Thursday, May 21, 2009

So...What is Unallotment?

This morning on "Making Sausage" Colleen and Chuck discussed the way the budget process is being resolved in Minnesota. As we know, the legislature passed spending and revenue bills, and the governor has signed the appropriations bills. However, since he has pledged "no new taxes" he will be using his authority to "unallot" funding to balance the budget.

Here's a pretty good paper that discusses the legal authority for him to un-allot funding, and how it works.
Unallotment: Executive Branch Power to Reduce Spending to Avoid a Deficit

Let us know what you think of the current situation, whether you think unallotment is the way Minnesota should prioritize our resource allocations.

1 comment:

Gord said...

Governor Pawlenty has overreached his office, which voters gave him in 2002 and 2006. By refusing to negotiate in good faith with the leaders of the legislative branch this month to resolve the state's financial crisis, he has failed to carry out his responsibilities as Minnesota's executive.
The concept of "Unallotment" is only intended as a limited procedure after adjournment, when minor adjustments are needed by the governor to bring the state budget into required balance.
We will not forget his arrogance.