Push to find budget savings means mid-level agency numbers could dwindle

Starting in 2019, commissioners at two state agencies could potentially have less help.

Current statute allows four deputy commissioners each at the Commerce Department and the Department of Employment and Economic Development.

HF1005, sponsored by Rep. Pat Garofalo (R-Farmington), would cut the number from four to one. Current deputy commissioners could serve until Jan. 1, 2019, but vacancies before then would not be filled.

The goals, Garofalo said, are budget savings and reprioritizing service delivery to taxpayers in the areas of regulatory enforcement and economic development. He said a fiscal note has been requested.

The House Government Operations and Elections Policy Committee, on a divided voice-vote, approved the bill and sent it to the House Job Growth and Energy Affordability Policy and Finance Committee, which Garofalo chairs. There is no Senate companion.