Last week, I walked through the technical aspects of the budget process and highlighted key dates to keep in mind. This week, I want to take you behind the scenes, not just into the steps we follow, but into the relationships, collaboration, and trust that truly make this work possible. At the heart of every successful budget are dedicated individuals working together toward a common goal: serving our communities with integrity, accountability, and fiscal responsibility.
State budgets present an entirely different challenge compared to business or city budgets. We're overseeing a system that spans more than 90 agencies, each with its own priorities and complexities.With so many moving parts, it’s difficult to see the full picture and make well-informed, strategic decisions, especially when it comes to balancing the budget effectively. The stakes are higher, the scale is broader, and the impact of each decision ripples through every part of our communities.
That’s why strong relationships with colleagues are crucial. We work together, side by side, to deliver the best possible outcomes for the people we serve.That said, despite these hurdles, I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come.The Appropriations Committee has worked hard to close the shortfall we were faced with, and I believe we’ve done an exceptional job navigating a complex process.The senators who move legislation forward and make meaningful progress are the ones who collaborate constructively. It’s not about individual effort, it’s about teamwork, open communication, and mutual respect.That’s what drives results in a process as demanding as the state budget.
