For the 87th Session lawmakers will be constrained by two calculations when determining appropriations for the upcoming biennium. They must adhere to Article VIII of the constitution which requires a spending limit/cap and they must adhere to Article III the “pay-as-you-go” provision. Both the Biennial Revenue Estimate (BRE) and the Legislative Budget Board (LBB) spending cap have been provided. Additionally, both the House and Senate base budgets have been published. SB 1 (the budget bill) has already been referred to Senate Finance and they intend to hold their first meeting on February 8th.
Key Budget Comparisons with 86th & 85th
Spending Limit*
- 85th – 8% ($99.9 billion)
- 86th – 9.89% ($100.2 billion)
- 87th- 7.06% ($105.8 billion)
Biennial Revenue Estimate*
- 85th – $104.9 billion
- 86th – $119.1 billion
- 87th- $112.5 billion
ESF/ Rainy Day Fund balance*
- 85th – $11.9 billion**
- 86th – $15.4 billion**
- 87th – $11.6 billion**
*These figures are based on details given at the start of each session.
** The balance stated is absent any additional appropriations that might be made by the Legislature. A supermajority vote is required to utilize the fund. This amount is below the constitutional limit of $19.7 billion.
Filed Budgets Comparisons
87th Session – General Revenue/All Funds
- Senate: $119.7 billion /$251.2 billion
- House: $119.7 billion/$251.5 billion
86th Session – General Revenue/ All Funds
- Senate: $112.20 billion/$242.87 billion
- House: $115.45 billion/$247.23 billion
85th Session – General Revenue/All Funds
- Senate: $103.60 billion/$213.37 billion
- House: $108.89 billion/$221.38 billion