It is with interest that I've read the various opinions published in the Anchorage Daily News about the impact of budget cuts to the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). My job on the Senate Finance Committee is to chair the subcommittee on DEC's budget. That includes talking with the Commissioner of DEC about her priorities, and to persons regulated by or familiar with the department.

Before we talk about reductions, let's focus on what DEC still has: $47 million - that's an increase over last year due to additional federal funds for Village Safe Water projects. The Legislature authorized $1.7 million to be used to collect data about pollution/impairment levels in water bodies and to determine if best management practices are being used to protect salmon habitat. We maintained level funding for the portion of DEC that verifies facility and vessel operators have adequate resources to respond to oil spills ($2.4 million). We authorized $4.3 million to Alaskanize water quality permits and to ensure that decisions about water quality in Alaska are made with input from Alaskans.

As we began negotiations for this year's budget, DEC asked for 15 new employees and a $2.4 million increase - at a time when the state was facing a billion-dollar deficit for Fiscal Year 2000. Commissioner Michele Brown stated that she could not suggest any items in her proposed budget that could be reduced. My goal was and continues to be a smaller, smarter government that is responsive to Alaskans and not burdensome to small business.

We said "no" to 15 new positions at DEC. We said, "contract out to private business some of the aspects of Village Safe Water programs". We said, "get a handle on how federal water quality monies are being spent and what scientific benefits Alaska is getting in return." We said, "we believe water quality permit writers are more important to the health and environment of Alaska than two public information officers who put out newsletters and update websites." DEC disagreed.

The budget process is guided by the separation of powers doctrine. In other words, the Legislature has the responsibility to write the checks, but the Executive branch can choose to spend that money on books or candy, essential services or frills. In the case of DEC, the Commissioner has, in my opinion, made some unwise choices about how to spend her budget.

Every department's budget, including the Governor and the Legislature, received a 1.5% cut to personnel and a 10% reduction in travel. DEC's eventual share of that reduction is about $213,000. Consider that DEC has more than $2.6 million in its travel budget. $2.6 million for travel - and Commissioner Michele Brown tells us she has no choice but to lay off water quality division employees. The public information officers are safe, though.

As to the reductions to the Food Safety and Sanitation (FSS) program, Conference Committee actions left FSS $339,000 short of last year's funding level. To meet the $339,000 reduction in general funds, FSS director Janice Adair laid off seven inspectors and one administrative clerk, and allowed the meat and poultry inspection program to return to the federal government (USDA).

DEC has not yet answered why it chose this action instead of laying off four inspectors and an administrative clerk - total salaries of which would more than cover the $339,000 reduction. It is interesting that to add four new employees DEC had wanted (but didn't get) for this program would have cost $330,000. But, to meet a $339,000 reduction DEC claims it must lay off seven inspectors, a clerk and compromise food safety.

DEC is achieving savings only through lay offs, not through reductions in travel or other areas of its budget. According to an article in the Anchorage Press (July 8-14, 1999/Vol. 8, Ed.27) on bear spray, a DEC employee is quoted as saying, "But, starting next year... if unregistered bear sprays are found in stores during marketplace inspections (they do about 30 a year), retailers will be penalized." DEC has time to watch over bear repellent, but cannot inspect seafood or meat and poultry operations?

We will continue to seek reductions in government next session. The Legislative majority has a goal of reducing state general fund spending by $30 million in next year's budget. Now that oil prices have increased and the state is overspending by only $700 million, some will believe we are out of the woods. We are committed, though, to further reducing and consolidating government.