Updates From the States

Budget and Legislation in Kentucky

Jeffrey Grove — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 19:55:00 +0000

The Kentucky Legislature adjourned on the last possible legislative day, April 15, 2016, after approving House Bill 303, the 2016-18 biennial budget. General funds total $10.6 billion in 2016-17, up 2.7 percent over the original 2015-16 budget, and rise 2.3 percent in 2017-18 to nearly $10.9 billion. However, as a result of large general fund increases for state-supported retirement systems, most programs receive reduced or level funding.

Special Budget Session in West Virginia

Jeffrey Grove — Mon, 23 May 2016 15:25:00 +0000

On May 16, 2016, the West Virginia Legislature convened a special session to complete work on a statewide budget for 2016-17 and to consider other measures related to state revenues and fiscal management.

Louisiana Approves Legislation to End Recovery School District

Jeffrey Grove — Mon, 16 May 2016 19:30:00 +0000

On May 12, 2016, Governor Edwards signed Senate Bill 432, which establishes the framework to return each charter school under the state-controlled Recovery School District to its local school system by July 1, 2018. Under certain circumstances, a school may postpone the transfer to as late as July 1, 2019.

Arkansas Legislature Adjourns

Jeffrey Grove — Tue, 10 May 2016 15:29:00 +0000

On May 9, 2016, the Arkansas Legislature adjourned its biennial fiscal session after passing a $5.3 billion 2016-17 general fund budget, up 2.8 percent over 2015-16.

North Carolina Governor’s Budget Proposal

Jeffrey Grove — Fri, 06 May 2016 14:55:00 +0000

On April 27, 2016, Governor McCrory released his proposed amendments to the second year of North Carolina’s 2015-17 biennial budget. Statewide general funding in 2016-17 would total $22.3 billion – up 1.9 percent from the originally approved amount and up 2.8 percent from 2015-16.

Alabama Legislature Adjourns

Jeffrey Grove — Thu, 05 May 2016 18:41:00 +0000

On May 4, 2016, the Alabama Legislature adjourned the 2016 regular session Sine Die. Legislators in April approved a 2016-17 Education Trust Fund budget, which funds all levels of education and other programs, totaling $6.3 billion, up 6.5 percent over 2015-16.