LEGISLATIVE MEMBER INITIATIVES

Amends the State Budget Law and the State Finance Act. Provides that, beginning with fiscal year 2009, the General Assembly must make appropriations in each fiscal year sufficient to fund legislative member initiatives. Each member is entitled to designate initiatives totaling up to 1/177th of 1% of the total appropriations for the fiscal year. Designations must be made in writing and filed on or before May 1 immediately before the beginning of the fiscal year with the Speaker by Representatives and with the President by Senators. Requires the Governor to include an amount sufficient for these purposes in the budget submitted by the Governor. Makes a continuing appropriation if the General Assembly fails to make sufficient appropriations. Defines a "legislative member initiative". Effective immediately.