Final
STAFF SUMMARY OF MEETING

COMMITTEE ON JOINT STATE VETERANS & MILITARY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

Date:01/16/2009
ATTENDANCE
Time:08:04 AM to 08:50 AM
Bacon
X
Boyd
*
Place:HCR 0107
Cadman
E
Casso
E
This Meeting was called to order by
Court
X
Representative Todd
Hullinghorst
X
Labuda
X
This Report was prepared by
Lambert
X
Bo Pogue
Massey
E
McCann
X
Miklosi
X
Murray
X
Schultheis
X
Williams
E
Todd
X
X = Present, E = Excused, A = Absent, * = Present after roll call
Bills Addressed: Action Taken:
Briefing by the Joint Budget CommitteeWitness Testimony and/or Committee Discussion Only


08:04 AM -- Briefing by the Joint Budget Committee

The committee was called to order. A quorum was present. Representative Marostica, Joint Budget Committee (JBC), introduced the JBC members, and commenced the briefing. Representative Marostica reviewed the agenda and provided an overview of the budget process. Representative Marostica's presentation referenced a JBC publication entitled Summary of FY 2009-10 Joint Budget Committee Budget Briefings (a copy is on file with Legislative Council Staff). Representative Marostica then briefed the committee on the budget for the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Committee members received a handout detailing the Department of State Cash Fund, prepared by JBC Staff (Attachment A). Representative Marostica responded to questions regarding the troop strength in the Colorado National Guard.

090116AttachA.pdf

08:14 AM

Representative Marostica continued to brief the joint committee on the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs budget, detailing the department's funding sources and budget items. Representative Marostica responded to questions regarding state responsibility for funding armory maintenance, and funding sources for National Guard tuition assistance. Representative Marostica responded to further questions regarding the impact of the economic downturn and potential statewide budget cuts on the department's budget.



08:24 AM

Senator Keller, JBC, provided further input on potential budget cuts for the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. General discussion ensued regarding potential state budget cuts. Discussion followed regarding the impact of the economic downturn on the Colorado State Veterans Trust Fund, and for what purposes moneys from the fund are used. Representative Marostica then briefed the committee on the mission and functions of the Department of State, and the department's budget.

08:36 AM

Representative Marostica continued to brief the joint committee on the Department of State's budget. Representative Marostica responded to questions regarding the department's Address Confidentiality Program, and potential cuts to the department's budget. Representative Marostica then provided an overview of the use of federal funds made available to the Department of State through the federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA), referencing a background sheet on HAVA prepared by JBC Staff (Attachment B). Discussion ensued regarding future funding for HAVA-related programs once the federal funding is depleted, and the work performed by elections personnel within the department. Discussion followed regarding the state's certification of electronic voting equipment, and other elections-related issues.

090116AttachB.pdf

08:46 AM

Representative Marostica returned to briefing the committee on the Department of State's budget, with a continued focus on HAVA compliance. Representative Marostica responded to questions regarding the use of funding required to remain compliant with HAVA after federal funding expires, and the use of funding appropriated for FY 2008-09.

08:50 AM

The committee adjourned.