National Association Of State Budget Officers

Programs: The following provides information on the major services that the national association of state budget offices (nasbo) provides to its membership and major accomplishments. Information on federal actions: nasbo is at the forefront of monitoring federal actions that affect states and has a weekly publication to monitor actions. Every monday members receive an in-depth report providing up-to-date information on important federal actions that have an impact on states. Informative reports: nasbo publications are widely used. Members frequently use nasbo data for their own memos and reports so that they can compare their fiscal situation with other states. Nasbo compiles and publishes the bi-annual fiscal survey of the states, the annual state expenditure report, and other reports such as budget processes in the states and reports on performance budgeting and higher education finance and budgeting. Meetings and trainings: training opportunities are offered for members in a variety of venues. For example, for over forty years nasbo has offered a well regarded training program for new analysts. Nasbo also holds several meetings a year to give budget officers the chance to interact with their colleagues. At the meetings, budget officers share tips and information as well as have a chance to hear from nationally recognized speakers and network with colleagues on various budgeting practices.

press clips service: every thursday budget officers and analysts receive a weekly e-mail of press clips covering top budget stories in the states - compiled by nasbo staff. Health care issues update: beginning in 2009, every thursday nasbo members receive an update on the health care issues that are most significant for state budgets. Nasbo "news flash": nasbo is monitoring state fiscal conditions, governors' proposals and press accounts to keep members up-to-date on state budget and revenue outlooks. Issue briefs: nasbo provides members with in-depth issue summaries on topics of critical interest to state budget officers. Recent issue briefs have covered state fiscal conditions, governors' proposed and enacted budgets, state ballot initiatives, budget processes issues, health care, and using performance data in state budgeting. Conference calls & webinars: since members cannot always travel to hear nationally recognized speakers, nasbo conducts frequent conference calls and webinars on topics important to members. Nasbo conference calls provide timely updates for members on critical issues like medicaid, the federal budget, revenue collections, and economic conditions. Conference presentations: nasbo staff are frequently asked to present to national conferences to provide insight on state budget conditions. Website upgrades: nasbo continued to work on the association's website to expand our ability to serve and communicate with our members and the public. Managing which electronic publications registered users receive, registering for meetings, and reaching out to other nasbo members and affiliates is now easier than ever. Quick technical assistance: we often receive calls and e-mails from budget officers and budget analysts in the states asking a specific question for which they need a fairly quick answer. Members frequently seek assistance from nasbo staff for information about practices in other states or specific information about federal actions.