Language Page 116, after line 8, insert:"Pursuant to the provisions of House Bill 1530, the Office of the Secretary of Technology shall be eliminated and the functions and powers of the Office of the Secretary of Technology are transferred to the Secretary of Commerce and Technology. The maximum employment level of the consolidated Secretariat is limited to seven positions effective July 1, 2004. The Director, Department of Planning and Budget, shall include implementation of the actions set forth in this item and in Item 471.40 in the Budget Bill submitted to the 2004 Session of the General Assembly."
Explanation(This amendment provides additional funding for the Secretary of Commerce and Trade and two additional positions to reflect the elimination of the Secretary of Technology and the transfer of its duties to the Secretary of Commerce and Trade. A companion amendment to the Secretary of Technology shifts responsibilities and funding to the new merged Secretariat. Proposed actions would accrue savings estimated at $240,000 per year beginning in fiscal year 2004.)