Legislature(2005 - 2006)
04/25/2005 05:07 PM House 001
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HOUSE and SENATE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
HB 1
April 25, 2005
5:07 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
Senator Wilken called the HB 1 Conference Committee meeting
to order at 5:07:17 PM.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Wilken Representative Meyer
Senator Green Representative Chenault
Senator Hoffman Representative Gara
MEMBERS ABSENT
None
SUMMARY
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 1(HES)
"An Act relating to the base student allocation used in
the formula for state funding of public education; and
providing for an effective date."
and
SCS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 1(FIN)
"An Act relating to the base student allocation used in
the formula for state funding of public education; and
providing for an effective date."
HB 1 was heard and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
Chair Representative Meyer reviewed conference committee
rules under Uniform Rule 42.
Representative Chenault MOVED to have the Senate recede from
their amendments to HB 1.
Senator Wilken OBJECTED.
Co-Chair Wilken explained the intent of the Senate approach
to HB 1. The Senate has tied the passage of HB 1 to the
passage of retirement reform legislation (SB 141). HE
emphasized the need to address the retirement issue, which
also affects teachers. He acknowledged the importance of the
issues and the level of concern demonstrated by those that
were present and those that had participated in the process.
Representative Gara spoke in support of the House version.
He stressed that while the issues are serious, they are
separate. He could not support holding back money to reduce
class size contingent on the right of teachers to have a
pension. He noted that the $4,919 [base student allocation]
will still result in layoffs. He noted that the pension
issue is moving and requested that the issues be considered
separately. He emphasized that school funding had always
been considered as a separate issue.
5:14:39 PM
Senator Hoffman acknowledged the projected deficit of $5.7
million in the retirement system, but maintained that the
retirement system is fully funded. The problem lies in the
health care component of the system. He felt that a better
solution would be splitting the defined contribution with a
tightened defined benefit: 50/50. He observed that HB 1, nor
SB 141 addresses this issue of the $5.7 million "hole". He
maintained that the issues should be addressed separately to
obtain the best solution.
5:16:47 PM
Senator Green stressed that there has been a number of
discussions since the previous year. Plans presented to the
TRS and PERS boards were turned down. The legislation is an
attempt to strike a balance. She spoke in support of the
retirement investment plan. She maintained that the Senate
retirement proposal would create an attractive investment
plan for employees. She observed that this is the most
difficult issue that she had faced in her tenure as a
legislator. The cost of retirement is growing. She disagreed
that the TRS and PERS funding is a separate issue from the
student base allocation and pointed out that a large
percentage of [education funding] goes toward retirement.
She maintained that in the future, only two teachers would
be hired for every three of today if there is not a
solution.
5:21:22 PM
Representative Chenault observed the desire for adequate and
early funding of education. He acknowledged the importance
of resolving the PERS and TRS issue as "the biggest issue we
are going to face". He noted that SB 141 is moving through
the system, but emphasized the attempt to take care of
education funding.
5:23:48 PM
Representative Meyer noted the attempt to early fund
education and pointed out that contingency language was
added to HB 1. He agreed that PERS and TRS funding is a
major issue. He spoke in support of separating the issues.
5:25:06 PM
Senator Wilken expressed the desire to reach an acceptable
conclusion. He pointed to the passage of HB 158.
Representative Meyer expressed the hope that some resolution
would occur regarding SB 141.
5:27:32 PM
Representative Gara noted that there are two issues and
contingency language doesn't allow discussion on other
options short of a complete reforming of the pension plan.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR:
Senate: Hoffman
House: Gara, Chenault, Meyer
OPPOSED:
Senate: Green, Wilken
The MOTION FAILED.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 5:30 PM
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|