The state Appropriations Committee voted 9-2 yesterday to approve a $10.1 million savings plan as part of a $6.3 billion two-year budget.
Two Democrats were absent and two Republicans opposed the plan, which includes a projected $1.8 million in savings from implementing competitive bidding for therapeutic foster care, according to the Associated Press. Another $1.2 million will come from transferring more children in state custody to families, and $1 million will be derived from standardizing lottery commissions for agents, the AP reported.
The committee will put its recommendation before the full Legislature in January. Legislators will face a more daunting challenge next year: To make up for a new $95 million revenue shortfall.
