Governor Bob Holden keeps hoping Republican leaders in the Legislature will come around to his way of thinking on raising some revenue to fill budget gaps – but the clock and majority party attitudes seem to be against him. Republicans wouldn’t buy it in the regular legislative session, and they’re offering little encouragement to the Governor in the special session that they would support any changes in business or gambling taxes. But Holden keeps asking, “can we talk?” He says he’s open to talks with majority Republican leaders, although it is appearing more likely lawmakers will send him four appropriations bills with no revenue increases before the end of the week. But, Holden maintains it is not to late to get some kind of tax increases accepted by Republicans. The new fiscal year starts in two weeks – with or without financing for four big state departments … with or without any sudden outbreak of fiscal good will between the Governor and majority party leaders in the legislature.
