Labor commissioner presents flat budget, highlights safety and licensing programs

The Labor Commissioner (unnamed in the transcript) told the committee this will be her eighth and final year in the role and that the department is requesting a flat budget for the coming fiscal year.

"For the eighth year in a row, we are not asking for an increase. We're asking for a flat budget," the commissioner said. She outlined the agency’s portfolio, including asbestos abatement, an OSHA occupational-safety training program offered to small businesses, a child-labor unit, licensing for trades such as alarm and locksmith and amusement-park ride inspections, and a statistical division that compiles Bureau of Labor Statistics data for the state.

The commissioner said cross-training of staff and recent salary increases reduced turnover and improved efficiency: "By increasing those salaries, we've actually saved money because of the efficiencies of not having constant turnover," she said. She also described efforts to reduce the number of occupations requiring licensure.

Committee members offered praise and personal remarks in recognition of the commissioner’s tenure; no budget votes were taken during the session.