Legislature(1999 - 2000)
01/12/2000 01:40 PM House FIN
| Audio | Topic |
|---|
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
GENERAL SUBJECT(S): MISSIONS & MEASURES
REVIEW OF DEPARTMENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Department of Labor & Workforce Development
Department of Public Safety
The following overview was taken in log note format. Tapes and
handouts will be on file with the House Finance Committee through the
21st Legislative Session, contact 465-2156. After the 21st Legislative
Session they will be available through the Legislative Library at 465-
3808.
Time Meeting Convened: 1:40 P.M.
Tape(s): HFC 00 - 3, Side 1
HFC 00 - 3, Side 2
HFC 00 - 4, Side 1
HFC 00 - 4, Side 2
PRESENT:
x
Representative G. Davis
x
Co-Chair Therriault
x
Representative Foster
x
Co-Chair Mulder
x
Representative Grussendorf
x
Representative Austerman
x
Representative Moses
x
Representative Bunde
x
Representative Phillips
x
Representative J. Davies
x
Representative Williams
ALSO PRESENT: RONALD L. OTTE, COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC
SAFETY; DEL SMITH, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY;
KENNETH BISCHOFF, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES,
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY; GLENN GODFREY, COL., DIRECTOR, DIVISION
OF ALASKA STATE TROOPERS, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY; TRISHA
GENTLE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, COUNCIL ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL
ASSAULT, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY; ED FLANAGAN, COMMISSIONER,
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT; DWIGHT PERKINS,
DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT;
REMOND HENDERSON, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES,
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT.
LOG
SPEAKER
DISCUSSION
TAPE HFC 00 - 3,
SIDE 1
000
CO-CHAIR MULDER
Co-Chair Mulder convened the House
Finance Committee meeting at 1:40 P.M.
Co-Chair Mulder explained his intent for
the departments to outline their methods
and measure accomplishments.
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
0188
RONALD L. OTTE,
COMMISSIONER,
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC
SAFETY
Commissioner Otte provided Committee
members with a handout which recapped the
Department's mission statement.
[handout]. The Commissioner focused on
the results and purpose of the
Department. He supported the intent to
address the problems of the Department
and addressed their successes. He stated
that the Department worked hard to
determine measurements for the State
Troopers and the State Council for
Domestic Violence. The intent is that
the Department will develop measurements
for the other programs. Commissioner
Otte added that the Department will
provide the Committee with all pertinent
information to accomplishing the intent.
He stated that he would address the
Department's contributions and the key
short-term issues.
470
COMMISSIONER OTTE
Commissioner Otte commented on the
resources provided to the Department. He
spoke to the benefits of public safety to
the citizens of Alaska. The point is
that the State Troopers and the
Department have made the State of Alaska
more safe. He re-emphasized that the
Department has made a difference. There
has been a staff reduction over the last
few years, however, there have been many
accomplishments. He offered to answer
questions of the members.
625
COMMISSIONER OTTE
Commissioner Otte advised that last year
there was sex offender legislation passed
without much of a fiscal note. That
action has resulted in the staff placing
some of those responsibilities over the
internet. The sex offender requirements
have been expanded. The Department
currently takes a certain percentage to
fill a questionnaire to guarantee that
the client is in compliance. He warned
that over 620 persons have failed to
comply with the recommendations of the
Legislature.
768
CO-CHAIR MULDER
Co-Chair Mulder questioned how effective
would it be to get 100% compliance with
the law.
790
COMMISSIONER OTTE
Commissioner Otte replied that the
Department is close to compliance.
However, at this time, there are 299
names that have not been located. He
added, that is the total amount not
registered out of 4000. He pointed out
the remarkable compliance.
857
VICE CHAIR BUNDE
Vice Chair Bunde asked if there was a way
to reduce the effort of the Department by
obtaining the required information before
release from custody.
889
COMMISSIONER OTTE
Commissioner Otte indicated that was
currently occurring. Often, the convict
registers but then quickly moves from
that address as originally provided. The
intent of the legislation was to check-up
all those persons every 90 days. He
emphasized that would be an unrealistic
charge however, reiterated that the
Department is serious with the task.
969
REPRESENTATIVE
PHILLIPS
Representative Phillips asked if the
Alaskan registry was tied to that of
other states.
987
COMMISSIONER OTTE
Commissioner Otte replied that Alaska is.
997
DEL SMITH, DEPUTY
COMMISSIONER,
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC
SAFETY
Mr. Smith explained the manner in which
the system is tied into the national
system.
1049
COMMISSIONER OTTE
Commissioner Otte continued testimony
addressing the current database and the
manner in which the investigation
information is flagged. He added that the
Legislature approved funding to upgrade
the fingerprint system. The Department
decided to join the other automated
states to upgrade that system. That work
has been completed and that system has
checked 4 million prints through the
Western states. He added that this is an
effective tool for the State of Alaska.
1169
COMMISSIONER OTTE
Commissioner Otte addressed the interface
system and that the bridge is nearly
completed. It will provide real data to
the powers that be. The interface has
just been completed with the Anchorage
system which will eliminate the workload
of about 12 employees that currently do
data entry. He advised that the
financial benefits are great.
1235
COMMISSIONER OTTE
Commissioner Otte addressed the State
Crime lab. He pointed out that lab has
become accredited and has set a high
standard throughout the country. It is
one of the high quality crime labs in the
states.
1317
COMMISSIONER OTTE
Commissioner Otte pointed out that the
Alaska State Troopers has kept the crime
rates down, however, the calls for
services are not down. He addressed the
search and rescue operations of the State
Troopers.
1424
COMMISSIONER OTTE
Commissioner Otte spoke to the
bootlegging enterprises throughout the
State of Alaska. He emphasized that the
State Troopers have a commitment to
address that concern. He pointed out
that the volume of responsibility
increase each year for the State
Troopers.
1474
VICE CHAIR BUNDE
Vice Chair Bunde referenced the chart in
the handout regarding bootlegging. He
asked about the numbers associated with
the chart.
1511
COMMISSIONER OTTE
Commissioner Otte explained that the lst
number represents the benchmark number;
the second number represents the first
six months in the second year budget. He
spoke to the increase in the percentage
of VPSO-investigated alcohol bootlegging
and importation offenses that are closed
by arrest.
1539
VICE CHAIR BUNDE
Vice Chair Bunde questioned what the
increased number of charges resulted
from.
1556
COMMISSIONER OTTE
Commissioner Otte explained that profits
from bootlegging are high especially in
the rural areas.
1576
VICE CHAIR BUNDE
Vice Chair Bunde inquired if one of the
goals was a common sense goal. He
pointed out that he had not seen a
change.
1602
GLENN GODFREY, COL.,
DIRECTOR, DIVISION
OF ALASKA STATE
TROOPERS, DEPARTMENT
OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Explained that the measure was approached
through attrition vacating in the
communities of Togiak, Yakutat and Sand
Point. He reiterated that those VPSO's
will attitrition out.
1642
VICE CHAIR BUNDE
Vice Chair Bunde asked the VPSO's mission
is it to have or not have sworn police
officers.
1664
COL. GODFREY
Explained the goals.
1670
REPRESENTATIVE G.
DAVIS
Representative G. Davis, Subcommittee
Chair, spoke to the goals of the sex
offender's compliance action. He
questioned the action. He requested that
each department target that report. He
noted that increase in the number of sex
offender compliance actions.
1736
CO-CHAIR MULDER
Pointed out that the increase between the
target and the priority point.
1751
COL. GODFREY
Noted that the State Troopers are getting
more aggressive about enforcing seat belt
usage. He pointed out that there must be
another cause in order that the Troopers
can stop a vehicle. He pointed out the
increase in the percentage of seat belt
use in Alaska State trooper jurisdiction.
There has been a decrease in the total
number of traffic accidents that occur in
the State Trooper jurisdiction.
1774
REPRESENTATIVE
AUSTERMAN
Asked if the number of VPSO's outlined
were "blue shirts". He inquired if there
were more than 1300.
1803
COMMISSIONER OTTE
Commissioner Otte explained the types of
responsibilities provided by public
officers. There are many associated
activities. He noted that when
addressing some measurements, it was
difficult because of the many tasks
involved. There has been a reduction in
the number of VPSO positions communities
with a local police department. The
increased 1300 visits resulted in rural
Alaska. He emphasized that there are
legitimate issues that must be addressed
often in that area.
1868
CO-CHAIR MULDER
Questioned if that number had been
increased.
1887
COL. GODFREY
Responded that the amount was up about
300-400 over the past year. The number
of murders in the past year was 26. The
average over the past few years was 18.
The increased travel to the villages
requires more travel funding for that
component.
1918
CO-CHAIR MULDER
Asked if the 8500 was an increased over
the past year.
1931
CO-CHAIR THERRIAULT
Questioned the fish and wildlife
protection mission statement. He
requested similar statistics for that
Division.
1952
COMMISSIONER OTTE
Commissioner Otte replied that this year
the Department will develop measurements
for that component. It has been a
difficult process "turning the ship". He
stated that the Department is attempting
these changes. It will change as will
how the enforcement is being implemented.
Commissioner Otte offered to provide
statistics regarding that concern.
2035
COMMISSIONER OTTE
Noted that the marine fleet has not been
operational. Most of the old vessels
have been sold and replaced with small,
faster and more efficient boats. That
decision was program based and is
currently doing a better job of
protecting the State's resource.
2071
COMMISSIONER OTTE
Commented that many items have not yet
had measurements developed. He spoke to
the crime lab and DNA component. The
Department was required a few years ago
to take samples from prisoners resulting
from certain crimes. Now the Department
is able to test those samples and enter
that info into the database. That will
provide an opportunity to obtain DNA just
like crime prints. That information will
be loaded into the national system. It
will be critical in situations regarding
murders and the DNA testing.
2190
VICE CHAIR BUNDE
Spoke to the DNA Data bank. He asked if
that could be tested locally.
2212
MR. SMITH
Responded that it was possible. There is
a small discrimination of about one in
one billion. The purpose of the combined
DNA use is to be able to compare that
data.
2251
COMMISSIONER OTTE
Pointed out that there are a couple of
cases currently open.
2267
CO-CHAIR MULDER
Asked if all individuals in the care of
the Department of Corrections were
available for this testing.
2282
MR. SMITH
Explained that testing is done mostly on
those persons who have committed violent
crimes.
2294
COMMISSIONER OTTE
Added that this testing is an exciting
tool for law enforcement and,
additionally, benefits the State. He
spoke about the death investigation cases
occurring during the past few years. He
noted that this past year, there were 531
death cases investigated. Commissioner
Otto spoke to the extensiveness of
dealing with these cases. It involves
dealing with the families and their
bereavement, going beyond the simple
police report. He emphasized that there
must be closure in those types of cases
and that it is a morbid situation.
TAPE HFC 00- 3,
SIDE 2
000
REPRESENTATIVE
PHILLIPS
Inquired the number of murders occurring
in the State and asked how that number
compared with other states.
073
COMMISSIONER OTTE
Replied that the number of homicides per
thousand has been decreasing over the
last few years. He added that the cases
in the State of Alaska have decreased.
130
COMMISSIONER OTTE
Addressed the sport fisheries enforcement
component. He advised that the
Department spends a lot of time
protecting this resource. The Division
has developed an aggressive policy to the
meet that responsibility.
224
REPRESENTATIVE
FOSTER
Voiced appreciation for the hard work
done in the Bush by the Department. He
commented on the professionalism of the
Department when dealing with concerns in
that area. He voiced concern on the
retirement rate on the "peak" of troopers
from the past 15-20 years.
330
COMMISSIONER OTTE
Replied that Troopers peaked in about
1983. At present time, there are 237 on
the books.
377
REPRESENTATIVE
WILLIAMS
Commented on the shortage of State
Troopers. He inquired the responsibility
of the "brown shirts".
420
COMMISSIONER OTTE
Replied that the in the last five years
the "brown shirt" Troopers are doing more
and more of the State Troopers work. He
outlined the work done by that group
network. The brown shirts do the more
traditional work which was assumed to be
accomplished by the game wardens.
570
REPRESENTATIVE
WILLIAMS
Inquired if that information had been
relayed to the Courts.
589
COMMISSIONER OTTE
Noted that there are attorneys working on
that concern. None of that information
has been requested.
618
REPRESENTATIVE
WILLIAMS
Commented on the period of time that he
was Mayor of Saxman. He noted that the
VPSO's were not paid enough and
consequently that was why there was such
a big turn over and tendency to quit each
year. He hoped that that the "brown
shirt" program was working as well as
alluded to in previous testimony.
683
COMMISSIONER OTTE
Agreed that it is difficult to keep
VPSO's.
703
COL. GODFREY
Stated that the VPSO group is currently
down 29%. He believed that part of that
situation was due to the amount of
decreased federal funding with that work
in conjunction with the VPSO officers.
The Troopers to date have provided the
training for free, which is an asset to
them. He added that when the troopers do
not do a "one on one" with the village
training there are problems.
Additionally, while in the villages, they
need that support of the Village Council.
813
VICE CHAIR BUNDE
Questioned if the village or tribal
police officers were considered VPSO's.
841
COL. GODFREY
Commented on the goals of the State
Troopers. He again referenced the two-
week training course.
874
COMMISSIONER OTTE
Responded to concerns voiced by
Representative Foster. There are barely
enough applicants to fill the VPSO
positions. He acknowledged that at this
point in time, there are many officers
that are about to retire. He stressed
that there is not the work force in
Alaska to fill all these positions.
There have been programs throughout the
country called Deferred Retirement Option
Plan (DROP) which allows for the rehire
of those staff persons that retire
allowing them to draw their retirement.
He believed that could be a great tool
for the State Troopers and other agencies
within State government.
1007
REPRESENTATIVE
FOSTER
Voiced concern that eight of the eleven
troopers in Nome would be retiring within
a couple months. He noted the turnover
of State troopers in the village areas.
He reiterated that it is a problematic
situation.
1063
COMMISSIONER OTTE
Quickly listed that other programs within
the Department.
1074
CO-CHAIR MULDER
Asked if the Council on Domestic Violence
and Sexual Assault (CDVSA) statistics
could be further explained.
1114
TRISHA GENTLE,
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,
COUNCIL ON DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL
ASSAULT, DEPARTMENT
OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Explained that counseling would always be
provided and that information and
resources would be developed.
1158
CO-CHAIR MULDER
Requested that the Council work closely
with the Subcommittee. He questioned why
the Council had adopted the "warehouse"
policy.
1208
MS. GENTLE
Replied that it was essential that safe
shelter and support be provided to the
victims. She pointed out that there
could be only so many resources provided.
1234
CO-CHAIR MULDER
Questioned how important prevention was.
1250
MS. GENTLE
Explained that was what was done as part
of the continuum of care. It reduces the
impact and how that directly relates to
the prevention of a crime. She did not
believe that could be measured.
1300
REPRESENTATIVE G.
DAVIS
Requested a measure illustrating how
effective the entire program is and how
many repeated violators result from that
program.
1377
CO-CHAIR MULDER
Reiterated what is the mission of that
service.
1387
MS. GENTLE
The mission is to service victims of
domestic and sexual assault and reduce
the impact of domestic violence.
1417
CO-CHAIR MULDER
Asked how does "warehousing" people
reduce that probability.
1428
MS. GENTLE
Replied that women do return up to an
average of 12 times, which is not
necessarily a sign of success.
1470
REPRESENTATIVE
GRUSSENDORF
Advised that there are benefits achieved
which are difficult to measure.
1510
CO-CHAIR MULDER
Advised that he was trying to calculate
how high the priority is for the program.
1532
REPRESENTATIVE
GRUSSENDORF
Reiterated that it is difficult to
measure some programs or how many crimes
are prevented because those programs
exist.
1562
CO-CHAIR MULDER
Argued that there must be some defined
measurements within the allocation. He
stated that it should be a policy
decision to spend money on those that
come through the door rather than
preventing people from coming through
that door.
1605
REPRESENTATIVE J.
DAVIES
The prevention of domestic violence also
exists within programs in the Department
of Health and Social Services.
1640
CO-CHAIR MULDER
Questioned that if this is a public
service objective, why is it not placed
within the Department of Health and
Social Services?
1659
REPRESENTATIVE J.
DAVIES
Pointed out that prevention and
protection may need to be in different
departments. These placements are not
necessarily a misalignment.
1679
CO-CHAIR MULDER
Explained that misalignment can bring
inefficiencies.
1700
REPRESENTATIVE
GRUSSENDORF
Responded that perhaps this issue cannot
be sorted out.
1717
MS. GENTLE
Stated that creation of laws affect the
prevention of domestic violence along
with other factors such as self-shelters.
1766
VICE CHAIR BUNDE
Noted that the elimination of all abuse
may not prevent cases of abuse. He
believed that "prevention" was too often
used as a catchall to put money into.
1851
CO-CHAIR MULDER
Challenged the attempt to measure
results.
1870
VICE CHAIR BUNDE
Recommended that there needs to be more
specific results.
1898
REPRESENTATIVE J.
DAVIES
Pointed out that the primary goal of the
CDVSA agency is prevention not
protection. He added that the debate is
misaligned.
1922
REPRESENTATIVE
PHILLIPS
Stated that part of the prevention is to
allievate effects.
1933
REPRESENTATIVE J.
DAVIES
Argued in support of the incidence of
domestic violence. That agency is
charged with response to the effects and
that prevention could be helped through
the "batters program". The primary
mission of that agency is protection. He
stressed that the crisis must be
addressed first.
1975
VICE CHAIR BUNDE
Summarized that the job of that agency is
protection and that the prevention is a
result of the protection.
1996
REPRESENTATIVE
GRUSSENDORF
Pointed out that the intent is that the
effects should be alleviated and that
currently, the agency is reaching their
goals.
2020
CO-CHAIR MULDER
Recommended reducing the cases and
incidences would alleviate the effects.
2033
MS. GENTLE
Commented that was being done in many
ways. That burden should not rely solely
on the shelters. She added that the
agency attempts that by working with the
Department to address the bigger picture.
2063
REPRESENTATIVE G.
DAVIS
Agreed that this is a concern and that
the State of Alaska is the #1 in the
domestic violence and sexual assault
problems in the nation. He reiterated
that this is a large problem within the
State.
2095
COMMISSIONER OTTE
Agreed that it is difficult to measure
the effectiveness in regards to the
amount of dollars spent on that program.
He noted his support for the newly hired
Domestic Violence Director, Ms. Gentle.
2155
REPRESENTATIVE
FOSTER
Reiterated prior concern with the
retirement of all the VPSO officers in
the village areas.
2172
COMMISSIONER OTTE
Offered to gather more info on this
concern. He guaranteed that if the rules
allow the recommended retirement program,
the Department would support it.
2200
REPRESENTATIVE G.
DAVIS
Pointed out that the Department has
alliviated the unfunded positions. He
applauded the work of the Department.
2233
VICE CHAIR BUNDE
Referenced the Council on Domestic
Violence-handout #2. He inquired why a
certain class of people comes to the
shelter.
2260
MS. GENTLE
Pointed out that number of residents in
that category is 0. There must be a
specific reason for entry; the shelters
are full. The shelter does not have any
clients that do not receive counseling
support. She explained the reason for
that line item.
2303
CO-CHAIR MULDER
Explained that the intent of that was to
measure how many people stay in the
shelter.
TAPE HFC 00 - 4
SIDE 1
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE
DEVELOPMENT
000
ED FLANAGAN,
COMMISSIONER,
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
AND WORKFORCE
DEVELOPMENT
Commissioner Flanagan disbursed a handout
sheet. [Copy on File]. He spoke to the
Department's mission statement to foster,
promote and improve working conditions
and advance the opportunities for
profitable employment to the wage earners
and potential wage earners of the state,
including those with special needs or
barriers to employment to the mutual
benefit of employees and employers.
170
COMMISSIONER
FLANAGAN
Continued, all Alaskans are covered by
this Department. He spoke to how well
customers have been served over this
year. Overall, the Y2K hard work came in
with a 95% efficiency. He pointed out
that during the peak period of
unemployment claims in January, 2500
claims were paid. Without the Y2K work
done by the Divisions, that work would
have been problematic. Commissioner
Flanagan noted that consolidation work
has been a challenge. The initial work
of consolidation was done at the
Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner
level. The customers were not adversely
affected.
442
COMMISSIONER
FLANAGAN
Pointed out the good relations the
Department has with industry and
employers. He commented that amount that
was cut from last year's budget and how
well the Department has continued to
sustain the level of service and maintain
good morale. He voiced his concern with
programs which are in serious danger of
dying given the current fiscal realities.
592
COMMISSIONER
FLANAGAN
Addressed the Employment Security
mission. The responsibilities of that
agency are to ease the negative effects
that involuntary unemployment has on
Alaska's wage earners, to stabilize the
local economy and workforce during
periods of economic downturn, to operate
a statewide public labor exchange, and to
provide employment training.
700
COMMISSIONER
FLANAGAN
Spoke to the Labor Standards & Safety
Mission. The agency provides assistance
and oversight to both employees and
employers in the State by ensuring safe
and healthy working conditions, just
compensation and legal employment
practices, and to provide public and
consumer protection by assuring the
integrity and safety of various
mechanical systems and equipment.
769
COMMISSIONER
FLANAGAN
Responded to questions voiced by
Representative Phillips regarding the
adequateness of services received by
Workers Compensation.
834
REPRESENTATIVE
PHILLIPS
Acknowledged that the State is providing
better service.
851
CO-CHAIR MULDER
Pointed out that client satisfaction is a
high measurement of service. He
emphasized that service should be
highlighted.
876
COMMISSIONER
FLANAGAN
Commented that these services are tracked
twice a year. He continued that the
Department is a tax agency and collects
unemployment insurance. 94% of
respondents found the Department's
service good and that 75% of those
questioned, responded that the forms are
easy to use. With regard to tax, the
Department does a lot on employer
education and outreach.
969
COMMISSIONER
FLANAGAN
Pointed out that the Department has
stationed and opened a tax office to work
with employers in Nome. Employment
service is now a one-stop concept
happening because of a federal grant
received to help initiate it.
Commissioner Flanagan noted that the
Department is always looking for service
improvement.
1078
COMMISSIONER
FLANAGAN
Addressed the Work Opportunity Tax Credit
for employers. Last year 511 employers
took advantage of that service.
Additionally, training is also important
to the Department. He noted that the
Department was working to address the
resource development component.
1130
COMMISSIONER
FLANAGAN
Spoke to the Adult Vocational Education
program and it's effectiveness.
1152
COMMISSIONER
FLANAGAN
Commented on the Labor Standards and
Safety Mission. He read the mission
statement. He pointed out that the Wage
and Hour Administration is one component
which had lost a position last year. He
noted that the section receives close to
$1.5 million dollars per year through
outreach or fiscal insolvency.
Seminars are given and tax manuals
provided which has information on wage
and hour standards.
1287
COMMISSIONER
FLANAGAN
Mechanical Inspection has taken
substantial cuts in the past four years.
He spoke to the backlog of boiler
inspectors. The overdue list is being
prioritized. New class of plumbing
license-PU license. Federal OSHA funds
basically half. Last year, that plan was
almost lost. The Department hopes to
maintain that program.
1537
COMMISSIONER
FLANAGAN
Trying to focus on three high standard
hazard injuries by 15% over the next
three years and measured performance
goals. In FY98, enforcement inspections
were increased by 200%. In FY99,
increased program inspection further.
1649
COMMISSIONER
FLANAGAN
Emphasized that the Department did
institute establish an Occupational
Health and Life component for safety. He
added that for the smaller programs,
there is the "sharp" program. Part of
that program consists of the willingness
to mentor other employers. These
programs have worked well in other parts
of the country.
1749
VICE CHAIR BUNDE
Questioned if there were other
corporations involved in that program.
1766
COMMISSIONER
FLANAGAN
Replied that at this time only British
Petroleum is involved. That program is
very intensive and currently the only one
available.
1801
COMMISSIONER
FLANAGAN
There is a goal to increase that by two
this year.
1819
COMMISSIONER
FLANAGAN
Addressed the Workers Compensation
Division. He emphasized that the program
has been very challenged. Those involved
do not like to wait 90 days for a
hearing. There are 400-500 hearings per
year, and that activity is down as
expected as are the decisions and orders.
Progress is measured through the
uninsured employer investigation, a
position reinstituted this past year.
The number of injuries in FY98 was 80 and
that some of those are still waiting for
a hearing. A goal of 60 has been set
this year, given an aggressive outreach
program. He noted that one year it had
declined to 36 accidents.
1988
REPRESENTATIVE J.
DAVIES
Spoke to the number of calls received by
his office regarding this concern.
2024
VICE CHAIR BUNDE
Questioned the uninsured employers and
what their liability would be.
2041
COMMISSIONER
FLANAGAN
Replied that technically, each one has
admitted a misdemeanor. He recommended
that there needs to be a record of
workers compensation. The Board should
issue a "cease to exist" order. He
addressed the case preparations.
2097
VICE CHAIR BUNDE
Questioned how the cases are established.
2110
COMMISSIONER
FLANAGAN
Explained that each case much be "field
checked" and that the Division does
provide spot checking from time to time.
2138
COMMISSIONER
FLANAGAN
Pointed out that many agencies are
hearing more regarding concerns from this
division. Currently, there exists an Ad
Hoc Committee that will provide
recommendations for changes. He noted
that there would be a proposal submitted
to the Legislature which would provide
alternative funding to accomplish the
tasks of the Division.
2197
COMMISSIONER
FLANAGAN
Commented that Vocational Rehabilitation
is a new responsibility for the
Department. The role of the division is
to get people to work. The mission is to
assist individuals with disabilities to
overcome barriers to employment and
encourage independence and integration
into their communities.
2307
COMMISSIONER
FLANAGAN
Commented that the Department is better
with the inclusion of the Vocational
Rehabilitation division.
2301
VICE CHAIR BUNDE
Encouraged tracking of pertinent data.
2358
COMMISSIONER
FLANAGAN
Stated that the Division of
Administrative Services helps the rest of
the department track their jobs. The
mission of that division is to provide
for efficient administrative and data
processing services in support of the
Department's programs, and to provide for
the collection, analysis and publication
of demographic and economic information
in support of sound policy, business,
program and personal employment
decisions.
TAPE HFC 00 - 4
SIDE 2
37
COMMISSIONER
FLANAGAN
Stated that Research and Analysis is
providing a good service. They have an
increasing role under the Workforce
Investment Act. That role with increase
with the 2000 census.
148
REPRESENTATIVE
PHILLIPS
Asked if there was a fee for research and
analysis?
168
COMMISSIONER
FLANAGAN
Replied that there is no fee, but payment
is required from some other states for
services. He added that Internet
distribution is reducing the cost of some
services.
209
REPRESENTATIVE
FOSTER
Complimented the Commissioner for quick
response to some problems which came up
in his district.
282
CO-CHAIR MULDER
Recommended that further statistics be
provided on paper and submitted to the
Committee and subcommittee.
326
CO-CHAIR MULDER
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 4:05 p.m.
HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE
LOG NOTES
H.F.C. 16 1/12/00
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