Committee approves supplemental budget items, including provision to let late hires serve full 12 months

A legislative committee approved several language items in its supplemental budget and adopted a provision meant to allow employees hired late because of delayed funding to serve a full 12‑month term.

The action came as members voted on discrete sections of the supplemental budget. The clerk announced the tally for several votes, including that "I have 6 members voting in favor" and later that "I have 9 members voting in favor" for part ZZ, with 2 opposed recorded on that item.

Committee discussion on part ZZ centered on the effect of funding delays on start dates. A committee member supporting the language said that when funding did not arrive until after July 1 and an employee started, for example, Oct. 1, "they would be able to work the full 12 months, the full year." That explanation was offered as the committee considered whether the hiring period should count toward a full year of service.

The panel also accepted language votes on parts described in the record as part G, part I (the latter noted as "regarding the postal service"), and part S; the clerk recorded 6 in favor and 5 opposed for several of those parts. The chair said the supplemental budget section and report back were complete.

Members were instructed to submit any narrative they wanted added to the record by 5:00 p.m. today to staff. The chair asked members who were absent to call Kristen or Representative Farren so votes could be recorded before a final report is prepared for AFA review tomorrow.

The committee adjourned after the business concluded.