Relates to the appropriation to the Division of Veterans Services for fiscal year 2020.

ThisistheFY2020originalappropriationbillfortheDivisionofVeteransServices. Itappropriatesatotalof $78,592,100 and caps the number of authorized full-time equivalent positions at 344.00. For benefit costs, the bill maintains the current appropriated amount for health insurance at $11,650 per eligible FTP; provides a 5.5% increase for the employer's share of PERSI contributions; and provides other benefit adjustments. For statewide cost allocation, $98,800 is provided. The bill also provides funding for the equivalent of a 3% change in employee compensation for permanent employees, with a minimum increase of $550 for each employee and the remaining amount to be distributed based on merit. Funding for a 3% upward shift in the compensation schedule is also included. The bill funds seven line items: $871,100 to address staff market equity; $551,900 for three additional staff positions; $103,300 for new capital outlay items; $200,000 for changes in Medicaid billings; $100,000 for veterans recognition grants; $42,223,400 for a fourth veterans home in Post Falls; and $307,200 for the Governor's technology initiatives. The bill also allows for cash transfers for the new veterans home and reappropriation authority for the cemetery in Blackfoot.