Budgets are a near-constant source of contention for federal legislators, states, counties, cities and more. Budget problems and solutions affect nearly all areas of our lives, from schools to foreign aid. With earmarks and initiatives making their way into budget negotiations, as well as differing laws on “balanced” budgets, this topic is a big focus for independent voters looking beyond partisan gridlock. This section will follow the developments, drama, brinksmanship and compromise surrounding budgets regularly making headlines in American politics.
After the Illinois legislative session ended with relatively few gains, Governor Pat Quinn quickly called a special session which is set to meet on Wednesday. At the top of the agenda is the public pension reform that failed.
Governor Jerry Brown and his Democratic company have now devised three budget proposals in California to work toward completion. The state Senate’s plan was approved last week, joining Brown’s proposals. The Assembly’s proposal, however, would rely heavily on the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) revenue projections.
Following Governor Jerry Brown’s revised state budget announced last month, Californians weighed in on the proposal last week. The Public Policy Institute of California’s latest poll found broad support for Brown’s budget…
The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) released its May survey that gauges public opinion on state government affairs. From a California school funding aspect, Governor Brown’s revised budget proposals…
On Friday, members of the Texas Legislature agreed to a deal on the Texas State Budget that includes more money for public schools in exchange for $1 billion in tax cuts and fee rebates. The agreement comes after a tumultuous round of negotiations that was nearly derailed Wednesday
Governor Jerry Brown’s revised budget projections — announced on Tuesday — painted a slightly bleaker, yet more cautious picture for the fiscal future of California. Initial figures from the Legislative Analyst’s Office foresaw about $4.5 billion in additional revenues brought in during the 2012-2013 fiscal year.
Governor Brown’s revised state budget — released on Tuesday — and its conservative approach to California’s economic future were well-received, even by Republicans. The May revise also addresses growing concerns over the undesirable consequences of California prison realignment.
