As noted earlier today, a new iteration of a plan to spend federal stimulus money was heard before the House Rules Committee. The move is unusual, as bills allocating money typically go before the House Budget Committee.
It was abnormality that was more than just notice by House Democrats that make up the committee.
Before the committee heard House Budget Chairman Allen Icet's bill, Rep. Mike Talboy, D-Kansas City, raised a point of order. Talboy said that House rules prohibited budget bills from being sent to anything other than the House Budget Committee. House Rules Committee Chairman Michael Parson, R-Bolivar, ruled against the point order, citing another rule allowing the Speaker to send any legislation warranting "special consideration" to his committee.
After Parson made the ruling, every Democrat on the committee walked out. Later on during executive session, House Majority Leader Steve Tilley, R-Perryville, successfully pushed an amendment cutting out a $31.2 million allotment to fund the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center. The funds were then spread out for repairs at several universities and community colleges.
Before the meeting ended, Parson commented on the Democratic walkout:
I also have video of House Minority Leader Paul LeVota discussing the rationale behind the walkout:
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