Number crunching time for state legislators as fiscal session nears

Number crunching time for state legislators as fiscal session nears

Weeks before every session begins, the Joint Budget Committee meets to review the expected revenue and requests from state agencies.

That process took place this week at the Capitol. The information presented to us is crucial in our decision making process approaching every session.

The 2016 Fiscal Session will begin on April 13.

Members can begin filing appropriation bills on March 14. It takes a 3/4 majority vote to extend a session beyond 30 days. The extension can be for no more than 15 days. If we don’t begin drafting appropriation bills before the session begins, there would be little chance of us finishing our work on time.

The budget hearings began with a presentation from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. The Department provided us with a forecast of what they expect for revenue in the next year and how the Governor wants to disburse the funds.

Net available revenue for the next fiscal year (FY2017) are expected to reach $5.3 billion. That is a 2 percent, or $106 million, increase from the current fiscal year. When our state budget improves it is a good indicator that the finances of Arkansans are improving as well.

Proposed increases in funding include a $23.7 million increase for education and a $9.5 million increase for educational facilities.

The Governor is also proposing a $20.4 million increase to Children and Family Services to help the rising number of children foster care.

Other increases proposed include additional funds to higher education and the Department of Correction.

The proposal includes a decrease in funding for county jail reimbursements by $11.4 million. The number of inmates being held in county facilities waiting to be transferred to a state prison has declined significantly this year.

The Governor’s proposal is a recommendation.

Ultimately it will be up to a vote of the legislature to decide how state funds are spent. Just as your household budget reflects your priorities, the state budget should reflect what is important to all of us.

We will continue to update you on our budget process throughout the Fiscal Session. And don’t forget, we will live-stream daily when members convene in the House chamber. To watch visit www.arkansashouse.org.

From State Representative Milton Nicks