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Committee backs Senate increase for Drive Electric but flags staff reductions
Summary
Conference committee members agreed with the Senate position to add $50,000 for Drive Electric but several members noted recent agency reductions in force and split committee views about ongoing staffing and service impacts.
The conference committee signaled agreement with the Senate position to add an extra $50,000 for Drive Electric but members stressed concern about recent agency workforce reductions and how those cuts could affect service levels.
Staff noted that the extra $50,000 in the Senate position was part of the $1.7–$1.75 million transfer in the draft. Committee member said members took testimony from Drive Electric, including an account from a former employee, and that “they would be able to continue with the level of service and their employees to make it through the year,” while acknowledging split views among members.
One member recalled hearing emotionally impactful testimony from a young engineer who lost her job after having a newborn and said that testimony influenced members’ positions. Another member reiterated that while the committee concurs with the senate’s funding position, they wanted to “remind how serious it is for those that do not have employment with the agency anymore.”
No formal vote was recorded in committee; members agreed to retain the Senate funding language for Drive Electric in the draft while noting the workforce concerns and asking staff to preserve the testimony record for further consideration.
