There are only two areas of state government that have standstill budgets for the next fiscal year: the legislative and judicial branches, with $108 million and $176 million proposed, respectively.
That means while most all other branches, departments and agencies are taking cuts to help address the $1.6 billion shortfall, lawmakers and judges are getting a pass, according to the Public Affairs Research Council.
In its latest commentary on the state budget, it is recommended that the Legislature and the judiciary each take a 5 percent cut, which would save the state $13 million next fiscal year.
“Unlike just about everyone else, these government bodies have enjoyed increased budgets the past eight years,” said PAR President Robert Travis Scott.