Each year, the Legislature must enact an appropriations bill
for the Ho-Chunk Nation in accordance with the Constitution. The process is
outlined in the Appropriation and Budget Process Act (2HCC§4).
The budget development process begins with an analysis of
the previous year of income generation, all expenses, and establishing funding
priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. The Nation’s enterprises submit a
proposed budget to the Legislature’s Finance Committee by January 15 each year.
The Finance Committee then works with the Executive branch
to provide budget projections and enact spending limits by February 15. Those
spending limits help the branches and departments determine a budget along with
priorities which are then due back to the Finance Committee by the last
business day of March.
Throughout the month of April and up to May 15, the Finance
Committee will begin assembling the appropriations bills complete with the
funding amounts, justifications, narratives and details. If the Finance
Committee cannot submit the proposed budget prior to May 15, the Legislature
may adopt a Continuing Resolution, which will allow the Nation to operate
current programs and services for up to 60 days into the following fiscal year.
The full Legislature will adopt the annual appropriations
bills within 15 days following the Finance Committees appropriations
recommendations. Once adopted, the branches and departments will follow the
budgets to ensure fiscal responsibility and integrity within the Nation.