Nelson predicted that cuts to the Department of Human Services will lead to new lawsuits similar to the one that resulted in court-ordered changes to the state’s child welfare system.

Responding to Morrissette, Sears said the Republican leadership did not believe it could muster the three-fourths majorities in the House and Senate to roll back the tax cut.

“We had that discussion at great length,” Sears said.

He said expanded Medicaid was never considered much of an option.

“We’ve never been supportive of it in our caucus,” he said. “What we’re hearing from our constituents is that they don’t want to expand Medicaid.”

The budget agreement includes a $200 million highway bond issue that frees up the same amount of cash for use elsewhere.

Under questioning by Minority Leader Scott Inman, D-Del City, Sears readily admitted that he wanted a $300 million bond issue but was outflanked on the issue by Senate leadership.

Senate Bill 1616 passed 16-10, with Nelson and two other Republicans joining the seven Democrats present in opposition.