This Legislative Primer will serve to demystify the steps that lead to the passage of new laws and funding measures.
Strong conservation laws and programs are adopted largely as a result of broad public awareness and concern. Public participation is the key to accomplishing objectives at the State House. However, for too many citizens the state legislative and budget processes seem obscure and complicated. This Legislative Primer will serve to demystify the steps that lead to the passage of new laws and funding measures.
Massachusetts Legislative Process
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Over six thousand bills are filed every biennial session but less than ten percent on average will end up signed into law over the same term. The legislative process is deliberative by design—learn the various steps a bill must follow on its way to the Governor's desk (and beyond).
Massachusetts Budget Process
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Every year, the state budget is an overriding priority because it allocates the financial resources to implement state laws, policies, and programs. Conservation cannot succeed without adequate financial support for implementation and enforcement of existing laws. This resource is from the official website for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.