Commonly Asked Questions about theLegislative Process
How does the budget process work?
The Governor sends his proposed Biennial Budget to the Legislature, where it is referred to the Joint Committee on Finance. The budget is assigned two bill numbers - one for the Assembly and one for the Senate.
Usually the biennial budget process starts in January or February and is completed by June 30th.
The Finance Committee has the major responsibility of reviewing and amending the budget before it is sent on to the Assembly and Senate. Although each budget year can be different, usually Joint Finance hold public hearings prior to voting on the Biennial Budget Proposal. The proposed Biennial Budget is then sent to either the Senate or the Assembly. Once both houses have passed the Budget, a conference committee may be convened to resolve the differences between the two budget bills. The Governor then reviews the budget and approves or vetoes parts. Usual this in completed in June. The Legislature than reviews the vetoes. The Legislature can vote to override a veto or to accept it.
Does it really make a difference if I testify at public hearings?
Yes! Legislators want to hear from people with disabilities, family members, providers, and others about how the budget will impact on them. The proposed Budget is a huge document - legislators may not know what will help or hurt people with disabilities unless people inform them.
An issue in the budget is important to me, but I don't have all the facts, such as how many people are served by the program. Should I still testify?
Yes! Legislators do not need to get all the facts from you, i.e. program costs to the state - they get that information from other sources. Legislators need to know the impact of issues on the day-to-day lives of consumers. For example, consumers educated legislators about the importance of personal care by describing how their attendants help maintain their independence.
My legislators are not members of the Finance Committee. Is it still important to talk to them?
Yes! Every legislator will vote on the budget, so every legislator is important. Also, Legislators work with Joint Finance Committee members on issues important to them and their constituents - educating both of your legislators may make your issue one of their issues!
I can't make it to a public hearing. If I send a letter to the Finance Committee, will it get read?
Yes! The Finance Committee keeps track of the numbers of letters it gets in support of or opposition to an issue. Postcards, letters, family pictures depicting member with a disability, drawings, etc., all help the Committee gauge the opinions of citizens on particular issues.