HB 137 APPROP: SUPPLEMENTAL FOR FY 95 Co-chair Frank provided an overview of the draft spreadsheet speaking to FY 95 Supplemental Appropriations Sections 1-41. He encouraged others present to make changes and return to the meeting of March 14th to work through the bill. He asked OMB to be ready to respond to members at that time. The Committee's intent is to accept amendments and move the bill out of the committee on the 14th. HOUSE BILL NO. 137 "An Act making supplemental appropriations for operating expenses of state government for fiscal year 1995; and providing for an effective date." Co-chair Frank began the meeting by referring to HB 137 along with the spreadsheet indicating the governor's request, with the House and Senate recommendation. He stated that this is a working draft. The intent of this meeting is to briefly touch on each item throughout the bill. He asked that the departments return on Tuesday, March 14th, and be prepared to answer questions for the committee as well as bring forward any amendment. His intention is to move the bill out of committee on the 14th. Co-chair Frank stated that the committee draft reflects recommendations made by the sub-committee chairs. It does not reflect a late request that has just come in from OMB. The spreadsheet reveals the differences between the Senate and House recommendation, and the governor's amended request. The shaded areas reflect tentative agreement with the House. Unshaded areas reflect differences with the House. Co-chair Frank referring to the spreadsheet, started with The Department of Law. He read the requested amounts and the recommendation of the Senate and House. Department of Corrections, Court appointed Cleary Monitor. He affirmed the sub-committee is in need for a better understanding of the funding. Department of Administration, Office of Public Advocacy, additional funds have been provided through LB&A during the interim. In the Public Offices Commission, the Finance Committee recommends conducting hearings within their existing budget. Department of Law, Legal Services, substantial differences between the Senate and the House are recommended. It will be reanalyzed on Tuesday. The sub-committee recommends absorption within the existing budget for the gubernatorial election lawsuit. Department of Revenue, Revenue Operations safekeeping, the sub-committee recommends the fees be reduced, deleting the amount associated with the management advisory fees. Department of Education, K-12 program support. DOE has stated the funds are not necessary based upon current projections from the 55 school districts. Regarding the Toksook Bay school district, the sub-committee will be meeting with the Department of Law for further study. Department of Health and Social Services, judgments and claims will be revisited on Tuesday. Department of Labor, Statewide demographic information and analysis. There has been additional information from the Lt. Gov. which puts this item under reconsideration. The Lt. Governor has indicated that funds could be transferred from that office into this section. Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, anticipated '95 spring disasters. The House took the approach of taking $1.5 million and adding it into the disaster relief funds to cover both fires and floods. The Senate recommended $500.0 with an extended lapse date carrying unspent funds into FY 96. Senate President Pearce noted a typo under the Senate recommended funds for Department of Natural Resources, Fire Suppression. Spreadsheet reads, "$1,600.0," should read, "$1,660.0." Fire Suppression through the end of 1995 is reduced from the request of the governor and the House. The Senate is recommending $1.5 million with an extended lapse date carrying unspent funds into FY 96. There is a recommended reduction of approximately $300.0 based upon the fixed costs. Department of Transportation/Public Facilities, the Court- ordered personnel costs are denied. The court has not yet ordered the payment. Community and Regional Affairs, the extended lapse date under the Senate and House indicates a "yes," which means there is agreement to the lapse date. University of Alaska snow removal has been reduced consistent with the other snow removal funds requested by the governor. Department of Revenue, Alaska Housing Finance Corp. The funds requested should come out of 1996 funding according to the Senate Finance Sub-committee. Department of Natural Resources, fire suppression $1.5 million with an extended lapse date to provide for unused funds to extend into 1996. The House has recommended $1.5 million into the disaster relief fund for the same purposes. Total Senate proposed funding is $79,667.5, and House is $94,479.2. Primary differences are oil and gas litigation and judgments and claims. Most other areas are closer in total funds recommended. Co-chair Frank reiterated a continuous meeting on Tuesday, March 14th. He has asked for a response from the Departments. The Senate would be willing to accept any amendments and move the bill out of the committee. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at approximately 10:45 a.m.