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