The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee considered a motion to add $50,000 from the general fund for salary increases in the Office of Health and Social Services Ombudsman. The motion was debated briefly and advanced by a roll call that produced 13 ayes, 4 nays and 3 absent/excused overall; however, the House did not register a majority in favor, so the motion failed in committee and will be revisited later.

Representative Wintrow moved the appropriation and Representative Handy seconded. Supporters said the funding would help the new office handle grievances and serve families; opponents in the House expressed concern about creating and enlarging a brand-new program and questioned pay grade decisions noted in the committee materials.

Why it matters: the Office of Health and Social Services Ombudsman is a newly funded office intended to help families and children navigate grievances. The committee's failure to approve the $50,000 appropriation in the House means the request will need to be reintroduced or modified for future consideration.

Committee action: the motion passed the Senate but did not receive a House majority; committee staff recorded the tally and the chair announced the item will be brought up at a later date.

Next steps: sponsors may return with revised language, reduced funding, or additional information to address House concerns before the motion is reconsidered.