Committee Summary for Fiscal Committee (02/20/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title
Unclear 00:05:43.616 - 12:04:29 PM	General Working Session	Unclear
Unclear 00:20:43.616 - 12:19:29 PM	General Working Session	Unclear
Unclear 00:25:00.000 - 12:23:46 PM	General Working Session	Unclear
Unclear 00:31:00.000 - 12:29:46 PM	General Working Session	Unclear

Unclear: Nathan White, CFO, Department of Health and Human Services Information Only00:05:43.616 - 12:04:29 PM; Nathan White provided an overview of two actions: acceptance of the $204 million Rural Health Transformation Grant year 1 to be received by DHHS and passed through to the GoNorth office, with minimal funds retained for allocated and indirect costs. He explained a correction to the original budget due to federal complications, making DHHS the pass-through entity. The grant is part of a five-year award, with potential for about $200 million in subsequent years based on performance and spending.
Unclear: Commissioner, Department of Health and Human Services Information Only00:07:00.000 - 12:05:46 PM; The commissioner elaborated on the grant's programmatic elements, noting that detailed spending plans including workforce increases, home equipment, and other elements would be available soon via the GoNorth website. She discussed hiring about 20 new staff for GoNorth, established by executive order allowing hiring despite the state freeze. On sustainability, she explained that funds aim to create transformative changes, such as certified behavioral health clinics and alternative payment models to offset uncompensated care, ensuring long-term viability without ongoing grant dependency.
Unclear: Senator Rosenwald Information Only00:08:00.000 - 12:06:46 PM; Senator Rosenwald requested details on the first-year spending plan for the $121 million in grants for public assistance and relief, including breakdowns for workforce, equipment, and other elements.
Unclear: Senator Birdsell Information Only00:09:00.000 - 12:07:46 PM; Senator Birdsell inquired about the hiring freeze and whether GoNorth hiring is exempt, confirming it is allowed under the governor's executive order.
Unclear: Senator Waters Information Only00:10:00.000 - 12:08:46 PM; Senator Waters asked about future grant awards, phasing, and whether funds sustain or allow expansion of services. He referenced the chart on page 2 showing budget periods.
Unclear: Senator Lang Vote00:18:00.000 - 12:16:46 PM; Senator Lang moved to approve the item.
Unclear: Chairman Weiler Information Only00:20:43.616 - 12:19:29 PM; The chairman facilitated quick approvals for tabs 10 (item 26027, Department of Transportation), 11 (items 26028 and 26029, adjusted), and noted tab 12 (item 26034, Department of Corrections) was withdrawn. He emphasized scrutiny on new money requests due to tight budgets and potential use of rainy day funds.
Unclear: Senator Gray Information Only00:22:00.000 - 12:20:46 PM; Senator Gray commented on the need for close scrutiny of overtime and new money requests, stressing that agencies must explain spending on straight time and available balances in other lines.
Unclear: Senator King Information Only00:23:00.000 - 12:21:46 PM; Senator King noted that the Department of Corrections must true up accounts and respond to questions on vacancy rates and budget lines, even after withdrawal.
Unclear: Christine Young, Director of Audits, LBA Information Only00:25:00.000 - 12:23:46 PM; Christine Young introduced the annual audits of the Unique College Investing Plan and Fidelity Advisor 529 Plan, performed by PricewaterhouseCoopers, with Sean Kay and Monica Mezepelli present.
Unclear: Sean Kay, Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers Information Only00:26:00.000 - 12:24:46 PM; Sean Kay presented the audit results, noting clean opinions issued on December 12, 2025, for the year ended September 30, 2025. They tested 100% of assets, validated pricing and existence, and found no material weaknesses, adjustments, or issues in the control environment at Fidelity. The plans oversee 70+ structures totaling over $32 billion.
Unclear: State Treasurer Monica Mezepelli Information Only00:28:00.000 - 12:26:46 PM; Treasurer Mezepelli thanked the audit team for the clean results and highlighted the plans' growth to over $32 billion, generating about $20 million in revenue this year for scholarships for low-income students. She noted quarterly oversight and successful operations.
Unclear: Senator (unnamed) Information Only00:29:00.000 - 12:27:46 PM; A senator inquired about this year's revenue from the program, receiving confirmation of $20 million, with portions to the general fund and trust for scholarships.
Unclear: Chairman Weiler Vote00:30:00.000 - 12:28:46 PM; The chairman noted the audits were placed on file and released in the usual manner.
Unclear: Chairman Weiler Information Only00:31:00.000 - 12:29:46 PM; The chairman discussed scheduling the next meeting for March 20th at 11 AM, considering conflicts with JALCAR and other committees, and noted non-controversial items allowing early adjournment.