Fourth Special Session Wraps Up; Fifth in the Wings
Governor Brewer called the Legislature into its Fourth Special Session on November 17 to deal with a portion of the current $2 billion shortfall in the state budget. After a few hiccups, the Legislature concluded its special session business and adjourned Sine Die on November 23. During the brief session, four bills were debated, adopted and transmitted to the Governor for her approval. Governor Brewer signed the bills on November 23.
The four bills are:
SB1001 general appropriations; 2009-2010
SB1002 K-12; budget reconciliation
SB1003 general revenues; 2009-2010
SB1004 anti-deficiency statutes; property; amendments
Among other things, the bills impose $300 million in permanent budget cuts in K-12 education and the Arizona Department of Economic Security, leaving about the State still about $1.7 billion short this year, but reducing the estimated FY 2011 shortfall to about $3 billion. The Joint Legislative Budget Committee summarized the Impacts of the 4th Special Session in this linked document. Click here for a summary of the final provisions of the Budget Reconciliation Bills.
With a significant shortfall remaining this fiscal year, many observers are talking about another special session before the end of the calendar year.
Best wishes for a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday with friends and family.
Remember to SHOP PHOENIX and tell your legislators to protect city revenues!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
A Special Session is "Brewing"
4th Special Session In the Wind
The Governor and legislative leaders are talking about a special session that is likely to be called during the week of November 16 to partially address an estimated $2 billion budget shortfall this fiscal year. Legislative leaders are briefing members about a preliminary plan that would yield about $540 million of FY 2010 reductions. K-12 and the Department of Economic Services(DES) would bear the brunt of the cuts -- about $140 million each, an amount that reduces spending to 2006 levels, the minimum required to remain eligible for federal stimulus funds already accepted. The remainder of the FY 2010 shortfall would be left until after the turn of the year.
Phoenix Budget Condition
This week Phoenix city departments received instructions for 2010-11 budget preparation. As the state experiences revenues below last year's levels, so is the city of Phoenix. To be prepared for a worst case scenario, departments are being asked to identify 30 percent cuts to programs and personnel paid with general funds. Public Safety departments including Police, Fire, Municipal Court, Prosecutor and Public Defender are being asked to identify 15 percent cuts. The resulting reduction lists are a tool for city management to prepare recommendations to the Mayor and Council who will enact a budget following public hearings. The general timeline is:
Dec. 1 - Jan. 15
- Manager's Office reviews reduction lists
Feb. 2 -
Balanced budget proposed to City Council
Feb 10 - 24 -
Community hearings
March 2 -
Final Recommended Budget presented to City Council
April 5 -
Reductions effective
What can you do?
Attend your community hearing to tell your City Council member and city management what programs and services are most important to you.
Take advantage of one of the "Understanding Your State Legislature" workshops scheduled Nov. 17 or Nov. 19. Register online now or call 602-262-1833 to reserve space for one of these free events. Seating is limited.
Contact your State Senator and State Representatives to ask them to protect Shared Revenues for cities and towns. Click on "Link to the P.L.A.N." below to go to your "My PLAN" page to find your legislators' contact information.
Remember to SHOP PHOENIX and tell your legislators to protect city revenues!
Source: P.L.A.N.
The Governor and legislative leaders are talking about a special session that is likely to be called during the week of November 16 to partially address an estimated $2 billion budget shortfall this fiscal year. Legislative leaders are briefing members about a preliminary plan that would yield about $540 million of FY 2010 reductions. K-12 and the Department of Economic Services(DES) would bear the brunt of the cuts -- about $140 million each, an amount that reduces spending to 2006 levels, the minimum required to remain eligible for federal stimulus funds already accepted. The remainder of the FY 2010 shortfall would be left until after the turn of the year.
Phoenix Budget Condition
This week Phoenix city departments received instructions for 2010-11 budget preparation. As the state experiences revenues below last year's levels, so is the city of Phoenix. To be prepared for a worst case scenario, departments are being asked to identify 30 percent cuts to programs and personnel paid with general funds. Public Safety departments including Police, Fire, Municipal Court, Prosecutor and Public Defender are being asked to identify 15 percent cuts. The resulting reduction lists are a tool for city management to prepare recommendations to the Mayor and Council who will enact a budget following public hearings. The general timeline is:
Dec. 1 - Jan. 15
- Manager's Office reviews reduction lists
Feb. 2 -
Balanced budget proposed to City Council
Feb 10 - 24 -
Community hearings
March 2 -
Final Recommended Budget presented to City Council
April 5 -
Reductions effective
What can you do?
Attend your community hearing to tell your City Council member and city management what programs and services are most important to you.
Take advantage of one of the "Understanding Your State Legislature" workshops scheduled Nov. 17 or Nov. 19. Register online now or call 602-262-1833 to reserve space for one of these free events. Seating is limited.
Contact your State Senator and State Representatives to ask them to protect Shared Revenues for cities and towns. Click on "Link to the P.L.A.N." below to go to your "My PLAN" page to find your legislators' contact information.
Remember to SHOP PHOENIX and tell your legislators to protect city revenues!
Source: P.L.A.N.
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