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Sen. Albers renews push for 0‑based budgeting in "Waste Reduction Act of 2026"
Summary
Senator Albers introduced Senate Bill 392 to restore 0‑based budgeting statewide, arguing it will force agencies to justify each dollar, reduce duplication and increase transparency. The committee approved the bill unanimously after questions about scope, equity measures and enforcement.
Senator Albers introduced Senate Bill 392, the "Waste Reduction Act of 2026," telling the Senate Appropriations Committee the measure would require agencies to rebuild budgets from the ground up on a regular basis and ‘‘justify each dollar.’’ Albers said the bill revives an approach the legislature used after 2012 but that subsequently sunset in 2020.
Why it matters: The bill would change the budget process for every line where the General Assembly appropriates dollars, Albers said, pushing agencies and lawmakers to evaluate program purpose, measurable outcomes, alternatives and cost justifications rather than relying on prior‑year baselines.
Albers described…
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