Agencies urge full operating adjustments and warn against removing grant-administration authority

Representatives of state agencies and state-funded institutions testified to the conference committee May 12 that operating adjustments recommended in the governor’s budget are needed to cover rising costs and to preserve core services, and several urged the committee not to eliminate statutory authority that allows agencies to use a portion of grant funds for administration and oversight.

Britta Rayton (Deputy Commissioner, Minnesota Management and Budget) told the committee she appreciated inclusion in the Senate position of the governor’s full operating adjustment and cautioned that adding functions — such as a Healthy Aging subcabinet — without full funding would create challenges. Rayton asked for "further conversation to ensure the scope of the activities required can be accomplished within the amount appropriated."

Brandon Hirsch, director of government relations for Minnesota IT Services (MNIT), said adopting the governor’s recommended operating adjustment as reflected in the Senate position would sustain statewide initiatives including cybersecurity, school and local…