Legislature(2019 - 2020)WASILLA LIO
07/16/2019 02:00 PM 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 | |
| + | 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."
2:09:15 PM
Co-Chair Foster asked testifiers to limit their remarks to
two minutes.
^PUBLIC TESTIMONY
2:11:09 PM
Co-Chair Foster explained the committee process for public
testimony.
2:12:03 PM
DENISE DOTSON, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, was disappointed with the
process of the legislature thus far. She was disgusted. She
had been a resident since 1980. She noted all of the
opportunities found in Alaska. She opposed government
interference. She spoke in testified in opposition to HB
2001. She supported Governor Dunleavy's reductions. She
spoke of giving and giving and giving, costing citizens
additional money. She criticized the legislators for not
doing their jobs. She reiterated that the legislature was
not acting on behalf of the people of Alaska.
2:16:10 PM
KATHY CLEMENTS, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, had been in the state for
over 40 years. She believed the Permanent Fund Dividend
(PFD) belonged to the people of Alaska. She thought anyone
could donate their PFD if they wanted to. She supported the
cuts made by the governor. She talked about someone wanting
free teeth. She reiterated her support of the cuts that had
been made.
2:18:38 PM
VICKIE TURNER MALONE, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, talked about
Alaskans working across the aisle. She noted some of the
past leaders of Alaska. She thought the governor was
blowing Alaskans apart. She referenced the Power Cost
Equalization (PCE) sweep. She advocated legislators going
to Juneau, as it was properly set up to do business. She
spoke in support of the budget submitted to the governor by
the legislature.
2:23:07 PM
CAROL CARMAN, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, moved to Alaska when she
was three months old. She thanked the minority members of
the House Finance Committee for following the Alaska
Constitution and for following the governor's proclamation.
She continued thanking the minority members for several
other things. She supported a full PFD of $3,000 and the
governor's vetoes.
2:26:33 PM
DAVID LONG, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, testified in opposition to HB
2001. He applauded the governor for his vetoes. He
suggested the state had to work within its means. He stated
that proposed new taxes would not be enough to close the
budget gap. He believed in a full dividend. He urged
members to work towards a sustainable budget.
2:28:40 PM
TERRY SNYDER, AARP, MAT-SU LIO (via teleconference), spoke
on behalf of AARP members. She asked the legislature to
restore the funding for the Senior Benefits Program, Legal
Services, and the Medicaid Adult Dental Program. She spoke
in support of Alaskan elders.
2:31:07 PM
MAGGIE HUMM, AK LEGAL SERVICES CORP, MAT-SU LIO, provided
background information about the role of Alaska Legal
Services. She spoke of the years she practiced in the field
and the rampant violence and substance abuse. She
highlighted that state funding had provided critical legal
services to several different groups. She had worked in the
Mat-Su office for over eight years. She spoke of additional
contribution made by Alaska Legal Services. She reported
that three offices were threatened to be closed as a result
of the reduction in funding.
Co-Chair Foster asked how many offices Alaska Legal
Services had.
Ms. Humm responded that there were 13 offices.
2:34:00 PM
GUNNAR KNAPP, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, provided a brief bit of
information about his background. He indicated that most
people should look at how they were spending their money in
reference to how much they were being paid. He spoke of
extravagant spending when oil revenues were huge. He
indicated that the Permanent Fund was a good idea when the
state had excess revenues to protect the funds from being
spend on boondoggle projects. He suggested that it was
entirely reasonable to ask if it was reasonable to continue
paying the high amount of the PFD. He thought Alaska was
facing more than determining how much of a dividend to be
paid. He posed the questions about a fair and prudent way
of addressing Alaska's needs.
2:38:09 PM
GARVAN BUCARIA, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, testified in opposition
to HB 2001 and believed it was disgusting. He shared that
he was a survivor of depression. He spoke of the hardships
people faced. He recalled gas rationing, savings stamps,
and other things. He advocated reducing the cost of
services. He believed a full PFD of $3000 would be better
spent by recipients than the legislature.
2:41:00 PM
ANDREW BREWER, MERRICK, MAT-SU LIO, spoke in opposition to
HB 2001. He thought the legislature should change the
statutes to include designated funds. He argued that the
dividend was meant to be an investment for Alaskans. He
stated he would fight the lawlessness of the session.
2:43:19 PM
TASHA BELKA, ALASKA RURAL REHABILITATION CORP, MAT-SU LIO,
discussed budget cuts to critical programs including the
Alaska Rural Rehabilitation Corporation (ARRC) and the
Division of Agriculture's revolving loan fund. She provided
information regarding the corporation. She spoke to the
benefits of several lending agencies that provided
necessary operating capital for farmers and ranchers. She
advocated that funding be restored for essential
agricultural programs.
2:45:16 PM
PATRICIA FISHER, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, argued for a stronger
education system in the state. She thought increased drug
use and homelessness were among things that would result
from a lack of investment in education.
Co-Chair Foster recognized Co-Chair Wilson and
Representative Grier Hopkins online.
2:47:06 PM
MARK LACKEY, CCS EARLY LEARNING, MAT-SU LIO, spoke in
support of early learning programs. He had to make calls
about certain schools having to close as a result of the
governor's vetoes. He implored the legislature and the
governor to work together to come up with a solution. He
provided a quote regarding protecting all children.
2:50:35 PM
JOE SCHLANGER, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, spoke on behalf of a full
PFD. He noted several people struggling to pay their taxes.
He asserted that legislators only cared about personal
interest groups.
2:53:20 PM
NANCY BLAKE, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, believed the governor's
budget was a travesty. She supported the legislature's
budget that would not devastate the education system, did
not leave elders without food or care, did not hinder
efforts to address homelessness, addiction, and mental
health, and did not remove public safety funding for rural
communities. She advocated capping the PFD until there was
an equal amount of income tax or wage tax. She supported a
reduction to oil tax credits. She asked the legislature to
challenge the governor's cuts.
2:56:07 PM
MARY FORBES, SELF, KODIAK (via teleconference), spoke in
support of HB 2001 and a reduced PFD. [Ms. Forbes dropped
offline].
2:57:23 PM
CHARLES MCKEE, SELF, ANCHORAGE, testified in opposition to
HB 2001. He spoke of having testified on another issue that
he felt he influenced. He spoke of the fifth amendment of
the United States Constitution and constructive larceny. He
continued to discuss an issue unrelated to the bill.
3:02:21 PM
Co-Chair Foster returned to the testimony of Mary Forbes
from Kodiak.
Ms. Forbes expressed her disappointment in the governor's
vetoes and the entitlement of the PFD.
3:03:23 PM
ROBYN CASSIDY, SELF, KODIAK (via teleconference), supported
HB 2001 in its current version. She commended the
legislature for the compromise budget. She was dismayed
with the governor's vetoes. She was surprised at several of
the reductions of which she named several. She talked about
an impending recession that would be likely if the vetoes
stood. She advocated addressing the revenue stream. She
suggested a progressive income tax.
3:05:41 PM
ALYSON CURREY, SELF, JUNEAU (via teleconference), asked the
legislature to restore the funding from all of the
governor's vetoes, reverse the sweep, and pass a
responsible PFD amount. She thanked legislators for working
together to protect programs for the people of Alaska. She
thanked the legislature for working to protect access to
essential state services. She stressed that the budget
could not be balanced on the backs of the state's most
vulnerable residents.
3:07:12 PM
DAVID RUDOLPH, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, encouraged members to
minimize or abolish the PFD in order to preserve several
different programs. He spoke in support of education, food
and shelter, public announcements, policing, community
support, rural support, and infrastructure repair. He asked
that they protect the most vulnerable Alaskans.
3:08:23 PM
DEBORAH TILL, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, urged support of HB 2001.
She shared that she was a nurse practitioner. She mentioned
the impacts of cuts on the most vulnerable Alaskans. She
provided a quote from FDR.
3:09:44 PM
ELIZABETH HOLT, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, testified in opposition
to HB 2001 and fully supported the governor's vetoes. She
supported a full PFD. She did not believe the state could
keep funding all of the existing programs.
3:11:39 PM
AMY PETTIT, ALASKA FARMLAND TRUST, MAT-SU LIO, testified in
support of HB 2001 in her roll with the Alaska Farmland
Trust. She was a parent and spoke in favor of policy and
people. She supported the budget the legislature put
forward to the governor. She advocated restoring all
funding to the budget.
3:13:53 PM
SUELYNN HIGHT, SELF, MAT-SU LIO (via teleconference),
opposed HB 2001. She had been a resident of the state for
45 years. She agreed with the governor's budget cuts and
felt the current bill was illegal. She supported a full PFD
payment of $3000. She did not believe the PFD was a social
handout. She supported the governor and urged members to
support him.
3:17:52 PM
LINDA STRODE, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, thought it was unreasonable
for the state to take the proposed cuts. She thought there
would be serious ramifications. She noted some of her
family members leaving the state. Her family members left
because of their concern with education for her
grandchildren. She urged members to do their job and
restore the veto funding and ensure Alaska's future.
3:20:24 PM
BETH FREAD, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, was disappointed that the
legislature had not figured out that all of its members
were needed to accomplish something. She supported
reductions to the budget. She opined that only small
portions had been reduced in the budget. The University was
being reduced by 17 percent. She attributed the violence in
Wasilla to the divide of the legislature. She continued to
express her disappointment.
3:23:03 PM
ASHLEY PELTIER, AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION, MAT-SU LIO,
indicated she would support her written testimony. However,
she would review just a few points. She indicated the cuts
to Medicaid was devastating. She provided her personal
testimony. She spoke in favor of the restoration of cuts to
education. She thought she had no reason to stay in Alaska.
She urged members to put the health of all Alaskans before
a full PFD.
Co-Chair Foster commented that he was really listening to
people's testimony. He was trying to take away something
from each testifier.
Representative Wool stated that he was not taking a tally.
Vice-Chair Johnston noted that she was taking a tally but
was actively listening.
3:27:13 PM
JESSICA WRIGHT, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, objected to HB 2001. She
shared that she had testified three times on the budget.
She was surprised that the budget was still being debated.
She supported the governor's vetoes and a full PFD was the
right of the people. She believed the legislature should be
meeting in Wasilla as proclaimed by the governor.
3:30:08 PM
MELISSA GUDOBBA, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, spoke in favor of
Governor Dunleavy's vetoes and a full PFD. She thought the
legislature should stand by the governor. She grew up in
Alaska and had depended on the PFD. She was skeptical about
the process working.
3:32:52 PM
DIANNE SHIBE, MSEA, MAT-SU LIO, spoke in favor of HB 2001.
She was concerned about the uncertainty of the proposed
cuts. She mentioned the cut to the bond reimbursement. She
asked members to put the people of Alaska first.
3:34:18 PM
KIM EVANS, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, was an educator, parent, and
student. She asked if the legislature was thinking long-
term or short-term. She was concerned about the cuts made
to the state budget. She thought the cuts were too deep.
She talked about the state having the lowest taxes in the
nation with the highest payout. She asked what the state
would look like if it only focused on the yearly PFD
instead of public safety, infrastructure, and education.
3:36:59 PM
BARB DOTY, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, spoke in favor of compromise.
She thought the future of Alaska would include looking at
reduced oil tax credits. She also supported an income tax.
She had four children, three of whom lived in Alaska
presently. She had a daughter attending college out of
state but would return. She urged the legislature to look
at compromise in terms of the future of Alaska. She asked
members to look at the bigger picture and to compromise.
3:39:41 PM
MIKE WIDNEY, SAVE THE PFD, MAT-SU LIO, spoke of the
brilliance of the Permanent Fund. He thought people were
working to destroy the fund. He advocated a full PFD. He
believed that taking the PFD from people was a regressive
tax. He indicated that he would work towards replacing some
legislators.
3:41:25 PM
JACQUELYN DOZIER, SELF, WRANGELL (via teleconference),
testified in support of HB 2001 as amended. She spoke of
some of the tragedies in her family. She was broke when she
moved to Alaska. She came to Alaska and had worked as an
educator for years. She supported the Senior Benefits
Programs. She thanked the committee.
Vice-Chair Ortiz thanked Ms. Dozier for her testimony.
3:44:50 PM
BILL KENDIG, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, opposed the legislation. He
supported the governor's budget and a full PFD. He objected
to the special session being held in Juneau. He suggested
that anyone that stayed in Juneau broke the law. He
stressed that balancing the budget was imperative. He did
not believe a 17 percent cut to the University was large.
He thought the University was mismanaged. He was shocked at
HB 2001. He thought the governor would veto the bill.
3:48:04 PM
Representative Wool interjected that the cuts of $440
million (10 percent of the total budget) brought the total
allowable amount within the budget to a $1,600 PFD, which
was halfway to $3,000.
MANDY GERSHON, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, spoke in opposition to HB
2001. She advocated a full PFD. She indicated that if the
legislature was to provide a smaller PFD it would not be
following the law. She urged members to follow the law.
3:51:49 PM
JOEL SIGMAN, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, opined that the
legislature did not listen to the people. He was tired of
the illegal things they were doing. He spoke about funding
that was wasted on construction projects that had to be
redone. He thought there would be greater problems in the
future. He advocated for the homeless. He thought
legislators should walk in the shoes of a homeless person
for a year before they made rash decisions about funding.
He did not think people cared or listened.
3:57:25 PM
LINDA SHINE, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, opposed the cuts to the
University of Alaska. She shared that she had been an
elementary school teacher. She thought cuts to the
University to the point of closure was irresponsible. She
did not believe a $3,000 PFD would make up for the loss.
She thought the $3,000 would go outside the state to pay
for students' education elsewhere. She viewed the vetoes as
an overcorrection and implored the legislature to prevent
Alaska from being destroyed by an overcorrection. She asked
the legislature to reinstate funds for the University,
seniors, homeless, and other vital services.
3:59:10 PM
TIM SHINE, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, agreed it would be nice to
have a $3,000 PFD, but he believed HB 2001 sounded like a
reasonable compromise. He shared that he had voted for
Governor Dunleavy. He appreciated the governor's pushback
on an income tax. He disagreed with the governor's vetoes
and believed they were unreasonable. He did not believe the
PFD should be prioritized above other state institutions
and responsibilities. He appreciated the legislature's
responsible budget.
4:01:11 PM
JERRY HUPP, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, spoke in favor of HB 2001 and
an income tax. felt that it would be irresponsible to take
a $3,000 PFD while essential state services were being
"gutted." He shared that he and his wife had received more
in PFDs than they had paid in property taxes over their 30-
years in Alaska. He remarked that residents' total
contribution to local and state services was effectively
zero. He noted that there should be a consideration of
Alaska's children. He spoke in support of reinstating the
funds affected by the vetoes.
4:03:23 PM
Vice-Chair Johnston remarked that there was a request for a
break but wanted to ensure that the list was completed.
4:04:10 PM
ANTHONY BAIOCCHI, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, spoke in support of the
governor's intentions. He spoke in support of a budget
similar to the budget in 2006. He felt that it was a
significant increase. He noted that he had seen income loss
and had to personally budget. He felt that Medicaid was
increasing the cost of health care of moderate working
Alaskans.
4:06:37 PM
MIKE COONS, GREATER AK CHAPTER AMAC ACTION, MAT-SU LIO,
remarked that he was not a part of a special interest
group. He stated that that the PFD formula was existing
law. He felt that the bill violated existing law. He
continued to highlight that the work was illegal.
4:10:00 PM
LAURIE KARI, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, spoke against the governor's
vetoes. She worked with agencies to provide homeless
prevention in the community. She shared that matching
grants had saved the state millions of dollars in the long
run, which was something the governor was hoping to veto.
She provided additional examples of negative impacts of the
vetoes. She encouraged a compromise between the vetoes and
a reasonable PFD. She did not want to pull the rug out from
under compassionate lifesaving services. She wished the
legislature luck in its negotiation on HB 2001.
4:12:31 PM
CRYSTAL GILLESPIE, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, remarked that her
family had to budget recently due to a change in her
circumstances. She felt that the state needed to adjust
their lives. She urged the legislature to responsibly
budget to the state's money. She stated that the PFD
belonged to the people. She felt that the government was
growing too rapidly. She wondered whether the programs
could be included in the Pick.Click.Give. program.
4:16:11 PM
MARJIE CUNNINGHAM, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, urged the committee to
restore the funding affected by the vetoes. She remarked
that she was a Medicaid recipient and would be affected by
the cut to dental coverage. She shared that she was afraid
that Medicaid expansion would be the next thing that would
be affected by cuts. She felt that there should be a focus
on reducing homelessness. She spoke against forcing people
onto the street in the name of a promise for a higher PFD.
She noted that it was shameful that Alaska was the only
state without an Arts Council.
4:18:27 PM
KAREN SALISBURY, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, remarked that she and
her husband lost their homes at one point during a
recession, and she did not want to see that happen again.
She stated that her family currently had eight kids in the
Alaska school system, and many chose their higher education
at the University of Alaska system. She stressed that the
highest priority should be education. She felt that there
could be a compromise in the budget. She stated that the
PFD, education, and services to Alaskans should all be the
focus.
4:20:55 PM
SARA MARIE WILLIAMS, HEMP FOR HEALTHCARE IN ALASKA, MAT-SU
LIO, stated that she was currently homeless. She stated
that hemp had many important qualities for the state. She
felt that the hemp industry would provide jobs for
Alaskans. She felt that the governor was prioritizing oil
money over people. She wanted a government that valued
education and health care. She remarked that an intelligent
and healthy population was a prosperous population.
4:24:03 PM
MARY MOUNCE, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, spoke against the reductions
to the Pioneer Home. She shared that her sister-in-law
suffered from dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease and
was currently resident of the Sitka Pioneer Home. She
detailed that the monthly cost was $6,750 or $81,000 per
year. She spoke in opposition to the proposed increases in
cost. She asked the legislature to fight the governor's
proposed budget cuts.
4:26:11 PM
DAVID WERNER MD, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, shared that he was a
former family doctor. He spoke in support of overriding the
governor's vetoes, a reduced PFD, and an income tax. He
felt that the budget cuts would come at the expense of the
government services. He felt that the governor's vetoes
would cause a recession. He stressed that there would be a
negative impact of institutional knowledge due to the
effect of the budget vetoes.
4:29:01 PM
ELIZABETH RIPLEY, OWNER, MAT-SU HEALTH FOUNDATION, stressed
that the governor's vetoes would have a negative effect on
the health of the people in Mat-Su. She stated that state
Medicaid dollars helped Alaska to improve the health of its
citizens. The foundation was ready to work with the
governor and legislature to protect healthcare and critical
social services without implementing draconian budget
measures. She supported a budget that made good use of
state dollars and protected the health of residents.
4:31:48 PM
NICK PAPACOSTAS, PRESIDENT, ALASKA CHAPTER AMERICAN
COLLEGE OF EMERGENCY PHYSICIANS, MAT-SU LIO, spoke in
support of HB 2001. He remarked that Medicaid and Medicaid
expansion were "game changers" for Alaskans. Medicaid
coverage helped patients who were terribly unwell. He felt
that cutting benefits for the patients would have a more
costly result. He remarked that preventative dental care
was comparatively inexpensive, so removing preventative
dental would result in costly infections and other
problems.
4:35:19 PM
TOM QUIMBY, EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN, MAT-SU REGIONAL HOSPITAL,
MAT-SU LIO, spoke in support of HB 2001, and the full
restoration of the vetoes. He echoed the comments of some
previous testifiers. He shared that he grew up in Chugiak
and attended UAA. He also graduated from the Washington,
Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho (WWAMI) program and had
been employed as a firefighter to pay for school. He felt
that the cuts disproportionately affected the most
vulnerable citizens of the state. He noted that there was a
quantifiable reduction in substance abuse, so the cuts may
reverse that reduction in the other direction.
4:38:08 PM
LIN DAVIS, SELF, JUNEAU, applauded the proposal of HB 2001
and amendments that would restore the governor's cuts. She
was currently in Kodiak to catch the Tustumena ferry
because she was concerned it would not be around in the
following year. She characterized the governor's vetoes as
dire and deadly. She was amenable to a smaller PFD. She
believed the governor's cuts were egregious and were
contrary to his campaign promises. She urged full funding
of the UA system, AMHS, public broadcasting, Pre-K, WWAMI,
art programs, and other.
4:40:42 PM
PATTRICE ILLGUTH, SELF, NORTH POLE (via teleconference),
spoke against HB 2001. She remarked that she and her
husband had felt the cuts when Governor Walker had reduced
the PFDs. She stated that she did not like the school
system, so she homeschooled her kids. She felt that the
governor made good cuts. She applauded the legislators who
went to Wasilla. She remarked that cutting the budget would
affect the state's economy.
4:43:47 PM
LILY WERTS, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), supported
HB 2001. She supported fully funding the vetoed budget
items. Additionally, she was in favor of a PFD of $1,600 or
a surplus dividend of $929 if it would allow vital services
to be maintained. She reported that she and her boyfriend
had been planning to buy a home but his job at the
University was now in jeopardy. She had been planning to
seek a master's degree, but it was unlikely due to cuts to
the University.
4:45:34 PM
GHERT ABBOTT, SELF, KETCHIKAN (via teleconference), spoke
in support of HB 2001. He believed the bill did the least
economic and social damage to Alaska in the short-term. He
felt that overturning the governor's vetoes should be the
most immediate priority for the legislature. However, he
believed the regressive dividend head tax contained in the
bill would have the same impact as the governor's vetoes in
the long-term. He believed that the elderly, rural
communities, students, and working poor Alaskans would be
the most impacted. He spoke in favor of an income tax to
provide the state with sustainable revenue.
4:47:12 PM
TRACIE HAAN, SELF, PALMER (via teleconference), spoke in
support of HB 2001. She asked what consolation a $3,000 PFD
gave to University employees who had lost their
livelihoods. She thought the PFD represented the ultimate
handout. She stressed that the bill would only limit the
PFD, not eliminate it. She spoke to the importance of
protecting the safety and health of Alaskans.
4:49:50 PM
GEORGE PIERCE, SELF, KASILOF (via teleconference), spoke in
support of a full PFD. He shared that he had been in Alaska
for 30 years and felt that there should not be funding for
nonprofits and special interest groups. He applauded the
governor for reducing education funding. He felt that the
oil companies should be taxed.
4:53:17 PM
ALICE BIOFF, SELF, NOME (via teleconference), spoke in
support of HB 2001. She spoke in support of funding for the
Alaska State Council on the Arts (ASCA). She highlighted
the benefits and work of ASCA. She remarked that ASCA had
officially closed the day prior. She shared the many
beneficial programs that were a way to integrate art into
the educational systems.
4:56:17 PM
CHRISTOPHER KURKA, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, felt that the PFD
belonged to the people. He felt that reducing the PFD was
like an insidious tax. He felt that the legislature had a
responsibility to make wise budget choices.
4:58:05 PM
KATHLEEN GRABER, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, did not want to testify
for or against HB 2001. She spoke against the
deconstruction of Alaskan services. She shared that she had
paid taxes when she first arrived in the state, and never
questioned her responsibility to pay taxes. She stated that
residents live in Alaska, because they love Alaska. She
hoped that there would be a halt to reducing the quality of
life in the state. She stressed that not everyone was tough
enough to live Alaska. She remarked that she had lived in
Valdez with no television, and bottles of soda were not
available when she was a teenager.
5:01:29 PM
BROOKE HEPPINSTELL, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, testified in support
of HB 2001. She supported having the capital in Juneau. She
reported her family had never budgeted on something that
had not happened yet - like the PFD. She supported new
revenues and improved education. She stressed the
importance of discontinuing disparaging the brain power of
people who were educated in the state.
5:03:58 PM
DIANA SLOAN-BASNER, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, testified in support
of the bill. She supported engineers at the University
working on climate change issues. She was disappointed that
Governor Dunleavy had hired his budget director from the
Lower 48. She was curious about the governor's motivation
to cut the Ocean Ranger Program that did not cost the state
any money. She spoke to the governor's claim the state was
open to business, but she thought it appeared the state was
closed to seniors, children, and other. She pointed out
that the University was the only higher education option in
Alaska. She supported making it an affordable, attractive
option for students. She asked for a change to the oil tax
credits and an income tax. She thanked the committee for
its work on the previous budget.
5:07:19 PM
ROBIN LOCKWOOD, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, supported the bill. She
shared that she had recently graduated with a Master of
Arts in Teaching from the University of Alaska. She
supported the override of the governor's vetoes. She was
disappointed in the outcome on the vote the previous week.
The programs impacted her community members. She did not
believe every Alaskan had been taken into consideration
when the governor had made his vetoes. She asked the
committee to consider reinstating a state income tax.
5:09:42 PM
LAURA BESS, SELF, JUNEAU (via teleconference), testified in
support of the bill. She was opposed to cuts to the
University. She was a professor at UAS and wanted to keep
her job and remain in Alaska. She urged the legislature to
find a way to work together to find a more responsible PFD.
She asked the legislature to restore the vetoes. She was
shocked by individuals who were only concerned about
themselves and not others. She spoke about the over
subsidization to the oil industry. She advocated for
healthcare and other. The cuts were devastating to
communities. Alaska deserved better than the cuts; she
supported a responsible PFD.
5:12:46 PM
MARK WHEELER, SELF, JUNEAU (via teleconference), testified
in support of the bill. He reported he was present in the
Juneau Capitol Building. He spoke about hospitality. The
governor's budget did not reflect how Alaskans treated each
other. He stressed that Alaskans did not turn their backs
on the homeless people and other. He shared that he had
lost his job working for a nonprofit seven years ago. He
stressed that thousands of people would lose their jobs,
people may die, and other negative things would occur. He
asked what type of a state people wanted. He asked if
people wanted to see people leave the state.
5:15:39 PM
LUANN MCVEY, SELF, JUNEAU (via teleconference), spoke in
support of the bill. She had planned to live the rest of
her life in Alaska, but now she was reconsidering. She
would give up her entire PFD to preserve the University,
Medicaid, AMHS, seniors, and other. She supported a
personal income tax and the removal of oil tax credits. She
asked the committee to do the right thing for the people of
Alaska. She thanked the committee for its time.
5:17:37 PM
TOM RUTECKI, SELF, JUNEAU (via teleconference), testified
in favor of the bill. He shared that the state did not have
the revenue to pay for a $3,000 PFD because SB 21 never
lived up to expectations. The PFD was important to certain
people, especially to village residents. He pointed out
that the Village Public Safety Officer (VPSO) program had
been gutted and he believed $3,000 per person would not
make up for the loss. He shared that Wyoming was much more
conservative than Alaska and it had just approved $1.7
million for its university engineering initiative. His PFD
would be eaten up by airline tickets because there would be
no ferries to travel. He urged the passage of the bill.
5:19:41 PM
RHONDA STARK, CITIZEN, BUSINESS OWNER, MAT-SU LIO, opposed
the bill. She stressed that emotion would not solve the
state's problems. She thought it was important to do the
hard things at present and resurrect the Alaska "can do"
spirit. She stated that she was a University of Alaska
alumni and former employee. Her daughter was a graduate of
UAF and had graduated as a scholar. She stressed that
Alaska was first in the nation in per capita spending. She
detailed that the University was overfunded. She thought
the state needed to be better financial footing before it
considered taking the PFD. She was not opposed to using the
PFD, but less needed to be spent.
5:22:58 PM
CHELSEA GREGERSEN, AK LEGAL SERVICES CORP, MAT-SU LIO,
shared that she worked with vulnerable Alaskans. She
detailed a story about a client who had applied for
services. She provided other examples of clients she had
assisted. She explained that Alaska Legal Services was the
only provider of comprehensive free civil legal services in
Alaska. She shared that she currently had to turn away one
applicant for every applicant she could assist. She
stressed that individuals would have nowhere to turn. She
elaborated on the services she provided to clients.
5:26:11 PM
BARBARA SHEW, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, detailed that she had
served in the military and had been an Iditarod volunteer
for the past five years. She shared that many elderly in
Alaska were scared. She was opposed to the governor's
elimination of funding for the Senior Benefits Program. She
relayed her family was all in the Lower 48, but she was
happy in Alaska. She stated that the kids in Alaska would
have to leave the state to find work, which did not seem
right. She shared that she did not plan on her PFD. She
thanked the committee.
5:29:38 PM
VALERIE BAFFONE, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, supported the bill. She
had spent her life in Alaska being afforded many
opportunities. She thought the state was taking a turn in
the wrong direction. She did not want to see family and
friends move because opportunities had been lost. She
believed the state constitution did a good job prioritizing
things. She was opposed to the budget cuts. She spoke about
problems in the state with alcoholism, drug abuse, and
other. She did not mind paying taxes, a reduction to the
PFD, or a change to oil taxes. She wanted services funded.
5:32:38 PM
DEE QUINN, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, supported the bill. She was
against the governor's vetoes and was supportive of a
reduced PFD. She shared that her children had gone to
college and were now living in the state. She stated the
future was looking bleak. She felt many jobs would be lost
if the budget passed and she thought it would send the
state back into a recession. She recalled the horrible
recession in the 1980s.
5:34:54 PM
JOHN ROZZI, MAT-SU COALITION ON HOUSING & HOMELESSNESS,
MAT-SU LIO, supported HB 2001. He found it unfortunate that
the situation was pitting the most vulnerable Alaskans
against one another. He stated that everyone needed the PFD
and everyone needed the state services. He shared that the
funding provided in the past eight years had formed a
network of coalitions supporting individuals in Mat-Su
including the reentry program, opioid taskforce, homeless
prevention, food banks, early childhood education,
behavioral health providers, and more. The most vulnerable
Alaskans were worthy of the programs. He stressed
compromise beyond party affiliations to work for the good
of the community.
5:37:18 PM
DAVE ROSE, MAT-SU COALITION ON HOUSING & HOMELESSNESS, MAT-
SU LIO, spoke in favor of the bill. He felt people in the
state had been working and working to build things up. He
shared that in the Mat-Su people helped people. He thought
that programs were built up in the valley and across the
state because people cared about other people. He was proud
to be in Alaska; he married into the state. He provided
detail about his life in the state and his work with
homeless. He had not done one of those things by himself,
he used the state roads, laws, and system. The state had
been there to help him. He hoped the state continued to
care about its citizens. He thanked the legislature for
working across the aisle and for working together. He spoke
about the youth in the state.
5:41:37 PM
Co-Chair Foster recognized Senator Shelly Hughes in the
audience.
GRETCHEN CLAYTON, VALLEY INTERFACE ACTION, MAT-SU LIO, read
a statement from Lynn Anslem. She shared the individual had
numerous health problems. She could not afford her
medications if the vetoes stood. She could not see her
physicians if the vetoes occurred. She would become
homeless. She considered leaving the state; however,
qualifying for health insurance was unlikely. She asked how
she would survive. Ms. Clayton spoke about her personal
life and shared that she was a diabetic. She had been able
to have dental care due to Medicaid coverage. She opposed
the vetoes.
5:45:05 PM
DIANNE WOODRUFF, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, supported the bill. She
thought the original budget passed by the legislature was a
compromise. She opposed cuts to housing and homeless
programs, children, healthcare, and other. She did not
support pitting urban and rural communities against each
other. She believed the vetoes would hamstring a number of
nonprofits requiring matching funds. She referenced stories
she had heard about people becoming homeless - it made a
big difference when a person got a temporary handout. She
thought an income tax would be a better way to deal with
the situation, but she was fine with taking part of the PFD
if it was needed. She hoped a plan with income would occur
the following year. She was disappointed in the governor.
She noted that the capital was in Juneau and meetings
should take place there.
5:49:37 PM
JOHAN MOROPOULOS, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, detailed that he had
moved to Alaska 40 years earlier. He referenced dire
predictions about what would occur if the budget cuts came
to fruition. He had lived in Greece in the past and in
recent years he had witnessed the economic chaos in the
country where businesses had closed, and people had lost
jobs; Greece had spent money it did not have. He
acknowledged the good of the programs offered by the state,
but he implored the committee to get its fiscal house in
order. He stressed the state could not spend money it did
not have.
5:51:37 PM
CODY JOHNSON, SELF, MAT-SU, supported HB 2001. He was in
favor of looking at other forms of revenue such as an
income tax. He implored the committee to override the
vetoes. He stressed that his wife would lose her job at the
University if the vetoes took effect. He had read that
6,000 residents could lose their jobs. He opposed a $3,000
government handout at the expense of people and their
livelihoods. He asked the legislature to pass the bill.
5:52:58 PM
JONATHAN RUDD, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, testified against the
bill. He supported a full PFD. He thought taking the PFD
was not right and pit one group of people against another.
He added that the issue had divided the legislature into
two sections. He asked the legislature to stick with the
original formula. He suggested that when the legislature
needed more money, it should ask people to donate via
Pick.Click.Give.
5:56:29 PM
BRUCE WILLIAMS, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, had lived in the state
for many years. He had watched the state receive
substantial money. He supported the PFD. He shared that he
had had cancer five times. The state could not keep going
like it was; change was needed. He thought the legislature
had not listened to residents. He shared that he had been
taught to listen. He did not like having to live off the
state or having cancer numerous times. He did not like
asking for help. He shared personal information. He was
alive because people had helped him and done the right
thing. He shared that Benzene had caused his cancer. He
stressed that the legislature could not take the PFDs. He
emphasized that people needed the legislature's help
immediately. He did not support taking the PFDs from
children. He implored the committee to do something
immediately. He urged coming together.
6:02:48 PM
JOEL FULLER, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, opposed the bill. He shared
that he had moved to Alaska in 1958. He supported the
governor's vetoes and believed the legislature was not
fiscally accountable. He thought a constitutional amendment
that would implement a spending cap was needed. He stated
that people did not trust the legislature to do the right
thing. He supported forward funding the budget. He could
spend his money, but he did not have a right to spend the
state's money.
6:05:59 PM
TAMMY FISHER, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, supported the bill. She did
not support cuts to the AMHS or education for young
Alaskans. She asked what message they were sending children
when education and the University were cut. Taking away the
university system would force students to leave the state.
She believed the cuts were short-sighted. She believed the
state needed to train its educators. She could not imagine
the fear elderly people were experiencing currently. She
did not believe a full PFD was fiscally responsible. She
supported a sales tax and reduced PFD.
6:08:30 PM
MARGARET ADSIT, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, supported the bill. She
focused on agriculture - cuts to agriculture were
devastating to farmers and reduced opportunities to enter
the industry. She reported that defunding the marketing
Alaskan Grown program was detrimental to the industry. She
stated that farmers were fiercely independent. She spoke to
agricultural research coming into the state and development
of new research. The reduction of research funds meant
farmers could not diversify crops.
6:12:02 PM
MATTHEW BOCKEY, ALASKA LEGAL SERVICES, MAT-SU LIO, was in
favor of the bill. He urged the legislature to restore
funding for Alaska Legal Services. He provided details
about clients he worked with including victims of sexual
abuse, disabled individuals, elderly, and other. All of the
clients had something in common - they would not have
access to legal services without Alaska Legal Services.
6:14:51 PM
JAMES SELLEN, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, opposed the bill. He
believed the PFD belonged to the citizens of Alaska. He
discussed the University budget and believed it was
overfunded. He believed the University had many high paid
employees. He wondered how much money the University had
received the previous year. He shared that he was on
Medicaid. He supported the full PFD.
6:21:23 PM
JANEL GAGNON, NO MORE MAT-SU, MAT-SU LIO, supported the
bill. She supported a reduced PFD and the implementation of
taxes. She was married to a man born and raised in Alaska.
She shared that she was a teacher but had been working in
her husband's medical practice for the past three years.
She volunteered elsewhere. She echoed prior comments made
about the disenfranchised and vulnerable, but she had to
speak out for children. She shared how frustrating it was
for high school students who could not vote. She did not
think a person could claim to be a champion for children
and support the vetoes. She underscored the high rate of
child abuse in the state. She wanted to know how people
were not all talking about the issue. She stated that the
statistics were not possible without a high number of
perpetrators. She stressed that the PFD went to those
perpetrators who were not known.
6:25:12 PM
MEGHAN AUBE-TRAMMEL, SELF, PALMER, testified in support of
HB 2001. She shared personal information. She brought her
baby daughter to the meeting because she believed it was
important for the legislature to see families that were
impacted. She supported the University and underscored her
opposition to the governor's cuts. She detailed that if the
cuts came to fruition, she would lose her adjunct teaching
position. She supported a modest PFD. She had lived in
Alaska her entire life and reported that residents had
never received $3,000 PFDs. She opposed the governor's
vetoes. She thanked the committee for its work on a
compromise budget.
6:27:56 PM
RON JOHNSON, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, opposed HB 2001. He thought
government was just getting larger and larger. He wanted to
reset the budget to understand how much money there was and
how to prioritize it. He believed it was the time to reduce
government. He supported the governor's cuts and a full
PFD. He was not willing to give up his PFD until spending
was controlled.
6:30:37 PM
GREGORY PUSH, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, spoke against the bill. He
stressed that the PFD belonged to the people as written in
the constitution. He underscored that the founding fathers
of the PFD did not want the money to be spent on state
government. He was sorry people were losing their jobs, but
he saw thousands of families leaving in recent years.
6:34:00 PM
HANNAH ATKINSON, SELF, KOTZEBUE (via teleconference),
supported the bill and funding for state services. She
encouraged legislators to listen to rural Alaska when
considering the budget, which she believed the governor had
failed to do. She stated that cutting education, public
safety, Medicaid, public radio, and Power Cost Equalization
(PCE) would cause considerable hardships to some of the
most vulnerable people. She asked the legislature to cut
the oil tax credits for oil companies.
6:36:37 PM
LAURIE PHILLIPS, WASILLA HOMELESS COMMISSION, MAT-SU LIO,
opposed the vetoes. She stressed the homeless problem would
increase dramatically if the vetoes occurred. She
highlighted the importance of senior benefits, veterans,
health, and mental health issues impacting people on the
street. She discussed that there had been coalitions
formed, but she did not believe the work would be enough if
the cuts went through. She implored the committee to look
at the people impacted by the issues. She thanked the
committee for its work.
6:38:25 PM
CAROLYN PORTER, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, testified against the
bill. She supported cuts to the budget and a full PFD. She
shared that she had worked for three nonprofits and in law
enforcement. She stressed that many cuts could be made. She
referenced a chart showing the top employees in the state.
She detailed that 15 of the 20 top paid employees were
University employees. She reiterated cuts could be made.
She asked the legislature to follow the law.
6:41:22 PM
AMY HENRY, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, opposed the bill. She stated
that everyone felt they could spend her money better than
she could. She thought it was "me, me, me." She paid all of
her own medical bills. She stated there were perhaps too
many nonprofits. She stated that people needed to live with
the vetoes. She underscored the state could not live on
borrowed money. She supported the cuts.
6:43:20 PM
NICOLE BARROME, ALASKA FEDERATION OF NATIVES, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), was in favor of the bill. She
referenced sections of the constitution specifying that the
legislature shall provide for education, a university shall
be established, and other. She supported the legislature's
compromise budget. She opposed the governor's vetoes. She
asked the legislature to pass the bill.
6:45:24 PM
DAVE MAXWELL, SELF, PALMER (via teleconference), opposed
the bill. He thought the whole thing was a sham. He shared
that government had been his employer. He thought
government was corrupt. He had called human resources on
individuals who had been falsifying their timecards. He
thought the government institutions were filled with money
waste. He supported the governor's cuts. He wanted to get
rid of the corruption. He had become a whistleblower
because he believed in statutes and regulations.
6:50:37 PM
JEFF GUARD, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), supported
the bill. He reported that Kansas had been doing well until
former Governor Brownback had come into office. He did not
support Governor Dunleavy's vetoes - the governor was
dismantling the state.
6:52:36 PM
LAURA STEELE, SELF, JUNEAU (via teleconference), testified
in favor of the bill. She was speaking on behalf of herself
and her grandparents who were not able to speak today. She
supported a reduced PFD or no PFD. She did not support the
vetoes. She did not see the situation as an either/or
scenario. She thought it was possible to have the PFD and
services. She emphasized that she was not part of a special
interest group. She did not believe the governor's cuts
reflected Alaskan values. She asked for a reduction to the
oil tax credits. She asked the legislators to keep fellow
Alaskans at the front of their minds when making decisions
about the future of the state. She thanked the legislature
for its hard work and compromise. She asked the committee
to have courage.
6:55:45 PM
KRISTIN GAROT, SELF, JUNEAU (via teleconference), supported
the bill. She spoke to the detrimental impacts of the
governor's vetoes. She feared for the state's future and
supported a reduced PFD. She asked the legislature to
override the vetoes.
6:58:05 PM
TERRI MULLIS, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), opposed
the bill. She believed taking the PFD was theft. She
thought the legislature should have followed the governor's
call to meet in Wasilla. She spoke to lobbying by labor
unions. She stated that everyday people could not lobby.
She asked about the people who did not have a retirement or
medical services. She wondered what would happen to the
people who were struggling. She thought the budget was
devastating to the people in the middle.
SHANNON MEDLOCK, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
spoke in favor of HB 2001. She talked about the benefits of
the University of Alaska. She was scared for her future and
for the future education of her children. She urged members
to overturn the University vetoes and to support HB 2001.
7:05:10 PM
TRAVIS FRIESEN, SELF, PALMER (via teleconference),
supported HB 2001. He spoke in favor of the University of
Alaska and was concerned with the cuts associated with
agriculture and AMHS. He thought a larger PFD was not the
answer to the current fiscal program. He would rather have
access to education rather than a $3,000 PFD. He continued
to speak in favor of several programs. He did not want to
receive a PFD if it meant losing programs.
7:08:55 PM
ELLEN FRANKENSTEIN, SELF, SITKA (via teleconference),
supported several of the programs that would be cut by the
governor's vetoes. She wanted organizations to be alive and
well. She thanked members for representing Alaskans.
7:10:51 PM
ELIZABETH BACOM, SELF, PETERSBURG (via teleconference),
spoke in support of HB 2001 and a smaller PFD. She was
overwhelmed by the passionate testimony from Alaskans. She
claimed that psychological warfare was occurring in the
state presently. She thought the line item vetoes were
intended to rile up people in Alaska. She thought a large
PFD clouded the real issues. She spoke of those that relied
on social services. She asserted that psychological warfare
caused many ill effects on people. She urged members to
pass HB 2001 and to override the vetoes.
7:13:36 PM
LAURA STATS, SELF, JUNEAU (via teleconference), supported
HB 2001. She was amazed at the testimony on the complicated
issues. She thanked the committee for crafting a reasonable
budget. She thought education was a force of democracy. She
supported a successful business community. She supported
what was best for Alaska as a whole. She favored an income
tax. She thought the governor was tyrannical and that his
vetoes showed a lack of diplomacy.
7:16:26 PM
TERESA SAVEL, SELF, PALMER (via teleconference), spoke in
support of HB 2001. She supported education including the
University and other educational formats. She spoke in
favor of the Alaska Performance Scholarship program. She
mentioned several different programs that she supported.
She thanked some of the members of the legislature for
their communications.
7:18:41 PM
BRENDAN CARPENTER, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, spoke in opposition
to HB 2001. He urged members to come together to work on a
solution. He loved Alaska. He asserted that government had
not been a guiding force. He thought the session location
in Juneau was too far away. He talked about Alaskans'
breakdown of trust in the legislature. He stressed the need
for legislators to work together.
7:23:16 PM
KRISTEN NILSSON, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, spoke in support of HB
2001 and the Medicaid Adult Dental Program. She supported
education and the elders. She reported having discussed how
the most vulnerable Alaskans were being threatened. She
reiterated support for the committee substitute.
7:26:18 PM
BARBARA WILLIAMS, ADATWC FAMILIES, MAT-SU LIO, spoke in
support of a full PFD and a balanced budget. She shared
that she worked as a disabilities advocate and helped
people with worker's compensation. She detailed that
families needed their PFDs. She spoke to the importance of
balancing the budget. She shared that people working at the
Alaska Psychiatric Institute (API) had been treated poorly.
She detailed that some of the workers had been assaulted
ten times - she believed the state was treating criminals
better than the workers. She stressed the need to do better
by providing people with services and treatments they
needed. She elaborated on the situation at API. She
believed there were many places the state could cut costs.
7:29:17 PM
JOHN BARTON, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, believed it was obvious the
state was in a crisis and there was a division between
people. He suggested considering how to run the state
differently. He recommended listening to public input on
how to make more efficient use of the state's resources. He
stressed that the state was woefully dependent on its
limited oil resources. He thought it was important for the
legislature to redesign the system and find ways to work
together. He supported limiting the ability for special
interest groups to be involved in campaigns.
7:31:49 PM
GEORGIANA GOOCH, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, favored the governor's
vetoes. She provided her personal experience around working
for the federal government and the waste that she
witnessed. She did not want to see Alaskans leave because
of a bankrupt state. She did not spend what she did not
have. She advised the state to walk away when it could not
afford things. She supported a full PFD. She reiterated her
support for the governor's vetoes and a full PFD.
7:35:31 PM
SHARON HEIN, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, testified in support of HB
2001. She spoke in favor of the original budget that
reflected a compromise. She detailed that it hurt everyone
slightly and did not target specific groups more than
others. However, she recognized long-term solutions were
needed. She recalled numerous oil regimes in the state. She
stated that the oil industry had written the current tax
plan, which she did not believe was to the benefit of the
state. She thought the people who had put together a
workable budget could develop a workable tax plan.
7:38:32 PM
JESSE SUMNER, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, spoke in opposition to HB
2001. Although he did not doubt that many of the programs
were beneficial, he thought the legislature should do an
experiment. He suggested distributing the money for
programs directly to the people and charging for services.
He wondered if people would remit the money back to pay for
services. He proposed that the people might not be getting
the best value for their money. He thought several people
would leave.
7:40:21 PM
MICHAEL TRIDWELL, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, shared that he was a
Vietnam veteran and had been treated poorly by politicians
for years. He shared that he had lost his senior benefit
and his grocery budget had severely declined. He would
rather see the monthly Senior Benefits Program survive than
the PFD.
Co-Chair Foster clarified that money had been put into the
budget for senior benefits, but it had been vetoed. He
shared that the legislature was trying to restore funds for
the program.
Mr. Tridwell understood. He shared that the news had
reported that the program would be cut. He had received a
letter stating that he would receive the benefits and had
not yet heard otherwise from the state.
Co-Chair Foster relayed the legislature had been notified
the administration had a shortfall and the legislature had
allocated more money to cover the amount prior to the year
ending June 30. He shared that he had talked to some cab
drivers in Nome on July 1 who had taken people to the
credit union to get their checks and they had found out
then [that they did not receive their benefits]. He
understood what Mr. Tridwell was saying about not receiving
any notice.
Mr. Tridwell reported that he was okay with the PFD being
reduced. He used the funds to fill his freezer and put
tires on his car for the winter, but he would survive the
winter.
7:43:09 PM
BILL PRICE, SELF, WASILLA (via teleconference), testified
in opposition to HB 2001. He reported that the cuts
resulted in an overall reduction of 6 percent. He thought
the impacts were overstated. He noted that Alaska paid
twice the national average per student. He suggested
combining the universities with only one chancellor. He
thought the university system was failing. He pointed to
the administrator who had large salaries. He thought
efficiencies could be made. He thought too many people in
the state appealed to the emotional reactions to the
governor's vetoes. He continued to speak to his objection
to the proposed legislation.
7:47:41 PM
Representative Josephson thought Mr. Price was inaccurate
in his statement that the cuts were only 6 percent. He
explained that the money had been moved into an account
that the legislature could no longer access. He referred to
an article in the Anchorage Daily News regarding cuts to
AMHS. He continued to provide clarifying remarks.
Mr. Price asked if there were not three administrators that
were paid an exurbanite amount. He remarked that the
legislature had all session to look at alternative answers
to the state's fiscal crisis. He continued to make his
point.
7:51:59 PM
KATHLEEN GRACE, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
supported HB 2001 and an income tax. She funded three
scholarships at UAA. She argued that everyone needed to
give a little bit more. She thought Alaskans should not
expect a PFD - it was a gift.
7:54:12 PM
BILL LAWRENCE, SELF, DELTA JUNCTION (via teleconference),
spoke in opposition of HB 2001. He supported a full
statutory PFD, whatever the amount. He wanted the
legislature to abide by the law. He thought it was noble
for legislators to want to support programs, but he
wondered if the state could support them. He thought
legislators should follow the call of the governor. He did
not like all of the reductions. However, he wanted the law
followed. He mentioned that this father-in-law lost his
senior benefits.
7:57:51 PM
LYNX MULLEN, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, testified in favor of the
bill. She stressed that the budget vetoes hit the most
vulnerable Alaskans. She opposed many of the governor's
reductions. She understood the importance of the PFD in
rural Alaska. She asked for a full PFD. She asked the
legislature to cut oil tax credits. She opposed cuts to the
AMHS and to the Senior Benefits program. She supported
reasonable cuts to the budget a consumption tax.
7:59:11 PM
BECKY STOPPE, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, testified in support of HB
2001. She supported the Senior Benefits program. She had
previously worked at the local Senior Citizen Center. She
recalled that the number one thing requested was
supplemental nutrition. The Senior Benefits program allowed
for food and medication. She urged the legislature to
protect the most vulnerable and to support HB 2001.
8:02:11 PM
SARA SAXTON, SELF MAT-SU LIO, thought the vetoes reflected
extreme cuts that would devastate the state. She worked in
the education field and would see the impacts of the
reductions will start to show up. She thought the work done
on the supplemental budget was very good. She understood
the budget needed to be controlled, but the proposed
reductions by the governor were unreasonable. She was
amenable to a more moderate PFD in lieu of losing programs.
8:04:46 PM
JEFFERY KNAUF, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, spoke of having $186
million of revenue he had been trying to get to the state
since 2014 on a project that was already permitted.
Unfortunately, he had some large structural problems that
he could address at another time. He did not expect fellow
Alaskans to go without. He thought $186 million would go a
long way to helping out in the current discussion. He spoke
of changes in 2014. He thought it was important to realize
that there were new revenues waiting to get into the cue
for projects already fund that the state did not have to
contribute to. He wanted the state to start collecting the
$186 million. He also asked that the legislature help with
some regulatory framework. He continued to talk about a
project without mentioning the name of the project. He
talked about maintaining certain values and innovations. He
invited legislators to participate more.
8:11:11 PM
GINI KING-TAYLOR, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, testified in support of
HB 2001. She spoke about supporting the homeless. She
talked about non-profits being able to assist the homeless.
She relayed that 80 percent of the reductions impacted the
homeless. She spoke of the challenges that were reflective
of the governor's veto.
8:14:58 PM
STEPHANIE MOWERS, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, was concerned with
revenues. She supported overturning the governor's vetoes.
She did not think it made sense to cut money that was
bringing in more money to the state. She opposed the cuts
to the Alaska Court System. She had heard much frustration
with the education system. She did not think cutting
education and starting from the ground up would make the
problems go away. She mentioned other programs that were
being cut.
8:18:17 PM
CATHERINE HATCH, SELF, JUNEAU (via teleconference),
strongly supported HB 2001. She was very concerned with
devastating the state. She thought the administration
position was out alignment of the people. She provided an
example of Alaskans coming together.
8:21:31 PM
ERIKA AMMANN, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of HB 2001. She did not need a full
PFD; she would rather have government services. She
advocated that the veto monies be restored.
8:23:15 PM
MELANIE KEENAN, SELF, WASILLA (via teleconference), was a
30-year resident and worked as an art teacher at Birch
Elementary Charter School. She spoke of the effects of the
budget reductions including the loss of the music program
at the school. She did not want to sacrifice the future of
the children of Alaska. She mentioned several programs she
supported. She supported a seasonal sales tax.
8:25:41 PM
LAUREN CARLTON, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), noted
the division in the state. She mentioned that the amount of
the dividend had varied significantly. She had been a
licensed merchant marine in her past. She mentioned Crowley
Maritime. She worked for the state ferry system. She was
willing to sacrifice a portion of her PFD. She had not seen
action on creating a fund like Norway's. She talked about
being on disability, as she suffered from a rare form of
arthritis. She thought the Permanent Fund should be drawn
from. She did not support the large University System with
three colleges.
8:30:41 PM
DONNA GOLDSMITH, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
strongly supported HB 2001. She had lived in Alaska for the
previous 20 years. She was an attorney that served several
victims in different areas of rural Alaska. She thought the
cuts disproportionately affected the poor and vulnerable
Alaskans. She suggested that all it took was one high
medical bill to push someone into homelessness. She told of
a friend she lent money to pay a bill. She spoke of other
adverse effects of the governor's vetoes. She asked members
to protect the vulnerable.
8:34:26 PM
CYNTHIA FARRENS, SELF, WASILLA (via teleconference),
supported HB 2001 to restore funding for the many essential
services the state needed. She listed several programs
which she favored. She appreciated the committee's scrutiny
already given in the budget process. She believed essential
services should come before a PFD payout. She hoped the
legislature would find significant support for the bill.
8:36:49 PM
WILLIAM AUBE, SELF, PALMER (via teleconference), favored HB
2001. He spoke of attending the University of Alaska. He
noted the benefits of getting a higher education degree. He
thought several private sector businesses would be
negatively affected. He was willing to pay taxes or to give
up his PFD. He thought it had been a disservice to the
state to eliminate the state income tax. He supported a
sales tax. He appreciated the work of the legislature to
overturn the governor's vetoes.
8:39:10 PM
CAROL RYAN-AUBE, SELF, PALMER (via teleconference),
testified in support of HB 2001. She noted that it took her
several years to earn he degree at the University of Alaska
Anchorage. She was a retired teacher from the Palmer School
District, and she had 180 students in one semester. She
asked that the legislature not strip education especially
the university system. She asserted that something was
seriously wrong with the cuts. She stressed that members
should fully find the budget.
8:42:09 PM
RUSSEL SAMPSON, SELF, WASILLA (via teleconference),
testified in support of HB 2001. She asked members to think
of their moms. He mother had been sick and had to be
basically put down like a dog. She had had difficulty
receiving services because of a lack of insurance. She
continued to speak about her personal experience with her
mother dying. She asserted that the Valley legislators
would have blood on their hands.
8:45:05 PM
EMILY FERRY, SELF, JUNEAU (via teleconference), She
supported HB 2001. She shared that she was a mother of
three kids. She believed that citizens of the state should
contribute in the form of an income tax. She spoke of
several mega projects that failed. She thought that if
people were contributing to state government more people
would involve themselves in state spending. she objected to
the cuts to the Head Start Program.
8:46:52 PM
MICHELLE JETT, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
strongly opposed HB 2001 and fully supported the governor's
vetoes. She did not support taking away people's PFD. She
continued to provide testimony about recovery efforts. She
spoke of hurting the local economy and the court system.
She disagreed with the legislation. She mentioned a "spend-
down" mentality. She started her own business because of
the rampant spend-down mentality. She urged fiscal
responsibility and diversification.
8:51:24 PM
RON BERNIER, SELF, MEADOW LAKES (via teleconference), spoke
in opposition of HB 2001. He supported a full PFD. He had
nine children. He thought it was greedy to take from future
generations. He claimed that the education cost of Alaska's
education system was three times the national average. He
advocated using Pick.Click.Give. to donate to the
University system.
8:53:51 PM
JAMES SQUYRES, SELF, RURAL DELTANA (via teleconference),
testified in opposition to HB 2001. He was opposed to the
committee's tactics not adhering to the governor's
proclamation. He supported a full PFD. He noted a comment
made previously by Representative Josephson.
8:55:42 PM
BURT HOUGHTALING, SELF, MAT-SU LIO, thanked members for
coming to Wasilla to hear testimony. He indicated that
legislators were legally bound to meet in Wasilla. He was
unwilling to give up a portion of his PFD for someone else,
particularly someone that did not have a job. He thought
the legislature was a law-breaking body. He continued to
provide his testimony regarding the special session.
Co-Chair Foster mentioned that written testimony was
welcome. He relayed that public testimony would be heard
from 2:00 PM to 7:00 pm on the following day and
legislators would be in Fairbanks.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB2001 Public Testimony July 16th.pdf |
HFIN 7/16/2019 2:00:00 PM |
HB2001 |
| HB 2001 Matsu LIO written testimony.pdf |
HFIN 7/16/2019 2:00:00 PM |
HB2001 |