An Act For The Arkansas Senate Appropriation For The 2023-2024 Fiscal Year.
Impact
This bill impacts state laws primarily by detailing the budgetary allocations necessary for the proper functioning and administration of the Arkansas Senate. By ensuring sufficient funds for staff salaries, operational expenses, and facility upgrades, SB317 enhances the effectiveness and capacity of the Senate to perform its legislative duties. The appropriations are structured to comply with state fiscal controls, indicating a commitment to responsible budgeting and transparency in governmental expenditures.
Summary
SB317 is an Act designed to appropriate funds for personal services and operational expenses of the Arkansas Senate for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. The bill establishes the maximum number of employees, their roles, and their corresponding salary grades within the Senate. Specifically, it allocates funds totaling approximately $2,851,079 for regular salaries, extra help, personal service matching, and maintenance & general operations. Additionally, an allocation of $700,000 is set for improvements and renovations of Senate facilities.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB317 appears generally positive, particularly among legislative members who recognize the necessity of adequate funding for Senate operations. With unanimous support observed during voting, this indicates a bipartisan consensus on the importance of appropriately funding legislative activities. However, discussions may highlight differing priorities regarding the allocation of resources within various sectors of state finances, although these nuances are not prominently featured in the voting outcomes.
Contention
While the bill passed without opposition, potential points of contention could arise regarding specific budget allocation choices and the overarching fiscal policies of the state. Critics may argue for increased accountability and scrutiny of appropriations to ensure that funds are utilized efficiently and effectively. Therefore, even with the bill’s support, vigilant monitoring of how appropriated funds are spent will likely remain a relevant issue in future legislative discussions.
To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.