MINUTES OF THE
SENATE Committee on Finance
Seventy-second Session
April 14, 2003
The Senate Committee on Finance was called to order by Chairman William J. Raggio, at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, April 14, 2003, in Room 2134 of the Legislative Building, Carson City, Nevada. Exhibit A is the Agenda. Exhibit B is the Attendance Roster. All exhibits are available and on file at the Research Library of the Legislative Counsel Bureau.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT:
Senator William J. Raggio, Chairman
Senator Raymond D. Rawson, Vice Chairman
Senator Dean A. Rhoads
Senator Barbara K. Cegavske
Senator Sandra J. Tiffany
Senator Bob Coffin
Senator Bernice Mathews
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
Gary L. Ghiggeri, Senate Fiscal Analyst
Bob Guernsey, Principal Deputy Fiscal Analyst
Mark Krmpotic, Senior Program Analyst
Larry L. Peri, Senior Program Analyst
Mindy Braun, Education Program Analyst
Jim Rodriguez, Program Analyst
Michael Archer, Committee Secretary
OTHERS PRESENT:
Michael J. Willden, Director, Department of Human Resources
Mary Liveratti, Deputy Director, Department of Human Resources
Todd Butterworth, Independent Living Advisory Council, Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation
Gary W. Olsen, Director, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Advocacy Resource Center, Carson City
Daniel G. Miles, Vice Chancellor, Finance and Administration, University and Community College System of Nevada
Robert E. Dickens, Lobbyist, Director, Office of Governmental Relations, University of Nevada, Reno
Terry R. Crawforth, Administrator, Division of Wildlife, State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Martin A. Ramirez, Chief Financial Officer, Administrative Services, Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation
Michael J.Torvinen, Administrative Services Officer, Department of Human Resources
Richard Harjo, Chairman, Nevada Indian Commission
Sherrada James, Executive Director, Nevada Indian Commission
John P. Comeaux, Director, Department of Administration
Charles Abbott, Chairman, Committee Testing for Intoxication, Department of Public Safety
Senator Raggio:
Let us go over the progress report.
Gary L. Ghiggeri, Senate Fiscal Analyst, Fiscal Analysis Division, Legislative Counsel Bureau:
I will read the “Senate Committee on Finance Progress Report” as of April 14, 2003 (Exhibit C).
Senator Raggio:
Let us look at Senate Bill (S.B.) 245. Is the supplemental appropriation still required?
SENATE BILL 245: Makes supplemental appropriation to Division of Conservation Districts of State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for unanticipated shortfall in Fiscal Year 2002-2003 for benefit costs for employees and retirees. (BDR S-1230)
Mr. Ghiggeri:
No, the State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources notified us that no supplemental appropriation is required this fiscal year.
Senator Raggio:
I will take a motion to indefinitely postpone S.B. 245.
SENATOR RAWSON MOVED TO INDEFINITELY POSTPONE S.B. 245.
SENATOR TIFFANY SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED. (SENATOR COFFIN WAS ABSENT FOR THE VOTE.)
****
Senator Raggio:
Next we will go to Senate Bill (S.B.) 164.
SENATE BILL 164: Creates the Office of Disability Services within Department of Human Resources to coordinate and administer certain services and programs for persons with disabilities. (BDR 38-701)
We originally heard this bill on March 3, 2003. Since that time, Senator Mathews and I have met with representatives of the Department of Human Resources (DHR). We discussed the potential for using an additional surcharge on wireless telephones to pay for necessary services for the deaf and hard of hearing community. Do we now have a proposed amendment?
Michael J. Willden, Director, Department of Human Resources:
Yes, we have the amendments. Our main concern is that we do not lose the original intent of the bill, which is to reorganize the Office of Disability Services.
Mary Liveratti, Deputy Director, Department of Human Resources:
The amendments will change S.B. 164 in four ways. The first item clarifies DHR and Office of Disability Services responsibilities. The next item codifies the existing Advisory Committee on Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons. The third item revises provisions governing the program to provide devices for telecommunications to persons with impaired speech and hearing. The last item removes the appropriation for the provision of legal aid to persons with disabilities. I will read them from my prepared text (Exhibit D. Original is on file in the Research Library.).
Senator Raggio:
Why is it necessary to clarify these responsibilities within the department?
Ms. Liveratti:
As originally written, S.B. 164 did not transfer all the responsibilities in Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 426A from the Department of Education, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR) to the Department of Human Resources (DHR).
Senator Raggio:
Will the cell telephone charges be the same as the other telephone charges? Will this surcharge be used to provide the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) relay? How much of this money goes to the telephone service provider?
Ms. Liveratti:
Currently, there is a telephone charge, per telephone, of 8 cents per month. The wireless charge will be the same.
Todd Butterworth, Independent Living Advisory Council, Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation:
About $1 million goes to Sprint each year for the telephone service. If the surcharge were applied to wireless phones, the charge, per line, might go down.
Gary W. Olsen, Director, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Advocacy Resource Center, Carson City:
This bill will improve the lives of the deaf and hard of hearing in Nevada. We support these amendments.
Senator Raggio:
We will have staff review the proposed amendments to S.B. 164 before we take action on it. We will now open the hearing on S.B. 413.
SENATE BILL 413: Makes various changes concerning securities issued by the University and Community College System of Nevada. (BDR 34-1034)
Daniel G. Miles, Vice Chancellor, Finance and Administration, University and Community College System of Nevada:
S.B. 413 is requested by the University and Community College System of Nevada (UCCSN) to deal with revenue bond authority. This bill sets the upper limit of authority for each of the campuses. Please see page 2 of my handout (Exhibit E) for projects that will need to be addressed in the next 3 years.
Senator Mathews:
Did we recently build a student union at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR)?
Robert E. Dickens, Lobbyist, Director, Office of Governmental Relations, University of Nevada, Reno:
The project you refer to is the renovation of the Jot Travis Student Union at UNR. This was paid for with student capital improvement funds.
Mr. Miles:
Additionally, at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) there is a plan for new student-housing units. The bonds will be sold this summer. They also intend to build a new student union and recreation facility. In the Executive Budget there is a plan for a science and engineering building. UNLV will be responsible for raising $25 million for that project. Potentially, there will be revenue bonds issued.
Senator Raggio:
Do both the library at UNR and the science and engineering building at UNLV have a component of revenue bonds?
Mr. Miles:
Yes.
Senator Raggio:
Are any of the revenue bonds in default? Have you ever paid off any of the existing bonds?
Mr. Miles:
None are in default. The way this statute is now, as you pay the bonds off you do not get to recapture your authorization. Also, S.B. 413 Section 1, line 27, allows adding to the pledged revenue by pledging certain income from leases held by UNLV.
Senator Raggio:
Why has the Desert Research Institute (DRI) language been taken out of the bill? Does this take anything away from DRI?
Mr. Miles:
This is because DRI already had that authority. It does not take anything away from them.
Senator Raggio:
What is meant in S.B. 413 Section 2?
Mr. Miles:
Section 2 is a list of those funds not allowed to be used as pledge revenue.
Senator Mathews:
What would be the effect of leaving DRI in the language? I am concerned that it will be left out.
Mr. Miles:
If you look at S.B. 413 Section 2, line 23, number 10, the words “Desert Research Institute” have been removed, and the phrase “University or the Board” has been inserted. All revenue bonds are issued in the name of the Board of Regents.
Senator Raggio:
We will close the hearing on S.B. 413, and open the hearing on Senate Bill (S.B.) 416.
SENATE BILL 416: Authorizes issuance of bonds and other securities for completion of Fish Hatchery Refurbishment Project. (BDR S-1212)
Terry R. Crawforth, Administrator, Division of Wildlife, State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources:
Last session we received authority to proceed with a $20 million, 6-year, fish hatcheries refurbishment project. S.B. 416 asks for $14 million in bonding authority to complete these projects. These funds would be paid back from trout stamp revenues and federal aid.
Senator Raggio:
Is this in the capital improvement projects (CIP)?
Mr. Ghiggeri:
That is correct.
Senator Raggio:
Why do we need the bill?
Mr. Crawforth:
We need the bonding authority.
Mr. Ghiggeri:
Last session, $3 million in bonding authority was placed in the CIP bill. That could probably be done at this time, if it is urgently needed.
Mr. Crawforth:
There is some urgency at this time.
Senator Raggio:
Which other hatcheries will be renovated this biennium?
Mr. Crawforth:
We will rebuild the entire Lake Meade hatchery. We have been doing some work on our Mason Valley, Ruby Valley, and Spring Creek hatcheries.
Senator Raggio:
Is Spring Creek the one near Baker? What have you done to that?
Mr. Crawforth:
Yes, it is the one near Baker. We have made some temporary repairs in order to keep it running.
Senator Raggio:
We will close the hearing on S.B. 416, and move on to budget closings, starting with budget account (B/A) 101-3226.
DETR, Welfare to Work – Budget Page DETR–25 (Volume 2)
Budget Account 101-3226
Jim Rodriguez, Program Analyst, Fiscal Analysis Division, Legislative Counsel Bureau:
I will read page 1 of the “Nevada Legislative Counsel Bureau Budget Closing Action Detail Report” closing list #4 (Exhibit F. Original is on file in the Research Library.).There are no major closing issues or technical adjustments required on B/A 101‑3226.
Senator Raggio:
What happens when the money terminates in FY 2004? Will it be difficult for these clients to be placed in employment?
Mr. Rodriguez:
The remaining Welfare to Work clients are moving to other DETR programs.
Senator Tiffany:
What is happening to the employees who do the Welfare to Work job placements?
Mr. Rodriguez:
Those employees have already moved to other DETR programs.
Senator Tiffany:
Do they now have a new job description?
Mr. Rodriguez:
Those employees were classified as counselors. The classification is not going to change. They are assuming similar work in other programs.
Senator Tiffany:
Is there a difference between case managers and the people who actually place the clients in jobs?
Martin A. Ramirez, Chief Financial Officer, Administrative Services, Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation:
When we assumed the budget from the Department of Human Resources Welfare Division it came with two full-time employees (FTE), a grants analyst, and clerical support position. By the time we closed FY 2002, both of these positions were vacant. They were scheduled to sunset at the end of that fiscal year.
Senator Tiffany:
How has the $637,784 obligation accumulated?
Mr. Ramirez:
Nevada received two grants with the Welfare to Work program totaling about $3 million. There was a 50 percent General Fund match. We had $1 million that carried over into FY 2003. Even though it is obligated, we still have $637,784 left.
Senator Raggio:
Can we use the money?
Mr. Ramirez:
No. The U.S. Department of Labor will want the money back.
Senator Raggio:
I will take a motion on this budget item.
SENATOR RAWSON MOVED TO CLOSE BUDGET ACCOUNT 101 – 3226 AS RECOMMENDED BY THE GOVERNOR.
SENATOR MATHEWS SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
*****
Senator Raggio:
The next item is B/A 645-3242.
HR, Child Welfare Trust – Budget Page DCFS-39 (Volume 2)
Budget Account 645-3242
Larry L. Peri, Senior Program Analyst, Fiscal Analysis Division, Legislative Counsel Bureau:
I will read the overview and closing items on pages 2 and 3 (Exhibit F). The reductions in this budget reflect the continuation of child welfare integration. Based on the recommended transfer of child welfare foster care and adoption responsibilities to Clark County and Washoe County, the amounts included in this budget represent the Division of Child and Family Services’ rural workload. No staff adjustments are recommended in this budget.
Senator Raggio:
We will hold this budget until we determine what we are going to do with the child welfare integration program. We will now go to B/A 101-3271.
HR, Child Abuse And Neglect – Budget Page DCFS-43 (Volume 2)
Budget Account 101-3271
Mr. Peri:
I will read the overview and closing items on pages 4 and 5 (Exhibit F). No adjustments are recommended to this budget. Funding is used to develop, strengthen, and carry out child abuse and neglect prevention and treatment programs. No adjustments are recommended to this budget.
Senator Raggio:
Are these entirely federal funds? What do the services contractors do with this money? Is there any way to measure the effectiveness of these contractors?
Mr. Peri:
Yes, it is entirely federal funds. The narrative at the bottom of page 6 (Exhibit F) gives a brief description of what each contractor does. I do not know how the performance is measured.
Michael J. Torvinen, Administrative Services Officer, Department of Human Resources:
I do not know how the effectiveness of the service contractors is measured.
Senator Raggio:
I do not want us to be just a conduit for federal money without knowing more about this. Can staff look into this matter?
Mr. Peri:
Yes.
Senator Raggio:
I will take a motion for approval of this budget item.
SENATOR RHOADS MOVED TO CLOSE BUDGET ACCOUNT 101 – 3271 AS RECOMMENDED BY THE GOVERNOR.
SENATOR TIFFANY SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED. (SENATOR RAWSON WAS ABSENT FOR THE VOTE.)
*****
Senator Raggio:
We will now move on to B/A 101-2600.
Indian Affairs Commission – Budget Page INDIAN-1 (Volume 2)
Budget Account 101-2600
Bob Guernsey, Principal Deputy Fiscal Analyst, Fiscal Analysis Division, Legislative Counsel Bureau:
We recommend the continuation of the $10,000 sub-grant from the Department of Human Resources, Health Division. The purpose of the grant is to involve Nevada tribes under Nevada’s Environmental Public Health Tracking System (EPHTS), which will result in additional expenditures for the Nevada Indian Commission. Funding for board meetings has been adjusted to reflect the likelihood of one of the five commissioners missing two of the four meetings.
Senator Raggio:
What is the recommended General Fund appropriation?
Mr. Guernsey:
The entire budget is from the General Fund. We recommend $131,743 in FY 2003 and $134,268 in FY 2004. One of the items not contained in the budget is the possible relocation of the Nevada Indian Commission office from Reno to the Stewart Indian Museum in Carson City. We do not yet have detailed information about this proposed move.
Senator Raggio:
Who is recommending that move?
Mr. Guernsey:
The Department of Administration recommended this.
Richard Harjo, Chairman, Nevada Indian Commission:
My executive director, Sherrada James, has information on this.
Sherrada James, Executive Director, Nevada Indian Commission:
The Nevada Indian Commission has been given authorization to relocate our office. We currently lease our space. The Stewart facility is state-owned, and we would not be subject to yearly lease payment increases, as we are at our current location.
Senator Raggio:
Is this move desirable?
Ms. James:
Yes, it would save us money and assist the State in meeting a deed-restriction requirement for use of the property.
John P. Comeaux, Director, Department of Administration:
I do not know what the final decision will be on this move.
Senator Raggio:
When the decision is made, will we need to make some adjustments to the budget?
Mr. Guernsey:
Yes, consideration must be given to such things as moving expenses and telephone hookups. There is a question about the condition of the building, and repairs may be required.
Senator Raggio:
I will take a motion to close this budget item, subject to reopening if a decision is made to relocate the office.
SENATOR CEGAVSKE MOVED TO CLOSE BUDGET ACCOUNT 101‑2600 WITH STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS.
SENATOR TIFFANY SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED. (SENATOR COFFIN WAS ABSENT FOR THE VOTE.)
*****
Senator Raggio:
The next budget item is B/A 201-4732.
DMV, Hearings – Budget Page DMV-104 (Volume 3)
Budget Account 201-4732
Mark Krmpotic, Senior Program Analyst, Fiscal Analysis Division, Legislative Counsel Bureau:
I will read the overview, closing items, and recommended technical adjustments set out on pages 8 and 9 (Exhibit F).
Senator Raggio:
What kinds of Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) sanctions can be appealed?
Mr. Krmpotic:
Driver’s license and vehicle registration suspensions are the primary kinds of appeals. There are no major closing issues in this budget. Staff noted there was a net increase in travel expenses in enhancement E-225.
E-225 Reward More Efficient Operations – Page DMV-105
Senator Raggio:
Is the funding all from the Highway Fund? Are any new positions recommended? What other adjustments do you recommend?
Mr. Krmpotic:
This is all Highway Fund money. DMV is asking for no new positions. There is a recommendation to upgrade one administrative law judge position to include supervision duties. Staff removed the more than 5 percent increase for the supervision that was built into the base budget. We have increased vacancy savings to include fringe benefits.
Senator Raggio:
Mr. Comeaux, do you have any comment on that?
Mr. Comeaux:
No.
Senator Raggio:
If there are no other issues, I will take a motion to close this budget with staff technical adjustments.
SENATOR TIFFANY MOVED TO CLOSE BUDGET ACCOUNT 201-4732 WITH STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS.
SENATOR RHOADS SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED. (SENATOR COFFIN WAS ABSENT FOR THE VOTE.)
*****
Senator Raggio:
We will now discuss B/A 101-4727.
Public Safety, Capitol Police – Budget Page PS-98 (Volume 3)
Budget Account 710-4727
Mr. Rodriguez:
I will read the overview and closing issues on pages 10 and 11 (Exhibit F). Staff has made adjustments to enhancement E-710, decreasing the cost of computer equipment, and to decision unit E-720, recommending $1000 for vehicle light bars. Staff also seeks authority to make some closing adjustments to the cost‑allocations as other budgets are closed.
Senator Raggio:
Can they transfer those light bars from one vehicle to another?
Mr. Rodriguez:
The motor pool must buy new vehicles, which require special equipment.
SENATOR RHOADS MOVED TO CLOSE BUDGET ACCOUNT 101–4727 WITH STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS.
SENATOR CEGAVSKE SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED. (SENATOR COFFIN WAS ABSENT FOR THE VOTE.)
*****
Senator Raggio:
We will now review B/A 101-4687.
Public Safety, Traffic Safety – Budget Page PS-111 (Volume 3)
Budget Account 101-4687
Mr. Rodriguez:
I will read the overview and closing issues on page 12 (Exhibit F). Funds from this budget account are transferred to the Highway Safety Planning and Administration budget account B/A 101-4688, for reimbursement to the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for office administrative expenses and federal projects in which OTS is the applicant agency. Staff recommends technical adjustments to balance revenues from this account with recommended expenditures in the Highway Safety Planning budget in B/A 101-4688. Staff recommends technical adjustments to balance revenues from B/A 101-4687 with expenditures in B/A 101-4688.
SENATOR RHOADS MOVED TO CLOSE BUDGET ACCOUNT 101-4687 WITH STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS.
SENATOR TIFFANY SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED. (SENATOR COFFIN WAS ABSENT FOR THE VOTE.)
*****
Senator Raggio:
We will now discuss B/A 101-4688.
Public Safety, Highway Safety Plan & Admin – Budget Page PS-113 (Volume 3) Budget Account 101-4688.
Mr. Rodriguez:
I will read the overview and closing issues on pages 13 and 14 (Exhibit F). The OTS has been designated by the Governor to prepare a comprehensive highway safety program plan detailing how Nevada proposes to achieve long-range federal and state goals. The mission of OTS is to reduce the number and severity of motor vehicle crashes. Staff recommends funding of $245,609 in FY 2003-2004, and $90,109 in FY 2004‑2005, for the continued implementation of the Nevada Citation and Accident Tracking System (NCATS). Staff has also made technical adjustments to the cost-allocations for items in enhancement E‑350. We have eliminated some computer equipment requested in decision unit E-710.
E-350 Service At Level Closest To People – Page PS-117
E-710 Replacement Equipment – Page PS-117
Senator Raggio:
What is the status of the bill to reduce the blood alcohol level for drunk driving from 1.0 to .08? Are we facing potential federal highway funding sanctions if that bill is not enacted by a certain date?
Charles Abbott, Chairman, Committee Testing for Intoxication, Department of Public Safety:
The Assembly Committee on Ways and Means is hearing that bill today.
Mr. Rodriguez:
It has to be passed this session to avoid those sanctions.
Senator Raggio:
Does this involve highway funding rather than traffic safety funding?
Mr. Abbott:
It does not affect the traffic safety account funding; however, the reauthorization of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) would affect this funding.
SENATOR CEGAVSKE MOVED TO CLOSE BUDGET ACCOUNT 101-4688 WITH STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS.
SENATOR TIFFANY SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED. (SENATOR COFFIN WAS ABSENT FOR THE VOTE.)
*****
Senator Raggio:
The next budget account is 201-4689.
Public Safety, Bicycle Safety Program – Budget Page PS-120 (Volume 3) Budget Account 201-4689
Mr. Rodriguez:
I will read the overview and closing items on pages 15 and 16 (Exhibit F). The Bicycle Safety Program was established to educate the public about the interaction between motor vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. There are no major closing issues. Staff recommends changes in funding based on changes in allocations from other sources, and technical adjustments based on increased revenue projections.
Senator Raggio:
What does the one position shown in this budget do? Is the 50-cent fee from drivers’ licenses enough to fully sustain this program?
Mr. Rodriguez:
The position manages the administration and allocation of program funds to the local entities. This account is self-supporting.
SENATOR CEGAVSKE MOVED TO CLOSE BUDGET ACCOUNT 201-4689 WITH STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS.
SENATOR RHOADS SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED. (SENATOR COFFIN WAS ABSENT FOR THE VOTE.)
*****
Senator Raggio:
We will now go to B/A 201-4691.
Public Safety, Motorcycle Safety Program – Budget Page PS-125 (Volume 3) Budget Account 201-4691.
Mr. Rodriguez:
I will review the overview and closing items located on pages 17 through 19 (Exhibit F). The Motorcycle Safety Program educates and trains motorcycle riders and increases the general publics awareness of motorcycles. Decision unit E-350 recommends the addition of $40,959 in FY 2003-2004, and $49,199 in FY 2004-2005, to expand the motorcycle safety program. Enhancement E-351 provides funding for the continuation of the program manager. E-710 recommends $12,080 in FY 2003-2004, and $32,306 in FY 2004-2005 to replace training motorcycles and computer equipment. Decision unit E-720 recommends the $2400 in FY 2004-2005 for the purchase of two motorcycle sidecars for training. Staff recommends approval of these decisions, with technical adjustments to correct cost-allocations, revenue projections, and travel expenses.
E-350 Service Level Closest To People – Page PS-128
E-351 Service Level Closest To People – Page PS-128
E-710 Replacement Equipment – Page PS-129
E-720 New Equipment – Page PS-129
Senator Raggio:
What is the total number of motorcycles for which we charge the $6 fee?
Mr. Rodriguez:
I do not know, but I will get you that information.
Senator Cegavske:
We have motorcycle and bicycle safety, but no real automobile safety. The schools seem to be moving away from driver’s education. If we have the ability to make these other vehicle users safer, we should be able to do it for automobile safety too. We need to look at that.
SENATOR CEGAVSKE MOVED TO CLOSE BUDGET ACCOUNT 201-4691 WITH STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS.
SENATOR TIFFANY SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED. (SENATOR COFFIN WAS ABSENT FOR THE VOTE.)
*****
Senator Raggio:
The next item is B/A 101-4729.
Emergency Response Commission – Budget Page PS-159 (Volume 3) Budget Account 101-4729
E-500 Accessible, Flexible, Cost-Efficient Government – Page PS-164
Mr. Rodriguez:
I will review this budget account on pages 20 through 22 (Exhibit F). The State Emergency Response Team (SERC) trains and equips public safety officials and responders to deal with the presence of hazardous materials. SERC is asking for an increase in in-state, and out out-of-state, travel funds. They have provided staff with a detailed breakout of travel for all known meetings over the coming biennium.
E-275 Working Environment & Wage – Page PS-162
Staff concurs with the recommendation in decision unit E-275 to use Highway Fund money to pay costs associated with the agency’s administrative assistant.
E-276 Working Environment & Wage – Page PS-163
E-277 Working Environment & Wage – Page PS-163
E-278 Working Environment & Wage – Page PS-163
Decision units E-276 and E-277 recommend the Highway Fund pay for copying costs and rent. The commission did not have these expenses in FY 2001-2002. They will need to be budgeted for in the coming biennium. Decision unit E-278 recommends the Highway Fund to be used to pay workers’ compensation for commission members who are not state employees.
E-710 Replacement Equipment– Page PS-164
Enhancement E-710 recommends the Highway Fund to be used to purchase replacement computers. Costs have been adjusted to reflect the latest prices from State purchasing. S.B. 201 and Assembly Bill (A.B.) 486 both recommend a cap on the fees charged by the SERC.
Senate Bill 201: Revises limitations on amount of fees that State Emergency Response Commission may impose for certain services of Commission or activities relating to extremely hazardous materials. (BDR 40‑ 1047)
ASSEMBLY BILL 486: Increases limitation on certain fees that State Emergency Response Commission may require certain persons to pay for calendar year. (BDR 40-1256)
Senator Raggio:
What kinds of businesses pay these fees?
Mr. Rodriguez:
These are businesses that store extremely hazardous material. Both bills increase the cap on the accumulation of fees they will have to pay.
Senator Raggio:
Has S.B. 201 been processed? Does all the money from these fees flow into the SERC budget?
Senator Rhoads:
Yes, the bill has been processed.
Mr. Rodriguez:
All the fees flow through this SERC budget.
Senator Raggio:
Will we have to revisit this budget depending on which of these bills passes?
Mr. Ghiggeri:
If there are changes to increase the limit, and they have additional receipts, they can come to Interim Finance Committee (IFC) with a plan to spend the additional funding.
Senator Raggio:
Subject to this potential change, I will accept a motion to close this budget.
SENATOR RHOADS MOVED TO CLOSE BUDGET ACCOUNT 101-4729 AS RECOMMENDED BY STAFF.
SENATOR CEGAVSKE SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED. (SENATOR COFFIN WAS ABSENT FOR THE VOTE.)
*****
Senator Raggio:
We will now discuss B/A 101-3652.
Adjutant General Construction Fund – Budget Page MILITARY-6 (Volume 3) Budget Account 101-3652
Mindy Braun, Education Program Analyst, Fiscal Analysis Division, Legislative Counsel Bureau:
I will read the overview on pages 23 and 24 (Exhibit F). There are no major closing items. Staff recommends adding authority of $1000 in each fiscal year of the biennium to receive funds from the rental of armories. We also recommend authority to receive federal funds for construction and major repair projects.
SENATOR RHOADS MOVED TO CLOSE BUDGET ACCOUNT 101-3652 AS RECOMMENDED BY STAFF.
SENATOR CEGAVSKE SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED. (SENATOR COFFIN WAS ABSENT FOR THE VOTE.)
*****
Senator Raggio:
This meeting is adjourned at 9:29 a.m.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:
Michael Archer,
Committee Secretary
APPROVED BY:
Senator William J. Raggio, Chairman
DATE: