Date: 01/22/2015
Final
Briefing from Joint Budget Committee
COMMITTEE ON JOINT FINANCE
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09:47 AM -- Briefing from Joint Budget Committee
Representative Court, Chair, called the meeting to order. The joint committee appointed liaisons to the Department of Revenue, the Department of Treasury, and the Public Employee's Retirement Association.
09:51 AM
The Joint Budget Committee (JBC) came to the table to present pursuant to Joint Rule 25. Senator Grantham introduced fellow JBC members and the various staff members that work with the JBC. Committee members received the Joint Budget Committee Staff Budget Briefing Summary (Attachment A) on issues related to agencies overseen by the Committees on Finance. Senator Grantham noted that the summary helps the JBC, committees, and the General Assembly for budgeting purposes.
Attachment A can be viewed at Legislative Council.
09:52 AM
Senator Grantham began his presentation with a review of the Department of Revenue (DOR) FY 2015-16 proposed operating budget. He reminded the committee of the three functional groups of DOR: Taxation Business Group, Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and the Enforcement Business Group. He mentioned DOR's request for the Colorado Automated Testing System's (CATS) maintenance and support.
09:57 AM
Senator Steadman responded questions regarding CATS and license fees. He noted that while DOR uses cash funds, the fees are not totally sufficient. He discussed how the Department of Revenue is a good example of a department that relies mostly on cash funds, but also needs General Fund support to round out its services. Senator Lambert further discussed the balance of cash funds and General Fund support for running departments. Discussion ensued regarding the department, funding, and the budget process.
10:01 AM
Senator Grantham discussed the DMV funding deficit. Representative Pabon asked a question regarding the next fiscal year and the DMV's spending authority. Senator Grantham noted that in the coming fiscal year DOR can increase fees by 20 percent to help alleviate revenue shortfalls. Senator Steadman followed up by summarizing DOR's ability to change and raise fees.
10:07 AM
Senator Lambert discussed service wait times in the DMV and funding requests associated with recent changes to DMV services. Committee discussion ensued.
10:17 AM
Committee discussion continued regarding the role of the JBC in reviewing funding requests and the committee's general policies. The committee debated the merits of various DOR funding requests and the process used by the JBC. Also, discussion ensued regarding JBC rules, committee makeup, and the reconsideration process.
10:47 AM
Senator Steadman discussed the Statewide Marijuana Cash Fund, Proposition AA, and TABOR refunds. He discussed opportunities for legislation and some revenue-related shortfalls.
10:55 AM
Senator Grantham discussed the JBC's consideration of the Department of Treasury's budget. He highlighted the department's duties and noted the Unclaimed Property Program, the Senior Citizens & Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption adjustment, and the distribution of the Highway Users Tax Fund. He pointed out, that like DOR, the Treasury is a mostly cash funded department, but that it also uses general funds. The committee discussed the state of the Senior Citizens & Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption adjustment and issues regarding the growth of the adjustment.