Speaker O’Brien’s $2 Million Fit of Pique

Earlier this month, the state Senate recessed after passing SB 198. The bill would fix a technical error in the state budget that has already cost the state $2 million since July 1.

House Speaker Bill O’Brien is insisting the bill be amended to block extension of the marital master system, which handles most divorce cases. His amendment would require the bill to go back to the Senate for a vote and would likely delay its adoption until after the first of the year.

O’Brien’s determination on the marital masters issues is likely to cost another $2 million.

Bragdon said this [is] an expensive way to make a point.

“The governor has said he will sign this as soon as it gets to him. If that takes three months, that’s another $2 million,” he said.

O’Brien has not responded directly, saying only through a spokesperson that he is sticking with his marital masters amendment.