Changes

'''Appropriation''' is, in government, the provision of funds (either through an annual appropriations [[act]] or a permanent law) which allow government agencies to spend money for specified purposes.

'''Appropriation''' is, in government, the provision of funds (either through an annual appropriations [[act]] or a permanent law) which allow government agencies to spend money for specified purposes.

In the Federal Government, the formal federal spending process consists of two sequential steps: [[authorization]] and then appropriation<ref>[https://www.senate.gov/reference/glossary_term/appropriation.htm] US Senate Reference</ref> (traditionally there have been 13 separate appropriations bills, though often funding has been provided via continuing resolutions).

In the Federal Government, the formal federal spending process consists of two sequential steps: [[authorization]] and then appropriation<ref>[https://www.senate.gov/reference/glossary_term/appropriation.htm] US Senate Reference</ref> (traditionally there have been 12 separate appropriations bills, though often funding has been provided via continuing resolutions).

At the state and local levels, the two steps are usually combined when the annual budget is passed as it also serves as the appropriation act, though supplemental appropriations are often made throughout the fiscal year to add additional funding and/or to shift funding between accounts as needed to cover unexpected expenditures.

At the state and local levels, the two steps are usually combined when the annual budget is passed as it also serves as the appropriation act, though supplemental appropriations are often made throughout the fiscal year to add additional funding and/or to shift funding between accounts as needed to cover unexpected expenditures.