Did you ever wonder how the Governor made that budget decision or why it changed it in May?  Or do you want to find out how the Legislature changes the Governor’s proposal or how counties can influence either the Governor or the Legislature?  This is the class where you can learn the budget basics and answers to those questions and so much more.   Learn about who influences – and how they do it – the state budget process, policy and politics. It’s an inside look at a complex process which influences virtually every aspect of county operations. Learn about how to find and interpret budget information and a few tips about influencing the budget decisions.

Instructors: Diane Cummins is Special Assistant to the Governor for state and local finances and has worked in both the executive and legislative branches on the budget; Jean Hurst is Principal with HBE Advocacy and a long-time legislative advocate on local government finance.