51st District Representative Ron Highland says a lot of work is ahead in the upcoming legislative session — in large part because lawmakers couldn’t finish their business last year due to coronavirus.
Highland says the first item of leftover business is updating the state’s emergency powers. He says lawmakers and Governor Kelly have differing views on how to proceed, so the final package is not guaranteed. Lawmakers also will look over Governor Kelly’s proposal on Internet gaming, but Highland says casinos want total control — which would mean a small portion of the receipts would go back to the state.
Highland also says the redistricting battle is ahead.
Medicaid expansion will likely not get much traction, and the future of adjustments to the state’s abortion laws is unclear based on other issues like coronavirus response and Department of Labor performance taking priority. The budget will also be a major priority. Highland says the current-year budget looks to be in good shape, but lawmakers need to plan carefully for the 2022 version.
Highland is changing leadership roles at the committee level, going from Agriculture to Water. He says reorganization may be needed because of the amount of state agencies involved in water policy.
