Assemblyman Marc W. Butler (R,C,I-Newport) today unveiled a budget countdown clock and a new package of budget reforms designed to guarantee on-time state budgets this and every year.
“Local schools, law enforcement and economic development programs depend on funding from the state budget. When the budget is late, these essential parts of our government must struggle to provide important services without adequate funding,” said Butler. “My budget reform legislation would provide a clear plan for passing an on-time budget, and the countdown clock serves as a constant reminder of our most important goal – passing the budget by April 1.”
The clock, unveiled for the first time last March, is counting down the days until the April 1 budget deadline. The clock is displayed outside the Assembly Minority leader’s office, Room 340 in the Capitol building, until a budget is passed.
Butler and his Assembly minority colleagues also unveiled a common-sense budget reform package.
- State comptroller intervention with a binding revenue estimate if a consensus is not reached by March 10
- Budget conference committees convene by March 15
- Increase the Tax Stabilization Reserve Fund
- Provide a plain-language summary of the budget 48 hours prior to a vote
- If a new budget is not yet in place, enact the previous year’s budget no later than 72 hours after the start of a new fiscal year
- Prohibit consideration of non-budget bills after April until the budget is adopted
- Require two-year education funding
- Prohibit legislative recesses until a late budget is approved.