Final
STAFF SUMMARY OF MEETING

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE

Date:01/14/2015
ATTENDANCE
Time:01:32 PM to 02:12 PM
Becker K.
E
Conti
X
Place:LSB A
Garnett
X
Kagan
X
This Meeting was called to order by
Pabon
X
Representative Court
Priola
E
Roupe
X
This Report was prepared by
Van Winkle
X
Katie Ruedebusch
Wilson
X
Foote
X
Court
X
X = Present, E = Excused, A = Absent, * = Present after roll call
Bills Addressed: Action Taken:
Introductory Briefing by Legislative StaffWitness Testimony and/or Committee Discussion Only


01:35 PM -- Briefing from Office of Legislative Legal Services

Representative Court, Chair, called the meeting to order.

Ed DeCecco, Senior Attorney, and Esther van Mourik, Senior Staff Attorney, Office of Legislative Legal Services (OLLS), came to the table. Mr. DeCecco introduced the office and described how it serves the General Assembly. He indicated that the office is always available to assist the legislators and summarized the different services the office can provide. Also, he mentioned that someone from the office will be available during committee hearings, either in the room or listening in, and available to come to committee.

Representative Court requested that all members of the committee, if possible, first talk with the sponsor of a bill if they want to amend it.

Ms. van Mourik told the committee that OLLS can help with unofficial pre-amended versions bills for complex bills. In addition, Ms. van Mourik explained the services that the office cannot provide. Finally, Ms. van Mourik pointed members toward the OLLS website for further information.

Representative Court commented that OLLS and drafters will write anything you ask, so if members are working on a complex bill, feel free to ask drafters about background information.












01:48 PM -- Briefing from Fiscal Analysts

Larson Silbaugh, Economist, Legislative Council Staff, came to the table and spoke to the Legislative Council's fiscal note staff, introducing different members of the team. He summarized the roles and responsibilites of the staff and how it is available to the members of the General Assembly. Mr. Silbaugh explained that fiscal notes estimate the direct cost and expenditures of bills before the General Assembly. He indicated that fiscal analysts will come to committee when available and can speak to the fiscal note. Mr. Silbaugh made a special mention of TABOR surplus information, how that will be indicated in fiscal notes, and how the staff can help explain the TABOR implications of various legislation.

Representative Court reminded the committee that members can ask to have a fiscal note reviewed and revised if necessary.

Mr. Silbaugh responded to a question regarding dynamic modeling. He indicated that fiscal notes staff do not use dynamic modeling, just note direct impacts to state expenditures and revenue.

Mr. Silbaugh responded to a questions regarding outside fiscal information. He stated that staff welcomes information. Representative Court indicated that members can provide information to the committee.


01:58 PM

Mr. Silbaugh responded to questions regarding variables, assumptions, and growth rates used in fiscal note calculations.


01:59 PM

Natalie Mullis, Chief Economist, came to the table. She reiterated that the economics staff is always available to help. Ms. Mullis also addressed dynamic modeling. She indicated that a pilot project discussing dynamic modeling investigating the feasibility of dynamic modeling has be authorized. However, she noted that dynamic modeling is expensive and requires a good amount of time and investment to put in place. She also indicated that there are issues with the nonpartisan nature of dynamic modeling and data.


02:05 PM

Ms. Mullis responded to questions about economic growth and the forecast. She indicated if members want more information about the forecast, they should contact the economics staff.

The committee thanked Representative DelGrosso for his service to the committee in the past.


02:12 PM

The committee adjourned.