Legislature(2019 - 2020)Anch LIO Lg Conf Rm
07/15/2019 11:00 AM House FINANCE
Note: the audio ![]()
and video ![]()
recordings are distinct records and are obtained from different sources. As such there may be key differences between the two. The audio recordings are captured by our records offices as the official record of the meeting and will have more accurate timestamps. Use the icons to switch between them.
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB2001 | |
| Public Testimony | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB2001 | TELECONFERENCED | |
HOUSE BILL NO. 2001
"An Act making a special appropriation from the
earnings reserve account for the payment of permanent
fund dividends; and providing for an effective date."
11:07:53 AM
Vice-Chair Ortiz MOVED to ADOPT the proposed committee
substitute for HB 2001, Work Draft 31-LS1103\K (Caouette
7/14/19).
Vice-Chair Johnston OBJECTED for discussion.
Co-Chair Foster indicated his staff would be walking
through the committee substitute.
11:08:44 AM
ERIN SHINE, STAFF, JENNIFER JOHNSTON, read from a prepared
statement:
Today before you for consideration is the House
Finance Committee Substitute for HB 2001 that
appropriates a surplus Permanent Fund Dividend. The
amount available to pay a surplus Permanent Fund
Dividend is contingent upon appropriating funds for
essential state services.
Therefore, the CS before you also includes the
following items:
- For the Operating Budget the CS
1) Restores the vetoed FY20 operating budget items
and
2) the vetoed FY19 supplemental operating budget
items
- For the Capital Budget this CS
1) Restores the FY20 projects that were vetoed
2) reintroduces projects that were removed from the
bill due to the failed Constitutional Budget
Reserve vote.
3) and Funds the FY20 capital budget items with UGF
dollars
- Finally, this CS includes language for
1) the use of the Constitutional Budget Reserve
2) and authorizes the reverse sweep.
To reiterate, a surplus Permanent Fund Dividend as
outlined in this CS requires that the legislature
address the funding of state services to arrive at the
funding available to pay a Permanent Fund Dividend.
This CS restores funding for the Governor's vetoes to
the operating and capital budgets and uses the
remainingor surplusgeneral funds to pay this year's
Permanent Fund Dividend. And it does so without
exceeding the total percent of market value draw from
the Permanent Fund Earnings Reserve available for
appropriation set out by laws in AS 37.13.140 and AS
37.13.145.
Therefore, this CS appropriates $641,151,000 to the
dividend fund, which would equate to an approximately
$929 Permanent Fund Dividend for each qualified
Alaskan this year.
Mister Chairman, if it is the will of the committee, I
believe my colleagues Mr. Anderson and Mr. Labolle are
ready to walk through a sectional analysis.
11:11:17 AM
BRODIE ANDERSON, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE NEAL FOSTER,
reviewed the sectional analysis:
Committee Substitute for House Bill 2001 (FIN)
Sectional Analysis
Version 31-LS1103\K
NUMBERS SECTIONS: 1 15
Sec. 1 Page 2, Line 1 Page 12, Line 5
Restores the vetoed FY20 Operating Budget
items passed by the legislature
Sec. 2 Page 13, Line 1 Page 16, Line 20
Summary of appropriations by agency and
funding sources made in Sec. 1
Sec. 3 Page 17, Line 1 Page 18, Line 20
Summary of statewide funding for the
appropriations made in Sec. 1
Sec. 4 Page 19, Lines 1-19
Restores the vetoed FY19 Supplemental
Operating Budget items passed by the
legislature
Sec. 5 Page 20, Lines 1-11
Summary of appropriations by agency and
funding sources made in Sec. 4
Sec. 6 Page 21, Lines 1-10
Summary of statewide funding for the
appropriations made in Sec. 4
Sec. 7 Page 22, Lines 1-28
Restores the HB 40 vetoed FY20 Mental Health
Capital Budget items passed by the
legislature
Sec. 8 Page 23, Lines 1-15
Summary of appropriations by agency and
funding sources made in Sec. 7
Sec. 9 Page 24, Lines 1-8
Summary of statewide funding for the
appropriations made in Sec. 7
Sec. 10 Page 25, Line 1 Page 30, Line 27
Funds FY20 Capital Budget items removed due
to the failed CBR vote with an UGF funding
source and restores the vetoed FY20 Capital
Budget items
Sec. 11 Page 31, Line 1 Page 32, Line 14
Summary of appropriations by agency and
funding sources made in Sec. 10
Sec. 12 Page 33, Lines 1-17
Summary of statewide funding for the
appropriations made in Sec. 10
Sec. 13 Page 34, Lines 1-18
Restores the vetoed FY19 Supplemental
Capital Budget items passed by the
legislature
Sec. 14 Page 35, Lines 1-11
Summary of appropriations by agency and
funding sources made in Sec. 13
Sec. 15 Page 36, Lines 1-8
Summary of statewide funding for the
appropriations made in Sec. 13
11:14:28 AM
PAUL LABOLLE, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE NEAL FOSTER, reviewed
the language sections of the bill:
LANGUAGE SECTIONS: 16 34
Sec. 16 Page 37, Lines 1-8
Re-appropriates funds from the Alaska Higher
Education Investment Fund to the Department
of Education
Sec. 17 Page 37, Line 9 Page 38, Line 7
Outlines Alaska Permanent Fund
appropriations as follows:
(a) and (b): Satisfies the payment of
Post 1979 field royalties to the
Permanent Fund Corpus for FY18;
(c) and (d): satisfies the payment of
Post 1979 fiels royalties to the
Permanent Fund Corpus for FY19;
(e): Reverses the veto of $1 billion
deposit from the Earnings Reserve to
the General Fund;
(f): Appropriates $641,151,000 from the
General Fund to the Alaska Permanent
Fund Dividend Fund; and
(g): Reverses the veto and restores the
full $9.4 billion transfer from the
Earnings Reserve to the Principal of
the Permanent Fund Corpus
Sec. 18 Page 38, Lines 8-12
Restores the vetoed funding for the Alaska
Legal Services Corporation
Sec. 19 Page 38, Line 13 Page 39 Line 15
Restores the payment of Debt Service to:
(a): municipalities or agencies; and
(b) and (c): school bond reimbursement
Sec. 20 Page 39, Lines 16-26
Restores Fund Capitalization to the:
(a): Community Assistance Fund;
(b) and (c): Forward funding of FY21
education foundation formula and
transportation; and
(d): REAA school construction funding
Sec. 21 Page 39, Line 27 Page 40, Line 2
Restores funds transfers or vetoed from the
(a): Civil Legal Services funds from court
filing fees; and
(b): Power Cost Equalization Endowment Fund
to the Renewal Energy Grant Fund
Sec. 22 Page 40, Lines 3-23
Ratifies prior year funding for specific
projects
Sec. 23 Page 40, Line 24 Page 41, Line 5
Restores the vetoed:
(a): re-appropriation made from the
Exxon Valdez oil spill restoration fund
to the Prince William Sound Science
Center; and
(b): the appropriation from the Alaska
Industrial Development and Export
Authority to the Northwest Arctic
Borough
Sec. 24 Page 41, Lines 6-11
Restores the vetoed authorization of land
sale receipts to Mt. Edgecumbe Boarding
School
Sec. 25 Page 41, Lines 12-18
Restores the vetoed re-appropriation for the
Flattop Mountain Trail clean up pilot
project
Sec. 26 Page 41, Line 19 Page 42, Line 6
Restores the vetoed items to the Department
of Transportation and Public Facilities for:
(a): Marine vessel replacement fund;
and
(b): Harbor Facility Grant Fund
Sec. 27 Page 42, Lines 7-14
Restores the veto to the Ketchikan Gateway
Borough
Sec. 28 Page 42, Line 15 Page 47, Line 10
Restores the re-appropriations vetoed to the
Alaska Housing Capital Corporation account
Sec. 29 Page 47, Line 11 Page 48, Line 18
Outlines the Constitutional Budget Reserve
Fund authorization for the:
(a): reverse sweep language;
(b): deficit filling language;
(c): headroom authorization; and
(d): conforming language.
Sec. 30 Page 48, Lines 19-24
Addresses lapsing funds
Sec. 31 Page 48, Lines 25-29
Outlines the retroactivity clauses
Sec. 32 Page 48, Line 30 Page 49, Line 1
Applies contingency clauses related to Sec.
17 and Sec. 29
Sec. 33 Page 49, Line 2-4
and 34 Effective date clauses
11:22:37 AM
Co-Chair Foster explained that essentially the veto items
were restored in the new committee substitute. He indicated
that the CS was a starting point from which to work. /He
reported that there were ways to increase the Permanent
Fund Dividend.
Mr. Labolle thought Co-Chair Foster had encapsulated the
contents of the document.
Representative Sullivan-Leonard had grave concerns with the
current committee substitute. She challenged the validity
and legality of the bill before the committee. She thought
it was a "D?j? vu" of the budget bill.
Co-Chair Foster agreed that it was a legal question that
had to be answered.
11:27:39 AM
MEGAN WALLACE, DIRECTOR, LEGISLATIVE LEGAL SERVICES, ALASKA
STATE LEGISLATURE, agreed that the governor's proclamation
was not a general subject, rather he included a very
specific appropriation for the legislature to consider. She
stated that legal question as to whether or not the draft
bill complied constitutionally with the governor's
proclamation was a complicated issue. The governor had the
constitutional authority to limit the general subjects of
legislation considered by the legislature during a special
session. She opined that there was no question that the
governor's power to limit the subjects could not infringe
on the legislature's power of appropriation. She explained
that even if the general subject of the special session was
determined to be limited to an appropriation for the
Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD), it would be the legislature
who decided the funding source and amount of that
appropriation. She stated that the Alaska Supreme Court had
never construed the governor's power to limit the general
subject of a special session. She shared that other states
whose constitutions also allowed a governor to limit the
special session calls had adopted certain tests that were
employed to determine whether the ultimate legislation
passed by the legislature complied with the subject or
whether it was too broad in light of the subject listed by
that governor.
11:31:44 AM
Representative Sullivan-Leonard asked if there had been any
other special sessions called by previous administrations
where the legislature had changed the topic in midstream.
Ms. Wallace responded that the constitutionality of the
legislature's action was upon passage of the bill. She did
not know whether discussion of the legislation in the
committee process presented any constitutional issues. She
stressed that it was the final version and appropriations
that were passed by the legislature that would prevent the
constitutional question.
Representative Sullivan-Leonard asked if past legislatures
had altered the call of the governor.
Mr. Labolle felt that Ms. Wallace was stating that the
committee work could act on any legislation, but the
constitutional question occurred in the passage of any
legislation.
Ms. Wallace responded, "Generally, yes."
Co-Chair Foster stressed that the bill was a surplus PFD
bill. He stressed that in order to determine the surplus,
the inclusion of all the items in the budget must be
considered to determine the PFD.
11:34:43 AM
Representative Josephson relayed that the original bill, HB
39, had been drawn from a larger account. Currently,
because of the uncertainty of the reverse sweep vote, he
wondered whether they would be funded directly from the GF
rather than from capitalized accounts.
Mr. Labolle asked Representative Josephson to reference a
specific appropriation.
Representative Josephson restated his question.
Mr. Labolle responded that the Community Assistance Fund
was originally funded with general funds in the operating
budget. He stated that, globally, with the portion of the
operating budget, all funds were the original fund source
in the Conference Committee Report. He stated that he
capital budget was different, because the House version
used the CBR as the primary fund source. The current bill
used general funds and other funds. The specific funds were
those used by the Senate's capital budget, before the fund
source was changed to the CBR.
Representative Tilton agreed with her colleague regarding
the validity of the bill and the constitutionality. She
asked the legislative attorney to investigate the past
legislatures. She requested the validity of the overall
session. She remarked that she was there in a good faith
effort to attempt to move forward with the legislature.
Ms. Wallace responded that she was not aware of any
challenges. She would be happy to do the research.
11:40:24 AM
Representative Josephson recalled a doctrine that indicated
that more recent legislation was a reflection of an
acknowledgement of previous legislation and was controlling
in terms of melding of the two. He stated that he would
request a legal memorandum that would reflect that those
who voted for SB 26 were aware of the existing PFD statute.
Ms. Wallace agreed that the doctrines existed, but believed
that issue did not need to be addressed, because the
statutes were explicitly written to acknowledge the
existing dividend statute.
Representative Josephson thought Ms. Wallace had answered
his question. He thought there was further information that
could be necessary.
Vice-Chair Johnston noted some vetoes were included in the
committee substitute. She wondered whether the staff was
able to mention the vetoes that were not backed up by
statute or law.
Mr. Labolle responded that the Senior Benefits
appropriation was a program in statute. He also stated that
the School Bond Debt program was in statute. He deferred to
Mr. Anderson.
Mr. Anderson relayed that the Legislative Finance Division
had reviewed the vetoes. There were 17 vetoes were contrary
to statute. He provided several examples.
11:45:05 AM
Representative Sullivan-Leonard was still unclear on the
PFD breakdown. She wondered whether the bill followed the
statutory 5.25 percent.
Ms. Shine replied that the bill followed that percentage.
Representative Sullivan-Leonard stated that the last amount
she had heard about was $2200, and wanted to know the
breakdown.
Ms. Shine agreed to provide that information.
Mr. Labolle added that while the POMV established by SB 26,
but it provided no guidance on the amount of the Permanent
Fund Dividend.
11:48:35 AM
Vice-Chair Johnston WITHDREW her OBJECTION.
Representative Tilton OBJECTED.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Knopp, LeBon, Ortiz, Josephson, Johnston, Foster
OPPOSED: Merrick, Sullivan-Leonard, Tilton
The MOTION to ADOPT CSHB 2001(FIN) PASSED (6/3).
Co-Chair Foster indicated that the committee would be
recessing until 2:00 PM at which time the committee would
be taking public testimony. He provided additional
information as to the details of public testimony.
11:52:15 AM
AT EASE
2:04:22 PM
RECONVENNED
Co-Chair Foster acknowledged present committee members. He
noted that Representative Knopp was online and
Representative Adam Wool would call in.
^PUBLIC TESTIMONY
2:05:10 PM
Co-Chair Foster provided the email address and committee
schedule. He thanked the public for being present and
online to testify.
2:07:52 PM
VALERIE BROOKS, SELF, KETCHIKAN (via teleconference), spoke
in support of a PFD that did not impact programs. She
supported pre-K, the arts, court system, senior programs,
and other. She suggested saving dollars on the oil company
credits. She thanked the committee.
2:09:02 PM
FRANK BAUER, SELF, HOMER (via teleconference), supported a
full PFD of $3,000. He Testified in opposition to the bill.
He reminded the committee that the dividend had been
established to protect the Permanent Fund from encroachment
by the legislature.
2:10:50 PM
Co-Chair Foster updated the public on the legislation. The
new version of the bill included a restoration of all items
vetoed by the governor and added the capital budget.
Anything that was surplus would go to pay the PFD of
approximately $900. He noted it was a starting point.
2:12:16 PM
JACKIE CASON, SELF, ANCHORAGE, supported a modest PFD. She
stated the situation was a divide between individuals who
had lost faith in the government. She supported public
safety, health, and other. She shared that she had
benefited from the generosity of public programs and she
had paid the support back. She shared her personal story in
the state detailed she had used public programs to help her
go to school.
2:14:42 PM
CRIS EICHENLAUB, SELF, ANCHORAGE, asked the committee to
restore honesty, trust, and negotiating skills. He
discussed the reasons the governor had been elected. He
spoke against the legislation. He did not support money to
legislative per diems.
Representative Sullivan-Leonard remarked that the bill
before the committee included a PFD of $900.
Mr. Eichenlaub replied that he did not support that.
2:17:07 PM
TOBY WIDDICOMBE, SELF, ANCHORAGE, spoke in favor of the
bill. He did not support the governor's fixation with a
$3,000 PFD. He spoke to the problem with greed. He thought
the governor was selling snake oil. He thought the
governor's policies would create a recession. He stated
that the governor and his OMB director reported to the Koch
brothers.
2:19:22 PM
NATASHA GAMACHE, SELF, ANCHORAGE, shared that she had been
at all of the rallies recently. She supported a budget that
took care of the state's citizens. She stressed that the
governor's plan would kill job and create a recession. She
underscored that crime would increase. She emphasized the
problem with sexual assault in the state. She asked where
the people were expected to go who were homeless. She
underscored that people would leave the state and real
estate values would crash.
2:22:00 PM
JEREMIAH OKSOKTARUK, SELF, SEWARD (via teleconference),
supported a full PFD of $3,000. He thought that the former
Governor Walker had stolen money from the people in the
form of the PFD.
2:23:11 PM
ANTOINETTE COLLINS, SELF, WASILLA (via teleconference), she
did not feel she had had any voice in the past four years
in Alaska. She stressed that the PFD had been stolen from
citizens. She supported Governor Dunleavy. She supported a
full PFD of $3,000. She stated that money from the PFD went
to funding jobs. She asked the committee to listen to
regular Alaskans.
2:24:35 PM
SARA CALDWELL, SELF, DOUGLAS (via teleconference),
testified in support of HB 2001. She thought the committee
should be proud of its past operating budget. She believed
the governor's vetoes and backpay for PFDs was crazy. She
believed the cuts would create destruction in the state.
She supported an income tax that was based on people's
ability to contribute. She thought getting a smaller PFD
was a stand-in for taxes until a tax could be
reestablished. She thought asking for a large PFD was not
right.
2:26:45 PM
KATIE BOTZ, SELF, JUNEAU (via teleconference), asked the
committee to consider how devastating it would be to
provide a full PFD. She asked the committee to think about
that people could not survive without infrastructure. She
believed it would be devastating if there was no override
of the governor's vetoes. She stressed that loss of jobs
and housing would // She understood that committee members
cared about Alaska. She asked the committee how they wanted
their constituents to remember them when the next election
came up. She wanted to know how Alaska would stabilize in
40 to 50 years. She asked the legislature to meet in one
location to get the work done.
2:29:52 PM
PAGE HALL, SELF, WASILLA, supported a full PFD of $3,000.
She thought a sales or income tax would make more sense
than reducing the PFD. She shared that she had a homeless
family member. She stated that nothing had been provided to
him. She stressed that people could die when money was
taking away from shelter. She shared how she had used PFDs
for shelter, school, food, and other. She shared that the
first year the PFD had been reduced had hit her family
hard. She believed every state division used funds
unnecessarily. She asked the legislature to reduce wasteful
spending.
Co-Chair Foster provided the email address.
2:33:14 PM
SARA DYKSTRA, SELF, ANCHORAGE, thanked the committee for
its time. She stated the question was about what people
wanted Alaska to look like. She strongly opposed the
governor's cuts to Head Start and early learning programs
and the University. She stressed that many would leave the
state due to the governor's cuts. She discussed that
business activity would decrease. She stressed that cuts to
the University would result in campuses closing and
individuals in the state would not have the ability to go
to college. She urged the committee to do what was right
for Alaska's children and their future.
2:35:57 PM
ALAN MITCHELL, SELF, ANCHORAGE, opposed the governor's
vetoes and supported a PFD of approximately $1,500. He
stated that if cuts went through many professors would be
sent out of state. The University would become more
expensive, less accessible, and would have fewer programs.
He pointed out that many young individuals would choose not
to go to college as a result. He underscored that the
homeless population would increase. He did not believe the
current situation was a fiscal crisis, but a leadership
crisis. He noted that the state had a $65 billion Permanent
Fund. He would gladly pay taxes to help solve the fiscal
problem. He asked the committee to solve the fiscal
situation in a balanced way.
2:38:33 PM
JANE SUTHERLAND NIEBERGALL, SELF, ANCHORAGE, shared that
she had worked in 80 villages in Alaska. She provided
detail on her career in Alaska. She had worked for Head
Start and had given health examinations. She elaborated on
her career history in Alaska villages. She spoke in support
of education and Head Start. There were individuals
certified as early childhood teachers in the villages
currently. She stressed that over the years, Head Start had
made a difference in the villages. She stressed the
importance of keeping track with early childhood
development. She relayed that three people had told her in
the past week they would leave the state due to the current
fiscal situation. She wanted to make it work.
2:42:24 PM
CHRISTINE HUTCHISON, SELF, KENAI (via teleconference), was
opposed to the bill. She was appalled at the University
that it could not maintain its accreditation. She stated
that the University was a land grant organization. She
agreed with the governor's vetoes. She wanted the
legislature to get the government back to a balanced state.
She thought there were too many people getting funding from
the government. She stated that the Permanent Fund should
was separate.
2:44:45 PM
SOL NEELY, SELF, JUNEAU (via teleconference), supported the
legislature's original budget sent to the governor for
approval. He supported a smaller PFD and maintaining
government services. He did not believe the governor's
budget was for Alaskans and that it represented outside
interests of groups like the Koch brothers. He asked
whether the state could continue to afford using $1.2
billion on PFDs.
2:46:38 PM
KEVIN VOSS, TEACHER, ANCHORAGE, spoke against the
governor's vetoes. He shared that costs in Alaska were
higher than in the Lower 48. He stressed that the state
gave hundreds of millions of dollars to oil companies. He
did not support a $3,000 PFD. He stated that many Alaskans
did just fine financially and should be viewing PFDs as an
added bonus. He thought taking away social services and
education funds was short-sighted. He congratulated the
committee on its budget sent to the governor prior to the
vetoes. He did not need a $3,000 PFD and was happy to
contribute.
2:49:09 PM
ROCK DE AUGUSTINE, VETERANS FOR A FULL PFD, ANCHORAGE,
supported a full PFD of $3,000. He discussed the current
governor's vetoes. He discussed that increased property
taxes, sales taxes, and other would bring in millions. He
stated the taxes would bridge the fiscal gap. He supported
allowing individuals to donate a portion of their PFDs to
government if they desired. He believed cutting the PFD was
the most regressive action possible.
2:51:49 PM
MARIA SKALA, SELF, ANCHORAGE, shared her history in Alaska
since 1977. She discussed per capita tax paid in 1977,
which was approximately 11 percent. She stated that if the
amount was paid now, people would by paying $17,000 in
taxes. She stated that the cuts made by the governor were
to core state responsibilities. She opposed cuts to
education and other. She stressed it was far more cost
effective to pay for pre-K than to pay for remedial
education later on.
2:54:59 PM
GALEN SCHMIDT, SELF, ANCHORAGE, testified in opposition to
the governor's cuts. He understood there were strongly held
beliefs by everyone in the room. He stressed the importance
of being critical and pragmatic, work with open hearts and
minds. He supported services for homeless, Medicaid funds,
and other. He thought paying the services was better than a
$3,000 PFD.
2:56:24 PM
KRISTINA CRANSTON, SELF, SITKA (via teleconference),
thanked the committee for its work. She shared detail about
her life in Alaska. She shared the helpfulness of the PFD.
She fully opposed the governor's vetoes. Her family would
be deeply impacted immediately and long-term. She stated
PFDs would be spent to live if all of the cuts were made.
She thought paying a $6,000 PFD was short-sighted. She
thought a partisan game was being played.
2:58:47 PM
ALEX KOPLIN, SELF, HOMER (via teleconference), thanked the
committee. He applauded the committee's efforts to override
the governor's vetoes. He was strongly in favor of the bill
or any bill that would overturn the vetoes. He cited the
Alaska Constitution, and government for the people. He
believed most Alaskans would be in favor of funding for
government services. He hoped the committee would restore a
functional budget for the people.
3:01:26 PM
JUDITH RITENBURGH, SELF, TRAPPER CREEK (via
teleconference), did not support government stealing money
from private funds. She supported a full PFD of $3,000. She
shared her family's history pertaining to the PFD. She
stated that taking money from the PFD would tax all
residents. She did not support the governor's vetoes, but
she realized the need for an equitable way to tax and raise
revenues. She stressed they could not take money from the
private sector for use to balance the budget. She supported
some sort of income tax, but was opposed to taking the PFD.
She understood that many students used their PFDs for
college funds. She wanted the legislature to restore past
PFDs that had not been paid in full.
Vice-Chair Johnston provided the committee email address.
She acknowledged Co-Chair Wilson online.
3:04:53 PM
LAURA BONNER, SELF, ANCHORAGE, supported HB 2001. She spoke
against vetoes made by the governor. She believed the
vetoes would put Alaska into a deep recession. She stressed
there would be job loss in the public and private sector.
She reported that cuts to the capital budget had already
delayed construction projects. She supported a revised PFD
formula and a comprehensive fiscal plan.
3:07:14 PM
BERT HOUGHTALING, SELF, ANCHORAGE, supported a full PFD of
$3,000. He asked the legislature to follow the law. He
supported the governor. He thought the legislature's
inability to follow the law had resulted in the current
situation. He thought legislators had been hiding in
Juneau. He thought the legislators that had been in Juneau
were cowards and were acting illegally.
3:10:03 PM
MOLLY HAYES, SELF, ANCHORAGE, shared information about her
life and career in Alaska. She worked as an educator. She
and her family chose to remain in Alaska because they loved
the state. She did not want a full PFD and believed it was
like dirty money now. She did not want to jeopardize the
future of Alaska's young people. She shared that young
adults would be forced to leave the state to receive
education elsewhere. She asked the committee to restore the
governor's vetoes. She thanked legislators who were already
advocating for them.
3:12:29 PM
LISA SPARROW, SELF, ANCHORAGE, did not support using a PFD
to hold the government hostage. She spoke against cuts to
the mentally ill and others. She stressed that Alaska was
throwing money at the oil companies and the PFD. She stated
that the state still had wealth despite the drop in oil
revenue. She stressed that Head Start and University
programs were being eliminated. The pain was happening now.
She stated the majority of Alaskans had made it clear they
opposed the governor's vetoes.
3:14:35 PM
JONATHON SCHUMACHER JR., SELF, ANCHORAGE, shared that he
was a lifelong resident. He detailed that he had been
diagnosed with some issues that prevented him from working
or interacting with people. He stated that a full PFD would
help immensely. He would be a homeless person // He asked
the committee to follow the full PFD calculation.
3:17:35 PM
WILLIAM TOPEL, SELF, ANCHORAGE, supported a full PFD and
back pay of PFDs. He shared that he had moved to Alaska in
1966. He was a senior citizen living on a fixed income. He
stated that the PFD belonged to the people not the
government. He elaborated that the PFD helped all Alaskans,
not just special interest groups. He discussed the history
of the PFD payouts. He elaborated that PFDs had to compete
with other state services, which he did not support. He
thought legislators who had met in Juneau had done so
illegally. He supported the governor.
3:21:27 PM
CAROLINE STORM, SELF, ANCHORAGE, supported an income tax
that was the fairest way to tax citizens. She did not
support cuts to the PFD. She stressed that people were
hurting and were losing their jobs. Her income would be
significantly impacted by a recession. She asked the
legislature to institute an income tax.
3:23:02 PM
EMILY OLSON, SELF, ANCHORAGE, asked if Representative
Sullivan-Leonard had left the meeting.
Vice-Chair Johnston replied she had an interview and would
be back.
Ms. Olson reported that physicians could not care
adequately for their patients when the state was constantly
in turmoil. She strongly opposed cuts to Medicaid and
reported some patients would die. She stressed the duty to
provide services. She discussed critical cancer research
that would stop if the cuts went through. She stressed
opposition to cuts to education and the University. She
stressed that the cuts far exceeded the value of an
individual PFD. The PFD had never been free money. The
legislature needed to reframe the fight. She agreed another
source of income was needed.
3:26:39 PM
NICK BROCKETT, SELF, ANCHORAGE, spoke in support of liberty
and justice. He spoke against cuts to the PFD. He stressed
the PFD was the peoples' money. He underscored that taking
the money took individuals' freedom to spend their money in
the way they needed. He provided examples. He stated that
the university system in Alaska was bloated and disgusting.
He spoke to the freedom to choose. He thought people should
be able to spend their money anyway they wanted. He did not
want to take money from the children.
3:29:12 PM
SANDY TRAVIS, SELF, ANCHORAGE, spoke in support of fully
funding the PFD. She felt that an audit for each department
would be useful. She remarked that an audit must be
approved by the Legislature. She felt that the legislature
had refused to do its job.
3:31:58 PM
ANN RAPPOPORT, SELF, ANCHORAGE, urged support for HB 2001.
She felt it should reinstate funding. She felt that the
governor's vetoes would destroy the state and the American
system. She remarked that her children may not see a future
in Alaska.
3:34:53 PM
GAIL LIMBAUGH-MOORE, SELF, SOLDOTNA (via teleconference),
felt that the PFD should be paid as was written in law. She
felt that the $951 was unacceptable.
3:35:35 PM
HERMAN MORGAN, SELF, ANIAK (via teleconference), felt that
the laws were broken, because the legislators should be in
Wasilla. He expressed support of a full PFD. He felt that
the legislature was paying too much attention to special
interest groups. He remarked that rural Alaskans needed the
PFD.
3:38:54 PM
CARRIE HARRIS, SELF, ANCHOR POINT (via teleconference),
felt that the PFD should not be a part of the budget
conversation. The PFD should follow the traditional
statutory formula. She remarked that the PFD was used for
necessities for the poor people in Alaska. She felt that
using the PFD was the laziest way to form a budget. She
stressed that the working poor used the PFD.
3:41:51 PM
DALE AUSTERMAUL, SELF, NOME (via teleconference), queried
the members present on the committee.
Vice-Chair Johnston named the members present in the
committee.
3:42:19 PM
Mr. Austermaul encouraged the committee to do their work in
Wasilla. He spoke in support of the full PFD. He felt that
there should be a repeal of some previous bills from
previous legislatures. He spoke in support of a tax, but
wanted a vote of the people to determine the tax. He noted
that there was a lawsuit against the committee, so he felt
that the meeting was illegal. He remarked that the
University of Alaska Anchorage had an 8 percent graduation
rate. He remarked that the University of Alaska was second
to last in the nation in graduation behind Arizona. He
spoke in support of the governor's vetoes.
3:45:36 PM
CARRIE HARRIS, SELF, ANCHOR POINT (via teleconference),
spoke against HB 2001. He supported the governor and the
legislators that were meeting in Wasilla.
3:46:51 PM
REID BOWMAN, SELF, JUNEAU (via teleconference), noted that
the state had budgetary problems, and remarked that there
were some revenue problems. He spoke in support of the PFD
to ensure that the peoples' money was not spent
frivolously. He spoke on the subject of overturning the
vetoes. He remarked that his daughter had received an
Alaska Performance Scholarship, but her scholarship was now
unavailable for an unknown plan for the University of
Alaska. He felt that the vetoes were cruel, because of the
short amount of time.
Vice-Chair Johnston noted that there was an email for
public testimony: [email protected].
3:50:08 PM
LINN MCCABE, SELF, ANCHORAGE, felt that the PFD had no
place in budget discussions. She was embarrassed about the
emotional manipulation. She felt that the bill was illegal,
because there was not a quorum present when the bill was
presented.
3:52:33 PM
DANA KERR, SELF, ANCHORAGE, spoke in support of the
Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho (WWAMI)
program. She noted that the lack of education was related
to mass incarceration. She felt that there would be an
increase in crime with the budget vetoes. She remarked that
there would be an economic recession. She encouraged
negotiation.
3:55:01 PM
SUZI PEARSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AWAIC, ANCHORAGE, spoke in
support of overriding the vetoes and funding the operating
budget. She stressed she was also in support of a reduced
PFD that would help to fund the programs impacted by the
vetoes.
3:58:35 PM
JASON LESSARD, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NAMI, ANCHORAGE,
encouraged the legislature to move forward with the budget
that was passed in the previous session. He noted that
there was a discussion about the focus in community based
care, but he remarked that there was no community based
care in the vetoes. He spoke in support of a compromised
PFD. He noted that society should be seen as a collective,
and there was compromise in a society.
4:00:55 PM
MIKE ALEXANDER, SELF, ANCHORAGE, noted that the University
had lost its accreditation. He wondered how many nonprofits
would take a pay cut in order to stay on the job. He
supported the governor's vetoes, and felt that he should
have cut further.
4:04:27 PM
RANDY VIRGIN, SELF, ANCHORAGE, remarked that it was the
fourth year in a row reducing the budget. He noted that
there was also a private sector recession. He felt that it
was a false choice to choose between state services and the
PFD. He remarked that the PFD was a necessity to many
people in the state. He noted that state services were
important to the state. He stressed that there was money to
pay for a PFD and state services. He remarked that the
state was within its means to pay for all of the options.
He did not want people against each other in what he saw as
a false crisis.
4:06:55 PM
CAROL WATERS, SELF, ANCHORAGE, spoke against the vetoes.
She remarked that she knew many people who kept people safe
and fed. She spoke in support of HB 2001.
4:09:22 PM
MARNIE HARTILL, SELF, ANCHORAGE, thanked Representative
Merrick. She appreciated the former governor to keep the
PFD intact. She spoke against the vetoes, and spoke in
support of HB 2001. She remarked that many people worked
hard in their communities, and felt that there should be an
adjustment in the PFD formula. She remarked that children
and students would always be her special interest. She
spoke against the conduct of the governor and the
legislators who were meeting in Wasilla. She felt that it
was the impact of Americans for Prosperity.
4:12:58 PM
SAM CASON, SELF, ANCHORAGE, spoke against the oil tax
credits. He felt that there should be a realistic budget,
and a reasonable compromise. He remarked that the governor
was attacking the government. He encouraged the committee
to stand up for all three branches of government. He spoke
in support of overriding the vetoes.
4:14:47 PM
TONY KALISS, SELF, ANCHORAGE, agreed with the false
narrative of Alaskans being against each other. He remarked
that the current budget director did not care about the
impact of the budget. He suggested that there should be a
discussion, and have a difference of opinion. He felt that
the situation was unnecessary, and appreciated the speech
from Senator Von Imhof.
4:16:59 PM
BRONSON FRYE, SELF, ANCHORAGE, urged support of HB 2001. He
stated that the federal income tax resulted in matching
grants to keep the Alaskan construction industry healthy
and robust. He remarked that the state received more in
federal dollars than what was in the capital budget. He
felt that money was not a partisan issue.
4:18:42 PM
BRADLEY CRUZ, SELF, ANCHORAGE, urged the reverse sweep for
the WWAMI program, because it was the least expensive
medical school per capita in the country. He remarked that
61 percent of the graduates return to Alaska. He stated
that the program was cheap, because many of his colleagues
taught for free. He stressed that the cuts were harmful,
because there was a desire to attend medical school in
state. He felt strongly about the two main arguments,
because the state was given a false choice, because there
could be other political solutions. He felt there could be
other ways to raise revenues.
4:21:49 PM
WILLIAM DEATON, SELF, CORDOVA (via teleconference), was a
high school senior, and he did not plan to stay in Alaska.
He was recently a page at the U.S. Senate, and witnessed
much debate during the reopening of the federal government.
He shared that the budget must be cut, and approved of the
vetoes. He felt that the governor did not veto enough in
the budget. He supported a full PFD, and was opposed to new
taxes. He remarked that the governor did not cut the UA
budget, but only the state's contribution to the
university.
4:24:52 PM
JEANINE MORSE, SELF, KENAI (via teleconference), felt that
the legislature needed to provide good leadership for the
state. She encouraged a sensible fiscal plan that would
balance the budget. She stated that they should not listen
to special interest groups, and listen to the Alaska
people. She spoke in support of the original PFD as
designed by Governor Hammond. She stated that the money
belonged to the Alaska people.
4:25:59 PM
KATE VEH, SELF, SOLDOTNA (via teleconference), spoke in
support of cutting her PFD to avoid a recession. She felt
that the PFD could be used to fund the government services.
4:27:52 PM
KATHY SWANSON, SELF, JUNEAU (via teleconference), spoke
against cutting the PFD. She spoke in support of the
governor's vetoes.
4:29:24 PM
KIMBERLY THIRI, SELF, ANCHOR POINT (via teleconference),
felt that the legislators created the situation, because
they would not work with the governor. She remarked that
the problems had been around for many years. She felt that
there was a false picture of "doom and gloom."
Vice-Chair Johnston reminded the committee of the email
address to send in public testimony.
4:31:33 PM
JANEL WALTON, SELF, ANCHORAGE, spoke against the
elimination of the Alaska Performance Scholarship. She
remarked that he children and other students were choosing
to stay in Alaska thanks to the money offered through the
Alaska Performance Scholarship.
4:33:30 PM
MARY SCHALLERT, SELF, ANCHORAGE, quoted some portions of
the Constitution, which stated that the legislature was
responsible for the promotion and protection of public
health. She supported HB 2001.
4:35:33 PM
SURGE KULIKOV, SELF, ANCHORAGE, encouraged the legislature
to invest in other industries besides oil. He elaborated on
many ideas that the legislature should consider.
4:39:11 PM
NIKOLE NELSON, SELF, ANCHORAGE, stated that she works for
Alaska Legal Services. She stated that Alaska Legal
Services' offered services, because it was the state's
legal obligation to provide representation to the residents
of the state. She noted that Alaska Legal Services was
fully reliant on state dollars. She remarked that people
were getting turned away, because of lack of financial
resources.
4:42:05 PM
MELANIE UYDAI, SELF, ANCHORAGE, stated that she served the
most vulnerable people in the state. She spoke in support
of HB 2001, and reinstating the vetoes. She shared that she
had worked to install fire alarms for a woman who lacked
the resources to install fire alarms. She shared that her
house burned down, and the smoke alarms saved her life.
That woman was in a better place now. She thanked the
committee for their bipartisan approach to the problem.
4:44:44 PM
MICHAELA KOLEVOK, SELF, ANCHORAGE, expressed concern about
the direction of the state and the cost to the most
vulnerable in the state. She spoke in support of HB 2001.
4:47:41 PM
DEBORAH ERICKSON, SELF, ANCHORAGE, shared stories of her
two sons. She testified against the governor's vetoes.
4:51:02 PM
RICK PHILLIPS, SELF, ANCHORAGE, felt that the cause of the
dilemma was from the oil tax credits. He read from a bill
[SB 21], which was passed in a previous legislature. He
felt that there could be a balanced budget and a full PFD,
if the oil tax credits were revoked.
4:53:26 PM
KATHY YOUNG, SELF, ANCHORAGE, spoke in support of
overriding the vetoes. She shared that she was a teacher in
the WWAMI program. She remarked that the cut to Medicaid
would have a negative impact on the most vulnerable. She
stated that the medical system relied on the university
system.
4:55:18 PM
VERNE BOERNER, ANHB, ANCHORAGE, spoke in support of HB
2001.
4:58:10 PM
JAKE METCALF, SELF, ANCHORAGE, shared that he grew up in
the state, and went out of state to law school. He returned
to the state in 1986. He shared that he had worked since he
was five. He stressed that jobs in Alaska were the most
important aspect of the state. He felt that the vetoes
would put the state back to 1986 into a recession. He
shared that he had four kids, and wanted them to live in
the state. He spoke in support of HB 2001.
5:03:07 PM
BEVERLY CROSS, SELF, ANCHORAGE, shared that she was born
and raised in Alaska, and was 66-years-old. She remarked
that her mother was on the list for the Pioneer Home, and
had some friends who received senior benefits. She remarked
that the governor was spending more on his aides and staff,
but was cutting the budget for the vulnerable residents of
the state.
5:06:24 PM
LAURA NORTON CRUZ, SELF, ANCHORAGE, spoke in support of HB
2001. She stated that the loss of funding for early
childhood education would result in developmental problems
for children.
5:09:30 PM
DEANNA BECK, SELF, ANCHORAGE, shared that she was a mother.
She spoke in support of funding for educational employment
and education programs.
5:12:13 PM
MICHAEL FENSTER, SELF, ANCHORAGE, spoke against the
governor's vetoes. He hoped that the legislature would
stand up for Alaskans.
5:14:06 PM
TERNIA VANDENHOERK, SELF, ANCHORAGE, spoke against the
governor's vetoes. She shared that she was a formerly
incarcerated person.
5:18:33 PM
ROCHENE RAWANHELLEN, SELF, ANCHORAGE, spoke in support of
the original budget, and urged the consideration of a tax.
She asked that the most vulnerable people in the state be
considered in determining the cuts. She shared that it was
a direct attack on Alaska's values. She stressed that
people turned to and adopted the values of the Native
people: family and community. She remarked that her
daughter had received an Alaska Performance Scholarship.
She also shared that she had personal experience teaching,
and stressed that children could not learn if they were
hungry.
5:22:25 PM
BRAD OWENS, SELF, ANCHORAGE, appreciated the participation
in the democracy. He noted that there was compelling
testimony. He hoped that there could be a sensible budget.
He felt that there should be an understanding of all that
the government provides.
5:24:16 PM
SHELLY VENDETTI VUCKOVICH, SELF, ANCHORAGE, thanked the
committee for their time, and appreciated the alternate
views that she had listened to in the meeting. She felt
that people needed to come together to find a bipartisan
solution. She spoke in support of HB 2001. She disagreed
with the disparaging remarks about special interest groups.
She stressed that children, family, and elders were sacred
to the state.
5:26:59 PM
STERLING GALLAGHER, SELF, ANCHORAGE, shared that he had
worked to personally write the Permanent Fund. He remarked
that the Permanent Fund had no purpose. The PFD was
developed after the Permanent Fund was developed. He
stressed that the economics of the future were unknown. He
remarked Alaska initially adopted the laws of Oregon, but
he worked to rewrite the laws specifically for Alaska. He
remarked that he also worked to develop the severance tax.
He stated that the 12 percent today in severance tax would
be approximately $8 billion. He felt that the state had
come a long way in decreasing the numbers. He shared that
he had given the government many ideas, such as using
Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA)
to build lateral pipelines. He felt that Alaska Housing
Finance Corporation (AHFC) grants could be given to the
pension fund.
5:32:11 PM
KURT SCHMIDT, SELF, ANCHORAGE, spoke in opposition to HB
2001. He thought the session was a shell game. He asserted
that the PFD should be distributed, and the budget reserved
for only the most important issues.
5:35:34 PM
PAUL D. KENDALL, SELF, ANCHORAGE, noted that Trump was an
Archangel. He asserted that the legislature was not dealing
with the real problem at hand. He challenged the body to
make a case for Juneau. He spoke of the division within the
legislature. He asserted that legislators hid from the
public in Juneau. He apologized for being so emotional.
Times were difficult.
5:39:32 PM
PAT BORION, SELF, ANCHORAGE, disclosed that he worked for
the university and was speaking only on his own behalf. He
spoke of President Johnson's efforts to make proper
reductions in the right places. He suggested that the
proposed veto would rip the rug out from under the efforts
that have already been made in efficiencies. He argued that
there would be collateral damage from the proposed cuts. He
noted that his youngest child was the youngest student that
would be attending the university. He thanked members for
their time.
5:42:45 PM
KATIE MORAN, SELF, ANCHORAGE, moved to Alaska in 1980. She
testified in support of HB 2001. She talked about how she
and her husband worked for the fire department. She had
been involved in the health industry for several years and
was concerned about the people that needed help. She talked
about having been homeless. She thanked the committee.
5:44:35 PM
RICHARD MORAN, SELF, ANCHORAGE, testified in support of HB
2001.
5:46:20 PM
JANICE PARK, SELF, ANCHORAGE, recalled when Bill Ray was in
the legislator. She thought compromise was needed. She
urged the restoration of funds to the University. Her
daughter was a student in the university. She urged members
to stay in the conversation rather than walking away in the
middle of the debate.
5:49:19 PM
COREY WHITMORE, SELF, ANCHORAGE, opposed the governor's
vetoes and supported compromise on the amount of the PFD.
She supported the Alaska Performance Scholarship. She
thought Alaska should bring in more money with a state
income tax or an increase to the oil industry.
5:51:36 PM
ROBYN HENRY, SELF, ANCHORAGE, was a faculty member of the
University. She talked about the students that came in from
the Bush to receive their education. She advocated
supporting students that wanted to bring their education
back to their communities. She had come from a Board of
Regents meeting. She urged support of the University of
Alaska.
5:54:33 PM
GAIL HINEMAN, SELF, ANCHORAGE, testified in support of HB
2001. She spoke against the governor's veto of the Ocean
Ranger Program. She stressed the governor's cuts would
result in a recession. She advocated restoring all of the
funds related to the vetoes. She thought more revenues
should be considered and that the oil companies should pay
additional taxes.
5:56:47 PM
BARBARA KARL, SELF, ANCHORAGE, spoke in opposition to the
governor's vetoes. She supported the Arts and Public
Broadcasting. She supported a state income tax. She lived
in Alaska in previous years when there was a state income
tax and thought it was a good idea. She reminded people
that legislative hearing could be attended via the
internet.
5:59:28 PM
DONNA STEINFORT, SELF, ANCHORAGE, had been a resident for
over 25 years. She encouraged all legislator to return to
Juneau to get their job done. She testified in support of
HB 2001. She suggested the capital budget was being held
hostage for a $3000 PFD. She thought the governor and the
minority were acting foolishly.
6:01:25 PM
TOM LAKOSH, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in
favor of an increase to the corporate income tax as well as
a state income tax. He suggested a tax on the PFD. He
thought additional taxes would make a significant
difference in the economy. He stated that the legislature
needed to tax money back to the state. He spoke of the
possibility of not being able to use fossil fuel in the
near future - it was an issue that needed to be fixed
immediately.
6:04:11 PM
AMBER BARNEY, SELF, ANCHORAGE, spoke in support of a PFD
but not at the expense of services. She provided a personal
story about her adopted son affected by substance abuse in
the womb. She talked about the successes her son had
experienced thus for. She and her husband had intended for
their son to attend Head Start and now that would not be
possible. She urged the legislature to overturn the
governor's vetoes.
6:06:58 PM
ROBERT HALL, HOUSTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, HOUSTON (via
teleconference), spoke in favor of placing the issue of a
new PFD formula on an advisory vote by the people. He
thought it would be proper that the people had a say in the
PFD formula. He urged a vote of the people.
6:10:19 PM
ADAM HYKES, SELF, HOMER (via teleconference), spoke in
opposition to HB 2001. He argued that the state could do
without the University. He was a student but could take
classes online. He opposed the legislature taking his PFD
and using it for government services.
6:12:36 PM
KIM HAYS, SELF, ANCHORAGE, testified in support of HB 2001.
She thought the reductions would damage the economy. She
asked members to support the legislation.
6:14:55 PM
DR. KAT MILLIGAN-MYHRE, SELF, ANCHORAGE, had a PhD in
microbiology. She had been a student of the University of
Alaska. She thought education was imperative. She spoke of
having lost her native language. She advocated training
more Alaskan Natives in the sciences. She urged support for
a reversal of the governor's vetoes of the University along
with many other programs. She wanted Alaska to remain what
it was.
6:17:57 PM
YASMIN LECHTENBERA, SELF, ANCHORAGE, testified in support
of HB 2001. She spoke of the high costs within the state.
She spoke of the disparity in the cost for her children to
attend college in Alaska versus other states. She urged
members to override the governor's vetoes.
6:19:29 PM
ESTELLE THOMSON, SELF, ANCHORAGE, testified in opposition
to the governor's cuts. She thought it was nice to have the
PFD. However, she thought preserving services was more
important. She urged members to support HB 2001.
6:21:43 PM
BETH WEIGEL, SELF, JUNEAU (via teleconference), spoke in
support of the university. She had worked at the University
for several years. She spoke against cuts to public
broadcasting. She thought several of the cuts would affect
everyone. She encouraged members to limit the PFD rather
than making the large reductions.
6:24:10 PM
SYLVIA PANZARELLA, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of HB 2001 and a smaller PFD. She
supported additional taxes to the oil companies. She spoke
against the governor's vetoes of the Ocean Ranger Program
and the Alaska State Council on the Arts. She urged members
to overturn the governor's vetoes.
6:26:41 PM
ARIN DAHL, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), was a
lifelong Alaska. She earned two degrees at UAA. She had
worked in the homeless program. She spoke in favor of early
education and services for the homeless. She testified in
support of the governor's vetoes. She opposed all of the
governor's vetoes. She was okay with receiving a smaller
PFD for the good of the state.
6:27:55 PM
DAN LAPLANTE, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in opposition to HB 2001. He favored oil subsidies which
supported the government. He opposed additional taxes. He
spoke of the high per diem costs. He argued that the
legislature should not be in Juneau. He supported the
governor's reductions.
6:31:34 PM
MELODY MCCULLOUGH, SELF, WASILLA (via teleconference),
opposed HB 2001 and supported the governor's vetoes. She
expected a full PFD and the back pay. She spoke of using
her PFD supporting her grandchildren in the form of food,
clothing, and heat. She suggested that some legislators
were breaking the law. She argued that the PFD was not for
government use. She talked about the negative impact of not
receiving a full PFD. She argued that legislators were not
listening to Alaskans. She talked about the expense of a
special session in Juneau. She reiterated her support for
the governor and his vetoes.
6:32:49 PM
TODD HUME, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in
opposition to HB 2001 and in support of the governor's
vetoes. He urged lawmakers to follow the law. He suggested
that the legislature was not following the law. He
explained that the PFD formula was in the constitution for
a reason. He supported an income tax and encouraged members
to follow the law.
6:35:17 PM
KATHY SWANSON, SELF, JUNEAU (via teleconference), testified
in support of HB 2001 and the governor's vetoes. She
suggested that what the legislature was doing was akin to
the definition of insanity, as it was doing the same thing
over and over again.
6:36:32 PM
PETRA ILLIG, SELF, ANCHORAGE, was a recipient of the WHAMI
Program. She posed the question of what kind of state
people wanted to live in. She thought most people wanted
good educations for their children and a safe place to
live. She spoke of her children attending the University of
Alaska. She thought people wanted services over a PFD. She
asked members to do what was right rather than worrying
about their reelection. She asked members to please fund
the state.
6:38:59 PM
CHRISTINA SAMMONS, SELF, ANCHORAGE, spoke in opposition to
HB 2001. He children would be affected by the reductions,
as they attended the University of Alaska. She encouraged
looking for other avenues for revenue including a state
income tax. She would do with a smaller PFD.
6:42:41 PM
TRISTAN SAMMONS, SELF, ANCHORAGE, testified in support of
HB 2001. He stressed the importance of maintaining the
integrity of the University of Alaska, particularly of its
research department. He supported additional revenues. He
argued that fossil fuels were coming to an end. He was
disappointed about the loyalty to oil companies. He thought
it was important to ensure the integrity of the state.
6:45:10 PM
SAMUEL OHANA, SELF, ANCHORAGE, testified in support of HB
2001. He urged members to restore the funding slashed by
the governor's vetoes. He relayed a personal story about a
friend who became homeless. He indicated his friend was
scared about the closing of homeless shelters and concerned
about her safety. He urged members to restore funding.
6:47:39 PM
ANNE KESSLER, SELF, ANCHORAGE, spoke in support of HB 2001.
She urged the legislature to find a compromise. She opined
that people needed to be realistic. She encouraged the
legislature to resolve the PFD issue. She spoke in favor of
an income tax.
6:50:07 PM
DIRK SCHUMAKER, SELF, ANCHORAGE, opposed the governor's
cuts to early learning programs. He discussed the benefits
of the Head Start Program. He reported that about 500
children would be affected across Alaska. He relayed that
the cuts to the programs would be damaging in the end. He
talked about the benefits of certain programs. He hoped
everyone supported the welfare of all children. He urged
members to restore the budget and reverse the governor's
vetoes.
Co-Chair Foster asked about how much the state had to lose.
Mr. Schumaker responded that it was different for every
community.
6:53:48 PM
RYAN WALSH, SELF, ANCHORAGE, testified in support of HB
2001 and encouraged the restoration of higher education.
6:55:03 PM
SHERRIE HINSHAW, NPLA, ANCHORAGE, testified in support of
HB 2001. She thought the proposed cuts would be detrimental
to Alaska's future.
6:56:16 PM
NELTA EDWARDS, SELF, ANCHORAGE, testified in support of HB
2001. She thanked the House Finance Committee for being at
the LIO in Anchorage. She was a Sociology Professor at the
University of Alaska. She encouraged support for the
University system. She spoke about the negative effects of
the drastic reductions by the governor. She talked about
growing up in Fairbanks and attending a small public school
that offered many opportunities. She talked about being
involved with RFVP, as a young person. She reiterated her
support for HB 2001.
6:59:47
SHANE CASTLE, SELF, ANCHORAGE, was a writing instructor at
UAA. He thanked members for going to Wasilla. He provided
information about his position at the University. He
supported the bill.
7:02:34 PM
ANDREE MCLEOD, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
against the governor's cut to Medicaid adult dental
services. The administration's decision to lose out on $19
million in federal funds was a poor one - it was 70 percent
of the funding for preventative dental. She shared that the
Alaska Dental Society expressed opposition to the cut. She
wondered whose interest it was in for the administration to
make the cut when it had already been authorized.
7:05:14 PM
Co-Chair Foster shared there were zero people left in the
LIOs. There were individuals in the room and online.
7:05:52 PM
MAURA WRENN, SELF, CHUGIAK (via teleconference), spoke in
support of services, education, and a stable PFD. She
shared she had lived in the state since 1981. She did not
believe the state had a money problem, but a priority
problem. She believed the state could have services and a
sustainable PFD. She supported overriding the governor's
vetoes and adding funds back into the operating budget. She
reasoned a sustainable PFD was possible if the state
considered changing the oil tax structure and implementing
an income tax. She wanted the state to be as great as it
should be. She wanted to see the state spending money on
its people.
7:09:05 PM
BILLIE HAAN, SELF, PALMER (via teleconference), supported
the committee's work. She shared that she was a lifelong
Alaskan and her children were living in the state and
attending university. She shared that her daughter's lab
could potentially lose funding. She spoke in support of the
restoration of funds for libraries, Medicaid, the
University, and other. Her children were all Alaska
Performance Scholarship recipients. She shared that she and
her husband were both UAA graduates. She implored the
committee to stick to the budget the legislature had worked
hard for and compromised on. Citizens were willing to do
their part in the form of a lower PFD or an income tax. She
implored the legislature to stand up against the governor.
7:12:47 PM
DIANE HOLMES, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), asked
the committee how to convince the other legislators to
override. She wondered what it could promise that was more
than the governor had. She stressed the state did not have
a budget crisis, but a priority crisis. She supported
government services and a reduced PFD. She opposed cuts to
public media and the emergency communications services. She
wondered where the funds were to fund the rehabilitation
services. She spoke against the governor's veto of the
Ocean Ranger Program. She supported a healthy populace. She
stressed that services should come first. She did not want
the PFD to put into the constitution.
7:16:12 PM
JAYLENE PETERSON-NYREN, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke against the governor's vetoes. She
testified against the administration's cuts to Medicaid
that would likely result in further federal reductions. She
stressed that a reduction of $50 million in Medicaid could
result in a cut of $150 million. The governor's vetoes
would have a lasting negative impact on the state's economy
and elders and children.
7:19:26 PM
JAMES SANDONAL, SELF, ANCHORAGE, testified in support of
the committee's work. He asked legislators in Wasilla to
please return to Juneau. He was represented by
Representative Laddie Shaw. He was supportive of limiting
the PFD, which he believed was responsible. He asked the
legislature to stand up to the governor.
7:21:00 PM
ANNE DENNIS, SELF, ANCHORAGE, supported the bill. She
shared that she had worked in the nonprofit social services
since the 1980s. She spoke in support of services for
children. She shared information about the nonprofit that
worked with at-risk children. Her agency no longer had any
room to cut due to past cuts in recent years. She explained
the cuts would result in laying off staff and would reduce
services provided to youths. The organization matched funds
with fundraising efforts in the community. The organization
had been told the cuts had nothing to do with program
outcomes. She stressed that many of the children had
suffered trauma including sexual abuse. She implored the
committee to not forget about Alaskan children.
7:23:54 PM
BRANDON FIFER, SELF, ANCHORAGE, testified in support of the
bill. He supported a compromised PFD that would allow for
state services. He stressed support for funding the capital
budget in order to avoid losing $1 billion in federal
matching funds. He opposed the oil tax giveaway and an
income tax. He asked the committee to do things that
benefitted its voters. He stressed the problem was giving
to the rich and taking from the poor.
7:25:42 PM
SKYLAR QUIN, SELF, ANCHORAGE, was in favor of the
legislation. He believed the governor's cuts went too far.
He wondered what individuals were sacrificing who wanted a
$3,000 PFD. He was in favor of a reduced PFD.
7:26:47 PM
PAT O'HARA, SELF, ANCHORAGE, supported the bill. She shared
information about her history in Alaska. She stressed that
Alaska was a wonderful place to live. Her children had all
gone to UAA. She opposed all of the governor's vetoes. She
wanted to leave a legacy for her children so they could
benefit and thrive. She thought the cuts were based on fear
and ignorance.
7:29:32 PM
ANN-LILLIAN SCHELL, SELF, KASILOF (via teleconference),
testified in support of the legislation. She spoke against
the governor's vetoes. She was a former state employee of
over 20 years. She supported a compromise budget. She
stressed that the state could lose substantial federal
matching funds. She supported a reduced PFD. She supported
an income tax.
7:31:56 PM
KEITH MONTGOMERY, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
spoke in favor of the bill. He thought the cuts would hurt
everyday Alaskans and thought Alaskans would die. He
believed Alaskans had legitimate concerns about the state.
He had attended UAA. He wanted to know that senators and
representatives needed to look out for everyday Alaskans.
He was supportive of an override of the governor's vetoes.
He did not understand why the governor would sacrifice
Alaskan jobs. He pointed to a substantial loss in federal
funds. He did not believe the PFD should be a part of the
conversation.
7:34:17 PM
HOPE FINKELSTEIN, SELF, ANCHORAGE, thanked the committee
members for being present. She was heartened by the
legislation. She asked the legislature to restore the
governor's vetoes. She thanked the committee for the
opportunity to speak.
7:36:33 PM
LIZ SHINE, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified
in support of the bill. She opposed the governor's cuts to
the University and K-12 education. She believed stated that
if oil companies were valued more than residents it would
result in devastating results. She supported a restoration
of vetoed funds.
7:38:50 PM
ROBERT SKORCZEWSKI, SELF, ANCHORAGE, spoke in support of
the bill. He was opposed to the hatchet cuts made to the
budget by the administration. He wanted to love the PFD,
but did not want to eviscerate public services. He
suggested rolling back oil tax credits. He was opposed to
the elimination of programs that did not cost the state
money. He supported an income tax.
7:41:20 PM
LESA HOLLEW, SELF, ANCHORAGE, spoke in favor of the bill.
She was opposed to the governor's vetoes. She shared that
she was a scientist doing research. She was opposed to cuts
to Medicaid preventative dental services. She provided
information about mouth disease.
7:44:10 PM
CHRISTI MEYN, SELF, ANCHORAGE, shared that she had attended
the University and that cuts to the University would lead
to youth leaving the state. She opposed cuts to vulnerable
populations in Alaska. She understood that PFDs helped
families, but she believed a reduced PFD needed to be a
part of the solution. She supported an income tax.
7:46:00 PM
TARA DEVLIN, SELF, ANCHORAGE, testified in favor of the
bill. She shared that she worked for the Anchorage School
District. She provided information about her education she
had received out of state - she had not wanted to leave,
but she came back. She read a poem about her experience in
the classroom and schools. She thanked the committee.
7:48:21 PM
SANDY HARPER, SELF, ANCHORAGE, opposed cuts to the Alaska
State Council on the Arts. She believed the proposed cuts
had a dire impact on programs that had been the spirit and
history of the people of Alaska. She supported investing in
the potential of individuals and educational opportunities
for all. She did not think the governor's vetoes were
rational or thoughtful. She reported that another
individual supported restoring the governor's vetoes. She
thanked the committee for doing its job.
7:50:45 PM
JILL GRIFFIN, SELF, WASILLA, opposed the bill. She reported
she had never had an opportunity to go to Juneau. She
believed there were 38 legislators who were not following
the state laws. She stressed that the PFD belonged to
Alaskans. She spoke in support of a capital budget. She
stated that people would die if the roads were not
maintained.
7:54:50 PM
JULIA GREENFIELD, SELF, EAGLE RIVER, supported the bill.
She reported she was a graduate of UAF. She and her husband
had returned to Alaska because of the educational
opportunities. She enjoyed the opportunities afforded by
the state including the outdoors and the arts. She opposed
the governor's vetoes. She believed the legislature had
worked hard to come up with a compromise budget. She urged
the legislature to meet in the same location.
7:57:25 PM
BILL ZORB, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), Testified
in opposition to the bill. He supported a full PFD of
$3,000. He supported the governor and his vetoes. He
reported the governor had elected the governor to bring the
state's budget in line. He stated that even if the vetoes
stood the state would be facing a $600 million deficit. He
believed the legislature was stealing from the PFD. He
elaborated that the state already received oil taxes,
corporate taxes, and other.
8:00:36 PM
HELEN NIENHUESER, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
supported the legislation and at most a $1,600 PFD. She
emphatically opposed a $3,000 PFD. She stressed the state
could not afford a PFD of that amount unless an income tax
was implemented.
8:02:43 PM
RACHEL LORD, SELF, HOMER (via teleconference), testified in
support of the legislation. She did not believe the words
equated to a vision for the state. She did not support
massive cuts to the budget. She believed using the PFD was
responsible. She stressed that state services impacted
hundreds of thousands of people. She was in full support of
the bill and a reduced PFD. She thanked the committee for
its work. She appreciated the transparency in the state
capital that could be viewed on Gavel to Gavel.
8:06:01 PM
ROXANN DAYTON, SELF, WASILLA (via teleconference),
supported the bill. She shared that she had moved to Alaska
in the early 1980s. She had graduated from UAF. She
supported the University and the Washington, Wyoming,
Alaska, Montana, and Idaho (WWAMI) program. She believed
the governor was working for outside interests and reported
that the OMB director had a history of cutting
universities.
8:07:51 PM
DON GRAY, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), shared
information about his lifetime in Alaska and his
affiliations. He stated the bill capitalized the fund and
did not lapse; it was also a special appropriation for the
payment of a PFD. He thought it was generous. He discussed
that former Governor Hammond had realized saving for the
future. He spoke to the importance of the schools and court
system. He pointed out that property taxes paid for
services. He discussed that much of the work to maintain
roads and aviation came from federal money. The cuts would
mean the state would lose out on federal funds. He
highlighted cuts to Medicaid. He stressed the state had a
representative government. He thought abolishing the
state's income tax in the 1980s was a mistake. He would be
happy to return to an income tax. He believed a penny saved
was a penny earned. He asked the legislature to keep the
state open for business. He thought the legislature should
continue to be responsible. The legislative branch was the
authority in terms of appropriating money. He did not agree
with the vetoes made by the governor.
8:13:24 PM
JOHNATHON GORDAOFF, SELF, WASILLA (via teleconference),
shared that he is Aleut and provided information about his
family in Alaska. He supported the full PFD. He thought
using the PFD would sell the future of Alaskans short. He
thought the legislature was taking the lazy way to remove
the birthright of the PFD from children to pay for a
bloated budget. He thought the legislature did not care
about the citizens of the state. He stated that government
money brought special interests that did not always align
with the interests of citizens. He suggested changing the
oil tax.
8:16:21 PM
ROBETA RINEHART, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
supported the bill. She shared that she lived in Vice-Chair
Johnston's and Senator Cathy Giessel's district. She worked
for the University and spent time with students that would
be dramatically impacted by the budget. She stressed that a
healthy university meant a lot. She had sympathy for
Alaskans who had testified on the importance of the PFD for
their families. She would support an income tax. She
supported a reduced PFD and reducing oil tax credits.
8:18:31 PM
CHRIS PEARSON, SELF, JUNEAU (via teleconference), testified
in support of the legislation. He stressed the importance
for a compromise for the good of the state. He shared
information about his move to Alaska in 2011. He shared
that he had made a social contract with the state. Everyone
who lived in the state had made a commitment to Alaska. He
had been a public servant in Juneau since his move to the
state. He worked to try to make lives better; many of the
jobs relied on government funding. He thanked the committee
work its work on the budget that represented compromise. He
was opposed to the governor's line item vetoes. He
underscored that every day that went by without funding was
tarnishing the state's reputation.
8:22:44 PM
ED MARTIN, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), opposed
the bill. He thought there were too many egos in the
legislature and perhaps the governor's office. He asked the
legislature to get its act together. He supported the PFD.
He stressed that property rights were extremely important.
He did not believe the people would allow the legislature
to take the money from the PFD if there was an advisory
vote. He suggested alternative revenue options including
land sales. He wanted the committee to meet in Wasilla. He
thought the legislature was a dismal failure.
8:26:20 PM
DAWN WALSH, SELF, DOUGLAS (via teleconference), spoke in
strong support of the bill. She shared that her business
employed 10 individuals in Anchorage. The business had
experienced the impacts of recession. She was extremely
concerned about the possibility of another recession. There
were numerous things that were out of the control of
businesses, but restoring the cuts were in the state's
control. She shared that she and her children had attended
the University.
Co-Chair Foster reviewed the schedule for the following day
in Wasilla. He RECESSED the meeting [note: the meeting
never reconvened].
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| CS WORKDRAFT HB 2001 FIN vK.pdf |
HFIN 7/15/2019 11:00:00 AM |
HB2001 |
| HB 2001 CS vK Sectional.pdf |
HFIN 7/15/2019 11:00:00 AM |
HB2001 |
| HB2001 Public Testimony Emails July 12 to 14.pdf |
HFIN 7/15/2019 11:00:00 AM |
HB2001 |
| HB2001 Public Testimony Emails July 15 PART 1.pdf |
HFIN 7/15/2019 11:00:00 AM |
HB2001 |
| HB2001 Public Testimony Emails July 15 PART 2.pdf |
HFIN 7/15/2019 11:00:00 AM |
HB2001 |
| HB 2001 Anchorage Written Public Testimony 7.15.19.pdf |
HFIN 7/15/2019 11:00:00 AM |
HB2001 |
| HB 2001 Public Testimony emails.pdf |
HFIN 7/15/2019 11:00:00 AM |
HB2001 |