GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1991

H	1 

HOUSE RESOLUTION 1290

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Sponsors: Representative Gray.
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Referred to:  Rules, Appointments and Calendar.
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May 16, 1991

A HOUSE RESOLUTION PETITIONING THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS TO EXAMINE CONTEMPORARY BUDGETING PRACTICES IN NORTH CAROLINA AND OTHER STATES.
Whereas, the budget of the State of North Carolina is experiencing its most severe shortfall in revenues since the Great Depression, an estimated shortfall for the 1991-92 fiscal year of one billion dollars ($1,000,000,000); and
Whereas, both the House of Representatives and the Senate Appropriations Committees have reduced State spending almost four hundred million dollars ($400,000,000) for the 1991-92 fiscal year; and
Whereas, members of the House of Representatives are deliberating on whether to recommend additional cuts in spending, raise additional revenues, or do both; and
Whereas, the House of Representatives finds an increased interest in and concern for accountability and program effectiveness in all State programs;
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
Section 1.  There is a critical need to examine the State budgeting and appropriations processes; therefore, the House of Representatives petitions the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations, in accordance with G.S. 120-76(4), to undertake a thorough study of modern budgeting and appropriations techniques, including zero-based methods.  The Joint Legislative Commission of Governmental Operations shall prepare findings and issue recommendations to enhance the ability of the General Assembly to make informed fiscal decisions considering the (i) cost-effectiveness of existing governmental activities, (ii) the need for new programs or services, (iii) long-term capital requirements, and (iv) resource availability.
The House of Representatives requests that the Office of State Budget and Management and the State Auditor cooperate with the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations in carrying out this study.  The House of Representatives also requests the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations to use any outside experts or consultants it deems necessary to conduct the study.
The House of Representatives requests the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations to provide an interim report to the General Assembly by May 1, 1992, and a final report prior to the convening of the 1993 General Assembly.
Sec.  2. This resolution is effective upon adoption.