Connecticut Senate Bill SB00621

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/21
• Refer: 1/28/21

Caption

An Act Requiring The Department Of Correction To Adopt Zero-based Budgeting.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly alter how the Department of Correction allocates funds and plans its budget. Traditionally, departments may base their budget on previous expenditures; however, introducing zero-based budgeting requires a comprehensive justification for all expenses. This means that every dollar spent must be accounted for, promoting a culture of efficiency and potentially unearthing areas for cost reduction.

Summary

SB00621 is a legislative proposal that mandates the Department of Correction to implement a zero-based budgeting approach starting from the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. The main goal of this bill is to enhance fiscal accountability within the Department, ensuring that all expenses are justified for each new budgeting period rather than simply carrying over previous budgets with incremental changes.

Contention

The introduction of SB00621 may generate discussions surrounding the adequacy of existing funding for correctional facilities. Advocates of zero-based budgeting argue that it brings necessary scrutiny to government spending, but critics may express concerns about how its implementation could impact service delivery and operational budgets within the Department of Correction. The tension between fiscal discipline and operational necessity will likely be a focal point in the legislative discussions surrounding this bill.