Diversity of budget process at the state level

The National Association of State Budget Officers prepares reports on how each of the states' budget process functions. The goal of this activity is to allow you to review the diversity of budget processes at the state level (and if you review the entire report you will see the complexity of the budget process in the states). Step 1: Open the National Association of State Budget Officers' report "Budget Processes in the States" http://www(dot)nasbo(dot)org/sites/default/files/BP_2008.pdf Step 2: Read through pages 1-3 in Chapter 1 (“Budget Timelines and Participants”) and page 29 of Chapter 2 (“Requirements, Authorities, and Limitations”) Step 3: Answer the following: 1) According to Table 1, how many states require more than a simple majority to pass the state's budget [identify the number of states and name the states]? Which state requires the highest percentage of votes in the legislature to pass its budget? Explain what implications this might have for operations in that state [Hint: use ideas from the readings in this module to enhance your explanation]. 2) Based on Table 2, in which five states does the state's budget agency have the highest level of responsibilities [note: Table 2 contains 14 columns and is listed on two pages in the report]? Explain what this might imply for the operations (e.g. budget preparation and delivery of state services in general) in those states[Hint: use ideas from the readings in this module to enhance your explanation]. 3) A new state has been incorporated into the United States; you have been asked to provide advice on the number of years that the Governor's budget should project revenues. You consult Table 7 in the NASBO report in order to determine what other states are doing. What recommendation would you make, and WHY?[Hint: the 'average' projection for existing states or the idea that a majority of states use a particular revenue projection are not acceptable recommendations; use ideas from the readings in this module to enhance your explanation] 4) Based on Table 9, in how many states can the governor reduce the enacted budget without legislative approval [number of states, not names]? What are some of the implications of this authority? Explain whether you would like to see your home state either maintain or add/remove this power from the governor (the key to your answer will be your explanation).[Hint: use ideas from the readings in this module to enhance your explanation] 5) Based on Table 10, which states do not allow their governor line item veto power [name the states]? Using information from our readings, explain some of the implications of this power and explain whether you would like to see the governor of your home state either be allowed to maintain or add this power. [The key to your answer will be your explanation and the extent to which you have incorporated the reading materials into your answer]. 6) Based on Table 11, in which states is the governor not required to submit a balanced budget [name the states]? In which of these states is the legislature not required to pass a balanced budget [name the states]? 7) Based on Table 17, how many states make available their budget document on-line? Choose a state and provide the link to that state's on-line budget document.