Legislature(2009 - 2010)HOUSE FINANCE 519
03/02/2010 01:30 PM House FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB300 | |
| HB302 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 300 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 302 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE
March 2, 2010
1:36 p.m.
1:36:17 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Hawker called the House Finance Committee meeting
to order at 1:36 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Mike Hawker, Co-Chair
Representative Bill Stoltze, Co-Chair
Representative Bill Thomas Jr., Vice-Chair
Representative Allan Austerman
Representative Mike Doogan
Representative Anna Fairclough
Representative Neal Foster
Representative Les Gara
Representative Reggie Joule
Representative Mike Kelly
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Woodie Salmon
ALSO PRESENT
Darren Snyder, Cooperative Extension Agent, UAF; Walter
Majoros, Executive Director of Juneau Youth Services; Al
Dwyer, Mayor of Petersburg; Bob Janes, Gastineau Guiding
Company, Juneau; Sheila Wray, Early Learning Services
Coordinator, Association for Education of Young Children;
Shilo Valle, self; Anthony Barril, self; Sherri Wes, self;
Travis Lewis, Vice-Chairman, Elfin Cove Non-profit; A. Mille
Schoonover, Mayor of Craig; Linda Snow, Board Member of SE
conference and Co-Chair of the Economic Development
Committee; Henrich Kadake, City of Kake; Sonja Koukel,
Assistant Professor, Extension Program, UAF; Carl Brodersen,
President, Juneau Youth Sailing; Andi Story, Juneau School
Board; Carl Rose, Executive Director of the Association of
Alaska School Boards; Jeremy Geezer, Director of Tours,
Gastineau Guiding Company; Patricia Dobbins, Co-President,
National Alliance of Mental Illness, (NAMI) Alaska; Maxine
Thompson, Angoon, President of the Southeast Conference; Joy
Lyon, Executive Director, Alaska Association for the
Education of Young Children (AEYC); Nikki Morris, Family
Services Coordinator, AEYC; Laura Haywood, President,
Friends of Alaska CASA; Beth Weigel, Director, Discovery
Southeast; Gregory Pearce, Freelance Journalist; Jennifer
Card, Governor's Council on Disabilities in Special
Education
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE
Geoff Carroll, Self, Barrow; Marie Carroll, Self, Barrow;
Paula Cullenberg, Program Leader, Marine Advisory Program,
University of Alaska, Nome; John Bockman, College of Rural
and Community Development, University of Alaska, Nome; Rose
Fosdick, Natural Resource Division, Kawerak Incorporated,
Nome; Eric Osborne, Self, Nome; George Provost, Youth
Suicide Prevention, Behavioral Health Department, Maniilag
Association, Kotzebue; Calvin Schaeffer, Manager, Kotzebue
Airport, Kotzebue; Mike Hoffman, Association of Village
Council Presidents (AVCP), Bethel; Tim Andrew, Director of
Natural Resources, AVCP, Bethel; Lisa Ellanna, Self, Nome;
Margaret Thomas, Self, Nome; Kelly Morgan, Self, Juneau;
Herman Morgan, Aniack; John Conwell, Superintendent, City
of Unalaska School District, Unalaksa; Kerrie Kinison, Self,
Haines; Lorie Morris, Executive Director, Alaska Baptist
Family Services, Anchorage; Patty Elias, Self, Tanana;
Shirley Marquardt, City of Unalaska; Tracey Schaeffer, Best
Beginnings; Zoya Johnston, Director of the Museum of the
Aleutians, Unalaska; Jeanne Garhardt, Self; Lynne Osheim,
Parents as Teachers, Hoonah; Frances Purdy, Director of
Alaska Youth and Family Network (AYFN), Anchorage; Jessie
Lawrence, Youth Navigator for AYFN; Cathy Taylor, Self,
Eagle River; Renee Leyland, Anchorage, Self; Amanda
Metivier, Statewide Coordinator, Facing Foster Care in
Alaska; Candice Tucker, Self; Mark Fish, Self; Grant Baker,
Self, Engineer Professor, UAA; Andy Varner, Executive
Director, Southwest Alaska Municipal Conference; Rebecca
Shier, Statewide Representative, Facing Foster Care in
Alaska; Melinda Myers, Senior Manager, Best Beginnings;
Barbara Brown, Best Beginnings; Susan Anderson, Volunteer
Chair, Best Beginnings; Kyle Gardner, Denali Family
Services; Heather Jackson, Bring Home the Kids; Ramona Duby,
Self; Rob Cappuozzo, Early Childhood teacher, UAA; Jennifer
O'Neal, Manager, Alaska Children Services
GENERAL SUBJECT(S):
The following overview was taken in log note format.
Handouts will be on file with the House Finance Committee
through the 26th Legislative Session, contact 465-6814.
After the 26th Legislative Session they will be available
through the Legislative Library at 465-3808.
1:36:25 PM
HOUSE BILL NO. 300
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and
loan program expenses of state government, for certain
programs, and to capitalize funds; making supplemental
appropriations; making appropriations under art. IX,
sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska; and
providing for an effective date."
HOUSE BILL NO. 302
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and
capital expenses of the state's integrated
comprehensive mental health program; and providing for
an effective date."
TIME SPEAKER DISCUSSION
1:36:25 PM Co-Chair Explained that the testimony will be
Hawker from the operating budgets HB 300 and
HB 302. This meeting was noticed for
the public in a timely manner.
1:38:39 PM DARREN SNYDER, Thanked the finance committee for their
COOPERATIVE continued support of the UAF
EXTENSION cooperative extension service programs.
AGENT, UAF, The program hosts outreach efforts to
youths and community sustainability and
economic efforts. Testified in support
JUNEAU
of the Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory
Program (MAP). He heard that their
funding is in jeopardy or has been cut.
Co-Chair Reported that the MAP program funding
Hawker has not been cut or taken out of the
budget. The only issue is one expiring
federal grant.
1:41:51 PM Representative Asked about the university's $4.5
Munoz million in undesignated funds and asked
if the MAP program would apply for
those funds.
Co-Chair Specified that the university makes its
Hawker own decisions on their priority
programs.
Vice-Chair Understood that the university would
Thomas absorb the MAP program.
1:43:08 PM Representative Concerned about Northwestern Alaska
Foster district with positions that may be
affected if funding was cut. He wanted
to clarify this issue.
1:44:06 PM WALTER Thanked the House Finance Committee for
MAJOROS, the support of the Bring The Kids Home
EXECUTIVE Initiative. He noted the importance of
DIRECTOR OF the peer navigator position. Testified
JUNEAU YOUTH in support of community needs based
SERVICES, services, outpatient services,
transition services, foster care
services. Medicaid will not pay for
these services. Requested help to
finish the job.
1:46:48 PM AL DWYER, Talked to the Petersburg MAP position
MAYOR OF and was concerned about university
PETERSBURG, making this decision. He asked the
chair to send a letter to the
university in support of this position.
He referred to the written document
signed by the Southeast Conference of
Mayors (copy on file). This was for
three positions in DCCED.
1:49:38 PM Representative Presented an alternative view of the
Gara MAP program. He would be surprised to
see any expansion in the MAP program
with the present budget.
1:50:45 PM BOB JANES, Introduced his mission to bring science
GASTINEAU into their tourism mission. The MAP
GUIDING program offered help and support. He
COMPANY, spoke in support of the MAP field
JUNEAU, positions that provided so much help.
He added the program could be added to
continuing education at the university.
This would provide economic
opportunity, workforce development, and
research.
1:53:06 PM SHEILA WRAY, Supported early education funding for
EARLY LEARNING ages 3 to 5 years old. The quality of
SERVICES care by teachers in the profession is
COORDINATOR, so important.
ASSOCIATION
FOR EDUCATION
OF YOUNG
CHILDREN,
1:54:48 PM SHILO VALLE, Supported keeping the increments the
SELF, same in Foster Care in Alaska. He was
part of the transitional program and
would not be here if not for the
program. The program helped him become
a contributing member of society.
1:56:23 PM ANTHONY Supported the Foster Care Program in
BARRIL, SELF, Alaska and keeping the program to Bring
The Kids Home.
1:58:35 PM SHERRI WES, Thanked the legislature for funding
SELF, mental health programs. Spoke to her
personal experience with her daughter.
2:01:23 PM TRAVIS LEWIS, He spoke for the support of attorney
VICE-CHAIRMAN, aid for small communities without city
ELFIN COVE attorneys or legal help.
NON-PROFIT,
2:02:51 PM A. MILLE Supported the funding for training
SCHOONOVER, advisors for newly elected officials in
MAYOR OF rural communities.
CRAIG,
2:04:19 PM LINDA SNOW, Spoke for the increase of three
BOARD MEMBER government specialist positions. Many
OF SE small communities are struggling
CONFERENCE economically and cannot hire a lot of
AND CO-CHAIR staff. It is important to have
OF THE expertise and help.
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
COMMITTEE,
2:06:14 PM HENRICH Supported the Southeast Mayors letter
KADAKE, CITY and testified how important these
OF KAKE, positions are in Kake.
2:07:32 PM SONJA Thanked the committee for their support
KOUKEL, of the cooperative extension program.
ASSISTANT Testified in support of the funding for
PROFESSOR, the six coastal extension agents in
EXTENSION MAP. They have been funded in the past
PROGRAM, by grants and donations, but funding by
UAF, the legislature is needed so the
positions are not lost. The community
relies on these programs.
2:09:48 PM CARL Thanked the committee for the support
BRODERSEN, of 4H, the cooperative extension
PRESIDENT, service. These programs have a positive
JUNEAU YOUTH effect on many lives.
SAILING,
2:11:57 PM ANDI STORY, Spoke in support of foundation formula
JUNEAU increases. She noted that the PERS and
SCHOOL TRS funding liability are crucial.
BOARD, Testified in support of the
recommendation of the joint legislative
task force. Intent on deep professional
schooling for teachers.
2:14:26 PM CARL ROSE, Supported and thanked the subcommittee
EXECUTIVE and committee for HB 300. The three top
DIRECTOR OF association priorities are funding,
THE innovation, and early childhood
ASSOCIATION development. This budget fully funds
OF ALASKA the foundation for FY2011. The early
SCHOOL childhood pilot funding is especially
BOARDS, important and Best Beginnings.
2:16:36 PM JEREMY Supported the MAP program that has been
GEEZER, instrumental within their company for
DIRECTOR OF giving cruise ship passengers the
TOURS, opportunity to learn science in Alaska.
GASTINEAU Spoke of the Cruise with Purpose
GUIDING created by Holland America Line to give
COMPANY, passengers a chance to give back to the
communities they visit.
2:18:57 PM PATRICIA Thanked the committee for the addition
DOBBINS, CO-of $275,000 of general fund mental
PRESIDENT, health funding for the peer navigation
NATIONAL program. Supported this program that
ALLIANCE OF trains and teaches others. Suggested a
MENTAL reconsideration to adopt the governor's
ILLNESS, budget amounts for mental health. She
(NAMI) spoke in support of Bring the Kids Home
ALASKA, program.
2:20:46 PM MAXINE Spoke on behalf of the Community and
THOMPSON, Regional Affairs request for additional
ANGOON, local government specialists. These
PRESIDENT OF programs are necessary for training of
THE newly elected officials in smaller
SOUTHEAST communities. She sees a breakdown and
CONFERENCE, unnecessary frustration when the proper
training is not given.
2:23:01 PM JOY LYON, Supported investing in early childhood
EXECUTIVE education. She believed it is cheaper
DIRECTOR, to invest in children when they are
ALASKA young. This results in prevention in
ASSOCIATION crime in the future. The first 5 years
FOR THE of a child's life is so important. She
EDUCATION OF emphasized that money spent now will
YOUNG translate into money saved by the state
CHILDREN in the future.
(AEYC),
2:25:54 PM NIKKI Thanked the committee for the increase
MORRIS, in the child care reimbursement rates.
FAMILY Asked for an increase in the parent
SERVICES eligibility rates to enable more
COORDINATOR, families to access child care
AEYC, assistance. In Juneau parents of two
young children could look at a $1345
per month in child care. She indicated
when child care assistance is not
available parents may seek child care
that is not regulated or safe.
2:28:03 PM LAURA Supported basic foster care in Alaska.
HAYWOOD, She supported the volunteer mentorship
PRESIDENT, program for children in state custody.
FRIENDS OF The group advocates for children in
ALASKA CASA, state custody. These children have
often lost their families or help from
stable adults in their lives and need
guidance from adults.
2:30:16 PM BETH WEIGEL, Supported the MAP programs and the
DIRECTOR, ocean adventures curriculum to small
DISCOVERY Southeast communities.
SOUTHEAST,
2:31:46 PM GREGORY Supported Mental Health programs for
PEARCE, children.
FREELANCE
JOURNALIST,
2:33:54 PM AT EASE
2:52:13 PM RECONVENED
2:52:19 PM GEOFF Testified in support of mental health
CARROLL, issues in the state. Recently, he had
SELF, BARROW traveled to Juneau to meet with
(via legislators on the issue. He requested
teleconferenadequate funding for the Bring the Kids
ce), Home Initiative, in particular; full
funding for the Peer Navigation
increment. A short time ago, his 15 y/o
son had a sudden psychological break,
triggered by Dramamine. He told of the
challenges faced in finding proper help
for his son. The family discovered the
Alaska Family and Youth Network, who
directed the family in a Wellness
Recovery Action Plan, which proved
helpful. The family has been able to
navigate the challenge through the Peer
Navigation program. Co-Chair Hawker
replied that the programs would
continue to be funded.
2:56:52 PM MARIE Urged support for the continued funding
CARROLL, of the Peer Navigations program under
SELF, BARROW the Bring the Kids Home Initiative. She
(via reiterated the story told by Mr.
teleconferenCarroll concerning their son's mental
ce), challenges. She specifically
highlighted the challenges faced in
rural communities when seeking
resources and help for mental health
issues.
3:04:02 PM PAULA Testified in support of funding for
CULLENBERG, Marine Advisory Programs (MAP). She
PROGRAM opined the closing of the Nome Marine
LEADER, Advisory Office. The office had been
MARINE funded by private funds from the Norton
ADVISORY Sound Economic Development Corporation,
PROGRAM, and had initiated successful programs
UNIVERSITY in Nome and 15 villages in the Bering
OF ALASKA, Straits region. The program was in the
NOME (via Board of Regent's request to the
teleconferengovernor. The governor removed most of
ce), the priority programs from the
university budget request, including
MAP. She requested funding for 6
positions in Nome, Dillingham,
Unalaska, Kodiak, Cordova and
Petersburg. She clarified that if
granted, the funding would be used
exclusively for the 6 positions.
3:06:24 PM JOHN Urged support for full funding of the
BOCKMAN, University of Alaska budget.
COLLEGE OF
RURAL AND
COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT,
UNIVERSITY
OF ALASKA,
NOME (via
teleconferen
ce),
3:07:08 PM ROSE FOSDICK, Expressed support for full funding of
NATURAL the University of Alaska budget
RESOURCE request, specifically for the Marine
DIVISION, Advisory Program. She stressed that
KAWERAK access to educational services and
INCORPORATED, programs in rural areas should be a
NOME (via priority. The community would like to
teleconferencesee the program continue to teach
), skills, such as; survival skills in the
water, near shore fisheries research,
coordinating the Western Alaska
Interdisciplinary Science Conference,
and high school summer science
programs. She concluded urging support
for the university operating request
with the budget for FY11: Economic
Sustainability; Application of
University Research and Response to
Community Needs in Costal Alaska- MAP.
3:09:12 PM ERIC OSBORNE, Spoke in support of the Marine Advisory
SELF, NOME Program (MAP). He shared his experience
(via as a commercial fisherman and urged
teleconferencefunding for the School of Fisheries and
), Ocean Sciences. He shared that the
money generated through commercial
fisheries that began as experiments
under MAP was exponentially more than
the cost of funding the MAP program. He
thought that zoning of the seas by the
federal government would require
knowledge at the local level to protect
residential use of the marine
environment. Representative Foster
requested that Ms. Cullenberg to
contact his office for follow up
questions. She replied that she would.
3:12:43 PM GEORGE Spoke in favor of funding programs that
PROVOST, YOUTH focus on suicide prevention. He
SUICIDE expressed the desire to see more money
PREVENTION, allocated to combat suicide throughout
BEHAVIORAL the state. He expressed particular
HEALTH concern for Alaska Native males as a
DEPARTMENT, demographic susceptible to suicide.
MANIILAG
ASSOCIATION,
KOTZEBUE (via
teleconference
),
3:14:27 PM CALVIN Testified about the extreme difference
SCHAEFFER, in the cost of living between rural and
MANAGER, urban areas and how that related to the
KOTZEBUE state's geographical differential or
AIRPORT, subsistence pay scale. People in
KOTZEBUE (via Kotzebue pay more than double the cost
teleconferenceof fuel than in Anchorage. This raises
), the cost of living by double. A two to
three bedroom house costs $400 per
month to heat in the winter. All
commodities shipped into the community
need to be flown in from October to
July, which results in high food and
supply costs. For instance, a half
gallon of milk in Kotzebue costs over
$6.00. He felt that wage increases for
employees in the city, at the airport
in particular, should be raised. Co-
Chair Hawker asked if the airport
employees had union representation. Mr.
Schaeffer replied yes. Co- Chair Hawker
suggested that the employees talk to
their union.
3:19:28 PM MIKE HOFFMAN, Spoke in support of the governor's
ASSOCIATION OF request to add 15 fully funded Village
VILLAGE Public Safety Officer (VPSO) positions
COUNCIL to the FY11 budget. Approximately two-
PRESIDENTS thirds of the remote villages in the
(AVCP), BETHEL state have no form of local law
(via enforcement. Geographic constraints,
teleconferenceinclement weather and heavy case loads
), contribute to the inability of troopers
stationed in the regional hubs to
respond to issues for hours, sometimes
days. According to a report from the
Alaska Native Commission: 30 percent of
all child abuse, neglect, and injury
reports involve native children.
Violence against native women was an
epidemic and the native murder rate in
the state was 4 times the national
average. The suicide rate for native
males ages 20-24 is 30 times the
national suicide rate. The presence of
a village based VPSO deters crime.
Public safety should be the highest
priority to provide for a good quality
of life.
3:23:08 PM TIM ANDREW, Expressed dismay that the ports
DIRECTOR OF coordinator position had not been in
NATURAL the budget allocation for the community
RESOURCES, of Bethel. He felt that there was a
AVCP, BETHEL great need for assistance with the
(via regulatory process concerning natural
teleconferenceresources in Bethel. He said that
), Bethel had the highest per capita
harvest of wild foods in the state,
which drives the community interest to
navigate the process in order to
challenge competing interests in the
game resources.
3:25:36 PM LISA ELLANNA, Expressed concern with the closing of
SELF, NOME the Alaska Legal Services office in
(via Nome. She felt the service was
teleconferencenecessary and gave some examples of
), cases that Alaska Legal Services had
assisted within the community.
3:27:20 PM MARGARET Testified in support of more funding
THOMAS, SELF, for the Nome branch of the Alaska Legal
NOME (via Services. She said that an additional
teleconference$150,000 appropriation would be helpful
), to offset the programs expenses. Co-
Chair Hawker said the issue would be
revisited.
3:30:19 PM KELLY MORGAN, Spoke in support of the budget for
SELF, JUNEAU children's services. She pointed out to
(via the committee that the family income
teleconferenceand contribution schedule on the
), application had not been updated since
2002. She urged the increase of
childcare assistance funds so that
families were able to keep their jobs
and pay the high cost of childcare.
3:32:18 PM HERMAN MORGAN, Spoke in support of programs that
ANIACK (via enhance the lives of people living in
teleconferencerural areas. He stressed that food
), production practices and subsistence
living should be supported. He also
suggested alternative red meat
production; bison, musk ox, reindeer,
and arctic cattle. He expressed concern
with subsistence living along the
Yukon/Kuskoquim. He listed a variety of
ways in which Alaskans can grow their
own food, raise their own livestock and
subsist successfully.
3:39:01 PM JOHN CONWELL, Voiced support for funding the Marine
SUPERINTENDENTAdvisory Program in the university
, CITY OF request. The direction and expertise
UNALASKA provided by the MAP agent in Unalaska
SCHOOL has enriched the lives and education of
DISTRICT, student for the last 6 years. The MAP
UNALAKSA (via agent has also become an endeared
teleconferencemember of the community.
),
3:39:05 PM KERRIE Urged support for continued funding for
KINISON, SELF, the Long Term Care Ombudsman. She
HAINES (via relayed her personal struggle with
teleconferencecaring for her elderly parents and the
), help offered by her Long Term Care
Ombudsman. She expressed concern for
the abuse of the elderly in nursing
homes and urged protection for the
elderly in the state. Co-Chair Hawker
relayed that the base funding remained
fully intact in the budget proposal.
3:42:17 PM LORIE MORRIS, Expressed support for funding the Bring
EXECUTIVE the Kids Home program. She requested
DIRECTOR, that the committee fully fund the
ALASKA BAPTIST governor's request to help children
FAMILY with behavioral health needs. Co-Chair
SERVICES, Hawker said that the committee would
ANCHORAGE (via work to support the request.
teleconference
),
3:44:32 PM PATTY ELIAS, Urged support for full funding of the
SELF, TANANA University of Alaska budget request.
(via
teleconference
),
3:45:21 PM SHIRLEY Urged support for the continued funding
MARQUARDT, of the Marine Advisory Program. She
CITY OF listed the ways in which the advisor
UNALASKA (via had enhanced the education of the
teleconferencechildren in her community. She said at
), the Conference of Mayors in 2009, there
had been a consensus that the Marine
Advisory Program was necessary in the
state. She urged support of funding for
the Alaska Marine Highway System,
especially service enhancements for the
Aleutian Islands.
3:50:28 PM TRACEY Urges support for funding for early
SCHAEFFER, childhood services specifically, Best
BEST Beginnings. Co-Chair Hawker said that
BEGINNINGS the governor's request had been doubled
(via by the budget subcommittee.
teleconference
),
3:52:50 PM ZOYA JOHNSTON, Testified in support of funding for the
DIRECTOR OF University of Alaska in the operating
THE MUSEUM OF budget request, the Marine Advisory
THE ALEUTIANS, Program in particular. She listed the
UNALASKA (via many ways that the program had
teleconferencebenefited her community and surrounding
), communities. She emphasized that the
programs were addressing questions from
all areas of life. Co-Chair Hawker
spoke in appreciation for the Aleutian
museum.
3:57:00 PM JEANNE Urged support for the Peer Navigation
GARHARDT, SELF and the Bring the Kids Home programs.
(via She shared her personal experience in
teleconferencedealing with her son's mental illness.
), She encouraged the maintenance and
continuation of services to rural
areas. She said that there was a
disproportionate amount of Alaska
Native Youth falling through the
cracks. She said that the funds needed
to continue in order to keep the kids
in their home communities. Lack of
access to support services in rural
villages was a serious issue. Co-Chair
Hawker said that an additional $275,000
had been added to the Peer Navigation
component of the budget.
4:02:42 PM LYNNE OSHEIM, Encouraged the committee to take a
PARENTS AS holistic view when examining early
TEACHERS, childhood education. She spoke of the
HOONAH (via Parents as Teachers program within her
teleconferencecommunity. The group works extensively
), with parents and teachers to help with
the development of healthy children in
the community. The community programs
are well attended. She believed that
this was the golden era for early
childhood given all the brain research
and other studies that have come to
light in the recent years. She believed
that paying for quality early childhood
education would create children who
would be functional members of society.
4:09:35 PM AT EASE
4:23:37 PM RECONVENED ANCHORAGE
4:24:59 PM JENNIFER CARD, Supported of intervention services that
GOVERNOR'S is also supported by the governor's
COUNCIL ON council. This team would respond to
DISABILITIES children or adults that are unable to
IN SPECIAL stay at home due to behavioral, mental
EDUCATION, or developmental health issues. These
people are often sent out of state. She
commented that the financial cost and
impact on the family is immense.
4:27:22 PM FRANCES PURDY, Thanked the committee for keeping the
DIRECTOR OF peer navigation money in the budget.
ALASKA YOUTH This helps families connect with
AND FAMILY services. She supported the Bring the
NETWORK Kids Home effort. The program works for
(AYFN), families and young people.
ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference
),
4:29:45 PM JESSIE Supported the peer navigation effort
LAWRENCE, for young people. This allows youth to
YOUTH know that someone is there to support
NAVIGATOR FOR and help them.
AYFN (via
teleconference
),
4:30:38 PM CATHY TAYLOR, Supported the governor's budget request
SELF, EAGLE for the Bring the Kids Home program.
RIVER (via She shared her personal experience of
teleconferencehow the program would have benefited
), her son earlier and how it is helping
him now. The costs outside were very
expensive.
4:34:19 PM RENEE LEYLAND, Testified in support of the increments
ANCHORAGE, in the budgets for Bring the Kids Home
SELF (via program. She applauded the early care
teleconferencefor children with mother's who have
), substance abuse problems. She presented
a personal story of the difficulties
these children would have in the
future. She supported parent navigating
education.
4:39:45 PM AMANDA Testified in support of the Foster Care
METIVIER, program in Alaska. She supported the
STATEWIDE budget increments in the Bring the Kids
COORDINATOR, Home program. Thanked the committee for
FACING FOSTER supporting the transportation funding
CARE IN ALASKA for students to keep them int heir
(via schools. She noted that those that age
teleconferenceout of foster care have a 30 percent
), chance of being incarcerated, 40
percent end up homeless in the first
year, and 70 percent will reply on some
sort of public assistance in their
lives. She asked for a doubling of
tuition waivers the state provides for
children aging out of the foster care
system and funding of vocational
training.
4:42:38 PM CANDICE Testified in support of the Foster Care
TUCKER, SELF system and the Bring the Kids Home
(via program. She related her personal
teleconferenceexperiences within the system.
),
4:43:51 PM MARK FISH, Cited a study on personal freedom in
SELF (via the United States and related
teleconferencestatistics from that study. This study
), relates the first comprehensive ranking
of American states on public policy
affecting individual freedoms in
economic, social, and personal spheres.
He presented Alaska's ranking.
4:46:19 PM GRANT BAKER, Supported the engineering program in
SELF, ENGINEER Anchorage. He asked for money to be put
PROFESSOR, UAA in the budget for this program.
(via
teleconference
),
4:48:29 PM ANDY VARNER, Testified in support of the Marine
EXECUTIVE Advisory program (MAP). They work with
DIRECTOR, youth and adults in coastal communities
SOUTHWEST to expand educational opportunities,
ALASKA building workforce capacity and
MUNICIPAL enhancing participation by residents in
CONFERENCE the public processes. The MAP workers
(via are often the face of the university
teleconferenceand link local residents to university
), resources.
4:50:36 PM REBECCA SHIER, Supported funding for the Bring the
STATEWIDE Kids Home Program. She related her
REPRESENTATIVEpersonal experiences within the
, FACING program. She supported the increments
FOSTER CARE IN in the governor's budget.
ALASKA (via
teleconference
),
4:51:50 PM MELINDA MYERS, Testified in support of the early
SENIOR childhood funding. She thanked the
MANAGER, BEST committee for supported the $380,000
BEGINNINGS currently in the DEED budget for early
(via childhood partnerships and the
teleconferenceimagination library. There are
), communities forming partnerships to
advance local problems and discovering
funding in early childhood education.
Families need this support for the
future of Alaska citizens. She
explained the workings, goals and
services of Best Beginnings. Co-Chair
Hawker noted that funding has been
doubled by the house. He commented that
all need to work on the best route
forward to help in early childhood
development, Best Beginnings or state
sanctioned.
4:56:24 PM BARBARA BROWN, Thanked the education budget
BEST subcommittee for increased funding
BEGINNINGS provided. She supported the Imagination
(via Library with its growth from 6
teleconferencecommunities to 32 communities. She
), added that these libraries are needed
throughout the state. This program
provides a year of free books, once a
month, for a child's early years to
help a child discover the world of
books. She also supported Denali Kid
Care.
5:00:48 PM SUSAN Thanked the budget subcommittee for the
ANDERSON, increase in funding for Best
VOLUNTEER Beginnings. She commented that the
CHAIR, BEST investment in early learning is the
BEGINNINGS best way money can be spent. The return
(via will be great for Alaska. This builds
teleconferenceon the good work of the state on this
), subject. Co-Chair Hawker spoke in
praise of Representative Fairclough for
her hard work on the education
subcommittee.
5:04:18 PM KYLE GARDNER, Talked of the Family Value Services
DENALI FAMILY that deal with behavioral problems.
SERVICES (via Supported this initiative for the
teleconferenceprovision of these services. Also
), supported the Bring the Kids Home
program.
5:06:31 PM HEATHER Related her personal experience with
JACKSON, BRING the Bring the Kids Home program and the
HOME THE KIDS successes that have evolved in her
(via life. She supported continued funding
teleconferencefor this program.
),
5:09:57 PM RAMONA DUBY, Related personal stories of the
SELF (via difficulties in special treatment and
teleconferencethe financial costs to the family. She
), believed it was the government duty to
help and treat those with problems in
the state. She testified in support of
the Bring the Kids Home program. She
also supported the increments in the
governor's bill. She appreciated all
the hard work done by the committee.
5:12:25 PM ROB CAPPUOZZO, Supported the early childhood programs.
EARLY He noted that the return on the
CHILDHOOD investment far exceeds any other
TEACHER, UAA return. The first 5 years are the most
(via important in a child's life. He urged
teleconferencesupport of the Imagination Library
), funding increase through best
Beginnings. Families who have been
receiving books had far better success
story for their children's future. He
urged funding for early childhood
education teacher's education to keep
them in the state and give them higher
education degrees.
5:18:00 PM AT EASE
5:19:24 PM RECONVENED
5:20:49 PM AT EASE
5:22:15 PM RECONVENED
5:22:19 PM JENNIFER Testified in support of the increments
O'NEAL, to the Bring the Kids Home and
MANAGER, increasing funds for individual aid
ALASKA grants. These children are trying to
CHILDREN gain the skills to transition into
SERVICES (via adulthood. She related personal success
teleconferencestories with additional resources. She
), related how the resource funding had
helped a young woman live
independently.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 5:25 PM
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