Legislature(1997 - 1998)
04/08/1997 09:12 AM Senate FIN
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 76(FIN) "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." Co-chair Pearce convened the session and reviewed subcommittee report summaries. She further noted that Saturday the committee would review amendments. University of Alaska was reviewed by Senator Adams and he noted in particular items of intent discussed in the subcommittee. They were: 1. implement budget reduction (passed unanimous); 2. freeze or lower tuition (failed); and 3. review expenditures for state appropriated research (passed unanimous). He then moved to incorporate the University budget into HB 75 and HB 76. There followed a short discussion with Senator Lyda Green regarding her memo to SFC members on ASTF and that they need to work with the University regarding this matter. Dr. Jerome Komisar was also invited to join the committee and he felt the research station and protection of the agricultural program was a priority. He said the role of education was very important in this state and it was our duty to educate our own people rather than offering the best jobs to those out of state. Co-chair Pearce hearing no objection adopted the University budget summary into HB 75 and HB 76. Alaska Court Systems was reviewed by Senator Parnell. He moved to incorporate the Court budget into HB 75 and HB 76. Co-chair Pearce hearing no objection adopted the Court budget summary into HB 75 and HB 76. Department of Natural Resources budget was introduced by Senator Parnell. He said the three most difficult areas to reduce were mining, geology and water. During the interim they will work on a long-term plan for agriculture. He moved for incorporation of the DNR budget into HB 75 and HB 76. Mr. Nico Bus was invited to join the committee to answer questions by Senators Adams and Sharp. Co-chair Pearce hearing no objection adopted the Department of Natural Resources budget summary into HB 75 and HB 76. Department of Corrections budget summary was introduced by Senator Jerry Ward. He said four new BRU's were created: 1. existing community residential centers; 2. use of soft beds; 3. new community residential centers; and 4. Pt. MacKenzie prison farm. The department was advised how to make cuts, but he noted that they would have to have some flexibility. Senator Donley requested a more specific list involving the cuts. Senator Sharp moved the Department of Corrections budget summary be incorporated into HB 75 and HB 76. There followed a brief discussion with Commissioner Margaret Pugh and Director Bob Cole. Co-chair Pearce hearing no objection adopted the Department of Corrections budget summary into HB 75 and HB 76. Department of Health and Social Services budget summary was introduced by Senator Parnell. He explained the three priorities: 1. access to basic health for the poor and elderly (medicaid); 2. better protection and care for children; and 3. increase funding for criminal justice for juveniles. Senator Phillips then explained welfare reform. He noted recommendations on funding three budget components: 1. ATAP benefits reduced $3.7 million; 2. Alaska Work Programs reduced $1 million; and 3. child care. Senator Adams noted the problems with the overall HSS budget. He said the decrease in Alaska work programs and child care would cause hardships in rural Alaska. Public assistance reduction, general relief assistance and 48-hour maternity care were also cause for concern. Senator Sharp asked about federal regulations and mandates and if they were in place now. Commissioner Karen Perdue said they should know on those by 15 April. Director Janet Clark and Jim Nordlund were also invited to join the committee and answered questions from the committee. Another concern of Senator Adams was to keep the Juneau lab functional until a new lab could be completed. Commissioner Perdue said there were no present plans but that it would be very difficult to close the Juneau lab. Senator Phillips referred to a letter of intent which would allow the department to come back and ask for extra funding. Since this was all new and uncharted territory he wanted the department to have the necessary tools to do their job. Senator Parnell moved the Welfare Reform and Health and Social Services budget summary with all intent language be incorporated into HB 75 and HB 76. Co-chair Pearce hearing no objection adopted Welfare Reform and Health and Social Services budget summary with all intent language into HB 75 and HB 76. Formal minutes of the meeting were not prepared as pertinent financial information is available in Conference Committee Reports on the FY 98 operating budget. The meeting was recorded and handwitten log notes were taken. A copy of the tapes and log notes may be obtained by contacting either the Division of Legislative Finance, P.O. Box 113200, Juneau, Alaska 99811-3200 (Phone: 907/465-3795) or the office of the Senate Finance Committee Secretary (Phone: 907/465-2618). ADJOURNMENT Co-chair Pearce reviewed the evening schedule and then adjourned the committee until 6:00 p.m.
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