Senate Human Services Committee Hears About Social Services Redesign

Social Service redesign is likely the most significant and far-reaching piece of legislation to be considered this Session and the vehicle supporting that change was introduced to the Senate Human Services Committee Monday. This committee is very familiar with this topic. Many of them last session approved the plan to shift the remaining cost of social services from counties to the state as a method to provide property tax relief. Department of Human Services Director, Chris Jones provided an in-depth look at the detailed work and study that has been done the last year and a half. He said the focus of the study has been looking at a system that can improve the process across the entire system, improve culture and remove barriers to those who need services. He stressed that the redesign plan calls for no reduction in access points.
The most dramatic changes SB2124 makes is creating 19 zones. Each zone would have a zone director, who would be a state employee. There are approximately 1,000 FTE’s in the county social service system. Under the proposed plan the state would have optional authority to move up to 200 county FTE’s to the state. Jones stated that no staff would lose employment and there would be no salary reductions, however roles could change.
“North Dakota has some inefficiencies on how human services is being delivered. Only nine states have a county-administered social service system. Surrounding states have been state administered for quite some time,” said Jones. “The current structure is the greatest barrier. The redesign proposal will allow for collaboration collectively across the state, allow for resources to be shared and eliminate any geographical or political barriers that exist.”

North Dakota Association of Counties Executive Director Terry Traynor testified in support of the

bill with some suggested changes. “Our Association is fully in support of the continuation of state funding for the delivery of county social services. This has proven to be a much more equitable means of taxpayer support of these vital services to our citizens.” Traynor explained how counties that have established multi-county districts have found efficiencies. Currently 17 counties share services of some kind. “By taking away the challenges that disparate property tax bases pose for collaboration, the Legislature has encouraged multi-county districts without a mandate.”

He explained that collectively counties have concerns with a few aspects of the plan as proposed. “We are not in support of an aggressive timetable of forced consolidation. While it is recognized that a timetable prompts action, it is believed that more time should be built into the process for counties to work together.” The plan proposes that all human service zones be approved or established by December 1, 2019. The local oversight of social services is another concern. This bill proposes that the multi-county zone administrators become state employees but provide oversight over locally employed staff. “Our Association believes this to be problematic in the process of hiring, disciplining, staff allocation, and salary decisions. Commissioners are also concerned that the role of the ‘zone board’ becomes diminished when they have no direct control over the individual responsible for ensuring adequate service delivery at the local level.”
Kim Jacobson, director of Agassiz Valley Social Service testified as well in support for the bill but

outlined several potential amendments identified by the county directors. The timeline was a top concern along with the governance structure of the zone board and the zone administrator. She called the timeline “impossible”.
Jacobson also recognized the early success of pilot projects where several counties are collaborating on specific services. “We have been able to respond more quickly to families in need and have been able to focus on the cases where families are in greatest need. We have created administrative efficiencies, shared staff, shared resources, shared supervision all with the intent of improving services to clients. The next step is to scale the pilot to expand to more areas and ultimately statewide.”

Williams County HR Director Helen Askim testified to the concerns of a divided state/county management structure and Dunn County Commissioner Robert Kleeman explained the challenges faced in large rural counties.

NDACo along with the Social Service Directors are committed to working with the committee as they review the recommendations brought forward by both groups.


The fiscal note associated with SB 2124 of $182.3 will support transition to the new model of human service zones. These funds are currently already in the Social Service fund.

Links to the testimony provided on SB 2124 can be found by following this link: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1LqNkWb48Ky1a_JOWZUO28irkwqBqi701

Schedule for Week of Jan. 14th

Find the schedule for Jan. 14-18th
Here: Week 3 Schedule

Our apologies, the full schedule was not provided in the earlier blog post. 

Highlights from the week of 1/7-1/10

It was the first full week of hearings and it was FULL of county related bills. It has been a fast and furious effort in getting bills filed. As we write this 590 bills have been filed. The total for the 2017 session was 770. Many are speculating there will be 1,000 bills filed this session. Monday marks the deadline for House bills. Senators have until the 21^st to file bills.

Below is a summary of the bills NDACo and our members were involved in this week:

The Senate Tax and Finance committee took up two bills early in the week…

SB2089 changes the Tax Department report filing deadline for railroads from April 1 to May 1, and for utility companies from April 15 to May 1, while also eliminating the two week extension period currently allowed for utility companies.  This reduces administrative paperwork for both the companies and the tax department by setting a May 1 hard deadline date which the majority of companies were opting for with the extension.

SB 2042 eliminates the special budget reporting for oil counties and schools that was established in 2009 and 2015. Current law requires each oil county and school to file a report with the Tax Commissioner within 30 days of the end of their fiscal year which includes their statement of revenue and expenditures; ending fund balances; and oil tax revenue and expenditures.  SB2042 eliminates this end of year reporting requirement for oil counties and schools. 

The House Appropriations Human Resources Division received an overview of HB 1004, the Department of Health (DOH) budget.  Following DOH testimony, local public health administrators provided testimony requesting restoration of $525,000 to State Aid which was reduced in the proposed 2019 budget.  This additional amount would keep State Aid funding at its current 2017 level.  The Committee will resume discussion on HB 1004 the week of January 21.

The House Appropriations Committee received an overview on the Department of Corrections Budget. During their overview, DOCR pitched to legislators why the Women’s Prison should be moved from New England to the MRCC, the minimum security facility in south Bismarck. This move would trigger a series of shifts within DOCR. New buildings would need to be constructed at MRCC for the women, JRCC in Jamestown, where all the minimum security males would be housed, would need an expansion and DOCR’s plan also calls for a new State Hospital and Clinic to be built in Jamestown. Lawmaker will definitely be teasing out these details when the budget goes before the subcommittee.

The House Appropriations also received an overview on the funding for the Department of Transportation.

SB 2052 is a proposal that allows a voter-approved levy of up to 5 mills to be used for school security. The Sheriffs testified in support of the bill to assist in school safety enhancements to include school resource officers.

NDACo offered an amendment on a bill that would eliminate DHS from processing inmate medical bills. The amendment would suggest health care providers should bill counties at the fee schedule established by the department of human services for the medical assistance program.

Tuesday the Senate approved a bill Auditors supported that was the product of the interim Judiciary to address some publication requirements. The bill changes who pays for the election notice for commodity group elections from the county extension fund to the ag council/commission. It also adjusts the date for when financial statements are to be published.

The House also unanimously approved a bill to allow for vehicle to be left running even while unattended as long as the brake is engaged and a bill to allow for counties to hire part-time election workers.

 Wednesday, the full Senate Appropriations Committee received an overview of the Secretary of State’s budget. NDACo was allotted a few minutes to share our deep concerns about the aging election equipment and emphasis the need to secure state funding for a new statewide voting system. Appropriations members thanked NDACo for their compelling testimony on the urgency of this issue. We will be engaged with the sub-committee assigned this budget. NDACo has conducted a survey of the condition of the election equipment which is convincing data illustrating the degree of failure experienced during the last election.

Senate Finance & Tax heard testimony from OMB supporting SB2104 and an increase in general fund oil tax allocations from the current $400 Million to $1 Billion without changing the allocation structure of the two buckets.  SB2104 also removes the end of the current biennium sunset dates for the General Fund allocations.  The Committee tabled a decision on the bill requesting more information on current bucket allocations for a future hearing discussion.

We provided supportive testimony for the increase in funding for public guardianship.

Thursday was recognized as Transportation Day at the Capitol. Memorial Hall was filled with booths staffed by groups supporting investments in infrastructure. A group of transportation supporters helped sponsor a Transportation Education breakfast where several people including Morton County Commissioner Bruce Strinden spoke about the importance of a long-term funding approach for an infrastructure plan.

 The Senate Transportation committee took additional testimony on the primary seatbelt bill. Burleigh County Sheriff Kelly Leben testified along with a representative from the ND Sheriffs and Deputies Association. NDACo supplied testimony in support of this bill during the initial hearing last Friday. The Sheriffs along with NDACo and NDCCA have resolutions supporting a primary seatbelt law.

The House Appropriations Human Resources Division received an overview of HB 1004, the Department of Health (DOH) budget.  Following DOH testimony, local public health administrators provided testimony requesting restoration of $525,000 to State Aid which was reduced in the proposed 2019 budget.  This additional amount would keep State Aid funding at its current 2017 level.  The Committee will resume discussion on HB 1004 the week of January 21.

NDACo along with Commissioners Bruce Strinden, Daryl Dukart and Charlie Adams supplied testimony in support of restoration of funding for NDSU Extension. The state budget reduction forced counties to pick up a greater share of the cost of Extension. This was a temporary agreement for calendar year 2019 only. This was an additional $420,000 shift on property tax payers in North Dakota. We emphasized that counties were put in tough positions due to local pressure’s they were already experiencing due to tight county budget constraints.

While this week was busy, next week will be a “big” week for counties… Tuesday is "Law Day" where many of our law enforcement officers will fill the Capitol. And, two of our main priority bills are on the schedule. Monday – SB 2124, Social Service Redesign will be heard in the Senate Human Services Committee and Tuesday – HB 1066, Infrastructure Funding (Prairie Dog) will be heard in House Finance and Taxation Committee. We urge county officials who are available to attend these two critical hearings if possible, particularly if you have a legislator from your county on the committee. The House Tax Committee and Senate Human Services Committee members can be found at this link: https://www.legis.nd.gov/assembly/66-2019/regular

Please check out the full schedule of county related bills here: Week 3 schedule

Governor Burgum Says ND at "Cusp" of New Era

“Today, the State of the State is that we stand at the cusp of a new era in North Dakota’s history,” Governor Burgum told North Dakota lawmakers, state officials and North Dakota citizens during his State of the State Address. His speech was filled with optimism.

“Right now, we can make smart, bold investments with long-lasting impacts --- while delivering a fiscally conservative and structurally sound budget that improves transparency --- replenishes reserves --- and does this all without raising taxes,” said Burgum.

The 33^rd Governor highlighted several of North Dakota’s rankings that showcase the state’s potential. That one report ranks North Dakota as the best quality of life in the nation, and is one of five fastest growing states percentage-wise.

He continued listing achievements, “earlier this year we were ranked the best state for millennials, with our low unemployment ---affordable housing --- and nation-leading increase in wages since 2007. And North Dakota again made the list of 10 Best States to Start a Business.”

 

North Dakota’s oil and gas producers continue to shatter production records. Daily output

increased to a record 1.39 million barrels per day in October --- strengthening North Dakota’s position as the nation’s No. 2 oil producer. The state ranks 6^th in overall energy production.

Burgum also spent time revisiting several budget initiatives he presented during his Budget Address last month. He again called on lawmakers to make investments to improve our state’s election integrity by funding new election equipment. Several other budget priorities made the speech including: state employee salaries, pension, investments in IT projects, improving transparency, behavioral health programs, community-based services, building a new behavioral health hospital and clinic, education funding, and infrastructure funding for roads, water, airports and technology.

“A perfect storm of circumstances tested our resolve during our first year in office,” reflected Burgum.  “From protests to crashing commodity prices to historic drought to having to close the largest budget gap in state history. But thanks to the unbreakable spirit of our citizens, the hard work of our state agencies, and the foresight of our elected leaders to plan for a rainy day, our state is stronger than ever.”

 

Burgum noted the tremendous progress that has been made in the last two years and committed to being focused next on solving the state’s workforce challenges.

 

As he wrapped up his speech he highlighted the importance of using the interest from the Legacy Fund in a very strategic way. He outlined his several of his proposals for Legacy Fund earnings, including: infrastructure revolving loan funds for political subdivisions and school construction projects, UAS infrastructure, IT projects and funding for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. He urged lawmakers to take up this proposal without delay.

“Swift passage will send a powerful message to all potential partners that the North Dakota Legislature understands both the lasting significance of this project and that the window for capturing this coveted prize for North Dakota is open right now.” He adds, “this and all of the Legacy Fund proposals will have lasting impacts beyond our current generation.”

Burgum ended his second State of the State Address with words of inspiration. 

 

“As we stand at the cusp of this new era, let us seize this opportunity for North Dakota to transform our image of ourselves --- to reach beyond any doubts and self-imposed limitations.

Now is the time to dream bold dreams --- to build those dreams --- and to create lasting legacies.”

Week 2 Schedule

The first full week of the 66th Legislative Session will be in full swing starting Monday. Committees have full schedules. Agency bills are many of those first out of the chute. Committee work will be the focus of the beginning of the week as lawmakers will not hold floor sessions to vote on any bills until Wednesday the 9th. Transportation Day at the Capitol will be January 10th. Other big issues we will be closely watching next week are the primary seat belt bill and funding for NDSU Extension which is included in the Extension budget.

For a look at the schedule of county related bills check out the link to the Week 2 Schedule. 

State of Judiciary Stresses Funding for PASS Programs

Chief Justice Gerald VandeWalle presented his State of the Judiciary message to legislators Thursday. In his speech were a few important funding issues. He referenced the 55.5 positions cut last session in response to the budget situation. He told lawmakers the court system is now underwater and he asked for help in regaining footing by adding 6 staff positions and creating one new judgeship. The judge would be added in the South Central Judicial District.  
His speech also focused on bringing attention to the issue of adequate funding for the Public Administrator Support System (PASS) program. Below is an excerpt from his speech on PASS. 

"This is the program created by the legislature in 2013 to provide funding for public administrators. Over the years, public administrators have become the baby no one wants to hold. They serve as the guardians of last resort for those individuals who have no one else to look after them, or who are in the unfortunate position of having family members who are unable, unwilling or not qualified to provide guardianship services. Up until the early 1990s, public administrators were county employees, appointed by the county judge. When the county judge positions were eliminated, many counties also eliminated the public administrator position. Over the years, with no clear statutory determination as to whether the function should be funded by the counties or the state, there was a continual loss of individuals willing to take on those duties. To respond to the ever-growing gap between the need for services and the number of providers available, the legislature created the PASS program. Funding for the program has been in decline since its inception and the program has been forced to rewrite its guidelines several times to reduce the number of cases it can cover and lower the daily payment rate to guardians. An additional 5 percent cut to the PASS program is being proposed this biennium. With guardians having to take more cases without compensation, and a growing list of vulnerable adults waiting for assistance, I am afraid we are in danger of sliding back into the same situation we were in before the program was created."

Governor Burgum delivered his State of the State Address as well on Thursday. We'll have a post summarizing his speech tomorrow. 

Legislative Session Begins Thursday

North Dakota legislators will convene Thursday morning for the start of the 2019 Legislative Session. North Dakota's Legislative Session is limited to 80 days, every two years. The 66th Legislative Assembly is made up of 94 Representatives and 47 Senators. 

Thursday's kick off to the session is filled with speeches: 

10-11 Tribal-State Relationship Message

11-12 State of the Judiciary

  1-2   State of the State Address

          The State of The State Address will be live streamed at: www.governor.nd.gov. 

Friday lawmakers will get right into committee work. There are 15 county-related bills on the schedule. Click here to view  Week 1 Schedule with working links.