Legislature(2017 - 2018)ADAMS ROOM 519
03/02/2018 01:00 PM House FINANCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB285 || HB286 | |
| Public Testimony: Juneau | |
| Public Testimony: Sitka, Petersburg, Delta Junction, Unalaska, Glennallen, and Tok | |
| Public Testimony: off Net Sites | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 286 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 285 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE
March 2, 2018
1:05 p.m.
1:05:06 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Seaton called the House Finance Committee meeting
to order at 1:05 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Neal Foster, Co-Chair
Representative Paul Seaton, Co-Chair
Representative Les Gara, Vice-Chair
Representative Jason Grenn
Representative David Guttenberg
Representative Dan Ortiz
Representative Lance Pruitt
Representative Steve Thompson
Representative Cathy Tilton
Representative Tammie Wilson
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Scott Kawasaki
ALSO PRESENT
Jeff Short, Juneau School District Board of Education,
Juneau; Lynda Watts, Self and Recovery Population, Juneau;
Jeremy D. Simile, Juneau Alaska HOPE Dealers, Juneau;
Shasta Myers, Self, Person in Recovery, Juneau; Kara
Nelson, Self, Director, Haven House, Juneau; Greg Fitch,
Self, Juneau; Joy Lyon, Director, Association for the
Education of Young Children SE Alaska, Juneau; Stella
Tallmon, Juneau Douglas High School, Juneau; Tom Chard,
Executive Director, Alaska Behavioral Health Association,
Juneau; Erin Walker-Tolles, Executive Director, Catholic
Community Service, Juneau; Erin Laughlin, Student,
University of Alaska Southeast, Juneau; Don Habeger,
Coordinator, Juneau Reentry Coalition, Juneau; Sean
Strauss, Self, Juneau; Charles Degnan, Self, Juneau; June
Degnan, President, Haven House, Juneau; Anne Fuller, Self,
Juneau; Tony Delgado, Self, Juneau; Breanna Walker,
Student, UAS, Juneau; Emily Ferry, Self, Juneau; Brenda
Taylor, Self, Juneau; Maggie Winston, Key Coalition, Kenai;
Lisa Parady, ACSA, Juneau; Dennis Haas, Key Coalition,
Kenai; Michael Hutchings, Key Coalition, Juneau; Talea
Kellar, Parents as Teachers, Juneau; Heather Mountcastle,
Support for Mr. Fubao Goldsberry; Fubao Goldsberry, Self,
Juneau; Representative Justin Parish; Representative Dave
Talerico.
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE
Craig Dahl, Executive Director, Chamber of Commerce,
Juneau; Tom Abbott, Self, Petersburg; Cathy Long, Executive
Director, Cordova Chamber of Commerce, Cordova; Pete
Hoepfner, Cordova School Board, Cordova; Morgan Johnson,
City of Ambler, Ambler; Hattie Keller, Self, Nome; Sue
Steinacher, Nome Emergency Shelter Team, Nome; Ruthie
Knight, City of Valdez/PWSEDD, Valdez; Frank Oxereok,
Bering Sea Elders Group, Wales; Tom Lakosh, Self,
Anchorage; Ida Nelson, Self, Igiugig; Kim Philips, Self,
Haines; Jennifer Allen, Rural Cap, Haines; Evelynn Trefon,
Self, New Halen.
SUMMARY
HB 285 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET
HB 285 was HEARD and HELD in committee for
further consideration.
HB 286 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUNDS
HB 286 was HEARD and HELD in committee for
further consideration.
Co-Chair Seaton reviewed the meeting agenda.
HOUSE BILL NO. 285
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and
capital expenses of the state's integrated
comprehensive mental health program; and providing for
an effective date."
HOUSE BILL NO. 286
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and
loan program expenses of state government and for
certain programs; capitalizing funds; amending
appropriations; making supplemental appropriations;
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."
1:06:15 PM
^PUBLIC TESTIMONY: JUNEAU
1:09:16 PM
JEFF SHORT, JUNEAU SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION,
JUNEAU, testified in support of education funding. He asked
the legislature to increase the Base Student Allocation
(BSA) by $100. He relayed that inflation had resulted in a
reduced budget of approximately $600 per student since
2008; the losses had led to a $3 million shortfall in the
district's budget in the current year. He stressed that the
district did an excellent job educating its students. He
shared that students from low income and violent homes and
those without homes struggled in school. He underscored the
importance of keeping up with inflation. He reasoned that
the state could either reinvest in education now or it
could spend much more in the future on social services,
prisons, and rebuilding the middle class.
1:11:37 PM
Vice-Chair Gara asked about the year mentioned. Mr. Short
replied 2008 (based on the Anchorage CPI).
1:12:04 PM
LYNDA WATTS, SELF AND RECOVERY POPULATION, JUNEAU, she
shared her history with alcoholism, PTSD, and sexual abuse.
She had thought of herself as the black sheep of society.
She was receiving counseling through JAMI and worked with
NAMI and the Juneau Reentry Coalition. She shared other
treatment programs she was using. All of the services had
empowered her to overcome past trauma that had led to her
alcoholism. She wanted to be the best recovered person she
could become. She spoke in support of community safety net
services, reentry and rehabilitation services, and $18
million proposed to expand substance abuse treatment
statewide. She thanked the committee for its time.
1:15:14 PM
JEREMY D. SIMILE, JUNEAU ALASKA HOPE DEALERS, JUNEAU,
shared his personal story. He worked in construction and
shared that he was in long-term recovery. His mother had
been murdered when he was seven years old. He detailed that
he had undergone multiple substance abuse treatment
programs that had enabled him to live successfully. He was
working with the Juneau Reentry Coalition. He spoke to the
difficulty of breaking the criminal tide without treatment
support. He believed the coalition was imperative for
incarcerated individuals to become successful, productive
members of society. He asked the committee to support the
governor's request of $375,000 to reduce recidivism and
prepare individuals for reentry and $18 million for
substance abuse treatment.
Representative Guttenberg shared that he was a retired
laborer and asked Mr. Simile to hang in there. Mr. Simile
thanked him.
Co-Chair Seaton relayed that the public was free to answer
or not answer any questions from the committee.
1:18:35 PM
SHASTA MYERS, SELF, PERSON IN RECOVERY, JUNEAU, shared her
personal story. She lived at Haven House and had been sober
for 90 days. She detailed she had spent time incarcerated
and on probation. She recently graduated from inpatient
treatment through Rainforest Recovery. She shared that she
was doing long-term outpatient treatment through Gastineau
Human Services and other programs such as JAMI and others.
Doors had opened to her because she was sober and had
undergone treatment. She would be released from probation
the following week. She supported recidivism reduction
funding and treatment funds.
1:20:09 PM
KARA NELSON, SELF, DIRECTOR, HAVEN HOUSE, JUNEAU, spoke in
support of $375,000 for treatment and $18 million for
substance abuse treatment. She is a woman in long-term
recovery. She stressed that the support services were
imperative to heal Alaska. She testified as a mother of a
daughter who was actively using drugs. She wanted to know
the support services would be available. She thanked the
committee.
1:21:36 PM
GREG FITCH, SELF, JUNEAU, testified in support of funding
for mental health services and funds. He thanked the
committee for work the legislature was doing. He believed
he was a good living example of good mental health and what
a good system could do. He stressed the importance of
investing in people. The public counted on the funds and
the legislature.
1:23:09 PM
JOY LYON, DIRECTOR, ASSOCIATION FOR THE EDUCATION OF YOUNG
CHILDREN SE ALASKA, JUNEAU, testified in support of
education funds. She spoke to the importance of increasing
the state's revenue in order to continue investing in
children. She detailed that two out of three children
coming into kindergarten were not prepared for school. She
asked the committee to consider all the trauma that people
were hearing about and to think about what a difference
strong support for young children and their families could
make.
1:24:41 PM
STELLA TALLMON, JUNEAU DOUGLAS HIGH SCHOOL, JUNEAU, shared
that she is currently a sophomore at JDHS. She supported an
increase in the Base Student Allocation (BSA). She stressed
the state could not afford to neglect its public schools.
Increasing operating costs had forced school boards to make
cuts to vital programs. She stated that flat funding of
education would hurt schools. She underscored that kids
from lower socioeconomic backgrounds would be hit hardest.
Investing in education would only benefit the state. She
believed that increasing the BSA was the greatest thing the
legislature could do for the state's future.
1:26:12 PM
TOM CHARD, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
ASSOCIATION, JUNEAU, thanked the committee and the
individuals sharing their personal stories. He stated that
behavioral health grants were flat funded in the governor's
budget. The current funding for Medicaid was at FY 15
levels. The funding allowed providing access to mental
health and treatment services. He understood the state was
facing challenges beyond the typical demand - the opioid
crisis. He appreciated the governor's $18 million
supplemental request by the governor that helped build
capacity for services. He thanked the committee for its
work.
1:27:53 PM
ERIN WALKER-TOLLES, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
SERVICE, JUNEAU, spoke in favor of funds for child advocacy
centers. She shared information about the organization that
provided services to seniors throughout Southeast Alaska.
The organization also ran a safe child advocacy center. She
detailed the center did forensic interviews for children
referred by law enforcement and the Office of Children's
Services for suspected sexual abuse, physical abuse, and
neglect. The organization had seen a dramatic and
disturbing increase in the number of cases (59 percent in
the current year). She shared that the services were funded
through the Department of Health and Social Services with
federal TANF funding. There was a dramatic increase in
prosecutions as well. She asked the legislature to increase
funding to child advocacy centers statewide.
1:29:43 PM
ERIN LAUGHLIN, STUDENT, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA SOUTHEAST,
JUNEAU, provided detail about her studies at the
University. She asked the committee to fully fund the Board
of Regent's request of $341 million. She shared her story
about moving to Alaska. She implored the legislature to
fully fund the University to provide opportunities for
schools. She shared that she had postcards of support from
other students.
Co-Chair Seaton recognized Representative Dave Talerico in
the room.
1:31:37 PM
DON HABEGER, COORDINATOR, JUNEAU REENTRY COALITION, JUNEAU,
spoke to the need for reentry services, which reduced
recidivism rates. He shared a story related to the
importance of boots on the ground pertaining to the
reduction of recidivism. He shared that the individual had
fallen off the grid and had a substance abuse relapse.
Fortunately, due to treatment services the individual was
back on track. It was an example of smart justice. The
coalition thanked the legislature for its continued
investment in recidivism reduction and substance abuse
treatment.
1:34:31 PM
SEAN STRAUSS, SELF, JUNEAU, testified in favor of a state
income tax. He shared that he respected all the state's
elected officials, but he wanted to illuminate an important
boundary that if crossed would have natural consequences.
He supported the implementation of a state income tax by
the end of the current session. He believed that without
one the state would face the consequences of various things
including social dysfunction. The governor had cut
Permanent Fund Dividends, which had received disapproval.
He continued that the governor could not implement and
income tax. He stressed that no income tax perpetuated
uncertainty. He implored the committee members to get an
income tax done. He thanked the committee.
1:37:20 PM
CHARLES DEGNAN, SELF, JUNEAU, provided detail about his
life in Alaska. He stated that individuals living in rural
villages took turns helping each other. He stressed the
importance of considering where individuals lived. He
detailed that most individuals living in the state relied
on subsistence. He stated the state had a penalty giving
government. Things had become illegal in rural Alaska
including nonsensical bag limits and open seasons. He
stressed the importance of helping people in the smallest
communities first. He represented a student of hard knocks.
He stated that taxes were the basic necessities of keeping
the state operational. He thanked the committee for
listening. He supported an income tax.
1:42:05 PM
Vice-Chair Gara thanked Mr. Degnan for his service to the
state.
Mr. Deganan added that all the males in his family were
veterans.
1:42:36 PM
JUNE DEGNAN, PRESIDENT, HAVEN HOUSE, JUNEAU, spoke in
support of a graduated statewide income tax, which she
believed would be the most fair. She shared information
about her Native heritage. She stated that Alaska had
wonderful resources that needed to be protected. She did
not support borrowing money to fill the state's deficit.
She believed it was necessary to look at other funding
resources outside of oil. She stressed the importance of
incorporating tribes and people who cared about the state.
She asked the legislature to ask for help if there were
things the community could do.
1:45:35 PM
ANNE FULLER, SELF, JUNEAU, supported funding for schools,
counseling, and treatment options especially for teens. The
state of the world raised many questions for her, but she
believed what should be done was known. She had paid a
school and income tax in the past and believed that was
possible. She supported AMHS, schools, libraries, and well-
funded justice agencies. She spoke to the possibility of
living healthy lives and helping neighbors. She stressed
the importance of taking care of the state's children.
1:47:28 PM
TONY DELGADO, SELF, JUNEAU, showed a photo of his family to
the committee. He relayed that he had been in long-term
recovery. He shared that the individual in the picture had
shot herself in front of him. He elaborated that a person
who committed suicide needed help and had not received it.
He spoke to the importance of services to help individuals.
He had been in the Army, but he was not afraid to cry any
longer. He stated that a bill in the legislature could have
helped the individual. He would give anything to have the
individual back with his daughter. He shared additional
detail about his life. He stated that money was not
everything. He supported funding in the governor's budget.
1:52:13 PM
BREANNA WALKER, STUDENT, UAS, JUNEAU, testified in support
of funding for the University at the Board of Regents
request of $341 million. She shared that the University
provided an educated workforce. She had received great
opportunity at the University. Full funding ensured a well-
staffed university with excellent classes. She would
provide copies of other students' requests. She detailed
that the university had lost funding over recent years.
1:55:10 PM
EMILY FERRY, SELF, JUNEAU, introduced her second graders to
the committee. She spoke in support of a robust education
budget. Flat funding represented a cut to education. She
noted that the district was looking at a $3 million to $5
million cut. She had been encouraged by earlier testimony
supporting an income tax. She also supported an income tax.
She believed the problem was solvable with political will.
She encouraged the legislature to do the hard work. The
state needed the legislature's support. She shared that her
children had testified in support of an education bill
earlier in session.
1:58:10 PM
Co-Chair Seaton shared that the House had passed an income
tax over to the Senate [the previous session].
BRENDA TAYLOR, SELF, JUNEAU, spoke in support of education
funds. She brought attention to the importance of STEM
[Science, Technology, Engineering, Math] education. She
shared that STEM education was instrumental in developing
adults who could collaborate and innovate and who were
ready for STEM specific jobs. She stated that children
needed practice solving complex problems that were reality-
based. The STEM Coalition was working to get outdoor and
hands-on experience in classrooms. She shared that the
district had funded an integration specialist, but the
candidates who would have been wonderful had no longer been
available because of the late passage of the budget the
previous year. The school was talking about cutting a
librarian position and from two counselors to one, they
were also talking about cutting CTE positions. She hoped
the committee understood the importance of education for
the long-term.
2:02:04 PM
MAGGIE WINSTON, KEY COALITION, KENAI, she provided detail
about the Key Coalition. She stated that helping
individuals to receive services and live independently in
their communities was a passion of hers. She stated that
the current fiscal situation was creating uncertainty. She
asked the legislature to think about disabled individuals
and about what cuts could mean for people like her.
2:04:23 PM
LISA PARADY, ACSA, JUNEAU, thanked the committee for the
opportunity to testify. She shared that school districts'
highest priority was timely and adequate funding. She
thanked the committee for its work to provide early
funding. She supported the work of the finance subcommittee
for the Department of Education and Early Development. She
spoke about tragedy related to school safety. She stated
that it was important to support school districts and
students' social and emotional needs. She supported
counselors in schools for support. She supported the
University as well. The two systems had never worked
together as they were presently for the whole state.
2:07:24 PM
DENNIS HAAS, KEY COALITION, KENAI, thanked the legislature
for its hard work. He shared that because of the
legislature his daughter was alive - she received services
through the Medicaid waiver. He saw agencies having a
difficult time to provide quality care. He was worried
about what would happen to his daughter if something
happened to him. He had paid state income tax in Alaska
when it had existed. He supported a tax. He would rather
lose money than see the system continue to erode. There
were 800 people who qualified for service that were
waiting. The state had vowed to cut the list by 200 people
per year, but that number had been reduced to 50 the
previous year. He did not believe some of the cuts were
thoughtful. He asked the legislature to do the right thing
and help achieve a sustainable budget to care for the needs
of all citizens.
2:10:20 PM
CRAIG DAHL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, JUNEAU
(via teleconference), shared that the University had dealt
with major cuts. He supported a strong university system
that was the backbone of the state's future workforce. He
stressed the critical nature of training a workforce for
the future. The business community expected a highly
trained workforce. The University was one of the largest
community employers in Juneau. He discussed the important
role UAS played in teacher education, maritime safety, and
other. He urged the committee to support the University's
budget request in full.
2:13:40 PM
MICHAEL HUTCHINGS, KEY COALITION, JUNEAU, testified in
support of the Medicaid waiver program that provided the
ability for him to be more independent in terms of housing
and other things. He spoke against to cuts to funding to
services. He wanted to be known as Michael who did many
things and happened to be in a wheelchair instead of
Michael who was in a wheelchair.
Representative Ortiz asked for more detail about day-hab
services Mr. Hutchings received.
Mr. Hutchings answered that the services allowed him to
visit his parents, go to coffee, go to the pool, and other.
With assistance being reduced to 12 hours significantly
impacted his daily life.
Representative Ortiz surmised that the net impact would be
an increased number of people more home-bound because of
the reductions.
Mr. Hutchings replied in the affirmative. He elaborated
that it took more time - there were people who needed the
assistance. He stressed the importance of quality of life.
He shared that he would provide a letter to the committee.
2:17:47 PM
TALEA KELLAR, PARENTS AS TEACHERS, JUNEAU, thanked the
committee for its support for early childhood education.
She stressed the value of support early on in children's
lives.
Co-Chair Seaton relayed the committee would break until
2:45 p.m. to hear testimony from additional communities.
2:19:42 PM
AT EASE
2:46:18 PM
RECONVENED
2:46:59 PM
HEATHER MOUNTCASTLE, SUPPORT, MR. FUBAO GOLDSBERRY,
introduced herself.
FUBAO GOLDSBERRY, SELF, JUNEAU, testified in support of
Medicaid funding. He stated that the cuts to Medicaid with
impact those with individuals with disabilities. He shared
that he was disabled, so he used Medicaid funding.
^PUBLIC TESTIMONY: SITKA, PETERSBURG, DELTA JUNCTION,
UNALASKA, GLENNALLEN, and TOK
2:49:41 PM
AT EASE
3:02:01 PM
RECONVENED
3:02:33 PM
TOM ABBOTT, SELF, PETERSBURG (via teleconference), spoke in
support of public broadcasting funding, the Alaska Marine
Highway, and public education funding. He supported the
governor's proposal for public broadcasting. He remarked
that public broadcasting had recently received significant
cuts. He remarked that the Alaska Marine Highway was
important, not only for Southeast Alaska, but across the
state. He felt that it was a more cost-efficient way to
travel than air travel. He stressed that education was an
investment in the future.
3:05:44 PM
AT EASE
3:26:24 PM
RECONVENED
Co-Chair Seaton announced that there was no one signed up
to testify, so he would wait for three minutes to see if
anyone signed up. If there was no additional testimony he
would take a longer recess from 3:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
3:27:17 PM
AT EASE
3:31:51 PM
RECONVENED
Co-Chair Seaton stated that there were no additional
testifiers, so he would recess until 4:00 p.m.
3:32:22 PM
AT EASE
4:01:40 PM
RECONVENED
^PUBLIC TESTIMONY: BETHEL, CORDOVA, KOTZEBUE, NOME, VALDEZ,
WRANGELL
^PUBLIC TESTIMONY: OFF NET SITES
4:02:16 PM
CATHY LONG, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CORDOVA CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE, CORDOVA (via teleconference), read testimony from
the president, Jim Cash. He relayed that the Alaska Marine
Highway System advocated for a functional ferry system that
supported the economy, food security, health, and well-
being of its citizens. Otherwise, those things were in
serious jeopardy. People in Cordova were very concerned
about the short funding of AMHS. The ferry transport was
Cordova's livelihood and a basic infrastructure which had
to remain intact. She thought AMHS had been addressed as an
afterthought in the current budget draft. It was
unacceptable that the primary ferries in Cordova would not
be operating in the fall. She reemphasized that Cordova
needed the ferry service and asked for full funding.
4:04:54 PM
Representative Ortiz asked Ms. Long about the change in the
AMHS service.
Ms. Long thought the ideal service would be comprised of a
fast ferry in the summer and a slower ferry in the winter
months. She spoke to the difficulty of interruptions in
service. She mentioned the importance of being able to plan
things in advance. There were businesses dependent on the
ferry service.
4:07:20 PM
PETE HOEPFNER, CORDOVA SCHOOL BOARD, CORDOVA (via
teleconference), spoke in favor of education funding. He
spoke of the need for increased BSA funding. He mentioned
the fiscal issues occurring in small cities. He spoke of
unfunded mandates such as school safety training. He
surmised that the underfunding is affecting the education
of students. He thanked members for their efforts in
resolving the state's fiscal issue.
4:09:22 PM
MORGAN JOHNSON, CITY OF AMBLER, AMBLER (via
teleconference), advocated for community assistance
funding. He thanked the legislature for its work on the
supplemental budget and community assistance funding. The
village was struggling with existing funding. Like other
villages, Ambler was suffering for lack of funding. He
thanked the committee for its funding.
4:11:22 PM
HATTIE KELLER, SELF, NOME (via teleconference), advocated
for funding for pre-kindergarten grants and education. She
detailed that he City of Nome funded 75 percent of its
school compared to 100 percent in Valdez. The school was
currently looking at budget cuts and cuts to teachers. She
was looking at increasing the number of Inupiaq immersion
schools. She spoke of the importance of giving children a
good start in life.
Co-Chair Seaton relayed there were no additional
individuals signed up to testify. The committee would break
until 4:25 p.m.
4:13:06 PM
AT EASE
4:26:32 PM
RECONVENED
SUE STEINACHER, NOME EMERGENCY SHELTER TEAM, NOME (via
teleconference), spoke in support of the governor's
proposed $18 million to expand substance abuse treatment.
She relayed a personal story related to her affiliation
with the Nome Emergency Shelter Team. She spoke of a
patient coming out of treatment into homelessness. She
recently died from acute alcoholism. She supported
continued investment in treatment followed by an investment
of housing and case management. She emphasized the
importance of the governor's proposed funding for the items
in addition to treatment.
4:30:01 PM
AT EASE
4:30:43 PM
RECONVENED
RUTHIE KNIGHT, CITY OF VALDEZ/PWSEDD, VALDEZ (via
teleconference), She advocated for full funding of the
Alaska Marine Highway System. Although Valdez had access
via road, air, and ferry, better ferry service lead to
greater economic development. She suggested placing the
funding in the fast track supplemental bill. She noted that
there was significant support for an additional revenue
stream including an income tax.
Co-Chair Seaton remarked that money was in the fast track
supplemental bill which would be voted on the House Floor
shortly. He reported that there were no testifiers online.
The committee would break for 5 minutes, at which time, if
there was no one else online, the committee would break
until 5:00 p.m.
4:33:55 PM
AT EASE
4:39:02 PM
RECONVENED
Co-Chair Seaton indicated no one was online to testify;
therefore, the meeting would stand at ease until 5:00 p.m.
4:39:30 PM
AT EASE
5:01:38 PM
RECONVENED
FRANK OXEREOK, BERING SEA ELDERS GROUP, WALES (via
teleconference), spoke about the high cost of living in the
area. He shared that recently the community had lost two
young people to suicide. The village had no resources to
help families that had been impacted. He detailed that
resources that could help young people were next to
nothing. He furthered that older children had no after
school activities. He stressed that the young people were
the future of the community. He stated that the community
had lost a generation of young people primarily due to
illegal marijuana sales - there were two marijuana dealers
operating openly because of a lack of law enforcement. He
was concerned about the young people in the community.
There was no law enforcement in the region. He relayed that
99 percent of the households in the region did their
laundry at a laundry mat that needed replacement pumps. He
explained that the community had a high cost of
construction. The community had a honey bucket system.
There was a lack of jobs in the community. He wondered how
some people in the community survived.
Co-Chair Seaton conveyed condolences for the loss of the
young people in the community.
5:08:36 PM
TOM LAKOSH, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), asked the
legislature to make it clear that the governor or court
could not use veto to change what had been passed by the
legislature pertaining to the Permanent Fund Dividend. He
believed the state's supreme court had errored in allowing
the governor to use a line item veto to change statutory
language pertaining to distribution of the PFD. He believed
$1,000 had been stolen from residents two years earlier. He
believed the bill's language was binding on the corporation
unless amended in statute.
5:11:16 PM
IDA NELSON, SELF, IGIUGIG (via teleconference), was in
support of adding funds for pretrial officers, state
troopers, and Village Public Safety Officers (VPSO). She
supported an increase to the BSA. She did not believe the
fisheries budget needed any further cuts. She shared that
the Lake and Peninsula School District had already
shortened its school year by four weeks to save money. She
stressed that the district could not afford to cut two
additional weeks of school. The funding that had been cut
had already dramatically impacted predictions of salmon
returns because they no longer had the data.
5:13:54 PM
KIM PHILIPS, SELF, HAINES (via teleconference), testified
in support of Parents as Teachers. She thanked the
committee for its past support. She provided detail about
her work as a parent educator. The program had received a
superb rating. She shared that she had observed parent
educators - the program built on family strengths. She gave
further detail about the benefits of the program. She
underscored the value of the program that supported
families. Group activities were provided to prevent
children from being isolated. The program encouraged
parents to take an active role in their children's lives.
5:17:54 PM
JENNIFER ALLEN, RURAL CAP, HAINES (via teleconference),
spoke in favor of funding for Parents as Teachers. She
thanked the committee for support it had provided to the
program. She emphasized the value of the program. She
stressed the importance of investing in young children and
families.
Co-Chair Seaton relayed that the committee would break
until 5:30 p.m. and would adjourn at that time if there
were no additional callers.
5:19:30 PM
AT EASE
5:29:59 PM
RECONVENED
EVELYNN TREFON, SELF, NEW HALEN (via teleconference), spoke
in support of education funding. She wanted her daughter to
have all the educational opportunities she had. She relayed
that fisheries management had not been adequately managed
in the area. She stated that if funding had been in place
ahead of time the fish would have been counted. She
implored the committee to fund the Department of Fish and
Game in full. She asked the committee to fund public safety
and troopers. She discussed the lack of troopers due to
budget cuts. She often felt that unless someone was killed
a trooper could not come to the village. She encouraged the
committee to protect community assistance and Power Cost
Equalization. She did not support special sessions and
encouraged the legislature to do its work within a 90 to
120-period.
5:33:05 PM
HB 285 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
HB 286 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
Co-Chair Seaton reviewed the schedule for the following
day.
ADJOURNMENT
5:34:39 PM
The meeting was adjourned at 5:34 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB 286 DOC Response Q Pre-trial EM locations.pdf |
HFIN 3/2/2018 1:00:00 PM |
HB 286 |
| HB 286 Supporting Document STEM Program.pdf |
HFIN 3/2/2018 1:00:00 PM |
HB 286 |
| HB 286 OpBudget3.2.18 Public Testimony emails letters .pdf |
HFIN 3/2/2018 1:00:00 PM |
HB 286 |