Setting the stage for the 2015-17 budget debate

With seven minutes to spare, lawmakers adjourned at 11:53 p.m. on the last day of the 60 day 2014 Legislative Session, avoiding for the first time in several years going into a special session. Among the bills passed was a 2014 supplemental operating budget (SB 6002). Unlike previous years, when major re-writes of the budget were needed, SB 6002 was a true supplemental budget making minor changes to state spending. This was possible due to an improvement in the state’s revenue forecast and adherence to the state’s landmark four-year balanced budget requirement . . . READ MORE