Legislature(2015 - 2016)HOUSE FINANCE 519
03/05/2015 01:00 PM House FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB72 || HB73 | |
| Public Testimony: Anchorage | |
| Public Testimony: Sitka, Petersburg, Delta Junction, Unalaska, Glennallen, and Tok | |
| Statewide Off-net | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 72 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 73 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE
March 5, 2015
1:02 p.m.
1:02:37 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Neuman called the House Finance Committee meeting
to order at 1:02 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Mark Neuman, Co-Chair
Representative Steve Thompson, Co-Chair
Representative Dan Saddler, Vice-Chair
Representative Bryce Edgmon
Representative Les Gara
Representative Lynn Gattis
Representative David Guttenberg
Representative Scott Kawasaki
Representative Cathy Munoz
Representative Lance Pruitt
Representative Tammie Wilson
MEMBERS ABSENT
None
ALSO PRESENT
Brian Holst, Director, Juneau Economic Development Council,
Juneau; Representative Andy Josephson; Representative Matt
Claman.
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE
Stacey Lucason, Student Body President, University of
Alaska Anchorage (UAA), Anchorage; Christi Meyn, Self,
Anchorage; A'Lena Sorenson, Self, Anchorage; Kyle Pace,
Self, Anchorage; Esther Hooper, Parent/Teacher, Anchorage;
Joseph J. Hooper, Parent of 2 in school, Anchorage; Pamela
Kelley, Education Director, Alzheimer's Resource of Alaska,
Anchorage; Charles McKee, Self, Anchorage; Sam Snyder,
Susitna River Coalition, Anchorage; Liz Snyder, Board
Member, AK Food Policy Council, Anchorage; Sergio F. Acuna,
Self, Anchorage; Jane Shelby, Director, Alaska WWAMI
Medical Program, UAA, Anchorage; Monica Wright, AK WWAMI
Student, Anchorage; Vicki Otte, CEO, MTNT Village
Corporation, Anchorage; Lloyd Morris, Self, Anchorage;
Clare Dote, The Working Forest Group, Anchorage; Abbe
Dunnin-Newbury, Secretary, Board of Directors, Bean's Café,
Inc, Anchorage; Scott Slender, Program Manager, Bean's
Café, Anchorage; Randi Binion-Olson, Program Manager,
Children's Lunchbox, Bean's Café, Inc., Anchorage; Arlene
Briscoe, AK Nurses Association, Anchorage; Star Lee,
Manager, Parents as Teachers, Anchorage; Karla Jutzi,
Director of Communications, Food Bank of Alaska (FBA),
Anchorage; Nikole Nelson, Executive Director, Alaska Legal
Services Corporation (ALSC), Anchorage; Ric Nelson, Chair,
Governor's Council on Disabilities/ Special Education,
Anchorage; Mary Jo Torgeson, Director, Anchorage Public
Library, Anchorage; Rob Dolan, Self, Anchorage; Cathy
Brenner, Director, Serendipity Adult Day Program,
Anchorage; Lauren Kelsey, Anchorage; Chris Ingmanson,
President, Board of Directors, Chugiak Senior Citizens,
Inc., Eagle River; Becca Bernard, Self, Anchorage; Alyse
Galvin, Self, Anchorage; Jim Powell, Self, Anchorage; Paul
H. Shadura II, Self, Kenai; Joshua Franks, Southcentral
Foundation, Anchorage; Cindy Knall, Self, Anchorage; Alex
Scivka, Self, Anchorage; Lisa Aquino, Executive Director,
Catholic Social Services (CSS), Anchorage; Dirk Shumaker,
Executive Director, Kids Corps Inc., Anchorage; Wayne
Boedecker, Self, Anchorage; Abbe Hensley, Executive
Director, Best Beginnings, Anchorage; Laura Bonner, Self,
Anchorage; Deborah Williams, Executive Director, Anchorage
Youth Development Coalition, Anchorage; Robert Miller,
Student Member, Anchorage Youth Court, Anchorage; Pat
Falon, Self, Anchorage; Hope Finkelstein, Self, Anchorage;
Stephanie Berglund, Chief Executive Officer, Thread,
Anchorage; Immanuel Lewis, Self, Anchorage; Michael
Gallagher, Anchorage Youth Court, Anchorage; Annelise
Burgess, Anchorage Youth Court, Anchorage; Brandon McGuire,
UA Local 367 Plumbers and Pipe fitters, Anchorage; Leon
Knudson, Self, Palmer; Peter Michalski, Self, Anchorage;
Kari Jahnsen, Self, Anchorage; Carolyn Heyman-Layne,
Attorney and Parent, Anchorage; Joanie Cleary, Self,
Anchorage; Chris Turletes, Facilities Director, University
of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage; Ryan Buchholdt, University
of Alaska, Anchorage; Karel Hauser, Self, Anchorage; Bill
Hauser, Self, Anchorage; Charles Morgan, Raven Radio,
Sitka; Greg Mandel, Kettleson Memorial Library, Sitka; Lisa
Sadleir-Hart, Sitka Local Foods Network, Sitka; Thomas
Conley, Sitka School Board, Sitka; Tim Fulton, Sitka School
Board, Sitka; Megan Litster, Petersburg School District,
Petersburg; Ginger Evens, Petersburg School District,
Petersburg; Joni Johnson, Petersburg School District,
Petersburg; David Kensinger, Self, Petersburg; Erica Kludt-
Painter, Petersburg School District, Petersburg; Charles
Wood, Self, Petersburg; Marina Whitacre, Self, Petersburg;
Sarah Holmgrain, Self, Petersburg School District; Bob
Martin, Self, Petersburg; David Berg, Viking Travel,
Petersburg; Elizabeth Hart, Self, Petersburg; Ronn
Buschmann, Self, Petersburg; Josef Ploetzner, Sitka School
Board, Sitka; Gerry Hope, MTAB, Sitka; Lindsay Evans, Self,
Sitka; Kari Sagel, Teacher, Sitka School District, Sitka;
Courtney Howard, Self, Sitka; Ben White, Sitka School
District, Sitka; Kerry McAdams, Self, Sitka; Mike Svenson,
Self, Sitka; Sherman Stebbins, City of Delta, Delta; John
Conwell, Unalaska City School District, Unalaska; Karen
Kresh, City of Unalaska, Unalaska; Matt Lightner, KUCB,
Unalaska; Robi Harris, KUCB, Unalaska; Jennifer Shockley,
KUCB, Unalaska; Gary Mullen, Self, Glennallen; Joseph
Miller, Back to Wood Logging, Glennallen; Kathy Morgan, Tok
Library and Community, Tok; Jeff Gavazza, The Computer
Cabin, Tok; Deb Sparks, Alaska Gateway School District,
Tok; Todd Poage, Alaska Gateway School District, Tok; Scott
MacManus, Alaska Gateway School District, Tok; John Harvey,
Alaska Power and Telephone, Tok; Amy Crozier, Self, Tok;
Anthony Lee, Top Grade Builders, Tok; Jeff Hermanns, Self,
Tok; Wade Parrish, Self, Sitka; Tom Sunderland, Ocean
Beauty Seafoods, Seattle; Callie Connerton, University of
Alaska, Juneau; Jillian Lush, Sprout Family Services,
Homer; Ann Dixon, Homer Library, Homer; Tina Holland,
Former Educator, Fairbanks; Posie Boggs, Self, Anchorage;
Melanie Lesh, Self, Gustavus; Rachel Parks, Gustavus
Visitor's Association, Gustavus; Todd Pettit, Soil and
Water Conservation Districts, Mat-Su; Pamela Samash, Self,
Nenana; Victoria Martin, Self, Anchorage; Sarah Redmon,
Self, Anchorage; Margie Walker, University Representative,
Grayling; Rachel Bedsworth, Self, Anchorage; Leslie Walls.
University of Alaska, Fairbanks; Lee Martin, self, Homer;
Amanda Metiever, Facing Foster Care, Anchorage; Paul
Schewfelt, KZPA Radio and the City Manager, Fort Yukon;
Bobbie James, Self, Fort Yukon; Cindy Hite, Self, Willow;
Litzi Botello, Self, Port Protection; Lee Tenhoff, Self,
Homer; Peter Andrews, Mayor, Mountain Village; Jeff
Kowchee, City Manager, Mountain Village; Jennifer Anderson,
Board Member, Delta Imagination Library, Delta Junction;
Peter Hoepfner, Board Member and Parent, Cordova School
District, Cordova; Patty Olmstead, Manager, Norton Sound
Health Corporation Infant Learning Program, Nome; David
Brighton, President, Kenai Education Association and
parent, Kenai; Wendy Burke, Self, Juneau; Hugh Brown, Self,
Anchorage; Rachel Harrison, Self, Willow; John Dart,
Farmer, Manly Hot Springs; Hall Shepard, President, Center
for Water Advocacy, Homer; Jennifer Wooley, Self,
Anchorage; Johanna Herron, Self, Palmer; Regina Manteusel,
Self, Anchorage; Lisa Hollen, Self, Palmer; Theda Pittman,
Self, Anchorage; Kelly Drew, Professor, University of
Alaska, Fairbanks; Katheryn Crowley, Parent and Homer Early
Childhood Coalition, Homer; Shirley Cleaver, Self, Galena;
Annie Silverman, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks;
Gary Brown, Vice President, Anchorage Snow Mobile Club,
Palmer; Paula Hatfield-Bauer, Self, Seward; Della Cheney,
Self, Juneau; Paul Huppert, Self, Palmer; Katrina Howe,
Student, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks;
Veronica Slajer, Alaska Native Arts Foundation, Anchorage;
Andy Holleman, Anchorage Education Association, Anchorage;
Sue Steinacher, Nome Emergency Shelter Team, Nome; Steve
Parizek, Snomad Snowmachine Club, Homer; Fred Sturman,
Self, Soldotna; Sophia Armstrong, Haines Education
Association, Haines; Richard Webb, Self, Fox; Ellen Story,
Special Education Teacher, Juneau; Paula Giauque, Alaska
Farm Bureau, Palmer; Kylee Singh, Self, Anchorage; Joan
Diamond, Self, Anchorage; Patricia Winners, Self,
Fairbanks; James Dwyer, Self, Ketchikan; Marjorie Dwyer,
Self, Ketchikan; Carolyn Walton, Teacher, Juneau; Joni
Scharfenberg, Fairbanks Soil and Water, Two Rivers; Stephen
SueWing, Parent, Juneau; Linda Towarak, Self, Unalakleet;
Janet Jones, First Covenant Church, Anchorage; Georgia
Blue, Director, Alaska Native Arts Foundation, Anchorage;
Selena Everson, Juneau, Self; Gerald Hughes, Self,
Ketchikan; Tom Langdon, Student, University System,
Fairbanks; James Ferguson, Self, Nome; Dolly Lamont, Self,
Bethel; Mike Milligan, Self, Kodiak; Andrew Keller, Self,
Fairbanks; Lily Hope, Self, Juneau; Maureen Hall, Alaska
School Nurse Association, Juneau.
SUMMARY
HB 72 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUNDS
HB 72 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
HB 73 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET
HB 73 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY:
ANCHORAGE, SITKA, PETERSBURG, DELTA JUNCTION,
UNALASKA, GLENALLEN, TOK, STATEWIDE OFF-NET
HOUSE BILL NO. 72
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and
loan program expenses of state government and for
certain programs, capitalizing funds, making
reappropriations, and making appropriations under art.
IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska,
from the constitutional budget reserve fund; and
providing for an effective date."
HOUSE BILL NO. 73
"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."
1:02:47 PM
^PUBLIC TESTIMONY: ANCHORAGE
1:03:48 PM
STACEY LUCASON, STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT, UNIVERSITY OF
ALASKA ANCHORAGE (UAA), ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
remarked that she was a philosophy major and a pre-medical
student. She spoke against the cuts to the University and
noted that many of them would directly affect student
services. She added that cuts to student services could
result in greater challenges for students to complete their
college education. She pointed out the importance to the
state and made note of the graduation rate. She highlighted
the importance of an educated population with individuals
that can contribute to healthcare and other workforce
development areas. She noted the importance of components
outside the classroom to create a fully functional
university.
1:06:08 PM
CHRISTI MEYN, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
against increased cuts to UAA. She noted that she was a
senior in the civil engineering program at UAA. She added
she was a lifelong Alaskan. She pointed out that she
planned to stay in Alaska after graduation. She related
concerns about future generations having access to
education.
1:07:26 PM
A'LENA SORENSON, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
spoke against the cuts proposed to the University system.
She noted that she was a student at UAA and part of student
government. She urged the committee to consider the role
that higher education played in the function and future of
Alaska. She discussed areas of study at UAA and related
that the University is also a center for culture and civic
engagement. She related her concerns regarding the future
educational opportunities of our state.
1:08:43 PM
KYLE PACE, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
against the cuts to the University. He mentioned that he
student at UAA currently in his junior year. He spoke of
past cuts that have affected the University, and urged the
committee to realign the budget to more close align with
what was proposed by Governor Walker. He spoke to the good
reputation of UAA, and expressed concern about a changing
public perception due to decreased services.
1:10:31 PM
ESTHER HOOPER, PARENT/TEACHER, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of the Parents as
Teachers program. She relayed a personal story about how
the program had helped a family. She expressed support for
all home programs.
1:11:29 PM
JOSEPH J. HOOPER, PARENT OF 2 IN SCHOOL, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in favor of restoring funds for the
Parents as Teachers program. He echoed the comments of his
wife, and mentioned his young daughter, and how these
services affected their family. He spoke to the efficacy of
the program.
1:12:42 PM
PAMELA KELLEY, EDUCATION DIRECTOR, ALZHEIMER'S RESOURCE OF
ALASKA, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in favor of
restoring the Governor's requested amount for the Mind
Matters program. She related that there were many people in
the state that dealt with Alzheimer's disease and related
dementias. She spoke of the isolation and lack of
engagement that comes with the early and middle stages of
the disease, and how the program helps the individuals and
their caregivers. She stated that the program offered a
support group for caregivers. She added that it helps
people to stay in their homes.
1:15:31 PM
CHARLES MCKEE, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
relayed that he was at the recent Caucus meeting in
Anchorage. He related that he owned a copyright and
referred to individual rights on contract. He continued
about various subjects, including the federal government.
1:18:10 PM
SAM SNYDER, SUSITNA RIVER COALITION, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke against the Susitna Dam project, and
proposed reappropriations the associated $33.5 million for
more necessary needs of the state. He characterized the dam
project as "ill fated" and mentioned proposed cuts to
education, transportation, and other essential services.
1:19:03 PM
LIZ SNYDER, BOARD MEMBER, AK FOOD POLICY COUNCIL, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), spoke against the elimination of
funding for the Farm to School program. She related that
Alaska spends $1.5 billion on imported food per year, and
only 10 percent of food comes from within the state while
large amounts of arable land are uncultivated. She spoke to
diet-related medical conditions in the state, as well as
food security. She mentioned food education and highlighted
the growth and success of the program. She elucidated the
efficiency of the program.
1:21:02 PM
SERGIO F. ACUNA, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
spoke in favor of restoring funding to vocational training
programs in the state. He made note of the benefit to our
economy, and the importance of having a well-trained
Alaskan workforce. He spoke to a non-resident hire problem.
He related that he received vocational training and relayed
how it had benefited his family. He mentioned preparing for
a future workforce.
1:22:59 PM
JANE SHELBY, DIRECTOR, ALASKA WWAMI MEDICAL PROGRAM, UAA,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), , director of WWAMI at UAA,
spoke in favor of retaining funding for the WWAMI program
and spoke to its' merits. She commented that the program
was a major contributor to Alaska's physician workforce.
She noted the shortage of physicians, particularly primary
care physicians. She discussed WWAMI graduates and the high
percentage that chose primary care. She asserted the cost-
effectiveness of the program and suggested it would grow in
the future if funded. She noted the high cost of recruiting
rather than hiring from within the state. She mentioned the
intent language, which had referred to a gradual
elimination of the program.
1:25:16 PM
MONICA WRIGHT, AK WWAMI STUDENT, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), related that spoke in favor of maintaining
funding for the WWAMI program. She related that she was an
Alaska-track student, and had completed almost three years
of her training in state. She expressed that as of the
subsequent fall, WWAMI students would be able to complete
all of their training in Alaska. She opined that the
program was important to addressing the shortage of
physicians in Alaska.
Co-Chair Neuman welcomed Representative Andy Josephson to
the gallery.
1:27:11 PM
VICKI OTTE, CEO, MTNT VILLAGE CORPORATION, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke against cuts to spoke against cuts
to the Division of Forestry. She noted that MTNT represents
the villages of McGrath, Takotna, Nikolai, and Telida. She
mentioned the proposed closing of the McGrath Fire
Suppression Area, which protected approximately 88 million
acres in rural Alaska. She mentioned an interagency
agreement that was put in place to protect the communities
in rural Alaska, and wondered if the Division of Forestry
had consulted with the other agencies with regard to the
closure. She opined that rural Alaska was getting the brunt
of the budget cuts, and alleged that the cuts created a
life-threatening situation.
1:29:49 PM
LLOYD MORRIS, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
against cuts to public broadcasting. He related that he had
served as Chairman on the Alaska Public Broadcasting
Commission. He added that he had travelled to all of the
public television and many of the public radio stations in
Alaska, and has witnessed the service provided to
communities. He listed benefits such as community
involvement, national/state/local information flow, and at
times response to public health and safety circumstances.
He urged the committee to restore funding for public
broadcasting. He noted the frugality that had been
practiced in Alaska public broadcasting, and recognized the
financial challenges of the state. He used Gavel to Gavel
as an example of a service provided to Alaskans. He
characterized the proposed cuts as "devastating" to the
system, and stated that an informed citizenry was the
strength of a democratic government.
1:32:08 PM
CLARE DOTE, THE WORKING FOREST GROUP, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke against cuts to the Division of
Forestry timber sale program. He noted he was a lifelong
Alaska, a forester, as well as Board President of The
Working Forest Group (WFG). He explained that the mission
of the WFG was to educate Alaskans by promoting and
implementing active forest management. He described the
Timber Sale program as the "backbone of our state's working
forest." He made note of the state revenue, energy, fire
mitigation, access, subsistence lifestyles, and jobs
created by the program. He spoke to a threat to the timber
industry in the region, including the Viking Lumber Sawmill
in Klawok, a major employer. He referred to 400 private
sector jobs in the timber industry, and affordable wood
energy.
1:34:33 PM
ABBE DUNNIN-NEWBURY, SECRETARY, BOARD OF DIRECTORS, BEAN'S
CAFÉ, INC, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in favor
of human services community matching grants that would
support the Children's Lunchbox (CL) program through Bean's
Café. She discussed financial implications of the proposed
cuts. She related that many children that experience food
insecurity at home benefit from foodstuffs they receive
through the program. She related that the CL sends home
food for the weekend, which provided essential nutrition.
She explained that cuts to Bean's Café would mean they
would no longer be able to provide bus passes for consumers
to get to needed social services.
1:37:24 PM
SCOTT SLENDER, PROGRAM MANAGER, BEAN'S CAFÉ, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), urged the committee to reinstate funding
for the human services community matching grant. He
explained that the grant serves the neediest of the
Anchorage community, and the benefit to the community is
huge. He related that they served individuals with a
variety of disabilities and special needs, as well as the
elderly and veterans. He noted that the greater he is able
to serve individuals in need, the less of a strain on
emergency medical services and other related entities. He
related that their services help individuals to build
autonomy.
1:39:40 PM
RANDI BINION-OLSON, PROGRAM MANAGER, CHILDREN'S LUNCHBOX,
BEAN'S CAFÉ, INC., ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), urged
the committee to reinstate the human services community
matching grant. She spoke to 416 children served by the
program, and related that they would no longer be able to
provide "weekend food" for these children. She pointed out
the effect of poor nutrition on mental and physical health.
1:40:55 PM
ARLENE BRISCOE, AK NURSES ASSOCIATION, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), strongly urged the committee to support
Medicaid expansion. She alleged that nearly 42,000 Alaskans
would be eligible for health coverage under Medicaid
expansion. She listed the benefits and increased access to
healthcare that the expansion would provide. She mentioned
she had worked in the psychiatric emergency department and
observed individuals not getting the services they needed
due to lack of insurance.
1:43:36 PM
STAR LEE, MANAGER, PARENTS AS TEACHERS, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in favor of restoring funds for
Best Beginnings and the Parents as Teachers (PAT) program.
She referred to research that showed the efficacy of
Parents as Teachers through increased school readiness,
academic achievement, and parenting skills. She noted that
participation in the PAT program was voluntary, and
participants were highly invested.
1:43:49 PM
KARLA JUTZI, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS, FOOD BANK OF
ALASKA (FBA), ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), urged the
committee to support human services community matching
grants. She explained that the grant allowed FBA to
purchase more than 205,000 lbs. of fresh fruit and
vegetables for the hungry, and it would help 27,000
families in the coming year. She noted that fresh fruit and
vegetables were among the most expensive foods to purchase.
She added that the proposed cut would mean that FBA would
be unable to purchase one full trailer-load of produce for
hungry families that they would otherwise distribute.
1:45:45 PM
NIKOLE NELSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA LEGAL SERVICES
CORPORATION (ALSC), ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
against cuts to ALSC. She explained that ALSC was a non-
profit law firm that provided free legal aid to low income
Alaskans statewide through 11 offices located in rural and
urban communities. She added that ALSC is Alaska's only
legal aid program. She noted that ALSC's current
appropriation was far less than is necessary to serve the
people that are accessing their services. She added that
due to limited resources, they were already turning away
one person for every one they served. She relayed that the
poverty population has more than doubled since 1984, when
they had $1.2 million; with the proposed cuts, they would
receive one third of that amount. She added that ALSC had
stretched their resources through donated office space, a
network of pro bono volunteers, and paying staff below
market value. She reiterated the ALSC mission of justice
for all.
1:47:47 PM
RIC NELSON, CHAIR, GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL ON DISABILITIES/
SPECIAL EDUCATION, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in
favor of funding for Alaska Legal Services. He noted that
the Governor's Council will be working to curb expenses and
find savings, citing examples of utilizing teleconferences
and travel savings. He also spoke in favor of Medicaid
reform and expansion. He spoke to disability hire. He
referred to the population of people who utilize emergency
care due to lack of health care access. He spoke to
Medicaid state Option I and K, which would allow the state
to increase reimbursement for state plan options that will
help to reform the system.
1:50:19 PM
MARY JO TORGESON, DIRECTOR, ANCHORAGE PUBLIC LIBRARY,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in favor of the
Online with Libraries (OWL) program. She noted that the
program had connected a lot of libraries, particularly
village libraries, throughout the state. She related that
the most important piece was adding broadband access to
village libraries, to facilitate digital inclusion. She
spoke in support of funding for the Homework Help program,
an online tutoring program used around the state. She
explained that there were around 33,000 around the state
using the program. She mentioned the need for good
broadband to utilize the program. She spoke about the
importance of early literacy and gave her support for
reinstating funds for Best Beginnings. She mentioned the
success of the Imagination Library program.
1:52:37 PM
ROB DOLAN, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified
in support of funding for the Adult Day Services Grant
Program. He mentioned that he was 40 year resident of
Anchorage and he and his spouse were teachers in Anchorage.
He related that a year or two prior, he and his wife became
full time caregivers for his mother, who experienced
Alzheimer's. He mentioned the Serendipity program in
Anchorage, and how the program has helped with supportive
services. He related the challenges associated with the
disease, and the importance of supportive programs to
assist families dealing with elder care.
1:56:02 PM
CATHY BRENNER, DIRECTOR, SERENDIPITY ADULT DAY PROGRAM,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in support of
funding for the Adult Day Services Grant Program. She
related that the program has been providing services since
1985, mostly to seniors with Alzheimer's disease or related
dementias. She made note that the population of adult
seniors in Alaska is growing. She stressed the importance
of the services provided to sufferers of Alzheimer's and
their caregivers. She stated that the program is fiscally
sound. She cited a study that illustrated the cost savings
and efficacy of adult day programs versus long-term care.
1:58:12 PM
LAUREN KELSEY, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in
favor of reinstating funding for Obesity Prevention Grants.
She noted that she was the School Grants Manager for the
Obesity Prevention and Control Program, State of Alaska
Department of Health and Social Services. She discussed the
subject of obesity and the related costs to the state. She
stated that yearly, the state of Alaska spends over $459
million on direct medical costs attributed to obesity. She
discussed the preventable healthcare costs associated with
obesity. She spoke to obesity related illnesses such as
diabetes and heart disease.
2:00:39 PM
CHRIS INGMANSON, PRESIDENT, BOARD OF DIRECTORS, CHUGIAK
SENIOR CITIZENS, INC., EAGLE RIVER (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding for the Adult Day Services
Program. She emphasized the importance of the program to
not only the elders, but to their family members. She
attested that for some, the day services program was the
only way to have their family members stay at home. She
spoke to the isolation encountered by individuals with
Alzheimer's and related dementias. She referred to the cost
effectiveness of adult day services versus assisted living
or skilled nursing scenarios.
2:02:50 PM
BECCA BERNARD, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), urged
the committee to restore the one-time funds for public
education that were allocated the previous year. She noted
that the previous year was the first in several years that
education funding had been increased. She spoke to the lost
human potential as a side effect of cutting education. She
mentioned the importance of graduation rates and improved
dropout rates. She pointed out difficulties in retaining
teachers, large class sizes, and few electives to keep
students engaged as problems resultant from diminished
education funding. She related fears that the middle school
model would be lost.
2:05:00 PM
ALYSE GALVIN, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in support of full funding for Pre-K programs and testified
in favor of restoring funds for the Parents as Teachers
program. She acknowledged that some committee members may
have been unhappy with student results, and relayed she was
working to improve that. She opined that reducing funds was
not a way to make a positive difference. She related her
personal experience with child development support and
information, and related the personal successes of her
family. She mentioned early learners who were in need of
support. She spoke to the importance of health, safety,
kindness, and education, and asked the committee to keep
those values in mind.
2:07:37 PM
JIM POWELL, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified
in support of funding for the Adult Day Services Grant
Program. He related that his wife was diagnosed with
dementia and perhaps Alzheimer's, and that he had
participated in the Mind Matters program. He referred to
the $19,000 that was in question. He spoke to the
statistics of Alzheimer's and dementia with aging. He noted
the increased chances of caregivers developing related
illnesses due to stress.
2:09:52 PM
PAUL H. SHADURA II, SELF, KENAI (via teleconference), spoke
against cuts to the Chinook Initiative. He related that he
was a third generation commercial fisherman. He spoke of
the importance of our renewable resources. He alleged that
cuts would create a threat to subsistence, personal use,
sport, and commercial fisheries. He urged the committee to
consider the benefits of the program in the long term.
2:11:10 PM
JOSHUA FRANKS, SOUTHCENTRAL FOUNDATION, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding of
Medicaid expansion. He related the mission of the
foundation. He discussed the fact that Alaska Native people
from across the state access services in Anchorage. He
stressed the importance of increased access to healthcare,
and mentioned shifting costs from state to federal Medicaid
payments. He spoke of expansion at the Alaska Native
Medical Center, and higher utilization rates. He alluded to
a correlation between utilizing healthcare services and
decreased use of emergency medical services and
hospitalization.
2:13:18 PM
CINDY KNALL, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), voiced
support for University of Alaska funding for the WWAMI
program. She related that she is an Associate Professor of
Medical Education and UAA Scientific Representative for
Alaska INBRE (Idea Network of Biomedical Research
Excellence). She asked the committee to remove the intent
language that would eliminate the WWAMI program. She opined
that the budget cuts made in the University of Alaska and
the Education and Early Development subcommittees had the
potential to significantly impact Alaska's ability to
compete for and win multi-million dollar grants such as
INBRE. She furthered that the cuts would impact the ability
to provide great educational and training opportunities to
the students and citizens of the state. She added that the
WWAMI program is a means of creating doctors for Alaska.
2:15:19 PM
ALEX SCIVKA, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), urged
the committee to restore funding for public broadcasting.
He noted that he listened to KNBA and KSKA public radio
every day for clear unbiased news from across Alaska, as
well as the world outside. He expressed understanding that
some reductions were necessary in the current budget
climate. He asked the committee to consider a more
reasonable reduction to public broadcasting.
2:15:57 PM
LISA AQUINO, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES
(CSS), ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in support of
reinstating funds for Best Beginnings. She also testified
in support of funding for Medicaid expansion. She spoke to
the human services community matching grant, and thanked
the committee for including $1.4 million that was put
forward in the Governor's budget. She pointed out that the
allocation was a 20 percent reduction from the previous
year. She noted that CSS used the funds to pay for shift
supervisors at two emergency homeless shelters in
Anchorage. She added that the 20 percent reduction would
translate into a reduction of 1.5 FTE, which would
significantly affect the shelters. She explained that the
service provided the only shelter for the homeless
population of men, women, and children in Anchorage. She
noted the cost effectiveness of the human services matching
grant in addressing the critical problems of homelessness
and food shortage.
2:18:14 PM
DIRK SHUMAKER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, KIDS CORPS INC.,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke against proposed cuts
for Best Beginnings. He also spoke in support of full
funding for Pre-K programs and testified in favor of
restoring funds for the Parents as Teachers program. He
related a story about a child who experienced significant
family trauma. He discussed how the programs could have
served the child and his family and made a difference. He
urged the committee to reinstate funding.
2:20:40 PM
WAYNE BOEDECKER, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding for the Adult Day Services.
He noted that his mother had accessed services through the
Daybreak program, where she could receive day habilitation.
He related the experience of providing full time care of an
adult, and how the program assisted with the significant
burden. He mentioned his participation as a volunteer on
the Daybreak Advisory Board, and noted the board's concern
with the welfare of their consumers. He asked the committee
to look closely at the program and ensure they were
properly funded.
2:24:08 PM
ABBE HENSLEY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BEST BEGINNINGS,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in support of
reinstating funds for Best Beginnings. She stated that the
supported 33 Imagination Libraries, as well as 6 early
childhood partnerships that provided services in 113
diverse Alaskan communities. She commented that enrollment
in Imagination Library has grown from 3600 children in 2009
to 23,603 currently. She noted that the Library was funded
through a combination of state and private sources. She
described the services provided by the early childhood
partnership, and related that they could offset challenges
faced by parents and children. She noted that Best
Beginnings did state-wide outreach including a website,
social media, and television. She spoke to a letter from
the Dollywood Foundation (copy on file). She reiterated her
support of full funding for early childhood, Pre-K, Parents
as Teachers, and Best Beginnings.
2:26:39 PM
LAURA BONNER, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in support of education funding and Pre-K programs. She
also spoke for restored funding in Department of Labor and
Workforce Development. She stressed the importance of a
well-trained workforce and worker safety. She testified in
support of funding for Medicaid expansion, and added that
it was a moral responsibility. She voiced opposition to
funding cuts to the Alaska Marine Highway System. She
stated that the proposed cuts would affect tourism.
2:28:42 PM
DEBORAH WILLIAMS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ANCHORAGE YOUTH
DEVELOPMENT COALITION, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
spoke in support of funding for behavioral health services.
She opined that the legislature's past funding of the
Behavior Health Prevention and Early Intervention Grants
Program saved the state money. She cited studies that
indicated a statistically significant decline in youth risk
behaviors. She spoke to a finding that correlated organized
activities to less likelihood of using marijuana regularly.
2:30:48 PM
ROBERT MILLER, STUDENT MEMBER, ANCHORAGE YOUTH COURT,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified against cuts to
the Alaska Youth Courts. He mentioned he was a
representative on the Anchorage Youth Court Board of
Directors. He continued to explain how Anchorage Youth
Court has been an important part of his life. He stated
that the Alaska Youth Court has a greater level of
involvement and had been used as a model in other states
and other parts of the world.
2:32:59 PM
PAT FALON, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
against cuts to the Department of Labor, particularly
positions that were partially federally funded. He referred
to the 12 percent cuts proposed by the governor. He spoke
about the importance of vocational training programs and
hiring from within the state.
2:34:44 PM
AT EASE
3:00:54 PM
RECONVENED
HOPE FINKELSTEIN, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding for Medicaid expansion and
public education. She discussed the effects of turning down
a $28 million budget savings over the following four years
by turning down Medicaid. Medicaid expansion would bring
the state over $130 million per year in federal funds and
would create over 4,000 jobs. She concluded that as a cost-
saving measure the state needed to cut the large mega
projects from the budget including the Susitna-Watana Dam,
Ambler Road, and Knik Arm Bridge projects. She also asked
the committee to support Public Radio. She thanked the
committee.
3:03:44 PM
STEPHANIE BERGLUND, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, THREAD,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in support of
reinstating funds for Best Beginnings, Parents as Teachers,
and Pre-K programs. She reviewed the benefits of each
program. She indicated that Pre-K was critical to the long-
term success of children. She reported that Alaska already
ranked in the bottom 10 states across the country for
investments in young children. The proposed cuts would set
the state further behind. She encouraged the committee to
invest in young Alaskans.
3:05:56 PM
IMMANUEL LEWIS, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding for Medicaid expansion. He
stressed that the longer the state waited to use the
benefits, the more money the state would lose out on. He
wondered why the legislature would not want to expand
Medicaid. He urged the committee to do what was best for
Alaskans in need and for Alaska's budget.
3:06:32 PM
MICHAEL GALLAGHER, ANCHORAGE YOUTH COURT, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified against cuts to the Alaska Youth
Courts. He outlined the functions of the program and
identified some of the advantages of the program. He shared
some of his personal experience. He asked committee members
to reconsider their decision and to reinstate the funding
for Alaska Youth Courts.
3:07:27 PM
ANNELISE BURGESS, ANCHORAGE YOUTH COURT, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified against cuts to the Alaska Youth
Courts. She relayed some of the benefits of the program.
She shared some of her experience and stressed the
importance of bettering youth. She reiterated her stance in
support of Alaska Youth Court and thanked the committee for
hearing her testimony.
3:09:31 PM
BRANDON MCGUIRE, UA LOCAL 367 PLUMBERS AND PIPE FITTERS,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified against cuts to
the Alaska Youth Courts. He urged the committee to keep the
program funded as much as possible.
3:10:24 PM
LEON KNUDSON, SELF, PALMER (via teleconference), spoke
about the cuts to the Commissioner of Labor's office. He
expressed concern with removing key positions. He also
discussed the importance of training and workplace safety
programs. He suggested it did not make sense to cut labor
positions that were 75 percent federally funded. He
reported that the 31 percent cuts proposed by Governor
Walker would be cut deeper than any other department. He
continued citing some statistics regarding the budget
reductions. He encouraged the committee to reinstate the
funding for the Department of Labor.
3:12:14 PM
PETER MICHALSKI, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
spoke in favor of funding for Alaska Legal Services. He
relayed his experience as an attorney and the importance of
care. He felt that many people do important work in making
the system work better. He encouraged members to take
another look at increased funding for the Alaska Legal
Services.
3:15:00 PM
AT EASE
3:42:19 PM
RECONVEYENED
Co-Chair Neuman returned to the Anchorage
3:43:05 PM
KARI JAHNSEN, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified against cuts to the Anchorage Youth Court. She
explained that she was a student volunteer with the youth
court. She relayed the positive effects of the program
she's witnessed being involved. She continued to explain
the benefits of the program and the cost-benefits to do
with recidivism. She understood the challenges of the
budget but felt that the program should remain funded. She
thanked the committee.
3:45:22 PM
CAROLYN HEYMAN-LAYNE, ATTORNEY AND PARENT, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in favor of funding for Alaska Legal
Services. She stated that the population that received the
services would not have access otherwise. She claimed that
for every dollars spent Alaska Legal Services saved $5
dollars for the state. As a mother she appreciated the
services the program provided to women and mothers who were
looking to protect their children. She also spoke in
support of full funding for Pre-K programs including Best
Beginnings. She currently had a child in a Pre-K program
and could see the benefits from a personal standpoint. She
believed that supporting Pre-K education was worth the
investment.
3:47:34 PM
JOANIE CLEARY, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding for Medicaid expansion. She
outlined the potential services to over 41 thousand
Alaskans that did not currently have access. She mentioned
several programs that were important particularly mental
health and substance abuse treatment programs. She added
that she worked as a guardian ad litem assistant in the
child protection system. She reported that parents that
sought treatment often could not receive help. Medicaid
would provide access to the services helping families to
stay together. She also discussed the financial savings to
the state and the potential job opportunities with Medicaid
expansion.
3:49:11 PM
CHRIS TURLETES, FACILITIES DIRECTOR, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA
ANCHORAGE, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), voiced support
for restoring the funding for the new facilities at the
University of Alaska, approximately $2.7 million. He also
encouraged support for the facilities operating budget at
least at the governor's budget number. He talked about the
engineering building that was already in planning and
design and asked for additional monies to bring the
facility to completion. He continued to provide additional
information for the project. He mentioned some of the
ramifications of a reduced budget for the University of
Alaska and encouraged support.
3:52:12 PM
RYAN BUCHHOLDT, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), voiced support for University of Alaska
funding. He asked that the university funding be restored
to the level proposed in the governor's budget. He
mentioned the challenge of getting the new buildings on
line and wanted them funded to completion levels. He added
that he was part of a task force that assessed program
priorities. He indicated that during the review many areas
were actively measuring effectiveness and coming up with
ways to improve effectiveness. He urged the committee to
reduce the budget in a more gradual manner and restated
that the university budget be restored to the governor's
level of funding.
3:54:49 PM
KAREL HAUSER, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in opposition to funding the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric
Project. She mentioned the negative environmental effects
of the project speaking from the perspective of a
nutritionist. She restated her objection to funding for the
Susitna Dam project.
3:55:33 PM
BILL HAUSER, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in
opposition to funding the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric
Project. He opined that the dam would be a "fish killer."
He opined that it would be trading one resource for
another. He reported that he was a retired fish biologist
and spoke about the negative effects of the potential dam
and the related infrastructure that would be built. He
suggested that there were alternative turbines that would
have less of an impact. He also spoke against the Chuitna
Coal project. He thanked the committee for its time.
Co-Chair Neuman said the committee would take a brief at
ease and return at 4:15 pm.
3:57:43 PM
AT EASE
4:19:38 PM
RECONVENED
Co-Chair Neuman stated that there was no one in Anchorage
on the testifier list. The committee would reconvene at
4:30 pm.
4:19:49 PM
AT EASE
4:35:28 PM
RECONVENED
^PUBLIC TESTIMONY: SITKA, PETERSBURG, DELTA JUNCTION,
UNALASKA, GLENNALLEN, AND TOK
4:35:37 PM
CHARLES MORGAN, RAVEN RADIO, SITKA (via teleconference),
urged the committee to restore funding for public
broadcasting. He appreciated the financial circumstances,
but he believed the cuts were too severe and could cripple
public radio in the state. He asserted that public radio
made Alaska into a community, providing opportunities for
those who wished to make a contribution. He felt that
public radio provided diversity to communities through the
national, statewide and local news stories it broadcasted,
while offering the opportunity for citizens to share
different perspectives on a variety of issues.
4:38:10 PM
GREG MANDEL, KETTLESON MEMORIAL LIBRARY, SITKA (via
teleconference), testified in favor of the Online with
Libraries Program (OWL). He shared that many citizens could
not afford home computers and depended on the library to
connect with the outside world via the internet. He
explained that the program would provide the bandwidth
support that would cost the library an additional $300-$400
per month. He shared that the program connected citizens of
Sitka to the rest of the state through a host of video
conferencing programs. He related that the conferencing
network offered programs on topics ranging from health and
safety to panel discussions on important social issues and
pending legislation. He stressed that the network provided
citizens from his community a voice to express concerns on
important issues, while engaging with other Alaskans in
discussion on life-changing matters. He believed that the
program provided a connection to educational programs that
improved the daily lives of citizens that would be lacking
should OWL be discontinued. He related a personal story of
a local woman learning online through the program how to
treat, feed and care for her diabetic child.
4:40:33 PM
LISA SADLEIR-HART, SITKA LOCAL FOODS NETWORK, SITKA (via
teleconference), spoke in support for funding the Farm to
School Program. She stressed the importance of locally
grown food, highlighting that Alaska spent $1.5 billion,
each year, to import food. She opined that only 5-10
percent of the food consumed in the state was produced or
harvested in Alaska, while acres of land remained
uncultivated. She hypothesized the benefits of using state
dollars for Alaska grown products and producing healthy
foods in large enough quantities to meet the need in
statewide school cafeterias. She shared that the program
prioritized putting locally produced goods in school
cafeterias, raising a generation of food leaders and
consumers and creating a large and reliable market for
increased in-state food production. She offered that in
three years school districts involved in the program had
grown from zero to 68 percent and there had been an 11
percent increase in school gardens statewide. She furthered
that 100 percent of school districts were now serving at
least one local food item in their meal programs. She
relayed that in 5 years the program had leveraged over $1
million from partner agencies. She noted that the program
had garnered these successes with a budget of $190,000,
which she believed was a significant return on investment.
She believed that eliminating funding for the program would
result in cutting healthful, locally grown food items from
the lunches of young children.
4:42:49 PM
THOMAS CONLEY, SITKA SCHOOL BOARD, SITKA (via
teleconference), testified in support of education funding.
He expressed his distress at the proposal to eliminate the
$32.4 million in one-time education funds from the prior
year and the $13 million in specific programmatic cuts. He
was particularly disturbed by cuts to early childhood
learning, with the bulk of pre-kindergarten programs being
eliminated. He asserted that children that were read to,
spoken to, and included in conversation, developed and
matured more rapidly than their peers who were lacking in
similar stimulation. He spoke to medical, sociological and
educational studies that bore out the validity of the
argument that early exposure to learning was beneficial to
children. He noted that the economic realities of the
present were that most families needed two incomes to
survive, which limited the parents ability to be the sole
provider of early educational stimuli. He concluded that
when well-structured, early education was provided to pre-
kindergarten children the educational and subsequent
economic dividends were significant.
4:45:55 PM
TIM FULTON, SITKA SCHOOL BOARD, SITKA (via teleconference),
spoke in support of education funding. He stated that on a
personal level, he struggled daily with the lack of a basic
foundation in reading, writing and mathematics. He opined
that this was a struggle for him. He believed that
education should be funded at the highest possible level in
order to assure that children would be spared the academic
struggles that he had faced in life.
4:46:54 PM
MEGAN LITSTER, PETERSBURG SCHOOL DISTRICT, PETERSBURG (via
teleconference), spoke in support of education funding. She
requested continued support for funds promised to schools
in HB 278, as well as the Obesity Prevention Grants under
the Department of Health and Social Services, Public
Health. She stated that the cuts equated to $300,000 in
funds from her district, which meant a possible loss of
four teaching positions and multiple programs districtwide.
4:48:34 PM
GINGER EVENS, PETERSBURG SCHOOL DISTRICT, PETERSBURG (via
teleconference), requested that the funds for the Obesity
Prevention Grants be reinstated to the Department of Health
and Social Services budget. She asserted that the Healthy
Living Grants were a vital link in education students and
community members on the importance of living a healthy
lifestyle. She echoed that cutting the grants would result
in a $300,000 cut, over two years, and would compound the
cuts already brought on by HB 278. She offered that curbing
obesity at an early age would save the state money in
healthcare related costs in the future. She contended that
obesity related costs in the state were projected to be
upward of $600 million annually by 2013, if obesity rates
did not decrease. She stated that the district had created
a four-year action plan to fight obesity; with the funds
being cut, components of the grant that were just beginning
in the second year would not be finished.
4:50:39 PM
JONI JOHNSON, PETERSBURG SCHOOL DISTRICT, PETERSBURG (via
teleconference), spoke in support of education funds. She
testified in opposition to the elimination of the one-time
education funds passed the prior year. She shared that the
school district had worked to come up with a fiscally
conservative plan and that removing the one-time funding
from the previous year that was already a part of their
budget plan, seemed irresponsible. She stressed that
businesses did not run wisely on a lack of planning. She
relayed that the borough was looking at a loss of over
$825,000 in funding. She did not want to lose programs and
activity funding for healthy living and other programs that
served the community.
4:52:32 PM
DAVID KENSINGER, SELF, PETERSBURG (via teleconference),
voiced opposition to funding cuts to the Alaska Marine
Highway System. He expressed compassion for the hard
budgetary decisions that legislators had to make. He stated
that his business would be negatively impacted by the
cancelation of ferry routes. He detailed that direct costs
to his business would be $20,000 and the loss of an
employee. He noted that the Marine Transportation Board had
two functions: to vet the new deputy commissioner and to
work in planning, he asserted that both of those tasks,
designated by statue, had not happened. He encouraged the
committee to empower the board so that customers and
communities could have a voice in reshaping the
transportation system for the island dependent communities
in the state.
4:54:31 PM
ERICA KLUDT-PAINTER, PETERSBURG SCHOOL DISTRICT, PETERSBURG
(via teleconference), spoke in opposition to proposed cuts
to education. She spoke to funding that had been provided
in the budget the prior year. She stated that the cuts
would equal $245,000 over the next two years. She stressed
that it equated to real money, real people and real
programs. She discussed the further proposed cuts to early
childhood education and the Obesity Prevention Grant
program. She believed that the legislature should keep its
promise to fund the programs. The community would continue
to responsibly tighten its belt; the change needed to occur
gradually. Se opined that the district would see larger
class sizes, cuts to technology and support programs for at
risk youth as a result of the cuts.
4:56:48 PM
CHARLES WOOD, SELF, PETERSBURG (via teleconference), urged
the committee to restore funding for public broadcasting.
He stated that the proposed cut of 59 percent was
unacceptable. He asserted that public radio provided news,
public events, emergency information, weather, and other
valuable information. He related several ways in which
public radio had been a valuable asset in his life. He
shared that his family made local financial contributions
to his local public radio station. He testified in support
of funding for Medicaid expansion.
4:58:52 PM
MARINA WHITACRE, SELF, PETERSBURG (via teleconference),
spoke in opposition to education cuts. She was against cuts
to the Obesity Prevention Grant Program.
4:59:33 PM
SARAH HOLMGRAIN, SELF, PETERSBURG SCHOOL DISTRICT (via
teleconference), spoke against cuts to education. She
echoed the points and concerns of the previous testifiers
for education. She offered several suggestions as to how
the legislature might navigate their fiscal problems. She
believe that the proposed cuts would create many problems
for the state.
5:01:51 PM
BOB MARTIN, SELF, PETERSBURG (via teleconference), urged
the committee to restore funding for public broadcasting.
He believed that the 59 percent cut was extreme and
highlighted the many benefits that public broadcasting
brought to the state.
5:02:36 PM
DAVID BERG, VIKING TRAVEL, PETERSBURG (via teleconference),
voiced opposition to funding cuts to the Alaska Marine
Highway System. He discussed the impact of a change in
ferry schedule would have on various businesses and
activity in the state. He said that a proposed road from
Kake to Petersburg could be cut from the budget in order to
free up some funds; the road would not be used often and
would require a ferry connection on the Petersburg and
additional terminal costs.
5:04:22 PM
ELIZABETH HART, SELF, PETERSBURG (via teleconference),
urged the committee to restore funding for public
broadcasting. She stressed that a 59 percent cut was
disproportionate and could end public radio in the state.
She stressed that the local station currently operated on a
bare-bones budget and was the only source for local news
and information. She added that the station provided much
needed emergency communication and served multi-generation
community members. She shared that the station had gone
from 9 staff to 5. She relayed that the station provided an
outlet for children, teens and adults in the form of
volunteer programming.
5:05:42 PM
RONN BUSCHMANN, SELF, PETERSBURG (via teleconference),
urged the committee to restore funding for public
broadcasting. He shared that the station provided
information about news, emergencies and was the "life
blood" of rural Alaska. He shared that the local community
offered significant financial support to the station, but
the proposed 59 percent cut would impact the station's
ability to function.
5:07:06 PM
JOSEF PLOETZNER, SITKA SCHOOL BOARD, SITKA (via
teleconference), spoke in opposition to cuts for education.
He related that he had seen firsthand the challenges of
working in schools that could on offer elective classes
while working in rural Alaska. He shared that the
curriculum in Sitka currently offered classes that engaged
students; however, in the previous year he witnessed the
loss of the Spanish Language and Home Economics programs.
5:08:15 PM
GERRY HOPE, MTAB, SITKA (via teleconference), voiced
opposition to funding cuts to the Alaska Marine Highway
System. The proposed cuts would negatively impact
businesses, community events, the education system, and
other coastal ways of life. He proposed that the
legislature allow the Marine Transportation Advisory Board
to work with the advisory system to work with the system to
develop strategic planning for further cuts.
5:09:34 PM
LINDSAY EVANS, SELF, SITKA (via teleconference), spoke
against cuts to education. She stressed that a decent
education was incredibly important. She urged the
legislature fund schools at the maximum capacity. She
emphasized that Alaska's children were the state's largest
asset.
5:11:02 PM
KARI SAGEL, TEACHER, SITKA SCHOOL DISTRICT, SITKA (via
teleconference), asked for the reinstatement of one-time
funds passed the prior year for education. She related that
the cuts were harmful as school districts had already built
their budget with the promised funds included. She said
that the cuts came at a time when schools were being
pressured to address low test scores and achievement gaps.
She asserted that now was the time to be providing programs
that kept students in school.
5:11:57 PM
COURTNEY HOWARD, SELF, SITKA (via teleconference), spoke in
support of restoring education funding. He believed
activities were important to the overall educational
experience of students. He asserted that sports activities
taught goal setting and demonstrated through experience
that students could define a goal and meet the goal. He
pointed out that students in Alaska faced great challenges
in the areas of drug addiction, alcoholism and domestic
violence and that extracurricular activities help teach
student the life skill necessary to handle these
challenges. He believed that he would not have pursued a
higher education had it not been for sports programs in his
schools.
5:13:59 PM
BEN WHITE, SITKA SCHOOL DISTRICT, SITKA (via
teleconference), spoke in support of funds for education.
He asked the committee to fulfill the promises passed the
prior session related to one-time education funds. He
stressed that current students would be future leaders of
the state and they deserved the best education possible.
KERRY MCADAMS, SELF, SITKA (via teleconference), spoke
against cuts to education. She opined that the district had
consistently made cuts over many years, which she felt was
unacceptable given what an oil-rich state the state had
been up until this year.
5:15:43 PM
MIKE SVENSON, SELF, SITKA (via teleconference), spoke
against cuts to the Division of Forestry timber program. He
spoke of the challenges that the industry faced from the
federal government, environmental groups and the entire
Democratic Party. He lamented the lack of support offered
by his community when jobs were lost by the closure of the
timber mill.
5:16:21 PM
SHERMAN STEBBINS, CITY OF DELTA, DELTA (via
teleconference), spoke in support of community revenue
sharing. He stated that community revenue sharing was the
third largest source of revenue for Delta Junction; 10
percent of the city's annual budget. The community would
like to see continued full funding for revenue sharing.
5:17:21 PM
JOHN CONWELL, UNALASKA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT, UNALASKA (via
teleconference), urged the committee to restore the one-
time education funds passed the prior year. He testified in
favor of the Online with Libraries program. He spoke in
favor of full funding for broadband in schools,
particularly for rural area schools. He reiterated his
request for the restoration of education funds.
5:19:07 PM
KAREN KRESH, CITY OF UNALASKA, UNALASKA (via
teleconference), testified in support of the Online with
Libraries program. She shared that internet access on the
island was expensive and tightly capped; home internet was
so expansive and unreliable that most residents did not
have it in their homes and used the library internet as
their main connection to the outside world. She stressed
the importance of the internet for commercial
fisherpersons. She stated that funding for the program had
allowed the library to provide high-speed internet service
and video conferencing equipment to the community. She
provided further benefits offered by the internet for
educational purposes. She stressed that the program was
essential to the community and kept it connected to the
larger world.
5:21:17 PM
MATT LIGHTNER, KUCB, UNALASKA (via teleconference), urged
the committee to restore funding for public broadcasting.
He spoke to the importance of the service provided by the
radio station including news, sporting events, and other
programming. He stressed that a 59 percent cut would amount
to approximately $80,000 for the community; it would mean
less local news and the inability to disseminate health and
safety information. He explained that the 26 stations that
were funded by Alaska Public Broadcasting Commission worked
together as a unit to provide content to all corners of the
state. He urged the committee to consider a less extreme
cut.
5:23:37 PM
ROBI HARRIS, KUCB, UNALASKA (via teleconference), urged the
committee to restore funding for public broadcasting. He
stated that the station provided a sense of community
identity, offered a source of news and entertainment, and
was the only source of radio received in the area. He
believed a 59 percent cut was too extreme and stressed that
the station could not bear the cut. He shared that
community events were publicized on the radio.
Additionally, community businesses provided information on
the radio, community events were publicized over the radio;
local domestic violence shelters, health clinics, suicide
prevention, child abuse prevention, smoking cessation and
other community non-profits advertised on the station. He
concluded that Alaska communities depended on public radio
as an important source for news and information.
5:25:36 PM
JENNIFER SHOCKLEY, KUCB, UNALASKA (via teleconference),
urged the committee to restore funding for public
broadcasting. She stated that having an adequately staffed
newsroom was crucial. The community depended on the radio
for health and safety information. The local staff ensured
that the public had information about tsunami warnings and
other weather events. She stated that the station provided
the only news source for many communities. She echoed
previous testimony.
5:28:07 PM
GARY MULLEN, SELF, GLENNALLEN (via teleconference),
testified in opposition to the defunding of the Resources
Program in the Division of Forestry. He said that removal
of the funding would affect sales and forest practices
oversight. He stressed that wood was a requirement for
local residents and that state land was the only option for
local residents to find wood to heat their homes.
5:29:19 PM
JOSEPH MILLER, BACK TO WOOD LOGGING, GLENNALLEN (via
teleconference), spoke in opposition to cutting of funds
for the Division of Forestry. He said that without the
funding he would be unable to get permits to harvest lumber
from state lands, which was his only source of lumber for
his business.
5:30:01 PM
KATHY MORGAN, TOK LIBRARY AND COMMUNITY, TOK (via
teleconference), testified in favor of the Online with
Libraries program. She stated that the program had paid
approximately $3,000 for the internet service in the
current year. She relayed that the internet speed was still
only one-quarter of the average Alaskan library speed and
40 times slower than the national average. She stressed
support for the community revenue sharing program, which
had few other resources. She spoke against cuts to the
Division of Forestry timber program. She understood that
the division would be forced to save money by combining
money dispatch for the Copper River and Tok areas. She
warned that the combination would increase risk to the
community because wildfires would be out of control by the
time responders arrived. She stated that Tok forestry had
previously been a leader in wildlife safety. She declared
that she would be willing to pay more taxes or an annual
state income tax to offset budgetary shortfalls.
5:32:38 PM
JEFF GAVAZZA, THE COMPUTER CABIN, TOK (via teleconference),
spoke in favor of full funding for expanded broadband
capability in schools. He opined the lack of technical
knowledge in the Upper Tanana Valley. He stressed that
people living in rural areas lacked access to important
information, such as legislative information on the
legislative information system, BASIS, due to weak
connectivity and lack of computer knowledge. He said that
reliable internet in the bush had become a serious problem,
which would be exasperated by the funding cuts. He asserted
that Legislative Information Offices provided rural
communities with access to the legislative process.
5:35:37 PM
DEB SPARKS, ALASKA GATEWAY SCHOOL DISTRICT, TOK (via
teleconference), spoke in opposition to the cut of one-time
education funding of $32 million passed the prior year. She
relayed that the district did its best to guarantee that
its funds were used as efficiently as possible and went
towards meeting the educational needs of students. She
relayed that many districts were facing further staff
elimination. She stressed that the elimination of the funds
meant a loss of $178,000 for the district (the equivalent
of one full-time teacher and five class aides). She stated
that the cut would limit the district's ability to address
unfunded mandates. She spoke in favor of full funding for
broadband in schools.
5:38:50 PM
Co-Chair Thompson recognized Representative Dave Talerico
in the committee room.
TODD POAGE, ALASKA GATEWAY SCHOOL DISTRICT, TOK (via
teleconference), spoke in support of education funds. He
stated that one of the most significant challenges for
rural schools in Alaska was providing for adequate internet
activity for things like distance learning, online testing,
and collaboration with students in other locations. He
detailed that the district currently had three sites at 1.5
megabytes and three sites at 3 megabytes. He spoke in favor
of full funding for broadband in schools. He stressed that
digital connectivity exposed children to a much larger
world. He provided an example related to painfully slow
internet service. He highlighted that every $100,000 the
community received through the grant represented an influx
of $1 million through the leveraging of e-Rate funds.
5:41:19 PM
SCOTT MACMANUS, ALASKA GATEWAY SCHOOL DISTRICT, TOK (via
teleconference), asked for a reinstatement of funding for
the Alaska Learning Network. He was additionally in support
of funding for Pre-K programs and the Tok forestry office.
He stressed that nothing was more important to the state's
future than educating its children. He spoke to research
demonstrating the importance of early childhood
development. He stressed that children who were behind in
kindergarten tended to stay behind. He testified in support
of Head Start, which had improved outcomes for Tok
students. He stated that the AKLN program was the first
program able to provide viable options to children without
honors courses. He spoke against the closure of the Tok
forestry office. He communicated that the state had made
significant investments in the biomass infrastructure in
the region; the decision to cut the office would result in
a waste of investment.
5:43:51 PM
JOHN HARVEY, ALASKA POWER AND TELEPHONE, TOK (via
teleconference), spoke against cuts to the Tok forestry
office. He provided numerous examples of wildfires that had
occurred in recent years that could have threatened Tok
without fire suppression service. He stressed that fire
mitigation had saved the school and other buildings. He
wanted to see the mitigation continued. He stressed that
without fire suppression services it was only a matter of
time before the town burned.
5:45:06 PM
AMY CROZIER, SELF, TOK (via teleconference), spoke in
support of local businesses. She spoke on behalf of other
business owners in Tok. She vocalized concerns about cuts
that would impact local areas. She spoke against the
closure of the Tok Legislative Information Office and/or
consolidation of the Tok Division of Forestry office. She
emphasized that the actions would create a loss of
employment in the strained Tok economy; the loss of
resources and services would have negative impacts. She
believed any discussion about the Tok area budget should
include consideration of an increase.
5:46:49 PM
ANTHONY LEE, TOP GRADE BUILDERS, TOK (via teleconference),
spoke against cuts to the Tok Division of Forestry office.
He stated that without fire suppression spot fires could
get out of control and cost the state millions of dollars.
He stated that during the fire season it would be too late
if the community had to wait for responders from Glennallen
or Fairbanks. He stated that the forestry program supported
biomass, fire remediation, and salvage logging jobs. He
shared that biomass was heating the district's school and
was saving a tremendous amount of money.
5:48:13 PM
JEFF HERMANNS, SELF, TOK (via teleconference), testified
against cuts to the Tok Division of Forestry office. He
noted that Alaska had nearly one-third of the forest
resources of the entire U.S.; however, it was at the
"bottom of the heap" when it came to utilization of forest
resources. He believed it was the definition of insanity in
light of Alaska's efforts to diversify its economy. He
remarked that the state currently had no plan to develop
its forest resources. He believed business investment in
the harvesting and processing of wood into value-added
products would create wealth. He stressed the importance of
having "boots on the ground." He observed that many of the
proposed cuts would eliminate those positions. He discussed
investment in the local timber industry in recent years. He
asserted that the way the state fought wildfires needed to
change; currently the state imported firefighters from out-
of-state. He affirmed that Alaska dollars needed to be kept
in Alaska.
5:50:24 PM
WADE PARRISH, SELF, SITKA (via teleconference), spoke
against cuts to one-time education funds passed the prior
year. He asked the committee to reconsider restoration of
the funds.
5:51:16 PM
AT EASE
6:06:08 PM
RECONVENED
^STATEWIDE OFF-NET
6:06:15 PM
TOM SUNDERLAND, OCEAN BEAUTY SEAFOODS, SEATTLE (via
teleconference), asked the committee to keep cuts to Alaska
Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) as minimal as possible.
He stated that the cuts would disproportionately hit the
domestic program due to the structure of ASMI's budget. He
discussed that fisheries export markets had never been in
worse shape. He spoke to the reasons for a decline. He
relayed that Norway and Russia were both putting extra
marketing efforts into the U.S.; the strong dollar made
their products cheaper to import into the U.S. He
emphasized growing business and protecting what the state
had.
6:08:43 PM
CALLIE CONNERTON, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA, JUNEAU (via
teleconference), voiced support for University of Alaska
funding. She spoke to her decision to pursue a career in
education and to make Alaska her home. She appreciated the
small classrooms, tight knit group of students, and direct
access to Juneau. She spoke about the benefits at the
University of Alaska Southeast. She stated that anyone
could take a course at the university to continue their
education. She asked the committee to support the budget
proposed by the governor. She stressed that education was
the state's future.
6:10:32 PM
JILLIAN LUSH, SPROUT FAMILY SERVICES, HOMER (via
teleconference), spoke in support of early education
services. She spoke in support of reinstating funds for
Best Beginnings, Pre-K, and Parents as Teachers. She spoke
to evidence showing the effectiveness of early childhood
programs. She referred to evidence showing that it was more
effective to invest in high-quality early childhood
programs than it was to remediate later in life. She
stressed that every dollar invested produced a 7 to 10
percent annual return on investment. She urged the
committee to put the items back in the budget.
6:12:34 PM
ANN DIXON, HOMER LIBRARY, HOMER (via teleconference),
testified in favor of the Online with Libraries program.
She discussed that OWL provided much benefit to Alaskans.
She stated that the State of Alaska was ranked 49th for
internet service. She shared that a small investment in OWL
leveraged millions of dollars in federal e-Rate funds. She
stressed that access to internet was essential to
functioning in the 21st century. She stated that
eliminating the funding would be short-sighted. She shared
that video conference equipment had been used for training
and other. She spoke in support of reinstating funds for
Best Beginnings. She highlighted the importance of early
literacy skills. She provided examples of pooling
resources.
6:15:05 PM
TINA HOLLAND, FORMER EDUCATOR, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), voiced support for University of Alaska
funding. She understood the job the legislature had in
addressing the state's budget; however, she strongly
recommended a reconsideration of proposed cuts. She stated
that the university contributed to the economy on a large
scale. She stressed that the cuts would have a devastating
impact on the state's economy. She spoke to problems of
retention and recruitment that would result and would
further complicate the issue. She advised that the
legislature partner with the university on items such as
alternate energy sources and other.
6:17:47 PM
POSIE BOGGS, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), urged
support for interpreter services for deaf people, Medicaid
expansion, and literacy support. She recommended cutting
capital projects like the legislature had done in 1984
through 1986. She asked the legislature to reallocate from
areas that did not negatively impact people. She believed
the motto should be "do no harm to the flesh of Alaskans."
She expressed dismay at the process of the education cuts.
She stated that there had been a lack of open, honest, and
honorable discussion in the process that produced the
proposed education cuts. She elaborated that the
legislature could provide cuts to education. She stressed
the importance of fully funding Alaska's education per the
constitution.
6:20:37 PM
MELANIE LESH, SELF, GUSTAVUS (via teleconference), urged
the committee to restore funding for public broadcasting.
She asked the committee to retain the 16.5 percent cut
proposed by the governor. She relayed that additional cuts
would threaten the ability to provide Gustavus with radio
service. She stressed the importance of public broadcasting
to rural communities. She communicated that public
broadcasting connected Alaska communities and provided
news, weather, and other vital communications. She implored
the committee to prevent cutting radio further. She asked
the committee to consider a state income tax or to
institute a sales tax. She voiced opposition to funding
cuts to the Alaska Marine Highway System.
6:23:11 PM
RACHEL PARKS, GUSTAVUS VISITOR'S ASSOCIATION, GUSTAVUS (via
teleconference), voiced opposition to funding cuts to the
Alaska Marine Highway System. She stressed the importance
of the service for residents and businesses. She relayed
that the community relied on the ferry for transportation
of visitors and freight. She discussed that the community's
primary source of income came from tourism. She encouraged
the committee to carefully consider how cuts to the ferry
system would impact small, water-bound communities.
6:25:32 PM
TODD PETTIT, SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS, MAT-SU
(via teleconference), spoke in favor of restoring funding
for the Department of Natural Resources Conservation Board.
He indicated that the board was appointed by the governor
and was responsible for putting forth regulations. The
funding had been eliminated, which took away from operating
funds of all Soil and Water Conservation Districts. He
stated that for every $1.00 received from the state the
districts received $10 in federal money.
6:28:27 PM
PAMELA SAMASH, SELF, NENANA (via teleconference), relayed
that she had provided written testimony to the committee.
She noted that her testimony included thoughts on how the
legislature could save the state money.
6:29:24 PM
VICTORIA MARTIN, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
spoke in favor of restoring funding for senior benefits
programs. She shared that her income was below the federal
poverty level. The senior benefits program provided her
with food and housing. She emphasized that the proposal to
cut the program left people devastated. She communicated
that medications that had previously been $2.00 had
increased to $3.50, which was significant for low-income
seniors. She implored the committee to maintain the
benefits at the current level.
6:30:56 PM
SARAH REDMON, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), urged
the committee to add 23 positions to the Office of
Children's Services within the Department of Health and
Social Services. Additionally, she requested $210,000 in
education and training voucher funds. She shared that she
had spent 8 years in foster care and had moved through 16
different foster homes in the state. She had 12 siblings
who had all been raised in foster care in Alaska. She had
recently "aged-out" of foster care on her 21st birthday.
She was struggling to gain her independence. She shared
that her brothers and sisters were still in foster care;
every day she worried about whether their needs were being
met.
6:32:05 PM
MARGIE WALKER, UNIVERSITY REPRESENTATIVE, GRAYLING (via
teleconference), voiced support for University of Alaska
funding. She pointed out the university has helped many
rural students over the years. She did not want to see cuts
in the university's budget. She thanked the committee for
its time.
6:32:50 PM
RACHEL BEDSWORTH, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
spoke on behalf of funding for the Office of Child Services
(OCS). She reported that she had been in foster care for
eleven years and lived in forty-five different foster
homes. She continued to share her personal experience as a
foster youth. She asked that the legislature add twenty-
three positions to the OCS and $210 thousand to the
education and training voucher. She thanked the committed
for hearing her testimony.
6:33:30 PM
LESLIE WALLS. UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), voiced support for University of Alaska
funding and for funding for Best Beginnings. She indicated
her disapproval of the cuts to the university's budget
proposed by the House Finance subcommittee by
Representative Wilson. She suggested that the university
generated revenues. She urged support for all levels of
education and asked that the budget decrements returned to
the levels set forth in Governor Walker's amended version
of budget.
6:35:01 PM
LEE MARTIN, SELF, HOMER (via teleconference), testified in
support of funding for Medicaid for the elderly of Alaska.
He relayed some of his family history. He urged funding
support for the elderly. He felt that the elderly in Alaska
needed full funding.
6:36:34 PM
AMANDA METIEVER, FACING FOSTER CARE, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), relayed her experience as a previous
foster child, and as a current foster parent. She cited
some foster care statistics. She urged support in
increasing the number staff positions at the OCS.
6:37:27 PM
PAUL SCHEWFELT, KZPA RADIO AND THE CITY MANAGER, FORT YUKON
(via teleconference), urged the committee to restore
funding for public broadcasting. He discussed the benefits
of the radio station including using the radio station as a
tool for search and rescue missions. He continued to
provide examples of the use of the radio station as a tool.
He expected cuts but asked to restore the funding for
public broad casting.
6:40:07 PM
BOBBIE JAMES, SELF, FORT YUKON (via teleconference), urged
the committee to restore funding for public broadcasting.
She reviewed the multiple contributions of public radio.
She requested restored funding and suggested additional
funding. She explained that the radio was used as a safety
measure to provide information concerning ice conditions,
weather updates, and flood warnings. She concluded by
asking members to consider the importance of public
broadcasting.
6:42:36 PM
CINDY HITE, SELF, WILLOW (via teleconference), spoke on
behalf of snow track funding for trails in the State of
Alaska. She believed the funds were not in the budget. She
suggested it was an oversight. She relayed that the trails
were widely used not only for recreational use but to
travel to and from work. She would like to see finding
restored in the budget.
6:44:38 PM
LITZI BOTELLO, SELF, PORT PROTECTION (via teleconference),
urged the committee to restore funding for public
broadcasting. She opined that public radio was a vital link
to the communities near Petersburg. She stated that the
radio was the only means of getting news. She was
appreciative of the emergency information provided. She
relayed the challenges the community has and felt that
public radio was essential. She urged the legislature to
keep public radio.
6:47:43 PM
LEE TENHOFF, SELF, HOMER (via teleconference), spoke in
support of funding senior care. He mentioned reevaluating
the system of Medicaid. He talked about a cultural denial
of the plight of seniors and other items. He stated that
when people asked for help there needed to be an answer. He
referenced the constitution and a section that stated that
the legislature should provide for the promotion and
protection of public health and public welfare. He wanted
funding increased for medical care.
6:50:00 PM
PETER ANDREWS, MAYOR, MOUNTAIN VILLAGE (via
teleconference), urged support for revenue sharing. He
voiced the needs of the village for additional funding
including monies for education as well as for village safe
water. He encouraged the committee to keep funding of
revenue sharing at its current level.
6:51:59 PM
JEFF KOWCHEE, CITY MANAGER, MOUNTAIN VILLAGE (via
teleconference), urged support for continued revenue
sharing at its current level or at an increased level.
6:52:18 PM
JENNIFER ANDERSON, BOARD MEMBER, DELTA IMAGINATION LIBRARY,
DELTA JUNCTION (via teleconference), spoke in support of
full funding for Pre-K programs and best beginnings. She
outlined the function and benefits of the Imagination
Library Program which was funded in part with Best
Beginnings monies. She opined that the early investment in
children would save the state money in the future. She
thanked the committee for its time.
6:53:38 PM
PETER HOEPFNER, BOARD MEMBER AND PARENT, CORDOVA SCHOOL
DISTRICT, CORDOVA (via teleconference), supported
reinstating the one-time funding for education. He also
advocated for full funding for early learning programs. He
spoke in favor of the Teacher Mentoring Program and
broadband funding. He mentioned the unintentional
consequences of the proposed cuts. Also, he claimed that
cutting the AMHS would cause more costs to the school
districts and hurt the economies of the small towns in
Alaska that the ferry system served.
6:55:01 PM
PATTY OLMSTEAD, MANAGER, NORTON SOUND HEALTH CORPORATION
INFANT LEARNING PROGRAM, NOME (via teleconference), spoke
in support of reinstating funds for Best Beginnings and
Parents as Teachers. She stressed the importance of early
learning and literacy. She stressed that eliminating these
programs would be devastating to Nome and some of the
surrounding communities. She relayed a recent event in
which children were able to select and take a book home.
She also discussed the benefit of the Parent as Teachers
program that allowed parents to help their children with
learning at home. She thanked the committee for hearing her
testimony and for providing a time to testify after normal
work hours.
6:57:06 PM
DAVID BRIGHTON, PRESIDENT, KENAI EDUCATION ASSOCIATION AND
PARENT, KENAI (via teleconference), urged the committee to
keep its funding for education. He relayed that he was
aware of the budget challenges in the current year but had
heard that experts did not believe the fiscal crisis was
temporary. He encouraged the legislature to keep the
promise it made the previous year to fund education.
6:58:15 PM
WENDY BURKE, SELF, JUNEAU (via teleconference), spoke in
support of reinstating funds for early learning programs
including, Best Beginnings, Parents as Teachers, and Pre-K
programs. She relayed her experience with her children and
spoke to the benefits she and her children have received.
She indicated that the program was very special to her. She
asked for continued funding for the early learning
programs. She thanked the committee for listening.
6:59:47 PM
HUGH BROWN, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), urged the
committee to restore funding for public broadcasting. He
also asked legislators to look at the benefits made
possible through SB 8 [a bill related to the regulation and
production of industrial hemp]. He also encouraged keeping
the film tax credits. He was aware of the tough decisions
legislators would have to make. He encouraged testifiers to
work with their legislators. He also asked the committee to
consider people with disabilities. He expressed his
appreciation to committee members for taking the time to
listen to his testimony.
7:01:49 PM
RACHEL HARRISON, SELF, WILLOW (via teleconference), spoke
in opposition to funding the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric
Project. She stated that she had recently heard a report
from the Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) that it intended to
move forward on the dam project. She felt that the money
intended for the project would be much better spent on
programs that would help Alaskans save money on their
energy bills and reduce energy use like the Home Energy
Rebate Program or Weatherization Program. She believed that
the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project was a complete
waste of money. She thanked the committee.
7:03:15 PM
JOHN DART, FARMER, MANLY HOT SPRINGS (via teleconference),
spoke in support of the Farm-To-school program administered
within the Division of Agriculture. He expressed his
reasoning for continued funding. He claimed that it
provided equitable division of resources. He wanted to be
sure to continue to provide fresh food to kids in school.
He believed farming was not only a way to feed children,
but that is was a way of teaching children how to fish and
grow their own food. He believed it was important to become
less reliant on oil. He asked the legislature to reinvest
the $500 thousand that was removed from the budget back
into the Farm-to-School Program.
7:05:31 PM
HALL SHEPARD, PRESIDENT, CENTER FOR WATER ADVOCACY, HOMER
(via teleconference), testified in support of funding for
the ferry system, public broadcasting, and early education.
He opposed funding for the Susitna Dam Project and the
Grant Lake Hydro Project. He thanked the committee for its
time.
7:07:44 PM
JENNIFER WOOLEY, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding for Medicaid expansion. She
indicated that she was a young health care professional.
She felt that citizens should have access to high quality
health care. She believed that Medicaid expansion would
provide the needed access of folks in Alaska. As she
considered her career and community she felt like Alaska
with Medicaid and Alaska without Medicaid were two
drastically different landscapes. She hoped that lawmakers
would ensure access to health care for all of their
constituents. She thanked the committee for the opportunity
to testify.
7:09:09 PM
JOHANNA HERRON, SELF, PALMER (via teleconference), urged
that all agriculture related program funding be reinstated.
She furthered that all agriculture related funding should
be doubled, not just restored. She provided a list of
reasons for her recommendation and thanked the committee
for its time.
7:10:13 PM
REGINA MANTEUSEL, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
spoke in support of HB 20 [a bill that would limit the
application of neonicotinoid pesticides]. She also liked
the Farm-to-School Program. She believed the state should
opt out of the $35 million spending for the University of
Alaska Anchorage. She urged the state to be proactive
regarding cancer. She spoke in favor of statewide films
about obesity and cancer. She indicated she was in support
of funding for Medicaid expansion. She thought that medical
insurance should cover CBD [cannabinoid] made from
marijuana. She relayed a story about medical marijuana. She
also believed in fully funding Safe Harbor and Best
Beginnings with the stipulation that the books used would
be made by Alaskan artists. She opined that the state
needed to fully fund locally made films which she
qualified. She also wanted the court system cleaned up and
agreed with the changes in the court system. She asserted
that there were corrupt judges in Alaska. She thanked the
committee.
7:12:30 PM
LISA HOLLEN, SELF, PALMER (via teleconference), Supported
funding for Traumatic Brain Injury. She was representing
herself and other Burnett Brain Injury people. She
advocated for continued funding for Access Alaska. She
shared her own experience with Traumatic brain injury. She
cited statistics regarding incarceration of traumatic brain
injury individuals. She believed that Access Alaska
provided a resource to share with others who have suffered
from traumatic brain injuries. She asked that the
legislature keep Access Alaska funded as well as committing
to Medicaid expansion. She thanked the committee for
allowing her to testify.
7:15:02 PM
Kevin Hite, President, Alaska State Snowmobile Association,
Anchorage{ spoke in favor of the continued allocation of
the Department of Motor Vehicle collected fees to the snow
track, snow mobile programs administered by the Department
of Natural Resources (DNR). He provided some history about
the snow track point of sale registration program. The
funds that were generated by the program had been
reallocated to DNR and the snow track board to support the
infrastructure for over 20 years. The fees were self-
imposed and were therefore a neutral revenue source of
funding. He recommended turning the self-imposed fees back
into the snowmobile community. He continued to discuss the
self-imposed fees and reemphasized the importance of making
sure the funds get reallocated to overseeing the programs.
Co-Chair Neuman commented that he would look into it.
7:17:00 PM
THEDA PITTMAN, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
commented that she had hoped that the first cuts would take
place in programs and divisions lacking efficiency. She
disagreed with the proposed changes to the judiciary. She
suggested that legislators think about changes in
procedures and process going forward. She was disturbed in
watching Gavel-To-Gavel that things appeared to be business
as usual. She proposed exercising restraint. In regards to
the operating budget she advocated looking for simplicity.
She wondered why there was a need for so many license
plates and why cuts were being made to so many senior
support services. She opined that it was time to discuss
increases in revenue. She thanked the committee for its
time.
7:19:51 PM
KELLY DREW, PROFESSOR, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), voiced support for University of Alaska
funding. She recognized the daunting task of decreasing the
budget. She talked about moving away from a non-diverse
economy. She suggested looking towards new industries. The
idea of losing students was devastating. She encouraged
support of the university and strategic investments to
avoid further oil dependence.
7:22:20 PM
KATHERYN CROWLEY, PARENT AND HOMER EARLY CHILDHOOD
COALITION, HOMER (via teleconference), spoke in support of
reinstating funds for Best Beginnings and Parents as
Teacher. She spoke of the value of both programs. She
talked about the community of Homer and the programs
positively affecting Homer. She thought the community would
really suffer without the support of the programs. She
urged reducing the proposed cuts to the early learning
programs and thanked the committee for the opportunity to
testify.
7:25:38 PM
SHIRLEY CLEAVER, SELF, GALENA (via teleconference), urged
the committee to restore funding for public broadcasting.
She pointed out how the community used the radio as a
lifeline. She provided an example of a recent flooding
incident in which public radio was used as a warning system
to residents. She truly believed in the value of public
radio. She also spoke in support of the Parents as Teachers
program. She appreciated having the opportunity to testify.
7:27:10 PM
ANNIE SILVERMAN, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS, FAIRBANKS
(via teleconference), spoke in support of the Farms to
School Program. She felt that a focus on educating children
about agriculture and local foods. She asked that the
legislature fund the program.
7:28:39 PM
GARY BROWN, VICE PRESIDENT, ANCHORAGE SNOW MOBILE CLUB,
PALMER (via teleconference), discussed the line item in the
budget regarding the snow track registration funds going
back to the trails as has been the case in the past. He
indicated that it was a fully funded, self-supporting
revenue stream. He appreciated the opportunity to testify.
Co-Chair Neuman noted that the funds were normally included
in the capital budget, but for whatever reason they were
not in Governor Walker's proposed budget for capital. He
would look into the matter.
7:29:55 PM
PAULA HATFIELD-BAUER, SELF, SEWARD (via teleconference),
spoke in support of reinstating the governor's budget for
early childhood education. She relayed that for every
dollar spent on early childhood issue, $20 was saved for
other costs across the lifespan. She discussed the
importance of language development for children. She
mentioned a study that showed that children from more
affluent backgrounds had 30 thousand more words in their
vocabulary at an early age. She suggested that Best
Beginnings and Parents as Teachers were programs that had
the same effect. She talked about her son's experience with
infant learning. She appreciated the chance to testify.
7:31:26 PM
DELLA CHENEY, SELF, JUNEAU (via teleconference), voiced
opposition to funding cuts to the Alaska Marine Highway
System. She shared that she had a home in Kake and used the
ferry often as an affordable way to travel in Southeast.
She mentioned the expensive cost of air travel. She
elaborated that the ferry brought in food and other
supplies to the community of Kake.
7:33:43 PM
PAUL HUPPERT, SELF, PALMER (via teleconference), spoke
against budget cuts to the Division of Agriculture. He
shared that he had grown vegetables for fifty years. He
provided information about the brand he sold in grocery
stores. He was concerned that budget cuts could inhibit the
growers' ability to go through inspections needed for
selling produce in markets. His biggest concern was about
maintaining certification. He stressed that the state
should be doing more to help growers in Alaska to obtain
the latest technology to control problems. Currently the
university research was almost at zero. The sector did not
have the information necessary for marketing. He stated
that the Alaskan Grown program had been successful.
7:36:39 PM
KATRINA HOWE, STUDENT, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS,
FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), voiced support for
University of Alaska funding. She stated that the
university was a great resource with many great programs.
She believed it was essential for people to receive a good
quality education. She stressed that the university had
been cut to the marrow in its budget. She had witnessed a
drastic reduction in the quality of teaching due to the
need for fewer teachers to cover more classes. She
discussed that UAF was a research campus; research grants
brought in overhead to pay for university upkeep and
things. She shared that one of her professors had paid for
three-quarters of his 15-year salary through grants. She
asked the committee to consider an increase in funding.
7:38:42 PM
VERONICA SLAJER, ALASKA NATIVE ARTS FOUNDATION, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), relayed that the company was an
economic development organization that focused on markets
for Native art. She shared that the prior year the
organization had purchased almost 800 pieces of art
statewide. The company provided marketing and business
training for artists in rural communities. She elaborated
that in the past the company had a grant within the
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development;
the grant had once been about $500,000, but it had been
reduced over time. She communicated that cuts would
completely eliminate the program. She asked the committee
to reconsider reinstating some of the funding.
7:42:26 PM
ANDY HOLLEMAN, ANCHORAGE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), spoke in support of education
funding. He relayed that the district had been cutting
positions for multiple years. He voiced that any additional
cuts would come from core areas or programs with a proven
track record. He requested that the legislature keep the
promise it made to education the prior year. He asked the
committee to reconsider funding the one-time funds passed
the previous year.
7:44:11 PM
SUE STEINACHER, NOME EMERGENCY SHELTER TEAM, NOME (via
teleconference), spoke in favor of funding for Alaska Legal
Services. She stressed that low-income people in rural
Alaska would have no access to legal guidance
representation without the longstanding services of Alaska
Legal Services. She questioned where small nonprofits would
send people who came to them with legal problems they were
not equipped or certified to help with. She stressed that
increased funding was needed to help individuals at the low
end of the economic ladder. She stated that everyone was
not born to a level playing field. She stated that services
like Alaska Legal Services extended both state and federal
constitutional legal rights to those most in need, with the
least access. She urged the committee to restore funding
for public broadcasting.
7:46:50 PM
STEVE PARIZEK, SNOMAD SNOWMACHINE CLUB, HOMER (via
teleconference), asked for funds to be released from the
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT) to
the Department of Parks and Outdoor Recreation to fund the
snow track program. He was not asking for money; the
program was self-funded through snow machine registration.
The money went to DOT and it was supposed to transfer it to
the Department of Parks and Recreation, which groomed
trails, posted signs, and provided safety programs. He
relayed that there had previously been two to four search
and rescue operations per year; however, once trails were
groomed search and rescue cases had decreased to one every
three to four years. He emphasized that there were many
businesses relying on the systems statewide. He reiterated
his request for a restoration of funds.
7:48:40 PM
FRED STURMAN, SELF, SOLDOTNA (via teleconference), believed
government employees should take a cut in salary. He
discussed that 2,000 employees had been added. He suggested
making cuts to the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) given
many contract stations around the state. He recommended
contracting out for road maintenance. He discussed large
salary increases each year that were outrageous. He
discussed increases for school employees due to an increase
in insurance costs.
7:50:47 PM
SOPHIA ARMSTRONG, HAINES EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, HAINES (via
teleconference), spoke in favor of funding for education.
She highlighted that her school was one of the top 300
schools in the nation; however, with budget cuts the school
would not be able to maintain its success. She had put in
extra unpaid time at work in the current week. She stressed
that if cuts continued eventually all people would be able
to do was the bear minimum to keep their jobs. She asked
the committee to consider the funding plan that had been
adopted the previous year.
7:52:09 PM
RICHARD WEBB, SELF, FOX (via teleconference), testified in
support of Centers for Independent Living grants. The
centers served the most vulnerable populations including
elderly and people with disabilities. He wanted to see the
governor's budget showing a 13.2 percent cut fully funded.
He advised that a cut to the program may result in
additional residents in assisted living, which would be more
costly for the state.
7:53:42 PM
ELLEN STORY, SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER, JUNEAU (via
teleconference), testified in support of the reinstatement
of one-time grant funds for Juneau schools. She detailed
that the district had been faced with making continual cuts
to the budget on an annual basis. As a result, her
caseloads had increased, which made it harder to provide
each student with the individual attention they needed. She
stated that it was difficult to imagine providing services
with additional cuts.
7:54:33 PM
PAULA GIAUQUE, ALASKA FARM BUREAU, PALMER (via
teleconference), spoke against cuts to the Division of
Agriculture. She emphasized the importance of the
inspection service. Additionally, in order to sell to
grocery stores, Alaskan farms were required to have good
handling and inspection practices. The Farm to School
Program had been instrumental in promoting the use of
Alaskan produce to schools (food that was healthier and
fresher). She believed it was important to maintain the
state's ability to produce crops. She relayed that the
state's potato crop could be easily wiped out if it was not
protected from diseases that could be transported from the
Lower 48. She stated that marketing was equally important.
7:56:27 PM
KYLEE SINGH, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
against funding for the proposed Susitna-Watana dam. She
wanted to see the $33 million removed from the project and
distributed to education, transportation, and other areas
where funding was sorely needed.
7:57:22 PM
JOAN DIAMOND, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), asked
the committee to restore funding to public education and
Medicaid expansion. She felt both items were morally
imperative.
7:57:54 PM
PATRICIA WINNERS, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
voiced support for University of Alaska funding. She
reasoned that if the university was weakened too much, it
may flounder at a time when education was the only thing
that would help the state's youth prepare for future jobs
in technology and other. She stated that if the goal was to
have students choose to attend the university it could not
be behind. She asked the committee to ensure that the
university was funded at the needed level.
8:00:10 PM
JAMES DWYER, SELF, KETCHIKAN (via teleconference), voiced
opposition to funding cuts to the Alaska Marine Highway
System. He shared that ferry runs to Bellingham and Prince
Rupert were the only way for his family to get out of the
community. He compared the cuts to ferry service to
shutting the Richardson or Seward Highways; there was no
other way for him to get out of Ketchikan.
8:00:45 PM
MARJORIE DWYER, SELF, KETCHIKAN (via teleconference),
voiced opposition to funding cuts to the Alaska Marine
Highway System. She stressed that there was no way to leave
Ketchikan with a vehicle without the ferry. She suggested
closing the Richardson or Seward Highways down to one day
per week. She suggested not paying for repaving or snow
removal. She stressed that her family paid to get out of
Ketchikan on the ferry. She stated that the ferry was
vital; it was used by tourists, but was not a tourist
attraction. She suggested a bridge or highway into Canada
if there was no ferry service.
8:02:14 PM
AT EASE
8:18:05 PM
RECONVENED
BRIAN HOLST, DIRECTOR, JUNEAU ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL,
JUNEAU, advocated for funding for education. He spoke in
support of K-12 and early childhood education funding. He
stressed that the returns in early childhood development
provided the most benefit for families. He detailed that
returns to investments accrued primarily to the most
disadvantaged families. He provided statistics related to
the investment in early childhood programs and Pre-K. He
shared that for every $1.00 invested in early education,
$7.00 in costs were avoided later on in life.
8:20:14 PM
CAROLYN WALTON, TEACHER, JUNEAU (via teleconference), spoke
in support of education funds. She asked for the
restoration of one-time grant funds for the Juneau School
District. She stated that each year the district had gone
through budget cuts that had impacted all students. She
relayed that it was difficult to fathom more cuts without
the one-time grant funds that had passed the previous year.
She elaborated that over the years the district's resources
had been depleted; the pupil to teacher ratio in some of
the kindergarten classes was 28 to 1. She shared that less
teachers meant less time spent individually with children.
8:22:13 PM
JONI SCHARFENBERG, FAIRBANKS SOIL AND WATER, TWO RIVERS
(via teleconference), testified against cuts to the
Division of Agriculture and the elimination of the budget
for NRCDB. She detailed that the programs supported
Alaska's private landowners and brought in private and
federal match dollars. She elaborated that the programs
reached out to private landowners who supported locally
grown food, food security, and other. She shared that the
Fairbanks Soil and Water District had brought in over
$400,000 the prior year to from non-state sources to work
on natural resource projects. She did not believe the cuts
would be profitable. She believed soil and water districts
should be recognized as an answer to budget shortfalls.
8:24:07 PM
STEPHEN SUEWING, PARENT, JUNEAU (via teleconference), spoke
in support of reinstating funds for Best Beginnings and
Parents as Teachers. He testified on behalf of his young
sons who could not speak up for themselves on education
funding. He relayed that the programs had been very
meaningful to his family. He advocated for a restoration of
one-time education funds for K-12 education. An absence of
the funds would mean a significant budget shortfall.
8:26:11 PM
LINDA TOWARAK, SELF, UNALAKLEET (via teleconference), spoke
against a 40 percent cut to Alaska Legal Services. She
relayed that the agency provided legal services for elders
and youth in all regions of the state. She detailed that
the agency provided will preparation for elders ranging
from the age of 65 to 90 or so.
8:27:22 PM
JANET JONES, FIRST COVENANT CHURCH, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in favor of substance abuse
prevention programs. She shared that five individuals had
testified in a recent community meeting at her church that
they had to go out of state for treatment. The Municipality
of Anchorage had promised to commit funds and effort to
change the picture. She asserted that the legislature must
do its part as well. She stated that the legislature was
required by law to provide substance abuse funding and yet
Alaska had the reputation of one of the drunkest states in
the nation. She pointed out that it was in the state's best
interest to provide substance abuse treatment. She stressed
that the cost to the state's economy in 2010 totaled $1.2
billion lost productivity, traffic accidents, criminal
justice, protective services, health, public assistance,
and social services. She stressed that the money generated
from alcohol tax should be returned to the Municipality of
Anchorage to deal with the problem.
8:29:21 PM
GEORGIA BLUE, DIRECTOR, ALASKA NATIVE ARTS FOUNDATION,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), asked for a reinstatement
of $300,000 for the foundation. The direct support to
Alaskan Native artists generated a viability within rural
villages as well as statewide. She underscored that the
grant received from the state had been beneficial and was
extremely important. She appreciated the committee's time.
8:30:56 PM
SELENA EVERSON, JUNEAU, SELF (via teleconference), voiced
opposition to funding cuts to the Alaska Marine Highway
System. She discussed the negative impacts the cuts would
have. She testified in support of funding for Medicaid
expansion. She stated that communities that did not have
lobbyists speaking for them needed a funding mechanism. She
reiterated her concern about cuts to AMHS. She thanked the
committee for its time.
8:32:44 PM
GERALD HUGHES, SELF, KETCHIKAN (via teleconference), voiced
opposition to funding cuts to the Alaska Marine Highway
System. He asked for continued funding at the present
levels for the AMHS from Southeast Alaska to Prince Rupert
and Bellingham. He believed it was vital to the Southeast
economy and to provide residents with the ability to travel
with vehicles. He supported any efforts to maintain current
service.
8:33:50 PM
TOM LANGDON, STUDENT, UNIVERSITY SYSTEM, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), voiced support for University of Alaska
funding. He understood that funding during the economic
reality was a challenge. Due to decreased funding he had
assumed the duties of his former supervisor and another
colleague. He stressed that the university invested in the
future of the state. He highlighted world-class research
programs offered by the university. He stressed that
information technology was becoming more instrumental to
the delivery of education. The university was a significant
resource to Alaska. He encouraged the committee to
reconsider funding the university at the governor's
proposed level.
8:36:19 PM
JAMES FERGUSON, SELF, NOME (via teleconference), spoke in
opposition to a 40 percent cut to Alaska Legal Services. He
spoke to the importance of the work done by the agency for
individuals in need. He detailed that the agency provided
an incredible amount of work on a very tight budget (that
included lower salaries for attorneys). He spoke to the
agency's goals of reducing domestic violence and protecting
the health, safety, and family stability of vulnerable
members of the community.
8:37:43 PM
DOLLY LAMONT, SELF, BETHEL (via teleconference), voiced
support for schools statewide. She stated that behind a
successful person was a great education. She stated that
children deserved a chance at an education.
8:38:21 PM
MIKE MILLIGAN, SELF, KODIAK (via teleconference), spoke in
support of funding for the Legislative Information Offices
(LIO). He stated that Kodiak was a politically astute
community with a diverse tax base. He discussed that years
earlier the legislature had deemed that ballot initiatives
had to garner signatures from across the state. He believed
the LIOs helped with the process. He wanted to ensure that
outlying areas were not disenfranchised. He spoke to the
importance of keeping outlying areas engaged. He shared
that in his experience if someone was unable to get what
they wanted from the state they turned to the federal
government for help.
8:40:20 PM
ANDREW KELLER, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding for Medicaid expansion. He
spoke against cuts to state parks that were already funded
at a low level compared to other states. He urged the
committee to restore funding for public broadcasting and
energy efficiency. He believed the state could hold off on
large projects such as the Juneau Access and Ambler Road
projects, which would help the state to save in other ways.
He stressed the importance of funding for education. He
understood the difficult position of the legislature, but
he believed it was necessary to take a look at what the
state was doing when the university system was cut. He
thanked the committee for its time.
8:42:28 PM
LILY HOPE, SELF, JUNEAU (via teleconference), testified in
favor of restoring funds for the Parents as Teachers, Best
Beginnings, and the Imagination Library. She shared that
she was the parent of three small children and a foster
parent of a 13-month old daughter. She urged the
legislature to think hard about how the cuts would impact
the state's children. She shared that she had been a foster
mother for six months and had been dealing with all sorts
of trauma. She elaborated that when the baby came into
their household she did not want to be held or put down and
she did not want to look at books. They had been unsure
where to turn. She stressed that her family had been
referred to the Parents as Teachers program and after two
visits it had been life changing. She urged the committee
to think hard about how the programs impacted the state's
children who did not necessarily have support elsewhere.
She asked the committee to do whatever it could. She
implored the committee to restore funding to education.
8:44:27 PM
MAUREEN HALL, ALASKA SCHOOL NURSE ASSOCIATION, JUNEAU (via
teleconference), asked the committee to prioritize
education funding and to restore the one-time increment for
K-12 students. She noted that Alaska had high rates of
children who had experienced trauma. She worked directly
with children and stressed that cuts to K-12 education
further stressed the very institutions that were serving
the students. She reasoned that it was easier to build up a
child than it was to repair an adult. She testified that
school nurses across the state supported Medicaid expansion
to improve access to healthcare for the state's working
poor.
Co-Chair Neuman shared that 176 members of the public had
testified during the day.
HB 72 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
HB 73 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
ADJOURNMENT
8:46:32 PM
The meeting was adjourned at 8:46 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB 72 Public Testimony Pkt 3.pdf |
HFIN 3/5/2015 1:00:00 PM |
HB 72 |
| HB 72 Public Testimony PKT 7.pdf |
HFIN 3/5/2015 1:00:00 PM |
HB 72 |