State lawmakers will begin putting their touches on Gov. Jack Markell’s (D) proposed $4.1 billion budget Tuesday as they start a month’s worth of hearings.
The Joint Finance Committee will kick off its February schedule by getting a current financial update from state officials and hear from a handful of state agencies.
Most importantly, they’ll also get their first detailed look at Markell's proposed budget he presented last week. House Minority Leader Danny Short (R-Seaford) says it’s something that committee members need to deeply analyze.
“I think the budget here that’s been presented is going to be one that the [Joint Finance Committee] is going to have to scrutinize very finely," said Short. "This is a starting point. I respect what they put out, but we’ll now get the eraser and the pencil out and see what we can do with it.”
Controversially, Markell proposed overhauling the state’s health insurance program, locking new employees from current plans and cutting existing benefits. That may not stand with legislators, who overruled the governor last year on altering benefit plans to balance the budget.
All state agencies will present their budgetary wish lists to JFC throughout February, with final markup work beginning in May.