Withholds the salary of the governor and members of the legislature if the budget is late until final ratification of the budget; forfeits withheld salary.
Summary
Bill S06663, known as the "Passage of Late Enacted Budget (PLEB) Act," proposes amendments to the state finance law and legislative law regarding the salary payments of the governor and members of the legislature. Specifically, it stipulates that if the state budget is not ratified by April 1 of the fiscal year, salary payments to these officials will be withheld until the budget is finalized. Furthermore, any salary installments that are withheld will be forfeited permanently, meaning that legislators and the governor will not receive any back pay for the period during which their salaries were withheld.
Impact
The bill will significantly impact the financial operations of the state government by creating a direct financial consequence for late budget approvals. It aims to incentivize timely budget ratification by withholding salaries, which could potentially lead to more efficient legislative processes. This change will amend existing statutes related to salary payments and could affect the behavior of both the executive and legislative branches regarding budget negotiations and approvals.
Sentiment
The general sentiment around the bill appears to be mixed, with some legislators expressing support for accountability measures that ensure timely budget passage, while others raise concerns about the implications of withholding salaries as a punitive measure. There is apprehension regarding the potential for political leverage and the impact on governance, particularly during contentious budget discussions.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the appropriateness of withholding salaries as a means to enforce budget deadlines. Some lawmakers argue that this could lead to adverse effects on governance and public service, while proponents believe it will create necessary pressure for timely budget approvals. The debate reflects broader concerns about legislative accountability and the functioning of government during budget negotiations.
Provides that if legislative passage of the budget has not occurred prior to the first day of any fiscal year, the bi-weekly salary installment payments of the governor and members of the legislature to be paid on or after such day shall be withheld and forfeited in perpetuity until such legislative passage of the budget has occurred.
Withholds the governor's salary until the legislative passage of the budget occurs; provides such salary should be withheld if the budget has not passed prior to the first day of the fiscal year and shall not be paid until such passage occurs.
Withholds the governor's salary until the legislative passage of the budget occurs; provides such salary should be withheld if the budget has not passed prior to the first day of the fiscal year and shall not be paid until such passage occurs.
No Budget, No Pay Act This bill withholds the salaries of Members of a chamber of Congress that has not agreed to a budget resolution for FY2024 by April 15, 2023, as required by the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. Salaries are withheld from April 16, 2023, until the earlier of (1) the day on which the chamber of Congress agrees to a budget resolution, or (2) the last day of the 118th Congress.