State Representative Ryan Spain co-sponsored House Joint Resolution 124 to adopt a revenue estimate to begin the budgeting process for fiscal year 2019.
“When I was sworn in as State Representative, I pledged to adhere to the US and State Constitution. Our State Constitution mandates the Illinois General Assembly set a revenue estimate and not spend more than we bring in as a State. In the time I have served in Springfield, the legislative majority has not followed these requirements, with terrible fiscal consequences,” critiqued Rep. Spain.
House Joint Resolution 124 adopts a revenue estimate of $37.672 billion for fiscal year 2019, based on the estimate provided by the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA). “After setting a revenue estimate, our appropriations committees can then take up the hard work of crafting a balanced FY 19 State Budget that does not spend more than we bring in,” Spain continued. A revenue estimate is required by state law:
The House and Senate by joint resolution shall adopt or modify such estimates as may be appropriate. The joint resolution shall constitute the General Assembly’s estimate, under paragraph B of Section 2 of Article VIII of the Constitution, of funds estimated to be available during the next fiscal year (25 ILCS 155/4(a))
It is also required by Subsection (b) of Section 2 of Article VIII of the Constitution of Illinois:
Appropriations for a fiscal year shall not exceed funds estimated by the General Assembly to be available during that year.