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and relationship with certain members. Likewise, another analyst commented, “We have a great deal of
discretion in presenting information about agency budget requests. We have discretion to look into
whatever we want to with regard to our agencies. We don’t assume a knowledge base with members,
especially with term limits. It is up to us to provide them [legislators] with the basic
concepts and descriptions of programs. We are the experts and we let them know what is going on.”
Although all eleven analysts responded that they have a great deal of discretion in providing
information, only three of 13 (23%) legislators reported that the analyst has a great deal of discretion.
One legislator commented, “Analysts have a great deal of discretion. We are part time legislators and
depend upon them for information.” No legislator reported that analysts had little or no discretion in
providing information or budget recommendations. However, the majority of legislators reported that
analysts have some discretion, but within certain boundaries. The majority of legislators (ten of 13)
reported that analysts have some discretion in providing information or making budget recommendations.
Four of the 10 legislators reporting that analysts have some discretion specifically commented on the
responsibility of staff to provide objective information to all members of the legislature, regardless of
political party. These comments indicate that analysts have some discretion in providing information,
but it must be done in a nonpartisan fashion:
Analysts have a lot of flexibility within the rules but they must provide objective information
and respect anonymity. For example, the information provided to members is confidential
unless a member says otherwise.
They do have discretion, but analysts are required to be nonpartisan, not give their own opinions.
Although they are requested to provide policy options, or options to be
considered, they are expected to provide unbiased information to the members. For
example, should we fold at risk education aid into the basic education aid or keep it
separate? What would be the pros and cons of doing this?
Analysts have discretion within the boundaries of the questions that we ask.
They must respond to both sides of the aisle, to both parties. Again, the committee asks
specific questions of staff and they provide us with the answers or information.
In providing information, analysts and legislators perceived a similar degree of direction from the
legislators. Direction for both budget actors is defined as legislators asking specific questions, asking for
Convention