Legislature(2003 - 2004)
05/15/2003 07:24 PM House 075
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
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+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
23RD ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
1ST SESSION
HOUSE SENATE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
HB 75/HB 76
MAY 15, 2003
7:24 P.M.
TAPE CC75 03 - 4, SIDE A
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Harris called the Conference Committee meeting to order at
7:24 p.m.
PRESENT
House:
Representative John Harris, Chair
Representative Bill Williams, Member
Representative Beth Kerttula, Member [for Rep. Croft]
Senate:
Senator Lyda Green, Vice-Chair
Senator Gary Wilken, Member
Senator Lyman Hoffman, Member
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Lyman Hoffman
ALSO PRESENT
David Teal, Director, Legislative Finance Division; Cheryl
Frasca, Director, Division of Management & Budget, Office of the
Governor; Janet Clarke, Director, Division of Administrative
Services, Department of Health and Social Services.
SUMMARY
CS FOR SS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 75(FIN) am(brf sup maj fld)
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan
program expenses of state government, for certain programs,
and to capitalize funds; and providing for an effective
date."
SENATE CS FOR CS FOR SS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 75(FIN)(brf sup
maj fld S)
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan
program expenses of state government, for certain programs,
and to capitalize funds; and providing for an effective
date."
and
CS FOR SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE 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."
SENATE CS FOR CS FOR SS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 76(FIN) am S
"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."
HB 75 and HB 76 were HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
Department of Health and Social Services
(Items 59 - 63 were HELD OPEN.)
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: items 1
-4 - Senate (see motion sheets).
Senator Hoffman OBJECTED to items 2 and 3.
Senator Green WITHDREW the Motion.
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item 1
(see motion sheets). There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item 1
Senate (see motion sheets). There being NO OBJECTION, it was so
ordered.
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item 2
- Senate (see motion sheets).
Senator Hoffman OBJECTED. He observed that the item funds the
Alaska Youth Initiative, which have already been cut by 5
percent. The Senate number would reduce the grants by an
additional 3.8 percent. He observed that these grants purchase
intensive services for youths and their families facing multi-
dimensional problems associated with mental illness and severe
emotional disturbances. They are one-time grants and are not on
going.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Wilken, Williams, Green, Harris
OPPOSED: Hoffman, Kerttula
The MOTION PASSED (Senate 2-1 and House 2-1).
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item 3
- Senate (see motion sheets).
Senator Hoffman OBJECTED. He noted that items 3, 7, 9 and 10 are
increased reductions from 10 to 25 percent [local match] for
grant items. Item 3, Alcohol Safety Action Program, is directly
related to court orders and has a high rate of success. He
maintained that the reduction would cost the state additional
money.
Senator Green recalled that the Department of Health and Social
Services was surprised that these grants contained a lower match
rate than other grants. The items would be brought into
conformity with other grants in the department.
Representative Kerttula spoke against the motion and observed
that testimony in the House indicated that some programs would be
lost completely by the increase match rate.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Wilken, Williams, Green, Harris
OPPOSED: Hoffman, Kerttula
The MOTION PASSED (Senate 2-1 and House 2-1).
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item 4
(see motion sheets). There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item 5
(see motion sheets). There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item 6
(see motion sheets).
Senator Hoffman OBJECTED. He observed that there is a wait list
for Rural Substance Abuse Treatment and Prevention program and
that the program is working well. Representative Kerttula echoed
his remarks.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Wilken, Williams, Green, Harris
OPPOSED: Hoffman, Kerttula
The MOTION PASSED (Senate 2-1 and House 2-1).
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item 7
(see motion sheets).
Senator Hoffman OBJECTED.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Wilken, Williams, Green, Harris
OPPOSED: Hoffman, Kerttula
The MOTION PASSED (Senate 2-1 and House 2-1).
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item 8
(see motion sheets). There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item
9(see motion sheets).
Senator Hoffman OBJECTED.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Wilken, Williams, Green, Harris
OPPOSED: Hoffman, Kerttula
The MOTION PASSED (Senate 2-1 and House 2-1).
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item 10
(see motion sheets).
Senator Hoffman OBJECTED.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Wilken, Williams, Green, Harris
OPPOSED: Hoffman, Kerttula
The MOTION PASSED (Senate 2-1 and House 2-1).
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item 11
- SEAL grants (see motion sheets).
Senator Hoffman OBJECTED. He stressed that the reduction would
result in a loss of services.
Representative Kerttula observed that the program services
mentally ill and disabled persons.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Wilken, Williams, Green, Harris
OPPOSED: Hoffman, Kerttula
The MOTION PASSED (Senate 2-1 and House 2-1).
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item 12
(see motion sheets). There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item 13
(see motion sheets). There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: items
14 and 26 (see motion sheets). There being NO OBJECTION, it was
so ordered.
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item 15
and 25 (see motion sheets). There being NO OBJECTION, it was so
ordered.
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item
16, 28, 29, and 30 (see motion sheets). There being NO OBJECTION,
it was so ordered.
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item
17, Foster Care Augmented Rate (see motion sheets).
Senator Hoffman OBJECTED and asked for further explanation of the
item.
Janet Clarke, Director, Division of Administrative Services,
Department of Health and Social Services spoke in support of the
motion and explained that the $1 million in excess interagency
receipts has been in the Department of Health and Social
Services' budget when it was thought that Medicaid refinancing
could occur in Foster Care.
Senator Hoffman WITHDREW his OBJECTION. There being NO OBJECTION,
it was so ordered.
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item 18
(see motion sheets).
Senator Hoffman OBJECTED for purposes of clarification.
Ms. Clark explained that the appropriation allows for a 14
percent growth rate for Subsidized Adoptions and Guardianship.
She did not anticipate a supplemental.
Senator Hoffman WITHDREW his OBJECTION. There being NO OBJECTION,
it was so ordered.
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item 19
(see motion sheets). There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item 20
(see motion sheets). There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item 21
(see motion sheets).
Senator Hoffman OBJECTED for purposes of clarification. He
questioned if a supplemental would anticipated.
Ms. Clark explained that the item would not be budgeted in
advance, but would be handled like judgments and claims.
Senator Hoffman WITHDREW his OBJECTION. There being NO OBJECTION,
it was so ordered.
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item 22
(see motion sheets).
Senator Hoffman OBJECTED. He observed that the motion would
approve a million dollar reduction to Healthy Families. The
stressed that the reduction would not impact the operating
budget.
Ms. Clark clarified that the Department of Health and Social
Services will not receive Temporary Assistance to Needy Families
(TANF) funds to cover the appropriation. Senator Hoffman pointed
out that general fund money could be used to substitute the TANF
funds. He maintained that there would be a reduction of home
visits for at risk families. Ms. Clark agreed.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Wilken, Williams, Green, Harris
OPPOSED: Hoffman, Kerttula
The MOTION PASSED (Senate 2-1 and House 2-1).
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item 24
(see motion sheets). There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item 26
(see motion sheets).
Senator Hoffman OBJECTED. He stressed that the reduction of $50
would affect the Infant Learning Program.
Senator Green argued that the state of Alaska is exceeding
federal standards. She maintained that the program should be
needs based.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Wilken, Williams, Green, Harris
OPPOSED: Hoffman, Kerttula
The MOTION PASSED (Senate 2-1 and House 2-1).
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item 27
and 57 (see motion sheets).
Representative Kerttula OBJECTED. She MOVED to AMEND the motion
to hold items 27 and 57 open. She stressed that these Human
Services Community Matching grants provide services to those with
the poorest persons.
Representative Hoffman pointed out that the combined reductions
contained in items 57 and 58 would result in a loss of $1.3
million. He spoke against the reductions, which affect faith
based services.
Cheryl Frasca, Director, Division of Management & Budget, Office
of the Governor observed that although the Governor originally
requested additional funds, that the increase revenues through
the gaming tax revenues have not been adopted.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion to hold items 27 and 57.
IN FAVOR: Hoffman, Kerttula
OPPOSED: Wilken, Williams, Green, Harris
The MOTION PASSED (Senate 1-2 and House 1-2).
A roll call vote was taken on the original motion.
IN FAVOR: Wilken, Williams, Green, Harris
OPPOSED: Hoffman, Kerttula
The MOTION PASSED (Senate 2-1 and House 2-1).
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item 31
and 46 (see motion sheets). Senator Hoffman OBJECTED to item 46.
There being NO OBJECTION, it 31 was adopted.
Senator Green explained that Medicaid Services were funded with
Tobacco Cessation Funds, which are moved to Tobacco Prevention
and Control in item 46 and switched to other funds.
Senator Hoffman expressed concern that a commitment to use
Tobacco Cessation Funds for prevention is not being maintained.
Senator Green maintained that 20 percent of the funding was being
directed [toward cessation efforts]. Senator Hoffman speculated
that the $2 million in item 31 was included in Senator Green's
calculations and felt that the designation was marginal. Senator
Green argued that cessation in education is part of the cessation
funds.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion to hold items 27 and 57.
IN FAVOR: Hoffman, Kerttula
OPPOSED: Wilken, Williams, Green, Harris
The MOTION PASSED (Senate 1-2 and House 1-2).
A roll call vote was taken on the original motion.
IN FAVOR: Wilken, Williams, Green, Harris
OPPOSED: Hoffman, Kerttula
The MOTION PASSED (Senate 2-1 and House 2-1).
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item 32
(see motion sheets). There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item 33
(see motion sheets). There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Senator Hoffman OBJECTED and questioned how the deficiencies in
the Medicaid reduction would be found.
Ms. Clark explained that the reduction was identified after the
Medicaid audit by Legislative Budget and Audit Committee, which
pointed out areas where savings could be provided with further
efficiencies. She acknowledged that the Governor's budget has an
aggressive agenda for cost containment. She stated that the
Department of Health and Social Services is committed to not
having a Medicaid supplemental in the coming year, unless it is
related to Fair Share.
Senator Hoffman asked for further explanation of item 38: Senior
and Disabilities Services. Ms. Clark clarified that the House
language regarding mandated efficiencies related to the number
mandated efficiencies in the Medicaid Waiver Program.
Senator Hoffman WITHDREW his OBJECTION.
There being NO OBJECTION, item 33 was adopted.
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: items
34 and 47 (see motion sheets). There being NO OBJECTION, it was
so ordered.
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item 35
(see motion sheets). There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item
365 (see motion sheets).
Senator Hoffman OBJECTED. He pointed out that the House had
accommodated $150 thousand for the Bethel Youth facility. Bethel
has the highest referral rate. Nome has been accommodated in the
budget, but Bethel has the higher caseload. He felt that youth
would be flown from Bethel to Nome, which would increase the
state's cost.
Senator Green pointed out that the House had added $150 thousand
in excess of the Governor's request.
Ms. Clark acknowledged that the Governor's request was fully
funded, but clarified that after the supplemental was funded and
took a second look at the funding, actively supported the House
action. He noted that there are a number of violent youth in
Bethel and the House number is a more accurate representation of
what is needed.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion to hold items 27 and 57.
IN FAVOR: Hoffman, Kerttula
OPPOSED: Wilken, Williams, Green, Harris
The MOTION PASSED (Senate 1-2 and House 1-2).
A roll call vote was taken on the original motion.
IN FAVOR: Wilken, Williams, Green, Harris
OPPOSED: Hoffman, Kerttula
The MOTION PASSED (Senate 2-1 and House 2-1).
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item 37
(see motion sheets). There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item 38
(see motion sheets).
Senator Hoffman OBJECTED. He pointed out that there was a
supplemental in the current year for Disability Medicaid services
and questioned if another supplemental would be needed.
Ms. Clark observed that all the waiver programs for seniors and
disability and long-term care services in nursing homes are
funded from the component. The Department of Health and Social
Services will follow the Legislative Budget and Audit
recommendations along with other cost containment measures
identified by the department and hope not to have a supplemental.
Senator Hoffman asked for an update on the $50 million in
Medicaid services that is under litigated. Ms. Clark observed
that the hearing occurred, but that there has not been a ruling.
She observed that the federal position is generally backed.
Senator Hoffman concluded that the services have to be paid and
that there would most likely be a supplemental. Ms. Clark felt
that the Department has a good case, even though the outcome is
dim at the federal level, and felt that they would make a good
case to the Court.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion to hold items 27 and 57.
IN FAVOR: Hoffman, Kerttula
OPPOSED: Wilken, Williams, Green, Harris
The MOTION PASSED (Senate 1-2 and House 1-2).
A roll call vote was taken on the original motion.
IN FAVOR: Wilken, Williams, Green, Harris
OPPOSED: Hoffman, Kerttula
The MOTION PASSED (Senate 2-1 and House 2-1).
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item 39
(see motion sheets). There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: items
40 and 54 (see motion sheets). There being NO OBJECTION, it was
so ordered.
Representative Kerttula OBJECTED for purpose of discussion. She
questioned how the mental health trust funds were used.
(Tape Change, CC75 03 - 5, Side 2)
Ms. Clark explained that the Mental Health Trust Authority
proposed a reallocation of their funding to accommodate a project
for single point of entry in Anchorage, which was supported by
the Department. The information was acted on by the Senate, but
came too late for the House.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion to hold items 27 and 57.
IN FAVOR: Hoffman, Kerttula
OPPOSED: Wilken, Williams, Green, Harris
The MOTION PASSED (Senate 1-2 and House 1-2).
A roll call vote was taken on the original motion.
IN FAVOR: Wilken, Williams, Green, Harris
OPPOSED: Hoffman, Kerttula
The MOTION PASSED (Senate 2-1 and House 2-1).
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: items
41 and 55 (see motion sheets). There being NO OBJECTION, it was
so ordered.
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item 42
(see motion sheets). There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item 43
(see motion sheets). There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item 44
(see motion sheets). There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item 45
(see motion sheets).
Senator Hoffman OBJECTED. He observed that the level of funding
for Community Health Grants, which support first responders, is
below the requested level.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion to hold items 27 and 57.
IN FAVOR: Hoffman, Kerttula
OPPOSED: Wilken, Williams, Green, Harris
The MOTION PASSED (Senate 1-2 and House 1-2).
A roll call vote was taken on the original motion.
IN FAVOR: Wilken, Williams, Green, Harris
OPPOSED: Hoffman, Kerttula
The MOTION PASSED (Senate 2-1 and House 2-1).
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item 48
(see motion sheets). There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item 49
(see motion sheets). There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item 50
(see motion sheets). There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: items
51 and 52 (see motion sheets). There being NO OBJECTION, it was
so ordered.
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item 53
(see motion sheets). There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item 56
(see motion sheets). There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Senator Green MOVED TO ADOPT the proposed conference committee
amounts for the Department of Health and Social Services: item 58
(see motion sheets).
Senator Hoffman OBJECTED. He pointed out that additional funding
was requested and that it would support faith based services.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion to hold items 27 and 57.
IN FAVOR: Hoffman, Kerttula
OPPOSED: Wilken, Williams, Green, Harris
The MOTION PASSED (Senate 1-2 and House 1-2).
A roll call vote was taken on the original motion.
IN FAVOR: Wilken, Williams, Green, Harris
OPPOSED: Hoffman, Kerttula
The MOTION PASSED (Senate 2-1 and House 2-1).
Co-Chair Harris observed that items 59 - 63 would be taken up at
a later date.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:41 p.m.
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