Budget agreement would give slight bump to OSHA

Washington – The House and Senate Appropriations committees’ omnibus budget agreement gives a slight funding boost to OSHA, but falls far short of the Obama administration’s request.

Under the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2015, released Dec. 9, OSHA would receive $552.8 million in fiscal year 2015, which goes through September. This is a half-million-dollar increase over the agency’s FY 2014 budget, but is $12.2 million less than the president’s request.

Several OSHA activities would receive a modest funding increase, including federal enforcement, whistleblower enforcement and state programs. However, the bill provides less funding for federal compliance assistance and training grants. The bill also directs OSHA to notify the House and Senate Appropriations committees 10 days before announcing any new national, regional or local emphasis program. The notification would include details of the circumstances and data used to determine the need to launch the program.

Other agencies’ 2015 funding outlined in the bill:

• $375.9 million for the Mine Safety and Health Administration, the same as 2014  
• $334.9 million for NIOSH, including continued funding for its Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Program, and Education and Research Centers
• Small funding increases for both the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission and the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission 

At press time, the budget had not passed out of the House or Senate.