Rules committee begins putting House in order

The House Rules and Legislative Administration Committee approved a number of resolutions Thursday to begin the work of the 90th Legislative Session. Included was a $2,000 appropriation for each of the 25 House committees - and three subcommittees – to use as they start to meet.

“These [resolutions] are to get the House in order,” House Majority Leader Joyce Peppin (R-Rogers) said. “We do this every two years.”

The policies and resolutions that were approved were almost entirely the same as those in place during the previous biennium, including:

• the purchase of personalized stationary for each House member, including up to 5,000 letter-size letterheads and envelopes, 1,000 business cards, 500 informal note cares and matching envelopes;
• a policy that allows House employees to donate up to 40 hours of vacation time to another House employee unable to work due to illness or disability; and
• a program to recognize the public service of House employees and members.