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Committee backs interim panel to examine state budgeting and base spending
Summary
House Concurrent Resolution 50 would create a 10-member interim task force to examine base spending and transition tools toward zero-based budgeting; the committee approved the resolution 16-3 with one pass.
The House State Government Committee voted to report House Concurrent Resolution 50 favorably, by a recorded vote of 16 yes, 3 no and 1 pass. The resolution directs the Legislative Research Commission to establish a 10-member interim task force — described by sponsors as focused on “discipline of government efficiency” — to examine state financial practices, with particular attention to transitioning toward zero-based budgeting and greater legislative review of base spending.
Representative T.J. Roberts, primary sponsor, said the task force is intended to conduct a deep dive into base spending because an estimated 91% of state spending in fiscal year 2025 is in the base, and 83% is projected for fiscal year 2026. He said the lack of legislative oversight over much of the base makes a targeted review necessary to identify waste and improve efficiency.
Representative John Hodgson, co-sponsor, compared the proposal to prior executive-branch efforts to cut red tape and noted that past work produced results including the elimination of boards and commissions and workforce reductions achieved by attrition. Committee members asked how the proposed interim task force would differ from existing interim budget-review subcommittees and program-review entities. Sponsors said the task force would specifically target the base and operate for the interim rather than be a permanent standing committee.
Some members expressed concern about the potential for politicization and uncertain effects. Representative Holmes (name provided in roll call) spoke against the resolution, saying she is concerned about causing more uncertainty and that efficiency work should not become a "witch hunt." Supporters said the task force’s purpose is to examine programs and recommend efficiencies; they argued that examining base spending is necessary for responsible stewardship of taxpayer funds.
The committee adopted a substitute and then approved HCR 50 by roll call. The final tally recorded 16 yes, 3 no and 1 pass. The resolution now moves to the House floor for consideration.
