Among the more noteworthy items in the Senate version of the state budget (House Bill 33) are some troubling utility-related provisions. The OMA is opposed to the provisons since they would erode important customer protections, while forcing ratepayers to fund “economic development” or “infrastructure” projects, whether or not the projects were ever used. As the full Senate prepares to vote on the budget, OMA staff will continue to educate senators and advocate for the removal of these provisions. 6/8/2023