The news yesterday about the prospects for ending this now-overdue legislative session was almost too depressing to post – there was none. House Speaker Lawerence Denney said at noon that he hadn’t spoken with the governor since the previous Wednesday. This morning’s JFAC meeting was canceled, and Senate Finance Chair Dean Cameron told the Senate yesterday the joint budget committee was “aiming for next week,” at which Senate Majority Leader Bart Davis objected, saying it would surely be sooner than that. Today, things are looking a little brighter – even though yesterday’s partly cloudy skies have given way to snow, sleet, rain and wind. Under the capitol dome, the forecast is improving.

Cameron said this morning that the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee will meet tomorrow morning, and will vote on GARVEE bonding, interoperability, and a trailer bill on funding for a nursing task force. “We’re closer,” Cameron said. “We have a clear understanding of what our options are.”

Davis said, “We’re probably done this week. Some real progress was made yesterday with the other body and the gentleman on the second floor – we’re optimistic.”

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