Budget time in Little Rock

Budget time in Little Rock

This week, the Joint Budget Committee set aside days for legislators to present proposed changes to appropriations before a final budget is drafted. If adopted, these amendments will be before the full House next week.

Meanwhile, the House continues to pass dozens of appropriations for various agencies as we wind down this fiscal session.

An appropriation gives the agency the authority to spend the money when it becomes available.

It is effective for a one year period beginning in July.

The appropriation specifies which agency receives the money, where the money will come from, and what the money will be used for.

Other bills before us include supplemental appropriations which usually add money to an authority from an accumulated surplus. And we also vote on re-appropriations which allow an agency to spend a balance left over from the previous year.

What is important to remember as we continue this budget process is that just because an agency is given a certain amount for an appropriation does not mean that amount is funded. The funding amount is determined by the Revenue Stabilization Act (RSA) which will be before us next week.

We expect to see increases in education and funding for Children and Family Services to provide for the increasing number of foster care families in our state.

We also know we will be passing another budget without any tax increases or cuts to essential services.

Unlike previous years, adjourning from the Fiscal Session does not give us an extended break. We know very soon we will be asked to reconvene and direct our attention to highway funding.

Already, many of us are studying various proposals and what needs are in our districts.

The Governor’s Working Group on Highway Funding Report states that $110 million is needed in the next three years to address the Highway and Transportation Department’s most critical needs.

We will continue to update you on this issue as it develops.

Remember you can watch all House proceedings on our website at www.arkansashouse.org.

From State Representative Milton Nicks