Date: 02/18/2009
Final
Briefing from JBC on Supplemental budget
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCK, & NATURAL RESOURCES
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10:53 AM -- Briefing from JBC on Supplemental Budget
Representative Marostica, Joint Budget Committee (JBC) member, began by providing an overview of the supplemental requests for the Department of Agriculture's budget. He referred to reductions by department in the FY 2008-09 Budget Balancing Package (available at http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?c=Page&cid=1232112923217&pagename=OSPB%2FGOVRLayout). He explained changes made with regard to the General Fund. He answered questions from the committee about how cash funds were moved and the affect that moving these funds may have in fees. Representative Marostica explained that the JBC asked the Department of Agriculture for their input about these cash fund transfers. Questions from the committee also concerned funding for conservation districts.
11:01 AM
Representative Marocstica described the actions that the JBC has taken in response to the recommendations made by the House and Senate Agriculture Committees on the FY2008-09 supplemental budget request and the FY 2009-10 budget. Representative Marocstica responded to questions from the committee about how federal stimulus money may affect the Department of Agriculture and explained that JBC staff is analyzing the stimulus package and will be providing information about how stimulus money impacts each department.
11:07 AM
Representative Marocstica provided an overview of the changes made to the Department of Natural Resource's (DNR) budget and referred to the Budget Balancing Package (available at http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?c=Page&cid=1232112923217&pagename=OSPB%2FGOVRLayout). He called attention to budget changes made with regard to the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, the State Board of Land Commissioners, the Colorado Water Conservation Boards, the Water Resources Division, and Division of Wildlife's Wildlife Management program. He responded to questions from the committee about services provided by the DNR that do not have usage fees.
11:13 AM
The committee discussed delaying (Low Income Energy Assistance Program) LEAP funding transfers and discussed LEAP and DNR funds that go to the Governor's Office. Committee members questioned what this money is used for in the Governor's Office and what LEAP funds can be used for. Representative Looper indicated that she recently submitted these question to JBC staff.
11:19 AM
The committee asked Representative Marostica about whether any supplemental changes had been made with regard to personnel needs in the Division of Water Resources to ensure that water is available for early season irrigators. Heidi Van Huysen, DNR, indicated that overtime in the Division of Water Resources is being covered by the Water Supply Reserve Account.
11:22 AM
The committee also asked questions related to hiring discrepancies in the DNR between the Division of Water Resources which had previously indicated to the committee that they were not able to hire positions in the Division and the OGCC and Colorado Water Conservation Board which were requesting additional positions given the state hiring freeze. Ms. Van Huysen explained that these divisions have different funding sources. She explained that the JBC will be considering this issue and that the committee will see a change in the hiring requests from DNR.
11:29 AM
The committee adjourned.