Senate OKs amendment to avoid shutdown

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The state Senate was caught up in the middle of a debate over state budget amendments Monday evening as lawmakers continued their special session. They face a June 30 deadline to reach agreement on a new budget or, possibly, force a government shutdown.

The Senate approved an amendment Monday to the so-called continuing resolution that would permit the governor to operate state government with or without a new budget.

Senate Republican leader David Long offered an amendment that would allow the resolution to be in effect for two-years. That means it would replace a new budget and keep spending levels where they are in the existing budget.

Senator Tim Lanane (D) of Anderson asked if the continuing resolution would stand as the next two-year budget.

Sen. Long responded, "Theoretically, but hopefully not. And I kind of believe and I think everybody else here believes we will get a budget."

A Democratic amendment to make the continuing resolution good for just one month failed.

Meantime, the debate continues over spending priorities. Republicans and Democrats differed over new cuts in public television funding.

Senator Luke Kenley (R) of Noblesville said, "We had to make decisions about where we would spend less money and that was a decision that we made. Unfortunately, that's what happens when you have less money."

Senator Sue Errington (D) of Muncie preferred the cuts be made elsewhere.

"This is something that, I think, is a program that merits continuation. It's not a big one and I think there are places where we could cut funding or have less funding that would allow us to continue with this," said Errington.

The state Senate will conduct a final vote on the budget Tuesday, setting up the final negotiation of the special session in a House/Senate conference committee.