Senators OK budget bills, slate of noms to head gov’t agencies

ST. CROIX — The 35th Legislature locked in appropriations for the government’s 2025 budget during a regular session on Friday after confirming nominees to key government positions as well as approving a series of zoning matters.

Most of the budget bills — approved by the Senate Finance and Rules and Judiciary committees on Wednesday and Thursday — arrived at the full body under closed rule and were ineligible for amendments. All were approved, but lawmakers continued to express their unease or outright opposition to a bill loosening restrictions on a $100 million line of credit the Legislature authorized last year.

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr.’s financial team appeared before the Senate Finance Committee on Sept. 3 to advocate for expanding a $100 million line of credit the Legislature authorized last year — or to authorize a new one — to help the government meet obligations like vendor payments, tax refunds and other outstanding costs.