Budget Bills 363 & 364 are now located on my website: http://www.bobsoffice.org.

I voted for Bill 363. I voted against Bill 364.

About a year ago on my website, I stated this :

"If we want to just keep stumbling along just doing the bare minimum then we're not going to be able to provide an adequate public education for our students.

"We need to provide an adequate public education system for our students even if we have to stop doing other government functions. I've stated this before; I'll continue to press this point on the session floor. The Legislature must start with the top priorities first (education, health, and safety) and then work its way down the list. When the money is gone, we go home."

Bill 363 goes a long way toward acknowledging the importance of public education, public health and public safety as government priorities. Because the top priorities were funded, I voted for Bill 363, even though there are parts of the bill I don't like. Bill 364, on the other hand, funds some items that are at the bottom (or below it!) of the list.

Please give me a call or e-mail me to discuss any issues on your mind. As always, I'm interested in your thoughts and ideas.

Thank you.
Bob