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Train to help others in this time of fiscal uncertainty

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Leadership & Advocacy

STATE TIME-LINE

BUDGET: The State fiscal year runs from July 1st through June 30th and is usually identified by the years it covers, e.g., Fiscal Year 2006-07 runs from July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007. A two-year budget for state government is adopted during each legislative biennium (usually during the first regular session).

Development of the biennial state budget entails two basic steps: (1) Formulation of the budget request in the executive branch; and (2) legislative approval.

On or before September 1st of even-numbered years, the judicial branch, the legislative branch and each executive branch department or agency prepares a budget request for the next two fiscal years. The Governor must submit the budget request to the Legislature by the Friday following the first Monday in January of the first regular session. Following receipt of the budget request, the Legislature refers the matter to the Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs This committee holds public hearings on each department’s or agency’s proposed budget. The Committee’s report on the proposed budget is submitted to the Legislature for approval in the same manner as other bills.

Normally, the biennial budget is enacted before other bills having impact on the General Fund or Highway Fund budgets. Other bills having a General Fund or Highway Fund impact usually are set aside on the Special Appropriations Table, the Special Highway Table or the Special Study Table until the end of the session, at which time decisions are made regarding the disposition of these bills based upon available funding.

Note: Unlike the Federal Government, Maine may not incur large deficits. The State may not use debt of over $2 million to finance current appropriations unless there is an emergency that threatens state security.

FIRST REGULAR SESSION: The First Regular Session of the 123rd Maine Legislature convened on Wednesday, December 6, 2006. Governor John E. Baldacci (4 year term) was inaugurated on January 3, 2007. The First Regular Session of the 123rd Maine Legislature statutory Adjournment is Wednesday, June 20, 2007. Two five legislative day extensions can be passed by Joint Order.

SECOND REGULAR SESSION: The Second Regular Session of the 123rd Maine Legislature will convene on Wednesday, January 2, 2008. The Second Regular Session statutory Adjournment is Wednesday, April 16, 2008. Two five legislative day extensions can be passed by Joint Order.