There has to be a better budget process

Editorial by Rocky Mount Telegram, July 22, 2015.

Thirty-nine states in the union limit the number of days their legislatures can stay in session each year – some by state constitution, some by law, some by rules of order. North Carolina is one of 11 states that has no limits. It’s probably not a coincidence that today is July 23 and we still don’t have a state budget.

The absence of a spending plan complicates things all over the state – even though the N.C. General Assembly has passed a continuing resolution to make sure bills are paid.

School boards wonder how much money they’ll eventually receive to educate kids.

County commissioners are scratching their heads over a new sales tax distribution proposal. City Councils are still hoping to see a restoration of historic tax credits.

Beyond dollars and cents, there are other concerns. Lawmakers have a habit of filling up budget bills with provisions that have little or nothing to do with revenue and spending. Once a conference committee comes up with a plan that seems palatable to leaders of the N.C. House and N.C. Senate, the rush will be on to pass a mammoth package so lawmakers can return home. More often than not, the details of the plan will trickle out for weeks after the legislature adjourns.

Limiting the number of days the General Assembly can stay in session comes with its own complications. But surely, the budget process can run more efficiently than it does at the moment.

http://www.rockymounttelegram.com/opinion/our-views/there-has-be-better-budget-process-2940199