Legislature(2011 - 2012)HOUSE FINANCE 519
03/07/2012 01:30 PM House FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB284 || HB285 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 284 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 285 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 179 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 182 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 301 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE
March 7, 2012
1:38 p.m.
1:38:23 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Thomas called the House Finance Committee meeting
to order at 1:38 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Bill Stoltze, Co-Chair
Representative Bill Thomas Jr., Co-Chair
Representative Mia Costello
Representative Les Gara
Representative David Guttenberg
Representative Tammie Wilson
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Mike Doogan
Representative Bryce Edgmon
Representative Anna Fairclough, Vice-Chair
Representative Reggie Joule
Representative Mark Neuman
ALSO PRESENT
Abbe Hensley, Executive Director, Best Beginnings, Juneau;
Representative Peggy Wilson.
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE
John Duffy, University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF),
Fairbanks; Ray Barnhardt, Professor, Cross Cultural
Studies, UAF, Fairbanks; Marvin Hassebroek, Olnes Pond,
Whitefish Landing, Fairbanks; Becky Hassebroek, Olnes Pond,
Fairbanks; John Glenn, Haystack Community, Fairbanks;
Sharon Glenn, Haystack Community, Fairbanks; Lillian
Ruedrich, Director of the Student Services Department,
Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, Fairbanks; Shari McCartney,
Nursing Director, Behavioral Health Unit, Fairbanks
Memorial Hospital, Fairbanks; Todd Brinkman, Research
Assistant Professor, UAF, Fairbanks; Nycolett Ripley, UAF,
Fairbanks; Gary A. Laursen, Senior Research Scientist, UAF,
Fairbanks; Shirley Williams, Best Beginnings, Fairbanks;
Mark Young, Alaska Marine Safety, Fairbanks; Stephen E.
Enochs, Self, Fairbanks; Ginny Redmond, Director, Student
Support Services, UAF, Fairbanks; Sara Smith, Academic
Coordinator, Student Support Services, UAF, Fairbanks; Dana
Kinzy, Intensive Advisor, Student Support Services, UAF,
Fairbanks; Tristian Monterastelli, Student, Justice
Program, UAF, Fairbanks; Greg Newby, Director, Arctic
Research Center, UAF, Fairbanks; Linda Hapsmith, Director,
Academic Advising Center, UAF, Fairbanks; Doris Robbins,
Self, Fairbanks; L. Kaneyo Hirata, UAF, Fairbanks; Maggie
Matheson, Student, UAF, Fairbanks; Mari Freitag, Student,
UAF, Fairbanks; Sean Lee, Student, UAF, Fairbanks; Eric
Gebhart, Chair of Governor's Council on Disabilities and
Special Education, Fairbanks; Rob Thomason, Petersburg
School District, Petersburg; Jim Schwartz, Petersburg
School Board, Petersburg; Rick Braun, Self, Petersburg; Ken
Callum, Petersburg Mental Health, Petersburg; Julianne
Curry, Executive Director, Petersburg Vessel Owners
Association, Petersburg; Jerry Djugan, Director, Alaska
Maritime Safety Education Association (AMSEA), Sitka; Ed
Sugai, President, Student Government Association,
University of Alaska in Sitka; James Swift, Commercial
Fisherman, Sitka; Doug Jensen, Self, Sitka; Jeff Farvour,
Self, Sitka; Lisa Busch, Director, Sitka Sound Science
Center, Sitka; Lon Garrison, President, Sitka School Board
& Association of Alaska School Board; Tristan Guevin,
Interim Director, Sitka Native Education Program, Sitka;
Nancy Douglas, Director, Education & Employment Training
Director, Sitka Tribes of Alaska, Sitka; Nicole Songer,
Executive Director, Cordova Family Resource Center; Eric
Jordan, Self, Sitka; Krissy Smith, Wrangell Early Childhood
Coalition, Wrangell; Julie Decker, Parent, Wrangell; Bill
Mcleod, Self, Dillingham; Ron Bowers, Self, Dillingham; Kim
Kilkenny, Senior Clinician, Petersburg Mental Health
Services, Petersburg; Morgan Falter, Client, Petersburg
Mental Health Services; Micheal Biggers, Client, Petersburg
Mental Health Services, Petersburg; Jennifer Ray, Self,
Petersburg; Jim Nygaard, Superintendent, Cordova School
District, Cordova; Sammy Crawford, Kenai Peninsula Borough
Board of Education, Kenai; Rex Westergard, Ketchikan
Maritime Education Committee, Ketchikan; Renee Schofield,
TSS Inc., Ketchikan; Debra Patton, General Manager,
Ketchikan Indian Community, Ketchikan; Peter Jacob, Student
Council President, University of Alaska Southeast,
Ketchikan; Bill Auger, President, United Southeast
Gillnetters Association, Ketchikan; Rowena Palomar,
Executive Director, Advocates for Victims of Violence,
Valdez; Ken Bergman, Self, Homer; Bonnie Betley, Families
First, Homer; Bob Letson, South Peninsula Hospital, Homer;
Malcolm Milne, North Pacific Fisheries Association, Homer;
Lolita Brache, Families First, Homer; Rachel Greenberg,
Deputy Director, Mat-Su Senior Services, Mat-Su; James
Garhart, Self, Mat-Su; Brenda Fuller, Self, Mat-Su; Karl
Schleich, Director of Professional Development, Mat-Su
Borough School District, Mat-Su; Jim Hunt, City Manager,
Seward; Jim Herbert, Self, Seward; David Smith, AVTEC
Student, Seward; Liz Silvernale, AVTEC Student, Seward;
Justin Flowers, AVTEC Student, Seward; Willard Dunham,
Former Mayor, Seward; Christopher Smith, Self, Seward;
Lindsey Hannevold, Head Start, Soldotna; Julie Matweyou,
Self, Kodiak; Pat Branson, Alaska Commission on Aging and
Senior Citizens of Kodiak, Kodiak; Stewart McDonald, Kodiak
Island Borough School District, Kodiak; Aaron Griffin,
Kodiak Island Borough School Board, Kodiak; Wayne
Donaldson, Self, Kodiak.
SUMMARY
HB 179 ANIMAL CRUELTY
HB 179 was SCHEDULED but not HEARD.
HB 182 ELECTRONIC DISTRIBUTION OF AGENCY REPORTS
HB 182 was SCHEDULED but not HEARD.
HB 284 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUNDS
HB 284 was HEARD and HELD in committee for
further consideration.
HB 285 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET
HB 285 was HEARD and HELD in committee for
further consideration.
HB 301 SUNSET OF BOATING REGULATION
HB 301 was SCHEDULED but not HEARD.
HOUSE BILL NO. 284
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and
loan program expenses of state government and for
certain programs, capitalizing funds, amending
appropriations, and making reappropriations; and
providing for an effective date."
HOUSE BILL NO. 285
"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."
1:38:34 PM
FAIRBANKS
Co-Chair Thomas acknowledged the start of testimony in
Fairbanks.
1:39:13 PM
JOHN DUFFY, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS (UAF), FAIRBANKS
(via teleconference), supported the university request of
$300,000 for the Resilience and Adaption Program. The
curriculum provides practical, academic and
interdisciplinary training and equips Alaskans throughout
the state with the necessary tools to assist in the state's
development. Rather than import outside scientists and
consultants, the program trains Alaskans to build its own
professional group who understand the state's special
needs. The program provides real needs for communities and
savings to taxpayers combined with cutting edge practical
and educational guidance for best practices in Alaska.
1:41:48 PM
RAY BARNHARDT, PROFESSOR, CROSS CULTURAL STUDIES, UAF,
FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), supported the university
funding for the PhD program in Indigenous Studies; over 30
students are seeking entrance to the program. He asked for
the $1.5 million request for increasing state
appropriations for the program to be reinstated. The
request is for an additional faculty member and other
positions to provide instructional support in distance
education. He appealed to the Governor's office to accept
the Board of Regents request.
1:44:29 PM
MARVIN HASSEBROEK, OLNES POND, WHITEFISH LANDING, FAIRBANKS
(via teleconference), indicated that Olnes Pond is
Fairbanks only family operated camp ground and recreation
area. The pond is stocked by Alaska Fish and Game. The
popular family site has disintegrated in safety,
sanitization, and facilities due to a budget cut in 2002.
The cut eliminated the full time Park Ranger who managed
the park. He pointed out that tourism officials have
expressed reluctance in recommending the parks to visitors.
The area has also become a magnet for problem situations.
He urged funding to reinstate a full time Park Ranger for
the area.
1:46:31 PM
BECKY HASSEBROEK, OLNES POND, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), urged the legislature to reinstate funding
for the Fairbanks Park Ranger position. She emphasized that
recreation areas are important natural resources that
deserve to be actively managed and preserved. Due to the
local snow storm many supporters could not be at the
meeting to voice their support for the reinstatement of the
Park Ranger position. A petition with over 900 signatures
has been sent to Representative Miller's office in support
of the issue. Many other local groups support the
reinstatement of the Park Ranger position and state
management of the area.
1:48:51 PM
JOHN GLENN, HAYSTACK COMMUNITY, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), voiced his support for the reinstatement
of the Park Ranger position. He urged that the facilities
at Olnes Pond be opened for use by the community. The
facilities are used for community activities on a regular
basis and are a very important social gathering area.
1:51:09 PM
SHARON GLENN, HAYSTACK COMMUNITY, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), voiced support for restoring facilities to
the Olnes Park campground and the restoration of the Park
Ranger position. The area is important to the entire
community.
1:52:35 PM
Representative Guttenberg interjected that many are snowed
in at Fairbanks and thanked the people who were able to
come and testify.
1:53:11 PM
LILLIAN RUEDRICH, DIRECTOR OF THE STUDENT SERVICES
DEPARTMENT, FAIRBANKS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), urged support for the Health Rotation
program in Alaska. She spoke to the commitment of the
hospital to coordinate and train health rotation
experiences. She believed the training encouraged students
to stay in the community and helped recruitment
opportunities. The Alaska Psychiatric residency program
could be a powerful recruitment program for much needed
psychiatrists to remain in the state.
1:54:53 PM
SHARI MCCARTNEY, NURSING DIRECTOR, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH UNIT,
FAIRBANKS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), noted the shortage of psychiatrists in
Alaska. The shortage is both on an in-patient and out-
patient basis that affects the people receiving services,
their families and the community. It is difficult and
expensive to recruit psychiatrists to Alaska, but the
shortage could be lessened by implementing the Alaska
Psychiatric Residency program. She encouraged the
legislator's support in funding the program.
1:56:11 PM
TODD BRINKMAN, RESEARCH ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, UAF, FAIRBANKS
(via teleconference), revealed that he was a graduate of
the Resilience and Adaptation Program at the university,
known as RAP. The RAP program is internationally recognized
program that trains students to contribute to the social,
ecological, and economic well-being of Alaskans. The future
of RAP is in jeopardy with 10 years of external funding is
about to expire. He urged the support and continuation of
the program. Future funding is important for many reasons
including solving real world problems and filling workforce
needs. Graduates Students are rapidly hired by local
Alaskan employers. He declared that there is no program
like it in Alaska and urged the financial support of the
important program.
1:58:10 PM
NYCOLETT RIPLEY, UAF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
thanked the finance committee for the chance to request
financial support for the Student Honors Program. She
communicated that as a student and an employee of the
program the many ways the program has helped. She
appreciated the $100,000 for the Honors program and asked
for continued support of the program to keep more graduates
in Alaska.
Representative Wilson thanked Ms. Ripley for her
information on how the funds were being used.
1:59:35 PM
GARY A. LAURSEN, SENIOR RESEARCH SCIENTIST, UAF, FAIRBANKS
(via teleconference), thanked the interior delegation for
the support of the university system statewide, instituting
the Alaska Performance Scholarship, and the University
Student Honors Program. He also voiced his appreciation for
the $100,000 appropriation in FY 11. He urged the
continuation of $100,000 for the Honors Programs and
suggested it be a permanent budget line item. He listed the
ways the program has been applied and the benefits to the
students and the state.
2:02:28 PM
SHIRLEY WILLIAMS, BEST BEGINNINGS, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), urged continued support for Best
Beginnings. She noted that often Alaskan children are going
to school unprepared to learn or with the successful skills
needed for their school future. Best Beginnings has brought
awareness to the community on the importance of children
entering school prepared to learn. The program has been
instrumental in educating families to sign up for the
Imagination Library which is a program for children age 0
to 5 years of age promoting literacy and early learning.
The program has also sponsored health fairs and literacy
playgroups. The playgroups help promote socialization,
physical development and preparation for children to enter
school. The financial support will help with community
engagement and tackle early literacy with a local community
effort and increased Imagination Library enrollment. It
would also increase home visiting with parents and teachers
and an investment in the Head Start program.
2:05:15 PM
MARK YOUNG, ALASKA MARINE SAFETY, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), supported the increased funding for the
Alaska Marine Safety Education Association (AMSEA) request
of $60,000. The program has not asked for a funding
increase in the past five years. The training is important
to provide a network of instructors who have delivered
quality training to over 80 communities. The interior is
affected because there are over 100 commercial fishermen
who hold permits. Since the training program began, there
has been a 75 percent reduction in accidents and
fatalities. Commercial fishing is one of the most high risk
occupations in Alaska and makes up the largest number of
family run businesses. Safety training is critical to
Alaskan families.
2:07:25 PM
STEPHEN E. ENOCHS, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
urged the reinstatement of the Park Ranger position in the
northern region. The northern region has lost a great deal
over the years starting in the late 90s. He appealed for
the reinstatement of some of the things lost. He declared
that Olnes Pond is unique in the area as nothing like it
exists around Fairbanks. He is concerned about what the
future costs, both financially and to the community, will
be if nothing is done now.
Representative Wilson understood that if a Park Ranger is
not reinstated in the area then all the improvement
facilities would be removed. Mr. Enochs agreed that was
correct.
Co-Chair Thomas commented that he thought when a park is
shut down it should go back to public lands.
Representative Guttenberg interjected that the area went
into a "passive management" and if the Park Ranger is not
reinstated, then the land would revert to the Division of
Lands. It will still be used as a recreational area, but
not managed.
2:11:02 PM
GINNY REDMOND, DIRECTOR, STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES, UAF,
FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), asked for support in
including the new initiative to improve graduation rates.
The initiative would provide comprehensive advising,
improved retention, and increased graduation rates for
limited income students. Student Support Services is a
federally funded program and the initiative would expand
the services from a small group of students to a larger
university community. Advising and additional resources
help more students graduate and become more competitive
with those students from more privileged background. She
pointed out that it would be an economic investment for
Alaska.
2:12:48 PM
SARA SMITH, ACADEMIC COORDINATOR, STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES,
UAF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), voiced her support for
including new initiatives to improve graduation rates. She
opined the investment in disadvantaged and at-risk students
was important to national security. It was imperative to
have educated workforces who are able to compete globally.
She also indicated that Alaska should have its best and
brightest lead the way in developing and managing the
states resources rather than outsiders. Students have
emphasized the importance of an advisor to help them
navigate the college system.
2:14:45 PM
DANA KINZY, INTENSIVE ADVISOR, STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES,
UAF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), urged support for
including new initiatives to improve graduation rates in
Alaska. She stressed that Alaska students are being left
behind, ranking last in the nation for sending its low
income Pell Grant eligible students to college. Fewer than
6 percent of low income high school students from Alaska go
on to college, but a high 83 percent who do go to college,
stay in state. These initiatives support precisely that
population with some financial, motivational, and advising
assistance. The population is underserved and the
investment will reap long term rewards for the state. She
spoke of her personal success with the help offered under
the program and that she was poised to receive her
doctorate within the year. She showed the ways her advising
of students was helping others.
2:17:04 PM
TRISTIAN MONTERASTELLI, STUDENT, JUSTICE PROGRAM, UAF,
FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), urged support services for
incentives to improve graduation rates. She indicated her
appreciation for Student Support Services and similar
programs. She has received financial assistance, academic
advising, and mentoring.
2:18:10 PM
GREG NEWBY, DIRECTOR, ARCTIC RESEARCH CENTER, UAF,
FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), reported on new supporting
and forecasting efforts for all of Alaska. He noted that
all information would be in a central area with the data in
a new website, www.datafedalaska.edu. The university budget
proposal provides partial support for the effort called
High Performance Computing for Alaskan Research. The
request would broaden the utility of the university's
outputs to reach all Alaskans. The budget request seeks an
appropriation to help jump start the data portal.
2:20:02 PM
LINDA HAPSMITH, DIRECTOR, ACADEMIC ADVISING CENTER, UAF,
FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in support for
the funding to improve graduation rates. There has been an
initiative in recent years to find out why some students,
especially those with a high number of college credits,
have not graduated. The program seeks to find ways to help
them graduate. Often there were barriers that the
university was able to address and students, who may not
have graduated, finally did so. Many of the students were
from rural campuses throughout the state. Some did not
realize they could graduate until they had the opportunity
to meet with an advisor. She asked for the funding of the
program to impact more students and provide a more educated
population in Alaska.
2:23:34 PM
DORIS ROBBINS, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), asked
for at least an $8 million contribution for the PERS/TERS
underfunding. She declared that Alaska ranks 44th in the
United States in retirement funding. She also requested
funding for pre-kindergarten. She believed the program pays
for itself and that education should get an inflation
increase like many other groups. She supported additional
funding for improving graduation rates.
2:25:21 PM
L. KANEYO HIRATA, UAF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
asked for support in new initiative for improving
graduation rates. The initiative provides comprehensive
advising to improve retention and increase graduation rates
for limited income students. She received services from the
program that helped her to reach her goals. She believed
that society will be the long term winner.
2:27:22 PM
MAGGIE MATHESON, STUDENT, UAF, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), urged support for the Student Support
Services. She spoke to how the program has helped her reach
her goals in graduating with a business degree. The program
offered food boxes at Christmas, help with advising,
tutoring, and technical resource availability. She said the
program helps find community service opportunities.
2:29:32 PM
MARI FREITAG, STUDENT, UAF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
commented that she was currently the President of Student
Government and member of the Collation of Student Leaders.
She testified in support of the advising portion of the
operating budget. The initiative improves advising for
students which she believed to be critical. Advisors can
help save time and money by advising students on the
appropriate classes to help them graduate earlier. She also
asked for support for 2+2 Veterinary program that has been
cut.
Representative Guttenberg appreciated Ms. Freitag's service
as a student body president and a student regent.
2:31:54 PM
SEAN LEE, STUDENT, UAF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
remarked that he was a masters candidate and teaching
assistant at the university. He requested funds for the
engineering operating budget of $400,000 requested by the
Board of Regents for new teaching assistants and facility.
He spoke that teaching assistants and facility have an
obligation to see where their students need to go with
their careers. The funding is not presently in the
governor's request.
2:33:43 PM
ERIC GEBHART, CHAIR OF GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL ON DISABILITIES
AND SPECIAL EDUCATION, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
supported the Complex Behavioral Collaborative $650,000
increment to the Mental Health budget. The CBC will allow
for people who have complex behaviors to be served in their
home community with training and expertise provided on-call
and on-site. Alaskans can live in their communities while
being helped.
2:35:23 PM
ABBE HENSLEY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BEST BEGINNINGS, Juneau,
thanked the committee for the past support and urged
continued support. She declared that investments in the
early years pay dividends. She provided packets with more
detailed information for all the committee members. She
talked about all the places that would receive help. She
noted that foundations, corporations and individuals also
support many of the programs. She requesting an increment
of $500,000 to enhance and expand current activities with
early childhood partnerships and the Imagination Library
efforts. She believed the program helps build awareness of
how critical and important it is to reach children in the
early years. Parents need to be aware of the choices and
opportunities for their children.
Representative Wilson requested from Ms. Hensley last
year's budget. Ms. Hensley replied that from the beginning
the entire Best Beginnings Budget was $1.2 million.
Representative Wilson asked if the additional funding would
make it $1.7 million. Ms. Hensley said it would not totally
add on $500,000 to the year's amount.
Representative Costello encouraged people to watch the
video on Best Beginnings. She questioned if the increased
funding would expand the program to new communities, and,
if so, how many communities could be affected.
Ms. Henley acknowledged that the program would like to
expand to new communities. There are currently 10 new
communities and inquiries from at least five other
communities. Representative Costello indicated she had seen
research that links the success of a child in school to
number of books in the home. Ms. Hensley reported that
information was correct. The reports state that students
with less than 10 books in the home were unlikely to become
good readers. If a child is enrolled at birth in
Imagination Library then, by the time the child graduated
from the program at five, there could be as many as 60
books in the home. The research shows that children
enrolled for longer than a year in Imagination Library have
will have more books in the home and will be read to more.
2:41:47 PM
Co-Chair Stoltze expressed his support when non-
governmental groups make private contributions. He asked
for the ballpark number on private investment in the
program. She listed private contributors and reported that
since Best Beginnings was organized in 2006, there have
been at least $1.5 million in private donations.
2:43:13 PM
AT EASE
3:06:44 PM
RECONVENED
SITKA, WRANGELL, PETERSBURG, DILLINGHAM, CORDOVA, UNALASKA
ROB THOMASON, PETERSBURG SCHOOL DISTRICT, PETERSBURG (via
teleconference), voiced his support of HB 284 with
amendments. He stated that through attrition, Petersburg
had reduced staff by seven members. Although the district
did not foresee any budget shortfalls for FY 12 through FY
13, he stated that if the base student allocation (BSA)
remained at current levels, the lack of funding would put
them in a precarious position for the FY 13 through FY 14
school year. He urged that equitable funding would allow
them to continue to perform at a high level
3:09:38 PM
Co-Chair Thomas announced that the governor had recently
come out with a press release that supported a one-time K-
12 education increase of $30 million for energy and pupil
transportation.
3:09:52 PM
JIM SCHWARTZ, PETERSBURG SCHOOL BOARD, PETERSBURG (via
teleconference), voiced his support of HB 284 with
amendments for additional education funding. He mentioned a
report that showed the actual cost increase to the BSA was
$320 per student. He spoke of the rising costs in
healthcare, fuel, and transportation. He noted the
operating budget contained $66 million in salary and
benefit increases and observed that a similar increase to
the BSA was reasonable and fair. He mentioned that Alaska's
expenditures have continued to drop relative to other
states, but that it ranked second in the cost of living in
the U.S.
3:12:55 PM
RICK BRAUN, SELF, PETERSBURG (via teleconference),
expressed support for HB 284 with amendments related to the
public school foundation program. He explained that the
Petersburg school system was very effective and prepared
children well for college and life. He was worried that
funding would not keep up with increased costs and stated
that trying to save costs by cutting education would only
hurt the State's economy in the long run.
3:14:10 PM
Co-Chair Thomas noted that the legislature did not control
the teacher or state contract negotiations; administration
was responsible for the negotiations.
3:14:32 PM
KEN CALLUM, PETERSBURG MENTAL HEALTH, PETERSBURG (via
teleconference), voiced his support of funding for the
mental health budget and related a personal story about his
experiences with serving in Iraq and coming home with post-
traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He voiced that there had
been no support from the veterans association for many of
his PTSD issues. He spoke of all the services that he
received from Petersburg Mental Health Services and noted
that the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs'
budget had been continually cut.
3:17:19 PM
JULIANNE CURRY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PETERSBURG VESSEL
OWNERS ASSOCIATION, PETERSBURG (via teleconference), spoke
in support of the $60,000 increment for AMSEA. She stated
that commercial fishing industry was Alaska's number one
private sector employer and reiterated that the Association
was highly supportive of the previously mentioned line
item.
3:18:29 PM
JERRY DJUGAN, DIRECTOR, ALASKA MARITIME SAFETY EDUCATION
ASSOCIATION (AMSEA), SITKA (via teleconference), expressed
his support for AMSEA funding. He related that additional
training was going to be federally mandated in the next
five years and would increase the need for AMSEA. He stated
that AMSEA needed a $60,000 increase and had not had any
increases in funding for 5 years. Further training could
not be offered without additional funding. Since 1985,
AMSEA has provided needed and required training to over 80
communities in Alaska. The training they provided was shown
by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
to be partially responsible for the four fold decrease in
commercial fishing fatalities in Alaska since the 1980's.
There was evidence of 57 lives being saved as a result of
AMSEA's training.
3:20:37 PM
ED SUGAI, PRESIDENT, STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION,
UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA IN SITKA (via teleconference),
expressed his support for postsecondary education funding
and stated that the students on the Sitka campus had a
unique opportunity for a higher level postsecondary
education on site, as well as through distance technology.
3:21:52 PM
JAMES SWIFT, COMMERCIAL FISHERMAN, SITKA (via
teleconference), urged an increase in Alaska Maritime
Safety Education Association funding and related a story
about how commercial fishing safety in Alaska had improved
over the years. He stated that the improved safety in
Alaska's commercial fishing industry was a result of
AMSEA's efforts.
3:23:24 PM
DOUG JENSEN, SELF, SITKA (via teleconference), stated his
support for Alaska Maritime Safety Education Association
funding and spoke about how effective an organization it
was. He remarked that he owned an educational training
company in Sitka and that they had been the survival
instructors for the Alaska U.S. Coast Guard for the last 18
years. He shared that AMSEA was very effective in promoting
safety, was a no frills organization, was well liked by the
fisherman, and was cost efficient.
3:24:32 PM
JEFF FARVOUR, SELF, SITKA (via teleconference), expressed
his support for funding Alaska Maritime Safety Education
Association and noted that the $60,000 dollar increase that
AMSEA was asking for was modest. He shared some personal
experiences of how AMSEA had helped him and noted that
Sitka was one of the largest fishing fleets in Alaska.
3:25:51 PM
LISA BUSCH, DIRECTOR, SITKA SOUND SCIENCE CENTER, SITKA
(via teleconference), spoke in support of funding for the
University of Alaska's fisheries technology program. The
Sitka Sound Science Center provided a facility for the fish
tech training program, which was a well-documented success.
The program was diversifying economies, building on strong
existing economies, and was using partnerships with
industries and non-profit organizations to leverage their
services. She indicated that there was a need for the
program in other parts of the state; other communities out
west had asked for the program, but could not afford it
under current funding.
3:28:01 PM
Co-Chair Thomas asked if Ketchikan based program was the
same one that she was referring to. Ms. Busch responded
that it was and furthered that the program was based in
Ketchikan but had staff in Sitka.
3:28:18 PM
LON GARRISON, PRESIDENT, SITKA SCHOOL BOARD & ASSOCIATION
OF ALASKA SCHOOL BOARD (via teleconference), stated the
need for increases in education funding. He stated that SB
171 laid out a plan for additional school funding over a
three year period and that it would enable the state to
plan efficiently in order to meet the demands of educating
its children.
3:29:15 PM
TRISTAN GUEVIN, INTERIM DIRECTOR, SITKA NATIVE EDUCATION
PROGRAM, SITKA (via teleconference), expressed his support
of SB 171 and increases in the BSA. He stated that a good
education was the foundation of a healthy and vibrant
society and that it had the power to transform lives and
communities. Without the necessary education funding,
problems in society would get worse. He stressed that one
of his missions as interim director was to make the school
system a better place for native students; there had been a
lot of positive gains in making a school system that was
better for native students and he expressed concern that
without more funding the progress would be not be able to
continue.
3:31:29 PM
NANCY DOUGLAS, DIRECTOR, EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT TRAINING
DIRECTOR, SITKA TRIBES OF ALASKA, SITKA (via
teleconference), urged her support of SB 171 and expressed
support for education funding. She stated that the tribe
believed that it was time to stop asking school district to
do more with less funding and that increased funding would
help children succeed.
3:32:26 PM
NICOLE SONGER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CORDOVA FAMILY RESOURCE
CENTER (via teleconference), expressed her support of fully
funding the governor's increase for domestic violence and
sexual assault programs. She shared that her program had
seen increases across the board in demand for their
services and mentioned that they could not afford to offer
health insurance to their staff.
3:34:26 PM
ERIC JORDAN, SELF, SITKA (via teleconference), Spoke in
support of fisheries technology training and Alaska
Maritime Safety Education Association funding. He stated
that he and his family had benefited from marine safety
education. He noted that there was a need for more
technicians to deal with enhanced salmon and added that
training had helped him become a better fisherman.
3:36:05 PM
KRISSY SMITH, WRANGELL EARLY CHILDHOOD COALITION, WRANGELL
(via teleconference), urged support of Best Beginnings. She
discussed how Best Beginnings had helped them build a
scholarship mentoring program in Wrangell. The program
insured that all of the incoming kindergarteners had access
to early childhood education.
3:37:48 PM
JULIE DECKER, PARENT, WRANGELL (via teleconference), urged
more funding for Best Beginnings. She related the
accomplishments of early childhood education in the
Wrangell school district and spoke about its benefits.
3:39:11 PM
BILL MCLEOD, SELF, DILLINGHAM (via teleconference), urged
funding to the base student allocation and support of SB
171. He warned that flat funding the Dillingham school
district would result in a funding shortfall which would
force them to make cuts in staff. He stated that prior
money that had been put into the education system had made
a huge difference in Dillingham, but stressed that they
could not sustain the progress on flat funding.
3:41:33 PM
RON BOWERS, SELF, DILLINGHAM (via teleconference),
expressed support of the $60,000 increment for Alaska
Maritime Safety Education Association funding. He observed
that AMSEA had trained 1500 people in marine survival
instructor courses the prior year. He mentioned that the
Bristol Bay region had nine deaths due to drowning versus
two the prior year. He stated that AMSEA related training
was the best and most effective safety training he had seen
in commercial fisheries.
3:43:29 PM
KIM KILKENNY, SENIOR CLINICIAN, PETERSBURG MENTAL HEALTH
SERVICES, PETERSBURG (via teleconference), voiced support
for the mental health budget. She thanked the committee for
their prior support and urged them continue to support
funding for mental health services.
3:44:16 PM
MORGAN FALTER, CLIENT, PETERSBURG MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
(via teleconference), stated support for outpatient
services and the mental health budget. She spoke highly of
Petersburg Mental Health Services and related a personal
story about the help that they had provided her.
3:45:20 PM
MICHEAL BIGGERS, CLIENT, PETERSBURG MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES,
PETERSBURG (via teleconference), expressed support for
Petersburg Mental Health Services; He spoke of the
importance of the services that they provided and how they
were expanding into different areas. He discussed the
possibility of establishing crisis respite in Petersburg to
eliminate the need and expense of having to "ex parte"
someone who was a danger to themselves or others. He
furthered that if client was in crisis and was able to stay
in his community, the end result was better.
3:47:28 PM
JENNIFER RAY, SELF, PETERSBURG (via teleconference),
expressed support of the mental health budget and urged for
increases in funding. She related a personal story of how
her daughter had battled with mental illness and stated
that the services Petersburg Mental Health provided were
essential. She continued to speak about how important
mental health services were to the survival to people with
mental illnesses.
3:49:20 PM
JIM NYGAARD, SUPERINTENDENT, CORDOVA SCHOOL DISTRICT,
CORDOVA (via teleconference), voiced his support of SB 171
and urged for additional funding to education. He stated
that the Cordova high school was recently recognized as one
of the top ten percent high schools in the country and that
their elementary school had a blue ribbon and was also
recognized by the federal government. He furthered that the
Cordova school district was running a very successful
program, but warned that a lack of funding would keep the
district from continuing to do well. He spoke of the
district's efforts to save money through working with the
Department of Education and Early Development and fiscally
responsible practices. He warned that the loss of students
would cause schools to cut staff.
Co-Chair Thomas asked if Mr. Nygaard had seen the
governor's press release reflecting a one-time $30 million
increment for K-12 energy and pupil transportation. Mr.
Nygaard responded that he had not, but that it was great
news.
3:52:02 PM
AT EASE
4:19:22 PM
RECONVENED
HOMER, KENAI, VALDEZ, KETCHIKAN, KODIAK, MAT-SU,
GLENNALLEN, TOK, SEWARD
4:20:08 PM
SAMMY CRAWFORD, KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH BOARD OF EDUCATION,
KENAI (via teleconference), urged support for increasing
BSA funds. She relayed that consistent early funding for
planning and business purposes were very important. There
had been an increase in costs for pupil transportation and
fuel; a funding increase needed to be directed at operating
costs in the classrooms. The borough was proud of its
success in schools and dropout rates had been decreasing.
4:21:46 PM
REX WESTERGARD, KETCHIKAN MARITIME EDUCATION COMMITTEE,
KETCHIKAN (via teleconference), spoke in strong support
funding for the University of Alaska Southeast associate of
arts degree in Marine Transportation.
Co-Chair Thomas noted that the legislature was considering
adding the funding to the base.
4:22:47 PM
RENEE SCHOFIELD, TSS INC., KETCHIKAN (via teleconference),
thanked the committee for its support for mental health and
substance abuse treatment programs. She was grateful that
there were funds to help individuals in need of treatment.
She urged support for continued funding in the areas.
4:23:46 PM
DEBRA PATTON, GENERAL MANAGER, KETCHIKAN INDIAN COMMUNITY,
KETCHIKAN (via teleconference), spoke in support of the
proposed increase for the marine transportation and
fisheries technology faculty positions. She emphasized that
the programs were critical to the economy of Southeast
Alaska and helped to develop needed skilled workers in the
areas. The Ketchikan Indian Community operated a hatchery
and depended on a local fisheries technology program to
provide educated workers.
Co-Chair Thomas believed the committee intended to include
funds for the two projects into the base allocation.
4:24:58 PM
PETER JACOB, STUDENT COUNCIL PRESIDENT, UNIVERSITY OF
ALASKA SOUTHEAST, KETCHIKAN (via teleconference), spoke in
support of the marine transportation and fisheries
technology programs. He believed that the programs were
vital and could help the economies of Southeast
communities.
4:26:08 PM
BILL AUGER, PRESIDENT, UNITED SOUTHEAST GILLNETTERS
ASSOCIATION, KETCHIKAN (via teleconference), believed the
governor's proposed Department of Fish and Game budget
related to fisheries management was inadequate. He
explained that the program had to cut a stock assessment
program in Southeast to remain within its financial
constraints. He stressed that the department relied on too
much soft money; 70 percent of funding for salmon was
federal and could not be relied upon. He urged a $1.9
million increase to the Southeast commercial budget and a
$1.2 million increase to the Southeast sport fish budget.
4:28:27 PM
ROWENA PALOMAR, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ADVOCATES FOR VICTIMS
OF VIOLENCE, VALDEZ (via teleconference), encouraged
support of a $475,500 increment for domestic violence and
sexual assault programs. The agency had seen an increase in
program costs over the years; it had seen a fuel cost
increase of 45 percent from the prior year. She relayed
that there had been significant increases in employee
health insurance costs. Shelter food costs had also
increased.
4:30:33 PM
KEN BERGMAN, SELF, HOMER (via teleconference), encouraged
support for Best Beginnings. The strong future of Alaska
depended upon the state's children and educating them at an
early age. He stressed that early education would help
children to become valuable members of the Alaskan society.
4:32:08 PM
BONNIE BETLEY, FAMILIES FIRST, HOMER (via teleconference),
vocalized support for all children's services increments in
the proposed budget. She discussed the significance of
Families First and Best Beginnings programs. She supported
funding for Sprout Family Services, a successful infant
learning program in the community. The funding was vital to
the young children Homer.
4:33:16 PM
BOB LETSON, SOUTH PENINSULA HOSPITAL, HOMER (via
teleconference), urged funding support for the Alaska
Psychiatric Residency Program. The funding would help to
address a significant shortage of psychiatrists in rural
and urban communities. The Division of Behavioral Health
would work with partners including University of Washington
School of Medicine, the Alaskan Tribal and non-tribal
healthcare providers, and the Veterans Association to help
implement the program. The state had a deficit in
psychiatrists of 30 to 40 percent; the shortage adversely
impacted health care costs, quality, and outcomes in care.
He relayed that there was no full time psychiatrist in the
Homer area.
4:35:34 PM
MALCOLM MILNE, NORTH PACIFIC FISHERIES ASSOCIATION, HOMER
(via teleconference), spoke in favor of funding for the
Alaska Marine Safety Education Association. The program
provided invaluable safety information to individuals in
the boating industry. He encouraged support for the
$196,000 increment in the FY 13 operating budget under
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
to address the increased demand for marine safety training.
4:37:09 PM
LOLITA BRACHE, FAMILIES FIRST, HOMER (via teleconference),
spoke in favor of early childhood education funding for
Best Beginnings. She discussed that the Imagination Library
was a part of Best Beginnings and provided children with
free books on a monthly basis; the program helped to
encourage reading skills and vocabulary. She detailed that
Families First ran parenting classes that were well
attended. She emphasized the importance of providing
support to young children and families.
4:39:21 PM
RACHEL GREENBERG, DEPUTY DIRECTOR, MAT-SU SENIOR SERVICES,
MAT-SU (via teleconference), urged support of the
governor's proposed $250,000 for the senior in home grant
that included care coordination, respite, and chore
services. She supported the $225,000 incremental increase
for adult day services. She relayed that seniors
represented the fastest growing segment of the population.
The program had seen a 10 percent services increase between
FY 11 and FY 12. She thanked the committee for the prior
year increase directed at Nutrition Transportation Support
Services. She supported training for caregivers for adults
with complex behavioral issues.
4:41:25 PM
JAMES GARHART, SELF, MAT-SU (via teleconference), suggested
that the legislature increase the budget by 1 percent less
than the rate of inflation. He believed democrats wanted to
spend money and republicans wanted to invest money. He
wondered why there was not a forward funded operating
budget. He was disappointed in the Department of Revenue
and its lack of answers to his questions. He proposed a
rebate that would help to increase oil throughput and
production.
4:43:33 PM
BRENDA FULLER, SELF, MAT-SU (via teleconference), believed
that education funding should be decreased. She believed
that the state was trying to institutionalize children. She
opined that money should go to high school programs to
encourage students to graduate. She did not believe that
kids would be criminals if the funding was not increased.
4:44:25 PM
KARL SCHLEICH, DIRECTOR OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, MAT-SU
BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT, MAT-SU (via teleconference),
supported HB 284 with the proposed amendments. The funding
would help the school district with its $13 million deficit
that consisted of a $5 million shortfall in transportation
funding and an $8 million shortfall in operating funding.
The district did not have a fund balance to assist it with
the deficit in accordance with a local ordinance. He
pointed to steps the district had taken to address the
ongoing costs; cuts had been made as far from the classroom
as possible. The district had seen increased health costs,
fuel costs, and other. He believed that additional teacher
reductions would cause classroom sizes to skyrocket. He
stressed the importance of education funding.
4:47:01 PM
JIM HUNT, CITY MANAGER, SEWARD (via teleconference), in
support of the Alaska Vocational Technology Center (AVTEC).
He asked the committee to support the reinstatement of
funding for the registered nurse program and for the
$250,000 general fund increase. He pointed to high AVTEC
graduation and employment rates. The maritime and
recertification program was needed.
4:48:09 PM
JIM HERBERT, SELF, SEWARD (via teleconference), spoke in
favor of funding for the Alaska Marine Safety Education
Association. He communicated that the program had a long
history of serving individuals with efficient and effective
training. He explained that the interest from the Alaska
Fisherman's Fund Advisory and Appeals Council had been put
into the general fund; 50 percent of the interest could be
used for safety programs in the state.
4:50:02 PM
DAVID SMITH, AVTEC STUDENT, SEWARD (via teleconference),
spoke in favor of funding for the AVTEC program. He had
learned a significant amount in the program. He believed
AVTEC was boosting the state's trained workforce one
graduate at a time.
4:50:46 PM
LIZ SILVERNALE, AVTEC STUDENT, SEWARD (via teleconference),
vocalized support for the AVTEC program. She was impressed
with the quality of the education she had received in the
culinary program. She valued the technical education as a
business owner. She believed continued funding was crucial
to help manage rising costs. She opined that it was
important to encourage people to continue their education
in order to provide quality skills to Alaska's workforce.
4:51:46 PM
JUSTIN FLOWERS, AVTEC STUDENT, SEWARD (via teleconference),
spoke in favor of AVTEC. He relayed that the program
provided students with a well-rounded, top notch education.
The school provided students with many opportunities and
helped to prepare them for the workforce.
4:52:50 PM
WILLARD DUNHAM, FORMER MAYOR, SEWARD (via teleconference),
urged support for the AVTEC program. He asked the committee
to reinstate the $250,000 funding increment for increased
supply costs. He encouraged funding for the registered
nurse program expansion. Other registered nurse programs
such as the University of Alaska had three year waiting
lists. He had been an advocate of throughout AVTEC's
existence. He stressed that it was up to the legislature to
help the program.
4:54:58 PM
CHRISTOPHER SMITH, SELF, SEWARD (via teleconference), spoke
on behalf of state correctional officers. He opined that
the Department of Corrections blended-shift plan would not
save the state money. He believed the change would cause
higher burn out rates amongst officers. He pointed to the
higher overtime rates that would be amassed under the new
system.
Co-Chair Stoltze explained that the legislature did not
have much sway over contract negotiations at state levels.
He had visited every correctional facility in the state and
it had been a consistent recruiting message that the week-
on week-off was part of the plan for correctional officers.
He reiterated that the legislature did not have authority
over how departments implemented employee management plans.
4:58:00 PM
LINDSEY HANNEVOLD, HEAD START, SOLDOTNA (via
teleconference), urged funding increases for Head Start
programs. A $3 million increase to the program would
address infrastructure needs and would allow it to serve
approximately 220 additional children and families in the
state. She stressed that the program had been vital to her
family. She added that it had helped her children with
writing and basic math skills.
4:59:09 PM
JULIE MATWEYOU, SELF, KODIAK (via teleconference), spoke in
support of the budget increase for the Alaska Marine Safety
Education Association. She relayed that the increase would
address the increased demand for safety training and
education throughout the state. She used the skills she had
learned from the program on a daily basis. She detailed
that the Marine Advisory program worked closely with AMSEA.
5:00:50 PM
PAT BRANSON, ALASKA COMMISSION ON AGING AND SENIOR CITIZENS
OF KODIAK, KODIAK (via teleconference), spoke favor of
funding for senior services. She relayed that Alaska's
senior population growth rate was higher than the national
average. She urged the committee's support for the $225,000
increment for adult day programs, $250,000 for senior in-
home service grants, and $650,000 for the Alaska Complex
Behavioral collaborative program.
5:02:20 PM
STEWART MCDONALD, KODIAK ISLAND BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT,
KODIAK (via teleconference), encouraged support for an
increase to the BSA, pupil transportation, and
considerations for energy and other costs that continued to
rise and took money away from classrooms. He pointed to
higher graduation rates, decreased dropout rates, and an
increased number of students prepared for college. He
emphasized that without the funding there would be a $3.5
million shortfall that would require the district to lay
off up to 35 teachers.
5:04:30 PM
AARON GRIFFIN, KODIAK ISLAND BOROUGH SCHOOL BOARD, KODIAK
(via teleconference), spoke in favor of a multi-year
funding model for public education. He opined that the
state needed to provide for increases that were in line
with the Alaska Consumer Price Index (CPI). The current
Office of Management and Budget ten-year plan did not take
into account any increased oil or gas production. The $320
per student increase request was less than 1 percent than
the governor's projected 2013 Constitutional Budget
Reserve. The deficit to the Public Employees' Retirement
System (PERS) and Teachers' Retirement System (TRS)
represented dollars that students never saw. He added that
forward funding of education had been consistently below
the increased cost base of the Alaska CPI.
Co-Chair Thomas noted there was an $11 billion to $12
billion obligation to retirement. He did not believe the
state was flourishing in as much money as some people
thought.
5:06:46 PM
WAYNE DONALDSON, SELF, KODIAK (via teleconference),
testified in support of the University of Alaska's FY 13
budget request. He relayed that the university had made a
significant difference in his life and provided him with
necessary tools to succeed professionally. He was in favor
of the university's initiative for high demand jobs that
supported workforce development. He believed that fisheries
biologists that were educated in Alaska allowed for a
better understanding of resource issues in rural and urban
areas. He opined that biologists educated in the state were
more likely to remain in Alaska. He stressed that
commercial fishing was very important to the state's
economy.
Co-Chair Thomas discussed that the schedule for the
following week would be forthcoming.
HOUSE BILL NO. 179
"An Act relating to cruelty to animals and making
failure to care for five or more animals in a single
continuous episode a class C felony."
HB 179 was SCHEDULED but not HEARD.
HOUSE BILL NO. 182
"An Act relating to distribution of annual reports by
state agencies."
HB 182 was SCHEDULED but not HEARD.
HOUSE BILL NO. 301
"An Act amending the termination date of certain
statutes relating to the use, operation, and
regulation of boats, a uniform state waterway marking
system, and civil liability for boat owners; providing
for an effective date by amending the effective date
of secs. 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 20, 23, 26, and
27, ch. 28, SLA 2000, as amended; and providing for an
effective date."
HB 301 was SCHEDULED but not HEARD.
ADJOURNMENT
5:09:23 PM
The meeting was adjourned at 5:09 PM.
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