Connecticut House Bill HB05658

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/11
• Refer: 1/21/11

Caption

An Act Pertaining To The Constitutional Spending Cap.

Impact

If passed, the revisions introduced by HB05658 would implement a constitutional limitation on the expenditure levels by the General Assembly. By redefining the parameters through which inflation is measured for budgetary purposes, it seeks to ensure that state government expenditure remains more controlled and predictable in relation to actual economic conditions. Proponents argue that this meticulous approach to calculating inflation will allow for more sustainable budgeting practices, thereby securing the financial integrity of the state in the long run.

Summary

House Bill 05658, titled 'An Act Pertaining To The Constitutional Spending Cap', aims to amend section 2-33a of the general statutes regarding the calculation of the state's spending cap. The bill proposes redefining what constitutes an 'increase in inflation' as it pertains to state budgeting. Specifically, it stipulates that such an increase would now be determined by the consumer price index for urban consumers over the preceding twenty-four months, as reported by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. This change is intended to align the state budget with more responsive economic indicators.

Contention

Discussion surrounding HB05658 may bring about some contention, particularly among lawmakers who either support rigorous governmental fiscal prudence or those who are wary of the implications such constraints could have on public services and programs reliant on state funding. Critics may express concerns that stricter spending caps could hamstring the state's ability to adapt funding in response to emerging economic needs or unforeseen circumstances. The potential risks for public welfare programs and essential state services might also become a discussion point, as well as the effectiveness of linking budgetary limitations to a consumer index that may not fully encompass all relevant economic factors.