Legislature(2007 - 2008)HOUSE FINANCE 519
02/22/2008 01:35 PM House FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB310 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | HB 273 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HJR 28 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 310 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 312 | TELECONFERENCED | |
HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE
February 22, 2008
1:42 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Chenault called the House Finance Committee
meeting to order at 1:41:59 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Mike Chenault, Co-Chair
Representative Kevin Meyer, Co-Chair
Representative Bill Stoltze, Vice-Chair
Representative Harry Crawford
Representative Les Gara
Representative Mike Hawker
Representative Reggie Joule
Representative Mike Kelly
Representative Mary Nelson
Representative Bill Thomas Jr.
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative John Harris
ALSO PRESENT
Representative Ralph Samuels; Representative Sharon Cissna;
Representative Peggy Wilson; Representative Scott Kawasaki;
Representative Bob Buch; Suzanne Armstrong, Staff,
Representative Kevin Meyer; Sharon Kelly, Staff,
Representative Mike Chenault; Eddy Jeans, Director,
Education Support Services, Department of Education and
Early Development; Ian Fisk, Staff, Representative Bill
Thomas; Paul LaBolle, Staff, Representative Richard Foster;
Sue Stancliff, Staff, Representative Mike Kelly; Tom
Wright, Staff, Representative Mike Chenault; Michael
Pawlowski, Staff, Representative Kevin Meyer; Pete Ecklund,
Staff, Representative Kevin Meyer
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE
Senator Joe Thomas, Fairbanks
ANCHORAGE:
Judy Cordell, Executive Director, Abused Women's Aid in
Crisis (AWAIC), Inc.; Mary K. Hughes, Chair, Board of
Regents, University of Alaska (UA); Rick Rogers, Industry
Trade Association Representative, Board of Forestry; Ron
Peck, President, Alaska Tourism Industry (ATIA); Carl
Ekstrom, Anchorage Community Development (ACD); Todd
Fletcher, UBS Financial Services; Lori Woodward, Stand
Together Against Rape (STAR); Brenda Moore, Alaska Mental
Health Board (AMHB); Janet McCabe, Partners for Progress,
Anchorage; Jamie Bridges, Case Development Coordinator,
Stand Together Against Rape (STAR); Megan Carlson,
University of Alaska, Eagle River; Kirk Hoessle, President,
Alaska Wildland Adventures, Girdwood; Terri L. Russi,
Alaska Tourism Industry Association (ATIA); Marsha Barton,
Alaska Tourism Industry Association (ATIA); Carl Wing,
Student, University of Alaska; Leah Merrick, Student,
University of Alaska; Kelsey Ralph, Student, University of
Alaska; Lorena May, Student, University of Alaska; David
Robertson, Student, University of Alaska; Marian Grishman,
Student, University of Alaska; John Robertson, III,
Student, University of Alaska; David Childers, Student,
University of Alaska; Representative Gail Phillips, Member,
University of Alaska Alumni Board; Ramona Duby; Jill
Hodges, Executive Director, Alaska Brain Injury Network;
Patty Wisel, Head Start Program; David S. Kasser, Vice-
President Anchorage Convention Visitor's Bureau (ACVB);
Steve Halloran, Anchorage, Convention and Visitors' Bureau
(ACVB); Carolyn Bettes, Forget Me Not Communications;
Patrick Hayes, Meeting the Challenge; Rosalie Nadeau,
AKEELA; Madison Hilderbrand; Anna Sappeh, Substance Abuse
Director's Association; Robert McCormick, Glacier
Brewhouse; Jim Stratton, National Parks Conservation
Association; Amy Oney, President, Assisted Living
Association of Alaska; Sarah Scanlan, RuralCap; Gary
Zimmerman, General Manager, Avis Rent-a-Car; Bruce LaLonde,
Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC); Susan Kiger, Director,
Sales and Marketing, Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC);
Eric Hamre, Anchorage Police Department; Ruth Rosewarne,
Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC); Matt Szundy, The
Ascending Path; Kristen Lindsey, Apokrisis; Alison Kear,
Covenant House-Alaska; Diane DiSanto, Municipality of
Anchorage (MOA); Kathy Lum, South Central Area Health
Education Center; Dee Dee Kay, Alaska Heritage Tours; Steve
Judd, Alaska Tour and Travel; John Thurber, The Park
Connection; Francine Harbour, President, National Alliance
for Mental Illness (NAMI); Ann Reddig, Alaska Wild Berry
Products; Susan Bomalaski, Executive Director, Catholic
Social Services; Abbe Hensley, Executive Director, Best
Beginnings; Melinda Myers, Senior Manager, Best Beginnings;
Genie Babb, University of Alaska; Susan Klein, University
of Alaska-Anchorage; Anne Dennis-Choi, Executive Director,
Salvation Army Clitheroe Center; Beth Lando, Student,
University of Alaska, Anchorage
SUMMARY
HB 273 An Act relating to school funding, the base
student allocation, district cost factors, and
the adjustments for intensive services and
average daily membership calculations; and
providing for an effective date.
CS HB 273 (FIN) was reported out of Committee
with a "do pass" recommendation and with a new
fiscal note by the Department of Education and
Early Development and fiscal notes #1 & #2 by the
Department of Education and Early Development.
HB 310 An Act making appropriations for the operating
and loan program expenses of state government,
for certain programs, and to capitalize funds;
making supplemental appropriations; and making
appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c),
Constitution of the State of Alaska; and
providing for an effective date.
HB 310 was HEARD and HELD in Committee for
further consideration.
HB 312 An Act making appropriations for the operating
and capital expenses of the state's integrated
comprehensive mental health program; and
providing for an effective date.
HB 312 was HEARD and HELD in Committee for
further consideration.
HJR 28 Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the
State of Alaska relating to the production tax
revenue fund, dedicating a portion of the
petroleum production tax to the fund, and
limiting appropriations from the fund.
HJR 28 was heard and HELD in Committee for
further consideration.
HOUSE BILL NO. 273
An Act relating to school funding, the base student
allocation, district cost factors, and the adjustments
for intensive services and average daily membership
calculations; and providing for an effective date.
1:42:03 PM
Representative Mike Hawker noted his appreciation for
rescheduling HB 272, which had previously passed out
committee and scheduled for House floor action. There had
been an issue raised by the Mat-Su school district, which
needed to be further addressed before being brought forward
for a vote; hence, HB 272 was returned to the House Finance
Committee. The issue is in regard to pupil transportation
calibration, which information was not available during the
previous hearing in the House Finance Committee (HFC).
Representative Hawker advised that the numbers had been
calculated by Eddy Jeans, Director, Education Support
Services, Department of Education and Early Development.
The Mat-Su school district challenged the calculation and
then following the discussions, the Department of Education
and Early Development resolved the issue.
Vice-Chair Stoltze appreciated time spent resolving the
issue.
EDDY JEANS, DIRECTOR OF SCHOOL FINANCE, DEPARTMENT OF
EDUCATION AND EARLY DEVELOPMENT, stated that the Education
Funding Task Force requested recalibration of pupil
transportation grants. He pointed out that it had been
calibrated on actual audited data from FY07, which
represents the first year of the new contracts for the Rail
Belt area. All the contracts contain a Cost of Living
Adjustment (COLA), the only yearly adjustment except the
addition of new bus routes. He referenced the audited
financial statement, Pupils Transportation on Page 57,
taking total expenditures in the amount of $9.9 million
dollars, dividing that by the number of students for FY07
and arriving at the amount. The amount was adjusted by the
Anchorage Consumer Price Index (CPI) of 3.2 percent twice
for FY08 and FY09. Those are the rates established in
Statute for FY09. Mr. Jeans pointed out that the same
process was used for all fifty-three school districts and
are the numbers contained in the bill's body.
Representative Gara asked if those were the formulas used
to compensate school districts for actual transportation
costs. Mr. Jeans recalculated the dollar amounts based in
the FY07 audited financial statements and adjusted for
inflation.
1:51:48 PM
Representative Hawker referred to a replacement fiscal
note, not a new one, attached to the bill, conforming to
the legislative budgeting approach. The previous note only
reflected incremental costs for the year, but needed to
indicate the consequences of forward funding.
Vice-Chair Stoltze MOVED to report CS HB 273 (FIN) out of
Committee with the individual recommendations and with the
accompanying fiscal notes. There being NO OBJECTION, it
was so ordered.
CS HB 273 (FIN) was reported out of Committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and with a new fiscal note by the
Department of Education and Early Development and fiscal
notes #1 & #2 by the Department of Education and Early
Development.
1:54:47 PM
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 28
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the
State of Alaska relating to the production tax revenue
fund, dedicating a portion of the petroleum production
tax to the fund, and limiting appropriations from the
fund.
REPRESENTATIVE RALPH SAMUELS, SPONSOR, presented a graphed
handout, entitled TIME: YOUR INVESTMENT ALLY". He
proposed two varying versions of HJR 28. The short
version changes the Constitutional Budget Reserve (CBR) to
an endowment type account. The money would be placed into
a progressivity account and the payout would start
immediately at five percent. The Legislature could choose
to reinvest the money or, if not, the money would
automatically fall into the General Fund. The long
version would phase into an endowment, however, would
begin as a separate account, with all progressivity funds
going separately into the CBR. In 2015, both accounts
would then merge into an endowment.
Representative Samuels added, over time in either version,
the money would end up in about the same place. In the
proposed long version, the payouts would not start for
about five years; in the short version", the payout begins
immediately, thus making cash available.
1:57:48 PM
Representative Kelly asked which version the sponsor
favored. Representative Samuels responded that he prefers
the short version, as it saves the money immediately and
creates the endowment.
Representative Kelly inquired if it was correct that the
Constitutional Budget Reserve (CBR) and the short version
are all captured from the Constitutional Budget Reserve's
current balance. He wondered if the payout between the
zero start day and 2015, would be a possible path for
accessing the CBR, and then later, the Percent of Market
Value Access (POMV). Representative Samuels believed that
in the short version it would switch to an endowment payout
and the three-quarter vote would be gone. In the long
version, there would remain two accounts:
• One with the new progressivity money coming in and
with a three quarter vote for remaining money; and
then
• In 2015, the two accounts merging.
Representative Samuels explained the difference. The
three-quarter money is available and there is no pay-out;
the money automatically is reinvested to grow the fund. In
the short version, when dollars are needed, pay-outs start
at day one. The money could also be reinvested into the
endowment.
2:00:34 PM
Representative Gara inquired about revenue projections. He
agreed that the State has a phenomenal amount of money,
which could be saved over the next two years, with
projections amounting to $4 billion dollars. He favored
the short version approach. He believed the short version
represented more money, in current dollars, than the long
version.
Representative Gara noted that in 2010, the Committee would
be taking the high price oil revenue dollars to project
what upcoming budget deficient's or surpluses could be.
Representative Samuels stated there can be many projections
based on multiple variables. In the long version, there
would be more money for the future. If money is simply put
into the CBR, it will be spent, without looking toward
future needs of the State.
Representative Gara requested graphed projected deficient
spending numbers indicating the future dollar illustration.
He strongly urged that available dollars be saved now.
2:03:17 PM
Vice-Chair Stoltze agreed that looking ahead is a good
thing for the State to do. It is good to put away for
future generations in Alaska.
Representative Crawford additionally, affirmed that forward
thinking is good. He preferred the short version to save
the money now for Alaska's future.
2:05:26 PM
Representative Nelson reminded the Committee that Alaska
has a proud history of saving money for future generations,
in places such as the Permanent Fund. Alaska is a resource
government that is wealthy enough to give back and not tax,
the citizens. The Constitutional Budget Reserve and the
Permanent Fund have caused some unintentional obstacles.
She agreed that the proposed process is the next logical
step for saving money that is available now.
Representative Nelson favored the short version of the
proposal.
HJR 28 was HEARD and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
2:07:19 PM
HOUSE BILL NO. 310
An Act making appropriations for the operating and
loan program expenses of state government, for certain
programs, and to capitalize funds; making supplemental
appropriations; and making appropriations under art.
IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska;
and providing for an effective date.
HOUSE BILL NO. 312
An Act making appropriations for the operating and
capital expenses of the state's integrated
comprehensive mental health program; and providing for
an effective date.
2:08:42 PM
Co-Chair Chenault explained the intended process would
involve a narrative provided by each Subcommittee
indicating their process in determining the proposed
numbers. He noted that there are eighteen State
departments with an average of seven members in each
subcommittee. The subcommittee amendments were received on
February 13, 2008, distributing to each subcommittee Chair.
Co-Chair Chenault added there was a distribution of the
Governor's amendments to all committee members and then
they requested that each submit a list of proposed
increments and decrements to that budget.
2:11:47 PM
Representative Gara requested that the Administration
testify in response to the amendments. Co-Chair Chenault
affirmed.
DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION
IAN FISK, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE BILL THOMAS, addressed the
Department of Administration & the Department of Fish and
Game budget subcommittee recommendations.
Mr. Fisk listed first the decrements to the Department of
Administration as adopted by the subcommittee:
• Fund source changes for salary increases; the $139.2
General Funds were not accepted;
• A cut in the amount of $250 thousand General Fund
dollars made as an unallocated cut to the Alaska Land
Mobil Radio project under Enterprise Technology
Services; and
• A cut of $400 thousand General Fund dollars from the
component - State Owned Facilities Management.
Co-Chair Chenault inquired if there was a list of concerned
items. Mr. Fisk replied they were listed on the website.
Representative Nelson asked what was meant by "items of
concern". Co-Chair Chenault replied that some committee
members had specific issues with certain items either
removed or placed into the recommendations. Representative
Nelson clarified that meant legislative members and not the
Administration. Mr. Fisk interjected that certain items of
concerns are items to look for in following year's budget.
2:14:55 PM
DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
Mr. Fisk summarized the changes made by the subcommittee to
the budget submitted by the Department of Fish and Game:
• Cut $156 thousand General Fund dollars to the
Subsistence Division for a recording and data base
accessibility project;
• Cut $151 thousand General Fund dollars from Commercial
Fishery Database project;
• Cut $75 thousand dollars from the Hunter Education
shooting range component, funded through the Fish and
Game fund; and
• The Subcommittee did not take action on a total of
$7.28 million dollars of the Governor's proposed
amendments related to reduced federal funding.
2:16:12 PM
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Representative Hawker reviewed the work done by the
Department of Corrections subcommittee. He explained the
process taken by the subcommittee:
st
1 Looked at the Administration's proposed changes; and
nd
2 Segregated the discretionary, policy calls & non-
discretionary choices
Representative Hawker continued, the subcommittee included
all non-discretionary requests. The discretionary requests
were all considered in terms of sustainability & long-term
understanding.
He pointed out that the subcommittee had authorized $4.58
million less General Fund dollars & 25 less employees than
the requested amount. There was an overall increase of
$6.16 million dollars to that budget.
The process used is referred to as a "truth in budgeting
approach", working with the departments to determine their
real needs. The budgets are not based on vacancy factors.
A large part of the increase funding in the Department
results from filling vacant positions. The subcommittee
approved funding for a community residential center half-
way house contracts. The Department had proposed several
temporary housing projects some of which were included.
Some of the expansion projects were postponed.
2:20:31 PM
Representative Hawker pointed out the amount of dissention
in the subcommittee when addressing the discretionary
issues. The Department proposed expansion into several
programs, which were not approved, in the absence of any
plan for the expansion since there was no long range plan
accompanying the requests. He encouraged that any new
request should be accompanied with a strategic approach for
population management, rehabilitation and recidivism
reduction beyond construction of new confinement
facilities. All requests need to be coordinated
throughout all affected departments.
2:22:19 PM
Representative Hawker addressed specific decrements
proposed to the Governor's submitted budget.
• The subcommittee did not fund $451.8 thousand for
substance abuse programs, which previously had been
discontinued because there was not a coherent plan
presented;
• The same reason applies for the $310 thousand dollar
request for a sex offender treatment program.
Testimony indicates it is not treatable.
• Did not fund the $30 thousand dollars requested for an
in-state offender population;
• Did not fund the chaplaincy program for $28 thousand
dollars, which the Department previously denied last
year.
• Did not provide for the $331.8 thousand dollars into
the Arsat program;
• Did not fund the out of State sex offender treatment
program in the amount of $150 thousand dollars;
• The correctional association accreditation program
position was deleted from the budget;
• The Palmer offender temporary housing positions were
not funded;
• $263 thousand dollars for temporary housing positions
at Spring Creek was not included;
• The distributive justice model was reduced by $50
thousand General Fund dollars; and
• Medical staffing for an expansion in the amount of
$346 thousand dollars was not funded.
2:24:26 PM
Representative Hawker continued:
• Two mental health court clinicians pending approval of
a Court budget were not funded; and
• There were significant fund source changes in the
Permanent Fund crime funds. which were moved to in-
mate health care, benefiting every inmate equally.
2:25:45 PM
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES
Representative Hawker pointed out that the Department of
Health and Social Services subcommittee budget
considerations were addressed in a public manner. The
meetings identified the discretionary, non-discretionary
funding. The subcommittee approved a budget that is
approaching $2 billion General Fund dollars on human
services in the State of Alaska. That is an increase of
$103 million General Fund spending dollars from last year.
The $103 million dollars was $33 million dollars less than
the amount requested by the Department's original budget.
2:28:34 PM
Representative Gara requested a list of the items removed
from the Governor's proposal.
Representative Hawker outlined the highlights of the
Department of Health and Social Services budget changes
made by the subcommittee.
Representative Hawker noted that the subcommittee followed
the approach of the "truth in budgeting. The Department's
entitlement programs were fully funded including the
federal cost shifting and anticipated Medicaid Program
growth. The subcommittee looked at the base levels of
funding in the State's Medicaid program. It was recognized
that there was an "excessive cushion" in the base funding.
The subcommittee agreed upon $15 million dollar reductions
to the General Fund and federal funds. The budget did not
make any reductions to the Senior Benefits Program. The
Adult Dental Program did not receive any further
incremental funding increases.
2:33:18 PM
Representative Hawker directed remarks to the other
increment requests within the Department of Health and
Social Services. The State knew that we would be facing
massive federal fund cuts to Medicaid. The providers can
no longer "make ends meet". He urged that the existing
structure foundations be addressed this year before any new
program ventures. He commented on the tribal-based
services to rural Alaska and how that was different from
the other programs. The Senate is working closely with
that concern. As a result, the subcommittee funded zero in
the budget for that concern because of the timing. The
other projects do not provide the information to make a
fact based decision.
Representative Hawker pointed out the discussion occurring
with the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority (AMHTA) and
their roll into the future. The results scrutinized where
those programs are moving; most of the program increments
were restored.
2:37:08 PM
Representative Hawker reiterated that programs not honored,
had been based on extensive discussions, committee
testimony and statewide testimony. He cautioned about
funding the programs with hidden consequences such as the
National Accreditation for all statewide providers-$200
thousand dollars, which could have become a $1-$2 million
dollar program over the next couple years.
He addressed the privatization of services at the Pioneer
Homes and Alaska Psychiatric Institute (API) and the
increases to the prior authorization contracts with
Medicaid.
The AMHTA recommendations related to the new housing trust
initiative were removed. Representative Hawker stated it
was premature to place operating funds into the budget when
the Legislature has not made the policy decision to move
forward with the venture.
2:40:39 PM
Representative Hawker indicated that the subcommittee had
asked each area to strategically determine their needs.
The Department did identify other sourced funds for receipt
support services, adding those to the affected line-base.
The preference was to first reduce General Fund spending.
2:42:19 PM
Representative Hawker addressed some small requests, which
he thought should be handled in the base budget. A grant
in the amount of $600 thousand dollars for the Department
to issue grants to only six schools to contract with
someone to address the needs of children. He noted the
importance of "substance" to each request.
He illustrated a request for $300 thousand dollars for the
human bio-monitoring program, which would make people aware
of the hazards of mercury in Alaskan wild fish. He thought
a program like that should be addressed by the Department
of Fish and Game.
2:44:55 PM
Representative Hawker discussed that the most controversial
cuts were the reductions to the administrative staff of the
Department. He pointed out that the Public Information
office housed twenty-three staff positions. Representative
Hawker recommended a 25% reduction in that staff from the
request. Additionally, the subcommittee asked the
Commissioner office to implement an overall salary
reduction. He suggested that there were two people doing
same job tasks within the division of public health arena.
Another controversial deletion was to the Department
Office of Faith Based Initiative. The faith-based group
spent most of their budget on travel. The subcommittee did
not reauthorize the renewal of the Faith Based Initiative
office.
2:49:18 PM
Representative Hawker explained that some of the fund
source changes were deferred to the larger committee. The
Department believes that fund sources were no longer
accessible and sub-planted with General Funds for salaries
and wages.
The subcommittee did approve each increment of Medicaid
services funding, while closely scrutinizing a reduction to
the base.
The subcommittee did not approve a program to provide
secured Detox. He pointed out that Title 47 takes people
off the streets, which involves law enforcement & community
service patrols. The Anchorage Police Department was not
aware of what was happening with the request nor was the
AMHTA. Instead, the subcommittee did fund the second
st
request in the amount of $500 thousand dollars for the 1
stage of planning and design for a center replacement.
Representative Hawker concluded testimony on the Department
of Health and Social Services subcommittee budget
proposals.
2:53:23 PM
DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS
PAUL LABOLLE, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE RICHARD FOSTER, noted
that the budget adopted by the subcommittee is the
Governor's amended budget with the exception of the $735
thousand dollars moved into the Department of
Administration for retirement costs.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC FACILITIES
Mr. LaBolle continued, the Department of Transportation and
Public Facilities budget was more complicated. There were
two major new programs considered.
• The operator apprenticeship program for $1 million
dollars was denied. The subcommittee urged that the
request come before the full House Finance Committee;
and
• The non-federal bridge identification & cataloguing
program consisting of the actual cataloguing and
including an inspection section was approved by the
subcommittee.
Mr. LaBolle addressed increments and decrements. All
requests less than $20 thousand dollars were denied and the
subcommittee recommended that the Department absorb those
costs. The remainder were allowed as they were bumping
against their direct cost allocation programs:
• Minor increment for $15 thousand General Fund dollars
for the Chena Campground, which is owned by the
Department of Natural Resources. Mr. LaBolle
recommended that it be included as inter-agency
receipts.
• A $30 thousand dollars for Fox Springs component was
denied.
• The subcommittee added two decrements to the budget
department requests. One for $200 thousand dollars
for an environmental clean-up and compliance. The
subcommittee recommended that work be performed by the
Department of Environmental Conservation.
• A decrement to the Commissioner's Office in the amount
of $151 thousand dollars, which removed the deputy
commissioner position for the Alaska Marine Highway
Operations.
Mr. LaBolle identified certain fund source changes,
pointing that that those over $20 thousand dollars were
granted.
2:57:54 PM
Mr. LaBolle explained that the Alaska Marine Fund had a
funding source change of $4.4 million dollars with a $217.6
thousand dollar increment rolled into it for the Kendicott
and Tuskinina ferry exchange offering reduced services and
revenues. He pointed out that since that was a one time
situation, it should be covered with a one-time increment.
All the Governors non-General Fund amendments were
accepted.
2:59:58 PM
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
SUE STANCLIFF, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE MIKE KELLY, addressed
the changes that the Department of Commerce, Community and
Economic Development made during the subcommittee process.
She pointed out that the subcommittee did accept the
Governor's amendment recommendations. The Governor's
amended budget was $163.7 million dollars; the subcommittee
closed out with recommendations at $163.4 million dollars.
The subcommittee made the following changes:
• Deleted one deputy commissioner position;
• Deleted one special assistant position including the
funding;
• Community Assistance & Economic Development component
funded for a new grant administrator;
• In the Office of Economic Development, the
subcommittee deleted a development manager position
and restored a different development manager;
• Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) received an
authorization of $125 thousand General Fund dollars
for their overseas marketing;
• The Alaska Aerospace Development Corporation (AADC)
received federal receipt authorization in the amount
of $3.2 million dollars;
• Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) received federal receipt
training funds in the amount of $200 thousand dollars;
• The subcommittee did not accept the Governor's
proposed increment of $1.4 million dollars for the
Power Cost Equalization (PCE) program;
• The subcommittee authorized an increase for insurance
legal costs in the amount of $175 thousand dollars;
• In Consumer Affairs and Investigation, the
subcommittee increased funding for staff support by
$354 thousand dollars and deleted one administrator of
investigation position; and
• Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) received
increased legal costs at $1 million dollars.
3:04:29 PM
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Ms. Stancliff addressed the changes made by the
subcommittee for the Department of Natural Resources
budget. The subcommittee accepted the Governor's amended
budget as the working base. She pointed out that the
proposed budget submitted by the Governor was $132.4
million dollars; the House subcommittee adopted a budget of
$130.4 million dollars with a difference totaling 1.5%.
The following actions were taken by the subcommittee:
• Denied proposed increments of $25 thousand dollars for
changing a part-time position to a full time position;
• Denied the proposed increment for $391.7 thousand
dollars for funding three new position in the Oil and
Gas Development component;
• Denied the proposed increment of $85 thousand dollars
for funding a new position in the Claims, Permits and
Leases Division;
• Denied proposed increment of $56.7 thousand dollars
funding one new position in the Land Sales and
Municipal Entitlements section;
• Denied the proposed increment of $100 thousand dollars
of receipt authority and water development;
• Reduced a fund source change of $100 thousand dollars
to water development;
• Denied a proposed increment of $308.3 thousand dollars
for three new positions in water development;
• Denied proposed fund source changes of $85 thousand
dollars for forest management and development;
• Denied proposed increment of $95 thousand dollars for
one new position in geological development; and
• Denied proposed increment of $70.9 thousand dollars
funding one new position for the assertions and
litigations.
3:07:52 PM
ALASKA COURT SYSTEM
TOM WRIGHT, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE MIKE CHENAULT, provided
an overview of the changes made by the subcommittee to the
Alaska Court Systems, Governor's proposed budget.
Mr. Wright listed the changes:
• $75 thousand dollars adopted for the costs related to
the Supreme Court justice appointment in Fairbanks;
• $100 thousand General Fund dollars adopted for a
Ketchikan security screening;
• $250 thousand dollars adopted for the elimination of
vacancy savings requirement for judicial positions;
• Authorization for $250 thousand dollars for the
wellness contractual funds for treatment replacing
General Funds;
• $357 thousand dollars allocated for the juror process
enhancement;
• $69.3 thousand dollars for lease increases for certain
parking lots;
• $154 thousand dollars for the Homer Court House
expansion;
• $600 thousand dollars allocated for additional
efficiency and improvements to court proceedings;
• $85 thousand dollars to fund one Court Magistrate
Service (CMS) analyst;
• $1.7 thousand dollars for the Commission on Judicial
conduct to raise capital for the minimum required for
large equipment;
• $2 thousand dollars for the Commission on Judicial
conduct to reduce personal services; and
• $737 thousand dollars for Mental Health Authority
Trust projects.
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
Mr. Wright noted that the subcommittee adopted the
Governor's budget and made the following changes at the
request of the Governor:
• Deleted $8.4 thousand dollars in Capital Improvement
Projects (CIP) receipts to decrease excess CIP
reauthorization for the statewide celebration
commission;
• $352 thousand dollars for the Alaska Gas Inducement
Act (AGIA) fiscal note for the executive office;
• Deletion of a position totaling $41.1 thousand dollars
in the Governor's house;
• Increment of $26.6 thousand dollars in the Governor's
office to off-set anticipated expenditures; and
• Increment of $521 thousand dollars to increase the
Division of Elections for anticipated increased
workload.
DIVISION OF ELECTIONS
Mr. Wright continued:
• $2.7 thousand dollars for the statewide primary
elections;
• $53 thousand dollars for postage and rent increase
expenditures since FY07; and
• $774 thousand dollars for the statewide primary
general elections funding to cover the cost of the
pamphlets;
• Decrement of $57 to the adjusted cost of the fiscal
note for SB 172;
• $20 thousand dollar reduction in the FY09 request;
• Increment of $106 thousand dollars for the statewide
primary for the presidential election in November; and
• Decrement of $41 thousand dollars in CIP receipts
reductions.
LEGISLATURE
Mr. Wright pointed out the actions taken by the
subcommittee for funding of Legislature concerns:
• Adjusted the position count to FY08 figures to the new
finance staff position in both the House and Senate;
• $6.8 thousand dollars in salary and allowances to
increase the benefit charges in allowance accounts;
• $5 thousand dollars for administration purposes, which
is a fund source change;
• Fund source change of a General Fund decrement in the
amount of $17 thousand dollars session expenses for
statute sale receipts with a corresponding increment
of that amount of Inter Agency (IA) receipts;
• Session expenses increment of $130 thousand dollars
for telecommunications;
• Decrement of $1.6 thousand dollars for increased
subscription receipts, which is a funding source
change with a corresponding increment of that amount;
• Decrement of $55 thousand dollars for the fiscal note
for the Declaration of Honor;
• Decrement of $10 thousand dollars for the Regulatory
Commission of Alaska task force [HCR 8];
• Decrement of $18.5 thousand dollars for the civics
education advisory task force [HCR 6];
• Decrement of $35.1 thousand dollars for the Penware
Regional Conference;
• Decrement of $100 thousand dollars again for the
Penware Conference;
• Decrement of $60 thousand dollars for the removal of
the climate impact assessment commission;
• $200 thousand dollar decrement removing funding for
the annual government meeting to be held in Anchorage.
3:15:32 PM
DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
Tom Wright addressed the increments and decrements made to
the Department of Revenue through subcommittee actions:
• Increment of $600 thousand dollars partial funding in
the Tax Division for the audit master positions;
• $1.13 million dollar increment in the Tax Division for
contract funding for the three contract auditors
outlined in the fiscal note for HB 2001;
• Increment of $120.9 thousand dollars in the Tax
Division for a programmer analyst V;
• To the Treasury Division, an increment of $126
thousand dollars for increased house investment
management;
• Increment of $25 thousand to the retiree health
insurance major medical fund for increased investment
management costs; statutory designated program
receipts (SDPR), for the State Bond Committee
financial advisor services on the budget;
• Increment of $300 thousand dollars for the Alaska
Retirement Management Board for an independent actuary
audit;
• Office of the Commissioner decrement deleting a
position transferred from Alaska Natural Gas
Transportation Act (ANGTA);
• Increment of $254 thousand for the Alaska Mental
Health Trust Authority (AMHTA) for newly approved
positions in the FY09 operating budget;
• Increase of $893 thousand dollars to Alaska Housing
Finance Corporation (AHFC) to correct a salary
adjustments funding source;
• Decrement of $759 thousand dollars in federal receipts
for AHFC; and
• An increment of $11.4 thousand federal receipts for
project based contracts at AHFC program expenses.
3:18:56 PM
UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA
Mr. Wright identified the increments and decrements made by
the subcommittee to the University of Alaska:
• Decrement of $1.3 million dollars in statewide
services and programs for utility cost increases;
• Decrement of $206 thousand dollars in statewide
programs and services on adjusted base salary cost
increases;
• Increment of $255 thousand dollars for statewide
programs and services to eliminate the use of
corporate dividends in the operating budget;
• Decrement of $757 thousand dollars in statewide
programs and services, a 5% unallocated General Fund
reduction;
• University campuses, a decrement of $3.7 million
dollars, denying the General Fund portion of the
appropriation step increases;
• Decrement to the University campuses in the amount of
$128.9 thousand dollars for library information
technology & other operation costs;
• Decrement of $300 thousand dollars, which denies a
portion of General Fund request to prepare Alaskans
for jobs in health services; and
• Decrement of $966 thousand dollars, a denial of
General Funds for the climate impact on Alaskan
natural resources research.
Mr. Wright addressed the two amendments, which the
subcommittee adopted. The first was for $1.3 General Fund
dollars, $205 thousand federal funds for University
campuses for the new contract terms. The second amendment
accepted a $90 thousand dollar increment for statewide
programs and services for the University mental health
trust clinical internship program.
3:21:10 PM
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
MICHAEL PAWLOWSKI, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE KEVIN MEYER,
addressed the increments and decrements adopted by the
Department of Environmental Conservation subcommittee. The
subcommittee adopted the FY09 adjusted base as the
beginning point. The following changes were made:
• In the Environmental Health Services component, the
subcommittee did not accept the proposed changes made
by the Governor for the unrealized fund source &
changes for salary increases in the General Government
Unit (GGU);
• Spill Prevention and Response, $619 thousand General
Fund dollars were transferred from the industry
preparedness operations component to the contaminated
sites component & an equal amount of the 470 Funds
were transferred;
• Water Quality Division, the Governor's initial request
for the Ocean Ranger program was increased from $2.26
million dollars to $3 million dollars; and
• A decrement of $231 thousand dollars was taken to
reduce long-term vacancy positions in the water
quality division.
3:23:46 PM
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND EARLY DEVELOPMENT
PETE ECKLUND, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE KEVIN MEYER, provided
an overview of the changes made by the Department of
Education and Early Development subcommittee.
He identified the proposed changes:
• Two requests for the school performance incentive
program. The first was a number section request
denied for $2.5 million dollars and a language section
request that was open-ended. The subcommittee placed
$4.8 million dollars into that area;
• Teaching & Learning support funding increased by $50
thousand dollars;
• Denial for a new General Funded program of $414
thousand dollars;
• Switch from AMHTA monies to the Center for Autism
training;
• Funding source switch for Rural Secondary Transition
program;
• Denial of federal back-fill request for the data
system in the amount of $610 thousand dollars;
• Denial of increment for the statewide mentoring
program in the amount of $500 thousand dollars;
• Denial of increment request for $600 thousand dollars
for a Head Start Grant;
• Denial for a new General Fund early reading program in
the amount of $307 thousand dollars;
• Denial of an increment for $100 thousand dollar
amendment request for the above listed program;
• Mt. Edgecombe, there was an error in the Governor's
submitted budget, and a one time item that was not
removed in the amount of $26 thousand dollars;
• Approved a $350 thousand dollar increase for food
services;
• The subcommittee approved $200 thousand dollars for
the State facilities rent for a new archives storage
area;
• Library operations decrement in the amount of $65
thousand dollars; and
• Post-secondary education component funding source
change.
3:27:32 PM
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
SUZANNE ARMSTRONG, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE KEVIN MEYER, spoke
to the changes made by the Department of Labor and
Workforce Development subcommittee:
The changes were:
• Commissioner Office and Administrative Services
decrement of $179 thousand dollars for correcting
unreasonable fund source changes for salary
adjustments due to the GGU contract;
• Declined to accept $93 thousand dollars in General
Funds for the Office of Citizenship Assistance;
• Declined to accept $110 thousand dollars for one full
time position related to AGIA, however, did approve
$95 thousand dollars for the position;
• Declined to accept a position for an Alaska Vocational
Technical Center recruiter;
• Declined to accept the amendment for $195 thousand
General Fund dollars for SW Alaska Vocational Center;
• $835 thousand dollars had been requested for AGIA
related training programs, however, the subcommittee
decided to create a new RDU to fund the initiatives
with three allocations created: 1) workforce training
information services, 2) regional training center
development & 3) cooperative training.
3:29:36 PM
DEPARTMENT OF LAW
Vice-Chair Stoltze summarized the changes made by the
Department of Law subcommittee.
The subcommittee made the following changes:
• Removed $9.6 million dollars for litigation attorneys;
• Replaced $5 million dollars in General Fund for
litigation attorneys;
• Recommended language be adopted to allocate $400
thousand General Fund dollars to the Criminal
Division;
• Decrements for a new para-legal office manager;
• Decrement of one half restoration of lost federal drug
offender juvenile accountability division in the event
that the agency is not able to obtain other funds;
• Increments included two special federal offender
attorneys, one Indian law attorney, & one appellate
attorney;
• Approved two administrative amendments to pay
increased lease costs; and
• Deferred $4.7 million dollar increment for oil and gas
mining.
3:32:51 PM
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Vice-Chair Stoltze provided an overview of the work
undertaken by the Department of Public Safety subcommittee.
The following changes were made to that budget:
• Contingency language in the amount of $874 thousand
federal dollars for grants;
• The requests for fuel and utilities were redirected
for attention by the full Finance Committee;
• Recommended an increment for additional travel costs
associated with fire prevention and enhanced training
for trooper enhancement;
• Data base specialist position was approved but the
subcommittee asked them to use funds within the
Department to fund it;
• Recommended that partial funding for increased vehicle
costs, trooper dispatching and transportation costs be
accepted;
• Recommended that $144 thousand General Fund dollars be
used to replace unrealizable receipts for support
services;
• Intent language was added to address that Permanent
Fund Felon funds should be used for CDVSA program
funding;
• Recommended intent language that the Department
provide additional State trooper coverage for
international border communities; and
• $220 thousand dollar increment for the Fire Safety
Council was deferred to the full Finance Committee
consideration.
HB 310 & HB 312 were HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
RECESS: 3:39:28 PM
RECONVENED: 4:06:41 PM
The following portion was taken in log note format.
Handouts will be on file with the House Finance Committee
through the 25th Legislative Session, contact 465-6814.
After the 25th Legislative Session they will be available
through the Legislative Library at 465-3808.
SPEAKER DISCUSSION
TIME
CO-CHAIR Convened the House Finance Committee in
CHENAULT order to hear statewide public
testimony on the operating budget
nd
proposal on February 22 , 2008 as a
st
continuation of the February 21
meeting.
ANCHORAGE PUBLIC TESTIMONY
4:06:49 PM JUDY CORDELL, Indicated her support for a 5% increase
EXECUTIVE to domestic violence prevention. She
DIRECTOR, noted that over half of the shelters in
ABUSED WOMEN'S Alaska finished the year in the red.
AID IN CRISIS She urged that the Legislature match
(AWAIC), INC. the current $1 million federal dollars
for State dollars. She pointed out that
costs have steadily increased and that
the health care insurance has gone up.
4:11:53 PM MARY K. Emphasized her concerned that the
HUGHES, CHAIR, House Finance Committee had reduced
BOARD OF the University budget. She mentioned
REGENTS, that the management issues are being
UNIVERSITY OF resolved and that a letter regarding
ALASKA the personnel costs had been
distributed so that the issues would
not be repeated. She pointed out her
support of the Governor's budget,
stressing concern about providing the
dollars needed by Alaskan employers for
jobs.
4:14:53 PM RICK ROGERS, He pointed out that federal funding is
INDUSTRY TRADE drying up making it difficult for the
ASSOCIATION agency. The agency is a successful
REPRESENTATIVE State program, which has a duty to
BOARD OF oversee the program. A funding source
FORESTRY change was unanimously endorsed; the
program is vital in supporting a
struggling timber industry. He urged
reconsideration of restoring the $150
thousand dollars.
4:18:02 PM RON PECK, Spoke in support for full funding of
PRESIDENT, the travel industry budget, funding the
ALASKA TRAVEL core budget request of $8.9 million
INDUSTRY dollars, supporting the independent
ASSOCIATION marketing increment for an additional
(ATIA) $1 million dollars.
4:19:50 PM CARL EKSTROM, Voiced support for full funding of the
ANCHORAGE tourism industry. He clarified that
COMMUNITY all future allocations for the
DEVELOPMENT Anchorage Community Development (ACD)
(ACD), depend of the funding growth of
ANCHORAGE tourism.
4:21:47 PM TODD FLETCHER, He pointed out that UBS Financial
UBS FINANCIAL Services have many clients that rely on
SERVICES the State tourism industry. He urged
the State to fully fund Alaska core
tourism business.
4:22:35 PM LORI WOODWARD, Noted that she is a board member of
STANDING Standing Together Against Rape (STAR)
TOGETHER agency. She urged that the current
AGAINST RAPE funding for Council on Domestic
(STAR) Violence and Sexual Assault (CDVSA)
sustain as proposed by Governor Palin.
Public awareness regarding sexual
assault has grown statewide. She
pointed out that costs continue to
rise, with higher insurance costs, etc;
CDVSA needs to be competitive in the
work force. She emphasized that
additional dollars are vital.
4:25:47 PM BRENDA MOORE, Noted that she is a member of the
ALASKA MENTAL Alaska Mental Health Board and
HEALTH BOARD Christian Health Associates (CHA). She
(AMHB) pointed out that CHA does not receive
funding. Neither of these agencies
receive State funding. She addressed
funding for behavioral health early
intervention increment as proposed to
be cut from the Governor's budget.
Medicaid does not cover most substance
abuse treatment. Most of the providers
are at the breaking point with long
waiting lines for all clients with a
lack of core services. Many shelters
and substance abuse treatment programs
are being cut back and closing doors.
4:28:40 PM JANET MCCABE, Noted that she represents Partners for
PARTNERS FOR Progress. She read a message from
PROGRESS, Mayor George Sullivan regarding the
ANCHORAGE Anchorage Wellness Court and how
effective it is in helping to treat
repeat offenders. The program also
helps to cut the costs of police
prosecution and prison sentences.
4:30:35 PM JAMIE BRIDGES, Itemized the importance of increased
EDUCATION funding for the programs ability to
DEVELOPMENT provide meaningful services for crisis
COORDINATOR, intervention to victims of sexual
STAR assault.
4:33:09 PM MEGAN CARLSON, Spoke in support of the Governor's
UNIVERSITY OF increments for the University.
ALASKA, EAGLE
RIVER
4:35:20 PM KIRK HOESSLE, Spoke in support of funding for the
PRESIDENT, Alaska Travel Industry Association, $8
ALASKA million dollars for Alaska tourism
WILDLAND marketing and a $1 million dollars for
ADVENTURES, the independent grant component.
GIRDWOOD
4:37:51 PM TERRI L. Spoke in support for full funding to
RUSSI, ALASKA Alaska Travel Industry Association of
TOURISM the proposed $8 million dollars for
INDUSTRY marketing and the $1 million dollars
ASSOCIATION for the independent grant.
(ATIA)
4:38:50 PM MARSHA BARTON, Spoke in support for full funding to
ALASKA TOURISM Alaska Travel Industry Association of
INDUSTRY the proposed $8 million dollars for
ASSOCIATION marketing and the $1 million dollars
(ATIA) for the independent grant.
4:40:23 PM CARL WING, Spoke in support of the Governor's
STUDENT, proposed increment for the University
UNIVERSITY OF budget.
ALASKA
4:41:58 PM LEAH MERRICK, Spoke in support of full funding for
STUDENT, the University as proposed by the
UNIVERSITY OF Governor.
ALASKA
4:43:32 PM KELSEY RALPH, Spoke in support of full funding for
STUDENT, the University.
UNIVERSITY OF
ALASKA
4:44:20 PM LORENA MAY, Spoke in support of the Governor's
STUDENT, proposed increment for the University
UNIVERSITY OF budget.
ALASKA
4:45:52 PM DAVID Spoke in support of the Governor's
ROBERTSON, proposed increment for the University
STUDENT, budget.
UNIVERSITY OF
ALASKA
4:48:03 PM MARIAN Spoke in support of the Governor's
GRISHMAN, proposed increment for the University
STUDENT, budget.
UNIVERSITY OF
ALASKA
4:49:07 PM DAVID Spoke in support of full funding for
CHILDERS, the University. He expressed concerns
STUDENT, regarding proposed reductions to the
UNIVERSITY OF University's budget.
ALASKA
4:51:30 PM JOHN Spoke in support of full funding for
ROBERTSON, the University. He expressed concerns
III, STUDENT, regarding proposed reductions to the
UNIVERSITY OF University's budget.
ALASKA
4:53:06 PM GAIL PHILLIPS, Testified against reductions to the
PAST University's budget. She addressed two
LEGISLATOR, components specifically: The proposed
MEMBER OF THE cut to the $3.7 million dollar
UNIVERSITY OF increment for salary adjustments & the
ALASKA ALUMNI $1.3 million dollar cut to increased
BOARD utility costs.
4:55:04 PM RAMONA DUBY Voiced support for the Governor's
proposed budget for Mental Health
services. She mentioned the suicide
rate in the State of Alaska.
4:57:41 PM JILL HODGES, Testified in support of the Behavioral
EXECUTIVE Health grant component for $100
DIRECTOR, thousand dollars for brain injury
ALASKA BRAIN training for providers.
INJURY NETWORK
5:01:02 PM PATTY WISEL, Spoke in support of the Governor's
HEAD START proposal for the Head Start program
funding and proposed increase to that
program in the amount of $600 thousand
dollars. She added support for
Resolution #208-01 from the Alaska Head
Start Association. There has been six
years of either reduced or flat funding
for that program.
5:03:21 PM DAVID S. Spoke in support for full funding to
KASSER, VICE Alaska Travel Industry Association of
PRESIDENT, the proposed $8 million dollars for
ANCHORAGE marketing and the $1 million dollars
CONVENTION for the independent grant.
VISITOR BUREAU
(ACVB)
5:05:59 PM STEVE Spoke in support for full funding to
HALLORAN, Alaska Travel Industry Association of
ANCHORAGE, the proposed $8 million dollars for
CONVENTION AND marketing and the $1 million dollars
VISITORS' for the independent grant.
BUREAU (ACVB)
5:08:10 PM CAROLYA Spoke in support for full funding to
BETTES, FORGET Alaska Travel Industry Association of
ME NOT the proposed $8 million dollars for
COMMUNICATIONS marketing and the $1 million dollars
for the independent grant.
5:10:30 PM PATRICK HAYES, Testified in support of funding for
MEETING THE substance abuse prevention and
CHALLENGE treatment programs.
5:12:49 PM ROSALIE Testified in support of funding for
NADEAU, AKEELA substance abuse prevention and
treatment programs. She expressed
concern with reductions to the
Governor's proposed $1.75 million
increment. Akeela has experienced a 62%
reduction.
5:15:55 PM MADISON Testified in support of funding for
HILDERBRAND substance abuse prevention and
treatment programs.
5:18:22 PM ANNA SAPPEH, Testified in support of funding for
SUBSTANCE substance abuse prevention and
ABUSE treatment programs.
DIRECTOR'S
ASSOCIATION
5:20:29 PM ROBERT Spoke in support for full funding to
MCCORMICK, Alaska Travel Industry Association of
GLACIER the proposed $8 million dollars for
BREWHOUSE marketing and the $1 million dollars
for the independent grant.
5:22:10 PM JIM STRATTON, Spoke in support for full funding to
NATIONAL PARKS Alaska Travel Industry Association of
CONSERVATION the proposed $8 million dollars for
ASSOCIATION marketing and the $1 million dollars
for the independent grant.
5:23:35 PM AMY ONEY, Spoke in support of Medicaid rate
PRESIDENT, increases for assisted living.
ASSISTED
LIVING
ASSOCIATION OF
ALASKA
5:29:09 PM SARAH SCANLAN, Spoke to Governor's recommendation for
RURALCAP funding for early learning initiative.
Headstart has been a successful program
for forty years. Allowed us to engage
more parents. Serves urban as well as
rural Alaska in 102 communities.
Federal funds for Headstart have been
cut. $600,000 for Headstart is critical
and $400,000 also critical.
5:33:15 PM GARY Also represents the car rental industry
ZIMMERMAN, in general. Asked for support for
GENERAL tourism in Alaska. He referred to the
MANAGER, AVIS 10% rental tax's contribution to the
RENT-A-CAR general fund. He stressed that they are
investing in the industry and ask the
State to do the same.
5:36:09 PM BRUCE LALONDE, Spoke in support for full funding to
ALASKA Alaska Travel Industry Association of
RAILROAD the proposed $8 million dollars for
marketing and the $1 million dollars
for the independent grant.
5:37:25 PM SUSAN KIGER, Spoke in support for full funding to
DIRECTOR, Alaska Travel Industry Association of
SALES AND the proposed $8 million dollars for
MARKETING, marketing and the $1 million dollars
ALASKA for the independent grant.
RAILROAD
5:38:44 PM ERIC HAMRE, Spoke in support of STAR.
ANCHORAGE
POLICE
DEPARTMENT
5:39:54 PM RUTH Spoke in support for full funding to
ROSEWARNE, Alaska Travel Industry Association of
ALASKA the proposed $8 million dollars for
RAILROAD marketing and the $1 million dollars
for the independent grant.
5:40:22 PM MATT SZUNDY, Spoke in support for full funding to
THE ASCENDING Alaska Travel Industry Association of
PATH the proposed $8 million dollars for
marketing and the $1 million dollars
for the independent grant.
5:41:35 PM KRISTEN Internet business that has grown and
LINDSEY, thrived because of tourism. 95% of
APOKRISIS clients are in tourism. Spoke in
support of funding to the Alaska Travel
Industry Association: $8 million for
Alaska tourism marketing and a $1
million dollar independent grant.
5:43:28 PM ALISON KEAR, Testified in support of funding for
COVENANT HOUSE substance abuse prevention and
ALASKA treatment programs for youth.
5:47:11 PM DIANE DISANTO, Testified in support of funding for
MOA substance abuse prevention and
treatment programs.
5:50:42 PM KATHY LUM, Spoke in support of the Governor's
SOUTH CENTRAL increments for the University.
AREA HEALTH
EDUCATION
CENTER
5:52:35 PM DEE DEE KAY, Spoke in support for full funding to
ALASKA Alaska Travel Industry Association of
HERITAGE TOURS the proposed $8 million dollars for
marketing and the $1 million dollars
for the independent grant.
5:55:42 PM STEVE JUDD, Spoke in support for full funding to
ALASKA TOUR Alaska Travel Industry Association of
AND TRAVEL the Governor's proposed $8 million
dollars for marketing and $1 million
dollars for the independent grants.
5:57:32 PM JOHN THURBER, Spoke in support for full funding to
THE PARK Alaska Travel Industry Association of
CONNECTION the Governor's proposed $8 million
dollars for marketing and the $1
million dollars for the independent
grant.
5:58:18 PM FRANCINE Testified in support of continued
HARBOUR, funding for statewide mental health
PRESIDENT, programs. She addressed mental illness
NATIONAL and programs that help people lead
ALLILANCE FOR stable and recovering lives.
MENTAL ILLNESS
(NAMI)
6:02:25 PM ANN REDDIG, Spoke in support for full funding to
ALASKA WILD Alaska Travel Industry Association of
BERRY PRODUCTS the proposed $8 million dollars for
marketing and the $1 million dollars
for the independent grant.
6:03:59 PM SUSAN Requested increased funding for the
BOMALASKI, human services matching grants funding
EXECUTIVE in the budget to $3 million dollars.
DIRECTOR, She listed the programs that receive
CATHOLIC the funds. Nearly 50% of the clients
SOCIAL served have come to Anchorage from
SERVICES rural areas.
6:06:12 PM ABBE HENSLEY, Encouraged continued support for
EXECUTIVE extensive funding for early childhood
DIRECTOR, BEST education programs. She pointed out
BEGINNINGS the proposed reduction to Head Start in
the amount of $600 thousand dollars.
She asked that the $407 thousand
dollars be reinstated from the Early
Learning Program. The return on
investment from early learning programs
are on those funds will be critical for
the future of Alaska. Those children
are extraordinary. Children that have
access to these type programs are more
likely to graduate from high school.
6:10:31 PM MELINDA MYERS, Testified in support for the $407
SENIOR thousand dollars funding line item
MANAGER, BEST recommendation for the early learning
BEGINNINGS funding as requested in the Governor's
proposed budget.
6:12:58 PM GENIE BABB, Spoke in support of full funding for
UNIVERSITY OF the University of Alaska.
ALASKA
6:14:21 PM SUSAN KLEIN, Spoke in support of the Governor's
UNIVERSITY OF proposed increments for the University.
ALASKA
ANCHORAGE
6:16:01 PM ANNE DENNIS-Addressed alcoholism and chemical
CHOI, EXECTIVE dependency problems in the State. She
DIRECTOR, testified in support of funding for
SALVATION ARMY substance abuse prevention and
CLITHEROE treatment programs. Medicaid does not
CENTER cover the majority of individuals
suffering from addictions. With the
growing dependence on Medicaid, grant
funding has decreased.
nd
6:20:16 PM RECESSED To February 23 - Saturday
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