Special Language convening now

The Special Language Subcommittee of Joint Budget is convening now to discuss, among other things, a proposal by Rep. David Cook and me to help attach some funding for retired teachers' health insurance in an appropriation bill. Love this committee -- seems pretty innocuous on the calendar, but it meets at 7:30 a.m. and tinkers with minute details of operative language contained in legislation. Back in the day, this was one of the most coveted spots in the General Assembly (and still is).

Next this morning, Personnel is taking up the governor's letter in reference to a $50,000 increase in pay request for ADHE Director Jim Purcell. Purcell's salary is currently $136,615. Rep. Roy Ragland stated that he didn't think he could go back to his teachers after the legislature failed to give them any help on health insurance but having to tell them instead he gave the ADHE Director a $50,000 raise. Sen. Shane Broadway stated that in the big picture, we may be back in the process looking for a new director if we don't compensate Purcell at market conditions. A motion was made to acquiesce in the governor's request, and it failed on a voice vote.