Now what?

Last night the House debated a revenue bill until the wee hours of this morning (see the replay here). The revenue package has changed a bit since first introduced but largely keeps the tax loophole and tax avoidance provisions along with lifting certain sales tax exemptions (such as elective cosmetic surgery and bottled water) and adds to the cigarette tax. The total package would generate $683 million for the 2009-2011 biennium. The House proposal does not include a sales tax increase.

With Sine Die scheduled for Thursday, the next few days will be a mad rush of negotiations as the House and Senate reconcile differences in their budget plans. You'll also see legislators on the floor running concurrence bills and tying up loose ends. Stay tuned.