JFAC adds $250,000 and three FTEs to Military Division for EMS transition from Health and Welfare

The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee approved $250,000 in personnel funding and three full-time equivalent positions for the Military Division to support the transfer of the state’s emergency medical services program from the Department of Health and Welfare, a change tied to implementation of House Bill 206.

Frances Lippett, a budget and policy analyst with Legislative Services, told the committee the transfer completed in the committee’s prior day action requires additional staff because the Military Division has a smaller administrative support structure than Health and Welfare. "The military division... has 438.8 FTE, compared to 3,000," Lippett said, noting Health and Welfare provided a deeper bench of procurement, fiscal and human-resources support that will not carry over with the program.

Representative Price asked whether the additional positions were needed because Health and Welfare previously provided back-office support. Lippett confirmed the additional FTEs are intended to perform procurement, administrative and other functions that Health and Welfare had been supplying.

Senator Burkey moved to add $250,000 and three FTEs for the Military Division’s Military Management Program; Representative Galaviz seconded the motion. Senator Bjerke spoke in support, saying the change helps set the course for EMS in the state and that the military division can absorb the new program with supplemental staff. The committee recorded a majority vote in favor; recorded totals were Senate 7 ayes, 3 nays and House 9 ayes, 1 nay, for a grand total of 16 ayes and 4 nays as recorded in the hearing transcript.

The committee’s motion will forward the appropriation with a do-pass recommendation. Committee staff confirmed there was no additional language attached to this motion at the time of the vote.