STATE BUDGET

Massachusetts operates on an annual budget cycle.  The governor submits his or her proposed budget to the state legislature on the fourth Wednesday in January.  The legislature typically adopts a budget in June. The fiscal year begins July 1.  The governor is legally required to submit a balanced budget proposal. Likewise, the legislature is legally required to pass a balanced budget.

STATE LEGISLATURE

The Massachusetts General Court consists of 40 Senators, and 160 members of the House of Representatives.  State senators and representatives both serve two-year terms.  The legislative sessions are biennial, starting on the first Wednesday of January in odd-numbered years. The first year of the session ends on the third Wednesday of November, and the legislature then enters an informal session until the first Wednesday of January in the second year. The second year of the session ends on July 31.  Bills carry over from odd to even numbered years.

KEY RESOURCES

• Massachusetts State Legislature
• Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General
• Massachusetts Governor
• Massachusetts Health Policy Commission
• Massachusetts ACPD
• Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
• Massachusetts Division of Health Care Policy and Finance