Budget bills given final approval

This past week, the Legislature gave final approval to the two budget bills. During the long 90-day legislative session, the state’s biennial budget is crafted. During the short 60-day session, adjustments are made to the budget. Adjusting this session’s budget was a much more demanding task since senators had to weigh what agencies and programs would be cut.

Combined, both budget bills contain a large collection of cuts, changes, and cash transfers which will bring the deficit down to about $38 million. Some of the largest contributions that will fill the deficit include a $50 million transfe...