Connecticut State Budget Process

Connecticut has a biannual budget that looks at a two-year block of time and is updated in odd-numbered years. The state’s fiscal year goes from July 1 to June 30 (State Budget Process, 2004). 

The budget process starts with budget formulation. Agencies start in May by preparing their budget requests. They must provide a current services budget plan and lists of options if changes in spending or revenues are requested. These changes show the differences between the level of current services and whether resources will be reallocated. Agencies must account for inflation, caseload increases, and other increases. Forms from the Budget and Financial Management Division of the Office of the Policy and Management (OPM) are sent to state agencies eleven months before the budget will go into effect. The deadline for current services biennial budget requests is September 1st and program options are due by October 1st. In odd-numbered years, adjustments and revisions are submitted by these deadlines, if necessary (State Budget Process, 2004). 

The Budget and Financial Management division reviews requests and prepares recommendations for agencies under their jurisdiction. These recommendations, done in September and October, are based on the effectiveness of current programs and the public’s perceived need for new and expanded programs. The Secretary of OPM reviews all recommendations and makes adjustments according to State revenue estimates and the priority of public needs (State Budget Process, 2004). 

If there is a newly elected Governor, the Secretary of the OPM must send recommendations to the Governor by November 15th for review. The Governor-elect can initiate budget hearings or grant requests to hearings by an agency. During the months of December and January, final decisions are incorporated into the budget (State Budget Process, 2004).