Few, if any, bills on which the legislature acts are as vital as those that authorize the expenditure of public funds for specific purposes of state government. The budget process also serves as a key legislative oversight activity-especially in states where the legislature approves program or project-specific appropriations.
In all but eight states and Puerto Rico, executive agencies such as DOTs submit budget requests both to the governor's office and to a legislative committee or office. | The executive and legislative branches generally participate in different stages of the budgeting process. Typically, the governor formulates a budget proposal; in seven states, however, the legislature either produces a comprehensive alternative budget or contributes significantly to the budget proposal. DOTs and other executive agencies typically participate in the process first by submitting budget requests to the governor's office for consideration; in all but eight states and Puerto Rico, agencies also submit requests directly to a legislative committee or office. In some cases-Colorado, for example-a transportation commission or other body must approve the DOT budget proposal. DOTs also participate by appearing at budget hearings. |
In practice, although some legislatures can significantly influence DOT spending levels, others have only a limited ability to do so. In many states, legislatures have little or no influence over federal transportation funding; many states also have dedicated transportation funds or revenues that allow little room for budgeting flexibility. States also may have specific limits on legislative power.