Rep. Thomas watching Legislative Finance Division Director David Teal briefing the Joint Legislative Budget & Audit Committe

Rep. Bill Thomas(back-center), R-Haines, watching Legislative Finance Division Director David Teal briefing the Joint Legislative Budget & Audit Committee during its hearing today at the Capitol. Director Teal was testifying on a pair of requests for participation, or RPLs, which require legislative approval. The RPLs were discussed before the committee entered into executive session to take action on the statewide audit. The LB&A Committee was established by statute to monitor and report on the performance of state agencies, and to annually review their long-range operating plans, making recommendations to the full legislature accordingly. The Committee is also charged with preparing annual reports on state agencies that perform lending or investment functions, such as the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation, Alaska House Finance Corporation and Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority. (AS 24.20.206) Also pictured are Rep. Mike Doogan, D-Anchorage, and House Finance Committee Co-Chair Bill Stoltze, R-Chugiak/Mat-Su.