Date: 02/01/2012
Final
Meeting with JBC regarding SMART Act and JR 25
COMMITTEE ON JOINT STATE VETERANS & MILITARY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
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01:34 PM -- Meeting with Joint Budget Committee regarding SMART Act and Joint Rule 25
The joint committee was called to order. A quorum was present. Members of the Joint Budget Committee (JBC), led by Senator Lambert, made a presentation to the committee on the budgets and strategic plans of the departments of State and Military and Veterans Affairs pursuant to the SMART Government Act and legislative Joint Rule 25. Senator Lambert provided background on the purpose of the meeting, and discussed the budget process being observed by the JBC under the SMART Act. He also discussed the new audio archiving system being used by the General Assembly, and how it is increasing transparency in the budget process. Committee members received letters from the chairs of the House and Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs committees indicating that they have no departmental recommendations under the SMART Act (attachments A and B). Senator Lambert introduced the JBC staff in attendance: John Zeigler, Steve Allen, David Meng. Senator Lambert provided an overview of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs' FY 2012-13 budget, highlighting the readiness centers being constructed by the department. Discussion ensued regarding the financing of the readiness center projects. Senator Lambert responded to questions regarding arrangements for paying back moneys committed to the readiness centers to the Veterans Trust Fund.
01:46 PM
Discussion ensued regarding a military-related building in Pueblo that requires either renovation or demolition.
01:50 PM
Senator Lambert briefed the committee on the Department of State's budget for FY 2012-13. He discussed the ramifications of the ending of federal funding for the department under the Help America Vote Act. He also discussed the top action priorities of the department. Senator Lambert clarified that the items referenced for the Department of State are all cash funded.
01:56 PM
The committee adjourned.