CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 94(FIN) An Act making a supplemental appropriation for costs of elections operations; and providing for an effective date. CHARLOT THICKSTUN, Director, Division of Elections, came before committee. She explained that the supplemental bill began as a request for $891.5 (SB 74) to cover costs of election operations for FY 93. In House Finance the bill was amended to cover costs only until April 30, 1993. It now totals $312.3. Shortfalls within the division resulted from unbudgeted reapportionment costs, higher election costs resulting from litigation surrounding both reapportionment and the closed primary, and changes in deadlines. The division originally proposed that supplemental funding for reapportionment be included as an agenda item for the special session called by Governor Hickel last June. That request for $1.6 million was submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for review. OMB was able to justify $961.1. When budgeting needs were not addressed during the special session, the division relied upon the Dept. of Law to ascertain whether operating funds could be expended on unbudgeted reapportionment-related functions. The division was advised that allocations are not budgeted by election function. Rather, they represent a total allocation for all election-related activities within the division. The division was also informed that it was mandated to go forward in order to facilitate the 1992 national and state elections. In a normal year, the division begins preparations for fall primary and general elections in March. In 1992, that preparation could not be started because of lack of finalization of reapportionment. The time-frame for appointing election workers and preparing election materials was compressed from six to two months. It took a great amount of staff and overtime to accomplish what was necessary in that restricted time period. There was never any doubt the division would run out of money. The question was whether it could last until the legislature convened. The division has undertaken efforts to cut operating costs, including elimination of three full-time positions and all temporary employees. With the exception of supervisory staff, permanent employees have been reduced to 30 hours a week. While HB 94 was under consideration in House Finance, $27,648 for ten, range 8 temporaries was approved to finish data input of 30,000 voters onto registration rolls prior to Anchorage and Mat-Su municipal elections April 20. Mrs. Thickstun voiced her understanding that an election is deemed successful if no lawsuits ensue. Based on that criteria, the division did an exceptional job in both the 1990 and 1992 elections. Voter turnout for the most recent general election set a record for Alaska and was eighth highest in the nation. Senator Kelly voiced support for the $312.0 supplemental, acknowledging that, in light of reapportionment, the division did a "marvelous job." In response to a question from Co-chairman Frank, Mrs. Thickstun said that the $891.0 request was intended to cover operating expenses to the end of June. It also included reimbursement of costs incurred to the Dept. of Administration, division of information services, contingency moneys loaned by the Governor, and a $125.0 legal contract for defense of Mrs. Thickstun's certification of the recall petitions. Co-chairman Frank noted the $356.2 for personal services, and $310.0 for Dept. of Administration computer charges. Mrs. Thickstun explained that $242.0 was budgeted for computer time. As a result of reapportionment and other election expenses, costs were higher. She further advised that reapportionment was never budgeted for. It was necessary to hire additional staff to input voter information. Extensive overtime was also incurred since two shifts were operating. After the initial reapportionment plan was struck down by the courts and an interim plan was effected, "everything had to be redone." The division expected that in the worst case, funding needs might total $1.6. OMB said it could only justify $961.0, which was more than our original $891.0 request. Co- chairman Frank voiced his understanding that the legislature budgeted $1.6 million for the primary and general election. Mrs. Thickstun concurred, advising that it represented cyclical funding provided the division in an election year. Senator Sharp voiced his understanding that the $312.0 would carry the division through April, but that an additional $183.0 would be needed for May and June. Mrs. Thickstun concurred. Co-chairman Frank announced that CSHB 94 (Finance) would be HELD in committee for further review and again considered at 9:00 a.m. the next day. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at approximately 10:40 a.m.