when this is what it gets you? Beyond the bizarre title, "Contingent Voidness," this provision that Republicans are littering other bills with might just completely ruin this legislature's opportunity to do much good at all. Essentially, they void bills passed if the budget conundrum bills aren't passed as well.
Such amendments are the legislative equivalent of "If you don't play by my rules, I'm going to take my ball and go home."
It was not popular or effective behavior among 9-year-olds when we first encountered it, and it doesn't get any better with age.
I don't want to sound the crazy person alarm completely here. Why? Because it makes some sense to consider things that are related to the budget together. It makes so much sense that the budget has been part of one bill for years. This is the dreadfully clear process that the Republicans in the House were too cool for. Now, these "poison pills" reflect the all-too-familiar "I want my cake, and I'll eat it too" syndrome.
Axe these provisions so that this legislative session can die with some dignity.
