Wednesday Wrap: Groundhog Day

The new budget year started July 1, but negotiations have been stalled on reaching a final spending plan, so the House and the Senate approved a continuing resolution to extend spending until Aug. 31. An initial deadline had been set for this Friday.

Some senators expressed frustration that school districts will be starting classes in the next two weeks, and the budget uncertainty is forcing some to lay off teaching assistants and make other cuts in anticipation of receiving less state funding.

Meanwhile, the Senate gave final approval to a proposed constitutional amendment to rein in state spending and cap income tax rates at 5 percent.