House Energy panel previews FY27 budget hearings, urges program-focused oversight
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Summary
Representative John Kosinski and members of the House Energy and Digital Infrastructure Committee reviewed the FY27 budget timetable, urged scrutiny of program purpose and performance indicators, and asked agencies to provide detailed budget documents ahead of testimony.
Representative John Kosinski told the House Energy and Digital Infrastructure Committee on Thursday that members should use the FY27 appropriations process to press for program purpose and measurable performance, not only line‑item increases.
The briefing, held as an informal prelude to formal testimony, laid out the committee’s plan for the coming week: hearings with the Agency of Digital Services (ADS), the Department of Public Service and community broadband representatives, plus scheduled appearances by the E‑911 board and other stakeholders. Kosinski circulated a budget summary and encouraged members to review agency budget development forms before those hearings.
“We do our best to…ask probing questions,” Kosinski said, describing how the committee evaluates whether requests are one‑time or should be added to the base budget. He urged members to seek context such as personnel changes, the expected life of a program and performance indicators that demonstrate continued value.
Committee members asked how the FY27 memo differs from past guidance. Kosinski said this cycle the committee expects agencies to explain the practical implications of proposed changes—how a new initiative would affect ongoing operations or whether a one‑time appropriation should become base funding.
Kosinski also advised members to request detailed agency budgets in advance when the summary does not reflect all line items. He offered to leave copies of department budget forms and a community broadband sheet with committee staff so members could preview the materials.
The session ended with a schedule preview: the committee will finish testimony on H527, take appearances from broadband providers and consolidated‑service proponents, and consider H710 language on single‑plant definitions. Members were reminded that the appropriations committee will also circulate a recommended date for committee budget letters to other policy panels.
Next steps: agency hearings on ADS and the Department of Public Service are set for the week; committee staff will post budget summaries and Kosinski encouraged members to visit Room 9 for follow‑up questions.