House budget debate day 2 recap

BOSTON (WWLP) - Day two of the annual House of Representatives budget debate lasted nine hours and added $31.7 million to the spending plan.

Representatives are working their way through 1,650 amendments to this $61.4 billion budget. At the end of day two, a total of nearly $50 million had been added to the bottom line, and 63.7% of the amendments were moved to the "done" pile.

The first mega-amendment of Tuesday morning consolidated 232 smaller amendments on the judiciary, housing, and public safety. It added well over $10 million in one 154-2 vote. Another mega-amendment cost $16.5 million and consolidated 156 amendments on mental and public health, which passed without debate. After dinner, representatives consolidated 188 amendments on constitutional officers, state administration and transportation with a $4.7 million price tag.

One notable amendment was proposed by Representative Nick Boldyga of Southwick, looking to require voters to show their IDs at the polls, but after Boldyga forced a roll call, it failed to pass with a 25-131 vote, consistent with party lines. The chairman of the Committee on Election Laws argued that this tactic is used to disenfranchise voters in other states, and the policy will be revisited at another time.

There was some talk of finishing up the budget on day two, but lawmakers were back to their debate on Wednesday morning to work on at least two consolidated amendments.

Wednesday's debate covered energy and the environment, and 22News will keep you informed on how the state plans to spend your taxpayer dollars.