The 3rd meeting of the Interim Joint Committee on Seniors, Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection was held on Thursday, September 2, 2004, at 1:00 PM, in Room 131 of the Capitol Annex. Representative Mike Weaver, Chair, called the meeting to order, and the secretary called the roll.
Present were:
Members: Senator Dan Seum, Co-Chair; Representative Mike Weaver, Co-Chair; Senators Walter Blevins, Tom Buford, Joey Pendleton, Richard Roeding, Katie Stine, Elizabeth Tori, and Jack Westwood; Representatives Sheldon Baugh, Carolyn Belcher, Tom Burch, Bill Farmer, Danny Ford, Mary Harper, Tanya Pullin, Steve Riggs, Tom Riner, Charles Siler, Dottie Sims, and Jim Thompson.
Guests: Chuck Fletcher and Don Dixon.
LRC Staff: Scott Varland, Clint Newman, Amy Hauser, and Wanda Riley.
The first item on the agenda was a discussion of the current federal military Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC 2005) procedure that is entering its critical stages and will conclude in 2005. This procedure will determine the future of such Kentucky military bases as Fort Campbell and Fort Knox. Co-Chair Weaver introduced BG (Ret.) Jim Shane, Executive Director, Kentucky Commission on Military Affairs (KCMA).
General Shane began by expressing his appreciation for the support of the co-chairs and the Committee that has enabled the Kentucky Commission on Military Affairs to produce and pursue a bold strategy to protect Kentucky's military installations. He asked for further support as BRAC 2005 decisions are made. General Shane gave an initial overview of the authorization and mission of the KCMA. Established in 1997, the Commission serves as the caretaker of military installations throughout Kentucky with the goals of preserving and expanding national defense. BRAC will provide an opportunity to expand Kentucky's infrastructure. With the sixth largest number of army service members in the nation and as one of largest states with military presence in the nation, BRAC poses a high risk to Kentucky, but General Shane expressed optimism in keeping our installations and growing them. He also noted the demographic and $5 billion annual economic impact of the military in Kentucky. Base closures since 1988 have impacted Kentucky negatively, including losses of over 13,500 people and $235 million in payroll. Knowing this, the KCMA realized it was critical that Kentucky protect its interests during BRAC 2005.
Senator Roeding asked what caused the loss of 8,000 personnel and $125 million at Fort Knox. General Shane said that the 194th Brigade was lost due to a force structure decision. As was the case in this situation, force structure and base realignment are connected and will be again in BRAC 2005.
Co-Chair Weaver said that losing the dual mission at Fort Knox had an adverse impact. General Shane said that the gain or loss of about 1,000 soldiers in the Fort Knox community costs approximately $1.2 million in tax revenues annually.
Senator Roeding asked what measures have been taken to prevent further losses at Fort Knox during BRAC 2005. General Shane stated that he would explain the process, the plans that have been made, and the strategies to deal with each outcome.
General Shane continued with the economic summary and said that the impact on local communities is the main consideration. He is positive about Kentucky's posture and the organized way BRAC 2005 has been handled in the time leading up to the decisions. Kentucky is protecting its interests and has a strong delegation in Washington who has been prepared to deal with the Army's decision making apparatus, the defense structure, and the Commission.
General Shane discussed the changing strategic environment. The current military force structure cannot do the things the nation needs done. For the first time in many years, it will likely fail its recruiting mission in 2005-2006. Today, homeland security is a top priority, and global troop repositioning will further impact the nation. The KCMA must ensure that all Kentucky state and Congressional leaders understand how to respond to the changes and how to put Kentucky in the best position. However, the current military environment also impacts BRAC. There are numerous force structure changes, particularly Army transformation. Other changes include: an increased number of brigades, the Stryker vehicle, and the Future Combat System (FCS). Fort Knox is the center of excellence for looking at the FCS for the joint fighting force. The repositioning of ten Brigade Combat Team Unit of Actions (BCTUA) was recently announced. Some observers were surprised that Fort Knox did not get a brigade. However, this is no cause for alarm, because Fort Knox will be eligible for further repositioned BCTUA over the next two years. Currently, the Army is repositioning forces, looking again at restructuring, and what needs to be cut. This complex military environment is the background for BRAC decisions. At this time, data calls are complete and being used to determine what capacity and capability installations have to take on new missions or merge new missions in the future.
General Shane remarked on the impact of the November Presidential election on BRAC. Under a Republican president, BRAC will move forward, because the need exists to transform and to save money. Under a Democratic president, it is also likely that BRAC will continue. Though Senator Kerry has suggested that he may defer two years, get another assessment, and then move forward, his Chairman of the joint chiefs has said BRAC would continue. All information suggests BRAC will continue, because it is the wise and prudent thing to do for our defense.
General Shane provided information on the members of Kentucky's BRAC team. Kentucky's Congressional delegation is getting a complete review and update on Fort Knox and Fort Campbell. Kentucky has two Washington, D.C. BRAC consulting firms: the Rhoads Group and Public Private Solutions Group, Inc. The Rhoads Group has a great reputation and are highly competent and experienced. Public Private Solutions Group, having high technical capabilities, was the only group successful during BRAC 1995 in getting an installation off the base closure list. There is a strong relationship between the KCMA and all of Kentucky's advocates. Strategy from now until the end of BRAC is very important. Kentucky must fund its two consulting groups. The Governor budgeted a little over $1 million for this purpose, but without a budget, this money is restricted. This is being addressed to ensure the necessary money is available to protect our installations. Governor Fletcher has given assurances that he will act and provide the resources to finish our progress. The restricted funds have not deterred progress as our groups continue to work hard. General Shane will be in Washington next week working with Kentucky's team on detailed tactics and plans for the upcoming 60-90 days. The BRAC timeline includes three key decision points. The first decision will be in December 2004. At this time, the Army makes the initial recommendation to the Secretary of Defense on installations to close or realign. The time between August and December is critical. The second decision occurs in May 2005. The Secretary of Defense will review the lists from the joint cross servicing groups and send them back for clarification and later submit his list to the Base Closure and Realignment Commission. The third decision occurs September 2005. The Commission will review the list and submit its proposal to the President who has 45 days to act. Each of these decisions will either be favorable or unfavorable to Kentucky. If a decision is favorable, the plan is to have our delegation and leadership in the state support the Army's decision and ensure the decision does not change due to pressure from states dissatisfied with the outcome. If an unfavorable decision results, the decision will be examined, a technical assessment performed, the decision rebutted, and the decision makers engaged to turn it around. Our Congressional delegation and local communities will play a big role in this. However, unfavorable outcomes are not expected.
He concluded by stating that our BRAC team is "cautiously optimistic." We are cautious to avoid surprise at any point. Opportunities for Kentucky will come through force structure changes and BRAC decisions, which are linked. Sources indicate that Kentucky's military value is high both in contribution to defense and army transformation. Kentucky is prepared and ready to respond to favorable and unfavorable scenarios. Our BRAC team is vigilant and working hard. The KCMA anticipates growth of Kentucky's installations as a result of BRAC 2005.
Co-Chair Seum asked about global troop redeployment. General Shane said that this involves troops from outside the country returning to the United States. He noted that this could benefit Kentucky. Co-Chair Seum also inquired about the relationship ratio of 100,000 civilians for every 70,000 active duty for global troop redeployment. General Shane said that this is just a projected number associated with those installations that may be closed and redeployed.
Representative Farmer referred to a draft list circulating and asked if Kentucky installations are on it. General Shane said that the draft list is speculative at best and not valid. Currently, the Army is working through scenario development on realignment and closure, and no decisions have been made at this time.
Representative Pullin asked for clarification on the Army's failure to meet the 2005-2006 recruiting requirements. General Shane said that experts have discussed the strong possibility that United States Recruiting Command will not meet its goals for this time period. Representative Pullin also asked if the Cabinet for Economic Development was involved with the KCMA in BRAC, because BRAC is an economic development issue. General Shane stated that the Cabinet for Economic Development is aware of base closure initiatives, but they are not involved in the process nor has their assistance been requested. The Cabinet would become engaged under two situations: 1) assisting the communities if there is an adverse outcome for our installations; or 2) examining opportunities that may exist to develop new business in the future if there is a positive outcome. KCMA is working with the Commerce Cabinet and the Cabinet for Economic Development on a separate initiative. This initiative focuses on Kentucky business and involves meeting in Washington with key executives in defense industries and discussing how Kentucky's small businesses can improve in business with the federal government. Secretary Strong and Secretary Host both support this initiative.
Co-Chair Weaver added that Secretary Host is planning a trip to Fort Knox on October 6. Two hundred fifty lucrative Fort Knox contracts have been offered to contractors. Kentucky does not have any of these, because bids have not been submitted on the contracts. Secretary Host wants to find out what the contracts are and then inform the universities, colleges, and small businesses throughout the state of those opportunities. This coincides with General Shane's efforts. General Shane said that the leaders in Washington of the defense industry firms need to know what Kentucky has to offer to improve business. He said Governor Fletcher is including such improvement in his strategy for the state.
Representative Thompson asked, though each round of base closing is unique, if the initial recommendations made to the Secretary of Defense generally stand in the final decisions. General Shane said it depends on what stage it is discovered the recommendations will be unfavorable. If a recommendation leaves the Army, the probability of the recommendation remaining intact is probably 90%. Generally speaking, the further along in the process, the more difficult it is to change a decision. If Kentucky receives an unfavorable decision, Public Private Solutions will try, using the Army's models, to prove the Army's numbers wrong.
Representative Baugh asked about the reason that Fort Knox did not receive any of the ten BCTUA. General Shane said that Fort Knox presented its case and indicated it had the capability and capacity to handle one of the brigades. Fort Knox was considered for the brigades and will continue to be competitive for later BCTUA. These repositioning decisions depend on BRAC decisions and could change as a result. It appears the Army has not determined what role Fort Knox is going to play in the transformation. The Army probably felt that other installations were a better choice for these particular brigades than Fort Knox. Representative Baugh asked if this means that Fort Knox is at risk for closure. General Shane said that Kentucky's installations have high military value according to his information. He believes Fort Knox will survive and benefit from BRAC. Also, the installations receiving one of the ten BCTUA had a connection to them in some way. Kentucky did benefit from the decisions, because Fort Campbell got one of the BCTUA. Co-Chair Weaver noted that Fort Campbell received a fourth combat brigade which fits in closely with the mission of the 101st Airborne. Fort Campbell does a lot of training at Wendell Ford Training Center in western Kentucky and at Fort Knox, and training at these facilities should increase with the new brigade.
Senator Blevins asked if the Commission was getting the $1 million it needed. General Shane said that they will receive the money from the capital expenditure fund in the Governor's budget.
Senator Stine asked whether the prediction on the recruiting goals mentioned for 2005-2006 are only for Kentucky and how recent is this information. General Shane answered that it is a nationwide prediction, and the information is less than 30 days old. Co-Chair Weaver noted that Fort Knox, as home of the U.S. Army Recruiting Command, would be a good location if a decision is made to combine recruiting with all forces and consolidate it in one place.
Representative Riner asked about legislation introduced in Congress to create draft boards and to restart the draft. General Shane stated that he felt that this nation would not readily accept such action. It is only a prediction that recruitment may not meet its goals for this time due to the current changing environment and some constraints on the military. Despite this, there is no meaningful move to bring back the draft. Co-Chair Weaver said that draft legislation was introduced in Congress, but it is dead.
Co-Chair Weaver asked what help the Commission needed from the Committee to ensure the consulting groups are funded. He noted that the groups were first paid from $250,000 the Committee got on an off-budget cycle last year from the LRC. The Governor had included in his budget $600,000 to continue that into this year and through 2005. General Shane said that the money will be available for the consulting groups. The money has not, under the Governor's restrictions, been appropriated to hire our consultant firms as of this date. However, the Governor has given his word that this is a priority, and he is working with the budget office. Everyone agrees that this money is important for the Commonwealth, but it must be handled consistently with the restrictions on the Governor's spending. This Committee needs to continue to support on a nonpartisan basis our military installations and recognize that these types of investments and commitments are important to the viability and survival of our bases during this tough process. The KCMA could not have achieved what it has without the bipartisan support of the Committee, the Speaker of the House, and the President of the Senate to come up with the initial $250,000. This has given us confidence in Kentucky's position for success in BRAC. Co-Chair Weaver noted the bipartisan concern that the KCMA has not had access to the $600,000 during July and August and may not for September. The co-chairs are willing to try another approach if necessary to get the money like last time. General Shane said that General Storm was willing to look elsewhere for the funding if necessary. General Shane expressed his appreciation for the concern and support of the Committee.
Co-Chair Weaver said that Weather Preparedness was the next item on the Agenda. The two speakers were Malcolm Franklin, Director of the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management (KyEM), and Stacy Floden, Public Information Officer and Chair of the Kentucky Weather Preparedness Committee (KWPC).
Malcolm Franklin began by informing the Committee that Kentucky Emergency Management has people in Florida to assist with the hurricanes. He next gave an overview of the two main weather alert systems. The first is the Emergency Alert System (EAS), a federal system mandated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), with the primary purpose of getting presidential messages out to every person. The FCC reports that the system is old and is in need of reform. Kentucky's system is in better shape than many other states but still needs major work, because the system is outdated. EAS is a radio-transmitted system, and law requires that every radio, cable, and television system have the equipment to receive EAS messages. However, except for presidential messages, some stations do not transmit certain messages because it is voluntary at the state and local level. EAS operates through a network of calls. The second system is the National Weather Service (NWS) alert system. Unlike the EAS, the NWS operates through a series of multiple transmitters throughout the state that triggers weather alert radios. This also automatically activates the EAS System. Therefore, the NWS determines the watches and warnings and is the first to notify the public. Weather radios cost $30-$50 each. In March, a statewide tornado drill was conducted and a survey followed to get feedback on the results. The successful test demonstrated that 24 counties in Kentucky did not have weather radios. It is not mandated that every county have a radio, but it is recommended because it is the first warning that can be received.
Senator Stine asked if areas that are unable to get a warning signal from the weather service can get it on the internet. Mr. Franklin responded that the NWS does not transmit over the internet directly. To his knowledge, there is not an automatic system from NWS that would flash up an alert. Therefore, the website would have to be on a screen at all times for a person to know about a warning. This development is likely in the future, however, as well as on cellular phones. An antenna could be bought to serve the locations where normal radios with a pull-up antenna will not work to receive signals.
Senator Buford asked about early warnings through satellites attached to a home, including movie channels. Mr. Franklin said a warning does not come up on all cable channels. Unless one subscribes to a local station on the satellite system that receives a signal from a local station, a warning would not be received. It does not play down into the movie channels either. Senator Buford suggested that the federal government mandate such warnings on movie satellite channels.
Co-Chair Seum was concerned about the 24 counties that are without radios and asked if there was a reason why weather radios are not mandated. Mr. Franklin said that many new things were tried during the test in March, and this is the first year these counties without radios were identified. There is no legislation that requires a county to have a weather radio. Co-Chair Seum asked if any of the counties had radios that were not working during the test. Mr. Franklin said that he was not aware of any, stating that the counties receive notice about the upcoming test. Co-Chair Seum then asked who at the local level would be responsible for having the radio in place. Mr. Franklin responded that it would be the local county director of emergency management. Often, the 911 administrator would have to bear the cost for the radio. Co-Chair Seum, noting that this is a small amount of money, said legislation may be needed to get people tuned in to the system. Co-Chair Seum also asked if the 24 counties were generally rural counties. Stacy Floden said the counties were not all rural. Franklin county was one county without a radio, but she believes the Emergency Management director purchased a radio after the survey was conducted. Co-Chair Seum asked how a rural county without a radio and without cable receives the warnings. Mr. Franklin said a siren system is one way. Besides that, it is the goal of KyEM for every household and business to have a weather radio. After consistently working with the schools, almost every school has a weather radio now. Before the next March test, he will contact the mayors and judge-executives of these areas to ensure that they have the earliest possible warning device. Co-Chair Seum asked if any other warnings come through this radio other than weather, such as homeland security messages. Mr. Franklin stated that it is being discussed at the national level though this does not occur currently. For example, in the Richmond chemical weapons area, there is consideration of also putting chemical weapons messages on the tone alert radio. Co-Chair Seum expressed his amazement that areas are disconnected despite today's technology. Mr. Franklin said that the Capitol and the Annex were once a tough place to receive signals from the weather service but an additional 20 transmitters were placed in Kentucky to cover those shadow areas. This is an ongoing process.
Co-Chair Weaver said that he was disturbed that counties lacked low cost radios, and that a drill was needed to discover this. There seems to be a breakdown in the emergency management system information flow, and another drill may find additional breakdowns. The cost is minimal to get the radios, and each county should have one. It is crucial that communication occur with all 120 counties. Mr. Franklin clarified that the counties without radios were 911 systems outside of KyEM's normal chain of command. All 120 counties' emergency management programs are working together. The breakdown is at the local level where centers are lacking the suitable equipment.
Mr. Franklin continued his presentation by addressing weather radar in Kentucky. Five radar stations provide excellent coverage to Kentucky. They are located in Louisville, Paducah, Jackson, Wilmington, Ohio, and Charleston, West Virginia. In addition, several television stations in Lexington and Louisville have very sophisticated radar systems.
Stacy Floden spoke on current events in weather preparedness. The tornadoes that recently passed through Fayette County raised many concerns. After speaking with the NWS, it was discovered that NWS cannot always identify a specific tornado. With the Fayette storms, severe storm warnings and tornado watches were sent out, and television and radio stations were on the air nonstop through the storm systems. Once the television and radio become aware of a severe storm warning, the public receives warnings and notice that a tornado is possible. By the time the radar and NWS give the tornado warning, it often has already hit. This is why the watches and severe storm warnings are important. FEMA came in and was very surprised, after seeing the damage in the state, that there were not numerous deaths. There were no deaths and no serious injuries. Tone alert radios are necessary in such situations as they provide the latest safety information. The radios run on batteries, a useful feature since electricity can be lost at any time during a storm. KyEM believes that the system did work during the storms, providing watches and warnings to get prepared.
Ms. Floden discussed several ways Kentucky is encouraging preparedness. Over the past year, KWPC formed a partnership with a group called Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH). FLASH is also partnered with FEMA. FLASH provides more resources to get out to Kentuckians on preparing for bad weather. The KWPC has been operating for years and has representatives located across the state. With the mission to prepare people, KWPC uses tools such as a new brochure and public service announcements, in both English and Spanish, to educate on severe weather. Another way to be prepared is to practice. Each year a tornado drill is conducted in March and an earthquake drill is conducted in October. This provides an opportunity to test each system and see if signals are properly received. The drills also help identify problems. The NWS has developed the Storm Ready Program with the goal of having all 120 counties involved. Each county must fill out an application and meet certain requirements to be considered storm ready, including possession of a tone alert radio. Full compliance with the program has not been achieved by any state.
Ms. Floden continued with a brief discussion of educational efforts being utilized and developed. First, the Weather Spotting Program trains individuals to recognize certain weather who then assist during a weather emergency. Second, every year in March or April, KET airs a call-in show where citizens ask questions and receive answers from knowledgeable professionals in this field. Third, local emergency managers and meteorologists talk to civic groups and schools. Fourth, state, federal, and local agencies try to communicate with one another to find a better way to prepare and educate. Additionally, there is a KWPC monthly focus on the website of KyEM to educate on a certain weather topic. KWPC wants a website of its own to raise awareness. Until the message gets out to everyone, there is still work to be done. Training and preparedness are important in every community in the state. Tone alert radios are also a key tool. The March drill revealed that some of the weather radios had dead batteries, so the message to change the batteries regularly must be communicated. The media assists KyEM in spreading these kinds of messages and educating the community.
Representative Farmer was concerned that the Lexington television stations provided better and faster information than the NWS during the storms in May. He asked if there is any mechanism to coordinate communication between the NWS and the local television stations. Ms. Floden said that she spoke to the NWS about the incident and why the radars are located certain places. She was told that coverage by radars in the smaller cities is greater. The NWS has a small staff of five to six meteorologists. Meanwhile, the television stations are upgrading their weather systems to compete with other stations, and the NWS is often used as a backup system. The NWS is willing to listen, but they are doing their job simultaneously. Each place is trying to get the message out at the same time, and it may be an issue of who gets the signal first. Mr. Franklin added that he is uncertain about communication between the federal agency and the outside agencies, but he reasoned that the small staff at the NWS centers was a factor. Representative Farmer said that there appears to be a communication problem. Mr. Franklin said that he would pose the question to the NWS.
Senator Tori asked if these weather radios are the same ones sold in retail stores. Mr. Franklin said that they are sold in retail stores. The new ones can be tuned into the local service transmitters to receive local information. A radio can be plugged in and has a battery backup.
Co-Chair Weaver asked if the drill in March 2003 identified any issues. Mr. Franklin said this was the first time the survey had been conducted. There was concern about delay in some local jurisdictions getting the signals, and this issue is being addressed. Many locations went out immediately after KyEM identified the problem and corrected it. Co-Chair Weaver said that he sees a difference in identifying a problem in March of 2004 after doing these drills for many years and identifying and correcting the problem after the first drill. Mr. Franklin said that he believes that 90-95% will have the proper equipment by the October drill.
Chuck Lonsdale, Chair of the Education and Scholarship Committee with the American Legion of Kentucky, began his presentation on Boys State and Girls State. Mr. Lonsdale requested the help of each legislator in encouraging young people to participate in the projects conducted by veterans' organizations that help teenagers. Kentucky Boys and Girls State are programs lasting six days where high school juniors participate within the structure of a working government. These programs exist under the broad American legion program of Americanism. This year's session will be Kentucky's 65th Boys State. The last 20 sessions have been held on the campus of Morehead State University. Girls State is held at Cumberland College and is sponsored by American Legion Auxiliary. Numerous scholarship opportunities exist for those attending Boys State or Girls State. Morehead State University offers four year academic scholarships to two qualified Kentucky Boys State graduates. The Samsung Group established a scholarship fund under the American Legion in appreciation of American veterans who aided South Korea during the struggle against Communism. With the interest from the endowment, $1000 scholarships are granted to one boy and one girl at each session. State winners are also eligible for a $20,000 scholarship at the national level. Three Kentucky women have received this scholarship in the past. American Legion highly values training young people in the ideals and objectives of American government.
Mr. Lonsdale said that there are other opportunities offered by the American Legion. The National High School Oratorical Contest for high school students focuses on developing a deeper knowledge of the Constitution of the United States. There are scholarships, cash prizes, and awards given to students at the local, district, state, and national contests. The Kentucky American Legion has arranged for the state winner to have a choice of scholarships offered by 11 institutions of higher learning in the state. Top winners of the national contest receive an $18,000 scholarship. The Voice of Democracy program, sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, requires high school students to record a five minute speech on tape and helps prepare them for the national contest. Annually, the American Legion also produces the publication Need A Lift with information about cost and scholarships at colleges throughout the country and sends it at no cost to each high school.
Mr. Lonsdale said that some individuals who have attended Boys or Girls State or have sent their children include Senator Stine's son, Co-Chair Weaver's daughters, and former Governor Julian Carroll. Senator Blevins gave the commencement speech at Boys State this session. Boys State and Girls State, along with the other programs, need to reach the ears of more students. He invited legislators to assist him in this and to visit Boys and Girls State any time.
Representative Pullin said that there is a summit being held on civic engagement and literacy for young Americans on October 5 at Northern Kentucky University. The summit is the product of a resolution passed in the 2004 session. She encouraged Mr. Lonsdale to participate in the summit.
Senator Stine said that these programs constitute a positive reinforcement for young people. She was concerned after hearing that some schools are not interested in sharing the programs and scholarships with students. Mr. Lonsdale said that some schools still do not know about the programs, despite the American Legion's efforts to get the information to the schools. The schools are busy, and there seems to be trouble every year in promoting the programs among the students.
Co-Chair Weaver commented that Boys State and Girls State is an outstanding experience. The legislators have an opportunity to help spread the word in September during "Legislators Back to School Week." Co-Chair Weaver said that he would mention Boys and Girls State in his talk and encouraged others to do the same.
Co-Chair Seum said that he appreciated these programs. He noted that the opportunities to speak to civic groups are fewer than in the past. This is a concern if the schools do not want the information.
Senator Blevins noted that this is an excellent program, and he has spoken to both Boys and Girls State. He added that he is committed to getting the word out.
Co-Chair Weaver said that the local high school counselor is the one who plays the key role in notifying students of these opportunities. The information generally starts with a counselor and then flows within a high school. It is important for the counselor to have the information and share it.
The final item of discussion was Old Business. Co-Chair Weaver informed the Committee that the Committee at its previous meeting had accepted the Governor's temporary reorganization Executive Order 2004-530 while noting the absence of the statutorily mandated reorganization plan. The Committee had requested that the Governor provide the plan, and he had done so.
Co-Chair Weaver announced that the next meeting would take place October 7, 2004. There was a Motion and a second to adjourn. The Committee adjourned by voice vote.