Legislature(2021 - 2022)ADAMS 519
03/24/2022 01:30 PM House FINANCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB281 || HB282 | |
| Amendments | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 281 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 282 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 363 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE
March 24, 2022
1:40 p.m.
1:40:50 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Foster called the House Finance Committee meeting
to order at 1:40 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Neal Foster, Co-Chair
Representative Kelly Merrick, Co-Chair
Representative Dan Ortiz, Vice-Chair
Representative Ben Carpenter
Representative Bryce Edgmon
Representative DeLena Johnson
Representative Andy Josephson
Representative Bart LeBon
Representative Sara Rasmussen
Representative Steve Thompson (via teleconference)
Representative Adam Wool
MEMBERS ABSENT
None
ALSO PRESENT
Brodie Anderson, Staff, Representative Neal Foster
SUMMARY
HB 281 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUNDS
CSHB 281(FIN) was REPORTED out of committee with
six "do pass" recommendations, one "no
recommendation" recommendation, and three "amend"
recommendations.
HB 282 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET
CSHB 282(FIN) was REPORTED out of committee with
three "do pass" recommendations and seven "no
recommendation" recommendations.
Co-Chair Foster reviewed the agenda for the meeting. The
committee would continue the amendment process on the
operating budget. He relayed the committee would pick up
where it left off earlier in the day.
HOUSE BILL NO. 281
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and
loan program expenses of state government and for
certain programs; capitalizing funds; amending
appropriations; making reappropriations; making
supplemental appropriations; making appropriations
under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State
of Alaska, from the constitutional budget reserve
fund; and providing for an effective date."
HOUSE BILL NO. 282
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and
capital expenses of the state's integrated
comprehensive mental health program; making capital
appropriations and supplemental appropriations; and
providing for an effective date."
1:41:38 PM
^AMENDMENTS
1:41:43 PM
Co-Chair Foster relayed there were four remaining
amendments. There had been a request to rescind action on
one of the amendments.
Vice-Chair Ortiz MOVED to RESCIND action taken on Amendment
L4, 32-GH2686\R.14 (Marx, 3/17/22) (copy on file).
Co-Chair Foster explained the amendment would put $250
million into the Constitutional Budget Reserve (CBR).
Representative Rasmussen OBJECTED.
1:43:24 PM
AT EASE
1:45:07 PM
RECONVENED
Vice-Chair Ortiz WITHDREW his previous motion.
Vice-Chair Ortiz MOVED to RESCIND action taken on Amendment
L5, 32-GH2686\R.8 (Marx, 3/17/22) (copy on file).
Representative Rasmussen OBJECTED.
Co-Chair Foster clarified that the previous adoption of the
amendment put $250 million into the CBR. He noted the
committee was not debating the merits of the amendment
itself; debate was limited to the procedure.
Representative Carpenter wanted to give Representative
Thompson an opportunity to call in. He noted that the
representative had left for the airport to attend a family
emergency. He felt the proposed action was opportunistic.
Co-Chair Foster agreed it was fair to provide the
opportunity for Representative Thompson to call into the
meeting.
1:47:23 PM
AT EASE
1:51:51 PM
RECONVENED
Co-Chair Foster clarified the motion to rescind the
committee's prior action on Amendment L5. The adopted
amendment would place $250 million into the CBR.
1:52:33 PM
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: LeBon, Ortiz, Wool, Edgmon, Johnson, Josephson,
Merrick, Foster
OPPOSED: Rasmussen, Thompson, Carpenter
The MOTION PASSED (8/3). There being NO further OBJECTION,
action on Amendment L5 was RESCINDED.
1:53:50 PM
AT EASE
1:55:14 PM
RECONVENED
Representative Carpenter MOVED to ADOPT Amendment L5, 32-
GH2686\R.8 (Marx, 3/17/22) (copy on file).
Representative Josephson OBJECTED.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Rasmussen, Thompson, Carpenter, Johnson, Merrick
OPPOSED: Ortiz, Josephson, Wool, LeBon, Edgmon, Foster
The MOTION to adopt Amendment L5 FAILED (5/6).
1:57:15 PM
Co-Chair Foster MOVED to ADOPT Amendment Sup Op 2 (copy on
file):
DEPARTMENT: DEC
APPROPRIATION: Water
ALLOCATION: Water Quality, Infrastructure Support &
Financing
ADD: $750,000 UGF (1004)
EXPLANATION: The Alaska Department of Environmental
Conservation (DEC) will assume primacy of Section 404
of the Clean Water Act (CWA), enacted in 1972, which
is the primary federal law governing pollution control
and water quality of the Nation's waterways. The Act's
objective is to restore and maintain the chemical,
physical, and biological integrity of the Nation's
waters. DEC assumption of the Section 404 program
would provide a streamlined permitting procedure,
greater certainty to the regulated community,
conservation of resources of both the applicant and
regulator, and greater control over the development of
its natural resources while complying with federal
law.
Co-Chair Merrick OBJECTED for discussion.
Co-Chair Foster asked his staff to explain the amendment.
BRODIE ANDERSON, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE NEAL FOSTER,
explained the amendment was part of the Legislative Council
budget and provided additional authority to spend $150,000
of general fund program receipts. He elaborated that the
program receipt authority lay in collecting rent for the
Assembly Building tenants. The amendment would allow the
council to spend monies collected in rent in FY 22.
Co-Chair Merrick WITHDREW her OBJECTION.
Representative Carpenter OBJECTED.
1:59:47 PM
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Rasmussen, Thompson, Wool, Edgmon, Johnson,
Josephson, LeBon, Ortiz, Merrick, Foster
OPPOSED: Carpenter
The MOTION PASSED (10/1). There being NO further OBJECTION,
Amendment Sup Op 2 was ADOPTED.
2:01:08 PM
AT EASE
2:01:50 PM
RECONVENED
Representative Josephson MOVED to ADOPT Amendment H UOA 1
(copy on file):
H UOA 1 - Alaska Health Education Centers
The Alaska Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) are
regional community-based partnerships engaged in
growing Alaska's healthcare workforce. This amendment
provides $100,000 for AHEC work with university
students to help satisfy a federal match requirement
and $100,000 to staff the K-12 level Health
Occupations Students of America (HOSA) program.
1004 Gen Fund (UGF) 200.0
Representative Rasmussen OBJECTED.
Representative Josephson explained the amendment with a
prepared statement:
This amendment provides $200,000 for the Alaska Area
Health Education Center (AHEC), which operates out of
UAA. The program is dedicated to healthcare workforce
development at all levels, from youth pipeline
programming to the AHEC scholars program, which works
with university healthcare students in continuing
education for healthcare providers. AHEC is focused on
supporting healthcare workforce development for rural
and underserved communities.
The structure of the program includes a program office
at UAA and six regional AHEC centers who are hosted by
community organizations in their respective regions.
The regional centers implement educational activities
involving health professions and expose students to
primary care delivery in rural and/or underserved
settings.
In addition, AHEC works closely with state and local
workforce investment boards to identify and address
healthcare needs and shortages. Health education
centers like AHEC are primarily funded by the federal
health resources and services administration with a
local match. Here in Alaska, the funding is awarded
through the UAA School of Nursing.
The federal government provides $888,000 annually, of
which, 75 percent of those funds are distributed to
the six regional AHEC centers. Federal funds must be
matched one to one with $888,000 annually of non-
federal funds. Most AHEC programs across the nation
receive a state appropriation to support the federal
match requirement.
In Alaska, 100 percent of the match has been made
through in-kind support secured by community
partnerships. This amendment funds a portion of the
Alaska match. This appropriation will reduce the
strain on the AHECs to piecemeal together 100 percent
of the match commitment each year. It also provides
consistent funding to a program dedicated to statewide
healthcare workforce development programming in our
most rural communities.
With the shortages of healthcare workers nationwide,
Alaska must grow our own. It's the intention of this
amendment that half of the funding ($100,000) will
fund a position in AHEC to sustain the high school
based career and technical student organization called
Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA). HOSA
chapters in high schools or in district-wide rural
chapters are an integral part of the health science
program of study. HOSA connects high school students
with mentors and exposes them to real world
healthcare. HOSA promotes career awareness,
leadership, and skill development.
Finally, HOSA has been managed by to extremely
dedicated volunteers; however, these volunteers are no
longer able to continue this work and a paid position
is needed if HOSA is to continue. In conclusion, at
the time when the pandemic has exhausted the
healthcare workforce and exacerbated shortages,
investment in the AHEC program is needed now more than
ever.
Representative Josephson thanked Representative LeBon and
his staff for bringing the issue to his attention. He
referenced a one-page backup document showing AHEC health
workforce program highlights (copy on file). He noted that
he had received support from Representative Josiah Patkotak
in preparing the amendment.
Representative LeBon supported the amendment. He shared
that the regional office in the Interior was hosted by the
Tanana Chiefs Conference. He shared that he had known one
of the program volunteers from Fairbanks for many years. He
noted she was a retired schoolteacher, and it was time for
her to move on to other things. He believed bringing on
paid staff was appropriate. He looked forward to the good
work accomplished by the program. He knew the Tanana Chiefs
Conference was on board and willing to help in any way
possible.
Representative Wool supported the amendment. He relayed
that the subcommittee had added money to the college of
health with the goal of growing more health professionals
in Alaska, which were desperately needed in all facets. He
remarked that the amendment dovetailed well with the
subcommittee increment. He added that the amendment
encouraged younger people in rural communities to be
welcomed and integrated into the healthcare profession.
Representative Rasmussen WITHDREW the OBJECTION.
Representative Josephson relayed the University's support
of the program.
2:07:34 PM
Representative Carpenter OBJECTED. He stated he did not
have the appetite the rest of the committee had for funding
volunteer organizations.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Thompson, Wool, Edgmon, Johnson, Josephson,
LeBon, Ortiz, Rasmussen, Merrick, Foster
OPPOSED: Carpenter
The MOTION PASSED (10/1). There being NO further OBJECTION,
Amendment H UOA 1 was ADOPTED.
Co-Chair Foster reviewed the remaining amendments.
Representative Carpenter believed there were two amendments
dealing with fund source swaps.
2:09:57 PM
Representative Josephson asked if Amendment AA4 by
Representative Carpenter included [Amendment 32-
GH2686\]R.35.
Co-Chair Foster answered that Amendment AA4 and [Amendment
32-GH2686\]R.35 were separate amendments.
2:10:29 PM
AT EASE
2:12:45 PM
RECONVENED
Representative Carpenter MOVED to ADOPT Amendment AA4 (copy
on file):
DEPARTMENT: Education and Early Development
APPROPRIATION: Libraries, Archives & Museums
ALLOCATION: Live Homework Help
ADD:
$138,200 UGF (1004)
DELETE:
$138,200 Higher Education Fund (1226)
DEPARTMENT: Education and Early Development
APPROPRIATION: Alaska Postsecondary Education Program
ALLOCATION: Admin & Operations
ADD:
$514,300 UGF (1004)
DELETE:
$514,300 Higher Education Fund (1226)
DEPARTMENT: Education and Early Development
APPROPRIATION: Alaska Postsecondary Education
ALLOCATION: WWAMI Medical Education
ADD:
$3,294,900 UGF (1004)
DELETE:
$3,294,900 Higher Education Fund (1226)
DEPARTMENT: Education and Early Development
APPROPRIATION: Student Financial Aid Programs
ALLOCATION: AK Performance Scholarship Awd
ADD:
$11,750,000 UGF (1004)
DELETE:
$11,750,000 Higher Education Fund (1226)
DEPARTMENT: Education and Early Development
APPROPRIATION: Student Financial Aid Programs
ALLOCATION: Alaska Education Grants
ADD:
$5,841,800 UGF (1004)
DELETE:
$5,841,800 Higher Education Fund (1226)
DEPARTMENT: Revenue
APPROPRIATION: Taxation and Treasury
ALLOCATION: Treasury Division
ADD:
$311,200 UGF (1004)
DELETE:
$311,200 Higher Education Fund (1226)
Language Section: Amend 42(d) and (e) (fund transfers
into Oil and Hazardous Substance Release Prevention
and Response Fund) to be effective June 30, 2022 (see
attached language section amendment).
EXPLANATION: This amendment ensures that if the
reverse sweep is not agreed to, there would be no
impact to services without relying on the assigned
fund balances.
Representative Josephson OBJECTED.
Representative Carpenter explained that the amendment was a
fund source swap connected with the reverse sweep. He
detailed the amendment would change the appropriation for a
handful of programs funded via the Higher Education Fund.
He listed the programs. The first was Libraries, Archives,
and Museums live homework help. The amendment would switch
the funding source to undesignated general funds (UGF) in
the amount of $138,200. The second appropriation was for
the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE)
program administration and operations allocation. The
amendment would switch the ACPE fund source to UGF in the
amount of $514,300. The third appropriation was for the
Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho (WWAMI)
program under ACPE. The fund source would switch to UGF in
the amount of roughly $3.3 million. The fourth
appropriation was student financial aid programs for the
Alaska Performance scholarship. The amendment would switch
the fund source to UGF in the amount of $11.7 million. The
fifth appropriation was Alaska education grants. The
amendment would switch the fund source to UGF in the amount
of $5.8 million. The sixth appropriation was for the
Treasury Division. The amendment would switch the funding
source to UGF in the amount of $311,000.
Representative Carpenter explained that the change was
necessary because if the reverse sweep did not take place
and funds were swept from the Higher Education Fund, the
programs would likely be unfunded. He did not want that to
happen. Additionally, the amendment made a change to the
language section of the bill on page 99, lines 7 and 17.
The change addressed the money put into the Oil and
Hazardous Substance Release Prevention account. He had
learned the money going into the account came from a
sweepable fund. To prevent the funding from being swept,
the amendment would change the date of the appropriation to
June 30, which would encumber the money. The amendment
would delete the July 1 date, which took place after the
sweep. He stated the amendment carried on with the
administration's decision with numerous designated general
fund (DGF) funded programs, to consider the funds in
sweepable accounts to be encumbered on June 30, to avoid
the funding from being swept.
2:16:48 PM
Representative Rasmussen stated there was a bill currently
in the committee that would move money into the Higher
Education Fund. She considered a scenario where the money
was moved at present to a different fund source. She asked
if the money would sit in the Higher Education Fund.
Representative Carpenter replied with his understanding of
the question. He thought Representative Rasmussen may be
asking about the money that would be put back into the
Higher Education Fund. He stated that the amendment was
irrespective of that process. He explained that if the
House Finance Committee put money into the Higher Education
Fund and the reverse sweep did not occur, the money would
be swept into the CBR without the amendment. The amendment
attempted to recognize that the situation may occur, and
the legislature would ensure the programs were paid out of
general funds.
Representative Josephson discussed a potential amendment to
the amendment. He explained that the amendment would delete
pages 1 and 2 of Amendment AA4, which included the numbers
section regarding higher education. The conceptual
amendment would only include the part starting with the
words beginning with language section "Amendment 42(d) and
(e) etcetera." The amendment would include the language
section marked as [Amendment 32-GH2686\]R.35 (Marx,
3/21/22) [note: Amendment 32-GH2686\R.35 is a separate
amendment].
Representative Josephson explained why he did not want to
fund higher education in the proposed way even though it
was designed to be a backstop. He relayed that he wanted to
have a capitalized program. He discussed that the committee
had heard substantial testimony from the University and
students (and there was a lawsuit over the issue). He
stated the issue was not going away. He detailed that
students needed to be able to rely on education grants and
scholarships on a four-year degree at least. He thought the
original amendment signaled defeat that the program would
not be capitalized. The part he would like to preserve
would avoid the sweep (for one year) of four different
funds that help populate the Spill Prevention and Response
Fund. He supposed the legislature could have crafted
another vessel replacement/Higher Education Investment Fund
type of bill to try to cocoon it from being swept, but
there was no such bill. He considered it may not be
possible. He stated that the funds were vulnerable to the
sweep. He explained that the conceptual amendment to
Amendment AA4 would protect the funds for a year and a day.
2:21:31 PM
Co-Chair Foster referenced Representative Josephson's
statement that the amendment signaled defeat if the
committee decided not to go forward with the fund source
swaps because it assumed the funds went away. He provided a
scenario where the funds went away because the three-
quarter vote was not achieved. He stated that at least the
amendment gave assurance the funding was secured. He was
playing devil's advocate and thought it was something to
consider.
Representative Josephson stated that the only solace he
could think of was the Attorney General Treg Taylor memo of
June 28. He stated that if the governor's signature could
be obtained by June 28, at least a year of the Higher
Education Investment Fund would be populated. He stated if
it was the case, it would result in what the amendment was
striving for.
Co-Chair Foster thought it was the heart of the argument
made by Representative Carpenter. The mechanism referred to
in the memo from the attorney general was referred to as
the scoop. The question was whether the legislature agreed
with the scoop and what it did. The scoop specified that as
long as the appropriation was made before the sweep, the
appropriation was legitimate, and scholarships would be
paid out. He remarked that some individuals did not agree
with the memo and had argued it was creative. He believed
it was the position taken by Representative Carpenter in
the amendment. He explained that for those who did not
agree with the memo, the amendment would be the backstop to
ensure funds were going out to scholarships if the reverse
sweep did not occur.
2:24:39 PM
Representative Wool referenced the scoop and remarked that
whether it was deemed legal or not, it was advantageous
when items were funded the previous year and then the fund
was swept. He surmised that if the governor signed the bill
before the sweep date, the scoop happened, and the sweep
came after. He remarked there was no guarantee of the bill
signing and effective date, just as there was no guarantee
that any legislation protecting the Higher Education Fund
would be passed. He hoped it would be. He asked about the
intent of the amendment. He suggested contingency language
could be included similar to education funding language.
Representative Rasmussen asked if the money would be
protected if the effective date did not pass.
2:26:42 PM
Representative Josephson thought the important thing in the
part of the amendment he wanted to preserve was that it got
th
to June 30 on the prevention mitigation and response
mitigation accounts. There would be an effective date one
way or another. Once the bill was signed by the governor,
if there was a "draw" like the previous year, the effective
date would revert to the date included in the bill. Under
the conceptual amendment, all four components that went
into SPAR would be "unswept."
Representative Carpenter objected to the idea of the
conceptual amendment. He stated the intention of Amendment
AA4 was nothing more than to ensure the programs were
funded in the budget. He stated that other bills before the
legislature may or may not pass, but without the amendment,
the programs may not be funded.
Representative Rasmussen supported the Higher Education
Fund and hoped the legislature had an opportunity to bring
it through; however, in the past four years she had seen
the reverse sweep three-quarter vote fail time after time.
She had heard overwhelming testimony from constituents
every year about the uncertainty it caused the Alaska
Performance Scholarship. She highlighted the importance of
the WWAMI program and the need for medical professionals.
She would support the underlying amendment and oppose the
conceptual amendment. She spoke to the necessity of
protecting the programs.
2:29:37 PM
Representative Wool had apprehension deleting funding from
the Higher Education Fund as if the legislature was
accepting it would not be functional by going straight to
UGF as a fund source. He noted the legislature had failed
to pass a reverse sweep, which was a more recent
phenomenon. He believed the Higher Education Fund could be
functional and protected. He would only support the
amendment if there was a contingency that if the Higher
Education Fund was swept before the appropriation date, UGF
could be used.
Representative Josephson provided wrap up on conceptual
Amendment 1 to Amendment AA4. It was his understanding that
with the conceptual amendment, the CS would still include
an effort to recapitalize and populate approximately $395
million. He stated it would reflect the intent of the
committee and House's interest in restoring the Higher
Education Investment Fund. He referenced his related bill
(possibly HB 229) and the Senate's counterpart legislation
to treat the fund as unsweepable. He thought the original
amendment was akin to waiving a white flag and it gave an
option he did not want people to have.
Representative Carpenter MAINTAINED the OBJECTION.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Wool, Edgmon, Josephson, Ortiz, Merrick, Foster
OPPOSED: Carpenter, Johnson, LeBon, Rasmussen, Thompson
The MOTION PASSED (6/5). There being NO further OBJECTION,
conceptual Amendment 1 to Amendment AA4 was ADOPTED.
2:33:54 PM
Representative Carpenter stated the amended amendment as it
now stood reflected thinking that only eleven people were
needed to pass the budget.
Representative Josephson highlighted that under Amendment
AA4 as amended, the four components feeding spill
prevention and response would not be subject to the sweep
until July of 2023. He stated it would help protect the
state's environment. He supported the amended amendment.
2:34:52 PM
AT EASE
2:35:46 PM
RECONVENED
Representative Rasmussen MAINTAINED the OBJECTION.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Edgmon, Josephson, Wool, Ortiz, Merrick, Foster
OPPOSED: Johnson, LeBon, Rasmussen, Thompson, Carpenter
The MOTION PASSED (6/5). There being NO further OBJECTION,
Amendment AA4 was ADOPTED as amended.
2:37:39 PM
Representative Carpenter MOVED to ADOPT Amendment L4, 32-
GH2686\R.14 (Marx, 3/17/22) (copy on file):
Page 73, line 10, following "FUND.":
Insert "(a)"
Page 73, following line 12:
Insert a new subsection to read:
"(b) The sum of $250,000,000 is appropriated from the
general fund to the budget reserve fund (AS
37.05.540(a))."
2:38:44 PM
AT EASE
2:39:12 PM
RECONVENED
Co-Chair Foster stated the motion was before the committee.
Representative Carpenter explained the amendment was
similar to an amendment passed at the beginning of the
amendment process to put $250 million into the CBR. He
highlighted that the committee had rescinded the action
earlier in the current meeting. He remarked that thus far,
the committee had not made a decision to put any of the
surplus into savings. Amendment L4 would put $250 million
in surplus funds into the Statutory Budget Reserve (SBR)
instead of the CBR.
Representative Edgmon liked the idea of putting money into
savings accounts; however, he considered the broader
picture of volatile oil prices and demand. He highlighted
that the K-12 fund would be reduced commensurably with a
reduction in oil prices. He thought it did not make sense
to put money in an account that would earn much less. He
explained that the earned 2 to 3 percent compared to the K-
12 fund that earned 27 percent the previous year. He
thought it was better to keep the money in place where it
would most likely go towards the public education health
trust account for forwarding K-12.
2:41:44 PM
AT EASE
2:43:30 PM
RECONVENED
Co-Chair Foster made a couple of clarifying comments. He
stated that before the amendment process started the CS
included $2.3 billion going into the SBR. He thought some
individuals watching may wonder why an amendment adding
another $250 million to the SBR was necessary. He clarified
that the amendment would guarantee the money went to the
SBR because if for some reason there was a huge swing in
oil prices and revenue declined the money would need to
come from somewhere. He explained the funding could come
from the SBR or another location the legislature had put
money toward such as the forward funding of education in
the amount of $1.2 billion. The amendment would at least
put the $250 million into the SBR.
2:45:11 PM
Representative Wool had thought that any residual funds
would go to the SBR. He noted Representative Edgmon had
mentioned the committee had included provisions to put
funding towards the K-12 formula. He stated his
understanding the funding would go towards K-12 first and
any residual funds would go into the SBR. He would rather
the funding go to forward fund education first and then the
SBR. He remarked the committee had heard from many that
forward funding was a priority.
Co-Chair Foster stated the amendment put the SBR deposit in
front of the education forward funding.
Co-Chair Merrick asked the committee to keep in mind there
was still a capital budget that needed funding. The capital
budget had been starved in recent years and had it just
been matching federal funds. She highlighted there was a
large backlog of deferred maintenance and school major
maintenance. The capital budget was currently in the other
body, but there were projects the committee would want to
fund.
Representative Rasmussen stated that putting money into the
SBR felt a little hollow in her opinion. She understood the
CBR savings mentality because it required a three-quarter
vote to access the funds. She stated the SBR could be
accessed with a simple majority as easily as the General
Fund and other various funds. She supported saving money
and had supported the CBR both times, but the motion did
not carry the weight she desired. She did not support the
amendment.
2:47:51 PM
Representative Carpenter provided wrap up on the amendment.
He agreed it was a question of priorities. He believed it
was prudent to pay debts, save, and then spend when there
was excess revenue. He believed the committee was getting
things backwards. He stated the debts had been paid, the
budget spent money, and if there was anything left it would
be saved. He stated the committee was assuming all of the
projected surplus would not be spent by the time the
legislature adjourned. He stated the committee had the
opportunity to say regardless of decisions made later that
it wanted to pay debts, save money, and spend the
remainder.
The OBJECTION was MAINTAINED.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Johnson, LeBon, Thompson, Carpenter
OPPOSED: Edgmon, Josephson, Ortiz, Rasmussen, Wool,
Merrick, Foster
The MOTION to adopt Amendment L4 FAILED (4/7).
2:50:16 PM
Co-Chair Foster relayed the committee had completed the
amendment process. He reviewed the process.
Representative Edgmon was comfortable with moving the bill
out during the current meeting and allowing legislative
legal to make any necessary [conforming and technical]
changes.
Co-Chair Foster agreed.
Co-Chair Merrick MOVED to REPORT CSHB 281(FIN) out of
committee with individual recommendations with
authorization to the Legislative Finance Division and
Legislative Legal Services to make any necessary technical
and/or conforming changes or amendments.
There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
CSHB 281(FIN) was REPORTED out of committee with six "do
pass" recommendations, one "no recommendation"
recommendation, and three "amend" recommendations.
2:52:55 PM
AT EASE
2:53:48 PM
RECONVENED
Co-Chair Merrick MOVED to REPORT CSHB 282(FIN) out of
committee with individual recommendations with
authorization to the Legislative Finance Division and
Legislative Legal Services to make any necessary technical
and/or conforming changes or amendments.
There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
CSHB 282(FIN) was REPORTED out of committee with three "do
pass" recommendations and seven "no recommendation"
recommendations.
Co-Chair Foster stated his understanding that the budget
would be read across the House floor on the following
Monday the 28th. He thanked staff for their work on the
budget.
Co-Chair Foster relayed that the next meeting would be the
following afternoon. The morning meeting was canceled.
ADJOURNMENT
2:56:50 PM
The meeting was adjourned at 2:56 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB 281 & HB 282 Amendments Today's Actions 032422.pdf |
HFIN 3/24/2022 1:30:00 PM |
HB 281 HB 282 |
| HB 281 & HB 282 Amendment H DEC 1 & 3 Backup 032422.pdf |
HFIN 3/24/2022 1:30:00 PM |
HB 281 HB 282 |
| HB 281 & HB 282 Amendment UA 1 Backup 032422.pdf |
HFIN 3/24/2022 1:30:00 PM |
HB 281 HB 282 |
| HB 281 & HB 282 Cap #1 Amendment Backup 032422.pdf |
HFIN 3/24/2022 1:30:00 PM |
HB 281 HB 282 |