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Health and Welfare budget hearing spotlights vacancies, IT consolidation and $925 million federal rural health award

Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) · January 16, 2026
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Summary

Budget analysts and department leaders told JFAC that Health and Welfare has carried about an 8% vacancy rate, reverted 30.87 positions during a review, plans to shift 58 IT positions to a central OIT unit and is preparing to implement an approximately $925 million CMS rural health transformation award with requested positions and one-time operating funds.

Alex Williamson, a budget and policy analyst with Legislative Services, opened the Department of Health and Welfare's division-level deep dive by describing the department's organizational structure, five-year spending history and staffing levels. "The Department of Health and Welfare is currently authorized 3,029.64 FTP. As of the November, there were 252 vacant positions," she said, noting an approximate 8% vacancy rate and that detailed division slides would follow.

Michael Pearson, deputy director of operations for the agency, introduced senior staff and said Director Sharon (not present) sent apologies. Pearson and agency staff answered committee questions on vacancies and grant implementation.

Misty Lawrence, the department's…

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