Appropriations; phase in 25% reduction for agencies and departments over ten years.
Impact
The impact of HB547 on state laws would primarily revolve around state budgeting practices. It establishes a new baseline for appropriations, ultimately constraining the financial resources available for various state services. This could lead to significant reallocations or cuts in funding for essential public services, which may affect health, education, and public safety initiatives over the decade-long implementation period. The gradual reduction is designed to force state agencies to operate more efficiently, but there is also concern about potential negative consequences for services that rely heavily on state appropriations.
Summary
House Bill 547 intends to implement a phased reduction in the appropriations for state agencies and departments. Starting with the fiscal year 2024, it mandates that the amount appropriated must be reduced by 2.5% less than the amount appropriated in the previous fiscal year. This reduction continues for each consecutive year through fiscal year 2033, cumulatively decreasing the budget allocated to each state agency and department each year by the same percentage. The primary goal of the bill is to ensure long-term financial sustainability within the state's budgetary framework.
Contention
Notable contention surrounding HB547 hinges on the balance between fiscal responsibility and the capacity of state agencies to meet public needs. Proponents argue that shrinking budgets will drive more effective management and mitigate wasteful spending. Whereas opponents raise alarms about the possible detrimental effects, including underfunding essential services, job losses within state-supported programs, and the long-term viability of community support initiatives. The debate underscores the ideological divide on the role of government in providing services versus managing budgets.
Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034.
Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 Department of Education Appropriations Act, 2024 Department of Health and Human Services Appropriations Act, 2024 Department of Labor Appropriations Act, 2024 Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024 Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024
Making and concerning supplemental appropriations for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 and appropriations for fiscal years 2025, 2026, 2027 and 2028 for various state agencies.
To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.