Legislature(2007 - 2008)HOUSE FINANCE 519
02/26/2008 01:30 PM House FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB310 || HB312 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 310 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 312 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HOUSE BILL NO. 310
An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan
program expenses of state government, for certain
programs, and to capitalize funds; making supplemental
appropriations; and making appropriations under art.
IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska;
and providing for an effective date.
HOUSE BILL NO. 312
An Act making appropriations for the operating and
capital expenses of the state's integrated
comprehensive mental health program; and providing for
an effective date.
AMENDMENTS:
DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND EARLY DEVELOPMENT
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
ALASKA COURT SYSTEM
1:46:56 PM
DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION
Representative Thomas MOVED to ADOPT Amendment ADMIN 1.
Representative Kelly OBJECTED.
DEPARTMENT: Administration
APPROPRIATION: Public Communications Services
ALLOCATION: Public Broadcasting - Radio
ADD: $400,000
FUNDING SOURCE:General Funds
Representative Thomas explained that the amendment would
provide funding for station operating grants administered by
the Alaska Public Broadcasting Commission for public radio
stations. The funding would be used for the rising fixed
costs such as fuel and utility payments, property insurance,
employee health insurance, engineering and programming
costs. Funding has been reduced over 60% since 1992, and
the systems have been struggling to keep up with cost
increases. Flat funding has meant that the State's share of
the public radio budget has not kept up with inflation for
over a decade. He pointed out that 100% of the increment
would be directed to station grants for basic operating
expenses to support current service levels.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Nelson, Thomas, Crawford, Harris, Gara, Hawker,
Joule
OPPOSED: Kelly, Stoltze
The MOTION PASSED (9-2).
1:48:59 PM
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Co-Chair Meyer MOVED to ADOPT amendment DCCED 1. Vice-Chair
Stoltze OBJECTED.
DEPARTMENT: Department of Commerce, Community, and
Economic Development
APPROPRIATION: Community Assistance & Economic
Development
ALLOCATION: Community & Regional Affairs
ADD: $1.0 General Funds
DELETE: $1.0 Vehicle Rental Taxes
DEPARTMENT: Department of Natural Resources
APPROPRIATION: Parks & Recreation Management
ALLOCATION: Parks Management
ADD: $1,127.2 - Vehicle Rental Taxes
DELETE: $1,127.2 - General Funds
Co-Chair Chenault advised that the amendment provides a
technical clean-up for the vehicle rental taxes.
DAVID TEAL, DIRECTOR, LEGISLATIVE FINANCE DIVISION,
explained that the amendment would simplify tracking of
Vehicle Rental Tax (VRT) receipts by eliminating a small
amount used in the Department. The use of the receipts in
Department of Natural Resources Parks Management brings
total FY09 appropriations of those receipts to $8.02 million
dollars, which is the available balance of VRT for FY09.
Vice-Chair Stoltze WITHDREW his OBJECTION. There being NO
further OBJECTION, amendment DCCED 1 was adopted.
AT EASE: 1:50:51 PM
RECONVENE: 1:51:18 PM
Representative Thomas MOVED to ADOPT amendment DCCED 2.
Representative Kelly OBJECTED.
DEPARTMENT: Department of Commerce, Community,
and Economic Development
APPROPRIATION: Alaska Energy Authority
ALLOCATION: Alaska Energy Authority Power Cost
Equalization
ADD: $1.4 million dollars
FUNDING SOURCE: 1089 Power Cost Equalization &
Rural Electric Capitalization Fund
Representative Thomas explained that the amendment would add
$1.4 million dollars to Power Cost Equalization (PCE) from
the Power Cost Equalization and Rural Electric
Capitalization Fund to restore the Administration's
requested increment this year. Increased fuel costs
necessitate an increase in the power cost equalization
program appropriation to avoid pro-ration during FY09. Even
with PCE, individuals in those eligible communities still
pay much more than urban and Railbelt consumers for
electricity. With the escalating energy costs, full funding
of PCE will help rural Alaskan's keep pace with the rest of
the State.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Nelson, Stoltze, Thomas, Crawford, Harris,
Gara, Hawker, Joule, Kelly, Chenault, Meyer
OPPOSED: Kelly
The MOTION PASSED (10-1).
1:53:25 PM
Representative Kelly MOVED to ADOPT amendment DCCED 3.
Vice-Chair Stoltze OBJECTED.
DEPARTMENT: Commerce, Community and Economic
Development
APPROPRIATION: Community Development Quota Program
ALLOCATION: CDQ
ADD: 0.0
FUNDING SOURCE: N/A
DELETE: $180.5
FUNDING SOURCE: Receipt Services
SUE STANCLIFF, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE MIKE KELLY, explained
that the amendment would remove partial receipt authority,
not affecting the General Fund directly.
Representative Kelly added that prior to FY07, the State
billed the Community Development Quota Program (CDQ)'s to
pay for staff positions related to administering the State's
oversight of the Western Alaska Community Development Quota
program. In August 2006, in the Coast Guard legislation,
which amended the Magnuson-Stevens Act, eliminated most of
the State's oversight function. The only tasks that are
statutorily mandated are an annual review of the CDQ's
annual reports.
Representative Harris recalled that the receipt authority
was nothing more than the ability of a department to receive
money outside of the normal budgeting process, if services
were paid outside that process.
KAREN REHFELD, DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET,
acknowledged that was correct and would not affect General
Fund dollars.
Representative Joule questioned what would happen if that
language remained in the receipt authority. Ms. Rehfeld
understood that the Department would only use the funds for
expenditures related to revising regulations. If the funds
were not needed, they would not be spent for any other
purchase.
Representative Joule asked the impact if that happened. Ms.
Rehfeld deferred to the Department of Commerce, Community
and Economic Development.
MIKE BLACK, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE,
COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, commented that the
Department had receipt authority to receive dollars from the
CDQ programs for the benefit of overseeing those programs.
That language was changed and the Department no longer needs
the option.
Representative Harris asked if the Department supports the
amendment. Mr. Black replied that it would not affect
operations of the Department or the program. They are
waiting for regulations from National Oceanic & Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA).
Representative Harris understood that receipt authority
would be a "hollow item"; the limit is based on what is
actually received. Representative Kelly clarified that the
receipt authority would be adequate and that there had been
overbilling, which required a refund.
Vice-Chair Stoltze WITHDREW his OBJECTION. There being NO
further OBJECTION, the amendment was adopted.
2:00:34 PM
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Representative Gara MOVED to ADOPT amendment COR 1.
Representative Hawker OBJECTED.
DEPARTMENT: Department of Corrections
APPROPRIATION: Population Management
ALLOCATION: Offender Habilitation Programs
ADD: $1.16 million dollars
FUNDING SOURCE: 1004 General Funds
Representative Gara explained that the appropriation would
provide for a much needed increase in funding for substance
abuse treatment programs for incarcerated substance abusers
and those on electronic monitoring. In addition, the
appropriation would increase the funding for educational and
apprenticeship materials for offenders. Education and
training are essential to help rehabilitate offenders and to
keep recidivism rates low.
Finally, the appropriation would offset the high cost of
providing residential substance abuse treatment at the
Combined Hiland Mountain and Wildwood Correctional Centers.
The program helps to address criminal thinking and behavior
as part of a bigger addiction treatment for offenders.
Ms. Rehfeld directed comments, noting that line item had
been included in the budget proposed by Governor Palin.
Representative Joule asked about the recidivism rate
comparisons. Ms. Rehfeld requested that the Department of
Corrections address the question.
SHARLEEN GRIFFIN, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, noted that there has
not been a recidivism study on the rates after and before
the proposed treatment. She pointed out that a portion
could fully fund another program and would add out-patient
substance abuse treatment in correctional facilities.
Representative Joule asked about repeat offender's
recidivism rate, which is higher especially in the rural
areas. Ms. Griffin did not know.
Representative Harris asked how much money was currently in
the budget for alcohol and drug abuse treatment for
incarcerated people. Ms. Griffin did not know how that
would affect the other departments; however, within the
Department of Corrections, there is approximately $600
thousand dollars for substance abuse treatment programs.
Representative Harris pointed out that the amendment
addresses funding substance abuse treatment for the
incarcerated user. He asked if it was associated with the
court system. Ms. Griffin clarified that it had not been
included as part of the Court System, but rather, it is
those people that are incarcerated and committed to the
custody of the Department of Corrections using electronic
monitoring. They wear bracelets, which set-off alarms when
they are not in the correct area.
Representative Harris indicated his concern with the
amendment. He asked what the State was getting out of the
current systems already in-place and wondered if the current
programs were rehabilitating anyone. Ms. Griffin replied
there is no data currently available on those numbers. She
realized that it does help some, but not everyone.
Representative Nelson questioned if there was money in the
budget for recidivism studies. Ms. Griffin replied no.
Representative Nelson asked if the Department had authority
to reallocate funds to conduct a study. Ms. Griffin said
there were no funds available to run operations while
offering a recidivism study.
Representative Nelson asked the weight list for either the
educational apprenticeship programs or the substance abuse
treatment within the Department of Corrections. Ms. Griffin
replied that the there are no weight lists for the
apprenticeship programs that are available; the substance
abuse treatment programs do have long weight lists.
2:10:11 PM
Representative Crawford commented that his wife had been hit
by a drunk driver in 2004; the person does now wear an ankle
bracelet, which he hoped would save lives.
Representative Hawker spoke in objection to the amendment.
He noted that the budget subcommittee focused on non-
discretionary and critical needs funding. He stated that
the subcommittee approved all the non-discretionary
requests. He questioned the evidence regarding if the plan
could actually stop recidivism. There has been over $1
billion dollars built into the budget to mitigate the need
for cages; there have not been adequate answers to the
questions. There must be plan to accompany the 10-year plan
to build the cage proposal. He maintained that the approach
to recidivism must be a planned approach.
Representative Nelson offered a conceptual amendment to COR
1, deleting the portion of the amendment that addresses
substance abuse treatment programs for incarcerated
substance abusers and those on electronic monitoring.
Language would then be added: "Increased funding for a
recidivism study". She thought that language could address
the argument at hand.
Vice-Chair Stoltze thought that the proposed language was
subjective; he did not think it should be necessary to amend
the explanation language. Representative Nelson agreed.
She thought that the intent of the amendment should be
supported. Representative Gara agreed.
Vice-Chair Stoltze requested further clarification.
2:20:46 PM
Representative Nelson explained that the Committee was
arguing that the amendment does not have support because
there has been no recidivism study provided. She urged that
there be a study on the actual recidivism numbers; there is
no proposal or funding for such a study.
Co-Chair Chenault clarified the intent of the proposed
language, which would change offender programs to a
recidivism study. Representative Hawker maintained his
objection. He agreed that the concept was headed in the
right direction. He asked that the amendment be written so
that member's could understand what was being voted upon.
Representative Nelson withdrew her proposed amendment &
offered to submit in on the House floor.
Representative Crawford agreed that there needs to be better
coordination and that the State seriously needs a plan with
better information. He pointed out that prevention can not
be measured. He urged that there be a long-term plan and
not to short fund the proposal. He indicated his support of
the amendment.
Representative Gara advised that there has been a request by
the Governor to come up with a comprehensive plan and that
he supports the request put forward by the Administration.
Representative Thomas indicated that he opposes the
amendment, but however, is sympathetic to the issue. He
worried about creating a piece-mealed approach; he wanted to
see the issue addressed this year.
Representative Hawker clarified that a recidivism study is
not the issue. He believed that the record indicates that
the Legislative Budget & Audit (LBA) Committee has
undertaken a similar study. He maintained that the issue is
achieving an integrated approach within the entire criminal
justice system.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Crawford, Gara, Joule, Nelson
OPPOSED: Stoltze, Thomas, Harris, Hawker, Kelly,
Meyer, Chenault
The MOTION FAILED (4-7).
2:30:16 PM
ALASKA COURT SYSTEM
Representative Thomas WITHDREW amendment Courts 1.
2:30:33 PM
AT EASE: 2:30:43 PM
RECONVENE: 2:42:43 PM
Representative Gara WITHDREW amendment Courts 2.
Co-Chair Chenault pointed out that those funds [$64.5
thousand dollars for the Judicial Council] had been included
in the supplemental budget request, which he intended to
fund.
2:44:14 PM
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND EARLY DEVELOPMENT
Co-Chair Meyer MOVED to ADOPT amendment DEED 1. Vice-Chair
Stoltze OBJECTED.
PART A
DEPARTMENT: Department of Education and Early
Development
APPROPRIATION: Teaching and Learning Support
ALLOCATIONS: Head Start Grants
ADD: $600,000 General Funds (1004)
INTENT LANGUAGE: It is the intent of the legislature
that $600,000 of the amount appropriated for Head Start
Grants be distributed as grants by the Department of
Education and Early Development to Head Start providers
who match these grants on a dollar for dollar basis and
who will use these funds to enroll additional children
in their programs. Funds from these grants may not be
used for capital or equipment expenditures.
DEPARTMENT: Department of Commerce, Community
and Economic Development
APPROPRIATION: QTA Independent Traveler Grants
ALLOCATIONS: QTA Independent Traveler Grants
DELETE: $600.0 Vehicle Rental Tax (1200)
DEPARTMENT: Department of Natural Resources
APPROPRIATION: Parks and Recreation Management
ALLOCATION: Parks Management
ADD: $600.0 General Funds (1200)
DELETE: $600.0 General Fund (1004)
PART B
DEPARTMENT: Department of Education and Early
Development
APPROPRIATION: Teaching and Learning Support
ALLOCATION: Early Learning Coordination
(renames Head Start Grants and
combines Early Learning Programs)
ADD: $307.1 (GF 1004)
1 PFT
DEPARTMENT: Department of Commerce, Community
and Economic Development
APPROPRIATION: QTA Independent Traveler Grants
ALLOCATION: QTA Independent Traveler Grants
ADD: $173.2 Vehicle Rental Taxes (1200)
DELETE: 173.2 Business License Receipts
DELETE: $293.2 Vehicle Rental Taxes (1200)
DEPARTMENT: Department of Natural Resources
APPROPRIATION: Parks & Recreation Management
ALLOCATION: Parks Management
ADD: $293.2 Vehicle Rental Taxes (1200)
DELETE: $293.2 General Funds (1004)
Part B of the amendment would fund early learning
programs at the Governor's original request level.
One new position would coordinate the
dissemination of information developed by the
Ready to Read Ready to Learn Task Force. In
collaboration with Best Beginnings, funding for
program support is necessary to work with public
and private early education providers and other
State departments. Support would also entail
promoting, training, disseminating and providing
technical assistance related to the recently
developed Early Learning Guidelines for birth to
age five children and the new Kindergarten
Developmental Profile aligned to specific goals
from the Early Learning Guidelines.
Part B of the amendment replaces business license
receipts in the QTA independent traveler grants so
the entire allocation is funded with VRT receipts.
It would then zero out the independent traveler
allocation and uses the $293.2 VRT receipts
remaining in that allocation to replace general
funds in Department of Natural Resources parks
management.
Replacement of general funds with VRT receipts in
that Department parks management frees $293.2
general funds for the Early Learning Coordination
allocation. An additional $13.9 thousand General
Fund dollar brings the total amount of General
Fund appropriated by Part B to $307.1 thousand
dollars. The complex fund source changes
involving VRT receipts are necessary to preserve
the statutory limitation that VRT receipts be used
for tourism purposes.
Co-Chair Meyer explained that the amendment would remove the
funding for the independent traveler program in the
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
and that money would then be directed to the Department of
Natural Resources parks component. The General Fund dollars
for the parks division would then be moved to the Head Start
program and the early learning program.
Representative Nelson requested further discussion on the
early learning program. Co-Chair Meyer reported that amount
had been included in the Governor's request. The original
amount requested was $407 thousand dollars; through the
subcommittee process it was determined that an adequate
amount would be $307 thousand dollars; an amount which would
fund one new position. He added, the Head Start grant would
be combined with the early learning program. The Head Start
program is a federal program and has a requirement for a
State match of $6 million dollars.
2:47:52 PM
Representative Nelson noticed that the intent language
indication that the match was dollar for dollar. Co-Chair
Meyer replied that was correct. The subcommittee attempted
to leverage the State's money as much as possible. He
maintained that the $600 thousand dollar State match with a
local match could go a long way to reduce the wait list of
1,000 children. Representative Nelson noted concern about
asking for a one-to-one match, which is never done with
State resources. She recalled that the tourism match is an
80/20 match. She emphasized that it is unreasonable to ask
low income families to pay that much of a match.
Co-Chair Meyer stated that the participants were not
required to pay for the program but maintained the need for
a "local" match. He opined that the revenue sharing could
be used for some of this type project. He maintained that
there needs to be a local buy in. He pointed out that the
same had been done for K- 12.
AT EASE: 2:50:46 PM
RECONVENE: 2:56:47 PM
Representative Joule indicated his appreciation for funding
allocation to the early learning component. He acknowledged
that there are other partners involved. He noted concern
with the intent language. He inquired if there was an
indication that local areas would be able to meet the
obligation. He pointed out the impact of how the
communities are currently being tapped for other funds. He
questioned the wait list and wondered if in-kind
contributions would be allowed.
Co-Chair Meyer requested that the Department address the in-
kind contributions. He pointed out that it is a federal
program and not a State program. He claimed that the
amendment arrived late in the process and that the wait-list
information was incomplete. He was attempting to make it
work for a year and then to re-evaluate how it affected
village areas.
3:01:39 PM
Representative Joule assumed that any "left-over" monies
would be used. He was "bothered" by the language requiring
needy areas to participate and aligned himself with
Representative Nelson. Co-Chair Meyer reported that there
would be someone within the Department of Education and
Early Development in charge of monitoring the program.
3:03:09 PM
Representative Gara asked for comments by the Department of
Education and Early Development regarding the assessment of
the non profits having the ability to raise that match of
the requirements. He emphasized that the Department does
not have information about how the non profit entities could
raise the amount of needed funds. The State puts in $6
million to the federal government's $28 million dollars.
Representative Gara agreed with the language used by Co-
Chair Meyer regarding the funds having "oversight and
accountability" and that they not be used for capital and
equipment needs.
3:05:37 PM
Ms. Rehfeld understood that the Department would allocate
the $6 million dollars as they had in the past; then there
would be a second allocation based on each individual area
needs. She did not have information on the grantees ability
to come up with the match as recommended by Co-Chair Meyer.
Representative Gara asked if the Department had evidence
that the grantees could match those funds. Co-Chair
Chenault indicated that the answer is no.
Representative Kelly related, a message is being sent that a
match should be required. He imagined that there will be a
drop in federal funds that the State receives. He called
the amendment an "entitlement', which will be in danger when
the State looses the federal funding in the future. He
encouraged that a strong message regarding matches be such
programs in the future.
3:08:50 PM
Representative Thomas recalled that the municipalities
already contribute to the Head Start program and now will be
required to document it.
Representative Crawford commented that it is important to
get the money to the Head Start program to help prevent
repercussions down the road from the number of needy kids
that benefit from the program. He thought the $600 thousand
dollars would be a good investment. He did not think the
non-profits would be able to come up with the match and he
did not want to see any "strings attached".
Co-Chair Meyer acknowledged the importance of the program.
The Governor has made it clear that the revenue sharing
dollars are available for each community to use as needed.
A match could be attained from many sources and for the
remote village areas and the Department could make an
adjustment. He maintained that it would be an incentive for
the local communities to participate.
3:12:15 PM
Representative Nelson advised that many communities already
do provide a match. One of the contingencies is that they
must provide a building & that the numbers of hours of
parent volunteer time. She stressed that the Head Start
program is multi-generational and involves the parents.
Representative Nelson MOVED to AMEND the amendment by
omitting the match requirement. Representative Hawker
OBJECTED. Co-Chair Meyer added his objection.
Representative Gara clarified that it would only delete the
language: "Who match these grants on a dollar for dollar
basis and who".
3:15:22 PM
Co-Chair Meyer did not agree with the proposed amendment,
pointing out that the object is only to attempt a local
contribution.
Representative Gara asked if there was information available
that the proposed agencies such as the Rasmussen Foundation
have an application for grants to be provided. Co-Chair
Meyer did not know that process, but reiterated that revenue
st
sharing would be distributed July 1.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Crawford, Gara, Joule, Nelson
OPPOSED: Harris, Hawker, Kelly, Stoltze, Thomas,
Chenault, Meyer
The MOTION FAILED (4-7).
3:17:09 PM
Representative Joule recalled a time when there was no
revenue sharing, which has left many communities behind on
their Internal Revenue Service (IRS) taxes. He pointed out
the number of past obligations from the years with no
revenue sharing income.
Representative Gara inquired if the Administration supports
the language proposed by Co-Chair Meyer regarding the dollar
for dollar match.
Ms. Rehfeld responded that the Administration is willing to
work with the language but prefers that there be "no strings
attached" to those monies. She could not speak for Governor
Palin.
Representative Gara hoped to avoid "pretending to give a
grant" that Head Start would never be able to receive. He
hoped that the Department could use their "good faith
efforts" to encourage local dollars and make it non-binding.
Ms. Rehfeld stated that if the intent language goes forward
with the specific match language, the Department would be
willing to meet with the grantees to determine how best to
meet the requirements.
3:20:54 PM
Vice-Chair Stoltze was puzzled about Committee time being
spent on Intent Language; he believed that the language was
only a "strong suggestion". He pointed out the "real number
of $600 thousand dollars" going to the Head Start program.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion to adopt DEED 1.
IN FAVOR: Harris, Gara, Hawker, Joule, Nelson, Stoltze,
Thomas, Crawford, Chenault, Meyer
OPPOSED: Kelly
The MOTION PASSED (10-1).
3:23:14 PM
Representative Nelson MOVED to ADOPT amendment DEED 2.
Vice-Chair Stoltze OBJECTED.
DEPARTMENT: Department of Education and Early
Development
APPROPRIATION: Teaching and Learning Support
ALLOCATION: Head Start Grants
ADD: $1.5 million dollars
FUNDING SOURCE: 1004 General Funds
Representative Nelson explained that DEED 2 would add $1.5
million general fund dollars to the Department of Education
and Early Development for increased grants to the statewide
Head Start programs. With State funding remaining flat for
several years, there are currently over 1,000 children on
wait lists for Head Start programs. With the proposed
funding increase directed at currently approved program
providers, all the children currently on the waiting lists
could be absorbed. She added that existing programs
complying with the Head Start Performance Standards,
containing in excess of 1700 performance requirements,
ensure that the State is not just receiving day care
services.
Representative Nelson WITHDREW amendment DEED 2.
Representative Joule WITHDREW amendment DEED 3.
3:26:38 PM
Representative Gara MOVED to ADOPT Amendment DEED 4. Co-
Chair Meyer OBJECTED.
DEPARTMENT: Department of Education and Early
Development
APPROPRIATION: Alaska Postsecondary Education
Commission
ALLOCATION: (new) Alaska Advantage Education
Grants
ADD: $2.5 million dollars
FUNDING SOURCE: 1004 General Funds
Representative Gara explained that the amendment would
appropriate money to fund need-based education grants for
Alaskan students attending Alaskan institutions. Alaska has
ranked last in the country on the percentage of low-income
students attending college for 14 of the last 15 years.
th
Alaska additionally, ranks 49 in the level of financial aid
it provides to low-income students. The appropriation would
help students who seek higher education but cannot afford to
do so. The amendment implements a recommendation by the
University Board of Regents.
Co-Chair Meyer believed that the amendment provides free
scholarships and that the bottom-line is that the State
offers free tuition to the students that graduate in the top
10% of their class. He did not think the program was
necessary. He then referenced every Alaskan getting a
Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD). Representative Gara
maintained that opportunities should be expanded for those
who are not born privileged.
3:29:11 PM
Vice-Chair Stoltze countered comments regarding persons born
of "privileged families". Co-Chair Meyer maintained his
objection.
Representative Crawford shared a personal experience and
thought that the amendment was important, pointing out that
it includes a vocational education aspect. He surmised that
it would be an investment in the people of Alaska. Alaska
is the only state in the Union that does not offer
assistance for the low income.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Gara, Joule, Nelson, Crawford
OPPOSED: Hawker, Kelly, Stoltze, Thomas, Harris,
Meyer, Chenault
The MOTION FAILED (4-7).
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
Co-Chair Meyer MOVED to ADOPT amendment DEC 1. Vice-Chair
Stoltze OBJECTED.
DEPARTMENT: Environmental Conservation
APPROPRIATION: Environmental Health
ALLOCATION: Laboratory Services
ADD: $80,000
FUNDING SOURCE: Commercial Passenger Vessel
Environmental Compliance Funds
Co-Chair Meyer explained that the amendment would restore
funding for Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) testing that
was removed from the FY09 adjusted base. Current funding
would continue the program at the same level as FY08.
Vice-Chair Stoltze WITHDREW his OBJECTION. There being NO
further OBJECTION, it was adopted.
3:36:15 PM
DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
Representative Thomas MOVED to ADOPT Amendment F&G 1. Co-
Chair Meyer OBJECTED.
DEPARTMENT: Department of Fish and Game
APPROPRIATIONS: *See attached transaction report
for appropriations in the
Department of Fish and Game
INSERT THE FOLLOWING INTENT LANGUAGE:
"It is the intent of the legislature to
fund all of the increments and fund
changes replacing the $7.2 million of
lost federal funding on a one-time
basis. The Department is requested to
prioritize these amendments for
consideration in the FY2010 budget."
Representative Thomas explained that the amendment adopts
the Governor's proposed amendments totaling $7,228.4 million
dollars in General Funds increments to replace lost federal
earmarks the Department has traditionally received through
the National Marine Fisheries Services.
3:38:29 PM
Representative Kelly noted that it is a one-time increment,
understanding that most of the State's earmarks will be
going away. He indicated concern that the dollars would
go away and that the State would be "back filling" those
amounts. He believed that eventually it will seriously
affect the General Fund.
Vice-Chair Stoltze reminded the Committee that this is only
"intent language" and should not be "considered a soft
request" but instead is strong language.
Representative Thomas pointed out that without the proposed
language, the Bering Sea crab fishery could go away.
Vice-Chair Stoltze WITHDREW his OBJECTION. There being NO
further OBJECTION, it was adopted.
3:41:08 PM
Representative Thomas MOVED to ADOPT amendment F&G 2. Vice-
Chair Stoltze OBJECTED.
DEPARTMENT: Fish & Game
APPROPRIATION: Habitat and Restoration
ALLOCATION: Habitat
ADD: $20,000
FUNDING SOURCE: General Funds 1004/OTI
Representative Thomas explained that the amendment would
provide one-time funding to cover moving costs associated
with transfer of the Office of Habitat and Permitting staff
from the Department of Natural Resources to the Department
of Fish and Game. Under Executive Order #114, the positions
and funding are transferred, effective July 1, 2008. The
amendment provides a small amount of one-time funding for
additional costs, such as moving, phone and computer
transfer costs to the following locations:
· Fairbanks (10 staff) / Petersburg (1 staff) - $0
one-time cost as already co-located in ADF&G space;
· Anchorage (10 staff) - $9.0 one-time cost as nine
people moving into ADF&G leased space;
· Juneau (8 staff) - $8.0 one-time cost as eight
people moving into ADF&G leased space;
· Palmer (4 staff) - $1.0 one-time cost
(phones/computer) but no moving, as located in same
building as ADF&G;
· Kenai (3 staff) - $1.0 one-time cost
(phones/computer) but no moving, as located in Kenai
River Center shared space; and
· Craig (2 staff) - $1.0 one-time cost
(phones/computer) but no moving, as no available
ADF&G leased space.
Vice-Chair Stoltze WITHDREW his OBJECTION. There being NO
further OBJECTION, it was adopted.
3:44:05 PM
Co-Chair Chenault MOVED to ADOPT amendment GOV 1. Vice-
Chair Stoltze OBJECTED.
DEPARTMENT: Office of the Governor
APPROPRIATION: Branch-wide Oil & Gas Development
ALLOCATION: Branch-wide Oil & Gas Development
ADD Conditioning language as follows:
The appropriation for Branch-wide Oil and Gas
Development may be distributed to the Department of
Labor and Workforce Development, the Department of Law,
the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of
Revenue and the Office of the Governor for activities
related to development of oil and gas resources in the
State. It is the intent of the Legislature that the
Office of the Governor provides an annual expenditure
report for the funds appropriated for oil and gas
development.
DEPARTMENT: Department of Natural Resources
APPROPRIATION: Resource Development
ALLOCATION: Oil and Gas Development
Delete Intent Language.
Co-Chair Chenault explained that the amendment would
consolidate oil and gas development appropriations in the
Office of the Governor in a new appropriation named "Branch-
wide Oil & Gas Development". The language allows the
appropriation to be spread to other agencies as required.
Reasons for consolidating appropriations included:
· Provides better tracking of the total amount spent
on oil and gas development; and
· Allows more efficient use of money-money will be
distributed according to need.
3:44:38 PM
Co-Chair Chenault MOVED to AMEND GOV 1, adding $1 million
General Fund dollars to the Department of Natural Resources
as requested by the Governor in the Capital Budget.
Representative Harris asked which line item the proposed
change would be added to. Co-Chair Chenault advised that it
had not been included in the transaction sheet.
There being NO OBJECTION, the amendment to amendment GOV 1
was adopted. Vice-Chair Stoltze WITHDREW his OBJECTION to
the amended GOV 1. There being NO further OBJECTION, GOV 1
as adopted as amended.
HB 310 and HB 312 were HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
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