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Minutes for SB189 - Committee on Ways and Means

Short Title

Appropriations for FY 2018, FY 2019, FY 2020 and FY 2021 for various state agencies.

Minutes Content for Mon, Mar 20, 2017

Chairperson McGinn called for final action on SB 189.  Staff distributed the document summarizing the expenditures for FY 2018 and FY 2019 based on the Governor's recommendations and the document reflecting the recommendations of the Subcommittees and full Committee.  (Attachment 6)  (Attachment 7)

Chairperson McGinn moved, Senator Hensley seconded, to delete the language regarding consolidation of education insurance as many schools belong to cooperatives or are large enough to keep insurance costs under control.  Motion carried.

Amy Deckard distributed a document reflecting the current profile for the Children's Initiative Fund including the fall estimates for the amount of tobacco settlement and possible transfers for consideration by the Committee.  (Attachment 8)

Senator Kelly moved, Senator Doll seconded, to accept the proposed adjustments from the tobacco settlement funds listed as "For consideration by Ways and Means Committee" on Attachment 8.  Motion carried.

Discussion ensued regarding the budget for the Judicial Branch and funding relating to renovations of portions of the Judicial Center.

The Committee members discussed options for the Docking State Office Building and the possibility of obtaining the services of an independent engineering firm to provide an assessment of what it would cost to lower the building to three floors.  In response to questions from Committee members, Dylan Dear stated there was an enhancement request to demolish the building and build an energy center and parking lot.  Currently, there is language in place that restricts the Department of Administration from taking any action on demolition.

Senator Denning moved, Senator Kelly seconded, to back out the rural hospital initiative listed in bullet three of Attachment 6.  It is no longer needed as it was tied to the hospital access fee.  Motion carried.

Chairperson McGinn moved, Senator Hensley seconded, to use funding put in the budget for judiciary employee pay raises to provide for an approximately 2% pay increase for all state employees, with the exception of the Kansas Highway Patrol.  The Highway Patrol has created a funding source in the last couple years, which has provided for pay increases for them.  Motion carried.

Chairperson McGinn announced the Committee will continue final action on SB 189 tomorrow.

Chairperson McGinn adjourned the meeting at 11:44.  Next meeting will be on March 21, 2017.