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OLM reports generator replacements, capital work after governor’s $5M lapse
Summary
Office of Legislative Management staff told the committee that a backup generator failure prompted replacement work, and staff outlined ongoing capital projects and vendor changes after the governor removed $5 million from the budget.
Office of Legislative Management officials told the Appropriations Committee that they are replacing backup generators and continuing a range of capital projects after the governor removed $5 million from the agency's proposed budget.
"Yes. Yes," Chris Perlow replied when asked whether the personnel-services increase included raises for nonpartisan staff, and Perlow and the finance team said they were reviewing how to use any lapsed funds. Perlow said a temporary generator is in place after an incident near Pulaski Circle shorted the building's older backup generators, and that a new permanent generator is being built.
Perlow described multiple ongoing projects: sidewalks and paving recently completed, work on the garage and skylights, modernization of elevators and escalators, and a plan to replace the west revolving door. He said the Legislative Office Building generator that failed dates to about 36–37 years and was at end of life.
Why it matters: the lapse of $5 million in the governor's proposal reduces discretionary capital funding; OLM officials said the largest maintenance projects are under way but that some longer-term projects remain.
Committee members asked for a list of upcoming and completed projects; OLM said it would provide a list of projects to the committee. Members also asked about cafeteria operations under a new vendor; OLM staff said the self-pay kiosk on the third floor is performing well and catering operations are strong despite some initial payment glitches.
Representatives asked for timelines: Perlow said new backup generators should arrive this summer or after the legislative session and that the capital generator installation will be a longer, crane-assisted operation. Staff also noted work needed to access wiring under the House chamber floor.
The Commission on the World, represented in the hearing, reported no major changes to its budget and named Melvette Hill as its new executive director; OLM staff said the commission's budget request was "in line with what they need." No committee votes were recorded in the segment.
