Legislature(2015 - 2016)HOUSE FINANCE 519
01/28/2016 01:30 PM House FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB255 || HB256 || HB257 | |
| Fy 17 Budget Overview: Department of Public Safety | |
| Fy 17 Budget Overview: Department of Education and Early Development | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | HB 256 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 257 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 255 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE
January 28, 2016
1:32 p.m.
1:32:37 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Neuman called the House Finance Committee meeting
to order at 1:32 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
Gary Folger, Commissioner, Department of Public Safety;
Kelly Howell, Director, Division of Administrative
Services, Department of Public Safety; Colonel Jim
Cockrell, Director, Division of Alaska State Troopers,
Department of Public Safety; Lauree Morton, Executive
Director, Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault,
Department of Public Safety; Michael Hanley, Commissioner,
Department of Education and Early Development; Heidi
Teshner, Director, Administrative Services Director,
Department of Education and Early Development; Elizabeth
Nudelman, Director, School Finances and Facilities,
Department of Education and Early Development.
SUMMARY
HB 255 BUDGET: CAPITAL
HB 255 was HEARD and HELD in committee for
further consideration.
HB 256 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUNDS
HB 256 was HEARD and HELD in committee for
further consideration.
HB 257 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET
HB 257 was HEARD and HELD in committee for
further consideration.
FY 17 BUDGET OVERVIEWS:
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND EARLY DEVELOPMENT
HOUSE BILL NO. 255
"An Act making appropriations, including capital
appropriations, reappropriations, and other
appropriations; making appropriations to capitalize
funds; and providing for an effective date."
HOUSE BILL NO. 256
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and
loan program expenses of state government and for
certain programs, capitalizing funds, making
reappropriations, making supplemental appropriations,
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. 257
"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."
1:33:48 PM
^FY 17 BUDGET OVERVIEW: DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
1:33:52 PM
GARY FOLGER, COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY,
introduced himself and the other representatives in the
department. He shared that the current year was the 75th
anniversary of the Alaska State Troopers. He stated that
the troopers were established in 1941. He recalled some
significant events in the state since the inception of the
Alaska State Troopers. He shared that there were some core
values of the troopers. He felt that the current troopers
were extremely well equipped, and was excited for the
future enhancements. He discussed the PowerPoint,
"Department of Public Safety Department Overview" (copy on
file).
1:36:48 PM
KELLY HOWELL, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, looked at slide 2,
"Organizational Chart." She remarked that there were some
slides, which were a high-level snapshot of the FY 17
budget proposal, followed by the division specifics.
Co-Chair Neuman requested a presentation of the pertinent
budget issues.
Ms. Howell explained slide 2. She noted that there were
five divisions within the Department of Public Safety
(DPS): Division of Administrative Services; Division of
Alaska State Troopers; Division of Wildlife Troopers;
Statewide Services; and the Division of Fire and Life
Safety. There were three councils that were
administratively housed in the department: The Alaska Fire
Standards Council; The Alaska Police Standards Council; and
The council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. She
stated that the Crime Lab and Public Safety Training
Academy were also overseen by the commissioner's office.
Ms. Howell highlighted slide 3, "Department of Public
Safety":
Our Mission:
To ensure public safety and enforce fish and
wildlife laws
Our Core Services
Law enforcement patrol and investigations
Rural law enforcement services
Domestic violence and sexual assault programs
Statewide public safety programs
Resource protection
Highway safety
Ms. Howell discussed slide 4, "Statewide Impact":
DPS is Alaska's primary statewide law enforcement
agency
Direct support to other agencies
Investigative assistance
Search and rescue
Training
Alaska Public Safety Information Network
Crime lab
Ms. Howell highlighted slide 5, "Department of Public
Safety." The slide was a high level comparison between FY
15, FY 16, and the governor's current proposed budget. She
stated that the FY 17 budget eliminated some positions.
1:41:07 PM
Co-Chair Neuman wondered how many Alaska State Troopers
were currently employed compared to ten years prior.
Commissioner Folger replied that there were currently 301
positions, and 300 positions were currently filled in the
Alaska State Troopers. The Alaska Wildlife Troopers had 94
positions, and he believed that 92 were currently filled.
Co-Chair Neuman surmised that there were approximately 400
total positions. Commissioner Folger agreed.
Co-Chair Neuman asked whether the number of personnel had
increased or decreased in the last ten years. Commissioner
Folger replied that, when he joined the department in 1981
there were 360 State Troopers and 120 Wildlife Troopers. He
stated that within the last ten years there had been a
slight increase in personnel, but he agreed to provide that
information.
Representative Gattis noted that the troopers had
previously "back filled" some positions by the city police.
She wondered if the cities had other "back fills" that
would compensate for the overall decrease since 1981.
Commissioner Folger replied that Wasilla Police Department
was still a fairly small core area, but the rural part of
the Mat-Su had grown significantly. He remarked that the
State Troopers were barely keeping up with the increase in
the Mat-Su region.
Representative Gattis noted that there was some "back
filling" in certain areas. She wondered whether the number
of troopers per capita had increased or decreased.
Commissioner Folger replied that the number of troopers had
decreased.
Representative Gara remarked that fish and wildlife
troopers were important to the safety in fishing. He
wondered if those troopers did other work, besides fish and
wildlife patrol. Commissioner Folger replied that
approximately one-third of the work of the fish and
wildlife troopers was "regular patrol." He furthered that
there were some areas of the state in which they were the
only law enforcement in the community, so they were fully
engaged in all aspects of law enforcement in those areas.
Representative Gara queried the process to decide whether a
trooper should patrol a community that could afford their
own law enforcement. Commissioner Folger deferred to
Colonel Cockrell. He remarked that Girdwood was a good
example of whether or not to provide state or local law
enforcement. He remarked that there was a hope to move the
patrol troopers to Nikiski, because the volume of calls was
higher in Nikiski. He remarked that the highway patrol
would remain in Girdwood.
Representative Gara wondered how many troopers were sent to
a community that could afford its own law enforcement.
1:46:50 PM
COLONEL JIM COCKRELL, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ALASKA STATE
TROOPERS, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, explained that there
were small jurisdictions, so the voters controlled the
boundaries. The troopers were forced to provide the "back
fill." He stated that the troopers serviced approximately
80,000 residents, with only two troopers and one sergeant.
He remarked that Girdwood, Indian, Bird, and Crow Creek was
"battling" with the Municipality of Anchorage, because
those troopers needed to redeploy those troopers elsewhere.
He stressed that the governor's budget proposed losing many
trooper positions. The proposal would decrease the
personnel from 327 positions in the previous year to 293
positions. He felt that the troopers would remain in
Girdwood, because of political considerations. He felt that
Girdwood could provide its own law enforcement. He shared
that DPS offered to provide service for approximately $1.3
million to $1.5 million, but Girdwood did not put that
offer on the ballot for consideration. He stressed that the
winter police in Girdwood did not factor in the Seward
Highway and the surrounding communities. He stated that the
Municipality of Anchorage decided to set its boundary, and
felt that Anchorage should be responsible for the highway
and the citizens who live on the highway. He shared that
DPS had offered three Rural Highway Patrol Troopers to
patrol the Seward Highway, because the troopers had reduced
accidents and curbed reckless driving. He remarked that the
Alaska State Troopers was at critical mass across the
state. He shared that, should the legislature chose to
force the municipalities and rural communities to take
ownership of the police departments. He shared that the
Kenai Peninsula Borough required the troopers to Nikiski,
Sterling, and other areas. He stressed that the troopers
provided services in the entire Mat-Su Borough, except
Palmer and Wasilla. He furthered that he felt there were
many areas in Fairbanks that the Fairbanks Police
Department could handle, however the troopers filled in
those "gaps." He remarked that he could not leave minimum
staffing, because of trooper safety. He stressed that since
September 2015, there were three attempts at killing an
Alaska State Trooper, which resulted in the death of
suspects. He stressed that the crime issues did not go away
based on the number of law enforcement. He stressed that he
was always worried about the safety of the troopers.
Co-Chair Neuman felt that the questions should be held to
the end of the presentation.
Representative Gara asserted that he did not want his
question to be misperceived. He wondered if he could
comment.
Co-Chair Neuman replied that Representative Gara could not
make a comment.
1:51:02 PM
Ms. Howell displayed slide 6, "FY2017 Operating Budget By
Fund Source." She stated that 83 percent of DPS budget was
UGF; and 57 percent was for personal services.
Ms. Howell addressed slide 7, "FY2017 Operating Budget By
Line Item." She explained that the slide was a graphic
distribution of the budget by appropriation.
Ms. Howell discussed slide 8, "FY2017 Operating Budget By
Appropriation - All Fund Sources." She stated that Alaska
State Trooper appropriation also included the Alaska
Wildlife Troopers, but was separated in the pie-chart for
comparison purposes. She noted that the Alaska State
Troopers was 53 percent of the budget; and the Alaska
Wildlife Troopers was 15 percent.
Ms. Howell looked at slide 9, "FY2017 Operating Budget By
Appropriation - UGF Only." The Alaska State Troopers made
up the majority of the DPS budget.
Ms. Howell highlighted slide 10, "Public Safety Employees."
The graph showed the growth of the budgeted positions in
DPS since 2007 to 2017.
Ms. Howell discussed slide 11, "Alaska State Troopers":
Detachments
Bureau of Highway Patrol
Search and Rescue
Statewide Drug and Alcohol Enforcement
Alaska Bureau of Investigation
Prisoner Transport
Judicial Services
Ms. Howell explained the mission of the Alaska State
Troopers. The division was comprised of posts assigned to
five geographic detachments that provide patrol;
enforcement; and search and rescue to all areas of the
state. The central headquarters was located in Anchorage.
The major components within the Alaska State Troopers were
the Bureau of Highway Patrol; Search and Rescue; Statement
Drug and Alcohol Enforcement; Alaska Bureau of
Investigation; Prisoner Transport; and Judicial Services.
The general overview of the budget was $99.7 million, which
was a roughly 1.6 percent reduction from the previous
fiscal year.
Ms. Howell discussed slide 12, "Village Public Safety
Officer Program":
$12,105.4 awarded to ten grantees
72 grant-funded positions filled as of 12/31/2015
7 Coordinators
3 VPSO/Coordinators
62 VPSOs in 55 communities
Ms. Howell stated that the VPSO program was administered by
DPS, which was 100 percent UGF. The funds were granted to
nine regional nonprofit native corporations and one borough
to administer the program in their regions. Currently there
were 72 grant-funded positions filled as of December 31,
2015. She stated that seven of those positions were
civilian coordinators within the VPSO programs. She stated
that three perform dual duties as both VPSO and
coordinator. She stated that there were 62 VPSOs on the
ground in 55 communities.
Ms. Howell highlighted slide 13, "Alaska Wildlife
Troopers":
Detachments
Wildlife Investigations Unit
Marine Section
Aircraft Section
Ms. Howell looked at slide 14, "Fire and Life Safety":
Training and Education Bureau
Life Safety Inspections Bureau
Plans Review Bureau
Office of Rural Fire Protection
Ms. Howell highlighted slide 15, "Statewide Services":
Criminal Records and Identification Bureau Alaska
Public Safety Information Network
Alaska Automated Fingerprint ID System
Sex Offender and Child Kidnapper Registration
Concealed Handgun Permits
Information Technology
Ms. Howell looked at slide 16, "Administrative Services":
Finance
Budget
Human Resources
Grants Management
Procurement
Facilities Management
1:56:20 PM
Ms. Howell discussed slide 17, "Scientific Crime Detection
Lab":
Biological Screening
Controlled Substances
DNA / CODIS
Evidence
Firearm / Toolmarks
Arson / Fire Debris
Forensic Toxicology
Latent Prints
Ms. Howell addressed slide 18, "Training Academy":
Recruit training for state and municipal law
enforcement agencies and VPSO's
In-service training covering refresher, update, and
advanced topics
Public safety training to other government agencies
Ms. Howell highlighted slide 19, "Alaska Fire Standards
Council":
Establish professional standards for fire service
personnel
Establish curriculum requirements for the
certification of training programs
Govern the procedure for certification of individuals
who satisfy the minimum training and performance
standards
Ms. Howell displayed slide 20, "Alaska Police Standards
Council":
In cases of misconduct by a certified police officer,
make a determination whether certification should be
revoked
Develop, monitor, and revise law enforcement training
Assist academies and departments with funding for
academy training
Fund specialized and advanced training for departments
Determine certification eligibility for all police,
probation, and correctional officers and issue
appropriate level of certificate
Ms. Howell highlighted slide 21, "Council on Domestic
Violence and Sexual Assault":
Provide safety for Alaskans victimized or impacted by
domestic violence and sexual assault through a system
of statewide crisis intervention, prevention services,
and perpetrator accountability
Ms. Howell looked at slide 22, "FY2017 Significant
Operating Budget Changes":
Increment Requests:
AWT Aircraft Section: $300.0 UGF
Laboratory Services: $250.0 UGF
Reductions:
Fire and Life Safety: (70.1) UGF and 1 PFT
Alaska State Troopers: (2,588.2) UGF, 8 PFT, and
6 NP
Alaska Wildlife Troopers: (783.7) UGF and 5 PFT
VPSO Program: (503.8) UGF
CDVSA: (340.0) UGF
Statewide Support: (445.8) UGF, 3 PFT, and 1 NP
Ms. Howell highlighted slide 23, "FY2017 Capital Budget
Request":
Marine Fisheries Patrol Improvements: $1,200.0 Fed
Reappropriation from Two P/V Woldstad Engine Repower
Projects: $3,619.5 UGF
$2,269.5 for aircraft and vessel repair and
maintenance
1,350.0 for deferred maintenance on aircraft
hangars
Ms. Howell displayed slide 24, "Summary of Governor's
Budget." She stated that the page represented a summary of
the day's discussion, not including the Capital Budget.
Ms. Howell discussed slide 25, "Department of Public
Safety's Share of Total Agency Operations." The slide
showed DPS total percent of agency operations, as drafted
by the Legislative Finance Division (LFD).
Ms. Howell highlighted slide 26, "Department of Public
Safety, Salary Adjustment Increases and Personal Services
Costs."
Ms. Howell looked at slides 27 and 28, which were the
appropriations for GF and all funds.
2:04:49 PM
Representative Gara wondered if there was a correlation
between the number of troopers available and trooper
safety. Colonel Cockrell replied that the more troopers on
shift in the urban areas provides a safety factor, because
of the availability of back up. He remarked that more than
one trooper on the scene meant a less chance of a physical
altercation with the suspect. He shared that there was a
recent routine traffic stop in Soldotna, and the trooper
ended up in a life and death battle, which lasted several
minutes. He was out of contact for over five minutes, and
resulted in a fatal shooting of the suspect.
Representative Kawasaki noted that the University of Alaska
Fairbanks (UAF) had law enforcement training, and wondered
if it was comparable to the Sitka Police Academy would
offer. Commissioner Folger replied that the standards were
different between the UAF program and the DPS training
program.
Representative Kawasaki shared that a helicopter had been
added to the DPS budget, and queried the helicopter
disposition. Commissioner Folger replied that, due to
funding, the helicopter was pickled. He announced that he
wants an operational helicopter.
Representative Gattis wondered if the travel was paid for
the testifiers in the current meeting. Commissioner Folger
replied that Colonel Cockrell's travel costs were paid for
by the department.
Colonel Cockrell shared that his flight was free, because
there were available tickets that would have expired
otherwise.
Commissioner Folger shared that the remaining half of
Colonel Cockrell's day would be spent with Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT/PF) to provide
law enforcement services on the ferry system.
Representative Gattis hoped that testifiers would continue
to be available by phone, rather than spend the money to
meet in person.
2:09:57 PM
Representative Wilson wondered if the repair funds for the
Patrol Vessel Wolstad had been spent. Commissioner Folger
replied that the money had not been spent to fix the boat.
Representative Wilson wondered what could be done to
fulfill the demands left by the unused Wolstad ship.
Representative Wilson noted that the Office of Children's
Services (OCS) used the Alaska Public Safety Information
Network. She wondered if the network could be accessed
remotely, because OCS was using unofficial databases, like
Court View. Commissioner Folger replied that there were
federal mandates, which restricted the access to the
network.
Representative Wilson felt that OCS should be able to
access the network remotely, by use of a password protected
access.
Representative Wilson wondered if any of the $11 million
for the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
would be used for the troopers; or was it only used for the
specific victim programs. Commissioner Folger replied that
a portion of those funds goes to the training of troopers.
Representative Wilson wondered if the domestic violence
prevention funding was used toward the troopers.
Commissioner Folger replied that a portion of those funds
were used for trooper training.
2:13:57 PM
Vice-Chair Saddler wondered whether the Alaska Public
Safety Network (APSIN) system contained information on
uninsured motorist. Commissioner Folger replied in the
negative.
Vice-Chair Saddler queried the number of pilots who were
not on flying duty. Commissioner Folger replied that he was
a pilot not on flying duty.
Vice-Chair Saddler wondered if funds were used to maintain
currency. Commissioner Folger replied that troopers who
want to fly must provide a minimum standard. Once the
troopers were on flight status, the department would
provide an instrument ticket.
Vice-Chair Saddler wondered whether money was spent to keep
the flying status current for troopers who were not
currently flying. Commissioner Folger replied in the
negative.
Vice-Chair Saddler wondered if there were twice as many
police requiring twice as many representatives on the
Police Standards Council. Ms. Howell agreed to provide that
information.
Vice-Chair Saddler asked whether or not he had purported
accurately. Commissioner Folger replied that the Fire
Standards Council just recently was able to stand on its
own. He stated that the volunteer fire departments could
not easily be required to receive better training.
Co-Chair Neuman encouraged Vice-Chair Saddler to work with
the DPS subcommittee chair to explore the issue.
Representative Guttenberg expressed concern regarding the
deadly force use by officers. He noted that excessive force
was increasing on the national level. He remarked that some
may feel that those law enforcement officials using deadly
force should not be law enforcement officials. He hoped
that the highest quality troopers were recruited, and
stressed that those troopers should be trained on the
highest possible level. He felt that reaching critical mass
on the number of troopers would result in opportunities for
trouble. He wondered if the state was currently past
critical mass. He understood that there was no single
standard for law enforcement across the state. He wondered
if there were enough troopers to patrol the state, without
endangering the troopers themselves. Colonel Cockrell
replied that he does not feel that there are nor will be
enough troopers with the budget reductions. He noted that
the troopers covered all parts of the state, while also
covering the search and rescue responsibilities. He felt
that the troopers were currently at critical mass. He felt
that Bethel could use a couple more troopers, because of
the high rates of sexual assault in the Bethel. He shared
that there was an attempt to post troopers in the villages,
to try to get the troopers more involved in the smaller
communities. He stressed that there was a cost to provide
the troopers to the smaller communities, because of housing
costs and trooper positions. He stressed that DPS was
struggling to keep up with the volume of crime. He
reiterated that the troopers could not keep up with the
volume of crime in the Mat-Su, because of the "overflow"
from the bar closures in Anchorage. The residents of Mat-Su
know that the police presence in Anchorage is higher than
the Mat-Su. The summertime shootings in Mat-Su were
performed by residents of Anchorage. He remarked that many
crimes in Fairbanks were moving to the rural areas, because
of the desire to distance from police presence.
2:22:38 PM
Representative Guttenberg remarked that underfunding a
program would have a consequence in another agency. Colonel
Cockrell replied that decreasing preventative programs
falls on the burden of law enforcement.
Representative Munoz queried the budget amount for the
battered intervention program. Ms. Howell deferred to Ms.
Morton.
LAUREE MORTON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, COUNCIL ON DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY,
stated that the budget was $200,000 for the Battered
Intervention Program.
Representative Munoz wondered if the funding was for the
statewide program. Ms. Morton replied in the affirmative
and explained that there were 15 approved intervention
programs. She stated that the council partially funded nine
programs: six in communities and three in prisons. The
community based programs had the $200,000 budget.
Representative Munoz asked if the reduction of $340,000
came from that program. Ms. Morton replied that $200,000
was the intervention programs, and $140,000 was from the
Victims Service Grants.
2:25:21 PM
Representative Edgmon requested that Colonel Cockrell sit
at the table. He thanked the department for their work, and
expressed appreciation for the presentation. He noted that
the Department of Law had eliminated the district attorney
in Dillingham. He queried the impact of that elimination.
Colonel Cockrell replied that he did not want to respond to
the Department of Law's decision. He stated that the lowest
district attorney was normally assigned to an area. He
shared that troopers took great pride in their cases, and
the resources in the district attorney's office allowed for
a greater number of dismissed cases.
Representative Edgmon stressed that decreasing the funding
in the Department of Law (LAW) would affect other agencies.
He remarked that without a district attorney (DA), it was
difficult to prosecute in the smaller communities like
Dillingham.
Co-Chair Neuman shared that he had many conversations with
DPS about reducing recidivism. He queried that opinion
about more treatment following arrest. Colonel Cockrell
replied that the state needed a great drug treatment
system. He stressed that treating drug offenders might keep
the offender out of prison, and become a functional member
of the community.
Co-Chair Neuman announced that over 90 percent of the cases
in the Mat-Su were drug related.
2:32:39 PM
AT EASE
2:34:41 PM
RECONVENED
^FY 17 BUDGET OVERVIEW: DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND EARLY
DEVELOPMENT
2:34:54 PM
MICHAEL HANLEY, COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND
EARLY DEVELOPMENT, (DEED) introduced himself.
HEIDI TESHNER, DIRECTOR, ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR,
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND EARLY DEVELOPMENT, introduced
herself.
Commissioner Hanley presented the PowerPoint, "Alaska
Department of Education and Early Development, FY 2017
Governor's Budget Overview" (copy on file).
Commissioner Hanley looked at slide 2, "Department of
Education and Early Development Organization Chart." He
remarked that the State Board of Education and Early
Development was at the top of the Department of Education
and Early Development (DEED). He noted the five primary
divisions within the department; and the three boards and
commissions that were mostly autonomous within the
department, but operated within the structure.
Commissioner Hanley highlighted slide 3, "Department of
Education and Early Development Alaska State Constitution
Alaska Statutes":
Alaska Constitution Section 7.1 - Public Education
Responsibility: To establish and maintain a system of
public schools.
Key Functions: Fund, provide oversight and support,
set standards, assess students towards standards.
State Education Policy - AS 14.03.015
The purpose of education is to help ensure that all
students will succeed in their education and work.
Governing Statutes - Alaska Statutes Title 14
Commissioner Hanley highlighted slide 4, "Department of
Education and Early Development Mission and Core Services":
Mission
To ensure quality standards
improve academic achievement for all students.
Core Services
1. Public School Funding - Ensure funding is
appropriately distributed to recipients based on
legislative appropriations and by Statute.
2. Fiscal Accountability, Compliance and Oversight -
Ensure the department effectively and efficiently
manages state, federal and other funds.
3. School Effectiveness Programs - Assist districts by
providing programs, technical on
delivery support, and early intervention services.
4. Active Partnerships - Provide opportunities for,
and collaborate with government entities, and other
public and private organizations.
Commissioner Hanley addressed slide 5, "Department of
Education and Early Development FY2017 Governor's Budget by
Structure." He noted that nearly 81 percent of the budget
was for Formula Programs, which were the school programs.
He remarked that the second largest budget component was
for teaching and learning support, which was also directly
at schools in the form of grants. He noted that very small
budget remaining for the other aspects of DEED.
Commissioner Hanley displayed slide 6, "Department of
Education and Early Development Structure Overview":
DEED has 5 Divisions, 3 Commissions and Boards, and
the Office of the Commissioner.
1. Division of Teaching and Learning Support
Request
funding and compliance; academic standards,
academic assessment and accountability; state
system of support to increase school
effectiveness; and active partnerships
2. Division of School Finance and Facilities
Request
distributed to Alaska school districts and Mt.
Edgecumbe
Boarding School and provides services that
promote safe facilities which support quality
education programs.
2:39:49 PM
Commissioner Hanley addressed slide 7, "Commissioner Hanley
Structure Overview":
3. Division of Administrative Services
Request
and financial, budget, procurement, human
resources, and information technology support
services to the department divisions; and state
facilities rent.
4. Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums
Request
information; collects, organizes, preserves, and
makes available materials that document the
history of the state; and promotes the
development of libraries, archives and museums
statewide.
Commissioner Hanley looked at slide 8, "Department of
Education and Early Development Structure Overview":
5. Mt. Edgecumbe Boarding School
Request
high school for Alaskan students.
6. Alaska State Council on the Arts
Request
arts for all Alaskans through education,
partnerships, grants, and services.
Commissioner Hanley highlighted slide 9, "Department of
Education and Early Development Structure Overview":
7. Professional Teaching Practices Commission
Request
working to enhance the professional performance
of all educators, and ensures that members of the
teaching profession in Alaska are qualified and
ethical educators.
8. Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education
Request
career training after high school.
Commissioner Hanley discussed slide 10, "Department of
Education and Early Development Structure Overview":
9. Office of the Commissioner
Request
Alaska's school districts, schools, students,
parents, teachers, and department programs that
increase student achievement.
2:43:17 PM
Commissioner Hanley highlighted slide 11, "Department of
Education and Early Development Key Performance Measures."
He stressed that the graduation rate was a key performance
measure. He remarked that the trend was moving in the right
direction, but there was a desire to continue to increase
the percentage. He noted that the five-year graduation rate
was 78.3 percent. He remarked that it was a higher rate
than the four-year rate. He stressed that the DEED's goal
was a four-year graduation rate.
2:44:20 PM
Commissioner Hanley addressed slide 12, "Department of
Education and Early Development Key Performance Measures."
He remarked that the bar on the right represented the
number of students that qualify for the Alaska Performance
Scholarship: 3,756 students.
Commissioner Hanley looked at slide 13, "Department of
Education and Early Development FY2017 Governor's Budget":
DEED will employ 344 Alaskans in fulltime, part
and seasonal positions in 7 locations, with main
offices in Juneau, and regional offices throughout the
state.
Commissioner Hanley discussed slide 14, "Department of
Education and Early Development FY2017 Governor's Budget."
He restated that the largest portion of the budget was
public school funding. The second largest budget portion
was the fiscal accountability, compliance, and oversight at
14 percent. He shared that there was federal funding within
that component, such as child nutrition services. There was
also title money within that component.
Commissioner Hanley highlighted slide 15, "Department of
Education and Early Development FY2017 Governor's Budget."
He noted the breakdown of funding between formula programs
and agency operations. He noted that the DGF agency
operations was approximately $62 million. He remarked that
68 percent of the agency was federally funded, and the
money was filtered directly to schools.
2:49:33 PM
Commissioner Hanley looked at slide 16, "Department of
Education and Early Development Operating Overview All
Funds." He remarked that 95 percent of the funding was
distributed in grants, which was formula funding. He
furthered that 3 percent were other lines such as travel
and contractual obligations. He stated that 2 percent of
the budget was personnel.
Commissioner Hanley displayed slide 17, "Department of
Education and Early Development FY2017 Governor's Budget
Highlights":
K
$12.5 Million
• $50 Base Student Allocation (BSA) increase from
$5,880 to $5,930; fund source change from UGF to
Public School Trust Fund (DGF)
School Finance and Facilities
• $66.0 UGF reduction to remove remaining one
funding from the Education Bill (Ch 15 SLA
2014, HB278) for the prototypical design study
Student and School Achievement
• $525.0 DGF reduction to remove funding for the
College and Career Readiness Assessments (CCRA)
• $31.2 DGF increase to the authorization for the
Alaska Technical and Vocational Education Program
(TVEP) funding
• $25.0 UGF reduction to remove funding for the Alaska
Resource Education Grant (formerly known as the Alaska
Mineral and Energy Resource Education Fund or AMEREF)
Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP)
• $385.2 UGF reduction to base grant
Commissioner Hanley addressed slide 18, "Department of
Education and Early Development FY2017 Governor's Budget
Highlights (con't)":
Child Nutrition
• $11,000.0 increase in federal receipt authority to
receive additional USDA grant funds due to increases
in child nutrition programs.
Early Learning Coordination
• $320.0 UGF reduction to remove funding for Best
Beginnings
• $500.0 UGF reduction to remove funding for Parents
As Teachers
Pre
• $2,000.0 UGF reduction to remove funding for
Pre
Alaska State Council on the Arts
• $800.0 SDPR (Other) increase in authorization to
accept a multi
grant
State Facilities Rent
• $200.0 UGF reduction to remove one
dual occupancy rent
Library Operations
• $672.7 UGF reduction to reduce Broadband Assistance
Grants to school districts
Commissioner Hanley looked at slide 19, "Department of
Education and Early Development FY2017 Governor's Budget
Highlights (con't)":
Museum Operations
• $136.5 GF/Prgm (DGF) increase in receipt authority
to collect and spend additional gate receipts for
the new Kashevaroff State Libraries, Archives and
Museum Facility
Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education, Program
Administration and Operations
• $1,109.4 federal receipt authorization reduction to
remove funding for the College Access
Challenge Grant
• $12,518.0 I/A Rcpts (Other) increase in
authorization to accurately reflect component funding
from the Alaska Student Loan Corporation
• $720.0 SDPR (Other) increase in authorization in
order to accept external grants for outreach,
research, and reporting programs and services
• $0.0 net change for a funding source adjustment to
accurately reflect institutional authorization fees;
$50.0 DGF/($50.0)
Other Unallocated Appropriation
• $329.8 UGF reduction to remove FY2016 salary
adjustments
2:56:07 PM
Ms. Teshner looked at slide 20, "Department of Education
and Early Development FY2017 Governor's Budget by Core
Service." She stated that between the FY 16 Management Plan
the FY 17 Adjusted Base there was an $11.2 million increase
in all funds. She noted the comparison to the FY 17
Adjusted Base and the FY 17 Governor's proposal, which
showed an overall $20 million increase. She stated that the
details of the increases would be addressed in the
following slides.
Ms. Teshner discussed slide 21, "Department of Education
and Early Development FY2017 Governor's Budget." The slide
showed a comparison between the FY 15 through FY 17
management plans and the current governor's proposal,
between the formula and non-formula programs. She noted the
overall decrease of 4 percent in all funds. She noted the
UGF comparison with an overall increase of 8.3 percent with
a 35.1 decrease to the agency operations in non-formula
programs.
Ms. Teshner highlighted slide 22, "Department of Education
and Early Development FY2017 Governor's Budget
The slide showed a different comparison format between the
FY 16 Management Plan through Adjusted Base to the
governor's increments and decrements.
Ms. Teshner addressed slide 23, "Department of Education
and Early Development Budget Compared to All Agencies
Budgets":
The department's non-formula GF budget grew almost
$11.3 million (28 percent) between FY 07 and the FY 17
governor's request - an average annual growth rate for
that period of 2.5 percent.
The department's total non-formula FY 17 GF budget
equals $155 per resident worker.
Ms. Teshner looked at slide 24, "DEED Formula and Non-
Formula Funding":
The department's total GF budget grew over $330
million (28 percent) between FY 07 and the FY 17
governor's request - an average annual growth rate for
that period of 2.8 percent.
The department's total FY 17 GF budget request for
DEED formula and non-formula programs equals $4,048
per resident worker.
Commissioner Hanley pointed out that in FY 07 the non-
formula funding was 28.5 percent of the overall budget.
Ms. Teshner highlighted slide 25, "DEED Non-Formula
Personal Services Costs and Salary Adjustment Increases":
Note: The FY 16 amount is understated by $10 million
due to a structure change in the Alaska Commission on
Postsecondary Education.
Ms. Teshner discussed slide 26, "Commissioner Hanley Non-
Formula Budget Comparisons." The slide showed the
comparison of DGF and UGF funding by component.
Commissioner Hanley pointed out that the green line was the
Teaching and Learning Support. Those increases reflected
when active partnerships were initiated.
3:00:04 PM
Co-Chair Neuman wondered if the Alaska Commission of
Postsecondary Education (ACPE) was all federal money.
Commissioner Hanley replied that the funding was mostly
receipts from student loans.
Co-Chair Neuman asked for further information. Ms. Teshner
replied that
Co-Chair Neuman surmised that the funding was from the
interest from student loans. Ms. Teshner replied that ACPE
funding consisted primarily of other funds, such as the
Student Loan Corporation receipts. The receipts funding $14
million of their $21 million budget. She explained that
only $900,000 of the ACPE budget was federal receipts, and
$5.8 million was DGF.
Co-Chair Neuman wondered if the interest from student loans
was used as the funding. Ms. Teshner replied in the
affirmative.
Co-Chair Neuman asked whether the money could be directed
elsewhere or if it was statutorily directed at the state or
federal level. Commissioner Hanley deferred to Ms. Barrans.
Co-Chair Neuman asked that Representative Gattis examine
that issue in the DEED subcommittee.
Representative Gattis stated that she intended to explore
the issue in the DEED subcommittee.
Representative Guttenberg looked at slide 8, which
referenced the Alaska State Council on the Arts, and noted
the grants. He felt that Alaska was almost unable to match
federal grant funding. He was worried that the budget would
be less than what was required for federal matching funds.
Ms. Teshner replied that the federal match for the state
was one-to-one match.
3:03:54 PM
Representative Guttenberg wondered if DEED was "giving up
on the federal match." Ms. Teshner replied in the negative.
Representative Guttenberg asked if the state was above the
matching level. Ms. Teshner replied in the affirmative.
Representative Guttenberg remarked on the bandwidth goal.
He remarked that many communities did not receive that
level of bandwidth. He shared that his community was lucky
to receive even a small amount of bandwidth. He wondered if
the state had given up on its goal of 10 megabits of
bandwidth. Commissioner Hanley replied that the $5 million
goal of achieving 10 megabits, was put in place two years
prior. He stressed that prior to two years ago there was no
state money toward broadband. He appreciated the
recognition of a quality of life related to higher
bandwidth. He remarked that there were fiscal decisions,
but stressed that it was still a goal to achieve 10
megabits.
Representative Guttenberg observed that there was no
discount for broadband in the rural communities. He shared
that there was a recent attempt to allow village councils
and tribal entities to expand the broadband in schools. He
queried the status of that attempt. Commissioner Hanley
replied that DEED was not a part of that conversation. He
remarked that DEED was a consumer of broadband like the
communities.
Representative Munoz shared that she had recently had a
conversations with Alan Dick. She shared that she had
expressed concern about the new standards leaving behind
some students who were not college bound. She remarked that
the language of the standards was difficult to understand.
She wondered whether the department had an intention to
make the standards easier to understand. Commissioner
Hanley replied that the standards were meant to ensure that
the students were ready for the next step in education. He
explained that there were some math standards language that
would be difficult to understand for everyone. He felt that
the need for the documents for parents was necessary, and
would be much broader than the standard outlined for
teachers.
3:09:58 PM
Representative Munoz felt that the elementary school
standard language made it difficult for anyone to
understand those standards. Commissioner Hanley agreed.
Representative Gara looked at slide 24, and wondered if the
increases in DEED funding may be because of the finding
that the rural districts were underfunded. Commissioner
Hanley replied that the finding was the state was meeting
the "constitutional floor" of responsibility of
establishing and providing for an education. He remarked
that there was no finding that showed underfunding, but
there was a recognition that more funding was necessary.
Representative Gara clarified that the legislature had
passed a new formula that provided a new cost differential
for urban and rural school funding. He remarked that the
new formula recognized the miscalculation of the cost
differential for rural schools, so for every dollar
Anchorage gets, a larger amount would go to rural
districts. He also noted the increase in special education
funding, because the school districts were not given those
costs. He noted that the legislature passed that bill in
approximately 2005. He wondered if that formula change
accounted for some of the increase. Commissioner Hanley
replied in the affirmative, and deferred to Ms. Nudelman.
3:13:03 PM
ELIZABETH NUDELMAN, DIRECTOR, SCHOOL FINANCES AND
FACILITIES, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND EARLY DEVELOPMENT,
explained that there were changes in the public school
funding formula. She noted that the two primary changes
included changing the geographic cost factors across
Alaska. Those were implemented over a five-year period,
which was included in the chart. She remarked that the
second larger change was the intensive funding, which was
implemented over three years.
Representative Gara noted the increase in FY 15, and
wondered if that was due to the former legislation Mr. Butt
138. Ms. Teshner replied in the affirmative.
Representative Gara noted that throughout the 1990s the K-
12 formula was basically "flat funded." Ms. Nudelman
replied that there were not strong increases in funding in
the 1990s, which she could remember. She stated that she
did not have precise details.
Representative Gara shared that he may have some Pre-K
questions later in the meeting.
Representative Wilson remarked that she was interested in
Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP) and
Mt. Edgecumbe adjustments. She noted that Mt. Edgecumbe had
a very high graduation rate. She wondered if the State
Board of Education examined the idea of the recommendations
for Mt. Edgecumbe Commissioner Hanley replied that he was
only recently informed of the recent legislation. He
stressed that he liked the quality of both ANSEP and Mt.
Edgecumbe. He did not want to lose one over the other. He
did not have enough knowledge of the intricacies. He
stressed that Mt. Edgecumbe reached out to a broad spectrum
of students across rural Alaska. He felt that only focusing
on math and science would lose an entire outreach to a
group of students. He shared that the State Board of
Education was not aware of that proposal.
Representative Wilson felt that the state did not need to
currently own a school. She requested information about a
possible increase from 10 to 25 students to form a school.
She queried the reasoning of why that adjustment would be
detrimental to schools. Commissioner Hanley agreed to
provide that information.
3:18:27 PM
Representative Wilson noted that the highest growing area
of funding was for teaching and learning. She wondered why
school districts were not covering the needs of teachers,
and why DEED did not pursue cost-neutral avenues.
Commissioner Hanley replied that those concerns seemed like
two different questions. He felt that the districts were
doing their best. He stressed that DEED should provide
resources without mandates.
Representative Wilson understood that DEED was providing
training, but the formula program was the greatest cost
driver. She remarked that any other industry required a fee
for those services. She wondered why there was no fee to
make those programs cost neutral. Commissioner Hanley
replied that there was an evaluation about a fee for those
programs. He remarked that DEED was trying to find the most
effective and efficient way to help the schools educate the
children. He stated that the smaller districts were in need
of the most support, because of the new federal changes.
Representative Wilson remarked that she was the chair of
the University; and the Department of Labor and Workforce
Development budget. She hoped to put more of the money into
the DEED budget.
Representative Gattis felt that education was funded at an
extremely high rate. She remarked that money for education
had been allocated outside of the budget. She shared that
Mt. Edgecumbe did not only have students from rural
communities. She announced that Mt. Edgecumbe had students
from Anchorage and Mat-Su. She remarked that students from
Sitka also attended Mt. Edgecumbe. She shared that Mt.
Edgecumbe had different criteria for its incoming students
than the other boarding schools, which may contribute to
its higher graduation rate.
3:23:41 PM
Vice-Chair Saddler remarked that some people feel that the
legislature had been "slashing education funding for years
upon years." He wondered why some might feel that way.
Commissioner Hanley replied that he would have a difficult
time finding proof of reduced funding. He shared that it
felt like funding was cut, because of increased contractual
and inflationary costs of school districts. He remarked
that it was easy to point to the cuts coming from the
legislature.
Representative Pruitt felt that the budget for DEED formula
in 2017 should be $1.1 billion if there was an adjustment
for inflation. He remarked that the budget was in the
formula was $1.3 billion. He stressed that the legislature
was currently far above the inflationary adjustment. He
queried the number of new students from 2007 to 1017, which
allowed for the increase above inflation. Commissioner
Hanley replied that he did not know the student count in
2007, but the student enrollment was fairly stable in over
the five to seven years at 130,000 students.
Representative Pruitt restated that there was a stable
number of students, but the budget had doubled the
inflationary impact.
Representative Gara requested a per student comparison of
funding versus inflation. He stressed that there was a cost
differential study and the special education study.
Representative Gara looked at slide 21, and remarked on the
$75 million decrease in the FY 15 Management Plan from the
Governor's proposal. Ms. Teshner replied that the decrease
was represented by the reduction from the one-time funding
for FY 15 through FY 17. She also noted the fund source
change between UGF and DGF in FY 17.
Co-Chair Neuman stressed that the DEED budget was
important. He remarked that the education funding formula
had been changed over time. He wondered if the formula
should be changed again.
Co-Chair Thompson discussed the following day's agenda.
HB 255 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
HB 256 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
HB 257 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
ADJOURNMENT
3:30:39 PM
The meeting was adjourned at 3:30 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| FY17 DEED HFC Budget Overview 1-28-16.pdf |
HFIN 1/28/2016 1:30:00 PM |
|
| DPS H FIN Dept Overview 012816.pdf |
HFIN 1/28/2016 1:30:00 PM |
|
| DPS Response to 012816 H FIN Committee Questions.pdf |
HFIN 1/28/2016 1:30:00 PM |