Facts In Action

It’s that time of year again: budget time — when the Governor and Legislature are making decisions about funding, spending priorities and budget cuts. During this time, it is important to make sure that the Governor and legislators hear from early care and education providers and advocates about just how important our work is. What can you do to impact the state budget? Call, write or meet with your state legislator — both your personal legislators and those that represent where you work. You can also organize your parents, your staff, and other members of your community — be their source of information and encourage them to contact their legislators to let them know about the importance of early care and education funding. For contact information or to find out who your legislator is, go to www.state.ma.us/sec/ele/eleidx.htm.Editor's note: This url has changed:http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eleidx.htm

• January: The Governor presents his budget proposal. Governor Romney released his budget on January 28th.

• February - March: Reps meet with House Ways & Means Chair to discuss priorities. House Ways & Means prepares budget.

• April: House Ways & Means presents budget to full House for amendments and vote. House budget is finalized and sent to Senate Ways & Means.

• April - May: Senate Ways & Means studies House budget and prepares its budget. This budget is presented to full Senate for amendments and vote. Senate budget is finalized.

• June: House & Senate Conference Committee negotiate differences between House and Senate budgets. Conference Budget is approved by both House and Senate and sent to Governor.

• By July 1st: The Governor has 10 days to amend or veto individual line items and then issue final approval. The budget should be signed into law by July 1st.

Facts in Action, March 2004