Connecticut House Bill HB05112

Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/13/20
• Refer: 2/13/20
• Report Pass: 3/3/20

Caption

An Act Concerning The Budget Of The Connecticut State Colleges And Universities.

Impact

If enacted, HB 05112 would have significant implications for the financial administration of higher education in Connecticut. It introduces a systematic approach to budget requests, ensuring that all constituent units submit a unified, comprehensive financial plan to the Office of Policy and Management. This means that the General Assembly will have clearer insight into the funding needs of each institution and can make informed decisions during the appropriations process. Moreover, the bill aims to streamline the transfer of funds from the state to the educational institutions and could potentially lead to more stable funding for college operations.

Summary

House Bill 05112 aims to reform the budgetary framework of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system. The bill emphasizes the importance of a structured budget request, which must be itemized by the constituent units of the state’s higher education system. The Board of Regents for Higher Education is designated as the budgeted authority responsible for developing a program-based budgeting system for each institution, which must align with the state’s appropriations procedures. This restructuring intends to create a more transparent financial process that enables better fiscal planning and accountability within the higher education sector.

Contention

The discussions surrounding HB 05112 highlighted some points of contention, particularly regarding the autonomy of individual institutions within the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system. Critics voiced concerns that standardizing budget requests could hinder the ability of individual colleges to address their unique financial needs and challenges. Some legislators worried that a rigid budgeting formula might stifle innovation in financial management and educational offerings. Additionally, the bill's requirement for legislative approval on significant financial decisions, such as capital expenditures exceeding a million dollars, has raised apprehensions about bureaucratic delays hampering timely responses to institutional needs.