The House passed its version of the FY 2010 budget on Thursday.  The budget bill, HB 119, now moves to the Senate.  The House version contains funds for school nurses.  The governor had cut out this program in his recommended budget, but due to a huge number of letters, phone calls and emails showing public support, the House restored funding.   

Representative Barbara Massey Reece, D-Menlo, worked with Chairman Chuck Martin who chairs the Public Safety sub committee in an effort to keep four regional crime labs open, including the Summerville Crime Lab.  His committee was able to identify and appropriate funds to continue to operate the labs from July 1 through March of 2010.  At that time, the legislature will be back in session and it is hoped that funds can be found to continue their operation.  Of course, the Senate and the Governor still have to approve these funds in the budget.