The Interim

Legislative Finance Committee

Organizational Meeting May 22, 2017

Committee: Legislative Finance Committee
Author: Amy Carlson
Posted on June 1, 2017

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The first meeting of the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) following the 2017 legislative session was held in Helena on May 22, 2017.  The committee met briefly in the State Capitol to appoint new officers, adopt new rules, and hear reports. Representative Nancy Ballance (R) was elected chair, Senator Cynthia Wolken (D) Vice-Chair, and Representative Marilyn Ryan (D) secretary.

The Legislative Fiscal Division (LFD) staff provided an updated general fund status sheet, FY 2017 budget status report, Medicaid monitoring report, and summary of the Legislative Branch website usage during the 2017 session.  LFD staff indicated that year-to-date revenues were 0.5% higher than FY 2016 revenues were at the same point. 

The LFC also received required reports from the Department of Administration (DOA).  The LFC oversees state IT policy and therefore receives reports at each meeting.

After the formal meeting concluded, members moved to Helena College to discuss the 2019 biennium interim work plan.  During the informal work session, the members chose the following work plan options:

  • Form a subcommittee of the LFC to follow a metrics-based approach to program review as outlined in HB 639.  Subcommittee members were not fully determined.
  • LFD staff will initiate a customer satisfaction survey, seeking guidance and recommendations from the Office of Legislative Information Technology.
  • Lead the study on state supported laboratories as directed by HB 661.
  • Direct staff to develop training guides and improve operations of the budget subcommittees during session.
  • Study the funding formula for community colleges using LFD staff, the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education staff, and the Office of Budget and Program Planning staff.

The next meeting is scheduled for September 25-26, 2017.  Additional information may be obtained on the committee web page: http://leg.mt.gov/css/Committees/Administration/Finance/2018-19/2017-lfc-default.asp

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