FoughtDemocratSlushFundsinCourtandWON

Stopped

House Republicans rejected about $645 million in carried-over funds, then won in court. $370 million lapsed instead of becoming slush funds.

What we say

If a state agency wants to carry money into a new fiscal year, they need to justify it in plain terms to the public.

RejectedDec 10, 2025

House suedJan 9, 2026

Preliminary injunction (Jan 2026; exact date pending)Date pending

Settlement ($370 million lapsed)May 26, 2026

The HEAT plan makes every spending-item request public 45 days before a vote, with a stated purpose and the names of the lawmaker and the recipient.

Part of the HEAT plan: legislators can't become lobbyists right after leaving office, and can't be paid to lobby anywhere while they serve.

Two budgets that cut general fund spending, eliminated thousands of ghost employees, and protected the rainy-day fund, with no new taxes or fees.