So yesterday afternoon, the Republican majorities in the state House and Senate released identical budget proposals (you can read about it here).

 And even the Guv is fuming.  Even with hundreds of millions in surplus, the Republicans call for a $28 million cut in K-12 spending.  The Guv is not too happy about that, along with some other areas where she wanted funding and the Leg said, “Nope.”

  We should be fuming, too, just like the Guv is.

 And for another reason, too:  The Smoke-Filled Room Transparency of the Republicans.

 How so?

 As the Republic notes in the article linked above, by releasing the same budget, the House and Senate have fast-tracked the process.

 Which means sometime today – less than 18 hours after its release – the public may have its one and only shot at having its voice heard (but not listened to) in committee hearings.

 One time.  Over the most important function of the state legislature.

 Don’t worry, though, say both the Guv’s spokesman and the Senate Appropriations Chair – they’ll hammer out any differences the two have.

 Behind closed doors.