Legislature(2013 - 2014)HOUSE FINANCE 519
03/05/2013 01:30 PM House FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB65 || HB66 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 65 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 66 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE
March 5, 2013
1:34 p.m.
1:34:26 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Austerman called the House Finance Committee
meeting to order at 1:34 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Alan Austerman, Co-Chair
Representative Bill Stoltze, Co-Chair
Representative Mark Neuman, Vice-Chair
Representative Bryce Edgmon
Representative Les Gara
Representative Lindsey Holmes
Representative Cathy Munoz
Representative Steve Thompson
Representative Tammie Wilson
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Mia Costello
Representative David Guttenberg
Representative Scott Kawasaki, Alternate
ALSO PRESENT
David Katzeek, Self, Juneau; Kathi Collum, Board of
Directors, Juneau Youth Services (JYS) Juneau; Joan
O'Keefe, Director, Southeast Alaska Independent Living
(SAIL), Juneau; Walter Majoras, Executive Director, Juneau
Youth Services, Juneau; Peter Freer, Board Member, Juneau
Youth Services, Juneau; Monika Carhart, Self, Juneau;
Pamela Watts, Executive Director, Juneau Alliance for the
Mentally Ill, Juneau; Lindsey Kato, Juneau Suicide
Prevention Coalition, Juneau; Ramona M. Ringer, Self,
Juneau; Walt Sisikin, National Council on Alcoholism and
Drug Dependence, Juneau; Lilly Killbear, Rainforest
Recovery, Juneau; Scott Kissinger, Client, Rainforest
Recovery, Juneau; Tony Sholty, Board Member, Juneau
Alliance for the Mentally Ill, Juneau; Tom Gemmell,
Executive Director, United Southeast Alaska Gillnetters,
Juneau; Jessica Cook, Teacher, Alpenglow Elementary, Eagle
River; Tom McNamarra, Polaris House, Juneau; Anji Gallanos,
Advocate, Early Childhood Education, Juneau; Joy Lyon,
Executive Director, Association for the Education of Young
Children in Southeast Alaska, Juneau; Cicely S Byerly,
Client, Rainforest Recovery, Juneau; Richard C. Anderson,
Self, Juneau; Charles High, Self, Juneau; Kathy Hansen,
Executive Director, Southeast Alaska Fishermen's Alliance,
Juneau; Donna Burnett, Client, Juneau Alliance for the
Mentally Ill, Juneau; Lisa Gardner, Educator, Parents as
Teachers Program, Juneau; Gilbert Willard, Self, Juneau;
Robert Barr, Director, Juneau Public Library, Juneau; Debra
K. Arthur-Wilkinson, Juneau Alliance for the Mentally Ill,
Juneau; Michelle Jerome, Teacher, Alpenglow Elementary,
Eagle River; Marie Marx, Parent Representative, Harborview
Elementary School, Juneau; Valerie Brooks, Reading
Specialist, Houghtaling Elementary School, Ketchikan; Ricky
Deising, Regional Director, Inlandboatman's Union, Juneau;
Sheryl Weinberg, Executive Director, Southeast Regional
Resource Center (SERRC), Juneau; Joe Geldhof, Pacific Coast
Counsel, Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association, Juneau;
Mary Hakala, Coordinator, Science Technology Engineering
Math (STEM) Alaska, Juneau; Greg Roth, Program Director,
REACH, Juneau; Karol Benroth, Counselor, Bartlett High
School, Anchorage; Tom Chard, Executive Director, Alaska
Behavioral Health Association, Juneau; Mark Johnson, Alaska
Trauma System Review Committee, Juneau; Kenneth Burchfield,
Self, Juneau; Jonas Decena, Client, Juneau Youth Services
Transitional Living Program, Juneau; Eric Gebhart, Chair,
Governor's Council on Disabilities and Superintendent,
Nenana City School District, Nenana; Elizabeth McGee,
National Education Association and Alaska School Counselor
Association, Anchorage; Brad Baldwin, Commercial Fisherman,
Juneau; Julianne Curry, Director, United Fishermen of
Alaska, Juneau; Ethan Knuthson, Commercial Fisherman,
Juneau; Andi Story, Juneau School Board, Juneau; Bruce
Wallace, Commercial Fisherman, Juneau; Joan Pardes, Parent,
Juneau; Martha Moore, Self, Juneau.
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE
Dan Reum, Former Educator, Cordova; Peter Hoepfner, Cordova
School Board, Cordova; Barb Bryson, Best Beginnings,
Valdez; Kim Mix, Early Learning and Family Program,
Kotzebue; Julie Serstad, Deputy Director, Community Health
Services, Barrow; Geanne Gerhardt-Cyrus, Self, Kotzebue;
Catherine Jones, Self, Kotzebue; Anthony Cravalho, Self,
Kotzebue; Bree Swanson, Administrator of Social Services
for Maniilaq Association, Kotzebue; Vivian Fleming,
Behavioral Health Director, Maniilaq Behavior Health
Services, Kotzebue; Steven Sundby, Executive Director,
Sound Alternatives, Cordova; Peter Hergenrotther, Yukon
Health Corporation, Bethel; Vernon Samson, Yukon Health
Corporation, Bethel; Dusty Aloralrea, Self, Bethel; Rinda
Howell, Wrangell, Best Beginnings; Jenn Allen, Self,
Haines; Sarah Chapell, Member of Haines Borough School
Board, Haines; Alissa Henry, Self, Haines; Richard Tews,
Self, Bethel; Doreen Leavitt, North Slope Borough Health
Department, Barrow; Amy Russell, Beringia Center of Culture
and Science, Nome; Israel Payton, Self, Wasilla; Jeanne
Kitayama, Director, Children' Reading Foundation, Haines;
Nicki Shelton, Self, Hoonah; Kevin Tressler, McCann
Treatment Center, Bethel; Barbara Spriggs, Kotzebue,
Meniilaq Medical Center; Dr. Ella Derbyshire, Kotzebue,
Meniilaq Medical Center; Reggie Joule, Mayor, NW Arctic
Borough, Kotzebue; Tom Cyrus, Self, Kiana; Anna Sappah,
Executive Director, Alaska Addiction Professionals
Association (AAPA), Anchorage; Robyn Triest, Alaska Peer
Support Consortium, Anchorage; Jennifer Payton, Co-
Occurring Disorders Institute (CoDI), Mat-Su; Tina Morgan,
Self, Anchorage; Lisa Pierce, Self, Anchorage; John
Halloway, Project Coordinator, Criminal Justice System
Transformation Project, Anchorage; Donna Maxwell, Self,
Anchorage; Dr. Frank Sacco, Trauma Director, Alaska Trauma
System Review; Michelle Baker, Southcentral Foundation,
Anchorage; Dr. Regina Chenault, Chair, Committee on Trauma,
Anchorage; Anna Campbell, Self, Anchorage; Joerene Savikko,
Victims for Justice, Anchorage; Faith Myers, Mental Health
Advocates, Anchorage; Dorrance Collins, Mental Health
Advocates, Anchorage; Stephanie Roads, Self, Anchorage;
Jennifer Smerd, Director, Community Relations, Community
Mental Health, Anchorage; Brittany Buzzard, Self,
Anchorage; Jonathan Teeters, Best Beginnings, Anchorage;
Karen Matthias, Anchorage Imagination Library, Anchorage;
Jerry Jenkins, Anchorage Community Mental Health,
Anchorage; Bruce Linquist, Anchorage Community Mental
Health, Anchorage; Jessica Craig, Epidemiologist, Alaska
Native Tribal Health Consortium; Hillary Strayer, Alaska
Native Tribal Health Consortium; Julie Rabeau, Self,
Anchorage; Ambrosia Bowlus, Self, Anchorage; Ronald Wilson,
Self, Anchorage; Doreen Sihenkenberger, Therapeutic Court
Alumni, Anchorage; Pat Reynaga, Volunteer, Cancer Action
Network, Anchorage; Kendra Jackson, Self, Anchorage; Leo
Tondreault, Self, Anchorage; William Finley, Finance
Secretary, Salvation Army, Anchorage; Paul Albers, Brother
Francis Shelter, Anchorage; Suzi Pearson, Executive
Director, Abused Women's Aid in Crisis (AWAIC), Anchorage;
Julia Luey, Self, Anchorage; Michelle Smith, Self,
Anchorage; Hiedi Frost, Statewide Independent Living
Counsel (SILC), Anchorage; Rosalie Nadeau, Chief Executive
Officer, Akeela House Recovery Program, Anchorage; Janet
McCabe, Partners for Progress, Anchorage; Gwen Lee, The Arc
of Anchorage, Anchorage; Karin Schaff, Volunteers of
America, Anchorage; Kendra Lee, Self, Palmer; Crystal
Calice, Akeela, Anchorage; Lindsay McDaniel, Self,
Anchorage; Jeffrey Kellerman, Traumatic Brain Injury
support, Anchorage; John Crews, Alaska Vocational and
Technical Center (AVTEC), Anchorage; Jake Metcalf, PSEA
Local 803, Anchorage; Jill Hodges, TBI Support, Anchorage;
Grace Snider, TBI Support, Anchorage; Arlene Ludwig,
Meeting the Challenge, Anchorage; Deborah Bock, Self,
Anchorage; Debi Baldwin, Child Development Director, Rural
Cap, Anchorage; Pat Ventgen, Clinical Director, Akeela,
Anchorage; Stephanie Berglund, Chief Executive Officer,
Thread, Anchorage; Nikos Pastos, Self, Anchorage.
SUMMARY
HB 65 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUNDS
HB 65 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
HB 66 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET
HB 66 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
HOUSE BILL NO. 65
"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. 66
"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."
JUNEAU
DAVID KATZEEK, SELF, JUNEAU, testified in support of
education funding. He stated that Alaskan children were
priceless. He felt that the cost of living in Alaska was
directly attached to education funding. He felt that
creativity and imagination were tied to education, and
stressed the need for an investment in Alaska's children.
1:40:58 PM
KATHI COLLUM, BOARD OF DIRECTORS, JUNEAU YOUTH SERVICES
(JYS) JUNEAU, testified in opposition of the $8.3 million
behavioral health budget reduction. She stated that her
oldest son had opposition defiant disorder. She shared that
her son had spent twelve months in the behavioral health
center, Miller House, which was funded by state money. Her
family was also taught how to adjust to his disorder at
Miller House. Her son was currently 21, and was a
functioning member society. She stressed that mental health
providers were extremely underfunded; and reduced mental
health funding would result in crime and homelessness. She
stressed the importance of not decreasing funding for those
that need it the most.
1:44:19 PM
JOAN O'KEEFE, DIRECTOR, SOUTHEAST ALASKA INDEPENDENT LIVING
(SAIL), JUNEAU, testified in support of funding for
independent living centers. She explained that the Centers
for Independent Living (CILS) served more than 4,000
Alaskans of all ages and all disabilities in approximately
50 communities across the state. She stated that CILS
provided a wide array of non-residential services provided
by people with disabilities for people with disabilities.
She explained that CILS had received state funds for nearly
30 years, in the Department of Labor and Workforce
Development budget; and asked that the $100,000 increment
be added back into that budget. She stressed that seniors
were the single largest demographic in Alaska. She also
requested funding for the Alaska Complex Behavior
Collaborative; $150,000 for disease prevention targeted for
senior fall prevention strategies; fully fund the traumatic
acquired brain injury program increment; maintain current
funding levels for behavioral services; and restore the
$100,000 in the governor's budget for independent living.
1:47:20 PM
WALTER MAJORAS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, JUNEAU YOUTH SERVICES,
JUNEAU, testified in opposition of the $8.3 million
behavioral health budget reduction. He stated that JYS
provided outpatient treatment, mental health services in
schools, and residential services. He announced that many
of the children and youth at JYS were victims of child
abuse, neglect, and child sexual abuse; and added that many
of the children in the program had previously attempted
suicide. He stressed that Alaska had some of the highest
rates in the country for domestic violence, sexual assault,
child abuse, alcoholism, and suicide. He felt that the
proposed cut worked directly against the governor's Choose
Respect Initiative to end domestic violence and sexual
abuse. He stressed that domestic violence and child abuse
occurred on a generational cycle. Unless the youth and
children were treated; domestic violence and sexual assault
would continue to run rampant in the state.
1:49:04 PM
PETER FREER, BOARD MEMBER, JUNEAU YOUTH SERVICES, JUNEAU,
voiced opposition of the $8.3 million behavioral health
budget reduction. He remarked that it was becoming nearly
impossible to maintain the JYS, because of intense budget
cuts. He pointed out that there was currently a mid-year
deficit at JYS, and he was working hard to see that the
budget be balanced by the end of the year. He stressed that
state grants were essential in providing services for
families that were not covered by Medicaid.
1:52:07 PM
MONIKA CARHART, SELF, JUNEAU, spoke in opposition of the
$8.3 million behavioral health budget reduction. She
explained that she was a patient at the Juneau Alliance for
the Mentally Ill (JAMI). She stated that she had a medical
condition that caused a mental break, and she was suicidal.
She explained that she had a beneficial experience at JAMI,
which improved her life.
1:54:01 PM
PAMELA WATTS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, JUNEAU ALLIANCE FOR THE
MENTALLY ILL, JUNEAU, testified opposition of the $8.3
million behavioral health budget reduction. She explained
that JAMI provided emergency and out-patient mental health
services for all ages, including 475 adults in Juneau. She
stated that the cost of services increased each year. She
pointed out that the cost of medication had increased by 50
percent since 2008, with no increase in state funding. She
felt that the cost of not treating individuals would be
moved to the courts, public safety, corrections, and
hospitals.
1:56:32 PM
LINDSEY KATO, JUNEAU SUICIDE PREVENTION COALITION, JUNEAU,
testified opposition for the $8.3 million behavioral health
budget reduction. She remarked that the suicide rate in
Alaska was twice as high as the rest of the United States.
She stated that the Bureau of Vital Statistics had
reflected a decrease in suicide by 22 people in Alaska
since 2010. She remarked that that number may not seem
high, but 22 people was the number of students in a K-12
school in an Alaskan village.
1:58:08 PM
RAMONA M. RINGER, SELF, JUNEAU, spoke opposition for the
$8.3 million behavioral health budget reduction. She felt
that the budget cuts would result in chaos.
2:00:36 PM
WALT SISIKIN, NATIONAL COUNCIL ON ALCOHOLISM AND DRUG
DEPENDENCE, JUNEAU, spoke opposition of the $8.3 million
behavioral health budget reduction. He stated that his
program relied on grants from the Department of Health and
Social Services. He remarked that Alaska did not have
probation officers, so when individuals are released on
parole, no one is given oversight of that individual. He
stated that his program was required to oversee the
treatment of drug and alcohol offenders. He felt that the
financial burden would be placed on the Department of
Corrections, if the behavioral health budget was not
restored.
2:02:35 PM
LILLY KILLBEAR, RAINFOREST RECOVERY, JUNEAU, testified
opposition for the $8.3 million behavioral health budget
reduction. She explained that she and her children had
benefited from behavioral health programs. She explained
that she had received beneficial behavioral health
treatment, and therefore was given the chance to be a
functioning member of society.
2:03:34 PM
SCOTT KISSINGER, CLIENT, RAINFOREST RECOVERY, JUNEAU,
voiced opposition for the $8.3 million behavioral health
budget reduction. He remarked that he did not have
insurance, so the state funding had given him the
opportunity to receive treatment for substance abuse. He
pointed out that Rainforest Recovery had the ability to
pinpoint problems for people who were not able to find the
ability to deal with their own substance abuse. He felt
that the substance abuse treatment had helped him become a
functioning member of society.
2:04:51 PM
TONY SHOLTY, BOARD MEMBER, JUNEAU ALLIANCE FOR THE MENTALLY
ILL, JUNEAU, testified in opposition for the $8.3 million
behavioral health budget reduction. He explained that JAMI
was the main provider for mental services in Juneau, and
served about 475 people. The proposed cut would likely
result in reduced mental health care for some, and no
mental health care for others who were in great need of
those services. The proposed cut would trigger an increased
need for emergency room services, hospitalization,
homelessness, police calls, and incarceration.
2:06:47 PM
TOM GEMMELL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, UNITED SOUTHEAST ALASKA
GILLNETTERS, JUNEAU, spoke against the reduction of the
Southeast Regional Fish and Game funding. He stated that
$550,000 for Sockeye and Chinook salmon identification
should be added back to the budget, because the program
affected all fisheries in Southeast Alaska. He pointed out
that there were complex river systems and waterways in
Southeast Alaska; and the fisheries had mixed salmon stock
of five different salmon species. He stressed that
management of the fisheries required a detailed port
sampling program to collect basic management data on catch-
composition, origin, and run timing. He explained that
Alaska salmon required a robust science program, which
required timely collection of data.
2:10:30 PM
JESSICA COOK, TEACHER, ALPENGLOW ELEMENTARY, EAGLE RIVER,
testified against the proposed budget cuts to the
Department of Education and Early Development (DEED). She
felt that early educational development for Alaska's
children was extremely valuable. She explained that cutting
funds to help parents garner skills to ensure that their
child achieves academic success would be greatly
detrimental. She stated that cutting funding for early
learning programs would limit students' opportunity to
build a foundation for their academic success. She pointed
to numerous studies that supported early learning programs.
She announced that children who participated in early
learning programs were less likely to be incarcerated later
in life.
2:12:30 PM
TOM MCNAMARRA, POLARIS HOUSE, JUNEAU, testified opposition
for the $8.3 million behavioral health budget reduction. He
remarked that he was in a hospital for three days after he
had his leg amputated. When he returned to Juneau, he was
initially homeless, because he was bi-polar. The Polaris
House helped him find food, work, and housing.
2:14:24 PM
ANJI GALLANOS, ADVOCATE, EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, JUNEAU,
spoke against the proposed budget cuts to DEED. She felt
that early educational development for Alaska's children
was extremely valuable. The State of Alaska pre-school
grants provided quality educational services for needy 4-
year-olds. She felt that early formation of cognitive and
character skills provide an important foundation for
Alaska's youth. She understood that the legislature had
valued early education in the four years prior, and hoped
that the current legislature would reinstate early
education funding. She pointed out that 344 young children
had received quality educational services through eight
school districts in the 2012-2013 school year; including 64
students in the Juneau School District. She suggested that
the budget cut would result in a loss of services for 135
young, vulnerable children who were experiencing poverty,
or other at-risk factors who would not otherwise receive
quality early childhood education; and the potential loss
of 18 positions.
2:17:01 PM
JOY LYON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ASSOCIATION FOR THE EDUCATION
OF YOUNG CHILDREN IN SOUTHEAST ALASKA, JUNEAU, spoke
against the proposed budget cuts to DEED. She stressed that
early educational interventions were contributing to the
solution to many of the problems in the state. She voiced
support for maintaining the governor's budget as it was the
year prior, which would move the new programs forward in a
positive way. She explained that Best Beginnings and
Parents as Teachers were relatively new programs, and
needed financial support in order to survive. She remarked
that the first one thousand days of a child's life were the
most important in human development; but that age group had
the smallest directed funding in the budget.
2:19:14 PM
CICELY S BYERLY, CLIENT, RAINFOREST RECOVERY, JUNEAU, spoke
opposition of the $8.3 million behavioral health budget
reduction. She explained that she and her family had
benefited from state funding for behavioral health.
2:19:59 PM
RICHARD C. ANDERSON, SELF, JUNEAU, testified in opposition
of the $8.3 million behavioral health budget reduction. He
shared a personal experience regarding his own struggle
with mental illness. He felt that behavioral health support
had saved his marriage, family, and self-esteem. He
stressed that trained professionals were needed to help
mental health patients. He remarked that he could not
properly function in society without behavioral health
services. He felt that the proposed budget cuts would
result in more money spent in fixing the problems, rather
than preventing problems.
2:23:22 PM
CHARLES HIGH, SELF, JUNEAU, voiced opposition of the $8.3
million behavioral health budget reduction. He stated that
he had dealt with addiction, starting at the age of 16. He
had spent 15 years in prison. He stressed that the cost of
incarceration was much greater than rehabilitation. He
stated that he was a successful member of the community and
society, because he participated in state-funded behavioral
health and rehabilitation programs.
2:25:49 PM
KATHY HANSEN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SOUTHEAST ALASKA
FISHERMEN'S ALLIANCE, JUNEAU, testified in support of
funding for port sampling and aerial surveys. She urged the
committee to reinstate the $550,000 for port sampling and
aerial surveys. She also testified against the budget
reduction for the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute
(ASMI).
2:27:47 PM
DONNA BURNETT, CLIENT, JUNEAU ALLIANCE FOR THE MENTALLY
ILL, JUNEAU, spoke in opposition of the $8.3 million
behavioral health budget reduction. She remarked that JAMI
had helped her rebuild her life. She stated that the
services at JAMI had improved her living skills, and the
services at JAMI she would be living on the street.
2:29:12 PM
LISA GARDNER, EDUCATOR, PARENTS AS TEACHERS PROGRAM,
JUNEAU, testified against the early childhood education
budget reductions. She stressed that there was a wait list
for the Parents as Teachers Program, which reflected the
importance of the program. She pointed out that she had
made a three-year commitment to her assigned families, and
asked the committee to honor the State's commitment to
those families.
2:30:26 PM
GILBERT WILLARD, SELF, JUNEAU, testified in support of
funding for the Polaris House.
2:31:13 PM
ROBERT BARR, DIRECTOR, JUNEAU PUBLIC LIBRARY, JUNEAU,
voiced support of reinstating funds for Online With
Libraries (OWL) and the Live Homework Help Program. He
explained that Live Homework Health was funded through DEED
for all Alaskan students, grades 4-12. He stated that
students could connect online every day to receive help
with their homework. He stressed that the program was very
inexpensive at only $7 per session. He stated that the OWL
program should be added as a permanent addition to the
operating budget.
2:33:35 PM
DEBRA K. ARTHUR-WILKINSON, JUNEAU ALLIANCE FOR THE MENTALLY
ILL, JUNEAU, testified in opposition of the $8.3 million
behavioral health budget reduction. She stated that she was
a recipient of behavioral health services and a provider of
community mental health services. She explained that
counseling had helped her get control of her depression and
move forward with her life to receive a degree in
Psychology.
2:35:58 PM
MICHELLE JEROME, TEACHER, ALPENGLOW ELEMENTARY, EAGLE
RIVER, testified against education budget cuts. She
explained that the superintendent of Anchorage Schools had
announced the elimination of over 200 jobs due to funding
deficits in the current year. Anchorage had a $20 million
shortfall, and would only receive $8 million from the one-
time budget request. She remarked that it was difficult to
watch the state lay off educators, because Alaska had
strong natural and financial resources. She voiced support
for an increase in the base student allocation (BSA).
2:38:18 PM
MARIE MARX, PARENT REPRESENTATIVE, HARBORVIEW ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL, JUNEAU, spoke in support of critical, predictable
educational budget funding. She voiced support of an
increase to the BSA. She stressed that there were many
remarkable achievements in Alaska schools, and pointed to
some current extremely high test scores. She added that
many of the after-school and before-school programs were
necessary for children to build a foundation for their
future educational and professional success.
2:40:40 PM
Co-Chair Austerman stated that the Juneau portion of the
public testimony would reconvene at 6:00 p.m. that evening.
2:41:00 PM
VALERIE BROOKS, READING SPECIALIST, HOUGHTALING ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL, KETCHIKAN, spoke against education funding
reductions. She stressed that pre-K funding was necessary,
because there were many students who needed the programs
because of their financial restrictions. She explained the
every student could benefit from increased educational
funding. She pointed out that a BSA increase was necessary
for the success of all Alaska students.
2:43:15 PM
AT EASE
2:50:21 PM
RECONVENED
CORDOVA AND OFFNETS
2:50:51 PM
DAN REUM, FORMER EDUCATOR, CORDOVA (via teleconference),
spoke in favor of behavioral health funding in HB 65. He
discussed high suicide rates in the state. He noted that
counselors were sent to rural communities to address
prevention, but were only there a short time due to lack of
funding. He stressed the importance of prevention programs.
He stated that every person needed at least five people
they could turn to for support. He stressed the importance
of proper training for counselors. He vocalized support for
pre-k programs.
PETER HOEPFNER, CORDOVA SCHOOL BOARD, CORDOVA (via
teleconference), vocalized support for increased education
funding. He discussed the success of the Cordova school
district and its students. He pointed to the governor's
goal for a 90 percent graduation rate by 2020. He relayed
that Cordova had always met the 90 percent rate. He
stressed that the lack of funding was hurting the
district's students and that three teachers had been lost
over the past two years; the district could not replace the
teachers due to funding decreases. He addressed the digital
initiative that would allow Cordova's students to access
the Alaska Performance Scholarship; the district could not
offer the necessary courses to meet eligibility
requirements. He relayed the importance of professional
development for teachers. He wondered where the district
would turn if funding for the digital initiative was cut.
He talked about the importance for student preparedness.
2:57:21 PM
BARB BRYSON, BEST BEGINNINGS, VALDEZ (via teleconference),
testified in support of restoration of full funding for
Best Beginnings and Parents as Teachers programs. She spoke
about the initial stages of the Valdez Imagination Library
under the guidance of Best Beginnings. She highlighted the
benefits of annual training provided by Best Beginnings
along with family centered environments and events. Best
Beginnings encouraged communities to become self-sufficient
with funding in time. She spoke about fundraising for the
family events done by the Valdez Imagination Library Board.
She pointed out the Best Beginnings website, which
contained a wealth of data regarding the stimulation of a
child's brain from birth.
2:59:59 PM
KIM MIX, EARLY LEARNING AND FAMILY PROGRAM, KOTZEBUE (via
teleconference), Spoke in favor of restoration of funding
to the governor's proposed levels for Best Beginnings. She
mentioned that she had relocated from Juneau to Kotzebue
and recognized the lack of programs like Best Beginnings
and Parents and Teachers that she was accustomed to working
with. She stressed the needs in the community for early
childhood education. She added that she had worked in the
field of early childhood education for 23 years and clearly
saw its benefits like increasing graduation rates and
decreasing incarceration.
3:03:01 PM
JULIE SERSTAD, DEPUTY DIRECTOR, COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES,
BARROW (via teleconference), urged inclusion of the Alaska
Area Health Education Center in the University of Alaska
budget for $395 thousand to support the healthcare
professions. She explained that the program exposed
students to a variety of health careers. She recently
offered a class to junior high and high school students
interested in public health. Suicide prevention was a topic
chosen by one of her Alaska native students. She spoke
about shortages in the healthcare positions in Alaska.
3:06:12 PM
GEANNE GERHARDT-CYRUS, SELF, KOTZEBUE (via teleconference),
testified for restoration of the proposed $8.3 million to
the behavioral health budget. She shared a personal story
about her daughter and her struggles and needs of services
funded by the increment. She stated that the lack of
appropriate services led to failures. She stressed that
support was essential and helped to keep at-risk children
in the state.
3:08:25 PM
CATHERINE JONES, SELF, KOTZEBUE (via teleconference),
testified that she had a disability and also had a child
diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. She spoke about
the devastating effects of substance abuse and mental
illness in the Northwest arctic region. She commented on
the high statistics regarding deaths and injuries resulting
from substance abuse and mental illness in Alaska. She
stressed that the funding and support prevented more
expensive solutions when problems become extreme. She spoke
about in-state savings. She spoke about community based
services, which benefited people in crisis.
3:11:21 PM
ANTHONY CRAVALHO, SELF, KOTZEBUE (via teleconference),
testified in support of increased funding for behavioral
health services, centers for independent living, and the
Complex Behavior Collaborative. The centers for independent
living allowed seniors and people with disabilities to
remain in their homes and out of higher cost facilities. He
spoke about various services offered by behavioral health
services and the preventative effort offered as a result of
the funding.
3:13:42 PM
BREE SWANSON, ADMINISTRATOR OF SOCIAL SERVICES FOR MANIILAQ
ASSOCIATION, KOTZEBUE (via teleconference), testified as a
provider and concerned citizen in support of increased
funding for behavioral health services. She pointed out
that her region had the highest rates of suicide, domestic
violence, sexual assault, traumatic brain injury and
substance abuse. She noted that the Maniilaq Association
provided the only behavioral health services to Kotzebue
and the 11 surrounding villages. She stressed that the
state would provide services to those people in need one
way or another, whether through corrections, placement with
the Alaska Psychiatric Institute (API) or through
institutional care inside or outside the state.
3:15:59 PM
VIVIAN FLEMING, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DIRECTOR, MANIILAQ
BEHAVIOR HEALTH SERVICES, KOTZEBUE (via teleconference),
testified in support of increased funding for behavioral
health services. She stated that her region experienced
extreme issues such as domestic violence and suicide. She
stated that villages in her region received aid for
behavioral health issues from the Maniilaq Association
alone. Additional programs were not available in the
villages. She spoke about the findings suggesting that
mental health costs increased when people were transferred
out of the region.
3:19:28 PM
STEVEN SUNDBY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SOUND ALTERNATIVES,
CORDOVA (via teleconference), stated that he worked to
provide behavioral health services in Cordova. He noted
that his facility provided emergency services 24 hours per
day, every day of the year. The services targeted the
seriously mentally ill and emotionally disturbed youth and
adults as well as providing outpatient services for
substance abuse. He spoke about his clinic and its need for
funding. Cuts in funding for behavioral health services
affected the Cordova Community Medical Center, Cordova's
federally qualified health clinic, the Domestic Violence
Sexual Assault (DVSA) program and the school district.
3:21:21 PM
PETER HERGENROTTHER, YUKON HEALTH CORPORATION, BETHEL (via
teleconference), spoke in favor of funding for Bethel
therapeutic courts and the Phillips Ayagnirvik Treatment
Center (PATC) residential services. The residential center
provided an opportunity for a sober environment and
addiction education. He spoke about the cuts to funding and
explained the resulting difficulties. He advocated for the
villages and the opportunity for addiction education and
healthier lifestyles.
3:24:13 PM
VERNON SAMSON, YUKON HEALTH CORPORATION, BETHEL (via
teleconference), testified in support of behavioral health
services and funding for PATC. He spoke about the many
benefits provided by PATC including the opportunity for
rehabilitation of people with painful addictions.
3:25:03 PM
DUSTY ALORALREA, SELF, BETHEL (via teleconference),
testified for restoration of funding for behavioral health
services. He spoke about the drinking and drug use that
complicated issues in the area of behavioral health.
Behavioral health services were essential in the Bethel
area.
3:26:20 PM
RINDA HOWELL, WRANGELL, BEST BEGINNINGS (via
teleconference), testified in support of incresed funding
for Best Beginnings. She supported the spending of state
money for preventative reasons. She believed that every
state dollar spent now would save nine dollars later.
3:27:22 PM
JENN ALLEN, SELF, HAINES (via teleconference), testified in
favor of restoration of funding for early childhood
education. She spoke about the necessity of early childhood
education programs and the valuable information provided
regarding childhood development. She personally benefitted
from the services and her parenting confidence increased.
3:29:04 PM
SARAH CHAPELL, MEMBER OF HAINES BOROUGH SCHOOL BOARD,
HAINES (via teleconference), testified in support of early
childhood education. She spoke about the impact that
funding cuts to early childhood education programs had on
children in all communities in Alaska. She spoke about
reinstating funding for Parents as Teachers and Best
Beginnings. She stressed the importance of adjusting the
funding for K-12 students for inflation. She added support
for HB 95. She requested full funding for the pilot pre-
kindergarten program. She requested reinstatment of the
governor's budget request for full funding for the Digital
Learning Initiative, which provided access to many
different high school courses in smaller school districts.
3:31:59 PM
ALISSA HENRY, SELF, HAINES (via teleconference), testified
in favor of funding for the Parents as Teachers program in
rural Alaska. The monthly visits allowed her time to focus
on children and parenting skills. She spoke about her
confidence resulting from the program. She addressed the
need for communities to come together to support each other
and children.
3:33:33 PM
RICHARD TEWS, SELF, BETHEL (via teleconference), testified
in support of the Bethel sobering center. He spoke about
his community and the need to address alcohol related
issues. He stated that the use of alcohol created potential
for issues with both patients and staff. He discussed the
advantages of the center which offered people choices. He
urged continued funding for behavioral health programs.
3:36:51 PM
DOREEN LEAVITT, NORTH SLOPE BOROUGH HEALTH DEPARTMENT,
BARROW (via teleconference), testified in support of mental
health services. She stated that the North Slope Borough
Health Department was the only mental health center on the
North Slope and she listed a multitude of services provided
by the center. She stated that a slower response time for
behavioral health emergencies would occur as a result of
funding cuts. She spoke about clients with geographical
challenges that also benefitted from the funding, as they
were able to stay near home. She also supported the Best
Beginnings program.
3:39:44 PM
AMY RUSSELL, BERINGIA CENTER OF CULTURE AND SCIENCE, NOME
(via teleconference), voiced support for a proposal to
amend the library construction and major expansion grant
program to include museums and cultural centers. She spoke
about the benefits of the museums, which played a key role
in education and were critical to the development of
communities in Alaska. She noted that educational services
benefitted from museums and cultural centers and were
closely linked to the library services.
3:42:35 PM
ISRAEL PAYTON, SELF, WASILLA (via teleconference),
applauded a $600 thousand funding cut proposed in the
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) subcommittee for the
guide concession program. He believed that the program was
not essential and lacked public support.
3:44:27 PM
JEANNE KITAYAMA, DIRECTOR, CHILDREN' READING FOUNDATION,
HAINES (via teleconference), testified in support of
increased funding for Best Beginnings. She pointed out the
return on the investment for early childhood education. She
spoke about the need for foresight and planning for the
future. She stated that a child's core brain structure was
developed by age four and education at that age was very
important.
NICKI SHELTON, SELF, HOONAH (via teleconference), testified
for full funding for early childhood education. She spoke
about the impact of early childhood education on Hoonah's
children. She spoke about the advantages of Parents as
Teachers programs. She noted that the specific education
provided by Parents as Teachers included home visits which
built on activities with children. She stated that strong
readiness skills were seen with the developmental screening
offered by the program. She added that Best Beginnings
offered multiple services for the needs of rural children.
She voiced that the Imagination Library added to many home
libraries.
3:51:27 PM
KEVIN TRESSLER, MCCANN TREATMENT CENTER, BETHEL (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for
behavioral health services. He spoke about many issues that
complicated life for people with mental illness. He stated
that the outdoor opportunities increased self-esteem in
boys who struggled with substance abuse, domestic violence,
sexual assault, or had attempted suicide. He stated that
fishing, trapping and hunting were examples of activities
enjoyed by the boys in the program. The activities provided
alternatives to substance abuse and criminal activities.
The program allowed opportunities to progress toward
earning a high school diploma.
3:54:07 PM
BARBARA SPRIGGS, KOTZEBUE, MENIILAQ MEDICAL CENTER (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for the
health center. She stated that the Level Four trauma center
requested for Kotzebue would help stabilize and transition
people to higher levels of care. She understood that $2
million was removed from the trauma funding and she
encouraged its reinstatement. She stated that the reduction
of morbidity and mortality was accomplished as a result of
the health center. She spoke about the need for fetal
monitors and incubators. She stated that 35-40 trauma cases
per week were addressed in the center.
3:57:26 PM
DR. ELLA DERBYSHIRE, KOTZEBUE, MENIILAQ MEDICAL CENTER (via
teleconference), testified in favor of a statewide common
network as opposed to funding cuts for trauma care in
Alaska. She stated that her remote region required the
promotion of a trauma network.
3:58:01 PM
REGGIE JOULE, MAYOR, NW ARCTIC BOROUGH, KOTZEBUE (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for public
safety. He thanked the legislature for their support of
funding for the Village Public Safety Officer (VPSO)
program in the rural parts of Alaska. He stressed that the
needs for VPSOs in his region had increased. He thanked the
committee for the support in the form of revenue sharing
with communities. He thanked the committee for the support
with the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS)
responsibility and he recognized the difficulty in finding
a solution to the issue. He requested support for early
childhood education.
4:01:24 PM
TOM CYRUS, SELF, KIANA (via teleconference), requested
funding restoration for the budget//. He noted the high
rate of suicide in his region. He added that the support of
individuals added to the success. He noted that the
services could be rendered by members of the communities.
An added benefit was the savings of money. He discussed
multiple services offered by community support. He urged
the maintenance of services.
4:04:05 PM
AT EASE
4:12:15 PM
RECONVENED
ANCHORAGE
ANNA SAPPAH, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA ADDICTION
PROFESSIONALS ASSOCIATION (AAPA), ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in opposition to the $8.3
million funding cuts to behavioral health services. She
discussed that addiction treatment programs had allowed her
to parent her children and return to school; she had been
sober for 18 years. She discussed suicides related to
untreated mental illness and substance abuse. She
emphasized that money spent on substance abuse prevention
saved costs related to emergency medical services, criminal
justice services, court systems, and lost productivity. She
pointed to opiate addiction in the state and limited
treatment options. She stressed that the behavioral health
field provided support for individuals and jobs in the
state. She urged the committee to keep funding in the
behavioral health base.
4:15:59 PM
ROBYN TRIEST, ALASKA PEER SUPPORT CONSORTIUM, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), spoke against cuts to the therapeutic
courts and behavioral health. She stressed that people were
struggling to get support and help in the state; without
support people ended up in high cost services. She shared
that prevention would help save the state money. She
encouraged support for people in their local communities
that would allow for quicker recovery; emergency room
visits would be decreased and fewer people would go to
jail. She accentuated that cuts would hurt the state in the
long-term.
4:18:31 PM
JENNIFER PAYTON, CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS INSTITUTE (CODI),
MAT-SU (via teleconference), testified in favor of
continued funding for the Department of Behavioral Health.
She shared that CoDI worked to shorten the length of stay
for youths in out of state residential treatment; the
reduced stays equated to cost savings for the state. She
explained other intervention and preventative approaches of
the institute.
4:20:09 PM
TINA MORGAN, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
vocalized support for maintaining behavioral health
services funding. She made a personal statement about her
family. She stressed that money would be spent on
corrections and in other unnecessary areas if funding was
diverted from behavioral health. She urged support for
therapeutic courts funding. She noted that it was difficult
to operate a behavioral health system in a silo.
4:21:07 PM
LISA PIERCE, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of behavioral health services. She
stated that individuals with chronic mental illness were
the most vulnerable. She emphasized that behavioral health
services assistance and support provided a gateway to
wellness. She stated that the reduction in funds would deny
individuals treatment or access to necessary support.
4:22:07 PM
JOHN HALLOWAY, PROJECT COORDINATOR, CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
TRANSFORMATION PROJECT, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
spoke in favor of continued funding for behavioral health.
Continued funding for behavioral health in communities
decreased the chances that individuals would become a
burden on the state. He discussed his personal experience
and the importance of treatment programs.
4:23:18 PM
DONNA MAXWELL, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
vocalized opposition to funding cuts for traumatic brain
injury victims. She shared her family's personal experience
with traumatic brain injury. She struggled had experienced
difficulty locating experienced staff to help provide in-
home living skills for her daughter. She worried about her
daughter's future. She stressed that there were currently
not enough resources for individuals with traumatic brain
injuries. She stressed that the state should invest more
funding to help the individuals.
4:26:03 PM
DR. FRANK SACCO, TRAUMA DIRECTOR, ALASKA TRAUMA SYSTEM
REVIEW (via teleconference), spoke in support of a trauma
system for the state. Alaska had one of the highest rates
of deaths from injury in the nation. He stressed that
trauma systems had been shown to reduce the mortality rate
from serious injury by 25 to 30 percent. He discussed a
trauma fund bill that passed in 2010; subsequently half of
the state hospitals were now participating in a trauma
program. He was dismayed at the elimination of money for
the fund from the budget. He accentuated that tangible
results had been witnessed from the fund. He discussed that
the program was proven. He urged the committee's support.
4:28:26 PM
MICHELLE BAKER, SOUTHCENTRAL FOUNDATION, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of the Southcentral
Foundation that provided behavioral health services to
Alaska Natives and American Indians in the Anchorage and
Mat-Su areas. The organization relied on federal, state,
and private funding sources. She relayed that cuts would
hurt Alaskans and would put individuals at a higher risk
for institutionalized care. She emphasized that serving
people at home would save money. She stressed that
behavioral health cuts would marginalize the state's
working poor and would increase costs in other areas for
the state such as law enforcement and correctional
facilities. The organization had worked to provide
behavioral health consulting services to minimize emergency
room visits and other. She reiterated her opposition to
proposed funding cuts.
4:30:41 PM
DR. REGINA CHENAULT, CHAIR, COMMITTEE ON TRAUMA, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), vocalized support for the Trauma Care
Fund. She relayed that Senator Coghill's bill had brought
some amazing education and systems building for the
response to injured people in the state. She stressed that
most other states were much more advanced in the area. She
stated that Anchorage was the largest city in the country
that was not providing a designated level of trauma care to
every injured individual. She relayed that cutting funds
would lead to 25 percent more people with permanent
immobility or mortality from traumatic injury. She stressed
that trauma care saved lives. She asked for a reinstatement
of trauma funds.
4:32:36 PM
ANNA CAMPBELL, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in opposition to the removal of funds from drug treatment
programs. She shared her personal experience with addiction
and treatment. She discussed that the program had helped
her to change her path in life and to be a better mother.
She communicated that without treatment programs more
individuals would end up in jail and children would end up
in state custody. She urged the committee to reconsider the
cuts.
4:34:12 PM
JOERENE SAVIKKO, VICTIMS FOR JUSTICE, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of victims for
justice funding. She relayed her personal story and
attested to the effectiveness of the services. She
discussed federal funding received by the state for
underserved crimes. She stated that the recommended survey
of victims' needs was not being met in Alaska. She
communicated that bringing the state into compliance would
not add to the Department of Public Safety budget; the
funding already existed in the federal grant. She stressed
that the failure to bring the state into compliance could
result in the loss of federal funds.
4:36:57 PM
FAITH MYERS, MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATES, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of mental health
programs. She emphasized that good programs existed and
spoke against the $8.3 million cuts. She believed the
community of advocates should be able to make its own
recommendations. She stated that society had difficulty
incorporating disabled individuals into the community. She
stated that Alaska has some of the worst grievance
procedure laws in the nation for disabled people. She
stressed that the laws needed to be improved.
4:38:59 PM
DORRANCE COLLINS, MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATES, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in favor of restoring funds for
mental health. She shared stories about mentally ill
individuals who were denied services. She reiterated her
support for mental health funds and improvements to the
grievance procedure law for disabled psychiatric patients.
She asked the committee to include the funds.
4:40:18 PM
STEPHANIE ROADS, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
spoke against the $8.3 million reduction in behavioral
health grants. She supported funding for therapeutic
courts. She shared that 42 percent of inmates in 2006 in
Alaska were impacted by mentally illness, developmental
disabilities, dementia, traumatic brain injury, fetal
alcohol spectrum disorder, or alcoholism. She stressed that
the individuals had an increased likelihood of
criminalization. She accentuated that the state currently
paid a high price inadequate mental health and substance
abuse treatment. She pointed to overcrowding in prisons.
She discussed the need for hands-on judicial supervision of
treatment plans to promote public safety. She pointed to
acute and costly care.
4:44:02 PM
JENNIFER SMERD, DIRECTOR, COMMUNITY RELATIONS, COMMUNITY
MENTAL HEALTH, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in
opposition to reduced mental health funding. She discussed
that the agency had a waiting list for its programs. She
relayed that access to services equaled recovery. She asked
the committee to consider reinstating funding.
4:45:16 PM
BRITTANY BUZZARD, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
voiced support for mental health funding. She shared a
personal experience. Through treatment she learned to
believe she could succeed and understood many people would
benefit from mental health treatment. She stressed that the
funding was important for individuals desperately needing
benefits.
4:46:33 PM
JONATHAN TEETERS, BEST BEGINNINGS, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), asked for the restoration of funds for the
Best Beginnings and Parents as Teachers programs. He
pointed to the importance of the programs. He communicated
that every $1 invested in early childhood could return up
to $7 in positive impacts and avoided costs to the state.
He discussed that the programs generated over 100 percent
return on every public dollar used. He urged the committee
to fund the programs at the governor's proposed funding
level.
4:47:59 PM
KAREN MATTHIAS, ANCHORAGE IMAGINATION LIBRARY, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), urged reinstatement of the governor's
proposed funds for the Best Beginnings and Parents as
Teachers. She stated that the programs provided parents
with tools that would enable young children to succeed in
school. She emphasized the importance of books in
children's lives; books encouraged brain development and
provided important family time.
4:49:26 PM
JERRY JENKINS, ANCHORAGE COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), spoke for reinstatement of the
governor's proposed mental health funds. He that grants
reductions would mean fewer services. He discussed treating
children impacted by trauma; treatment resulted in
improvement in life areas such as at home and in school. He
stated that the grant reductions would restrict the ability
to provide needed services that were in high demand.
4:51:28 PM
BRUCE LINQUIST, ANCHORAGE COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in favor of mental
health funds. He asked the committee to consider the lives
of the constituents they were representing. He pointed to
challenges the individuals had on a daily basis. He
emphasized that the individuals deserved the opportunity
for an improved life. He understood the committee was faced
with pressure related to the budget. He asked the committee
fund the governor's initiative for sexual assault and
domestic violence. He stressed that when support was taken
away risk factors were increased for the individuals.
4:53:30 PM
JESSICA CRAIG, EPIDEMIOLOGIST, ALASKA NATIVE TRIBAL HEALTH
CONSORTIUM (via teleconference), asked the committee to
reinstate money for the Trauma Care Fund. She communicated
that injuries were a leading cause of hospitalization and
death. She shared that the trauma registry helped to
compile reports and to inform program and policy decisions.
The identification of trauma was of particular concern in
the tribal health system. She stated that the registry had
helped to identify the high number of gun related injuries
and to secure funding to promote gun safety in communities.
She urged reinstatement of the funds.
4:54:44 PM
HILLARY STRAYER, ALASKA NATIVE TRIBAL HEALTH CONSORTIUM
(via teleconference), spoke in favor of the reinstatement
of money for the Trauma Care Fund. She shared that losing
the fund would substantially reduce support of collection
of medical trauma data. She pointed to high rates of trauma
related deaths in the state. She shared that rural staff
struggled to reduce injury rates with diminishing funds.
The fund helped to reduce the types of injuries through
prevention such as suicide and other. She stated that
medical centers were already struggling to obtain needed
data.
4:56:48 PM
JULIE RABEAU, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in favor of restoring funds for the Trauma Care Fund. She
had seen improved chances of survival when patients
received trauma care. She emphasized that trauma centers
were supported through the purchase of life saving
equipment, education, and training. She stated that
legislators were some of the users who relied on the trauma
registry data to be timely, accurate, and available. She
stressed that the data could not be maintained without
funds. She shared that seven trauma centers were
established in 2007 alone. She relayed that the cuts in
funding would impact rural trauma centers the most. She
stated that the funds would help prepare the centers for
disasters.
4:59:19 PM
AMBROSIA BOWLUS, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
spoke in support of the recapitalization of the Trauma Care
Fund in the Department of Health and Social Services
budget. She stated that the fund enabled hospitals to
collect trauma data. The data was current for the first
time and was critical for the health of Alaskans. The
registry enabled many organizations to prioritize health
issues including behavioral health, suicide, and brain
injury.
5:00:29 PM
RONALD WILSON, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), asked
the committee to reinstate funding for mental health and
urged support for a restoration of funds to the DWI
therapeutic court program. He shared a personal story about
his experience with substance abuse and an anxiety
disorder. He was an Anchorage Alumni Group member that
provided outreach for victims. He believed that peer to
peer support was essential to recovery and breaking the
cycle of incarceration.
5:02:37 PM
DOREEN SIHENKENBERGER, THERAPEUTIC COURT ALUMNI, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), asked the committee to restore the
$689,000 increment for the DWI therapeutic courts. She
discussed a 93 percent success rate from the therapeutic
court. She graduated from the program in 2005 and had been
sober from that point on. She discussed her work with court
participants. She shared a personal story related to the
harmful effects of alcohol. She had regained her life after
wellness court and was currently a home and business owner.
She shared that she and her children had succeeded in
breaking her family's cycle of alcoholism.
5:06:14 PM
PAT REYNAGA, VOLUNTEER, CANCER ACTION NETWORK, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), spoke in support of maintaining a
strong tobacco prevention program in the state. She was a
nurse and had seen the devastating effects of tobacco use.
She pointed to progress made as a result of prevention and
cessation efforts over the past 10 years. She stated that
the program had helped to reduce youth tobacco use by 50
percent and by 20 percent in adults. She shared that
Alaska's youth used tobacco at higher rates than in other
states. She stressed that cutting the program would not
offset increased Medicaid costs that would result from
increased illness caused by smoking.
5:08:06 PM
KENDRA JACKSON, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in support of substance abuse prevention funding. She
shared her personal experience fighting substance abuse.
She believed a reduction in funding to prevention programs
would be detrimental to society.
5:08:55 PM
LEO TONDREAULT, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in support of substance abuse prevention and mental health
treatment. He discussed his personal fight with substance
abuse and shared that residential treatment had changed his
life considerably. He stressed that cutting funds would be
detrimental. He was incredibly grateful for the health
services he had received.
5:10:05 PM
WILLIAM FINLEY, FINANCE SECRETARY, SALVATION ARMY,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), vocalized support for
behavioral health services. He shared that the program
saved lives when people had no other place to go. He stated
that less funding meant reduced services. He urged the
committee to look at where funding would be cut. He was
deeply concerned about unallocated funding cuts. He pointed
out that being asked to change accounting practices and
procedures overnight was much more difficult than
implementing a long-term plan for saving money.
5:12:36 PM
PAUL ALBERS, BROTHER FRANCIS SHELTER, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), urged full funding for the traumatic brain
injury (TBI) program. He shared the story of an individual
who had been homeless and had been denied vocational
rehabilitation services based on a psychiatric evaluation.
He furthered that the Alaska Brain Injury Network had given
the individual a grant; with continuing support the person
would have the ability to move into an apartment. He shared
that the event would not have been possible without the
funds the legislature was considering making cuts to. He
communicated that funding the TBI program could help reduce
homelessness in Anchorage.
5:14:28 PM
SUZI PEARSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ABUSED WOMEN'S AID IN
CRISIS (AWAIC), ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), thanked the
Department of Public Safety subcommittee for recommending
the inclusion of $287,500 increment for victims' service
programs. She asked the committee to maintain support for
the increment that would assist programs in meeting
increases in basic costs such as utilities, energy, and
transportation of victims to and from villages and hub
communities.
5:15:14 PM
JULIA LUEY, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), shared
her personal story of cocaine and alcohol addiction. She
revealed that she was admitted into the Akeela House
Recovery Program in 2008. She stated that her recovery was
instrumental in gaining the benefit of honest living. She
stated that she had celebrated many years of recovery and
was able to conceive a child and parent her well. She
encouraged the restoration of funding for behavioral health
services.
5:17:04 PM
MICHELLE SMITH, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding for the residential
treatment program at the Akeela House Recovery Program. She
stated that her recovery from addiction was a long-term
challenge.
5:18:25 PM
HIEDI FROST, STATEWIDE INDEPENDENT LIVING COUNSEL (SILC),
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in favor of
funding for Alaskans that required independent living
assistance. She stated that she suffered a head injury from
a car accident caused by a drunk driver. She voiced that
the restoration of $100 thousand increment for independent
living in the Department of Labor and Workforce
Development's budget allowing centers for independent
living to continue outreach to rural Alaska.
5:20:51 PM
ROSALIE NADEAU, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, AKEELA HOUSE
RECOVERY PROGRAM, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified
in support of funding for the program. She feared that a
cut in behavioral health programs would make it difficult
to operate the necessary programs in Southeast Alaska. She
stated that the pressures placed on those who operate
programs were great. She mentioned the unfunded mandate
requiring the accreditation of the program, which proved
expensive.
5:24:30 PM
JANET MCCABE, PARTNERS FOR PROGRESS, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), requested the restoration of funding for
the DUI therapeutic courts, as submitted by the court
system and proposed by the governor. She stated that an
addictive offender who entered a therapeutic court was
faced with many challenges and opportunities as a
participant of therapeutic courts. She stated that the
addictive offenders were often repeat-offenders. She
stressed that those offenders who participated in
therapeutic courts benefitted greatly.
5:26:46 PM
GWEN LEE, THE ARC OF ANCHORAGE, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of the reinstatement
of the proposed $8.3 million in funding for behavioral
health services. She stated that the pressure to provide
services was greatly reduced by the decrease in funding.
She pointed out that the state funding provided 17 percent
of the operating costs. She voiced that deferring those in
need to waiting lists led to devastating results.
5:28:44 PM
KARIN SCHAFF, VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of restoration of
funding for behavioral health programs in Alaska. She
stated that many of the youth affected with mental health
issues benefitted from the funding, which saved the state
money with the preventative effort.
5:30:43 PM
KENDRA LEE, SELF, PALMER (via teleconference), testified in
favor of funding for traumatic brain injury programs. She
shared a story about a beneficiary of the program's
funding. She stated that she worked with girls suffering
from mental and emotional disturbances. She requested the
reinstatement of the funding.
5:32:35 PM
CRYSTAL CALICE, AKEELA, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified as a recovering addict. She voiced that the
programs offered at Akeela were instrumental in her success
and her sobriety. She stated that she moved into
transitional housing after completing the treatment
program. She revealed that she was an active participant in
her child's school and was able to provide a safe and sober
home. She asserted that she was a productive member of
society since receiving help from Akeela.
5:33:53 PM
LINDSAY MCDANIEL, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified that she was a recovering addict, who spent three
weeks recovering at the psychiatric ward at the Fairbanks
Memorial Hospital and then continued recovery at Akeela.
She stated that her time at Akeela helped her learn how to
take care of herself and her responsibilities.
5:35:11 PM
JEFFREY KELLERMAN, TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY SUPPORT,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in support of
funding for TBI programs. He himself was a victim of a
traumatic brain injury and requested reinstatement of
funding for the programs. He stated that many tools were
available for people suffering from TBI. He advocated for
independent living for those with TBI. He stated that he
lost his marriage as a result of TBI. He spoke to the
benefit of a clean and clear mind. He believed that the
funding should be provided for the very important program.
5:39:06 PM
JOHN CREWS, ALASKA VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL CENTER (AVTEC),
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in favor of
restoration of funds for AVTEC in the operating budget. He
pointed out that the governor discouraged an increase in
AVTEC's tuition while the legislature removed funding that
would help to train Alaskans in critical fields. He
suggested that Alaska required additional trained mechanics
and other positions provided by AVTEC. He explained that
community members such as plumbers, mechanics and
electricians were valuable to the communities.
5:41:53 PM
JAKE METCALF, PSEA LOCAL 803, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for public
safety in Alaska. He stated that Alaska had serious issue
with public safety. He requested the restoration of the
governor's request. He advocated for the funding of all 21
positions. He detailed the needs in rural Alaska.
5:44:28 PM
JILL HODGES, TBI SUPPORT, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of mental health services. She stated
that her brother suffered a TBI in California where
resources existed. She stated that the government funding
was essential to her brother's recovery. She urged full
funding for the TBI program and others. She discussed the
importance of basic mental health resources.
5:47:08 PM
GRACE SNIDER, TBI SUPPORT, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
stressed the importance of funding for traumatic brain
injuries, the Complex Behavior Collaborative, and the $8.3
million for behavioral health services. She urged the
committee's support. She told a personal family experience
with traumatic brain injury. She discussed a person with a
brain injury and mental illness who was currently being
denied services. She emphasized that she had personally
greatly benefited from existing peer support resources. She
urged the committee support for the funding increments.
5:49:09 PM
ARLENE LUDWIG, MEETING THE CHALLENGE, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), vocalize support for addiction treatment
programs. She was a recovering from addiction and as a
result of treatment programs she had been able to hold a
job for the past 6 years. She stressed that going to a
treatment center had saved her life. She asked the
committee to reconsider $8.3 million cuts to behavioral
health services. The services were vital to individuals.
5:50:30 PM
DEBORAH BOCK, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in support of mental health funds. Mental health services
saved the state money by keeping individuals off the
street, out of jail, and out of hospitals. She spoke
against any cuts to the Division of Behavioral Health.
5:51:06 PM
DEBI BALDWIN, CHILD DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR, RURAL CAP,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), encouraged funding for pre-
k programs. She stressed that the funds included in the
proposed budget did would maintain services for pre-k
programs, Best Beginnings, and Parents as Teachers. She
stated that the decrements could result in the loss of
services children and families. She was concerned about the
information and justification the House Finance
Subcommittee had used to cut services for children. She
stressed that the services were not duplicative. She stated
the programs all had proven results and increased parent
involvement.
5:53:38 PM
PAT VENTGEN, CLINICAL DIRECTOR, AKEELA, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of funding for behavioral
health, mental health, and substance abuse programs. He
asked the committee to restore full funding for behavioral
health in the budget. He stressed that treatment saved
lives; for many Akeela clients the treatment was a last
resort. He emphasized that treatment also saved money. He
pointed to a McDowell Group report showing that treatment
reduced substance abuse and court costs. He asked the
committee to study the report that would provide additional
insight on the importance of full funding for behavioral
health.
5:56:12 PM
AT EASE
6:06:47 PM
RECONVENED
STEPHANIE BERGLUND, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, THREAD,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in support of
childcare and early educators. He asked the committee to
restore cuts for children to ensure health and safety for
young Alaskans. She encouraged the reinstatement of
$250,000 for strengthening families, $400,000 for early
childhood mental health, pre-k, Best Beginnings, and
$242,000 for Parents as Teachers. She emphasized that the
programs provided critical education and community services
for educators and families. She stated that many of the
investments were the best investments that could be made.
She stressed that investing early on helped better prepare
children for school, work, and life.
6:09:35 PM
NIKOS PASTOS, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in support of TBI funding. He requested full funding for
the program. He asked the committee to continue and
potentially increase funding for behavioral health. He
shared his personal experience related to traumatic brain
injury. He stated that the cost of institutionalizing an
individual cost at least five times the cost of living at
home. He was committed to advocating for people. He urged
the committee to put more money into TBI treatment.
6:12:16 PM
JUNEAU
RICKY DEISING, REGIONAL DIRECTOR, INLANDBOATMAN'S UNION,
JUNEAU, spoke in opposition to the elimination of ferry
passes for future employees and retirees of the Alaska
Marine Highway System. He communicated that the change
would impact hundreds to thousands of people who had
expected to receive the pass. He detailed that the benefit
had been agreed to during a collective bargaining agreement
40 years earlier; the employees had tried to get step and
merit increases at the time. The step and merit increases
had not been provided, but it the passes had been approved
as part of the benefit package. He emphasized that the
passes did not represent a cost to the state; they were
space available only. He equated the reduction to Alaska
Airline employees' benefit that allowed them to fly standby
on planes. He urged the committee to think about what the
change would do to future employees. He had received over
100 calls in the past day in opposition to the change. He
stated that the pass was revenue positive; individuals
spent money on food and state rooms on the ferry. He
thanked the committee for its time.
6:16:13 PM
SHERYL WEINBERG, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SOUTHEAST REGIONAL
RESOURCE CENTER (SERRC), JUNEAU, asked the committee to
consider restoring the $100,000 for the rural transition
program. She explained that rural transition was a priority
in the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority comprehensive
plan. She stated that an investment equaled cost savings
and increased quality of life for students when they aged
out of the system. She pointed to five important facts for
transition planning including effective transition planning
for high school students with disabilities, facilitate
success in adult life, access to adult services,
comprehensive vocational plan, securing a job by high
school graduation, and parent participation. She stated
that there were insufficient partnerships between the
business community and schools for the purpose of enhancing
employment opportunities to students with disabilities.
The Rural Transition program addressed the issues through
professional development.
6:19:32 PM
JOE GELDHOF, PACIFIC COAST COUNSEL, MARINE ENGINEERS'
BENEFICIAL ASSOCIATION, JUNEAU, pointed to intent language
on page 38 of CSHB 65. He believed the legislative intent
was to get rid of the free passage of vehicles for state
agencies, which was different than the employee pass for
retired and current ferry workers. He recommended that the
committee consider dropping the language after "state
agencies" to separate it from state employees. He relayed
that state employees had bargained for the space-available
pass many years earlier. He encouraged the committee to ask
the Legislative Affairs Agency to conduct research project
on the cost of the pass. He informed the committee that the
intent language would not come up until the next bargaining
cycle in one year. He urged the committee to eliminate the
second clause following "state agencies" on page 38 of the
bill.
6:22:12 PM
MARY HAKALA, COORDINATOR, SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING
MATH (STEM) ALASKA, JUNEAU, shared that the program was
primarily funded by the U.S. Department of Defense; funds
had begun to diminish. There had been capital budget
appropriations made in the past couple of years for STEM
and First Robotics. She communicated that the program did
not anticipate any new federal funds. She asked the state
to invest in the program that was about jobs and workforce
development. She pointed to a handout provided to the
committee. She welcomed the committee to a First Robotics
event in Anchorage; there were 36 teams across the state.
6:25:03 PM
GREG ROTH, PROGRAM DIRECTOR, REACH, JUNEAU, spoke in
support of funding for behavioral health. He discussed the
population in need of services. He shared an example of a
young girl with autism who could not be in public because
she screamed to communicate. He stated that a direct
service professional had tried to work with the girl, but
had left after a couple of days; however, she was making
progress with the Complex Behavior Collaborative. He urged
support for funding of mental health.
6:27:45 PM
KAROL BENROTH, COUNSELOR, BARTLETT HIGH SCHOOL, ANCHORAGE,
spoke in opposition to education cuts in the proposed
budget. She urged support for students. She shared examples
of students who arrived at school without eating first
because they had no food at home; other students worked
full-time jobs to help support their families. She stressed
that the issues got in the way of students' learning. She
emphasized the importance for education funding. She
pointed to the importance of teachers. She shared that high
school counselors in her district had completed over 150
suicide interventions in the current year; there had been 3
suicides. She stressed that cuts would be far reaching and
that students would pay the price.
6:31:01 PM
TOM CHARD, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
ASSOCIATION, JUNEAU, spoke in support of behavioral health
funds. He discussed the makeup of the association and
described the activities of behavioral health providers. He
stated that the proposed $8.3 million cut to the Division
of Behavioral Health would directly limit the ability to
help Alaskans achieve and maintain recovery. He was
overwhelmed by the number of public testifiers and stories
that had been shared in opposition to proposed cuts. He
pointed to discussion about using a capital budget
appropriation from the prior year to cover the cuts in the
division. He stated that the money appropriated the prior
year was a one-time increment. He emphasized that plugging
the hole temporarily meant there would still be an $8.3
million hole in the budget in future years.
6:34:16 PM
MARK JOHNSON, ALASKA TRAUMA SYSTEM REVIEW COMMITTEE,
JUNEAU, spoke in support of funding for the Alaska Trauma
Care Fund. He discussed the history of past trauma care
center authorization. He relayed that four rural hospitals
and the Alaska Native Medical Center had become certified.
Subsequently, seven other hospitals had been reviewed, but
no progress had been made towards their certification. He
relayed that the legislature had passed legislation to
provide a trauma care incentive fund three years earlier.
He discussed the fund's success. The goal was for every
hospital in the state to meet the certification. He
discussed that the governor proposed funding in the FY 14
budget and the review committee supported the request. He
urged the committee to restore the funds.
6:36:51 PM
KENNETH BURCHFIELD, SELF, JUNEAU, shared his personal
story. He had been incarcerated and had attempted suicide
several times in the past year. He had received a grant to
go to the Juneau Alliance for the Mentally Ill (JAMI). He
stressed the importance of mental health services and
funds. He stated that without the support services he would
not be alive today. He shared that his life had changed for
the better and he had started a small business. He was very
thankful for all of the grants and assistance he had
received.
6:38:04 PM
JONAS DECENA, CLIENT, JUNEAU YOUTH SERVICES TRANSITIONAL
LIVING PROGRAM, JUNEAU, communicated his personal story. He
had experienced physical and emotional abuse at home
growing up and had been homeless at the age of 17. He had
heard about the transitional living program from a friend
and felt hopeful for the first time. The program had
increased his self-esteem and had allowed him to focus on
becoming an adult and getting a job. He shared that he felt
empowered to take charge of his life for the first time.
6:40:19 PM
ERIC GEBHART, CHAIR, GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL ON DISABILITIES AND
SUPERINTENDENT, NENANA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT, NENANA, spoke
in support of the restoration of $8.3 million for
behavioral health services. He was in favor of multiple
programs including early intervention programs, suicide
prevention, therapeutic courts, supported housing, keeping
families together, and the promotion of economic and
personal independence. He vocalized strong support for
funding the Complex Behavior Collaborative. The items built
capacity in individuals and communities. He favored
Department of Labor and Workforce Development funds for
supported employment, $100,000 for rural transition
services, and pre-k funding.
6:42:48 PM
ELIZABETH MCGEE, NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION AND ALASKA
SCHOOL COUNSELOR ASSOCIATION, ANCHORAGE, spoke in
opposition to education funding cuts. She pointed to
homelessness impacting students at schools, students
without food, students wanting to pay for college and
wanting to know how they would be able to do so. She
stressed that there were talented students in the state
with harsh realities. Without funding graduation rates
would decline and students would not be able to compete
with students from the Lower 48. She stressed that
education funding was imperative for the future.
6:44:39 PM
BRAD BALDWIN, COMMERCIAL FISHERMAN, JUNEAU, spoke against
cuts to the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI)
budget. He pointed to salmon catch in 2013. He stated that
ASMI helped fishermen receive the most for their product.
6:46:36 PM
JULIANNE CURRY, DIRECTOR, UNITED FISHERMEN OF ALASKA,
JUNEAU, spoke in support of the Department of Fish and Game
and ASMI budgets; the organization supported the two items
in the governor's proposed budget. She stated that the
commercial fishing industry brought millions of dollars in
tax revenue to the state and was the number one private
sector employer for the state.
6:48:01 PM
ETHAN KNUTHSON, COMMERCIAL FISHERMAN, JUNEAU, spoke against
ASMI cuts. He discussed that with genetically engineered
salmon consumers could become more reluctant to buy salmon.
He believed the issue could pose a significant threat to
the fishing industry. He agreed that spending needed to be
cut, but not from the commercial fishing industry. He
stated that the industry directly pulled its own weight. He
believed cuts would be irresponsible.
6:50:27 PM
ANDI STORY, JUNEAU SCHOOL BOARD, JUNEAU, thanked the
committee for its support of several programs. She stated
that the board supported increased funding for K-12
education. She stated that increased funding was needed to
cover increased costs and to hire more teachers in order to
meet the requirements of the Alaska Performance
Scholarship. She emphasized that the district would be
required to cut $1.7 million; it had cut $4.7 million the
prior year. The cuts would mean position cuts, less
custodians, less art, and other. She could not guarantee
adequate student achievement with continued education cuts.
She urged the committee's support for a stable education
plan.
6:53:03 PM
BRUCE WALLACE, COMMERCIAL FISHERMAN, JUNEAU, spoke in
support of the commercial fishing industry. He stressed
that ASMI and the Department of Fish and Game needed
funding. He emphasized that the funding was critically
important to help ASMI respond to issues in the global
marketplace.
6:54:25 PM
JOAN PARDES, PARENT, JUNEAU, vocalized support for
education. She stressed that education was sinking. Without
reliable resources nothing succeeded. She asked for
investment into a solution. She relayed her personal
experience as a Juneau School District parent; teachers and
administrators were working extremely hard. She knew six
families that had left the state in the past six months
because of the lacking education system. She loved Alaska
and Juneau, but she believed she may have to face the fact
that she was doing a disservice to her child. She stated
that as a parent, kids come first. She pointed out that
there were many educated people in the state and many who
value education for their children. She implored the
committee to support for education for the benefit of the
state.
6:57:11 PM
MARTHA MOORE, SELF, JUNEAU, vocalized support for the
Trauma Care Fund. She stated that the fund helped hospitals
to become certified trauma care centers and supported the
coordination of services into an organized system of care.
She discussed that studies showed that trauma centers
resulted in decreased mortality rates. She shared that a
doctor had testified in a recent House Health and Social
Services Committee meeting that a trauma system could
improve the survivability of head injured patients. She
noted that many challenges existed in the state; she stated
that many of the challenges were out of the state's
control, but trauma care was something that could be
addressed.
Co-Chair Austerman discussed the schedule for the following
day.
HB 65 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
HB 66 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
ADJOURNMENT
7:00:36 PM
The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
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