NEWS February 6, 1998 FCC BUDGET OF $212,977,000 PROPOSED FOR FISCAL YEAR 1999 The President has submitted a budget to Congress that proposes a fiscal year 1999 budget for the Federal Communications Commission of $212,977,000 and a staffing level of 2,105 full-time equivalents (FTEs). This budget represents an increase of $26,463,000 over the FY 1998 appropriation level of $186,514,000, but no increase to the FTE level. The bulk of the increase in the funding level will cover mandatory increases in employees' salaries and benefits, rent increases assuming relocation to the Portals, and inflationary increases to other contract services. The remainder of the requested increase includes $6.7 million to ensure that all Commission information technology infrastructure will operate during the critical transition to year 2000, and for enhancements to the National Call Center operations. - FCC - News Media contact: Maureen Peratino at (202) 418-0500.