Bill Text: CT HB06826 | 2015 | General Assembly | Introduced

---

Bill Title: An Act Revising The Requirements For The Governor's Budget Recommendations.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 4-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2015-03-11 - Public Hearing 03/27 [HB06826 Detail]

Download: Connecticut-2015-HB06826-Introduced.html

---

General Assembly		Governor's Bill No. 6826
January Session, 2015		LCO No. 3923
		*03923__________*
Referred to Committee on APPROPRIATIONS
Introduced by:
REP. SHARKEY, 88th Dist. REP. ARESIMOWICZ, 30th Dist. SEN. LOONEY, 11th Dist. SEN. DUFF, 25th Dist.

AN ACT REVISING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE GOVERNOR'S BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened:

Section 1. Section 4-72 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2015):

The budget document shall consist of the Governor's budget message in which he or she shall set forth as follows: (1) The Governor's program for meeting all the expenditure needs of the government for each fiscal year of the biennium to which the budget relates, indicating the classes of funds, general or special, from which such appropriations are to be made and the means through which such expenditure shall be financed; and (2) financial statements giving in summary form: (A) The financial position of all major state operating funds including revolving funds at the end of the last-completed fiscal year in a form consistent with accepted accounting practice. The Governor shall also set forth in similar form the estimated position of each such fund at the end of the year in progress and the estimated position of each such fund at the end of each fiscal year of the biennium to which the budget relates if the Governor's proposals are put into effect; (B) a statement showing as of the close of the last-completed fiscal year, a year by year summary of all outstanding general obligation and special tax obligation debt of the state and a statement showing the yearly interest requirements on such outstanding debt; (C) a summary of appropriations recommended for each fiscal year of the biennium to which the budget relates for each budgeted agency and for the state as a whole in comparison with actual expenditures of the last-completed fiscal year and appropriations and estimated expenditures for the year in progress; (D) for the biennium commencing July 1, 1999, and each biennium thereafter, a summary of estimated expenditures for certain fringe benefits for each fiscal year of the biennium to which the budget relates for each budgeted agency; [(E) a summary of permanent full-time positions setting forth the number filled and the number vacant as of the end of the last-completed fiscal year, the total number intended to be funded by appropriations without reduction for turnover for the fiscal year in progress, the total number requested and the total number recommended for each fiscal year of the biennium to which the budget relates; (F)] (E) a statement of expenditures for the last-completed and current fiscal years, the agency request and the Governor's recommendation for each fiscal year of the ensuing biennium and, for any new or expanded program, estimated expenditure requirements for the fiscal year next succeeding the biennium to which the budget relates; [(G)] (F) an explanation of any significant program changes requested by the agency or recommended by the Governor; [(H)] (G) a summary of the revenue estimated to be received by the state during each fiscal year of the biennium to which the budget relates classified according to sources in comparison with the actual revenue received by the state during the last-completed fiscal year and estimated revenue during the year in progress; and [(I)] (H) such other financial statements, data and comments as in the Governor's opinion are necessary or desirable in order to make known in all practicable detail the financial condition and operations of the government and the effect that the budget as proposed by the Governor will have on such condition and operations. If the estimated revenue of the state for the ensuing biennium as set forth in the budget on the basis of existing statutes is less than the sum of net appropriations recommended for the ensuing biennium as contained in the budget, plus, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014, and each fiscal year thereafter, the projected amount necessary to extinguish any unreserved negative balance in such fund as reported in the most recently audited comprehensive annual financial report issued by the Comptroller prior to the start of the biennium, the Governor shall make recommendations to the General Assembly in respect to the manner in which such deficit shall be met, whether by an increase in the indebtedness of the state, by the imposition of new taxes, by increased rates on existing taxes or otherwise. If the aggregate of such estimated revenue is greater than the sum of such recommended appropriations for the ensuing biennium plus, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014, and each fiscal year thereafter, the projected amount necessary to extinguish any unreserved negative balance in such fund as reported in the most recently audited comprehensive annual financial report issued by the Comptroller prior to the start of the biennium, the Governor shall make such recommendations for the use of such surplus for the reduction of indebtedness, for the reduction in taxation or for other purposes as in the Governor's opinion are in the best interest of the public welfare.

Sec. 2. Section 4-73 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2015):

(a) The budget document shall present in detail for each fiscal year of the ensuing biennium the Governor's recommendation for appropriations to meet the expenditure needs of the state from the General Fund and from all special and agency funds classified by budgeted agencies and showing for each budgeted agency and its subdivisions [: (1) A] a narrative summary describing the agency, the Governor's recommendations for appropriations for the agency, and a list of agency programs, the actual expenditure for the last-completed fiscal year, the estimated expenditure for the current fiscal year, the amount requested by the agency and the Governor's recommendations for appropriations for each fiscal year of the ensuing biennium. [; (2) a summary of permanent full-time positions by fund, setting forth the number filled and the number vacant as of the end of the last-completed fiscal year, the total number intended to be funded by appropriations without reduction for turnover for the fiscal year in progress, the total number requested and the total number recommended for each fiscal year of the biennium to which the budget relates.

(b) In addition, programs shall be supported by: (1) The statutory authorization for the program; (2) a statement of program objectives; (3) a description of the program, including a statement of need, eligibility requirements and any intergovernmental participation in the program; (4) a statement of performance measures by which the accomplishments toward the program objectives can be assessed, which shall include, but not be limited to, an analysis of the workload, quality or level of service and effectiveness of the program; (5) program budget data broken down by major object of expenditure, showing additional federal and private funds; (6) a summary of permanent full-time positions by fund, setting forth the number filled and the number vacant as of the end of the last-completed fiscal year, the total number intended to be funded by appropriations without reduction for turnover for the fiscal year in progress, the total number requested and the total number recommended for each fiscal year of the biennium to which the budget relates; (7) a statement of expenditures for the last-completed and current fiscal years, the agency request and the Governor's recommendation for each fiscal year of the ensuing biennium and, for any new or expanded program, estimated expenditure requirements for the fiscal year next succeeding the biennium to which the budget relates; and (8) an explanation of any significant program changes requested by the agency or recommended by the Governor.]

[(c)] (b) [There shall be a supporting schedule of total agency expenditures including a line-item, minor object breakdown of] The budget document shall include supporting information on personal services, [energy costs,] contractual services and commodities and a total of state aid grants and equipment, showing the actual expenditures for the last-completed fiscal year, estimated expenditures for the current fiscal year and requested and recommended appropriations for each fiscal year of the ensuing biennium. [, classified by objects according to a standard plan of classification.]

[(d)] (c) All federal funds expended or anticipated for any purpose shall be accounted for in the budget. The document shall set forth a listing of federal programs, showing the actual expenditures for the last-completed fiscal year, estimated expenditures for the current fiscal year and anticipated funds available for expenditure for each fiscal year of the ensuing biennium. Such federal funds shall be classified by each budgeted agency but shall not include research grants made to educational institutions.

[(e)] (d) The budget document shall also set forth the budget recommendations for the capital program, to be supported by statements listing the agency's requests and the Governor's recommendations with the statements required by section 4-78.

[(f) The appropriations recommended for the legislative branch of the state government shall be the estimates of expenditure requirements transmitted to the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management by the Joint Committee on Legislative Management pursuant to section 4-77 and the recommended adjustments and revisions of such estimates shall be the recommended adjustments and revisions, if any, transmitted by said committee pursuant to said section 4-77.

(g) (1) The appropriations recommended for the Judicial Department shall be the estimates of expenditure requirements transmitted to the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management by the Chief Court Administrator pursuant to section 4-77 plus the estimates of expenditure requirements for the biennium transmitted by said administrator pursuant to section 51-47c, and the recommended adjustments and revisions of such estimates shall be the recommended adjustments and revisions, if any, transmitted by said administrator pursuant to section 4-77.

(2) The appropriations recommended for the Division of Public Defender Services shall be the estimates of expenditure requirements transmitted to the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management by the Chief Public Defender pursuant to section 4-77 and the recommended adjustments and revisions of such estimates shall be the recommended adjustments and revisions, if any, transmitted by said administrator pursuant to section 4-77.]

Sec. 3. Section 2-36b of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2015):

(a) No later than November thirtieth each year, the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies and finance, revenue and bonding shall meet with the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, the director of the legislative Office of Fiscal Analysis, and such other persons as they deem appropriate, to consider the items submitted pursuant to subsection (b) of this section.

(b) On or before November fifteenth, annually, the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management and the director of the legislative Office of Fiscal Analysis shall each submit the following to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies and finance, revenue and bonding: (1) A consensus estimate of state revenues developed in accordance with subsection (a) of section 2-36c, an estimate of expenditures and ending balance for each fund, for the current biennium and the next ensuing three fiscal years, and the assumptions on which such estimates are based; (2) the projected tax credits to be used in the current biennium and the next ensuing three fiscal years, and the assumptions on which such projections are based; (3) a summary of any estimated deficiencies in the current fiscal year, the reasons for such deficiencies, and the assumptions upon which such estimates are based; (4) the projected balance in the Budget Reserve Fund at the end of each uncompleted fiscal year of the current biennium and the next ensuing three fiscal years; (5) the projected bond authorizations, allocations and issuances in each of the next ensuing five fiscal years and their impact on the debt service of the major funds of the state; (6) an analysis of revenue and expenditure trends and of the major cost drivers affecting state spending, including identification of any areas of concern and efforts undertaken to address such areas, including, but not limited to, efforts to obtain federal funds; and (7) an analysis of possible uses of surplus funds, including, but not limited to, the Budget Reserve Fund, debt retirement and funding of pension liabilities.

[(c) On or before November 15, 2010, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management shall submit to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies and finance, revenue and bonding for the biennium commencing July 1, 2011, and each biennium thereafter, a summary in electronic database format of all nonappropriated moneys held by each budgeted agency, which shall be an accounting of moneys received or held by the agency that are authorized or received by any manner other than as an appropriation, at the end of the last-completed fiscal year in a form consistent with accepted accounting practice.]

Sec. 4. Section 4-77 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2015):

(a) The administrative head of each budgeted agency shall transmit, on or before September first of each even-numbered year, to the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, on blanks to be furnished by him not later than the preceding August first, and to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies, through the Office of Fiscal Analysis, and the standing committee having cognizance of matters relating to such budgeted agency, estimates of expenditure requirements for each fiscal year of the next biennium. On or before September first of each odd-numbered year, said agency head shall transmit recommended adjustments and revisions, if any, of such estimates. The secretary shall set guidelines for standard economic and planning factors and for unit costs, based on source of supply, for fuel oil, electricity, gas and water usage by state agencies, which shall be used by all agencies in the preparation of their estimates of expenditure requirements. The expenditure requirements shall be classified to show expenditures estimated for each major function and activity, project or program of the budgeted agency and its subdivisions, grants or aids to governmental units and capital outlay, and shall include details setting forth the estimated expenditures classified by objects according to a standard plan of classification, with citations of the statutes, if any, relating thereto. Each expenditure requirement for any purpose other than capital outlay involving an increase in or addition to any appropriation of the current fiscal year shall be accompanied by an explanation of the increase or addition. Each expenditure requirement involving a capital outlay shall be accompanied by such supporting schedules of data and explanations as may be required by the secretary.

(b) The administrative head of each budgeted agency shall transmit, on or before September first of each year, to the secretary, in the form required by him, and, on or before November fifteenth of each year, to the joint committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to state finance, revenue and bonding, through the Office of Fiscal Analysis, a statement showing in detail the revenue and estimated revenue of the agency for the current fiscal year, an estimate of the revenue from the same or any additional sources for the next fiscal year and, in the even-numbered year, for the next biennium. Said agency head shall include in such statement recommendations as to any changes in the management, practices, regulations or laws governing his budgeted agency affecting the amount of revenue from operations, fees, taxes or other sources or the collection thereof, and any other information required by the secretary.

(c) The administrative head of each budgeted agency shall transmit, to the Office of Fiscal Analysis, copies of the agency's monthly [(1)] financial status report. [, (2) personnel status report, and (3) nonappropriated moneys status report which shall be an accounting of moneys received or held by the agency that are authorized or received by any manner other than as an appropriation. Such accounting of nonappropriated moneys shall include, at a minimum, an assessment of the status of any agency fund or account of such agency receiving or holding such moneys. Such assessments of such funds and accounts shall, at a minimum, account for all expenditures, encumbrances, liabilities, reimbursements and revenues.]

(d) If any budgeted agency fails to submit estimates required pursuant to this section within the time specified, the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management shall cause such estimates to be prepared for the budgeted agency.

This act shall take effect as follows and shall amend the following sections:
Section 1	July 1, 2015	4-72
Sec. 2	July 1, 2015	4-73
Sec. 3	July 1, 2015	2-36b
Sec. 4	July 1, 2015	4-77

Statement of Purpose:

To implement the Governor's budget recommendations.

[Proposed deletions are enclosed in brackets. Proposed additions are indicated by underline, except that when the entire text of a bill or resolution or a section of a bill or resolution is new, it is not underlined.]