Appropriations – Week of March 8, 2010

STAFF CONTACT:  Theresa Kehoe

SF 2367 – Administration & Regulation FY11 Appropriations

FLOOR  ACTION:

SF 2367 relates to the Administration and Regulation Appropriations Budget. It covers more than 25 departments, agencies and offices. This FY11 budget bill appropriates a total of $63.8 million. This is approximately a $2.8 million increase from the estimated FY10 budget, including $1.9 million because of funds being directly appropriated to the Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA) rather than through transfers from the Department of Human Services. The Child Advocacy Board, which administers the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program, was held harmless. CASA trains volunteers to help protect the interests of abused and neglected children. The program went statewide two years ago, and Senators did not want cut back on this program, which protects the most vulnerable children.

Other highlights include:

• State Accounting functions are moved from the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) to the Department of Management to conform to changes in SF 2088 (State Government Reorganization & Efficiency Bill). The appropriation is decreased $260,000 to reflect savings in administrative costs.
• Alcoholic Beverages Division is decreased $20,000 for savings associated with closing the distribution warehouse on Fridays as proposed in SF 2088.
• $350,000 increase to DIA to increase recoveries of improperly claimed Medicaid benefits as proposed in SF 2088. This expenditure is estimated to save $935,000.
• Continues last year’s efforts to have DAS reduce utility costs through energy conservation practices and reduce energy use by 10 percent to save money, conserve energy resources and reduce pollution. 
• DAS is directed to reduce the size of the state fleet, examine policies pertaining to when state vehicles are assigned and when employees take state vehicles home, and consider guidelines for when to sell and purchase new vehicles and submit a report by January 1, 2011. 
• The State Auditor is allowed to seek reimbursement for discretionary audits from restitution in any criminal or civil action, along with audits associated with various agricultural boards. 
• The Racing and Gaming Commission is provided up to $166,000 (2 FTEs) to be used if an additional gambling license is granted in FY11.
• Reduces RIO appropriation by $274,222 for FY11 for a total of $647,014.  RIO was able to leverage federal CDBG funds and reduce the need for state funds.
• Fleet Depreciation Account – Gives agencies the flexibility to voluntarily pay fleet depreciation expenses, as a tool to manage their budgets in FY11.  [3/10: 29-20]