Understanding ‘The Long Bill’

JOE WEBB

Columnist

The scal year for Colorado state government begins on July 1 and ends on June 30 of the following year. Like any other large entity, the agencies of our state government work year round on the budget for the following year. It is important to understand some basics about the state budget before examining it in depth.

Ultimately the governor of Colorado presents a budget to the legislature for its approval or rejection. e budget bill known as “ e Long Bill” is the result of year round planning by di erent state agencies, the Governor and those who assist him. e O ce of State Planning and Budgeting assists the Governor with planning his budget