Capitol Outlay Funding Update, February 20, 2009

At the 2/18/09 meeting of the Revenue Estimating Conference , there was a brief comment made about the $865 Million fiscal year 2007-2008 State Revenue Surplus. One of the Conference members suggested that while it would be difficult for the Legislature to agree to not spend this Surplus, he plans to recommend that the Administration and the Legislature seriously consider saving this Surplus for future unexpected needs.

For months there has been discussion around the Capitol about using at least 25% of this Surplus as a source of revenue to fund Capital Outlay projects (nonprofits can get funding to buy land, buildings, equipment, etc. through the state Capital Outlay process). This 25% would be about $216 Million. This amount of new funding in the Capital Outlay program would go a long way to ease the competition among Capital Outlay projects to be considered in the 2009 Legislative Session.

You might want to let your Legislators know that you have heard there might be an attempt to save rather than spend the Surplus, and let them know what you think about this issue. The Session starts on April 27th, but there will be a lot of “spending discussions” going on between now and the 27th.

Sign up for LANO's advocacy and public policy emails to receive updates on Capitol Outlay Reform and ways in which your organizations can be involved in the process.For more information, download our PDF on Capitol Outlay, how to apply for funding, and Capitol Outlay Reform.

LANO has contracted with James Pupera to keep our members and future members informed on Capital Outlay Reform initiatives, the proposed changes to the Capital Outlay process and understanding how those changes will impact your interests. Mr. Purpera has extensive experience in the State Capital Outlay process having worked for the Division of Administration (Facility Planning & Control) as a Budget Analyst and Budget Manager in the Capital Outlay program, and then having worked for the Legislature as a Budget Analyst for the Ways and Means Committee and the Appropriations Committee.