MINUTES OF THE
JOINT meeting of the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means
AND THE
Senate Committee on Finance
Seventy-Second Session
May 24, 2003
The Joint Meeting of the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Finance was called to order at 3:38 p.m., on Saturday, May 24, 2003. Chairman Morse Arberry Jr. presided in Room 4100 of the Legislative Building, Carson City, Nevada. Exhibit A is the Agenda. Exhibit B is the Guest List. All exhibits are available and on file at the Research Library of the Legislative Counsel Bureau.
Assembly Committee MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mr. Morse Arberry Jr., Chairman
Ms. Chris Giunchigliani, Vice Chairwoman
Mr. Walter Andonov
Mr. Bob Beers
Mrs. Dawn Gibbons
Mr. Josh Griffin
Mr. Lynn Hettrick
Ms. Sheila Leslie
Mr. John Marvel
Ms. Kathy McClain
Mr. David Parks
Mr. Richard Perkins
Senate Committee MEMBERS PRESENT:
Senator William J. Raggio, Chairman
Senator Raymond D. Rawson, Vice Chairman
Senator Barbara Cegavske
Senator Bernice Mathews
Senator Dean A. Rhoads
Senator Sandra Tiffany
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT:
Mrs. Vonne Chowning
Mr. David Goldwater
SENATE COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Bob Coffin
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mark Stevens, Assembly Fiscal Analyst
Gary Ghiggeri, Senate Fiscal Analyst
Carol Thomsen, Committee Secretary
Connie Davis, Committee Secretary
Chairman Arberry called the meeting to order and advised that the Joint Committee would address budget differences.
WASHINGTON OFFICE (1011) BUDGET PAGE ELECTED-007
Mark Stevens, Assembly Fiscal Analyst, Fiscal Analysis Division, Legislative Counsel Bureau (LCB), explained that the Assembly closing action regarding BA 1011 eliminated the funding for the Washington Office, while the Senate closed the budget as recommended by the Governor.
Chairman Arberry indicated that he would accept a motion to concur with the Senate budget closure.
ASSEMBLYMAN MARVEL MOVED THAT THE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS CONCUR WITH THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE IN CLOSURE OF BA 1011.
ASSEMBLYWOMAN GIUNCHIGLIANI SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED. (Senators Coffin and Tiffany, Assemblywoman Chowning and Assemblyman Goldwater were not present for the vote.)
BUDGET CLOSED.
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ETHICS COMMISSION (1343) BUDGET PAGE ELECTED-066
Mr. Stevens stated the Senate had closed BA 1343 with minor adjustments, and the Assembly had added $15,000 per year for investigative and paralegal costs at the request of the agency. The Assembly closure also cost allocated 65 percent of the Ethics Commissions costs to local governments based on workload statistics provided by the Commission.
Senator Raggio said it was his understanding that the cost allocation to local governments was based on the fact that local ethics commissions, particularly in Clark County, had been eliminated and the workload of the state Ethics Commission would, therefore, increase. Senator Raggio asked how that reimbursement would be initiated.
Mr. Stevens explained that legislation would be required which would allow the Commission to bill the local entities; the legislation should include a provision that if the fees were not paid by local entities, the amount owed could be withheld from their sales tax allocation.
Senator Raggio indicated that he would accept the following motion:
THAT THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE CONCUR WITH THE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS IN CLOSURE OF BA 1343, CONTINGENT UPON THE APPROPRIATE LEGISLATION BEING DRAFTED TO ADDRESS COST ALLOCATION.
SENATOR RAWSON SO MOVED.
SENATOR CEGAVSKE SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED. (Senator Coffin, Assemblywoman Chowning, and Assemblyman Goldwater were not present for the vote.)
BUDGET CLOSED.
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STATE TREASURER (1080) BUDGET PAGE ELECTED-086
Mr. Stevens explained that the closing difference in BA 1080 was based on a budget amendment from the Budget Division, which stipulated that $151,000 in postage costs would be charged to the State Treasurer. The Senate closed the budget including acceptance of the amendment from the Budget Division, and the Assembly closed the budget including retention of the $151,000 cost as an overhead expense within the Mail Room budget account.
Chairman Arberry stated he would accept a motion.
SPEAKER PERKINS MOVED THAT THE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS CLOSE BA 1080 INCLUDING ACCEPTANCE OF THE BUDGET AMENDMENT, IN CONCURRENCE WITH THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE CLOSURE.
ASSEMBLYWOMAN GIUNCHIGLIANI SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED. (Senator Coffin, Assemblywoman Chowning, and Assemblyman Goldwater were not present for the vote.)
BUDGET CLOSED.
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TREASURER HIGHER EDUCATION TUITION ADMINISTRATION (1081) BUDGET PAGE ELECTED-092
NEVADA COLLEGE SAVINGS TRUST (1092) BUDGET PAGE ELECTED-104
Mr. Stevens stated that the difference in BA 1081, Treasurer Higher Education Tuition Administration, was the same as that in BA 1092, Nevada College Savings Trust. According to Mr. Stevens, the advertising and marketing expenses were eliminated in the Assembly closure, however, were not eliminated in the Senate closure.
Senator Raggio suggested that in an effort to compromise, he would propose that both the Senate and Assembly Committees concur to provide one-half of the requested cost in each budget for the purpose of advertising and marketing.
Senator Raggio indicated that he would accept the following motion:
THAT THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE CLOSE BA 1081 AND BA 1092 INCLUDING ONE-HALF OF THE FUNDING REQUESTED IN THE EXECUTIVE BUDGET FOR ADVERTISING AND MARKETING EXPENSES.
SENATOR RAWSON SO MOVED.
SENATOR CEGAVSKE SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED. (Senator Coffin, Assemblywoman Chowning, and Assemblyman Goldwater were not present for the vote.)
Chairman Arberry indicated that he would accept a similar motion.
SPEAKER PERKINS MOVED THAT THE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS CLOSE BA 1081 AND BA 1092 INCLUDING ONE-HALF OF THE FUNDING REQUESTED IN THE EXECUTIVE BUDGET FOR ADVERTISING AND MARKETING EXPENSES.
ASSEMBLYWOMAN McCLAIN SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED. (Senator Coffin, Assemblywoman Chowning, and Assemblyman Goldwater were not present for the vote.)
BUDGETS CLOSED.
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MILLENNIUM SCHOLARSHIP ADMINISTRATION (1088)
BUDGET PAGE ELECTED-96
Mr. Stevens advised that the Senate had closed BA 1088 as recommended by the Governor, and the Assembly had closed the budget with a reduction in expenses. According to Mr. Stevens, there appeared to be a problem in the construction of the budget regarding maintenance of the fund within the 2 percent maximum administrative allowance that was provided for the account. Mr. Stevens indicated that the Treasurer had prioritized the expenses that would be reduced if he had to maintain the account within the 2 percent administrative allowance, and the Assembly had included those reductions in the budget closure.
Mr. Stevens further explained that the Senate wanted to wait and review legislation passed during the 2003 session, and if the current statute continued to apply, the Treasurer could make necessary adjustments at a later date.
Senator Raggio indicated that he would accept the following motion:
THAT THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE CONCUR WITH THE ACTION OF THE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS IN CLOSURE OF BA 1088.
SENATOR RAWSON SO MOVED.
SENATOR MATHEWS SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED. (Senator Coffin, Assemblywoman Chowning, and Assemblyman Goldwater were not present for the vote.)
BUDGET CLOSED.
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SUPREME COURT RURAL DRUG COURT (1495) BUDGET PAGE COURTS-031
Per Mr. Stevens, the Senate closure of BA 1495 transferred $525,000 into BA 1495 for the Drug Court in Clark and Washoe Counties, which had been included in the Parole and Probation Division budget. The closure also included funding from A.B. 29, which included a $5 administrative assessment that would generate approximately $1.8 million during the first year of the biennium and $2.4 million during the second year.
Mr. Stevens informed the Joint Committee that the Assembly closed BA 1495 by providing General Fund dollars for the first six months of the biennium and eliminating General Fund dollars from that point forward, thereby allowing the administrative assessment revenue proposed in A.B. 29 to generate the revenue for the program.
Senator Raggio stated that both Committees were impressed with the efforts of the Drug Court programs, particularly the dedication of the judges who had originated and implemented the programs; he also noted that the programs had enjoyed outstanding success. Senator Raggio explained that was the reason the Senate had enhanced the program in its budget closure.
Senator Raggio commented that A.B. 29 would be considered by the Senate Committee on Finance in the near future, and it was his understanding that an increase of the proposed administrative assessment to $7 would supplant the money that otherwise would have to be appropriated from the General Fund.
Senator Raggio stated he would accept the following motion:
THAT THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE CONCUR WITH THE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS IN CLOSURE OF BA 1495, CONTINGENT UPON PROCESSING A.B. 29 WITH AN ADMINISTRATIVE ASSESSMENT OF $7.
SENATOR RAWSON SO MOVED.
SENATOR CEGAVSKE SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED. (Senator Coffin, Assemblywoman Chowning, and Assemblyman Goldwater were not present for the vote.)
Chairman Arberry indicated that he would accept a similar motion.
ASSEMBLYWOMAN GIUNCHIGLIANI MOVED THAT THE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS CONCUR WITH SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE REGARDING THE INCREASE OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSESSMENT TO $7 IN A.B. 29.
ASSEMBLYMAN PARKS SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED WITH ASSEMBLYWOMEN LESLIE AND GIBBONS ABSTAINING. (Senator Coffin, Assemblywoman Chowning, and Assemblyman Goldwater were not present for the vote.)
BUDGET CLOSED.
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OTHER STATE EDUCATION PROGRAMS (2699) BUDGET PAGE K12ED-012
Mr. Stevens explained that in closing BA 2699, the Assembly removed the $5 million signing bonus and dealt with that bonus in a separate manner within the Distributive School Account. Although the funding was the same, Mr. Stevens noted there was a difference in the closure regarding monies for the System for Accountability Information in Nevada (SAIN) program. Mr. Stevens said the Assembly closure had reserved the monies, which would require that the agency appear before the Interim Finance Committee (IFC) to release the funds. The Senate closure released the funding for the first quarter, along with any funding needed to maintain the budget account until the first IFC meeting of FY 2004, and reserved the balance. According to Mr. Stevens, the Department of Education would then approach the IFC with a request to release the remainder of the funds.
Chairman Arberry indicated that he would accept a motion.
ASSEMBLYWOMAN GIUNCHIGLIANI MOVED THAT THE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS CONCUR WITH THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE IN CLOSURE OF BA 2699.
SPEAKER PERKINS SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED. (Senator Coffin, Assemblywoman Chowning, and Assemblyman Goldwater were not present for the vote.)
BUDGET CLOSED.
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STUDENT INCENTIVE GRANTS (2606) BUDGET PAGE K12ED-044
Mr. Stevens explained that the Assembly closure of BA 2606 eliminated the Special Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (SLEAP) program and the Senate closure continued both the SLEAP program and the Learner Enrichment and Acceleration Program (LEAP) at the minimal level.
Chairman Arberry indicated that he would accept a motion.
ASSEMBLYMAN MARVEL MOVED THAT THE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS CONCUR WITH THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE IN CLOSURE OF BA 2606.
ASSEMBLYWOMAN GIUNCHIGLIANI SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED. (Senator Coffin, Assemblywoman Chowning, and Assemblyman Goldwater were not present for the vote.)
BUDGET CLOSED.
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NEVADA ATTORNEY FOR INJURED WORKERS (1013)
BUDGET PAGE B&I-137
According to Mr. Stevens, other than minor adjustments, the Assembly closed BA 1013 as recommended by the Governor, including three new positions in decision unit E-227. The Senate closure added a .51 full-time equivalent (FTE) attorney position but did not approve the additional 2.5 FTE positions.
Senator Raggio indicated that evidence had been presented regarding the number of additional claims that were being processed, and he would accept the following motion:
THAT THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE CONCUR WITH THE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS IN CLOSURE OF BA 1013.
SENATOR RAWSON SO MOVED.
SENATOR RHOADS SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED. (Senator Coffin, Assemblywoman Chowning, and Assemblyman Goldwater were not present for the vote.)
BUDGET CLOSED.
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COMMISSION ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (1526)
BUDGET PAGE TOUR&ECON-001
Mr. Stevens noted that previous action by the Joint Committee would add $20,000 per year to the Assembly closure of BA 1526 for the Washington Office. The only other major difference was $300,000 that was anticipated to be balanced forward in the Train Employees Now (TEN) program. Mr. Stevens stated the Assembly reduced the funding for the TEN program in the first year of the biennium by the $300,000 balance forward, which would provide a total of $500,000 for the program in each year of the biennium. The Senate closure did not include that action, and the amount would be balanced forward up to a total of $750,000 in the first year of the biennium. According to Mr. Stevens, the major difference for consideration was the balance forward figure of $300,000 and the savings to the General Fund that would result from the Assembly action.
Senator Raggio suggested that the Senate concur with the Assembly closing action, and asked whether the Commission would have access to the Interim Finance Committee (IFC). Mr. Stevens replied that the Commission would have access to the IFC as BA 1526 was a General Fund account. Senator Raggio believed that both the Senate and Assembly Committees were interested in providing the Commission on Economic Development with the appropriate tools, and because the TEN program was very important, he would accept the following motion:
THAT THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE CONCUR WITH THE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS IN CLOSURE OF BA 1526, WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE COMMISSION WOULD HAVE ACCESS TO THE IFC, AND INCLUDING THE $20,000 APPROPRIATION FOR THE WASHINGTON OFFICE.
SENATOR RAWSON SO MOVED.
SENATOR CEGAVSKE SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED. (Senator Coffin, Assemblywoman Chowning, and Assemblyman Goldwater were not present for the vote.)
Chairman Arberry indicated that he would accept a motion regarding the $20,000 allocation for the Washington Office.
ASSEMBLYWOMAN LESLIE MOVED TO INCLUDE THE $20,000 APPROPRIATION FOR THE WASHINGTON OFFICE IN THE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS CLOSURE OF BA 1526.
ASSEMBLYWOMAN GIUNCHIGLIANI SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED. (Senator Coffin, Assemblywoman Chowning, and Assemblyman Goldwater were not present for the vote.)
BUDGET CLOSED.
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RURAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (1528)
BUDGET PAGE TOUR&ECON-011
Mr. Stevens stated the only difference in BA 1528 was that the Assembly had reduced out-of-state travel by $2,000 per year, which would allow the agency to retain its FY2003 level of expenditure in that particular category. The Senate Committee had closed BA 1528 as recommended by the Governor.
Senator Raggio stated it was his understanding that the Assembly closing action would provide the same level of funding as that available for the current fiscal year.
Senator Raggio indicated he would accept the following motion:
THAT THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE CONCUR WITH THE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS IN CLOSURE OF BA 1528.
SENATOR RAWSON SO MOVED.
SENATOR RHOADS SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED. (Senator Coffin, Assemblywoman Chowning, and Assemblyman Goldwater were not present for the vote.)
BUDGET CLOSED.
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VITAL STATISTICS (3190) BUDGET PAGE HEALTH-007
Mr. Stevens explained that the Senate had closed BA 3190 as recommended by the Governor and the Assembly closure added funds to provide for a Sentinel Events Registry.
Senator Raggio noted that the Joint Committee had been offered three options to generate funding for the Sentinel Events Registry. In an effort to compromise, the Senate would agree to concur with the Assembly if option three was selected. The cost in that option would be $144,375 for FY2004 and $133,521 for FY2005. Senator Raggio indicated if that action were agreeable to the Assembly, he would accept the following motion:
THAT THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE CONCUR WITH THE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS IN CLOSURE OF BA 3190, BASED ON SELECTION OF OPTION THREE TO FUND THE SENTINEL EVENTS REGISTRY.
SENATOR RAWSON SO MOVED.
SENATOR MATHEWS SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED. (Senator Coffin, Assemblywoman Chowning, and Assemblyman Goldwater were not present for the vote.)
Chairman Arberry indicated that he would accept a motion that the Assembly closure of BA 3190 included the option three funding plan.
ASSEMBLYWOMAN GIUNCHIGLIANI MOVED TO CLOSE BA 3190 INCLUDING OPTION THREE TO FUND THE SENTINEL EVENTS REGISTRY.
ASSEMBLYWOMAN GIBBONS SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED. (Senator Coffin, Assemblywoman Chowning, and Assemblyman Goldwater were not present for the vote.)
BUDGET CLOSED.
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Mr. Stevens informed the Joint Committee that the difference between the Assembly and Senate closure of the budget accounts pertaining to the Nevada Department of Corrections (NDOC) was the food inflationary increase. According to Mr. Stevens, the Assembly closure did not include the inflationary increase for food and the Senate had closed the budget as recommended by the Governor, including the amount recommended for the food inflationary increase. The budgets in question were:
Senator Raggio believed the total amount recommended by the Governor for the food inflationary increase was approximately $750,000 over the biennium. In an effort to show some concern and recognition regarding inflation, while remaining as prudent as possible, Senator Raggio suggested that the NDOC budget accounts be closed with one-half the recommended amount appropriated for the food inflationary increase in each year of the biennium.
Senator Raggio stated he would accept the following motion:
THAT THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE CLOSE THE NDOC BUDGET ACCOUNTS INCLUDING AN APPROPRIATION FOR FOOD INFLATIONARY COSTS OF ONE-HALF THE AMOUNT REQUESTED IN THE EXECUTIVE BUDGET IN EACH YEAR OF THE BIENNIUM.
SENATOR RAWSON SO MOVED.
SENATOR RHOADS SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED. (Senator Coffin, Assemblywoman Chowning, and Assemblyman Goldwater were not present for the vote.)
Chairman Arberry indicated that he would accept a motion.
ASSEMBLYMAN MARVEL MOVED TO CLOSE THE NDOC BUDGET ACCOUNTS INCLUDING AN APPROPRIATION FOR FOOD INFLATIONARY COSTS OF ONE-HALF THE AMOUNT REQUESTED IN THE EXECUTIVE BUDGET IN EACH YEAR OF THE BIENNIUM, IN CONCURRENCE WITH THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE CLOSURE.
ASSEMBLYWOMAN GIUNCHIGLIANI SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED. (Senator Coffin, Assemblywoman Chowning, and Assemblyman Goldwater were not present for the vote.)
BUDGETS CLOSED.
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DIVISION OF INVESTIGATIONS (3743) BUDGET PAGE PS-077
According to Mr. Stevens, the Assembly closure added back 15 positions of the 21 recommended for elimination in The Executive Budget. The Senate closure added back 13 positions, which caused a difference in the amount of money that would be required in addition to the amount recommended in The Executive Budget.
SPEAKER PERKINS MOVED THAT THE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS CONCUR WITH THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE IN CLOSURE OF BA 3743, INCLUDING A DETERMINATION BY STAFF TO ENSURE THAT INVESTIGATIVE POSITIONS WOULD BE ADDED BACK RATHER THAN CLERICAL POSITIONS.
ASSEMBLYMAN MARVEL SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED. (Senator Coffin, Assemblywoman Chowning, and Assemblyman Goldwater were not present for the vote.)
BUDGET CLOSED.
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WILDLIFE (4452) BUDGET PAGE CNR-139
Mr. Stevens indicated that the major difference in BA 4452 was the $200,000 in each year of the biennium recommended by the Governor to replace room tax revenue that was provided in the current biennium. The Senate eliminated that $200,000 each year in General Fund revenue and utilized reserve dollars to replace the revenue.
Chairman Arberry stated that he would accept a motion.
ASSEMBLYWOMAN GIUNCHIGLIANI MOVED THAT THE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS CONCUR WITH THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE IN CLOSURE OF BA 4452.
ASSEMBLYMAN PARKS SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED. (Senator Coffin, Assemblywoman Chowning, and Assemblyman Goldwater were not present for the vote.)
BUDGET CLOSED.
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NATIONAL GUARD BENEFITS (3653) BUDGET PAGE MILITARY-008
Mr. Stevens explained that the Assembly had closed BA 3653 as recommended by the Governor, and the Senate closure added $12,000 in General Fund in each year of the biennium to increase the tuition reimbursement rate to 50 percent.
Chairman Arberry indicated that he would accept a motion.
ASSEMBLYWOMAN GIUNCHIGLIANI MOVED THAT THE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS CONCUR WITH THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE IN CLOSURE OF BA 3653.
ASSEMBLYMAN PARKS SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED. (Senator Coffin, Assemblywoman Chowning, and Assemblyman Goldwater were not present for the vote.)
BUDGET CLOSED.
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VETERANS HOME ACCOUNT (2561) BUDGET PAGE VETERAN-006
Mr. Stevens stated that the major closing difference in BA 2561 involved the utilization of license plate revenue. The Assembly closure eliminated approximately $97,000 per year and placed that revenue in the gift account, and the Senate had closed the budget as recommended by the Governor.
Chairman Arberry indicated that he would accept a motion.
ASSEMBLYWOMAN GIUNCHIGLIANI MOVED THAT THE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS CONCUR WITH THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE IN CLOSURE OF BA 2561.
ASSEMBLYWOMAN LESLIE SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED WITH ASSEMBLYMAN PARKS VOTING NO. (Senator Coffin, Assemblywoman Chowning, and Assemblyman Goldwater were not present for the vote.)
BUDGET CLOSED.
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PUBLIC EMPLOYEES BENEFITS PROGRAM (1338) BUDGET PAGE PEBP-001
According to Mr. Stevens, the Assembly closure of BA 1338 had forced the account out of balance. The differences revolved around A.B. 286. Mr. Stevens explained that the Assembly had passed the bill, which would commingle the rates for state and non-state participants in the plan, and the bill had been sent to the Senate. The total cost would be approximately $4.5 million per year, with $2.8 million of that amount being allocated from the General Fund. Mr. Stevens advised that the Senate had processed A.B. 286 with the elimination of the commingling provision.
Chairman Arberry indicated he would accept a motion.
ASSEMBLYWOMAN GIUNCHIGLIANI MOVED THAT THE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS CONCUR WITH THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE IN CLOSURE OF BA 1338.
ASSEMBLYMAN PARKS SECONDED THE MOTION.
Ms. Giunchigliani indicated that the portion of the closure the Assembly would concur in was the policy decision, and she advised that the issue would be reviewed through an interim study. However, discussion would continue regarding the allocation of funding to assist the non-state retirees for the upcoming biennium.
THE MOTION CARRIED. (Senator Coffin, Assemblywoman Chowning, and Assemblyman Goldwater were not present for the vote.)
BUDGET CLOSED.
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With no further business to come before the Joint Committee, Chairman Arberry adjourned the hearing at 4:04 p.m.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:
Carol Thomsen
Committee Secretary
APPROVED BY:
Assemblyman Morse Arberry Jr., Chairman
DATE:
Senator William J. Raggio, Chairman
DATE: