House passes first budget bill

The House has voted 41-15 in favor, with 14 absent, of HB 268, the first budget bill they’ve taken up. It’s the budget for the legislative council. There was no debate. “I just think this is an appropriate way to go with this particular bill,” said JFAC Vice Chair Darrell Bolz, R-Caldwell, the bill’s floor sponsor. “I know there are some concerns about what we’re doing with the salary, but we do have some smaller agencies … that do have a problem with the flexibility, in being able to maintain the services.” Now they’re adjourning for the day, after wishing a happy 40th birthday to Rep. James Ruchti, D-Pocatello.