AFTER A COUPLE of years of gridlock, Democrats once more are in control in the State House of Representatives. As a result, Democrats are now in control in the Governor’s mansion, the State Senate as well as the State House.

And Council 2 is hoping that will lead to financial assistance for the strapped transportation budgets of local governments. Such help would, in turn, assist city and county employees.

"We delivered for them, now it’s their turn to deliver for us," says Pat Thompson, Council 2’s Director of Legislation/Political Action.

Brian Sullivan

The gridlock, created by the tie in the State House, was broken in the November elections, giving the Democrats a 51-49 majority.

The key was the victory of Brian Sullivan (D, 12th District), who
easily defeated the Republican appointee Joe Marine.

"Probably the biggest legislative issue we are going to be dealing with is this session’s transportation budget," Thompson says.

"It is important that local government receives its fair share of any tax increase. We are trying to back-fill the losses created by I-747.

"The back-fill from 695 already has evaporated. The Legislature needs to decide this and not simply defere it to a referendum. After all, they are there to govern.

"At least if we can get hold of transportation, local governments will not have to siphon away money from other programs for their road projects.

"Since so much has been left undone by previous legislatures, we still plan on moving ahead with pension governance, increasing local government bid limits, and access for retiree health care.

"Although Democrats hold the majorities, it still makes our budget process difficult."

Council 2 is hoping, too, that the action will be swift.

After all, the short session will last only 60 days.