Panel begins examination of government budgeting practices
(World News USA)

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) - A panel formed by Delaware lawmakers to study the state`s budgeting practices is getting down to work. The panel meeting Thursday was created by lawmakers in the waning hours of this year`s budget session, which required an extraordinary overtime session before they could agree on a budget for this year. The panel is charged with examining Delaware`s historic budgeting practices, including spending only 98 percent of estimated revenue and using a budget reserve account. It will also discuss restrictions on budget surpluses, whether from unforeseen revenue growth or one-time windfalls, so they don`t result in long-term expansion of spending. ......