Our state was in crisis for 134 days without a budget and there is no way to keep this from happening year after year. We need to put pressure on lawmakers to instigate a state-wide ballot measure to ensure our budget is completed on time going forward. A late budget raises local taxes and forces institutions to take out loans with interest they have to pay back. It impacts peoples’ livelihoods and causes emotional distress. No more.

Here are some ideas for lawmakers to consider:

If the state budget is not passed by the due date, legislators need to forfeit their paychecks or at least accept a reduction in pay. No recesses. No backpay. There must be consequences.

Alternatively, if the budget is not completed by the due date, the previous year’s budget should automatically roll over to prevent disruption to much needed payments.

Change the due date for the state budget to May 31st since school districts and other institutions are required to pass their budgets by July 1.

If you are fed up with political games like this, please sign and share this petition.