Not Just Insider Baseball: How You Can Participate in the Budget Process
Want to make sure that your voice is heard? Here are some ways that you can participate in the budget writing process:
1. Public Input to Agencies: Each agency prepares a Legislative Appropriations Request (LAR) before the biennium. Though it is not a legislative requirement, many agencies offer periods of public input in developing their LAR.
If an agency does not hold hearings, you can submit written comments. You can call the agency to find out how you should submit your comments.
2. LAR Submissions: In August, each agency will submit its LAR to the Legislative Budget Board and the Governor's Office. You can monitor each agency's request, especially paying attention to exceptional items. Here are some dates to note:
August 2, 2010: Higher Education Coordinating Board
August 16, 2010: Department of State Health Services, Department of Housing and Community Affairs, Teacher Retirement System
August 23, 2010: Commission of Environmental Quality, Health and Human Services Commission
August 30, 2010: Department of Criminal Justice, Employee Retirement System, Department of Transportation
The full submission schedule can be found online at LBB website.
3. Public Hearings: You can provide oral or written testimony at hearings that will take place in September and October. The hearing schedule and instructions will be available here by July 15, 2010.
4. Making Your Voice Louder: In addition to public input, media can be effective in raising awareness about the budget process. Consider writing a Letter to the Editor or an Op-Ed.
