Committee reviews Department of Administration budget; governor's housing fund flagged as at risk

For the record, Frances Lippitt, a budget and policy analyst with Legislative Services, reviewed the Department of Administration’s budget and told the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee that the department’s appropriation is drawn largely from dedicated funds and that roughly 10% of the department’s appropriation comes from the general fund. Lippitt said the department houses multiple service divisions—public works, document services, purchasing and management services—and provides statewide programs including group health insurance and facility maintenance for state-owned buildings.

Lippitt said the department’s dedicated fund balances grew after the state directed general-fund surplus to capital projects in 2022 and 2023, and that two-thirds of the department’s appropriation is funded by the administration and accounting services fund, which is replenished through fees for services to other agencies. ‘‘The governor’s housing committee consists of 5 appointed members … the fund provides a monthly housing stipend to the governor currently set at 4,551,’’ Lippitt said.

Why it matters: committee members…