The House is in recess because of some delays in the Senate and lack of action yet by Joint Budget Committee on the governor’s proposal to transfer $105 million in cigarette lawsuit money into a state reserve fund to improve the state’s bond rating. The law change would end the current exclusive call for that money for health programs.

Joint Budget is to resume its meeting after the Senate recesses. Legislation is otherwise speeding along on Medicaid and other small issues.

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UPDATE: The bill, with the amendment outlined this morning by Sen. Jim Hendren to require two-thirds approval of Joint Budget or the Arkansas Legislative Council for transfers, finally came out of committee this afternoon and was approved by the Senate, 27-7. It goes to the House tomorrow.

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