9C Process Overview
Chapter 29 of the Massachusetts General Laws governs StateFinances. Section 5B requires that the Secretary of Administration and Finance monitor staterevenues and provide updates to the Governor and Legislature by October 15,January 15 and April 15 of each year when necessary. If projected revenues areinsufficient to meet authorized spending, section 9C states thatthe Secretary must notify the Governor within 5 days. Within 15 days of beingnotified, the Governor is required to reduce authorized spending or increaserevenues to offset the projected shortfall.
Budget reductions are limited to accounts that fall under thecontrol of the Governor or a secretary, and which do not provide direct localaid (an example is Chapter 70 school funding). Additional revenues may includetransfers from the Commonwealth Stabilization Fund, which require approval fromthe Legislature.
This information provided by the Executive Office of Administration and Finance.