Date: 01/20/2006
Final
Dept. of Military and Veterans Affairs State Board of Vet Affairs
COMMITTEE ON JOINT STATE VETERANS & MILITARY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
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11:28 AM -- Office of State Planning and Budgeting
Henry Sobanet, Director, Office of State Planning and Budgeting, briefed the committee on the operations of the Office of State Planning and Budgeting. He provided a memorandum reviewing items of note since January 2005 (Attachment D). Mr. Sobanet stated that a bill will be introduced regarding reform of the Office of Innovation and Technology (OIT). He further noted that the office is working on an e-mail consolidation program in an effort to increase cost savings for the state. He indicated that the office is seeking to identify future cost savings for the state. Mr. Sobanet noted that the Governor has approved the hiring of a chief information security officer, vital in the protection of citizens' personal information. Mr. Sobanet referred to HB 06-1157. Mr. Sobanet discussed the transition the office went through when converting the staff from a civil service staff to an appointed staff, and noted that staff attrition is a major concern.
11:36 AM
Mr. Sobanet continued by reviewing the goals of the office, followed by the role and mission of the office. These include developing reliable revenue estimates, developing a budget within revenue constraints, developing proposals for new legislation, tracking legislation, monitoring the legislative budget process, advocating for the Governor's priorities, addressing issues of concern, monitoring budget implementation, anticipating issues and developing solutions, and providing accurate and concise public information. Senator Tupa asked if there was a long-term forecast comparison from his office to compare to the forecast Legislative Council Staff provides. Mr. Sobanet stated that the two offices forecasts are very similar, and said both are below the expectable forecast error margin, and that while he realizes that this margin of error is low, it does still represent a significant amount of money over a period of years.
11:42 AM
Mr. Sobanet referred to his document as he reviewed the statutory responsibilities of the office. Mr. Sobanet responded to questions from the committee, specifically regarding the line itemization of Referendum C dollars. Mr. Sobanet clarified that his office's forecast does not show a Senate Bill 1 transfer. Mr. Sobanet and the committee further discussed the use of Referendum C dollars as reflected in the Governor's budget.
11:49 AM
The committee discussed Referendum C. Senator Johnson asked about the General Fund Exempt Account and how it is to be appropriated. Mr. Sobanet clarified that the expenditures will happen simultaneously, and the General Fund line item should reflect the $114 million from Referendum C. The committee asked about available funds specifically for the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
11:58 AM
The committee adjourned.