Operating budget ($69.8 billion for 2023-2025)
The operating budget funds day-to-day operations of the state, including early learning, K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal justice, natural resources, courts, and other areas. As with any budget or other large-scale legislation, there are always things to like and things not to like. Despite the COVID pandemic, state revenues have still been positive, although less growth is anticipated in the coming years. Estimated revenues are expected to significantly slow over the next four years. The final approved operating budget is projected to spend $69.8 billion total during the 2023-25 biennium. I have concerns about the sustainability of the overall state budget as future revenues slow. The 2023-25 operating budget was approved on the final day of session. I voted “no” in the Senate. For more information about the final operating budget, click here.
The state operating budget's size has increased greatly in recent years. The 2013-15 budget authorized $33.9 billion in state spending. The budget approved this session for the 2023-25 biennium is $69.8 billion. I could not support the budget approved as I have concerns about the level of state financial reserves and the overall sustainability of the budget.