Legislator Takes Aim At State Computer Backup Pischner Says $291,000 For Generator Isn’t Necessary

Rep. Don Pischner doesn’t think Idaho needs to buy a $291,000 generator to back up the state’s main computer system.

Pischner persuaded the House to take the unusual step Wednesday of putting the state controller’s budget up for amendment to remove money for the generator.

“The question is: Do you really need one? And I didn’t think you really need one,” said Pischner, R-Coeur d’Alene.

The controller’s computer system handles essential state functions - including legislators’ paychecks.

Pischner said there have been only three power outages in the Capitol area in the past six years - two in 1996 that affected the entire West and one other that lasted only six minutes. The state has an hour of battery backup power for its computers.

Rep. Lenore Barrett, R-Challis, said, “We might be surprised at the number of people out there in constituent land who don’t care if the government did shut down for a day.”

In a 41-27 vote, Pischner won approval of his motion to put the bill up for amendment. Next, the full House will decide whether funding for the generator will survive.

State Controller J.D. Williams said a 1996 study of the state’s central computer system listed the backup power source as its No. 1 recommendation for improvement.

“We run $20 million a day through the computer,” Williams said. “Come hell or high water, the computer has to work.”

Each day, $16 million in payments to private vendors is processed, Williams said. Another $2 million in payments to hospitals runs through the computer system. Every two weeks, state employee payroll is processed. State retirees’ pay also depends on the system.

Williams’ budget for the coming year, as approved by the Legislature’s budget committee, includes $77,300 for the first of three payments on the generator.

Pischner said he isn’t picking on the controller’s office. “I think they do a good job.”

Pischner did support funds to convert computers to handle the change to the year 2000 and to give bonuses designed to keep key high-tech employees.

“I just don’t think they need a generator.”

, DataTimes