MINUTES OF THE
SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
Sixty-seventh Session
May 12, 1993
The Senate Committee on Finance was called to order by Chairman William J. Raggio, at 8:00 a.m., on Wednesday, May 12, 1993, in Room 223 of the Legislative Building, Carson City, Nevada. Exhibit A is the Meeting Agenda. Exhibit B is the Attendance Roster.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT:
Senator William J. Raggio, Chairman
Senator Raymond D. Rawson, Vice Chairman
Senator Lawrence E. Jacobsen
Senator Bob Coffin
Senator Diana M. Glomb
Senator William R. O'Donnell
Senator Matthew Q. Callister
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
Daniel G. Miles, Fiscal Analyst
Robert Guernsey, Principal Deputy Fiscal Analyst
Steve J. Abba, Program Analyst
Judy Jacobs, Committee Secretary
OTHERS PRESENT:
Terry D. Sullivan, Director, Department of General Services
Mike Meizel, Administrator, Buildings and Grounds Division, Department of General Services
Mimi Rodden, Nevada Preservation Group
Randy C. Day, Commissioner, Office of the Nevada Commissioner for Veteran Affairs
Rochelle Summers, Principal Budget Analyst, Budget Division, Department of Administration
Senator Raggio recalled the question brought up the previous day regarding the Old State Library building which resulted in a request for a bill draft. He said the bill draft request (BDR) would propose a procedure to allow private parties to remodel the structure and lease it back to the state. He indicated he had received reports some fixtures may have already been removed from the building. As a result he solicited a status report on the building.
Terry D. Sullivan, Director, Department of General Services, gave a history of the building. He related some items were salvaged a few years ago when the building had been a post office. Although those items have been stored, he admitted he did not know if those items would be used during a restoration.
Mr. Sullivan said there was not much that could be done in the building until after the library moved out. At that time he indicated all remaining furniture being discarded by the Nevada State Library that was deemed valuable was removed and stored, as has been done customarily with all old buildings within the area. He doubted any furniture has been sold since 1972 due to the policy of retaining old pieces. He acknowledged ten or eleven of the old wooden bookcases with glass fronts in need of restoration were kept in the building.
Mr. Sullivan said he believed at that time the Division of Economic Development, the Division of Tourism and Nevada Magazine were going to occupy the building, so they had been asked to mark the items they wanted left in the building. After they had done so, he and Mr. Meizel from the Buildings and Grounds Division marked the other items they believed should be retained in the building such as shelving. He admitted many of those items were not part of the original building and had been installed in 1972, but the shelving had been connected to the wall.
After completion of their survey, Mr. Sullivan said other agencies were invited to remove any other items, such as metal shelving, that they needed. He indicated the desks, file cabinets and other furniture left over have since been removed. He commented the building has been inspected two or three times a week and the heat has been left on.
Mr. Sullivan indicated he would support some sort of bill to restore the building such as the one being proposed although he admitted he did not know the details of the proposed bill. He conceded the state probably could not find the funds to restore the building properly. He called the building one of his favorites and averred the building has some historic value for Carson City.
Mike Meizel, Administrator, Buildings and Grounds Division, Department of General Services, explained when the building was vacated it was decided to keep the utilities on because the Buildings and Grounds Division was not sure they could successfully drain all the lines and to maintain a presence in the building. He said the Capitol Police agreed to patrol the building regularly.
Mr. Meizel quelled rumors that nothing had been removed other than excess furniture or shelving. He said the Division of Economic Development had requested that some modern track shelving be left in the building, and none of the historical furnishings had been removed. He indicated a vault door that had been stored under the stairwell because the library did not want to use it could be reinstalled on its hinges. He said there was a bench left on the second floor which appeared to have historical value.
Senator Raggio asked Mr. Meizel if he could assure the committee any contents with significant historical value would be preserved regardless of the final usage of the building. Mr. Meizel offered his assurances that was the case.
Senator Coffin asked if it was difficult to determine what items really had historical value. Mr. Meizel reckoned he had a fair knowledge of what was historical.
Mr. Sullivan admitted he was not an expert either, but said he kept anything over which there was any question as to its historicity in the warehouse. He said he had people from the museum go through the warehouse and select anything they felt should be retained. He said he thought they had inventoried everything of historical value he had stored.
Mr. Sullivan acknowledged many of the items had been used to furnish the old Supreme Court building and the Capitol Building. He stated several pieces had been donated to Nye Hall at the university some years ago when it had been restored. He asserted the pieces he had collected had been distributed to any place that would benefit the state and remain part of the state.
Mr. Sullivan said the museum had also removed significant items from the second Supreme Court building.
Mimi Rodden, Nevada Preservation Group, expressed her concern not only over the removal of any materials from the Old State Library, whether they were original or historical, but also over the method in which materials might be removed. She voiced apprehension that the method of removal might cause greater distress for the rehabilitation of the structure.
Mrs. Rodden said she had spent time with Tom Tatro, Supervising Buyer for the Purchasing Division, the person in charge of the building. She said he indicated it would be possible to make repairs where materials have been removed, but, she asserted, some materials were not removed in a sensitive manner. She alleged some materials have been removed that should have remained in the building because they were part of the structure prior to its use as a library when it had been used as a court, a land office or a post office.
Mrs. Rodden stated, "Much of that can be remedied, some of it cannot be remedied. ...I think that the only error here perhaps was that one didn't talk to one another and we didn't know that the bill was coming out in certain areas within state government."
Mrs. Rodden requested that the track shelving in the basement remain. She called it an integral part of the storage system which will make it easier to lease the building. Senator Raggio asked if that would pose a problem. Mr. Meizel responded most of the track shelving would remain.
Mr. Meizel stated there are some things that must be removed in order to accommodate asbestos removal. He indicated he was unsure just what items Mrs. Rodden meant but said he could get back any items she felt should be returned.
Senator Raggio pointed out there was no assurance the bill would pass. He acknowledged there are some things that will have to be done to the building to prepare it for any alternative use. He requested that all parties work together to preserve items of historical significance in the event the measure should pass and a complete restoration should be done.
Mr. Meizel and Mrs. Rodden concurred.
Senator Jacobsen suggested that the Capitol Police should enter the building at least once a day and log their inspection. Senator Raggio asked Mr. Meizel to make note of the concerns of the committee.
Veterans Affairs - Page 1455
Randy C. Day, Commissioner, Office of the Nevada Commissioner for Veteran Affairs, offered to answer questions regarding staffing and functions of Nevada Veterans' Advisory Commission. He distributed a list of the staffing for the commission (Exhibit C).
Senator Raggio asked if Mr. Day had adequate staffing at each of the cemeteries to handle the work load. Mr. Day acknowledged he would prefer a different arrangement. He said he had been given a percentage target for budget reductions. In order to achieve the target he had proposed use of inmate labor for maintenance. He admitted inmate labor was not preferred although it was helpful.
Mr. Day said part of the budget he presented included a $30,000 reduction in General Fund appropriations which were offset with Senate Bill 336 which returned the $30,000 to the General Fund for hiring inmate labor.
SENATE BILL 336: Allows commissioner of veteran affairs to collect fee for acting as guardian of certain estates.
Mr. Day declared his preference for additional staffing, the elimination of the $30,000 fee for inmate labor and an addition of approximately $28,000 for two full-time groundskeepers.
Mr. Day called attention to the proposal for two half-time persons, but said under that scenario he will still require the assistance of inmate labor.
Senator Jacobsen told the committee one groundskeeper entered a rehabilitation program just before Christmas which left nobody to dig graves or run the backhoe. He said he contacted the Department of Personnel which indicated the state could not fire the employee without 30-days notice nor hire anyone else. He said Mr. Day provided most of the work along with the inmate crews. He opined, "If we're going to have a national cemetery we've got to do it right...."
Senator Jacobsen acknowledged a lot of volunteer labor goes into the maintenance of the cemetery, and he commended his fellow members of the advisory commission for their support. He repeated the belief there have to be better management procedures to fill in on days when somebody is sick.
Senator Glomb asked if increases in burial fees will offset any costs for staff. Mr. Day replied they will not because the increase has already been built into revenue projections in the budget. He explained funding for an additional two full-time positions would cost approximately $28,000 in General Fund dollars. He reiterated the request included in the Governor's budget was for two half-time positions.
Mr. Day explained he had explored several ways to meet the budget reductions. He said the addition of two half-time positions would only serve to reduce the time when inmate labor would have to be used.
Mr. Day predicted another problem could arise if the Jean facility remained closed, in which case inmate labor from Indian Springs would be used. He conjectured that would reduce the time they were available by 45 minutes to an hour per day. He expressed concern it might not even be feasible to transport inmate labor that far.
Senator Raggio reflected the Veterans' Affairs budget had been amended to add $500 per year for board travel and $3,000 each year for In-State Travel for staff. He asked if there were additional
amendments.
Senator Glomb asked for clarification regarding the staff requests. Mr. Day answered the original request had been for two half-time positions to be augmented with inmate labor. He declared the operation would work better by eliminating inmate labor and hiring two full-time staff people. He pointed out both cemeteries had recently been expanded, 10 acres in Boulder City and 4 acres in Fernley, which will add to the need for maintenance.
Senator Rawson voiced his intention to add employees to the cemeteries. He identified the need for one full-time position at the southern cemetery and a half-time position at the northern cemetery. He observed each facility presently employs one supervisor and one equipment operator. He suggested Las Vegas needs one additional full-time employee and the northern cemetery needs another half-time position.
The committee discussed the additions to the budget. Senator Raggio restated the original proposal to include two half-time positions and the use of inmate labor in addition to those included in the budget.
Mr. Day repeated his preference for two full-time positions but acknowledged he could get by with the half-time people and inmate labor. He confirmed both cemeteries could be fully operated with two full-time positions at a cost of approximately $28,000 with the $30,000 already built into the budget, a total of $58,000. He alleged the additional staff would obviate the need for inmate labor which would cost the state approximately $30,000.
Daniel G. Miles, Fiscal Analyst, attempted to diminish the confusion by stating the $58,000 would include two full-time positions but there would not be money available for inmate labor.
Senator Rawson indicated his desire to provide the cemeteries with personnel to maintain a minimum operation.
SENATOR RAWSON MOVED TO FURTHER AMEND THE BUDGET TO ADD TWO FULL-TIME POSITIONS, ONE AT EACH CEMETERY, AND THAT THE MONEY REFLECTED IN THE BUDGET FOR INMATE LABOR BE USED INSTEAD TO FUND THE POSITIONS BEING RECOMMENDED.
SENATOR JACOBSEN SECONDED THE MOTION.
Senator Callister said, "So it's an add of approximately $28,000 each year of the biennium." The staff concurred.
Robert Guernsey, Principal Deputy Fiscal Analyst, interjected the inmate crews were sent to jobs all over the state on a voluntary basis where they are not paid to perform those functions. He suggested the cemeteries would be a lower priority if the inmates were not paid, but the crews might be available on occasion. Senator Raggio proposed adding that request to a letter of intent.
Senator Callister suggested more public volunteerism might be invited. He pointed out volunteerism had been considered in prior budgets such as libraries and museums in an attempt to deal with the tight budget.
Senator Raggio opined volunteerism might not be practical for the preparation of grave sites. Mr. Day responded that had been contemplated but admitted sometimes people are not comfortable volunteering at a cemetery. He pointed out the veteran population is an aging population and in a hot climate such as Las Vegas it could be harmful to allow them to do rigorous work.
Senator Callister indicated he was contemplating family members of those interred in the cemeteries being used as volunteers. He submitted the state park system was facing the same problems of increased demands for maintenance and wondered why cemeteries should hold preference. Senator Rawson countered he and Senator Jacobsen had monitored the cemeteries since their inception and had observed a lot of volunteerism. He noted there will still be groundskeeping projects and funds raised by volunteers. He admitted there are other budget priorities but pointed out the number of burials has gron to the point that the lack of support and funding for the cemeteries has become a disgrace.
Senator O'Donnell added his concern. He asked how many gravesites there were in the southern cemetery and if two full-time employees could maintain them without the labor pool from the prison. Mr. Day responded there were nearly 2,000 sites and assured the senator the cemeteries could be maintained with two groundskeepers.
Senator Callister agreed there had been significant growth and the state had failed to respond to the demand for services. Mr. Day said all members of the staff had pitched in when the need has arisen, and he commended his staff for their willingness to do so.
Senator Raggio called for a vote on the motion which he repeated to add two positions of approximately $58,000 each year and delete inmate labor at $30,000 each year and to include a letter of intent that inmate labor be utilized on a voluntary basis and that the cemetery encourage volunteer groups for maintenance.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
* * * * *
Senator Jacobsen reassured Senator Callister that volunteer efforts have been fully utilized in the past. He recited the details of a project at the northern cemetery which would have cost $10,000 but which was completed solely through volunteer labor and supplies.
Federal Land Laws - Page 1571
Mr. Miles said the only money allocated in the budget was $500 each year for SIIS (State Industrial Insurance System) coverage for members of the State Multiple Use Advisory Committee on Federal Lands. He pointed out the subcommittee on natural resources was making a proposal that the advisory committee be combined with the Natural Resources Board, which would mean no funds would need to be appropriated and the $500 could be deleted for each year.
SENATOR RAWSON MOVED TO ADJUST THE BUDGET IN ACCORDANCE WITH STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS ELIMINATING THE COMMITTEE PAY OF $500 EACH YEAR.
SENATOR GLOMB SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
* * * * *
Forestry Intergovernmental Agreements - Page 1579
Senator Raggio indicated the forestry budget closings would not have any impact on decisions regarding closing prisons or honor camps.
Mr. Miles said the budget adjustments proposed would increase receipts from Washoe County for one new seasonal fire fighter for $22,000 each year. Also, he said, it would correct the transfer from the main forestry division account into the budget to assist in support for dispatcher positions. He called attention to a memorandum from the Division of Forestry (Exhibit D) from Washoe County indicating approval of the position.
Senator Raggio asked if the Department of Administration had any comment. Rochelle Summers, Principal Budget Analyst, Budget Division, Department of Administration, said she was not familiar with the memorandum. Senator Raggio iterated the $22,000 would be paid by Washoe County to support one additional seasonal fire fighter.
SENATOR JACOBSEN MOVED TO ADJUST THE BUDGET IN ACCORDANCE WITH STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS.
SENATOR RAWSON SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
* * * * *
Forest Fire Suppression - Page 1582
Mr. Miles restated the provisions of the budget and added sometimes the funds must be replenished by the Interim Finance Committee (IFC) if there is a bad fire season.
SENATOR GLOMB MOVED TO CLOSE THE BUDGET IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GOVERNOR'S RECOMMENDATION.
SENATOR O'DONNELL SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
* * * * *
Forestry Nurseries - Page 1588
Mr. Miles explained there were several recommendations to align the budget with anticipated grant amounts. He said half the budget was constructed prior to the time the agency was notified of actual grant amounts. He called attention to a spreadsheet (Exhibit E) depicting the differences between the Governor's recommended budget and the amounts necessary to align the grants with the figures approved by the federal government.
SENATOR RAWSON MOVED TO ADJUST THE BUDGET IN ACCORDANCE WITH STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS.
SENATOR O'DONNELL SECONDED THE MOTION,
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
* * * * *
Tahoe Regional Planning Agency - Page 1635
Mr. Miles commented the staff's recommendation for the budget included the deletion a cost-of-living increase for the Nevada portion of Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) staff costs. The savings would amount to $34,000 in the first year and $61,000 in the second year, which he indicated would put those employees into a situation similar to all other public employees.
Mr. Miles explained the TRPA customarily obtained project money in one-shot appropriations funded for 2 years. He said since 1989 or 1991 the funds have been worked into the TRPA budget with an annual reversion date. He said the agency, because it was funded from two states, has suffered some confusion over when the reversion dates actually occur. Mr. Miles suggested a letter of intent be sent to remind TRPA that annual appropriations revert on June 30 each year and only special appropriations extend beyond the one-year appropriation date.
Senator O'Donnell asked if the TRPA budget only funded part of the salaries. Senator Raggio voiced his understanding Nevada pays one-third while California pays two-thirds of operating costs. He noted the measure under discussion would delete payment of cost-of-living increases from Nevada.
SENATOR RAWSON MOVED TO ADJUST THE BUDGET IN ACCORDANCE WITH STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS.
SENATOR O'DONNELL SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
* * * * *
SENATE BILL (S.B.) 222:Increases certain fees for licensure as salesman of vehicles, trailers or semitrailers.
Senator Raggio announced he had an amendment (Exhibit F) to S.B. 222 to be considered as voted upon on April 21. He asked Senator O'Donnell to confirm the amendment represented the action taken by the committee. Senator O'Donnell called attention to changes on the second and third pages of the amendment.
The committee accepted the amendment.
SENATE BILL (S.B.) 87: Expands eligible participants in program of nutrition provided through schools.
Senator Raggio deferred to Senator Rawson who had presided on the day the bill had been heard by the committee.
Senator Rawson said there was no fiscal note attached. He endorsed the provisions of the measure which would allow state facilities to allow food services be extended to other people. He said grant funds were included for senior citizens and the handicapped.
Mr. Miles added it would allow adult day-care settings to participate in nutrition programs at the schools, a practice already being exercised. He said the bill was being proposed by the State Department of Education to allow the expansion of state law to bring it into compliance with actual practice.
SENATOR RAWSON MOVED TO DO PASS S.B. 87.
SENATOR CALLISTER SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
* * * * *
SENATE BILL (S.B.) 385:Increases required balance of prison revolving account.
Mr. Miles pointed out the bill would appropriate $5,000 to increase the prison revolving account to a total of $10,000. He said the funds are used for "gate" money provided to inmates who are leaving the prison system. He stated nearly four times as many inmates are being processed now as in 1979 when the fund was first established.
Senator Rawson said there were 850 releases in 1989, while there were 3,076 in 1992. He said the average sum given to a prisoner upon release is $26.30.
Senator Raggio reminded the committee they had agreed not to close budgets for which there was no appropriation included until after all the budgets were closed. He suggested the agreement might be waived for minor appropriations such as S.B. 385.
SENATOR COFFIN MOVED TO DO PASS S.B. 385.
SENATOR JACOBSEN SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
* * * * *
Laboratory and Research - Page 818
Senator Raggio recalled discussion on fees being collected by the State Health Laboratory from brothels. He asked staff to comment. Steve J. Abba, Program Analyst, distributed copies of a report (Exhibit G) dealing with the State Health Laboratory.
Senator Coffin said the attorney general had indicated fees could not be selectively increased for one particular user. He explained that brothels could be charged no more nor less than community health services, mental health, prisons or any other user. He said that meant any increase in fees would impact all users.
Senator Coffin asked if anyone knew how often employees of brothels were tested. Mr. Abba said there are different procedures. He indicated new employees of brothels cannot commence employment until they are fully tested, including HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia. Continuing workers are tested monthly for HIV, syphilis and chlamydia and weekly for gonorrhea.
Senator Coffin inquired how much additional revenue could be derived by increasing testing for all sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) from monthly to weekly at brothels. Senator Raggio wondered if the laboratory would need more personnel if the testing had to be done weekly.
Mr. Abba indicated the increased testing for HIV would require additional staff time. A discussion ensued regarding the types of tests used for each STD.
Senator O'Donnell noted the funds for STDs came from the federal government. Mr. Abba interjected the laboratory also performs chemistry and water bacteriology tests funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through the state Safe Drinking Water Act grant program.
Mr. Miles reminded the committee they had considered restoring a laboratory supervisory position because it was felt they would not be able to make the fee estimates in the budget without that position being filled. He explained the supervisor spent most of his time performing tests. Mr. Miles said it was at that juncture that the committee had discussed raising fees to help pay for the position.
Senator Raggio asked how much the fees were. Mr. Abba replied the present HIV fee was $4, the syphilis fee was $4.50, and gonorrhea and chlamydia were $5 each.
Senator Raggio read a memorandum from Mr. Abba in Exhibit G in which he reported the Health Division had estimated a $1 increase in all tests but HIV would generate enough revenue to retain the supervisory position. The Health Division cautioned the fee increase would impact several of the division's other programs.
Mr. Abba pointed out when the committee discussed the budget earlier the staff's recommendation had been made to retain the laboratory supervisor position through General Fund appropriations. He said the General Fund costs were going to be made up from other division accounts, which would have meant no net General Fund increase for the division.
Senator Raggio asked if the dollar increase would provide funds to retain the supervisory position. Mr. Abba answered the division had indicated it would be sufficient. He indicated it would be placed under Other Funds under the Base budget.
Senator Raggio stated, if the committee intended to retain the position, the revenue line item Other Funds would have to be adjusted to include some amount to equal the dollar increase in the fees, and reorganizational savings would have to be reduced to accommodate the retention of the position. He asked if any other items would have to be adjusted in the budget. Mr. Abba replied there would be some operating costs associated with the position.
SENATOR GLOMB MOVED TO ADJUST THE BUDGET ACCORDINGLY WITH AN INCREASE IN FEES AND WITH A DELETION IN REORGANIZATION SAVINGS.
SENATOR JACOBSEN SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
* * * * *
Senator Coffin asked if staff might contact the division to find out what impact there would be for more frequent testing. Senator Raggio agreed to follow up on the request.
Senator Raggio read the committee the requested bill draft which would authorize the State Board of Examiners to enter into a contract to restore the Old State Library building.
BILL DRAFT REQUEST S-1892: Authorizes state to contract for restoration of old library building.
SENATOR RAWSON MOVED FOR COMMITTEE INTRODUCTION OF BDR S-1892.
SENATOR JACOBSEN SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
* * * * *
Child Support Enforcement - Page 875
Senator Rawson reported the subcommittee had made a recommendation to increase the General Fund reversion. He recommended a bonus-incentive program to increase the recovery of dependent health care. He asserted many fathers who have responsibility for their children are failing to provide health insurance. He suggested if a bounty of $20 was paid to the district attorney on each of the cases ultimately more money would be brought in and that money would be reverted.
Mr. Abba explained any excess funds remaining in the budget would revert to the General Fund at the end of each year. He said the Welfare Division had proposed the incentive program to attempt to encourage district attorneys to not only establish an order for health care coverage of dependent children but also to enforce the order. He acknowledged a high percentage of cases have not been enforced. He estimated only 10 percent of orders had been enforced whereas orders had been established in 81 percent of the cases.
Mr. Abba said the division had been asked to provide new estimates of how much incentive money would have to be provided. He indicated initially the division had made a high estimate, but based on their reevaluation determined the incentive funds could be reduced.
When asked by Senator Raggio how the funds would be used, Mr. Abba said district attorneys' offices would use the money to defray costs for both Aid to Dependent Children (ADC) cases and non-ADC cases.
SENATOR RAWSON MOVED TO ADJUST THE BUDGET ACCORDING TO SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS.
SENATOR GLOMB SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
* * * * *
Assistance to Aged and Blind - Page 880
Senator Rawson stated the Welfare Division had suggested clients be shifted from higher and more costly nursing homes to less costly facilities. He said they had solicited a waiver from the federal government to commence moving the recipients in July 1993. He admitted the waiver had not been approved but said it was anticipated approval would be given in June or July.
Mr. Abba said to enact the proposal the budget would require a $281,979 General Fund increase in fiscal year (FY) 1994 in appropriations recommended under Enhancements. He pointed out there would be a decrease in the Medicaid budget achieved by shifting eligible clients into the less costly form of care.
Senator Raggio asked if approval of the budget would include the waiver. Senator Rawson indicated reductions built into the budget amounted to $309,000 in 1994 and $615,000 in 1995 which were General Fund savings that would have to be found elsewhere if the waiver was denied.
SENATOR RAWSON MOVED TO CLOSE THE BUDGET ACCORDING TO THE GOVERNOR'S RECOMMENDATION.
SENATOR GLOMB SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
* * * * *
Food Stamp Program - Page 883
SENATOR RAWSON MOVED TO CLOSE THE BUDGET ACCORDING TO THE GOVERNOR'S RECOMMENDATION.
SENATOR GLOMB SECONDED THE MOTION.
Senator O'Donnell inquired if the subcommittee had heard any testimony regarding the stolen food stamps. Senator Rawson replied they had received no information on that. Senator Raggio said he had heard the stamps were no longer being shipped through Los Angeles.
Mr. Abba said the perpetrators have never been found. He stated the Welfare Division had to pay back approximately $220,000 and the division had initiated a different process in which the stamps are issued from strategic locations in Clark County and Washoe County. He added approximately 80 percent of the stamps are now issued from the processing centers where clients must sign-off for them.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
* * * * *
Homemaking Services - Page 903
SENATOR RAWSON MOVED TO CLOSE THE BUDGET ACCORDING TO THE GOVERNOR'S RECOMMENDATION.
SENATOR O'DONNELL SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
* * * * *
Energy Assistance - Welfare - Page 910
SENATOR RAWSON MOVED TO CLOSE THE BUDGET ACCORDING TO THE GOVERNOR'S RECOMMENDATION.
SENATOR GLOMB SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
* * * * *
Petroleum Overcharge Rebate - Page 914
SENATOR RAWSON MOVED TO CLOSE THE BUDGET ACCORDING TO THE GOVERNOR'S RECOMMENDATION.
SENATOR GLOMB SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
* * * * *
DOE Weatherization - Welfare - Page 916
SENATOR RAWSON MOVED TO CLOSE THE BUDGET ACCORDING TO THE GOVERNOR'S RECOMMENDATION.
SENATOR GLOMB SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
* * * * *
Emergency Assistance - Page 920
SENATOR RAWSON MOVED TO CLOSE THE BUDGET ACCORDING TO THE GOVERNOR'S RECOMMENDATION.
SENATOR GLOMB SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
* * * * *
Homeless Grants - Page 922
Senator Rawson reported some changes were being recommended. Mr. Abba described the changes. He noted the budget was totally funded through federal grants.
Mr. Abba said information was received by the Welfare Division after the budget was completed indicating the emergency homeless and emergency shelter grants were going to be reduced according to a budget action at the federal level. He called attention to a chart on Exhibit H depicting the reductions.
Mr. Abba reported the Welfare Division had been notified they would be receiving a new grant called Supplemental Assistance for Facilities to Assist the Homeless (SAFAH). He said the SAFAH grant was designed to move homeless families with children into permanent housing facilities and Nevada was one of just 12 grantees. He explained the money would be passed through to the Women's Developmental Center in Clark County where it should assist 300 families over the biennium. He said it is anticipated the grant will be provided continually for a 5-year period.
Senator Raggio asked if Clark was the only county to which the money would be allocated. Mr. Abba said it was the only county that would benefit at this time. He pointed out the adjustments and modifications on Exhibit H reflect the reductions in the Emergency Homeless Program Grant and the Emergency Shelter Grant and the increase for the SAFAH grant.
SENATOR MOVED TO APPROVE THE SUBCOMMITTEE REPORT ON THE BUDGET.
SENATOR RAWSON SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
* * * * *
Community Services Block Grant - Page 924
Senator Rawson said the block grant budget had been revised since the Governor had submitted the budget. He explained the reorganization plan would transfer the administrative responsibilities for the Community Service Block Grant program from the Office of Community Services to the Welfare Division.
Senator Raggio asked if that would be consistent with actions taken by the Senate Committee on Finance. Mr. Abba affirmed his query and said it would be consistent with the revised budget. He said it only alters the cost-allocation formula for the Welfare Division to receive their portion of the administrative costs.
SENATOR RAWSON MOVED TO CLOSE THE BUDGET IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS.
SENATOR O'DONNELL SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
* * * * *
Senator Raggio complimented the subcommittee for their efforts. He announced he would close the meeting if no other business needed to be brought before the committee. He polled the committee on working on Saturday or Sunday. Several members indicated they had prior commitments and would appreciate more notice. Senator Raggio reminded the committee there may be a meeting in Las Vegas on a succeeding Saturday morning. Senator Jacobsen requested a time to make a presentation on the honor camps.
There being no further business before the committee, Senator Raggio adjourned the meeting at 9:40 a.m.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:
Judy Jacobs,
Committee Secretary
APPROVED BY:
Senator William J. Raggio, Chairman
DATE:
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Senate Committee on Finance
May 12, 1993
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