Instructions: Each student will post a response to initial posts of two classmates There is technically no maximum or minimum length required for discussion board work. However, it is important to ensure that all components of each thread question are fully (and accurately) addressed. In addition, all discussion board work should be fully edited and should closely follow the APA guidelines when applying information derived from sources. Lastly, students are reminded to apply properly cited information derived from the course textbook to support personal substantive analysis and to avoid citing information from a wide range of non-qualifying internet sources (i.e. Wikipedia, blogs, popular press, etc.).
Background Information: As discussed in chapter 8 of the course textbook, there is a wide array of documents that are part of the overall budget process. This includes the budget proposal documents submitted to the OMB that are created by agencies (which contributes to forming the budget proposal document that is submitted to Congress for approval) and budgeting messages of chief executive at various levels of government (i.e. President, Governor, Mayor, etc.). For example, the Budget of the United States Government is a collection of documents which highlights the President’s plans for the upcoming annual budget at the federal level. This budget document has detailed outlays for proposed funds to be allocated to a wide array of government agencies and includes the Budget Message of the U.S. President. In relation, the budgeting message of a chief executive (such as the U.S. President) is a document that illustrates key components of an administration’s policy preferences. Lee, Johnson and Joyce (2021, pg. 227) highlights the following information about the budget message of the chief executive:
Another feature of budget documents is the budget message, in which the chief executive highlights the major recommendations in the budget. This message is sometimes presented orally to the legislature. The president’s budget message is included in the Budget of the United States Government itself. State governments vary widely in this regard, with some having no message and others having lengthy ones, sometimes as long as 100 pages
As noted in the written lecture, various actors construct budget arguments (a type of narrative) laden with specific values in the attempt to gain consensus that will result in the allocation of higher levels of fiscal resources to a program/agency. A budget argument is designed in part to persuade recipients participating within the budgeting system (both within and outside government) as to the benefits of allocating fiscal resources in pursuit of stated goals representing specific (and often competing) societal values. The language used in a budget argument is purposefully crafted and is intended to have some measure of persuasive power capable of affecting the allocation of limited (and extinguishable) public sector funds. The budget message of a chief executive (i.e. President, Governor, etc.) includes a wide assortment of budget arguments that can play an important role in determining fiscal outlays.
This week, everyone should closely review the information in exhibit 8–1 entitled “2020 Budget Message, State of Massachusetts”. In addition, the entire Massachusetts Budget document (which includes the Governor’s Budget Message) can be located at the following website (A Message from the Governor | Governor’s FY20 Budget Recommendation (mass.gov) (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.)). Based on a review of the budget message by Governor Charles D. Baker of Massachusetts, everyone should answer the following questions:
Question(s):
1-What key aspects associated with the budget environment are highlighting in this budget message that helps to illustrate the fiscal health of the state of Massachusetts at that time?
2-Identify at least four areas of public policy that are highlighted in the budget message delivered by Governor Baker. Discuss how comments regarding the Governor’s preferences for spending are reflective of the political nature of public budgeting.
3-Can you identify examples in which the Governor’s budget message includes arguments that highlights the importance that government funded activities focus on achieving specific values (i.e. efficiency, effectiveness, equity, etc.). Briefly explain your selections. How does this relate to ensuring transparent and accountable government?
4- Click on the following link and review the Massachusetts governmental budget information in the table entitled “Statewide Summary” (Enacted budget for Statewide Summary | Summary FY20 Budget (mass.gov) (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.)). Upon review, do the areas of public policy identified in the budget message by Governor Baker seem to match up with the actual budget expenditures enumerated for the fiscal year 2020? Briefly explain.
