The Senate Committee on Finance was called to order by Chairman William J. Raggio, at 8:00 a.m., on Friday, April 16, 1999, in Room 2134 of the Legislative Building, Carson City, Nevada. Exhibit A is the Agenda. Exhibit B is the Attendance Roster. All exhibits are available and on file at the Research Library of the Legislative Counsel Bureau.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT:

Senator William J. Raggio, Chairman

Senator Raymond D. Rawson, Vice Chairman

Senator Lawrence E. Jacobsen, Acting Chairman

Senator William R. O’Donnell

Senator Joseph M. Neal, Jr.

Senator Bob Coffin

Senator Bernice Mathews

STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:

Mary A. Matheus, Local Government Budget Analyst

Brian Burke, Program Analyst

Johnnie L. Willis, Committee Secretary

OTHERS PRESENT:

Mark Reynolds, General Manager, Carson City Community Transportation

Scott Morgan, Director, Community Services, Douglas County

John P. (Perry) Comeaux, Director, Department of Administration

Diana Haberland, President, Nevada School Social Work Association of Nevada

Senator Jacobsen, serving as acting chairman, opened the hearing on Senate Bill (S.B.) 254.

David R. Gamble, District Court Judge, Ninth Judicial District, Douglas County, testifying in favor of S.B. 254 said that for the last 10 or 12 years the China Spring Youth Camp (CSYC) has provided the most effective, least expensive treatment for medium-level-offender juvenile boys. He noted that over the years it has become apparent the same opportunity should also be provided for girls. He said one of the main reasons the camp was started was to prevent boys who did not need to be in as restrictive an environment as the Nevada Youth Training Center from being shipped long distances.

Judge Gamble explained the concept of regional treatment facility emerged so that the offenders could be returned to the communities they came from.

Judge Gamble said recent findings indicate that in sentencing girls the choices are to send them home, to send them to a limited-bed drug and alcohol treatment facility, or to send them across the state to Caliente. He stated the Caliente program is an excellent program, but it "just does not fit" medium-level-offender girls. He said Caliente is for more serious offenders and it works very well in that capacity.

Judge Gamble said the development of the Aurora Pines Girls Facility is designed to provide a medium-level treatment center for girls similar to the China Spring Youth Camp for boys. He noted the girls facility would run a parallel program with the boys program.

Judge Gamble explained that for 10 years the facility has housed 40 boys in a 20-bed dormitory. He explained the proposal is to create a new boys’ dormitory a new girls dormitory, use the existing boys’ dormitory for the new girls’ school building, and make a few other changes. He noted the Aurora Pines Girls Facility would provide short-term temporary placement for girls outside the home.

Judge Gamble explained the current boys’ facility does not accept boys from Clark County because Clark County has its own medium-level facility. However, Clark County does not have a facility for girls. He testified that if the Aurora facility is approved it would accept girls from any of the juvenile courts throughout the state.

Judge Gamble indicated the Aurora Pines Girls Facility would use the same infrastructure, water lines, sewer system, feeding system and most of the same facilities as the CSYC. This would allow the girls’ facility to be run in the most inexpensive way possible, he added.

Steven Thaler, Director, China Spring Youth Camp, testifying in support of S.B. 254, said the document entitled "Aurora Pines Girls Facility: A Proposal to the Nevada State Legislature" (Exhibit C) highlights some of the points he wished to discuss with the committee.

Mr. Thaler said the results of a study conducted under the direction of Assembly Concurrent Resolution (A.C.R.) 157 of the Sixty-ninth Session concluded 32 percent of all juvenile offenses were committed by females. Quoting David Bash III’s "Juvenile Justice Advocacy Nevada Institutional Survey, January 13, 1999" (Exhibit D. Original is on file in the Research Library.). Mr. Thaler said there are currently 67 beds for girls in the state of Nevada, all of which are at the Caliente Youth Center (CYC).

According to Mr. Thaler, Mr. Bash reported that 36 of the girls placed in CYC would more appropriately be place in a county-camp-level program. The report indicated 53.7 percent of the females surveyed in the Caliente center "would be more appropriately placed in local county camps with greater access to family and community resources."

Mr. Thaler said CSYC does not wish to run a coed facility, but does wish to run two programs utilizing some of the same resources. He explained CSYC has a lot of facilities that are only used part-time since there are only 40 beds for boys.

Mr. Thaler explained the plans for the "China Spring Youth Camp, Douglas County Aurora Pines Girls Facility Proposal" (Exhibit E. Original is on file in the Research Library.) is the "response to the growing need within the state of Nevada to accurately assess the needs of female youthful offenders and provide them with the best level of intervention based upon those needs." He said CSYC will need about $2.8 million to implement this program. Mr. Thaler said the plan would include a new dormitory for the boys costing $1.5 million, a new administration office costing $300,000, a girls dormitory costing $900,000, and improvements to the septic system costing $100,000. He said the old boys dormitory would then be converted to a school facility.

Mr. Thaler noted that if S.B. 254 were to pass CSYC would try to build and implement the system in about a year. He stated there is a need for this center for medium-level offenders for girls, and the agency would like to create one as quickly as possible.

Michael P. Gibbons, District Court Judge, Ninth Judicial District Court, testifying in favor of S.B. 254, said there is a strong need for a medium-level girls facility in the state. He said he has had to send girls to the Caliente facility that he did not want to send there, but there is no other option in the state.

Judge Gibbons explained it was not appropriate to release some of the girls to their homes, but their offense did not warrant placement in the Caliente facility. He said some of these medium-level offenders had to wait weeks or months to get into the Caliente facility and had to be house in a detention center while waiting for admittance.

Judge Gibbons said there have been other girls released on probation who should not have been on probation. He said some of these girls’ offenses were not serious enough to warrant sending them to the Caliente center but the girls needed to be placed in a facility.

Judge Gibbons stated the result of not having a medium-level girls facility is that there are girls committing offenses over and over and the state has no facility to help change their behavior.

Judge Gibbons stated the proposed Aurora Pines Girls Facility would offer a means to deal with these "medium-level girls." He said it would be a wonderful opportunity and would make a significant difference for girls in the state of Nevada. He said his hope was the Legislature could find the funding to complete this project because there is a strong need.

Senator Jacobsen called on Thomas Umphries, Program Manager, China Spring Youth Camp, to explain the site plan on the foldout in the second section of Exhibit D. Mr. Umphries said the buildings represented in yellow are existing buildings and the buildings represented in blue are the proposed new buildings. Mr. Umphries explained that the site plan is a fairly accurate layout of the CSYC. He indicated the present dormitory is in a central location in the camp and is an ideal facility to convert to a school. He said the boy and girl residents would not be interacting. Those facilities that are planned for joint usage would be scheduled for either the boys’ or the girls’ population to preclude interaction. The schedule would be based on a usage rating scale.

Senator Jacobsen inquired whether there were adequate land, utilities, and other necessary facilities and what the camp’s needs may be. Mr. Thaler replied Douglas County owns 40 acres at that site and is in the process of trying to purchase the 160 acres that it now leases. He said one of the key issues is whether or not the current systems would be able to handle 24 additional girls and the necessary staff they will require. Mr. Thaler explained the camp has already invested in a new water system that would be able to handle the additional requirements. He said the septic and sewer system needs to be reengineered and that cost has been included in the plan. He noted there is more than enough acreage to handle the increase in population.

Judge Gamble said that 15 years ago, when CSYC was first envisioned, the agency went through the same process it is going through now. The need was perceived and the agency tried to provide a solution. Judge Gamble stated the CSYC has become one of the most successful facilities for juvenile treatment in the state. He said it is time to provide this service for girls.

Judge Gamble explained that if a county as small as Douglas has this substantial need, then the larger counties such as Washoe and Clark must have a much more substantial need. He said this facility can be provided now in a forward-looking way or later in an emergency situation.

Judge Gamble said the agency is aware of the state’s revenue shortfall but if funds become available the agency is ready to implement this program for the state. He said the Aurora Pines Girls Facility is a program that would be successful just as the China Spring Youth Camp is successful now.

Senator Jacobsen inquired what the child-per-day costs would be. Mr. Thaler replied treatment for girls ages 12-18 years will cost approximately $75 to $80 a day. He said the CSYC is a cooperative arrangement with the State of Nevada and all the counties in Nevada except Clark County. He indicated the agency did not wish to exclude Clark County from accessing the girls’ facility because the agency is not sure whether Clark County has a medium-level-offender facility for girls as it does for boys.

Mr. Thaler said 38 percent of the CSYC’s budget is supplied by the State of Nevada, and the remainder of the budget is supplied as a cooperative arrangement with the all the other counties except Clark County.

Mr. Thaler stated state agencies tend to be able to supply these correctional-type services less expensively than the private sector can.

Senator Jacobsen inquired whether there was a community acceptance issue involved with the addition of this facility. Judge Gamble replied the CSYC program was started by the citizens of Douglas County. He said the first building was funded by Douglas County citizens. He remarked the project was developed by the people of Douglas County, and the CSYC has become an integral part of the community. He noted the boys of the camp perform jobs around the community, such as projects for various charity agencies. Judge Gamble explained the county judges are quick to place boys at China Spring Youth Camp because they are familiar with the program and have seen changes in boys who leave the program. He stated the program has acceptance in the Douglas County community as a place to operate this program.

Judge Gamble said this kind of program is called regional treatment and ideally there would be regional treatment programs throughout the state. He emphasized that has not happened. He noted Elko County is trying to implement a regional treatment program for boys and Clark County has the Spring Mountain Youth Camp for boys. He stated:

Judge Gamble said that the CSYC would ideally only be serving western Nevada, but with the lack of other community facilities the CSYC is serving all the other counties except Clark County.

Senator Neal asked how many girls’ facilities there are in the state. Mr. Thaler responded the only residential girls’ facility is at Caliente. He said that facility is designed for high-level offenders and when a judge feels there is no other option, girls will be place there. Senator Neal asked whether the Caliente facility is serving the entire state. Mr. Thaler replied, "That is correct."

Senator Neal commented the goal is laudable but when reviewing the priorities the Legislature has to deal with there are problems. He pointed out there is a bill on the floor of the Senate at present that will give one individual a $15 million tax exemption for art that is not for public consumption. The senator explained agencies are requesting funds to help individuals but the Legislature is going to give tax exemptions for artwork that the public will have to pay to see. He stated this request is laudable but most likely will not be awarded because of the revenue shortfall.

Senator Jacobsen asked what the educational opportunities are at the youth facility. Mr. Thaler replied one of the key components of the program is education. He said when children are sent to the program from the courts one of the biggest deficits they have is lack of education. Mr. Thaler explained that in most cases the lack of education is due to a failure to attend classes, not because the youths are not "smart" enough. He said the camp has a mandatory rule that every child must attend school 5 days a week from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Mr. Thaler noted these children can earn up to 7 credits. He indicated this is extremely important for children who are trying to return to their regular schools. Mr. Thaler noted also these children are upgrading their "grade level." He said when a child arrives at the facility that child may test at the seventh- or eighth-grade level but when that child leaves the facility he or she may test 2 to 2½ grades higher. Mr. Thaler stated the school component is operated by the Douglas County School District and is a very strong component with great results. He commented the children may not like the school requirement but there is no truancy problem.

Senator Jacobsen inquired what the available medical facilities are. Mr. Thaler replied there is a nurse who comes to the facility twice a week and the nurse does most of the triage work. The facility has "sick call" every night, then the nurse will do a full medical screening. Mr. Thaler stated there is also a local physician that handles problems that require the physician’s attention. He said that for emergencies the Bart Memorial Emergency Center is close by and Carson Tahoe Hospital is a few miles away.

Senator Jacobsen closed the hearing on S.B. 254 and opened the hearing on S.B. 415.

John K. Amundson, Chairman, Nevada Silver Haired Legislative Forum, testifying in favor of S.B. 415, said the forum was created by the Legislature to receive input on seniors’ needs in Nevada. He said the primary product of the forum is "Nevada Silver Haired Legislative Forum: Biennial Report of Issues and Concerns Affecting Nevada’s Senior" (Exhibit F.) Mr. Amundson said that when interviewing seniors’ throughout the state the need for senior transportation arose time and time again. He said this bill covers all rural regions in the state of Nevada. He stated in addition there is a section of the bill that covers transportation needs of the handicapped in the state for the first time.

Mr. Amundson stated that to his knowledge this is the first time a bill addressing rural transportation needs has come before the Legislature. He noted the forum is also aware there is a shortage of state funds; however, if funds become available the hope is that the Legislature will address this need.

Mr. Amundson said the forum has been working very closely with the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) to formulate a strategy to handle this rural seniors’ transportation need. He said NDOT’s long-range plan "fits very nicely the needs of the seniors."

Mr. Amundson stated that in some cases seniors are being forced into nursing homes, critical care facilities, or group homes because they do not have transportation to doctors’ appointment, the hospital, church, stores and other facilities. He stated this bill will allow seniors to remain in their homes and noted keeping senior citizens out of long term care facilities will save the state money.

Mr. Amundson asserted another key aspect the legislators should recognize is there is a lot of federal money to support this initiative. He said 80 percent of the funds to run the program can be acquired from the federal government. He noted the money requested in S.B. 415 is to implement the program.

Mr. Amundson noted the transportation in question is not limited to seniors and the handicapped community. He said this transportation can also be used for the Welfare Division’s back-to-work (Welfare-to-Work) programs.

Rosemary Smith, Capital Representative, Nevada Silver Haired Legislative Forum said in the survey of senior needs conducted by the forum, transportation was one of the major issues reported. She said there were problems just transporting people from Gardnerville to Carson City to attend a For Your Information Senior Day.

Ms. Smith stated that since 1990 the senior (65 and older) population has increased from 126,600 to more that 200,000 in 1996. She noted this population is expected to increase to more than 273,000 by 2003. She said that with such a rapid increase in population the seniors’ needs are important and access to transportation is one of the major issues.

Senator Jacobsen asked whether transportation was the number one issue on the list of recommendations the forum reported to the Governor. Mr. Amundson replied the forum had a list of five items and transportation was in the top five. He said the major recommendation to the Governor was to do whatever is possible to keep seniors in their homes, and this bill would be a large step in accomplishing that goal.

Ms. Smith commented that another one of the top five recommendations to the Governor was regarding health and S.B. 415 also dealt with that issue as some seniors need access to transportation to attend doctor appointments to guard their health.

Senator Jacobsen asked what the other three recommendations were. Mr. Amundson replied that in order of priority those recommendations are long-term care, care advocacy, continued independent life, costs of prescriptions, and transportation. He said all these issues overlap and are primary senior issues that need to be dealt with in Nevada.

Senator Neal commented there is another bill that deals with these same needs for Clark County seniors. He said the Economic Opportunity Board (EOB), which operates transportation for seniors, had to relinquish a portion of its responsibility because Clark County granted a contract to handle transportation to a private company. The senator stated the private company discontinued door-to-door services and set up a route system where the seniors had to meet at a pick-up site. He commented S.B. 272 would be a savings to the state of about $186,000 if the program was implemented. Senator Neal noted this morning’s testimony had indicated some of these seniors have had to go to nursing homes because they do not have transportation to appointments and other activities necessary to their lives.

Senator Jacobsen inquired whether the veterans programs were consulted when the senior needs assessment was conducted. Mr. Amundson replied the veterans programs are federal programs, but the forum would be willing to work towards transportation goals using all the "angles" and agencies that are possible.

Ms. Smith asked Senator Neal whether S.B. 272 only included Clark County. Senator Neal replied the bill covers all the EOB area, which is much larger than just Clark County. He said the EOB area covers "clear up into the middle of the state." The senator noted the bill is a "one-shot deal" to upgrade the vehicles.

Ms. Smith inquired how the handicapped or elderly get to the pick-up points that the private company in Clark County has initiated. Senator Neal responded, "The private company assumes the clients should get there the best way they can." He noted the EOB had the door-to-door program for about 8 to 12 years.

Janice R. Ayres, Executive Director, Nevada Rural Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), said the Home Companion Program had been cut by $80,000. She commented that last year 400 volunteers kept 600 people in their homes in 15 rural counties. Ms. Ayres stated this saved the state a lot of money by preventing these people from having to be institutionalized.

Ms. Ayres noted she had been involved in transportation problems since 1969. She said the biggest deterrent to delivery of services in the state is the lack of transportation. She stated all the services in the world are worthless if an individual cannot get to them.

Ms. Ayres said RSVP is in the transportation business and has been since 1973. She commented that recently RSVP started service in the Spring Creek area near Elko. She added this trip is made for one individual who has no other form of transportation for cancer treatments. Ms. Ayres stated the vehicles RSVP uses are old and need replacing. She stated the volunteers are keeping them running any way they can.

Ms. Ayres emphasized those vehicles keep people in their homes, they allow people to get to their medical appointments, and they allow people to travel to other places necessary for their welfare. She stated the rural areas have limited resources for items such as cancer treatments. Ms. Ayres said the rural residents do not have access to transportation and are required to travel long distances to receive medical and other necessary services.

Ms. Ayres stated many of the transportation services for the rural elderly resident are provided by home companion volunteers in their personal vehicles. She said that paying personal vehicle mileage is a very expensive way to meet these transportation needs.

Ms. Ayres explained the RSVP’s first priority for transportation services is the elderly, then it addresses the needs of the handicapped. She stated RSVP’s policy is that if there are available seats, other individuals such as low income parents who need transportation can fill those seats. Ms. Ayres commented RSVP does not believe someone should be denied vital transportation because of "some rule" that only one segment of the population can be served.

Ms. Ayres stated RSVP would be more than willing to provide more transportation if it had vehicles available. She said there are not enough vehicles to go around for all the programs RSVP services. She explained there just are not enough vehicles to serve everyone who applies for services.

Ms. Ayres urged the committee to pass S.B. 415 and help keep elderly people in their homes. She said it is the right thing to do and the "dignified" thing to do.

Ms. Ayres noted RSVP has signed an agreement to transport HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) patients from Gardnerville to Reno to receive treatments.

Senator Jacobsen asked whether this program would be an intercounty undertaking. Ms. Ayres replied that RSVP cooperates with everyone. She stated RSVP has volunteers in 15 rural counties. She said RSVP works with 375 agencies to help provide services to meet seniors’ needs.

Kathleen Maidlow, Supervisor, Douglas County Senior Center (DCSC), said the DCSC has a transportation program that provides services 5 days a week for seniors, the handicapped, and Medicaid recipients. She said at present the senior center has only six drivers, who work part-time because of lack of funds. She stated the center only has four vehicles to service all the seniors in Douglas County and those vehicles are aged and need replacing. She pointed out only one vehicle is available for medical appointments throughout the day.

Ms. Maidlow stated the senior center cannot provide the services needed in Douglas County because it does not have the vehicles or staff. She said the senior in Douglas County has more medical needs than can be met with the resources available to the DCSC.

Ms. Maidlow said the DCSC is having to turn people away. She commented one of the reasons is the five kidney-dialysis-treatment patients transported on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and another five on Tuesday and Thursday. She said the DCSC transports people for medical appointments, dental appointments, grocery shopping, beauty appointments, visits to the Food Closet, and social services agencies, or whatever is needed. She stated DCSC is the only agency that provides transportation in Douglas County for people to access services.

Ms. Maidlow stated DCSC has the only wheel chair vehicles in Douglas County. She noted only one wheel chair client can be transported at a time because of the configuration of the vehicle.

Senator Jacobsen inquired how the vehicles are maintained. Ms. Maidlow replied the DCSC uses the county motor pool.

Senator Jacobsen inquired whether DCSC works with any of the other counties or the Indian reservation. Ms. Maidlow replied DCSC services Dresslerville. She said DCSC services 600 square miles and transports all the way to Reno and Sparks.

Senator Jacobsen asked what the DCSC’s major need is. Ms. Maidlow replied it is lack of funds to provide transportation services. Senator Jacobsen asked whether the agency has enough drivers. Ms. Maidlow replied, "Yes, DCSC even has volunteers who use their own vehicles to provide transportation."

Cindy Hannah, Director, Social Services, Churchill County, said she agrees with everything the previous testifiers have said. She stated, "If people can stay in their homes it helps not only the state, but also the counties."

Ms. Hannah said she is also a representative of Churchill County’s Transportation Task Force and had a report for the committee to review titled "Churchill County Task Force on Transportation: Report on Transportation Needs in Churchill County January 15, 1999" (Exhibit G. Original on file in the Research Library.). She said page 2 of Exhibit G documents the agencies the task force worked with when assembling the report. She noted that compared to Douglas County, Churchill County’s program is very small.

Ms. Hannah said Meals on Wheels is Churchill County’s first priority. She explained if a senior has an appointment between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. he or she cannot access the senior transportation system. She said the funds are limited and the vehicles are limited. Ms. Hannah explained that if a senior cannot get an appointment before 10 a.m. or after 2 p.m. and cannot afford a taxi at $10 one way, then that senior does not go to the appointment.

Ms. Hannah strongly urged the committee to pass S.B. 415. She said this bill is an opportunity to fund senior transportation for all the counties and for all the counties to utilize those funds where the greatest need is.

Barbara Cooper, Citizen, stated she was a senior citizen and legally blind. She said it is admirable to keep the seniors in their homes but they should not become prisoners in their homes. She explained if seniors do not have access to transportation they become prisoners because they cannot go to church, to a part-time job, or to volunteer services. Ms. Cooper said because of the services offered to seniors in Carson City she is able to work part-time and that "zooms" her self-esteem. She stated she is a contributing member to society because of the buses that come to her door and take her where she needs to go.

Ms. Cooper explained that handicapped individuals are also able to access these transportation services and are not prisoners in their homes because of these transportation services with caring drivers who see that these individuals can get around. She said, "Carson City has one of the best senior citizen centers in the state, but it is a shame that some seniors cannot get there."

Ms. Cooper pointed out to the committee they are fortunate to have their health and are able to drive where they need to go. She said many seniors do not have that option and are either in an institution or are almost prisoners in their own homes.

Mark Reynolds, General Manager, Carson City Community Transportation, said on behalf of Paratransit Services Incorporated, Carson City Community Transportation, Transerve LLC, and Eastern Nevada Transportation, he wanted to assure the committee those agencies support the wording and intent of S.B. 415. He asserted this bill is particularly important because the rural areas of Nevada do not have access to the large funding sources the metropolitan planning organizations have. He said this is especially true of those areas where only one transit service is available.

Mr. Reynolds said the rural areas must depend upon a variety of smaller funding sources to operate their transit systems. He said these funding sources are inconsistent from year to year so it is important the rural areas find additional funding sources such as would be provided through S.B. 415.

Mr. Reynolds stated the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) has performed superbly in assisting communities and providing funds for rural transit systems. He said this bill will provide additional funds to assist the elderly and the handicapped to improve their quality of life and their independence. He noted that "quality of life and independence" refers to transportation for medical appointments, nutrition, and employment services, and other life sustaining services as well as recreational activities.

Mr. Reynolds urged the committee to support this important legislation and said he hoped the state would "protect the necessary funds to ensure the success of S.B. 415."

Jacquie Hettinger, Churchill Association for Retarded Citizens (CARC), and Churchill County Transportation Task Force, said the CARC operates a sheltered workshop for citizens with mental retardation called Fallon Industries. She said CARC transports as many as 12 clients daily. She explained the clients are picked up as far away as Fernley and Haven and transported to Fallon for employment. Ms. Hettinger noted the round trip around the valley can be up to 100 miles and is driven twice a day. She said CARC charges a minimal fee, but the transportation system at present is not cost-effective.

Ms. Hettinger explained CARC has a bus that was obtained through a grant from NDOT and it is not being used throughout the day. She stated the CARC would like to be able to implement a "dial-a-ride" system in Churchill County which could use the bus obtained from NDOT’s grant. However, she pointed out, lack of funding prevents implementation of such a program.

Scott Morgan, Director, Community Services, Douglas County, said he wished to support the other comments presented to the committee on S.B. 415. He urged the committee to pass S.B. 415 and said he had a unique opportunity to oversee social services and the senior center in Douglas County. He noted he is able to see the correlation between the cost of providing services efficiently through Douglas County’s senior services and the very high cost of long-term care. He stated a dollar spent at the senior center for transportation saves hundreds of dollars "down the road." Mr. Morgan said testimony had been presented that suggested long-term care is not cost-efficient and said he would like to highlight the community’s losses when a citizen is institutionalized. He stated when people go into long-term care they contribute less to the community, they stop paying property taxes, and they stop volunteering.

Mr. Morgan testified that Douglas County Community Services definitely supports the passage of S.B. 415.

Senator Jacobsen asked whether Mr. Morgan foresees problems other than funding in implementing a dial-a-ride system, such as coordination with other counties. Mr. Morgan said that coordination already takes place. He stated Douglas County works closely with its neighboring counties and with the service organizations. He said this coordination is necessary to provide any services. Mr. Morgan stated S.B.  415 is structured to allow that coordination to continue.

Senator Jacobsen asked Tom Fronapfel, Assistant Director, Planning Division, Nevada Department of Transportation, to give the committee an idea how NDOT is involved with the rural transportation needs and how the vehicles would be maintained. Mr. Fronapfel replied federal funding for these kinds of projects averages about $.5 million a year at present. He said NDOT is matching a portion of the $.5 million with state funds and local funds. He stated NDOT has a limitation at the state level that prevents it from providing operating cost assistance for vehicles, so NDOT relies on the local transit providers to maintain the vehicles. Mr. Fronapfel testified NDOT does not have a position one way or the other on S.B. 415. He stated if it were to pass, NDOT would be willing to work with agencies to ensure the funds are properly expended and distributed.

Senator Jacobsen inquired the source of federal funds NDOT receives. Mr. Fronapfel replied those funds come from the Federal Transit Administration, sections 5310 and 5311, that NDOT receives and distributes to counties and senior centers.

Senator Jacobsen inquired whether the Highway Safety Program was involved in the distribution of those funds. Mr. Fronapfel replied NDOT does not have the Highway Safety Program, but it has a Safety Division. He said the Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety (DMV&PS) has a safety grant program but he did not know the specifics of that program.

Senator Jacobsen closed the testimony on S.B. 415 and opened the hearing on A.B. 345.

John P. (Perry) Comeaux, Director, Department of Administration said A.B. 345, if approved, would provide a supplemental appropriation in the amount of $17.9 million to the Distributive School Account (DSA). He said the supplemental is necessary because the anticipated revenues flowing into the DSA from various sources have not been received at the level anticipated when the budget was constructed.

Mr. Comeaux said the original estimate included in The Executive Budget was for a supplemental of about $29 million. He stated $17 million is the best estimate of the amount that will be necessary based on recent sales tax collections. He emphasized it is important this bill be processed by May 1, 1999, so funds will be available for distribution to the various school districts. He said if the Economic Forum estimates on April 29, 1999, that local school tax is significantly different from what is anticipated by the budget office, then some adjustment may be necessary later; but at this point the budget office is recommending this bill be processed before May 1, 1999, in the amount of $17.9 million.

Senator Mathews inquired whether A.B. 345 was one of the high priorities for replacement in the Governor’s budget. Mr. Comeaux replied "That is correct." Senator Mathews asked whether, if the forum comes in lower than anticipated, there will be a Letter of Intent to provide for adjustment to this bill without the Legislature having to come back to it. Mr. Comeaux replied no. It was his belief the Legislature would have to come back to it, but if the Economic Forum’s estimates are higher that anticipated, this required amount could be lowered. He stated the unused funds could simply be reverted to the General Fund unless the amount was significant. He said if the forum’s estimates are lower than the amount required in this bill, at that point additional action would be necessary.

Jeanne L. Botts, Senior Program Analyst, Fiscal Analysis Division, Legislative Counsel Bureau, said that because the payment needed to be processed and distributed to the district on May 1, 1999, it probably would be advisable to pass the bill now. She explained if it turns out additional funding is needed to get through this fiscal year, the Legislature could deal with that problem after the Economic Forum makes its estimates. She said the Economic Forum’s estimates will not be available until April 29, 1999, and these funds are needed before that time. She said if the $17.9 million is processed now and the forum’s estimates project a shortfall, that event could be dealt with separately. Ms. Botts pointed out if the Legislature waits until the projections are made it will be too late for the May 1, 1999 payment distribution.

Senator Jacobsen closed the hearing on A.B. 345 and opened the hearing on S.B. 388.

Senator Mathews, testifying in favor of S.B. 388, stated this is a much needed bill. She said that because of the growth Nevada is experiencing, which creates growth in the school systems and the problems which arise with that growth, the state needs social workers in the schools more than ever. She stated she comes from a health background, and remembers when social workers were needed to process patients back into the communities. Senator Mathews stated the situation is no different in the schools. There is a need for social workers to review the communities in which students live, the schools the students attend, the students’ families, and the students’ personal wishes and needs.

Senator Mathews noted there are social workers in the family resource centers of Washoe County who are performing school system social worker activities but are not paid from the school system’s budget.

Senator Mathews stated S.B. 388 is an important bill to help with problems that arise because of growth in population and to address social problems in schools that arise with growth in communities and schools. She indicated she had a written statement to be submitted for the record, titled "Summary of Senate Bill No. 388" (Exhibit H).

Diana Haberland, President, Nevada School Social Work Association of Nevada, said she wished to point out some of the problems occurring in the school systems. She stated facilities such as China Spring Youth Camp become important when there is no early intervention and social workers are not able to work with children and families when problems first arise. She stated the object of S.B. 388 is to provide intervention before the need for such facilities as China Spring Youth Camp become necessary.

Ms. Haberland stated the statistics documented in the Nevada Kids Count book are "pretty poor statistics for Nevada." She said one of the things documented is that the teens-giving-birth rate in Nevada has risen more than twice as fast as the national rate. She stated Nevada is ranked No. 42 out of 50 states.

Ms. Haberland noted the percentage of children living in poverty is also increasing. She said poverty usually means poor outcomes for children, including illness, delinquency, and poor school performance.

Ms. Haberland stated delinquency is a major problem in Nevada even with the new truancy laws in effect. She emphasized children are not going to school and this trend is increasing. Ms. Haberland said school social workers would be able to link the community, the family, and the school. She asserted a social worker could help to get those children into school and find ways to keep them in school.

Ms. Haberland commented the percentage of Nevada teens that are high school dropouts is the highest in the nation. She said the teen death rate by homicide or suicide is increasing.

Ms. Haberland stated the nation has over 12,000 school social workers, but Nevada has only 7 school social workers in Las Vegas. She said she and one other social worker work through the Washoe County Family Resource Center "but it is not the same as a school social worker."

Ms. Haberland testified school counselors support S.B. 388. She noted school counselors have large caseloads and serve multiple schools. She stated social workers and school counselors working as a team could provide more comprehensive services to children and their families.

Rita McGary, Director, Miguel Ribera Family Resource Center Washoe County Pine Middle School, and Vice President, Nevada School Social Workers Association, said the mixing of social work and education for the welfare of children is very important. She said the main task of the school social worker is to link the school, the home, and the community. She commented children come to school with many basic needs unmet and these are not only the poorest children. Ms. McGary stated many children come to school needing medical care, dental care, food, clothing, and shelter. She asserted children’s needs may causes problems in school because they are not ready to learn when they arrive at school.

Ms. McGary stated a social worker can help the children in Nevada’s schools by helping to provide them with needed services. She said a social worker can broker services for children whose families may not be able to afford to send the child to the doctor or dentist.

Ms. McGary said one of the components missing is social work services for the schools. She said having a social worker on the multidisciplinary team in schools complements the services that can be offered and the support given to students in school. She asserted physiologists "review mental issues" and perform disability testing, counselors perform placement testing and endeavor to place children at the appropriate learning levels, and school nurses attend to basic medical needs, but all those professionals make numerous referrals to social workers in family resource centers.

Ms. McGary stated there is a component missing, particularly when it comes to performing assessments. She said that often, with no social worker to provide a family assessment many issues are not addressed. She explained children are sometimes placed in special programs that cost the state a lot of money when intervention with the family would be just as effective or maybe even better.

Senator Mathews said S.B. 388 is requesting a pilot program for the entire state under the direction of the State Department of Education. She said this program would distribute the school social worker services just as the school psychologist’s services are distributed. There would not be one social worker for every school but one social worker would serve a group of schools.

Senator Mathews said there is a fiscal note on S.B. 388 for an appropriation and that is why the committee is hearing this bill.

Mary Ellen Smith, Social Worker Intern, Miguel Ribera Family Resource Center Washoe County Pine Middle School, said she has worked in a school setting for the last 12 years and during that time she has observed the need for students to have access to a school social worker on a consistent basis. She said that through intervention she has been able to help students improve their academic standing. She asserted that assessing the needs of students and helping them pursue their interests also helps them improve in other areas of study.

Ms. Smith asked the committee to please support S.B. 388, which she noted would provide support for 10 more school social workers in Nevada.

Senator Jacobsen asked how the program at Pine Middle School was started. Senator Mathews replied it started with the family resource centers.

Paula Wood, Social Worker Intern, Desert Heights Family Resource Center, Mental Health Counselor, Willow Springs Residential Treatment Center for Children and Adolescents, said she has been able, through her internship, to visit families in their homes and provide referrals and services they would not otherwise have access to. She noted that as a mental health counselor she works with children 5 years old to 18 years old. She said by the time these children arrive at the Willow Springs Residential Treatment Center they are no longer able to function at home or in school. Ms. Wood said when these children leave the treatment center they carry the stigma of having had residential treatment for the rest of their lives. She said having social workers in the schools would provide early intervention for the children and their families and could help divert the need to place them in a residential treatment center. For those who are placed in residential treatment, a school social worker could provide vital follow-up support to them after they leave treatment that could be important to their continued success.

Senator Jacobsen asked whether the children accept being in the residential treatment centers. Ms. Wood replied the children do not like to be in the centers because it is a locked facility and they feel as if they are prisoners.

Douglas C. Thunder, Deputy Superintendent for Administrative and Fiscal Services, State Department of Education, said he was speaking on behalf of S.B. 388 which would establish a pilot program to increase the number of social workers in schools. (Mr. Thunder’s written testimony is attached, Exhibit I.) He said he was testifying on behalf of the State Board of Education, which gave its full support to S.B. 388 at its March 6, 1999, meeting. Mr. Thunder explained the board’s only concern with the bill was that if it were approved it may be more appropriate to have it located within the Department of Human Resources. However, he said the State Department of Education is willing and able to carry out the requirements of the pilot program as they are outlined in the bill.

Senator Jacobsen asked whether there was a certain title for social workers in the school or they are just listed as social workers. Senator Mathews replied they are listed as social workers.

Senator Rawson said there are a number of position descriptions in the schools that designate student-to-staff ratios. He cited nurse positions as an example, for which the ratio is supposed to be 500:1 when in reality it is 2200:1. He stated the same is true for counselors, and this bill will add another category that will be "undermanned." He wondered whether the Family to Family Connections Program or the resource centers have brought social workers into the schools. Ms. Haberland replied the Nevada School Social Work Association of Nevada works closely with the Family to Family program to do some of the home visitations. She said that program was not designed to include school social workers. She said the program was designed to link one family with another.

Senator Rawson said the original objective behind the family resource center was to be able to bring together all the resources of the state to support children with problems. He said it seems that would also include social workers. Ms. Haberland said there are two social workers in Washoe County who are with the family resource centers. The rest of the family resource centers do not have social workers. Senator Rawson stated that in essence the state has accomplished very little in that program. Ms. Haberland responded the family resource centers provide resources and refer families to appropriate services. She said the family resource centers have not provided social work services in the schools.

Senator Rawson asked whether the school social workers would work with the family resource centers should this bill pass. Ms. Haberland replied, "Definitely." She said S.B. 388 is targeted at middle and high schools. She explained the objective is to have a pilot project with 10 social workers. She stated the senator was correct that 10 social workers are not enough to serve the entire state.

Joe H. Edson, Master of Social Work Student, University of Nevada, Reno, and Member, National Association of Social Workers, urged the committee to support S.B. 388. (Mr. Edson’s written testimony is attached, Exhibit J.)

Valerie Luevano, Master of Social Work Student, University of Nevada, Reno, and Member, National Association of Social Workers, offered testimony in support of S.B. 388. She said it is "fairly straightforward to see the strong need for social workers in Nevada’s schools." She asserted it makes "good common sense" to utilize professional social workers who are trained in the areas of family intervention, family advocacy, and resource development. These professional social workers would help children and their families deal with issues such as gangs, teen pregnancy, child abuse, child neglect, adolescent suicide, and domestic violence. She said that is what social workers do best. Ms. Luevano urged the committee to pass S.B. 388 to begin providing needed services for Nevada’s school children. (Ms. Luevano’s written testimony is attached, Exhibit K.)

Senator Jacobsen inquired whether social workers abide by a professional creed or code. Ms. Luevano replied social workers abide by the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics.

Roberta Gang, Lobbyist, National Association of Social Workers, Nevada Chapter, said she wished to emphasize that the reason this program was introduced as a pilot project is that there were social workers in Nevada’s schools in the 1970s but the program was underfunded. She said the National Association of Social Workers feels it is time for school social workers to be funded again and therefore supports implementation of the pilot project as outlined in S.B. 388. (Ms. Gang’s written testimony is attached, Exhibit L.)

Senator Mathews commented 39 states have school social workers and Nevada would be the 40^th should this bill pass.

Senator Jacobsen closed the testimony on S.B 388. He said Paul Halgan, Disability Forum, did not get to testify on S.B. 415 earlier in the meeting and wished to present his testimony to the committee now.

Mr. Halgan explained he wished to support S.B. 415. He said he had been on the Advisory Committee for Transit for NDOT for 5 to 6 years. He said he also travels extensively throughout the state and speaks with individuals with disabilities and their families and transportation issues consistently come up. He said that in the rural areas this issue is always in the top three on the priority lists. Mr. Halgan stated transportation is a vital issue with people in Nevada who have disabilities. However, the number one priority is the independent living issue. This bill would allow many persons with disabilities to remain independent. Without transportation that may not happen for many of them.

Senator Raggio resumed chairing the meeting.

Senator Raggio directed the committee’s attention to A.B. 345, which had been heard earlier in the meeting. He said it was his understanding this bill could be processed as represented in the first reprint with a cost of $17.9 million. He mentioned there is a possibility of adjustment later, depending on the Economic Forum projections.

Senator Raggio said A.B. 345 would be recommended Do Pass on the first reprint of the bill.

* * * * *

Senator Raggio then directed the committee to Budget Closing List No. 12 (Exhibit M.).

Washington Office – Budget Page ELECTED-008 (Volume 1) Budget Account 101-1011

Mary A. Matheus, Local Government Budget Analyst, Fiscal Analysis Division, Legislative Counsel Bureau, said the only changes reflected in this closing pertain to budget amendment 91. She said that amendment reallocates the funding from the three agencies which support the Washington Office. She indicated the new funding provides 8 percent or $20,000 from Economic Development, 42 percent or $106,250 from Tourism, and 50 percent or $126,250 from the Nevada Department of Transportation. Ms. Matheus said these amounts reflect a reduction from $256,000 to $252,500 the first year and a reduction of $264,000 to $259,300 the second year. She noted the recommendation represents a total increase of 5.41 percent over the biennium. Ms. Matheus said the adjustment reflects an enhanced salary for the director position, a 4 percent cost of living adjustment (COLA) for the Staff I position, and a reduction in personnel from 2.5 positions to 2 positions. She said the adjustment includes a rent increase, from $26,060 to $27,500.

Senator Raggio asked Mr. Comeaux how the Legislature could justify a salary increase in this budget since it was not recommending any salary increases for state employees. Mr. Comeaux replied, "This is under a contractual arrangement and the Governor’s Office felt it was necessary to provide this kind of funding for the director’s position, particularly to get the kind of person that we need to run that office." Senator Raggio asked whether Leo Penne was being replaced. Mr. Comeaux said "Yes, sir."

Senator Jacobsen asked whether the Washington Office would still provide the same services to the legislative interim committees, such as services for public lands and high level nuclear waste. He said that in the past the Washington Office has been instrumental in facilitating appointments and providing transportation. Mr. Comeaux replied it was his understanding the office would continue to operate as it has in the past.

High Level Nuclear Waste – Budget Page ELECTED-010 (Volume 1) Budget Account 101-1005

Senator Raggio directed attention to page 19 of Exhibit M. Ms. Matheus said the most significant change in this budget account is an increase in General Fund contribution to this budget as a result of reduced federal funding. She noted this budget had been funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in the past and those funds have been reduced. Ms. Matheus commented the recommendation for this budget included $1,912,207 the first year of the biennium. She said there is a recommendation for a General Fund appropriation of $1,099,439 for the first year of the biennium and $1,063,101 the second year. Additional funding of $400,000 per year is included that will be transferred from the Nevada Department of Transportation to address transportation issues. Ms. Matheus noted the budget includes funding from the DOE recommended at a level of $322,768 the first year and $321,911 the second year as well as a $90,000 grant each year from the Western Governors’ Association.

Ms. Matheus explained the breakdown of item No. 2 on page 19 of Exhibit M and how the Governor’s recommended budget proposed to use the $400,000 in highway funds.

Senator Raggio asked whether this was a result of the federal government’s not providing the funding for this budget. Mr. Comeaux replied "That is correct."

Senator Raggio inquired whether there was any "movement" on that situation, and said he understood the federal law required the federal government to provide the funding. The senator asked what needed to be done to restore that funding. Mr. Comeaux replied the attorney general and the Governor have been working on that situation. Senator Raggio asked whether it mattered whether the state is in compliance with the appropriate audits. Mr. Comeaux replied, "I am sure that has something to do with it, Senator."

Senator Raggio asked whether the Legislature could be assured that the state would be in compliance with the audits if these funds were supplied from the General Fund. Mr. Comeaux replied, "I believe so. If you would look at the information that staff provided in support of the budget, that gives you some detailed information on where the majority of the funds are to be spent and those are in technical-type contracts."

Senator Raggio inquired who would be reviewing the contracts and the performance of the Agency for Nuclear Projects to assure the Legislature the state is "in compliance." Mr. Comeaux replied it should either be someone in the Governor’s Office or someone in the budget office. Senator Raggio asserted the Legislature needs some assurance in regard to terms of DOE funding. He explained the Legislature cannot allow a situation to continue in which the state has to contribute funds for this budget when federal law has guaranteed federal funding for this program (or agency). He said if this office is to be maintained it needs to be federally funded and that will not happen unless there is assurance the funds are being spent appropriately. Mr. Comeaux replied, "I will give you the assurance that either my office or the Governor’s Office will see to that."

Senator O'Donnell asked how much money is coming from the Highway Fund and how much money is coming from General Fund for the High Level Nuclear Waste budget for this 2-year biennium. Mr. Comeaux replied The Executive Budget recommends $1,099,000 from the General Fund in the first year, $1,063,000 from the General Fund in the second year, and $400,000 each year from the Highway Fund. Senator O'Donnell said he cannot support this, that being the case. He stated, "This is way over the line." He further stated there are needs in the state that cannot be met and to spend that much money on an office that has failed in the past is "a joke." Continuing, the senator said that office has been getting by with $400,000 a year and now the state is going to spend $1,099,000 the first year and $1,063,000 the second year, which is almost $3 million in 2 years from General Fund and Highway Fund. He emphasized that he could not support that.

Senator Raggio inquired whether the breakdown on page 20 of Exhibit M was correct. Mr. Comeaux replied yes. Senator Raggio listed the amounts on page 20 of Exhibit M and inquired what the Socio-Economic Impact Assessment Contract is. He also inquired whether there were any contracts at present that deal with "propagandizing" of this situation. Mr. Comeaux replied that to his knowledge there were not and there were none planned. He said the Socio-Economic Impact Assessment Contract is a series of contracts with several tribal governments and the universities. He said those are basically assessments of the state’s economy on the potential impact of "placing nuclear waste in the state."

Senator Raggio asked what portion of this is being contracted to the university system. Mr. Comeaux replied he did not have that information. Senator Raggio stated that since the committee needed the information, this budget would be held for one day.

State Treasurer – Budget Page ELECTED-079 (Volume 1)

Budget Account 101-1080

Senator Raggio directed the committee to page 21 of Exhibit M. Mr. Miles said staff had no recommendations for adjustments to the treasurer’s budget. Senator Raggio asked whether the State Treasurer’s office had asked for any modifications. Mr. Miles replied no and mentioned he had contacted the office. He noted the agency had testified at the budget hearing it was happy with the Governor’s recommended budget.

Senator Rawson said he had received a budget adjustment request from the Office of the State Treasurer’s to allow implementation the Allodial Title program. He said the agency needs about $200,000 a year for actuarial services and staff positions to implement that program. The senator said there is a list of a dozen people in the state that have applied for the Allodial Title program. He said there are enough revenues in application fees to fund the program.

Senator Raggio inquired whether the treasurer’s office had testified on the Allodial Title program. Senator Rawson replied the agency had not. Senator Raggio said the agency needs to come before the committee and testify on this program and directed staff to arrange for the agency to testify so that the budget could be closed.

DEP Waste Management and Federal Facilities - Budget Page CNR-018 (Volume 3) Budget Account 101-3187

Senator Raggio directed attention to page 23 of Exhibit M.

Brian Burke, Program Analyst, Fiscal Analysis Division, Legislative Counsel Bureau, said staff recommends adjustments to the indirect cost allocation in the adjusted base to match the Governor’s recommended budget.

Mr. Burke said the next adjustment is in the M-200 module. He said staff recommends removing operating authority and placing like amounts in reserve for the line items documented on page 23 of Exhibit M. He said considerable information on amounts was requested but very little information was provided regarding the purpose of the request. He said the reason was not that the agency had not been cooperative. The reason was his late assignment to the account. He explained the agency did not have time to respond. He stated that if these amounts are placed in a reserve, then the agency can appear before the Interim Finance Committee (IFC) with justification for the proposed expenditures.

Mr. Burke noted that in item No. 3 on page 24 of Exhibit M, there were several adjustments. He said the first recommendation is to incorporate individual software requests into a software suite. He explained a suite consists of general software applications sold as one package. He stated there are several companies that provide those packages. It is typically less expensive to purchase a suite than to purchase the individual programs.

Mr. Burke said the Governor’s budget recommended a total of 80 software replacement packages. However, since the agency has only 67 computers, he recommended reducing the software replacement quantity to 67.

Mr. Burke reported the Budget Division submitted a computer cost revision. He indicated the staff recommends an equal distribution of the recommended hardware in each year of the biennium which would be supplied by the Purchasing Division at reduced prices. This action would increase hardware cost $1,762 the first year of the biennium and reduce hardware cost $8,553 the second.

Mr. Burke noted that no adjustments are recommended for module E-900. However, he pointed out, there are errors in the salary costs transfers reflected in budget account 101-3173. He said that should the committee approve module E-900 of budget account 101-3187, then module E-900 of budget account 101-3173 will need to be adjusted by $1,000 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2000 and $1,063  in FY 2001.

Senator Raggio asked for clarification regarding changes in module M-200 concerning the reserves. Mr. Burke replied these are the "bulk" of the changes on page 23 (of Exhibit M).

Senator Raggio asked whether Mr. Comeaux agreed with those adjustments. Mr. Comeaux responded the budget office had no objection.

Senator Raggio asked whether the adjustment on page 23 of Exhibit M was $191,779 in federal funding. Mr. Burke replied it was federal funding and fee funding.

State Environment Commission – Budget Page CNR-036 (Volume 3)

Budget Account 101-4149

Senator Raggio directed the committee to page 25 of Exhibit M. Mr. Burke recommended this budget be closed according to the Governor’s recommendations.

Wildlife Account–Trout Management – Budget Page CNR-108 (Volume 3)

Budget Account 101-4454

Mr. Burke recommended no adjustments to this budget.

Senator Raggio asked whether this budget account addresses the trout stamp. Mr. Burke replied yes. Senator Raggio asked how much money was in the budget. Mr. Burke replied the trout stamps cost $5 each. Senator Raggio said the reserve would show about $300,000 in the first year of the biennium and then another $274,000 in the second year. He asked whether the money in that account was used for bond redemption. Mr. Burke replied yes.

Habitat Mitigation – Budget Page CNR-109 (Volume 3)

Budget Account 101-4451

Mr. Burke recommended closing this budget as recommended by the Governor.

Senator Raggio asked whether this agency did much habitat work. Mr. Burke replied the agency had $135,000 worth of work planned for FY 2000 at Battle Mountain to reseed range-fire-damaged winter range.

Senator Raggio asked whether the reserve stays about the same. Mr. Burke replied yes.

Senator Raggio asked the source of the funds for this budget. Mr. Burke replied this budget was established in 1993 with Independence Mining Company revenues, but there is also federal aid.

Senator Raggio asked whether the agency reseeds when there is a fire. Mr. Burke replied yes.

Wildlife Heritage – Budget Page CNR-111 (Volume 3)

Budget Account 101-4457

Senator Raggio directed attention to page 28 of Exhibit M. Mr. Burke recommended adjusting the base balance-forward revenues and reserves to incorporate FY 1998 actual amounts. He said the adjustments are to the base federal revenues. Staff recommends reducing this budget to appropriately match base expenditures and to restore base revenue to FY 1998 actual amounts.

Senator Raggio asked why those changes are being recommended. Mr. Burke replied the Governor’s recommended budget did not account for the actual reserves and balance forwards in FY 1998.

Nevada Natural Heritage – Budget Page CNR-120 (Volume 3)

Budget Account 101-4101

Senator Raggio directed attention to page 29 of Exhibit M. Mr. Burke recommended reducing base operating supplies, postage and data processing supplies to the FY 1998 actual amounts and to increase the miscellaneous revenues to the FY 1998 actual amounts. He also recommended reducing computer software and hardware prices to the current amounts identified by the Purchasing Division.

Mr. Burke stated the Governor’s budget recommends major reclassifications for the entire staff of the Nevada Natural Heritage Program. Those recommendations are documented on page 30 of Exhibit M. He said staff is recommending the funds for the reclassifications be placed in reserve until the positions reclassification requests have been reviewed by the Department of Personnel.

Water Planning Capital Improvement – Budget Page CNR-132 (Volume 3)

Budget Account 101-4455

Senator Raggio directed attention to page 31 of Exhibit M. Mr. Burke recommended adjusting balance forward revenues and reserve expenditure authority based upon revised FY 1999 estimates and to correct an imbalance in the Governor’s recommended budget. He said in the M-200 module staff recommends reducing travel to eliminate the portion of the request which duplicates base expenditures. He also said in the M-200 module the Governor’s budget recommends additional postage and printing for one additional commission meeting. However, Mr. Burke recommended reducing these costs to correspond to the average costs associated with three meetings in FY 1998.

Mr. Burke also recommended reducing software cost pursuant to revised Purchasing Division price estimates.

Heil Wild Horse Bequest – Budget Page CNR-143 (Volume 3)

Budget Account 607-4156

Mr. Burke recommended closing this budget according to the Governor’s recommendations.

Mining Cooperative Fund – Budget Page CNR-147 (Volume 3)

Mr. Burke recommended closing this budget as the Governor recommends.

Senator Raggio said this completes as much of closing list No. 12 that could be completed without further testimony.

Senator Raggio adjourned the meeting at 10:35 a.m.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:

Johnnie L. Willis,

Committee Secretary

APPROVED BY:

Senator William J. Raggio, Chairman

DATE: