Bill > SB9

This bill reduces certain legislative appropriations from the general fund, which is the state's primary operating fund, by varying percentages for different government entities and programs for the fiscal year 2017. Specifically, legislative branch appropriations are reduced by two and a half percent, while most general fund appropriations in the General Appropriation Act of 2016 are reduced by five percent, with some exceptions for the judicial branch (three percent reduction) and various other departments and programs which face smaller reductions of one and a half percent or two and a half percent. Certain essential programs, such as the Human Services Department's medical assistance and Medicaid behavioral health programs, the Department of Health's facilities management and developmental disabilities support programs, and specific programs within the Children, Youth and Families Department, are explicitly exempted from these reductions. Significant reductions are also applied to public education, including special appropriations and the state equalization guarantee distribution, totaling tens of millions of dollars. The Department of Finance and Administration is tasked with adjusting operating budgets and allotments to meet these reductions, and various departments are required to report on the implementation of these changes. Additionally, one million dollars is appropriated to the Department of Finance and Administration to assist agencies facing hardship due to these cuts.