HJRCA0015 is a proposed Illinois constitutional amendment that would revise the State Finance Article to require the General Assembly to pass a balanced budget based on funds estimated to be available by the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA), or its successor agency. The measure would place this requirement directly into the Illinois Constitution and would apply to the State budget process for appropriations and expenditures.
Under the proposal, the Governor would continue to prepare and submit a State budget, but the General Assembly would be expressly limited to appropriating no more than the funds estimated to be available for the fiscal year. The amendment also reinforces the existing constitutional framework that proposed expenditures may not exceed available funds, while tying the budget-balancing standard specifically to COGFA’s revenue estimates.
Impact
If adopted by voters, the amendment would change Article VIII, Section 2 of the Illinois Constitution and make the balanced-budget requirement more explicit and binding on the legislature. It would constrain state appropriations to COGFA-estimated available funds, potentially affecting how lawmakers structure annual budgets, spending plans, and fiscal negotiations. The practical effect would be to strengthen the role of revenue forecasting in state budgeting and limit the General Assembly’s discretion to pass spending bills that exceed projected resources.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee testimony or votes in the provided materials, there is no documented public debate to gauge broad support or opposition. The proposal’s framing suggests a fiscally conservative approach focused on budget discipline and constitutional enforcement of balanced budgeting. In general, such measures tend to appeal to lawmakers and voters concerned with deficit control and fiscal restraint.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely to be whether a constitutional mandate should rigidly tie appropriations to COGFA estimates, since revenue forecasts can be uncertain and may change during the fiscal year. Supporters would likely view the amendment as a necessary safeguard against overspending, while critics may argue it could reduce legislative flexibility, complicate responses to emergencies or revenue shortfalls, and elevate forecast disputes into constitutional constraints. No specific objections or endorsements are recorded in the provided committee or voting history.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides for the election of constitutional convention delegates and vote requirements necessary for the adoption of a new constitution (RR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
(Constitutional Amendment) Modifies disposition of certain state revenues through repeal of the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund and deposits of certain revenue streams into the Budget Stabilization Fund (RRF INCREASE GF RV See Note)
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the application of state monies to the unfunded accrued liability of the Teachers' Retirement System of La. (EN DECREASE SD RV See Note)
Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.