Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Health Administration topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
House blocks office of Health and Human Services ombudsman pay increase; motion fails in House
Summary
JFAC approved a $50,000 general-fund increase for the Office of Health and Human Services Ombudsman in committee, but the motion failed to pass in the House roll call and will be revisited later.
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee considered a FY2026 request for the Office of Health and Human Services Ombudsman on Feb. 14 that sought $50,000 from the general fund for salary increases.
Ms. Williamson presented the office's request; Senator Wintrow moved the $50,000 general-fund increase and Representative Handy seconded. Senator Wintrow spoke in support and described constituent experiences that motivated the request.
Representative Price announced he would vote against the appropriation in the House, citing concerns about pay grades and that the program is brand-new and already receiving an increase. When Ms. Figueroa called the roll, the combined result was 13 ayes, 4 nays and 3 absent and excused. Because the majority in the House did not vote in the affirmative, the motion failed and will be taken up at a later date.
The committee record shows the Senate voted 8 aye, 2 nay and the House voted 5 aye, 2 nay, 3 absent and excused, producing the combined total reported on the record. The motion thus did not carry forward.
