negotiators are still trying to reach "a global agreement" between the House, Senate and Gov. Tom Corbett.
"We've met several times with the House Democrats and I've met with the Senate Democrat Appropriations chairman, so those that have the responsibility to get this done are those that are meeting," Adolph said.