Where's the Money?
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2007-05-08 19:11:55.152591-04:00
There have been many changes in Massachusetts politics this year, including the election of a new Governor, Deval Patrick (D), and a new Senate President, Therese Murray (D). But one thing always remains the same at the State House—the importance of the annual budget. As lawmakers prepare the Fiscal Year 2008 state budget, more than $26 billion in funding is at stake. It is a big job with huge consequences for all Massachusetts residents.
"The state budget really is the single most important document that the Legislature passes each year," says AARP Massachusetts State Director Deborah Banda.
AARP PrioritiesAs priorities this year, AARP has called on legislators to sustain full funding for Prescription Advantage, the state's prescription assistance program that works in tandem with Medicare Part D, and to add an open enrollment period for the program. AARP has also urged an extension of Medicare Part D transitional coverage.
In addition, AARP has advocated for legislators to increase funding for the Money Management Program and councils on aging/senior centers, and to provide continued funding older worker retraining grants and LIHEAP (Low-Income Heating Assistance Program).
Further, AARP has urged full funding to implement the health care reform law and ensure affordable and meaningful benefits for residents.
How the State Budget Becomes LawThe state fiscal year in Massachusetts runs from July 1 - June 30th. Each year the state budget is prepared and approved. In addition, supplemental budgets are prepared during the year to deal with excess revenue or extenuating circumstances that require additional revenue. Following is a basic run-down of the budget process:
- Department requests (Fall)
- Administration & Finance recommendations (late Fall)
- Governor's Budget (mid-January)
- House Ways and Means Committee recommendations (March/April)
- House debates and votes on their Final budget recommendations (April)
- Senate Ways and Means Committee recommendations (May)
- Senate debates and votes on their Final budget recommendations (May/June)
- House/Senate Conference Committee established to work out differences in both Final budgets (June)
- House votes on Conference Committee budget
- Senate votes on Conference Committee budget
- Final budget is sent to Governor for approval, amendment or veto (June)
- Governor issues approvals, amendments or vetoes; he has 10 days (by July 1)
- Final budget in place, without items that were amended or vetoed
- House considers amendments vetoes (after July and until end of formal sessions)
- Senate considers items that the House has overridden (after July and until end of formal sessions)
- If both branches override Governor's veto, the original language stands
- Final budget in place
Make your voice heard in the state legislative debate! Join the AARP Massachusetts Grassroots Network to stay up to date on important issues, including prescription drugs, and long-term services and support. Email AARP MA for more information.
Related Articles
Other Resources
preview