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Dec. 15, 2019
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Minutes for HB2052 - Committee on Appropriations

Short Title

Appropriation revisions for FY 2017, FY 2018 and FY 2019 for various state agencies.

Minutes Content for Mon, Feb 13, 2017

Chairman Waymaster opened discussion on the bill.

Representative Johnson reviewed an amendment regarding repayment of the delayed KPERS payment (Attachment 4).

Representative Johnson made a motion for a conceptual amendment that would repay 50 percent of the ending balance to KPERS, up to the full amount of the KPERS payment.  Representative Davis seconded the motion.

Discussion followed by committee members regarding the motion, which would address only a partial payment in FY 2017, as opposed to delaying a payment until FY 2018.

Representative Helgerson made a substitute motion that the full payment of $85.9 million would be funded in the FY 2017 budget for KPERS payment, unless there is a budget issue just prior to the end session. Representative Wolfe Moore seconded the motion.

Discussion continued by committee members regarding the substitute motion and the need for a structurally sound budget balance. It was noted that a compromise could be reached in conference committee, and for further debate in the full house.

Representative Helgerson renewed the substitute motion.  Motion failed.

Representative Johnson renewed the motion as amended.  Motion carried.

Chairman Waymaster reviewed an amendment in which the director of budget, in consultation with the director of legislative research, shall certify the ending balance in the SGF for the prior fiscal year.  Upon making such certification, the director of the budget shall authorize the director of accounts and reports to transfer 10 percent of such ending balance from the SGF to the budget stabilization fund (See attachment 4).

Chairman Waymaster made a motion to approve the amendment regarding the budget stabilization fund, which would not be implemented until the 4th quarter repayment to KPERS is made.  Representative Davis seconded the motion.

Discussion followed by committee members regarding the amendment.  It was noted that the fund was established last year, however, there is no money in the fund. Chairman Waymaster stated that this fund would not impact pay go, as the fund would be money from the ending balance and not from specific budget items. He emphasized the importance of establishing the fund for future budgets, which would be fiscally sound for use as reserves at a later date.

Chairman Waymaster renewed the motion.  Motion passed.

Representative Claeys reviewed the following Department of Corrections documents: Memo from JL Norwood, Secretary, Department of Corrections (Attachment 5); Lansing Correctional Facility (Attachment 6); and proposed amendment (Attachment 7.  He reviewed the Lansing Correctional Facility's  building inefficiencies, staff turnover, and inmate capacity issues.  A proposed new building site would add 206 beds, reduce staffing, and generate an estimated savings over 20 years of approximately $19.4 - $46.3 million. A detailed explanation of the project was reviewed.

Representative Claeys made a motion to approve the amendment that would authorize the Department of Corrections to enter into a lease-purchase agreement for a new Lansing Correctional Facility.  Representative Davis seconded the motion.

Discussion followed by committee members regarding the amendment.  Concern was expressed that the amendment had not been fully vetted in committee and through legislative procedures. Representative Claeys stated that this issue will be discussed today in the Transportation and Public Safety Budget Committee, included in the Rescission Bill and further review could be held in conference committee. In response to questions from committee members, Dylan Dear, Legislative Research Department, reviewed architectural fee structures, which are fees paid upon delivery of service. Double bunking at El Dorado Correctional Facility during the construction would meet the capacity needs for approximately 7 years based on current trends, Representative Claeys noted. The recommendation was made to review this when proposals have been reviewed and hearings have been held.  It was noted that this amendment would not require new dollars.

Representative Claeys renewed the motion to amend.  Motion failed.

Representative Landwehr reviewed an amendment regarding a CDC grant for the State Board of Pharmacy (Attachment 8). She stated that this does not impact the SGF.

Representative Landwehr made a motion to approve the amendment which authorizing spending for the State Board of Pharmacy.  Representative Ballard seconded the motion.  Motion passed.

Representative Davis made a motion for favorable passage of the bill as a substitute bill including technical amendments.  Representative Hoffman seconded the motion.  Motion passed.

Meeting adjourned at:  10:44 a.m.