Legislative committees are laboring to meet a deadline for voting on their bills.
Most of the key legislation for this year had to emerge from committees by the end of business today to be considered for enactment into law this year.
Most top issues already have moved.
Energy efficiency initiatives that are part of the Legislature’s focus on global climate change already have passed.
And bills dealing with agriculture, telecommunications, and death with dignity advanced from their committees.
Legislative leaders have given an extension to bills dealing with health care spending and making housing more affordable.
Among the most watched issues is education spending and financing.