JBC approves staff recommendation for statewide language-access coordination (BA3)

The Joint Budget Committee approved staff’s recommendation on BA3, a budget amendment proposed by the Department of Personnel to create or expand statewide language-access resources across 21 state agencies.

Julia Bova summarized the request as a $1.1 million ongoing package for 2627 that includes $627,000 general fund and 10 FTE (annualizing to 11 FTE thereafter). The request would fund half an FTE at most agencies to implement language-access plans, a coordinating FTE in the Department of Personnel’s Statewide Equity Office, and resources for translation, interpretation, training, and possible statewide price agreement for language vendors. Bova noted the department already received $100,000 under HB 25 11 53 for an assessment and had philanthropic funds still available.

Several members suggested staff recommendation would be appropriate in light of unspent funds the department has available for initial work. Vice Chair Bridges moved staff recommendation and the committee passed the motion 6–0. The committee directed staff to reflect the decision in line-item detail and follow up with requests for information on agency-level plans and expenditures.