Appropriations panel restores election-reform funds, shifts public printing and reviews WSI budget

The Appropriations - Education and Environment Division reviewed a string of agency budget items on Oct. 12, restoring funds for election reform and operating expenses, discussing a proposed $271,000 transfer of public printing duties from the Secretary of State to Legislative Council, and outlining one-time information-technology and building items in the Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI) budget.

Committee staff said footnote 7 restores prior savings removed elsewhere: “there was the savings, in footnote 5. There was, 1 FTE was being removed with $200,000 that $200,000 is being restored into the election reform line here in number 7,” a staff member said, explaining that $581,000 tied to three FTEs previously charged to federal and special funds is also being restored into operating expenses and the election-reform line.

Why it matters: Restoring those funds changes how positions and their operating costs are paid for and ensures continued funding for election-related projects the committee is considering to…