Illinois House Bill HB1260

Illinois 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/23
• Refer: 1/31/23

Caption

BUDGETING FOR RESULTS

Impact

This bill is expected to have a significant impact on how the state government prioritizes and manages its financial resources. It will establish a requirement for the Governor and constitutional officers to set statewide prioritized goals and outcomes for their respective agencies, aiming to make the budgeting process more systematic and outcome-focused. The formulation of these goals is intended to create a better framework for performance analyses and resource allocation, leading to potentially improved service delivery to the public.

Summary

House Bill 1260 aims to amend the State Budget Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. The primary objective of this legislation is to enhance transparency and accountability regarding state programs that are subject to appropriation but did not receive funding in the current fiscal year. By requiring the commission to identify such programs and publish their findings annually on its website, the bill seeks to ensure that the government is held accountable for its budgetary decisions and program funding.

Contention

While the bill is largely aimed at increasing government efficiency and accountability, it might face contention regarding its implementation. Critics may argue that the emphasis on performance metrics could lead to a narrow focus on measurable outcomes, potentially neglecting essential but less quantifiable areas of public service. Additionally, concerns about the legislative review process of the commission's findings and recommendations could surface, as they may lead to political conflicts over budget priorities.

Governance

Furthermore, HB1260 proposes that the commission responsible for overseeing the implementation of these goals must hold public meetings, ensuring some level of public engagement in the budgeting process. This provision reflects a move towards greater transparency, although the specifics of public participation and the effectiveness of such engagements may be subject to scrutiny.