Connecticut House Bill HB05557

Connecticut 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/7/12
• Engrossed: 5/7/12
• Chaptered: 5/23/12
• Enrolled: 5/25/12
• Passed: 6/8/12

Caption

An Act Making Adjustments To State Expenditures For The Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2013.

Impact

If passed, HB05557 is positioned to significantly alter how state funds are allocated amongst various departments, including education and public health. The bill specifies that unexpended balances of certain appropriated funds will not lapse, thus maintaining availability for their intended purposes. This approach ensures continuity in funding for critical services and projects, especially in higher education and public assistance programs, which may have faced potential budget cuts otherwise. The decision to freeze certain appropriations suggests a proactive approach to budgeting, aimed at sustaining key public services amidst fiscal tightening.

Summary

House Bill 05557 aims to make necessary adjustments to state expenditures for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2013. The act delineates various appropriations, including ensuring funds related to collective bargaining agreements are preserved from lapsing and detailing reductions in overall expenditures. The bill emphasizes fiscal responsibility and seeks to align the state’s budgetary allocations with evolving financial requirements. Throughout the document, a focus on fiscal prudence in managing public funds is evident, particularly regarding the management of diverse state departments and their respective expenditures.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB05557 include concerns about the adequacy of budget allocations across critical sectors. Critics fear that while some funds are safeguarded, the overall reductions in expenditures could lead to underfunding essential programs in education, social services, and healthcare. Furthermore, debates are expected concerning the efficacy of the bill's approach to handle collective bargaining agreements without lapsing funds, suggesting varying opinions among legislators about fiscal strategies and priorities. The balance between maintaining fiscal health and meeting the needs of state services will likely be a central theme in discussions around this bill.