Legislature(2009 - 2010)HOUSE FINANCE 519
03/03/2010 01:30 PM House FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB302 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 300 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 302 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
HOUSE BILL NO. 300
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and
loan program expenses of state government, for certain
programs, and to capitalize funds; making supplemental
appropriations; making appropriations under art. IX,
sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska; and
providing for an effective date."
HOUSE BILL NO. 302
"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."
TIME SPEAKER DISCUSSION
1:39:3 PM JAKE METCALFE, Addressed the Department of Public
EXECUTIVE Safety budget. He testified in support
DIRECTOR, of 15 new Village Public Safety Officer
PUBLIC SAFETY (VPSO) positions. He stated that
EMPLOYEE additional oversight troopers are
ASSOCIATION necessary. He pointed out that VPSO
(PSEA), increases are a valuable crime
deterrent, but add to the need for
state troopers.
1:43:9 PM Representative Asked about the number of troopers
Gara requested and how it was decided upon.
1:44:3 PM Mr. Metcalfe Suggested that the numbers of statewide
VPSOs are eighty or greater. Testimony,
and department study about the
appropriate number of necessary
troopers has occurred. Additional
troopers provide a deterrent to crime
and allow for better investigation of
cases.
1:46:9 PM Representative Appreciated the information regarding
Foster the impact of state troopers. He asked
if the numbers of troopers requested
will continue to rise.
1:47:2 PM Mr. Metcalfe Suggested that the troopers must be
trained to perform the investigations
as some of the cases will not warrant
persecution. He noted that VPSOs do not
have the training necessary to
investigate felony crimes. The need for
oversight will exist as the trooper is
the trained investigator.
FAIRBANKS
1:49:4 PM PRICILLA RICE, Testified in support of the Cooperative
4-H, Extension Service and the finance
FAIRBANKS, budget. She stated that she utilizes
TANANA the Cooperative Extension Service. She
DISTRICT explained that she is active with the
LEADERS (via Cooperative Extension Service 4-H
teleconferenceaspect.
),
1:50:7 PM FRED SCHLUTT, Testified in support of the Cooperative
UNIVERSITY OF Extension Service and the University's
ALASKA energy outreach efforts. He wished to
FAIRBANKS reduce dependence on fuel and increase
(UAF) efficiency of utilities. He was in
DIRECTOR, favor of funding the Marine Advisory
COOPERATIVE Program (MAP) service.
EXTENSION
SERVICE (via
teleconference
),
1:52:1 PM JEFF TUCKER, Testified in support of funding for the
FIRE CHIEF, Alaska Line Mobile Radio System budget.
NORTH STAR He encouraged that the house include
FIRE full funding of the local share into
DEPARTMENT the final budget.
(via
teleconference
),
1:53:8 PM KIMBERLEE Testified in support of HB 302. She
JONES, shared a story about a suicidal
CARELINE gentleman. A phone call to Careline
CRISIS Crisis Intervention resulted in
INTERVENTION prevention of suicide. She highlighted
(via the strengths of the program.
teleconference
),
1:56:3 PM Representative Asked about the waitlist navigated
Gara through the intervention process.
1:56:9 PM Ms. Jones Responded that unless a caller is
acutely suicidal, they are placed on a
mental health care waitlist, which can
span weeks. Follow up care and
connection with Careline is performed
until an appointment with a clinician
is available.
1:57:0 PM TY TIGNER, Testified in support of the Bring the
PROGRAM Kids Home initiative. He stressed that
DIRECTOR, the initiative is crucial. He spoke to
PRESBYTERIAN the quality of care at Presbyterian
HOSPITALITY Hospitality House and the importance of
HOUSE (via having the kids in Alaska.
teleconference
),
1:58:5 PM ASHLEY NUKWAK, Testified in support of the Bring the
MEMBER OF Kids Home initiative. She spoke of her
PRESBYTERIAN positive experience in the Presbyterian
HOSPITALITY Hospitality House.
HOUSE (via
teleconference
),
1:59:3 PM MIKE SEXTON, Testified in support of ongoing funding
PHA, for the Bring the Kids Home program. He
PRESBYTERIAN advocated for living in state as family
HOSPITALITY connections aid in success.
HOUSE (via
teleconference
),
2:02:7 PM CHERYL Testified in support of the rate change
KEEPERS, made last year by the legislature.
FAIRBANKS Working parents and their employers
NORTHSTAR will benefit from the change. The
BOROUGH (FNSB) income guidelines have not been updated
CHILD CARE since 2002 and many parents cannot make
ASSISTANT (via use of the program. She encouraged
teleconferenceadditional funding for Department of
), Health and Social Services allowing the
necessary update.
2:03:8 PM ROBIN FRANK, Spoke in support of the Department of
TANANA CHIEF Labor and Workforce Development
CONFERENCES funding. She mentioned that the funding
(via increased apprenticeship opportunities
teleconferencefor Alaskans.
),
2:05:4 PM MARLA LOWDER, Expressed gratitude for the Cooperative
UAF, Extension Service budget. She stated
COOPERATIVE that 4-H reaches 15 thousand children
EXTENSION per year with informal education and 2
SERVICE, 4-H to 3 thousand through the traditional
(via 4-H clubs.
teleconference
),
2:07:3 PM BRENDA Testified in support of the governor's
STANFILL, initiative to reduce the rates of
INTERIOR domestic violence and sexual assault.
ALASKA CENTER Victim's services provide prevention
FOR NONVIOLENT services which require funding. She
LIVING (IAC) spoke about targeted education as a
(via form of prevention. She stated that
teleconferencethere is a deficit for victim's
), services of $350 thousand this year.
2:12:2 PM Co Chair Stated that he wished to make 2010 the
Hawker year of public safety. He stated that
the committee recognizes the need for a
balanced approach including
preventative efforts. He recognized
that Representative Kelly has been
instrumental in retaining the focus of
the committee.
2:13:4 PM MICHAELLA Testified in support of the Cooperative
RICE, SELF Extension Service. She explained that
(via she recently visited Juneau with 4-H
teleconferenceand learned about the legislative
), process.
2:14:8 PM ANGEL Testified in support of the governor's
DOTOMAIN, initiative on domestic violence and
PRESIDENT, AK sexual assault. She spoke in support of
NATIVE HEALTH funding for prevention and programs
BOARD (via that reach various Alaskans. Community
teleconferencesupport is crucial.
),
2:17:6 PM Co Chair Stated that he looked forward to a
Hawker comprehensive approach to the
governor's initiative.
2:18:8 PM RECESS
3:01:9 PM RECONVENED
3:02:0 PM JACKIE Testified for the full funding of the
DEBEVEC, university request in the budget, the
CAREER Life Sciences Facility, in particular.
SERVICES The current lack of space and outdated
COORDINATOR, equipment weakens the university's
CAREER ability to attract top students,
SERVICES faculty, and researchers. She thought
DEPARTMENT, that the facility could bring in more
UNIVERSITY OF federal dollars for grant funding and
ALASKA, eventually support a pharmacy, vet
FAIRBANKS (via school or nursing program. Co-Chair
teleconferenceHawker pointed out funding for the
), projects mentioned would be found in
that stand alone appropriation bills or
the capital budget, and not in the
operating budget.
3:06:9 PM Sitka, Wrangell, Petersburg,
Dillingham, Cordova
3:06:5 PM ANNETTE Urged support for the Bring the Kids
BECKER, Home Initiative. She relayed funding
EXECUTIVE for the program keeps the youth, and
DIRECTOR, the money spent, in the state.
YOUTH
ADVOCATE,
SITKA (via
teleconference
),
3:08:9 PM CHRIS BAUMAN, Urged support for child abuse
EXECUTIVE prevention programs. He stressed the
DIRECTOR, need for Primary Prevention efforts in
SITKANS order to prevent victimization and
AGAINST FAMILY perpetration from occurring. With the
VIOLENCE states commitment and investment in
(SAFV), SITKA Primary Prevention efforts, both rural
(via and urban communities throughout the
teleconferencestate, could experience lower rates of
), domestic, sexual and teen dating
violence in Alaska.
3:10:5 PM JERRY DZUGAN, Testified in support for full funding
DIRECTOR, of the university request for the 6
ALASKA MARINE positions for the Marine Advisory
SAFELY Program (MAP). He opined the closing of
EDUCATION program offices in the state. He
ASSOCIATION, stressed that MAP agents were a
SITKA (via valuable gift to Alaska.
teleconference
),
3:12:8 PM JULIANNE Urged support for full funding of the
CURRY, university request in the budget. She
EXECUTIVE strongly supported funding for the
DIRECTOR, Marine Advisory Program, and detailed
PETERSBURG the many ways the program had enhanced
VESSEL OWNERS the community of Petersburg.
ASSOCIATION,
PETERSBURG
(via
teleconference
),
3:14:9 PM LIZ CABRERA, Strongly encouraged support for the 6
PETERSBURG Marine Advisory Positions listed under
ECONOMIC the university request in the budget.
DEVELOPMENT She considered the program a smart
COUNCIL, investment for the marine education of
PETERSBURG the youth of Alaska.
(via
teleconference
),
3:15:1 PM BARRY BRACKEN, Advocated support for the Marine
PETERSBURG Advisory Program. He detailed the many
MARINE MAMMAL partnership programs that the community
CENTER, had benefited from because of the
PETERSBURG program. He felt it that the program
(via was a bastion of high quality marine
teleconferenceresearch information and was too
), valuable to lose.
3:18:1 PM ROBERT Testified to the positive impact the
THOMASON, Marine Advisory Program had benefited
SUPERINTENDENTthe aquamarine and fisheries programs
, PETERSBURG within the Petersburg school district.
CITY SCHOOLS, The opportunities provided by the
PETERSBURG program were unique and important. He
(via urged full support for the university
teleconferencefunding.
),
3:19:1 PM FRITZ JOHNSON, Expressed strong support for university
REGIONAL funding for the Marine Advisory
FISHERIES Program. The Bristol Bay Economic
COORDINATOR, Development Corporation works closely
BRISTOL BAY with the program. The program is a
ECONOMIC critical function in the state
DEVELOPMENT commercial fishing industry.
CORPORATION,
DILLINGHAM
(via
teleconference
),
3:22:4 PM GINGER BAIM, Urged full funding of the governor's
DIRECTOR, SAFE request for domestic violence and
AND FEAR FREE sexual assault programs. She stated
ENVIRONMENT, that Primary Prevention programs were
(SAFE), the most effective way to end domestic
DILLINGHAM violence and sexual assault in the
(via state. She said that Primary Prevention
teleconferencewas making a difference in the state by
), preventing the first incident of
victimization or perpetration of
violence. Co-Chair Hawker said the
committee was working diligently on the
issue.
3:27:8 PM SUSAN Testified in support of funding for the
FLENSBURG, Marine Advisory Program through full
BRISTOL BAY funding for the university budget
NATIVE request. She shared the benefits
ASSOCIATION, brought to the community by the program
DILLINGHAM agent placed in Dillingham. The program
(via has generated both educational and
teleconferenceeconomic growth in the community.
),
3:32:5 PM RJ KOPCHAK, Urged full funding for the university
DEVELOPMENT budget request, the Marine Advisory
DIRECTOR, Program in particular. The Marine
PRINCE WILLIAM Advisory Program plays a critical role
SOUND SCIENCE in coastal communities. He said that
CENTER, the program out of Cordova had been
CORDOVA (via instrumental in establishing the Prince
teleconferenceWilliam Sound Science Center. The
), program has assisted the community in
begin fully involved in the fisheries
management and governance. The port of
Dutch Harbor generates huge amounts of
money for the state, and greatly
benefits from the program.
3:36:5 PM ROCHELLE VAN Testified in support for the full
DEN BROEK, funding of the university request in
CORDOVA the FY11 budget. She detailed several
DISTRICT ways that the local MAP agent had
FISHERMEN helped the community. The program has
UNITED (CDFU), helped with fleet safety, efficiency of
CORDOVA (via operations, fishing business
teleconferencemanagement, sustainable business
), practices, and economic development.
She said that the program introduced
the CDFC to the Alaska Young Fisheries
Summit, which proved to be fruitful for
the fishing fleet. She said that she
typically checks in with the local
agent once a week. She stressed that
the collaborative nature of the
relationship cannot be duplicated from
an office outside the community.
3:39:1 PM BETH POOLE, Spoke in support of full funding for
EXECUTIVE costal Marine Advisory Program offices
DIRECTOR, through the full funding of the
COPPER RIVER university request. She expressed
DELTA, PRINCE appreciation for the role of the
WILLIAM SOUND, program in Cordova, and in the
MARKETING commercial fishing and seafood
ASSOCIATION industry.
(via
teleconference
),
3:41:1 PM EILEEN Spoke in support for funding to end
SYLVESTER, domestic violence and child abuse. She
VICE mentioned the specific needs of Alaska
PRESIDENT, Native people in rural and native
SOUTH CENTRAL communities. She said that the goal of
FOUNDATION the foundation was to end domestic
(via violence, child abuse, and child
teleconferenceneglect in this generation. The
), grassroots program is over 10 years
old. She requested specific funds of
$200,000 for the implementation of the
program in the Bristol Bay Region and
another $200,000 to provide training in
other regions of the state. Co-Chair
Hawker assured her that the committee
would continue to discuss the issue.
3:45:9 PM GREG WHITE, Testified in favor of funding for the
SITKA Bring the Kids Home program. He
PREVENTION, mentioned the Alaska Youth Initiative,
SITKA (via and the positive impact it has had on
teleconferencemembers of his community. He strongly
), advocated continued funding for
programs that help at-risk children. He
expressed his belief that the children
should be allowed to stay in their home
communities to receive the help that
they need.
3:49:8 PM JONI JOHNSON, Urged support for continued funding for
STUDENT, the Marine Advisory Program. She spoke
PETERSBURG of the benefits of the program within
HIGH SCHOOL, her community. She stressed that the
PETERSBURG program was multi-faceted and was
(via important in many circles of her
teleconferencecommunity.
),
3:51:8 PM MICHELLE Spoke in support for funding of the
DEWITT, BETHEL Domestic Violence Initiative. She
(via encouraged the legislature to invest in
teleconferenceprevention programs. She felt that
), effective prevention programs would
greatly serve her region to bring down
the high rates of domestic violence and
sexual assault. The Teens Acting
Against Violence program, which began
in 1996, had not received state funding
since 2002. She hoped the committee
would consider making an investment in
the program and others like it.
3:54:4 PM CYNTHIA BERNS, Thanked the committee for the increased
OLD HARBOR, funding for Best Beginnings. She said
ALASKA (via that parents in her community were
teleconferencereading more to their children due to
), the Imagination Library Program offered
by Best Beginnings. She felt that rural
areas often had difficulty getting
books to their youth and that the Best
Beginnings program had been helpful.
3:56:7 PM AT EASE
4:18:8 PM RECONVENED
Homer, Kenai, Valdez, Ketchikan,
Kodiak, Seward, Matsu, Glennallen, Tok
4:19:5 PM JEFF STEPHAN, Urged support of the MAP program. He
MANGER, UNITED testified in support of the governor's
FISHERMAN'S original budget for this funding. He
MARKETING supported the inclusion of $614,000 in
ASSOCIATION, the university of Alaska budget for the
KODIAK, marine advisory program. He noted the
position in Kodiak has been unfunded 13
years. He explained the MAP program and
the importance of this program to local
communities. He stated the importance
to the five positions affected by this
funding. He noted MAP works in
partnership with local communities,
residents, organizations, businesses on
subjects relevant to cultural, social,
and economic well being of the
communities.
4:23:9 PM Co-Chair Wondered why this was not in the
Stoltze commercial fisheries section of the
Department of Fish and Game budget.
4:24:3 PM DESIREE Thanked the subcommittee for increasing
COMPTON, BEST the Best Beginnings budget. She noted
BEGINNINGS, the importance of the investment in
MAT-SU (via young people increase their chance for
teleconferencesuccess in school and life. They want
), to focus on the youngest members and
their families.
4:26:1 PM LINDA CONOVER, Thanked the subcommittee for increasing
MAT-SU (via the funding for Best Beginnings in the
teleconferencegovernor's budget. She also supported
), the Imagination Library and noted that
by reading to children in their early
years will give them the biggest boost
to future success.
4:27:3 PM JAMES GARHART, Supported a forward funded budget. He
MAT-SU (via believed in a smaller fiscal
teleconferenceconservative government. He thought the
), Department of Revenue funding should be
cut because of its inaccuracy. He found
mistakes in their revenue forecasting.
He indicated that a phone number given
to him by Co-Chair Stoltze had proved
unproductive with no response.
Co-Chair Apologized that his calls have not been
Stoltze returned. He will straighten this
problem out for him.
Co-Chair Offered if questions had been sent to
Hawker the DOR that have not been returned,
please contact his office.
4:31:2 PM PAT HOLMES, Supported a need for additional funding
KODIAK (via for ADFG. Over the past 12 years they
teleconferencehave gone from 12 state funded weirs to
), 4. There are serious problems with
subsistence. He supported the budget
request for western region sonar. He
urged support for the $100,000 funding
for this sonar and other funding for
fisheries.
4:34:4 PM BARB Testified for an increase in the budget
ZIMMERMAN, 4-H for the Cooperative Extension Service
CLUBS, KODIAK program. She told of the success of the
(via 4-H programs within the community. She
teleconferencenoted the importance of the 4-H program
), in helping the children in smaller
communities. She expressed delight with
the help provided by 4-H information
pamphlets. She would also like the
funding of the agent position in
Kodiak.
4:37:7 PM JULIE Testified in support of the Cooperative
KVANAUGH, Extension Service program. She believed
STAFF, this was important to retain and
UNIVERSITY capture local youth for Alaska's
COOPERATIVE future. She referred to positions
EXTENSION scheduled to be terminated due to lack
SERVICE, of funding. The governor's budget shows
KODIAK (via funding for these positions. The
teleconferencelegislature needs to look at the
), positive aspect of these MAP positions
for Alaska and continue the funding.
Kodiak wants to strengthen the UA bond.
4:39:3 PM MARIE RICE, Supported the Cooperative Extension
KODIAK (via Service program with the university.
teleconferenceShe related her personal experience and
), help with this program. She helped get
the program started in Kodiak and the
use of the agent was vital. This full
time agent position was lost 13 years
ago, but would really like that full
time position refunded.
4:42:2 PM AL BURCH, Supported the testimony for the
EXECUTIVE Cooperative Extension Service program.
DIRECTOR, He supported the continued funding of
ALASKA the MAP program. He reported his
WHITEFISH personal experience in his early years
CRAWLERS in Kodiak. He supported the research
ASSOCIATION, and help with students over the years.
KODIAK (via He has heard of more offices being
teleconferenceclosed and urged support for them to
), reopen.
4:44:5 PM MURAT BALABAN, Spoke to the importance of the fish
DIRECTOR OF industry to Alaska. He strongly
FISHERY supported the MAP program by making the
INDUSTRIAL 6 reported positions permanent. The
CENTER, KODIAK agents are the ears, eyes, and hands of
(via the university and they help
teleconferencecommunities sustain an economically
), viable industry and a way of life. Co-
Chair Hawker spoke of the underutilized
office in Kodiak and would like to see
more people working with it. Mr.
Balaban reported that all the student
rooms are full and student apartments
are full.
4:46:7 PM BARBARA Thanked the committee for the support
BOLSON, KODIAK given to the Cooperative Extension
COLLEGE (via program with the university and Kodiak
teleconferenceCollege. She urged the committee
), members to visit the college and the
good works being accomplished. She
noted workshops and programs available.
She stated that they are trying to
improve college readiness to students
in high schools.
4:49:6 PM KAREN LAMBERT, Spoke in support for the Alaska Legal
KODIAK (via Services Corporation. The best way to
teleconferencekeep budgets in check is to invest the
), state's money wisely and she believed
that the local legal services program
was a cost efficient program.
4:50:2 PM WENDY GIERARD, Thanked the committee for support to
ASSISTANT the university. She urged the committee
DIRECTOR, to reconsider the governor's budget for
UNIVERSITY OF funding the university in Alaska. The
ALASKA university helps students prepare to be
SOUTHEAST, the next generation of leaders for
KETCHIKAN (via Alaska. The university partners with
teleconferenceindustries in the region for workforce
), placement in Alaska jobs. The
enrollment in Ketchikan campus and the
university as a whole is up and the
benefits are becoming more evident.
Students and parents are seeing the
benefits of the system and more
students are choosing to stay in the
state of their education. They are
training for jobs that will be
beneficial to the state.
4:53:3 PM SANDRA RUSIN Urged support of the Bring the Kids
MCCRAY, Home program and related a personal
NATIONAL SALES story of her step-child who had to go
MANAGER FOR out of state for long term care. Her
CBS TV FOR daughter was gone over 4 years and
SOUTHEAST moved to 3 different states to receive
ALASKA, the proper care. The long term effect
KETCHIKAN (via of being away from home has had a long
teleconferenceterm effect on her and the family as
), well as the difficult financial costs.
She added that regular communication
with the child and family was limited
and often it is too expensive for the
family to travel and visit the child.
She believed it made more sense to keep
the money in state. She believed it
would be cheaper in the long run to
keep the children home.
4:59:6 PM Representative Questioned the cost of youth in state
Gara and asked how often Medicaid would
approve travel for a parent to visit
the child.
Ms. Rusin Answered that Medicaid approved 4
visits a year for no longer than 3
days. She added that it is restricted
to one parent and it must be in regard
to working one on one in the child's
treatment. It is not for a family
visit. She noted that when the children
are sent to these centers the parents
cannot come for a visit during the fist
6 months.
5:01:1 PM NINA ALLEN, Urged support of the Bring the Kids
CEO OF THE Home initiative and thanked the
MENTAL HEALTH committee for their support. The
CENTER, HOMER program is successful for its many
(via accomplishments. This program has been
teleconferencesuccessful due to its multi-pronged
), approach to the issue. She urged the
committee to adopt in full the
governor's full increment for this
program.
5:03:8 PM GLENN SEAMAN, Supported the MAP program. He related
HOMER (via his personal experiences in seeing the
teleconferencehelp the program has done for the
), coastal communities. He mentioned the
excellent help in the training programs
and the effectiveness of addressing the
needs of the communities. He supported
the addition of the new offices in the
state.
5:06:3 PM JOHN DEVENS, Urged support of the UAA budget as
FOUNDING presented by the Board of Regents. He
PRESIDENT OF also wanted to draw attention to the
THE PRINCE value of the small rural colleges in
WILLIAM SOUND Alaska. He related the importance for
COMMUNITY rural students to have access to this
COLLEGE, higher leaning as a bridge to the
REPRESENTATIVE university. These students who go to
ON THE UAA school in Alaska are the ones most
ADVISORY likely to stay in Alaska and contribute
BOARD, VALDEZ to its future.
(via
teleconference
),
5:08:9 PM CARRIE BEEMAN, Testified in support of continued
CHAIR OF THE funding of the Imagination Library. It
UPPER TANANA is so important to all communities but
IMAGINATION especially in the small communities in
LIBRARY, TOK Alaska. She communicated that reading
(via to young children is the single most
teleconferenceimportant things parents can do to
), insure their child success in school.
She noted that Best Beginnings is the
umbrella organization for the
Imagination Library in Alaska. She
noted that over 100 children are
enrolled in the Upper Tanana region
Imagination Library.
5:10:2 PM DAVID SQUIRES, Reads from a letter by the City
FIRE CHIEF, Manager. He spoke to the deletion of
SEWARD (via $150,000 by the house finance
teleconferencesubcommittee from the state's proposed
), Department of Administration budget for
maintaining Alaska land mobile radio
system. The committee directed that the
funds be collected from local users. He
derided the inoperable communication
between public safety agencies. He
continued that Alaska was the first
state to adopt an operable statewide
communication system, ALMAR. The
mandated fees for Seward would force
the city to abandon plans to join ALMAR
or abandon the current use of the ALMAR
system and return to the legacy system.
This would endanger the future of
emergency communication in Alaska
causing an overall adverse impact on
public safety in Alaska. The estimated
cost to Seward would be $28,800 per
year with additional yearly costs.
Co-Chair Hawker requested the City
Manger testimony be faxed to the house
finance committee.
5:15:6 PM BILL BURTON, Urged support of the Community
OWNER KODIAK Extension agent and the help they have
GAME RANCH provided to his company and the
(via community. He noted that the community
teleconferencewelcomes the research and knowledge of
), the agents working with the 4-H and
local residents. He encouraged
continued funding of this program.
5:19:2 PM DONN BENNICE, Thanked the committee for their
PRESIDENT FOR continued fiscal responsibility to the
ALASKA FAMILY budget process. He reported that the
SERVICES IN Alaska Family Services is a multi-
PALMER, MAT-SU dimensional social service agency in
(via the MatSu borough and operates the only
teleconferencedomestic violence emergency shelter in
), the valley. He added they also operate
a full service behavior health
treatment center. He strongly supported
the governor's domestic violence
initiative, but thought a strong
component is to deal with the problem
in its entirety by adding a strong
preventative component to that
initiative. He believed the need for a
primary local planning process, more
local law enforcement and a base line
for data. He believed in education and
domestic violence treatments and that
substance abuse is often a major
contributor to domestic violence.
Co-Chair Related that the committee has had
Hawker several long conversations on the
consequence and causes of domestic
violence. The substance abuse issue was
probably one of the most causal effects
of domestic violence. He added jobs and
work opportunity plays a major role.
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