Committee Summary for Fiscal Committee (05/16/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
Unclear 00:06:36.560 - 10:03:17 AM	General Working Session	Unclear

Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:06:36.560 - 10:03:17 AM; The speaker called the fiscal committee meeting to order on May 16, 2025, and discussed a request to change the rules and procedures. This change would allow for de facto approval of the American Rescue Plan through December 2026 and the bipartisan infrastructure law bills to June 30, 2027. The change was approved with a motion by Senator Rosenwald and a second by President Carson.
Unclear: Senator Gray Information Only00:08:07.039 - 10:04:48 AM; Senator Gray moved to approve the minutes from the last meeting on April 18th. The motion was seconded by Senator Rosenald, and the minutes were adopted without further discussion.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:08:07.039 - 10:04:48 AM; The speaker discussed the consent calendar, noting items removed from tabs 4 through 7. The rest of the consent calendar was adopted with the noted exceptions.
Unclear: Charlie Arlinghouse, Commissioner of Administrative Services Information Only00:09:31.519 - 10:06:12 AM; Charlie Arlinghouse addressed questions regarding utility charges at the Laconia property. He clarified that the charges were not solely for heating but included utility costs, particularly related to the Winnipegasi River Basin Project. He noted that these costs had increased significantly due to the project's charges and explained that the state would not renegotiate the agreement as the property was being sold.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:11:30.240 - 10:08:11 AM; The speaker continued the discussion on the Laconia property, focusing on the utility charges and the agreement with the Winnipegasi River Basin Project. They questioned the drastic increase in charges and the implications for the property's sale, noting that the new buyer would need to negotiate their own agreement with the project.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:13:40.800 - 10:10:21 AM; The speaker discussed the financial implications of the utility charges for the Laconia property, noting that the costs were for the entire year despite the property being sold. They mentioned that all utility charges would be reconciled at the final closing, expected in about 12 months.
Unclear: Kathleen Carr, Director of Administration, Department of Justice Information Only00:14:39.600 - 10:11:20 AM; Kathleen Carr clarified that the funding for the temporary fourth pathologist was not included in the 2627 budget as it was deemed unnecessary.
Unclear: Senator Rosenol Information Only00:15:26.320 - 10:12:07 AM; Senator Rosenol moved item FIS-2115, which was seconded by Senator Birdsell, and the item was adopted without further discussion.
Unclear: Henry Litman, State's Medicaid Director Information Only00:16:29.680 - 10:13:10 AM; Henry Litman explained the flow of money within the Medicaid managed care organizations, including a 2% withhold in the capitation rate to ensure quality and operational metrics are met. The withheld funds create an incentive pool for MCOs to improve performance, which has been part of the program since the 2018-24 procurement and strengthened in the recent 3.0 procurement. This system has led to better performance and competition among plans, and has helped reduce Medicaid enrollment by about 11,000 individuals in the past year through targeted outreach.
Unclear: Nathan White, Chief Financial Officer, Department of Health and Human Services Information Only00:20:02.440 - 10:16:43 AM; Nathan White added that the withheld funds are redistributed based on performance metrics, ensuring that all funds are eventually used within the program to meet actuarial standards.
Unclear: Jared Shakoy, Commissioner, Department of Energy Information Only00:25:13.919 - 10:21:54 AM; Jared Shakoy explained that the Department of Energy decided not to fill a position due to existing staff capabilities, space constraints, and budget considerations.
Unclear: Senator Gray Information Only00:26:16.400 - 10:22:57 AM; Senator Gray moved to approve several items including 25114 and 25131, which were seconded and adopted without further discussion.
Unclear: Committee Members Information Only00:27:24.760 - 10:24:05 AM; The committee discussed and adopted various items on the agenda, including school security improvement projects. They also scheduled the next meeting for June 20th at 11:00 AM in room 100 or possibly Reps Hall, depending on the size of the audience.