This information is presented so that the levels of expenditure are associated with levels of government services and, ultimately, with the resulting effects on important problems faced by the Governor. The preparation stage of the budget process for the fiscal year beginning July 1 commences nearly 12 months prior to that date. The first step of the process is the distribution of the budget instructions and Program Policy Guidelines by the Governor. The program policy guidelines define major policy issues, spell out priorities and provide direction on the agencies for budget preparation. Agency budget requests are submitted to the Secretary of the Budget beginning in mid-October but no later than November 1.
Agencies prepare and submit their requests using computerized systems.
The programmatic presentation of agency budget requests, the Agency Program Plan, and the appropriation level information are prepared and submitted using templates developed by the Budget Secretary s staff. During December, the Governor meets with legislative leadership to appraise them of anticipated spending and revenue levels and to discuss major fiscal issues. The Secretary of the Budget and his or her staff review agency budget requests for accuracy and adherence to the Governor s Policy Guidelines. The Agency Program Plan and the appropriations templates are used by the Office of the Budget to analyze the agency requests and prepare funding recommendations for the Secretary of the Budget. Total agency requests must be brought into balance with estimated total revenues from existing sources or new revenue sources must be recommended.