Getting along with less in mississippi : allocating the cuts
By: CLYNCH, Edward J
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ArticlePublisher: New York : Marcel Dekker, 1988International Journal of Public Administration - IJPA 11, 5, p. 551-579Abstract: In 1986, Mississippi Budget decision makers encountered dropping revenues and public opinion demanding that the state keep its commitments to educational reform. This article examines and assesses the Mississippi Legislature's effort to avoid across the board cuts by replacing its standard budget decision-making practice of bottom driven marginal adjustments with prioritized cuts. The Mississippi House developed hit lists of targeted items, But few listed items were adopted. However, appropriations were reduced for functional areas with hit list programs and the agencies were forced to reduce services. The legislature was removed from the direct line of fire and could say the agencies did it. The Mississippi experience suggests that top budgeters facing reduced revenue will not just substitute across the board cuts for incremental increases. Their ideas about program effectiveness and the perceived political consequences from cutting in certain areas can lead to variable cuts
In 1986, Mississippi Budget decision makers encountered dropping revenues and public opinion demanding that the state keep its commitments to educational reform. This article examines and assesses the Mississippi Legislature's effort to avoid across the board cuts by replacing its standard budget decision-making practice of bottom driven marginal adjustments with prioritized cuts. The Mississippi House developed hit lists of targeted items, But few listed items were adopted. However, appropriations were reduced for functional areas with hit list programs and the agencies were forced to reduce services. The legislature was removed from the direct line of fire and could say the agencies did it. The Mississippi experience suggests that top budgeters facing reduced revenue will not just substitute across the board cuts for incremental increases. Their ideas about program effectiveness and the perceived political consequences from cutting in certain areas can lead to variable cuts
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