1.  Budget recommendation.  Prior to December 15th of each year, the commissioner, with the approval of the state board, shall certify to the Governor and to the Bureau of the Budget the funding levels the commissioner recommends to carry out the purposes of this subchapter and subchapters III and IV. The commissioner shall include these funding levels in the department's request to the Legislature for appropriations from the General Fund to carry out the purposes of this chapter.  

2.  Budget limitation.  This section does not apply to construction grants made under chapter 609.