Gov. Jack Dalrymple has called a special Legislative session, starting August 2nd – and running through August 4th.
Dalrymple said he finalized his decision after receiving the latest state revenue forecast.
"It projects that tax collections for the current biennium will fall $310 million below the revenue forecast of last July," Dalrymple said at a Capitol news conference.
Earlier this year, Dalrymple ordered a 4 percent across-the-board allotment to state agencies. K-12 education didn't suffer cuts, because of the Constitutional Foundation Aid Stabilization Fund. And the Governor also dipped into the state's Budget Stabilization Fund.
This time, Dalrymple said a mix of short term cuts and contingency funds will be used to make sure the state’s budget balances.
"We are committed to making the necessary adjustments without any reductions in K-12 school funding, and without further reductions within the Department of Human Services," Dalrymple said. "The Department of Corrections will also receive special consideration."
Dalrymple said he will now be working with agencies to find budget cuts.
House Majority Leader Al Carlson (R-Fargo) said he expects a focused session, lasting about three days.
"We think the Governor has laid out a good plan," Carlson said. "We're ready to go to work. We will finalize everything in the next few weeks, and we'll be in here and out as quickly as we can be."
