Legislature(2007 - 2008)HOUSE FINANCE 519
03/21/2007 01:30 PM House FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB95 || HB96 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 95 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 96 | TELECONFERENCED | |
HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE
March 21, 2007
1:43 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Chenault called the House Finance Committee meeting
to order at 1:43:54 PM.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Mike Chenault, Co-Chair
Representative Kevin Meyer, Co-Chair
Representative Bill Stoltze, Vice-Chair
Representative Harry Crawford
Representative Les Gara
Representative Mike Hawker
Representative Reggie Joule
Representative Mike Kelly
Representative Mary Nelson
Representative Bill Thomas Jr.
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Richard Foster
SUMMARY
HB 95 An Act making appropriations for the operating and
loan program expenses of state government, for
certain programs, and to capitalize funds; making
appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c),
Constitution of the State of Alaska; and providing
for an effective date.
HB 95 was HEARD & HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
HB 96 An Act making appropriations for the operating and
capital expenses of the state's integrated
comprehensive mental health program; and providing
for an effective date.
HB 96 was HEARD & HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
AMENDMENTS:
Department of Education & Early Development
Department of Environmental Conservation
Department of Health and Social Services
HOUSE BILL NO. 95
An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan
program expenses of state government, for certain
programs, and to capitalize funds; making
appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution
of the State of Alaska; and providing for an effective
date.
HOUSE BILL NO. 96
An Act making appropriations for the operating and
capital expenses of the state's integrated
comprehensive mental health program; and providing for
an effective date.
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION & EARLY DEVELOPMENT
Representative Gara MOVED to WITHDRAW DEED 4, which would be
replaced by DEED 6. There being NO OBJECTION, DEED 4 was
withdrawn.
Representative Gara MOVED to ADOPT DEED 6. Co-Chair Meyer
OBJECTED.
DEPARTMENT: Language Section
APPROPRIATION: Fund Capitalization
ALLOCATION: Education Loan Fund
ADD: The sum of $20,000,000 is appropriated
from Alaska Student Loan Corporation
receipts to the education loan fund (AS
14.42.210).
FUNDING SOURCE: Alaska Student Loan Corporation receipts
Representative Gara explained that the amendment would
appropriate money to fund needs-based education grants for
students attending Alaskan institutions, reinserting the
language section of the Governor's original budget. The
transfer of $20 million from the Alaska Student Loan
Corporation (ASLC) to the Education Loan Fund will provide
approximately $1 million/year in income to be used for
needs-based financial aid grants. Because it would restrict
use of corporate assets to a non-loan purpose, the ASLC
regards the appropriation as a return of capital to the
State. ASLC intends to complete the return of capital in FY
09 with a $40 million dollar transfer of bond proceeds. The
principal will not be spent and could be returned to the
State for appropriation for other future purposes.
Co-Chair Meyer thought the dollar amount should be placed
into the General Fund. He pointed out that Alaska is placed
in the national lower third for offering adequate tuition
rates.
1:46:34 PM
Representative Joule spoke in favor of the amendment noting
that it would provide opportunities to students outside the
top 10%. DEED 6 provides opportunity to the "average"
students.
Representative Crawford stressed that 48 other states offer
the option and that Alaska is not placing enough students
into college. He recommended the endowment program as the
way to help.
Representative Nelson commented on the need for a trained
Alaskan workforce. She pointed out that many schools no
longer offer a vocational technical program. People need to
be trained for the skilled jobs to be offered through
building a Alaska Gas Line. There are many unemployed
residents that are not qualified for those jobs.
1:55:10 PM
A roll call vote was taken on DEED 6.
IN FAVOR: Crawford, Gara, Joule, Nelson,
OPPOSED: Hawker, Kelly, Stoltze, Thomas, Meyer,
Chenault
Representative Foster was not present for the vote.
The MOTION FAILED (4-6).
1:56:02 PM
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
Co-Chair Meyer MOVED to ADOPT DEC 1, indicating that he co-
sponsored it with Representative Bill Thomas.
Representative Gara OBJECTED.
DEPARTMENT: Department of Environmental Conservation
APPROPRIATION: Environmental Health
ALLOCATION: Laboratory Services
ADD: New language section:
The sum of $80,000 is appropriated from
the Commercial Passenger Vessel
Environmental Compliance Fund to the
Department of Environmental Conservation
for paralytic shellfish poisoning
testing for commercial shellfish farmers
and dive fishermen for the fiscal year
ending June 30, 2008.
FUNDING SOURCE: Commercial Passenger Vessel
Environmental Compliance Fund (Fund
code: 1166)
Representative Bill Thomas explained that the amendment
would provide funding to offset the fee increase ($35 to
$125) shellfish farmers and dive fishermen face in FY08 for
paralytic shellfish poisoning testing. Funds are granted on
a one-time basis with the understanding that the industry
would continue to work with interested parties to find new
fund sources in the future.
Representative Bill Thomas continued, funds from the
Commercial Passenger Vessel Environmental Compliance Fund
may be appropriated for "the department's operational costs
necessary to carry out activities under Alaska Statutes
46.03.490 relating to commercial passenger vessels." AS
46.03.488(2) allows for "monitoring and studying of direct
or indirect environmental effects of those vessels". Excess
funds would be available in FY08; they may not be available
in the future.
Representative Gara understood that the request was to
offset a fee increase to $35 dollars from $125 dollars.
Representative Thomas stated that the additional fee
prohibits any "ma & pa" type business from participating as
it is a struggling new industry. Representative Gara
suggested it be placed in the Capital Budget.
Co-Chair Meyer interjected this would be a one time funding;
next year, it will need to be justified. He did not think
it was appropriate to place it in the Capital Budget.
Representative Gara questioned if the money would come from
the new cruise ship initiative. Co-Chair Meyer said it
would not.
Representative Thomas noted that previously, the State did
provide the shell fish testing. Now the service burden has
been placed on the back of the State residents. He
reiterated that the rates are too high for the small
business people.
AT EASE: 2:02:12 PM
RECONVENE: 2:02:52 PM
Representative Gara WITHDREW his OBJECTION, noting that he
would judge future amendment as to the importance of the
service being offered. Co-Chair Chenault suggested speaking
with each Committee member regarding the way a vote is made.
Co-Chair Chenault OBJECTED to DEC 1. He offered to AMEND
DEC 1, changing the funding code to one time item (OTI).
Co-Chair Meyer agreed. Co-Chair Chenault WITHDREW his
initial OBJECTION. There being NO further OBJECTIONS, the
amended DEC 1 was adopted.
2:04:57 PM
Representative Gara MOVED to ADOPT DEC 2. Co-Chair Meyer
OBJECTED.
DEPARTMENT: Department of Environmental Conservation
APPROPRIATION: Water
ALLOCATION: Water Quality
ADD: n/a
Representative Gara pointed out the intent of the
Legislature that the Department submit a FY08 request to
fund the positions needed to provide Ocean Ranger services
not already provided by other cruise ship personnel. If
that is consistent with the statutory language, it is the
intent that Ocean Rangers board cruise ships to perform the
work at the first available Alaskan port of call.
Co-Chair Meyer responded that the Department of
Environmental Conservation is working diligently on the
issue as is the Legislature. He mentioned the "host of
problems" facing the initiative.
Representative Gara did not want to wait for the other bill
and recommended coming up with a program consistent with
what the citizens voted upon and funding it as efficiently
as possible.
2:07:45 PM
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Crawford, Gara, Nelson
OPPOSED: Hawker, Kelly, Joule, Thomas, Meyer, Chenault
Representative Foster & Vice Chair Stoltze were not present
for the vote.
The MOTION FAILED (3-6).
2:08:58 PM
Representative Gara MOVED to ADOPT DEC 3. Co-Chair Meyer
OBJECTED.
DEPARTMENT: Department of Environmental
Conservation
APPROPRIATION: Administration
ALLOCATION: Unallocated Reduction
ADD: $500,000
FUNDING SOURCE: Oil and Hazardous Substance Release
Prevention and Response Fund
Representative Gara explained that the amendment would
assure continued funding for existing core spill prevention
and response programs without a delay of newly proposed
flow-line integrity activities. The bill reflects a
departmental unallocated reduction in the Response Fund
spending authority of $500,000 dollars. The reduction was
predicated on a lapse report showing that the Division of
Spill Prevention and Response had approximated $800,000
dollars in unspent expenditure authority during FY06. The
Division has been working to reduce lapse for several
years, with the FY06 amount being much less than prior
years. Although it is necessary to retain some flexibility
for unexpected events, potential excess authorization was
again reduced $775,000 dollars through the FY07 budget
process with the expectation that lapse would become
insignificant.
Representative Gara continued, current projections suggest
that there will be very little, if any, response fund lapse
at the end of FY07. Without lapse, a further reduction of
$500,000 dollars for FY08 will impact current core spill
prevention and response programs or could delay activities
planned to address flow line integrity.
Co-Chair Meyer noted the handouts provided to the
Subcommittee by the Department addressing these concerns.
(Copy on File).
AT EASE: 2:13:00 PM
RECONVENE: 2:13:41 PM
Representative Gara understood it was the position of
Department that they might not be able to make the requested
budget savings. He stated that by not providing the funding
could jeopardize the safety monitoring of the North Slope
pipeline.
Co-Chair Chenault advised that dollars had been put into the
supplemental for such programs; if they do run out of money
next year, the Departmental could then request supplemental
funding.
2:15:35 PM
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Crawford, Gara, Joule, Nelson,
OPPOSED: Hawker, Kelly, Stoltze, Thomas, Meyer,
Chenault
Representative Foster was not present for the vote.
The MOTION FAILED (4-6).
2:16:24 PM
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES
Co-Chair Chenault MOVED to ADOPT HSS 1. Co-Chair Meyer
OBJECTED.
DEPARTMENT: Department of Health and Social
Services
APPROPRIATION: Behavioral Health
ALLOCATION: Behavioral Health Grants
DELETE: Enhanced Detoxification & Dual
Diagnosis Treatment in Anchorage
$300.0 General Fund
Co-Chair Chenault explained that HSS 1 deletes funding for
enhanced detox and dual diagnosis treatment in Anchorage.
Representative Hawker counseled the Committee on making a
significant contribution to a detox program, which he
thought was only "sobering-up". The initial budget did
include the Fairbanks Medical Center & is ready to
assimilate the additional funding. Social detox in
Anchorage was not met with a lot of support in previous
processes. He recommended that a community requesting to
establish those services should do a better job of front-end
loading the request to the Legislature.
Representative Crawford noted that the people suffering from
a dual diagnosis are often the ones that self-medicate. He
emphasized the serious need for the requested funding,
strongly disagreed with removing it from the budget.
Representative Gara questioned what a "social" detox center
was. Co-Chair Chenault understood it was a supervised
sleep-off clinic, offering peer support. Representative
Hawker noted that the American Society of Addiction Medicine
(ASM) description, which provides 24-hour supervision,
observation support for patients that are intoxicated or
experiencing withdrawal.
Representative Gara referenced Representative Hawker's
statement that the spending on these concerns does not "get
out of control". He stated it is the "lack of funding that
is getting out of control". Alaska provides less than ½ the
funding provided in 2002. He stated that he did not support
the amendment.
2:26:19 PM
Co-Chair Meyer WITHDREW his OBJECTION. Representative
Crawford OBJECTED.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Hawker, Kelly, Stoltze, Thomas, Meyer,
Chenault
OPPOSED: Crawford, Gara, Joule, Nelson
Representative Foster was not present for the vote.
The MOTION PASSED (6-4).
2:27:19 PM
Representative Hawker MOVED to ADOPT HSS 2. Co-Chair Meyer
OBJECTED.
DEPARTMENT: Department of Health and Social
Services
APPROPRIATION: Boards & Commissions
ALLOCATION: Governor's Council on Disabilities &
Special Education
ADD: $100,000
FUNDING SOURCE: Mental Health Trust Authority Receipts
(MHTAAR)
Representative Hawker explained that during the March 12,
2007 Mental Health Trust meeting, the members approved a
change of intent for the Micro Enterprise Designated Grant.
The change of intent would transfer $100 thousand dollars
(MHTAAR) funding to the Governor's Council on Disabilities &
Special Education to manage the Micro Enterprise Designated
Grant program. That program is an element of a portfolio of
services that support self-employment opportunities for
beneficiaries in collaboration with the Mental Health Trust
Authority.
Co-Chair Meyer WITHDREW his OBJECTION. There being NO
further OBJECTION, it was adopted.
2:28:37 PM
Representative Hawker MOVED to ADOPT HSS 3. Co-Chair Meyer
OBJECTED.
DEPARTMENT: Department of Health and Social
Services
APPROPRIATION: Division of Social Services
ALLOCATION: Health Planning & Infrastructure
ADD: $30,000
FUNDING SOURCE: Mental Health Trust Authority
Authorized Receipts (MHTAAR)
Representative Hawker explained that at the March 12, 2007,
Mental Health Trust meeting, the members approved an
increase of $30 thousand MHTAAR funding dollars for the
Comprehensive Integrated Mental Health Plan. The
Department has made significant progress in developing the
plan and the additional amount would ensure adequate
funding for the development of the project.
Co-Chair Meyer WITHDREW his OBJECTION. There being NO
further OBJECTION, it was adopted.
2:29:03 PM
Representative Hawker MOVED to ADOPT HSS 4. Co-Chair Meyer
OBJECTED.
DEPARTMENT: Department of Health & Social Services
APPROPRIATION: Health Care Services
ALLOCATION: Medical Assistance Administration
DELETE: $190.9 1189: Senior Care Fund
APPROPRIATION: Senior and Disabilities Services
ALLOCATION: Senior and Disabilities Services
Administration
DELETE: $66.1 1189: Senior Care Fund
APPROPRIATION: Department Support Services
ALLOCATION: Information Technology Services
DELETE: $7.5 1189: Senior Care Fund
Representative Hawker explained that the Senior Care
Program is scheduled to sunset on June 30, 2007 and the
associated Senior Care Fund will become an invalid funding
source in FY08. The amendment removes the remaining Senior
Care funding from the Department of Health & Social
Services three allocations within the FY08 budget. If the
Legislature chooses to extend the Senior Care Program's
funding, it could be included in a fiscal note.
Co-Chair Meyer WITHDREW his OBJECTION. Representative Gara
OBJECTED.
Representative Gara stated that he had every intention to
fund a Senior Care Program this year; to delete funding that
will be placed back into the program is not efficient.
Representative Hawker countered that this is a Senior Care
fund source, which has no money in it at this time & that
there will be no more money placed into it. It is empty
authority.
Representative Gara understood that the funding was part of
the General Fund and that the Legislature could put any
amount into that account.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Crawford, Hawker, Joule, Nelson, Kelly,
Stoltze, Thomas, Meyer, Chenault
OPPOSED: Gara
Representative Foster was not present for the vote.
The MOTION PASSED (9-1).
2:33:25 PM
Representative Hawker MOVED to ADOPT HSS 5. Co-Chair Meyer
OBJECTED.
DEPARTMENT: Department of Health and Social Services
APPROPRIATION: Behavioral Health
ALLOCATION: Behavioral Health Grants
DELETE: 1,000.0 I/A Receipts - TANF Bonus
Representative Hawker explained that in an effort to fully
fund the federal shortfall of $3,203.2 dollars and maintain
Behavioral Health Grants funding at the FY07 continuation
levels, the House Finance Subcommittee proposed funding
sources of $2,203.2 dollars in General Funds and $1,000.0
Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) Bonus. The
Department has indicated programs funded through Behavioral
Health Grants do not meet the TANF spending requirements.
2:40:46 PM
Representative Kelly questioned the affect the amendment
would have on the State's anticipated federal funding.
Representative Hawker explained that in meeting obligations,
the Department was able to cover funding for the current
year.
Co-Chair Meyer WITHDREW his OBJECTION. There being NO
further OBJECTION, it was adopted.
2:41:42 PM
Representative Gara MOVED to ADOPT Amendment HSS 6.
Representative Hawker OBJECTED.
DEPARTMENT: Department of Health and Social
Services
APPROPRIATION: Senior and Disabilities Services
ALLOCATION: Senior and Disabilities Medicaid
Services
ADD: N/A
Representative Gara explained that it is the intent of the
Legislature that the Department of Health and Social
Services shall review and propose regulations Medicaid
reimbursement rates for assisted living homes that
compensate for the cost and care and reflect the needs of
individuals with different acuities. It is the intent that
it provide the appropriation need to the Legislature for
the cost of implementing the regulations. The Department
shall review actual costs of providing services and develop
rates that reimburse providers at rates that reflect the
acuity of the residents and their corresponding needs for
assistance on an annual basis. It is the intent that the
Department propose regulations to determine the proper
reimbursement rate, and the proper annual adjustment
similar to the annual adjustment given to nursing home
facilities.
Representative Hawker spoke against the amendment, noting
that it was an issue of reimbursement rates facing the
Department. Within the Medicaid system, there are three
driving cost factors, services & eligibility. The
Legislature has made policy decisions regarding
determination of the level of service. There is evidence
that the Department has a regular recurring process to
prioritize. There are competing needs that must be judged
each year. He felt the need for further discussions with
the Department for rate and priority changes. He argued
that the budget and subcommittee process has been successful
with the Department and did not agree with the use of
"proper" use. He emphasized that there are limited
resources and infinite needs.
Representative Gara recommended a friendly amendment,
changing "proper" for another word. He mentioned concern
voiced by the Department, but reiterated that assisted
living homes have remained flat funded and now are having a
hard time recruiting personnel since the rate has not gone
up and wages have remained low. He maintained the action is
needed.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Crawford, Gara, Joule, Nelson
OPPOSED: Hawker, Kelly, Stoltze, Thomas, Chenault
Representative Foster & Co-Chair Meyer were not present for
the vote.
The MOTION FAILED (4-5).
2:51:04 PM
Representative Gara MOVED to ADOPT Amendment HSS 7.
Representative Hawker OBJECTED.
DEPARTMENT: Department of Health and Social Services
APPROPRIATION: Office of Children Services
ALLOCATION: Foster Care Base Rate
Representative Gara noted that it was the intent of the
Legislature that the Department of Health and Human Services
should update reimbursement rates for foster care and
provide the appropriate appropriation request to the
Legislature for the cost of implementing the regulation.
The reimbursement rates have been frozen for eight years and
the Office of Children Services (OCS) highlighted it as a
part of their plan to address the foster family shortage.
Representative Crawford noted for the record that he is a
foster care parent. Many hopeful foster families can not
afford to take more children at the rates being offered in
Alaska. Basic day-care costs are higher than the amount
allocated to a family for a foster care child. These
children are at risk for being safe. He supported a rate
adjustment, emphasizing that the current path is "wrong".
Representative Hawker acknowledged the compelling arguments
for increased funding, but questioned if the intent language
was appropriate. Constitutionally, the Governor determines
the request level, which the Legislature accepts or rejects.
He noted the policy call of what degree the State of Alaska
should compensate the foster care program. The question is
whether the program is based on human charity or a financial
cash-incentive program. He worried about those outcomes.
Representative Joule pointed out that the current system is
based on reimbursement. He asked if there is a
differentiation based upon where the foster child is taken
in [lives]. Representative Hawker advised that the Alaska
system is complex with cost-of-living adjustments for areas
around the State.
Representative Joule hoped that the Department could address
concerns of the costs associated in raising a child
especially throughout rural Alaska.
Representative Nelson was disturbed by comments made by
Representative Hawker regarding the motives of some people
taking in foster children. She asserted that outfitting a
child is very expensive. Representative Nelson pointed out
that no longer are there children homes in Alaska. She
emphasized that a foster parent does not make money
especially a working parent.
Representative Kelly acknowledged the merit in the above
arguments; however, pointed out that some foster parents do
not need financial assistance to apply what those kids
really need, which is love. He acknowledged that it is not
a simple matter.
Representative Gara clarified that different foster parents
need different amounts and types of help. There are no
foster parents in Alaska that are making a profit. Being
compensated at $7,000 a year, is not a handsome profit.
Representative Gara argued that the Governor had not
requested the funding, but that the Department did indicate
a need. The rates have been frozen for many years and there
is a shortage of foster parents throughout Alaska and it is
a major problem in the State. He stressed that the
Department needs to upgrade their reimbursement rate.
Representative Thomas noted he had been raised in a foster
home. He commented that he and his wife had contemplated
becoming a foster family; however, the amount of paper work
associated with that attempt was overwhelming &
discouraging. He recommended cutting the paperwork.
Co-Chair Chenault commented that he too was a foster parent
and acknowledged the problem existing throughout Alaska.
3:13:08 PM
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Gara, Joule, Crawford
OPPOSED: Hawker, Kelly, Stoltze, Thomas, Meyer,
Chenault
Representative Nelson & Representative Foster were not
present for the vote.
The MOTION FAILED (3-6).
3:14:15 PM
Representative Gara MOVED to ADOPT HSS 8. Representative
Hawker OBJECTED.
DEPARTMENT: Department of Health and Social Services
APPROPRIATION: Senior and Disabilities Services
ALLOCATION: Senior and Disabilities Medicaid
Services
ADD: N/A
Representative Gara noted that it was the intent of the
Legislature that the Department should review reimbursement
rates to determine the rate necessary to provide a minimum
of a 10% increase to the individual providing Personal Care
Assistant (PCA) services to offset inflation for personal
care attendants since the rate was last adjusted. The
reimbursement rate has been frozen since 2003. It is the
intent that the Department propose regulations to determine
the proper reimbursement rate, and the proper annual
adjustment similar to the annual adjustment given to nursing
home facilities.
Representative Hawker acknowledged that these are difficult
choices. The PCA was started six years ago and was an $8
million dollar net program that has escalated into a $100
million dollar program in a short period of time. The most
significant efforts have directed the Department to not
increase the program but rather to get services under
control. He stated that it is premature to direct the
Department to determine a 10% increase. He worried about
the usage of "proper" & recommended a no vote.
Representative Gara offered to change "proper" to "fair &
appropriate" services. He reiterated that there are many
problems with the PCA statewide services and identified
concerns not addressed by the amendment. The rate paid has
been frozen since 2003 and can no longer keep up with
inflation. The Department has cut back too far on the
number of hours. The amendment addresses the hourly rate.
Representative Gara MOVED to AMEND HSS 8 to delete the word
"proper" and insert the words "fair and appropriate". There
being NO OBJECTION, the change was made.
Representative Kelly worried about the growing budget for
the Department of Health & Social Services. He recommended
that only the "neediest of the needy" in the State should be
given any assistance. He believed that Government should
not sustain the growth rate spending; it is not the State's
responsibility.
3:28:01 PM
Representative Gara wrapped up, noting that a family would
not receive PCA services unless they are very sick or
disabled. He emphasized that the services are provided to
families that otherwise would send their family member to a
nursing home, costing the State much more money. He thought
that the amendment would save money for the State by
compensating workers.
Representative Kelly was familiar with the statewide need.
He believed that nursing homes and Medicaid will eventually
collapse because they are unsustainable.
3:29:39 PM
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Crawford, Gara, Nelson
OPPOSED: Hawker, Kelly, Stoltze, Thomas, Meyer,
Chenault
Representative Joule & Representative Foster were not
present for the vote.
The MOTION FAILED (3-6).
3:30:25 PM
Representative Gara MOVED to ADOPT HSS 9. Vice Chair
Stoltze OBJECTED.
DEPARTMENT: Department of Health and Social Services
APPROPRIATION: Children's Services
ALLOCATION: Front Line Social Workers
ADD: $1,065.1 Front Line Social Workers
$349.1 Front Line Support Staff
FUNDING SOURCE: General Funds
Representative Gara commented that the amendment would
implement the Office of Children Services (OCS) workload
study recommendations for the front line foster care social
workers and support staff as recommended by that office
through the "Statewide Social Worker Study." In 2005, OCS
responded to the Legislature's request to commission the
study in order to assess the true social worker and support
staff shortage. The study found that OCS is short (19)
nineteen social workers and (6) six support staff statewide.
It would cost $360 thousand dollars to fund the additional
four social workers and $175 thousand dollars to fund an
additional three support staff to implement half the
workload study recommendation for FY 2008.
3:34:25 PM
Representative Hawker responded that this year's budget
includes ½ the study amount and that OCS would be shifting
some of their administrative functions. He worried about
sustainability of the issue.
Representative Gara disagreed & said that was not what the
Department has advised. He read from a letter by Janet
Clarke, Assistant Commissioner, Division of Finance and
Management Services, Department of Health and Social
Services, indicating a staffing shortage. He stressed it
was more than ½ the number presented by Representative
Hawker. The Department needs six more social workers this
year for a total of nineteen & support staff in order to
free up social worker's time. He urged support of HSS 9.
Representative Hawker submitted that the Governor's proposed
budget to the Subcommittee made no additional
recommendations to the Department for funding that
component. (Copy on File).
Representative Gara requested that the Department testify.
AT EASE: 3:43:39 PM
RECONVENE: 4:11:15 PM
Co-Chair Chenault noted that following discussion with the
Department, the intent was ½ the study or ½ the employees.
He understood that ½ the study would be sufficient & it was
funded by the Subcommittee.
Representative Gara countered that both parties were correct
using different points. He pointed out that the Department
needs will not be completely met and that he knew they would
still be short-staffed. He recommended that the study be
implemented now.
4:14:51 PM
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Gara, Crawford
OPPOSED: Hawker, Nelson, Stoltze, Thomas, Meyer,
Chenault
Representatives Foster, Kelly & Joule were not present for
the vote.
The MOTION FAILED (2-6).
4:15:39 PM
Co-Chair Chenault concluded that the intent was to finish
with the amendment process at next scheduled meeting on
3/22/07.
HB 95 & HB 96 were HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 4:15 P.M.
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