Connecticut House Bill HB05385

Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/23
• Refer: 1/17/23

Caption

An Act Concerning The Timely Passage Of The State Budget.

Impact

If enacted, HB 05385 will amend Title 2 of the general statutes to stipulate that the pay for elected officials will decrease in direct correlation to the number of days the budget remains unpassed after the legislative session has adjourned. This mechanism serves not only as a deterrent to procrastination but also encourages prompt decision-making among lawmakers concerning budget allocations for state government operations in the upcoming biennium.

Summary

House Bill 05385 seeks to ensure the timely passage of the state budget by introducing a provision that reduces the salaries of legislators and constitutional officers if the budget is not passed by the conclusion of the regular legislative session. This legislation aims to create a greater sense of urgency in passing the budget on time and holds officials financially accountable for delays. The proposal reflects ongoing concerns regarding budgetary discipline and fiscal management within state governance.

Contention

The bill has sparked discussions about accountability vs. fairness among legislators and public servants. While supporters argue that tying salaries to budget timeliness promotes efficiency and responsibility, critics raise concerns about the potential adverse effects on legislators' motivations during complex negotiations, especially in situations where budget discussions are inherently contentious. The idea of penalizing elected officials financially could be seen as both a means to enforce discipline and a risk of discouraging thorough deliberation on crucial budgetary issues.