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Overview of the Legislative Budget Cycle

Capital Budget

  • Governor introduces budget proposals. (Jan.)

  • The Senate refers the capital budget bill to the Finance Committee. During committee hearings, the Gov.'s bill serves as a base, to which the Committee adds or removes capital projects. (Jan. - Feb.)

  • Public input during Finance Committee hearings of late has been usually limited to one day. Finance Committee amendments are considered, and a committee substitute (CS) is moved to the floor. Amendments are offered on the floor, and the vote on final passage is taken. (May)

  • The bill is then transmitted to the House, and referred to the Finance Committee. The Finance Committee tinkers with it, sends it to the floor for amendments and vote on final passage. (May)

  • The bill is transmitted to the Senate, who refuses to accept the House's amendments (to force it into conference committee). (May)

  • A conference committee is assigned (three members from each of the Finance Committees) to mediate between the two different bills. (May)

  • The conference committee substitute goes to the floor for final passage in both bodies. (May)

    Operating Budget

  • Governor introduces budget proposals. (Jan.)

  • The Majority Caucus releases their budget caps (dollar amounts for each of the executive branch departments, including UA). (Feb. - March)

  • Subcommittees for each department release their reports to the Finance Committee for review shortly thereafter. Hearings are held, and amendments considered. A CS is moved to the House floor. (May)

  • Amendments are offered on the floor, and the vote on final passage is taken. (May)

  • The bill is then transmitted to the Senate, and referred to the Finance Committee. The Finance Committee tinkers with it, sends it to the floor for amendments and vote on final passage. (May)

  • The bill is transmitted to the House, who refuses to accept the Senate's amendments (to force it into conference committee). (May)

  • A conference committee is assigned (three members from each of the Finance Committees) to mediate between the two different bills. (May)

  • The conference committee substitute goes to the floor for final passage in both bodies. (May)


    		• State Legislators

    SENATE

    Sen. Johnny Ellis
    Minority Leader
    Anchorage

    Sen. Al Adams
    Kotzebue

    Sen. Kim Elton
    Juneau

    Sen. Lyman Hoffman
    Bethel

    Sen. Georgianna Lincoln
    Rampart

    HOUSE

    Rep. Ethan Berkowitz
    Minority Leader
    Anchorage

    Rep. Beth Kerttula
    Juneau

    Rep. Tom Brice
    Fairbanks

    Rep. Eric Croft
    Anchorage

    Rep. John Davies
    Fairbanks

    Rep. Ben Grussendorf
    Sitka

    Rep. Reggie Joule
    Kotzebue

    Rep. Allen Kemplen
    Anchorage

    Rep. Albert Kookesh
    Angoon

    Rep. Carl Moses
    Unalaska

    Rep. Mary Sattler Kapsner
    Bethel

    Rep. Sharon Cissna
    Anchorage

    Rep. Hal Smalley
    Kenai
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