Date: 01/24/2012
Final
Meeting with the JBC pursuant to HB 10-1119
COMMITTEE ON JOINT BUSINESS AFFAIRS & LABOR
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09:59 AM
Senator Tochtrop, chair, called the meeting to order.
10:01 AM -- Meeting with the JBC pursuant to HB 10-1119
Senator Tochtrop stated that the purpose of the joint committee meeting was to present recommendations on the departments the committees oversee to the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) pursuant to HB 10-1119 (The SMART Government Act) and Joint Rule 25. She stated that the Senate Business, Labor, and Technology Committee had no recommendations to the JBC and the House Economic and Business Development had one recommendation. Committee staff handed out each committee's recommendation letter (Attachments A and B). Senator Hodge, vice-chair of the JBC, introduced the members of her committee and gave a brief overview of the committee's presentation.
10:02 AM
Senator Hodge began by discussing the Department of Labor and Employment's budgetary requests to the JBC. Members of the JBC responded to questions from the committee about unemployment insurance payments and technology needs for the department. Discussion ensued.
Senator Steadman introduced the JBC staff and suggested that the Capital Development Committee be a part of the SMART Act briefings in the future because requests for technology upgrades go through that committee.
10:12 AM
Discussion continued about technology needs for the departments. Senator Williams asked that the JBC make the Department of Labor and Employment a higher priority. Representative Gerou responded and stated that the JBC appreciates the committees of reference getting involved, and encouraged members to attend the department budget hearings.
10:25 AM
Senator Steadman responded to questions from Senator Mitchell regarding unemployment insurance and the benefits and drawbacks of federal, multi-state, and state-independent programs.
Rep. Tyler stated that he is forming a legislative technology caucus and invited everyone to participate.
10:30 AM
Senator Hodge discussed the Department of Personnel and Administration's budgetary requests to the JBC. Members of the JBC responded to questions from the committee regarding the department and the recommendations. Discussion ensued regarding health insurance benefits for state employees, retention and recruitment of state employees, and salary increases and bonuses, and the lack thereof, for state employees.
10:44 AM
Discussion continued regarding the JBC's Department of Personnel and Administration presentation.
10:52 AM
Senator Hodge discussed the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) budgetary requests to the JBC. Representative Holbert discussed the House Economic and Business Development Committee's recommendation that DORA provide a report that lists the total number of entities, professions, or groups regulated by the department, and the number of professionals within those entities, professions, or groups for each of the last five years. Representative Gerou responded that the committees of reference do not need approval from the JBC to ask for reports from departments. Members of the JBC responded to questions from the committee regarding fees charged and DORA sunrise and sunset processes. Senator Tochtrop spoke about how fees change related to the amount of complaints in a regulated profession. Senator Steadman noted that there are some professions that have so few members that fees can be restrictive.
11:01 AM
Senator Hodge presented the Office of Information Technology's (OIT) budgetary requests to the JBC. The committee had no additional questions for the JBC regarding OIT
11:03 AM
The committee adjourned.