Capital Crapshoot

ROUND TWO

Republican leadership promises to release a new budget proposal by week's end. The earlier GOP budget proposal, which slashed spending on social programs, is explained as just a performance art piece.


SMOKED OUT

Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard celebrates Illinois court victory by Philip Morris, which had threatened bankruptcy after being hit with appeal bond of $12 billion in lawsuit over light cigarettes. The bankruptcy would have threatened $38 million payment due to state, which now pays for healthcare with proceeds from teeth-staining, tumor-causing, smelly, pukey habit.


BORDER BUCKS

Gov. Janet Napolitano vows to get more federal money to fortify the border. Bush Administration reply: Sorry, but we're spending all that homeland security money in Florida.


CREDIT CARVED

On 31-27 vote, the House of Representatives kills a bill that would allow corporations up to a $100,000 tax credit for providing scholarships to low-income students at private schools. Opponents complained it would cost the cash-starved state up to $10 million a year.


TRADING PLACES

After adding language that mentions military bases, the House votes 36-18 to pass the Military Base Preservation Initiative, which asks voters to approve land swaps between state and federal government. Language is otherwise identical to a 2002 ballot prop rejected by voters. The resolution, which already passed the Senate, now heads to conference committee.


CASH FLOW

Joint Legislative Budget Committee preliminarily reports that state revenue collections in March were $43.5 million above revised estimates. Bad news: Feds are likely to deliver $23 million less than originally expected for the rest of the fiscal year.