By Hinman Straub, Special to NEAFA

Earlier this month, the Senate and Assembly each advanced their respective “one-house” budget proposals. These proposals help establish the negotiating positions for each house as final budget negotiations begin.

In a year where the Executive budget was already more generous than anticipated towards agriculture, the legislative bodies have sought to invest even more in the agriculture industry.

While the formal deadline for adoption of a final budget for State Fiscal Year 2025 is Monday, April 1st (with Fiscal Year 24 ending March 31st), many believe that is not the likely outcome. With Good Friday and Easter falling on March 29th and 31st respectively, and commitments from the Governor to honor religious observance, time is already incredibly short. Moreover, with a significant difference in the amount of spending between the Legislative and Executive proposals, the likelihood that negotiations will be elongated as each side fights for the best deal, rather than the quickest.

It is also important to note that the Legislature is scheduled to be in session through April 17th rather than breaking immediately after April 1. When session is scheduled through the early part of April, it sometimes results in a later budget.

Some details on the respective proposals are below.