Gary D. Finch

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:         
Monday, January 30, 2006 

FINCH CALLS FOR ON-TIME, EVERY TIME BUDGET

Real budget reforms aim to pass state budget by April 1^st deadline

Assemblyman Gary Finch (R,C-Springport) today called for the Legislature to pass a state budget by the April 1^st deadline and to act on a new package of budget reforms that would ensure on-time budgets every year.

“The state budget is one of the most important measures that legislators act on each year,” said Assemblyman Finch.  “When the budget is late, I hear first hand from school boards, nonprofits, local governments and businesses about the damage it causes. The plan that my Assembly Republican colleagues and I have developed will ensure procedures are established to bring about an on-time state budget this year and every year thereafter.”

Accompanying the clock is a new package of Republican-sponsored reforms:

• State Comptroller intervention with a binding revenue estimate if a consensus is not reached by March 10^th.
• Budget Conference Committees convened by March 15^th.
• Increase the Tax Stabilization Reserve Fund.
• Provide a plain-language summary of the budget 48 hours prior to a vote.

• If a new budget is not yet in place, enact the previous year’s budget no later than 72 hours after the start
  of a new fiscal year.
• Prohibit consideration of non-budget bills after April 1^st until the budget is adopted.
• Require two-year education funding.
• Prohibit any legislative recess until a late budget is approved.

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