Next Step in State Budget Process: Overriding Governor’s Vetoes & Reduced Funding
As MALC reported on Friday, Governor Baker has vetoed $256 million in spending for the 2017 Proposed State Budget.
The next step in the State Budget Process is for the Legislature (House and Senate) to decide whether or not to override the Governor’s some of or all his line item vetoes and/or his reduction in funding for line item budgets.
The legislature has until the end of July to override his vetoes with roll call votes (which means both the House and Senate have to be in what are called formal sessions to override the Governor’s vetoes/reductions in spending).
In the coming days, MALC will inform you on what advocacy you can do to encourage the House & Senate to override/restore funding to the budget line items listed below.
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To view the Governor’s vetoes/reductions in spending: http://www.mass.gov/anf/budget-taxes-and-procurement/state-budget/fy17-budget-info/governors-fy17-vetoes/
The State’s website has online tools to help you dig deeper into the budget process: https://malegislature.gov/Budget/Process
Below are key budget line items the Governor vetoed/reduced funding for that impacts our sector:
“Massachusetts Cultural Council
0640-0300 Reduce/Strike Wording 7,771,376* 6,527,624**
I am striking language which earmarks funding for programs not recommended, and I am reducing this item to the amount projected to be necessary.
Regional Libraries Local Aid
7000-9401 Reduce 113,103* 9,770,379*
I am reducing this item to the amount projected to be necessary.
Municipal Libraries Local Aid
7000-9501 Reduce 102,993* 8,897,007*
I am reducing this item to the amount projected to be necessary.
Center for the Book
7000-9508 Veto 200,000* 0*
I am reducing this item to the amount projected to be necessary.
MA Office of Travel and Tourism
7008-0900 Reduce Earmarking 8,320,000* 659,666*
I am striking language which earmarks funding for programs not recommended. The reduction in the item incorporates the amount of the stricken earmarked funds.”
*The dollar amount the Governor wants to cut the budget line item by.
** The new proposed level of funding by the Governor for the budget line item.