Legislature(1993 - 1994)
04/03/1993 10:00 AM House FIN
| Audio | Topic |
|---|
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE
APRIL 2, 1993
10:00 A.M.
TAPE HFC 93 - 91, Side 1, #000 - end.
TAPE HFC 93 - 91, Side 2, #000 - end.
TAPE HFC 93 - 92, Side 1, #000 - end.
TAPE HFC 93 - 92, Side 2, #000 - #257.
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Ron Larson called the meeting of the House Finance
Committee to order at 10:00 A.M.
PRESENT
Co-Chair Larson Representative Brown
Co-Chair MacLean Representative Foster
Vice-Chair Hanley Representative Grussendorf
Representative Hoffman Representative Martin
Representative Navarre Representative Parnell
Representative Therriault
ALSO PRESENT
Representative Gail Phillips; Senator Dave Donley; Paul
Fuhs, Commissioner, Department of Commerce and Economic
Development; Representative Ramona Barnes; Representative
Carl Moses; Representative Eldon Mulder; Jan Hansen,
Director, Adult Public Assistance, Department of Health and
Social Services; Rose Palmquist, (teleconference),
Anchorage, Alaska; Ida McMahon, (teleconference), Anchorage,
Alaska; Penny Griffin, (teleconference), Anchorage, Alaska;
John Lopez, (teleconference), Anchorage, Alaska; Greg
Wakefield (teleconference) Anchorage, Alaska; Gina Kaiser,
(teleconference), Anchorage, Alaska; Sherry Goll, Alaska
Women's Lobby, Juneau, Alaska; Mary Guthrie, Alaska Native
Sisterhood (ANS), Grand Camp President, Klawock, Alaska;
Barbara Lewis, Alaska Native Sisterhood, Haines, Alaska;
Jenny Bell, Director, AWARE, ANS, Juneau, Alaska.
SUMMARY INFORMATION
HB 59 An Act making a special appropriation to the
Department of Natural Resources for refunds to
certain veterans who purchased state land and for
reimbursement to the University of Alaska for the
veterans' land discount applied to land
transferred to the University of Alaska; and
providing for an effective date.
1
CS HB 59 was reported out of Committee with a "do
pass" recommendation.
HB 168 An Act relating to multiple-beneficiary charitable
gaming permits and door prizes for charitable
gaming; and providing for an effective date.
HB 168 was placed in Subcommittee with Chair
Representative Parnell and with members
Representative Hanley and Representative Brown.
The bill was held for further discussion.
HB 67 An Act relating to eligibility for and payments of
public assistance; and providing for an effective
date.
CS HB 67 (FIN) was reported out of Committee with
"no recommendations" and with nine fiscal notes by
the Department of Health and Social Services.
HOUSE BILL 168
"An Act relating to multiple-beneficiary charitable
gaming permits and door prizes for charitable gaming;
and providing for an effective date."
JOHN LOPEZ, (TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE), ANCHORAGE,
ALASKA, spoke in opposition to the legislation given the
impact of the legislation. He stated that real estate would
be vacated and noted the lost taxes which the State would
experience.
ROSE PALMQUIST, (TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE), MATSU,
ALASKA, spoke in support of the legislation and felt that
the State would be able to better audit gaming.
GREG WAKEFIELD, (TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE), ANCHORAGE,
ALASKA, spoke in opposition to the legislation. He felt
that there would serious ramifications for charities and
gaming organizations with the passage of the legislation.
He asked for further consideration of the bill.
IDA MCMAHON, (TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE), MATSU, ALASKA,
spoke in opposition to the legislation.
GINA KAISER, (TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE), ASSOCIATION FOR
RETARDED CITIZENS - ANCHORAGE (ARCA), ALASKA, asked for more
time to consider the legislation and work draft.
PAUL FUHS, COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT (DCED), provided the Committee with handouts.
[Attachments #1 and #2]. He asked that the Committee to
2
consider amendments made to the House Judiciary Committee
version pointing out that original law was intended to
benefit charities. At this time, there is an increasing
diversion of funds from charities to political purposes and
lobbyists. DCED would like to see more of the funds from
charitable gaming going to charities. The Senate committee
substitute would place 10% into a bingo fund and 30% for
pull tab contributions which would establish the 40%
regulatory figures, doubling the amount of money going to
charities. Commissioner Fuhs requested the Committee to
adopt the Senate committee substitute.
REPRESENTATIVE RAMONA BARNES interjected that the Governor
did not support the Senate committee substitute.
Representative Brown asked the Administration's philosophy
regarding charitable gaming political contributions. She
thought that political candidates depending on direct
corporate contributions from other organized interest groups
would provide more opportunity for illegal pressure.
Commissioner Fuhs stated that the Department believes it is
wrong to combine gambling and government and pointed out
that the money for charitable gaming is being diverted from
charitable purposes and used for political interests
creating a conflict of interest. He noted that of the net
proceeds, ten percent of funds are currently going to
campaign contributions.
SENATOR DAVE DONLEY spoke to the Senate Judiciary committee
substitute. He advised that the full Senate Judiciary
Committee was not given the version referenced by
Commissioner Fuhs. That version contains new expansion
proposals from the original bill. He recommended that the
House Finance Committee be cautious in adopting the proposed
legislation.
(Tape Change, HFC 93-91, Side 2).
PENNY GRIFFIN, (TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE), MATSU,
ALASKA, asked for more time for consideration of the bill.
Co-Chair Larson placed HB 168 in Subcommittee with Chair
Representative Parnell and members Representative Hanley and
Representative Brown. The bill was HELD in Committee for
further discussion.
HOUSE BILL 59
"An Act making a special appropriation to the
Department of Natural Resources for refunds to certain
veterans who purchased state land and for reimbursement
to the University of Alaska for the veterans' land
3
discount applied to land transferred to the University
of Alaska; and providing for an effective date."
REPRESENTATIVE ELDON MULDER spoke in favor of HB 59. He
stated that in 1978, the Land Discount Program was created
by the Tenth Legislature. The program granted eligible
persons a discount on the purchase price of land sold for
residential use. The discount amounted to a percentage of
the price of the land for each full year that the purchaser
had been a resident of the state. The discount was limited
to 50% or $25 thousand dollars, whichever was less. To be
eligible, a person must have been physically present in the
state for at least 12 months.
The program was amended in 1979 to increase the discount for
eligible veterans. Under the amended program, a veteran
could receive a discount which was limited to 75% or $37.5
thousand dollars, whichever was less.
He noted that a problem arose with veterans who had
purchased land from the State between April 1, 1983 and July
6, 1984. These veterans had not been granted any discount
at all, due to the fact that the program was not being
implemented then and the new program did not go into effect
until July 6, 1984.
In an effort to correct the inequity, the Sixteenth
Legislature passed CS HB 134 (RES) which made the current
veterans land benefit effective retroactively to April 1,
1983 when DNR stopped the implementation of the former
discount program. HB 176 provides an appropriation to cover
previous legislation. The bill provides a special
appropriation to the Department of Natural Resources for
refunds to veterans who purchased state land between April
1, 1983 and July 6, 1984. It also reimburses the University
of Alaska for the veterans' land discount that applied to
land that was transferred to the University of Alaska.
Co-Chair MacLean MOVED to report CS HB 59 (MLV) out of
Committee with individual recommendations. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
CS HB 59 (MLV) was reported out of Committee with a "do
pass" recommendation.
HOUSE BILL 67
"An Act relating to eligibility for and payments of
public assistance; and providing for an effective
date."
Representative Brown WITHDREW the previous amendment which
4
she provided at the last meeting. There being NO OBJECTION,
it was withdrawn. She provided the Committee with three new
amendments. [Attachment #3 - #5].
SHERRY GOLL, ALASKA WOMEN'S LOBBY, JUNEAU, ALASKA, provided
the Committee with information regarding how other states
gauge decisions relating to COLA. Alaska's automatic COLA
is an unique program but not unusual in trying to keep
payments level with the inflation factor. In 1992, there
were seven other states which increased their payment level
due to inflation.
Alaska 2.8%
Arizona & Hawaii 4%
Washington 3%
Alabama 10%
She noted in twenty-seven other states there are two
optional programs not existing in Alaska. These states
"special needs" include:
1. High shelter costs;
2. High fuel or utility costs;
3. Burial costs;
4. Clothing;
5. Expenses due to natural disasters or eviction.
Ms. Goll added, thirty states operate "emergency assistance"
programs designed to provide short term cash aid to house
holds in crisis. Emergency assistance payments are used for
such purposes as preventing eviction by paying rent arrears,
preventing utility shot off by paying past due utility
bills, deposits, repair replacements, and enabling homeless
families to move to an apartment.
States set their own budget priorities. These priorities
can reflect a commitment to protecting their poorest
residents from large cuts or they can plunge those whose
incomes already fail to meet society's standard for a
minimal level of subsistence still deeper into poverty.
The federal government has followed the explicit principle
of putting such cuts off limits, and in 1985, most major
low-income benefit programs were exempted from the across
the board cuts triggered under the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings
balanced budget act when deficit targets are missed.
Co-Chair Larson questioned the State's responsibility to
those persons on AFDC who misuse their state money. Ms.
Goll stated that concern would be dealt with by the
Department of Health and Social Services.
5
JAN HANSEN, DIRECTOR, ADULT PUBLIC ASSISTANCE, DEPARTMENT OF
HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES, commented that the majority of
the persons on AFDC and APA are using their monthly checks
appropriately. She stated that the Department does not do
anything to determine how the allowance is used. The
program is there to foster responsibility in individuals for
managing their lives and money. She felt that there was
little abuse of the money, as the Department is trying to
operate the most cost effective program.
Discussion followed regarding the possibilities establishing
additional systems which would be more effective.
Ms. Hansen noted that the primary strategy has been to cut
costs by creating a rigorous eligibility program.
Co-Chair MacLean questioned the impact of the proposed
amendments to the legislation. Ms. Hansen addressed
Amendment #2, Attachment #4, which would establish a minimum
floor from which AFDC payments would not fall. This payment
would be determined as a percentage of the federal poverty
guideline.
(Tape Change, HFC 93-92, Side 1).
Ms. Hansen stated the poverty guideline in the federal
statutes at this time would provide the Alaskan AFDC claim
81% of the poverty level. The bill would provide a floor of
75%. She continued, for the Adult Public Assistance, the
poverty guideline for one person is $725 dollars per month.
The payment made at the FY 92 level would be 108% of the
federally established poverty level.
Ms. Hansen pointed out that Amendment #4, the COLA
provisions in current statute remain with the exception of
an appropriation made specifically for it. The language
states that the state "shall" award the COLA if the federal
government makes an increase subject to appropriation funds.
The Committee discussed if Amendment #2 or Amendment #4
would be best for the poor of the State while maintaining
the budgetary cap and economic development in rural areas.
Representative Brown reiterated that the APA program often
suffices as the rural Alaskan retirement program because
those people worked at jobs in which retirement benefits
were not available. She urged the Committee not to cut the
COLA adjustments for the poorest. An APA recipient often
pays 70% of their income for rent. Representative Brown
requested the Committee to adopt Amendment #2 and Amendment
MARY GUTHRIE, ALASKA NATIVE SISTERHOOD, KLAWOCK, ALASKA,
6
spoke in opposition to HB 67. She noted her concern with
alleviating the COLA for the Adult Public Assistance.
BARBARA C. LEWIS, ALASKA NATIVE SISTERHOOD, HAINES, ALASKA,
spoke in opposition to HB 67, representing the small rural
minority areas.
(Tape Change, HFC 93-92, Side 2).
JENNY BELL, DIRECTOR, AWARE, CAMP - 2, ALASKA NATIVE
SISTERHOOD, JUNEAU, ALASKA, noted that subsistence was the
pension plan for the older rural Alaskans. She spoke in
opposition to HB 67. She urged the Committee to consider
other solutions than cutting the COLA and instead offering
incentive programs to help the poor.
Representative Brown MOVED Amendment #2. Co-Chair Larson
OBJECTED for further discussion. Representative Therriault
OBJECTED.
A roll call was taken on the MOTION.
IN FAVOR: Brown, Foster, Grussendorf, Hoffman,
Martin, Navarre, Larson, MacLean.
OPPOSED: Therriault, Parnell.
Representative Hanley was not present for the vote.
The MOTION PASSED, (8-2).
Representative Hoffman MOVED Amendment #4. Representative
Martin OBJECTED.
A roll call was taken on the MOTION.
IN FAVOR: Brown, Foster, Grussendorf, Hoffman,
Navarre, Parnell, Therriault, MacLean.
OPPOSED: Martin, Larson.
The MOTION PASSED, (8-2).
Representative Hoffman MOVED to report CS HB 67 (FIN) out of
Committee with individual recommendations and with the
accompanying fiscal notes. There being NO OBJECTION, it was
so ordered.
CS HB 67 (FIN) was reported out of Committee with
"individual recommendations" and with nine fiscal notes by
the Department of Health and Social Services.
7
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 12:37 P.M.
HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE
APRIL 3, 1993
10:00 A.M.
TAPE HFC 93 - 91, Side 1, #000 - end.
TAPE HFC 93 - 91, Side 2, #000 - end.
TAPE HFC 93 - 92, Side 1, #000 - end.
TAPE HFC 93 - 92, Side 2, #000 - #257.
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Ron Larson called the meeting of the House Finance
Committee to order at 10:00 A.M.
PRESENT
Co-Chair Larson Representative Brown
Co-Chair MacLean Representative Foster
Vice-Chair Hanley Representative Grussendorf
Representative Hoffman Representative Martin
Representative Navarre Representative Parnell
Representative Therriault
ALSO PRESENT
Representative Gail Phillips; Senator Dave Donley; Paul
Fuhs, Commissioner, Department of Commerce and Economic
Development; Representative Ramona Barnes; Representative
Carl Moses; Representative Eldon Mulder; Jan Hansen,
Director, Adult Public Assistance, Department of Health and
Social Services; Rose Palmquist, (teleconference),
Anchorage, Alaska; Ida McMahon, (teleconference), Anchorage,
Alaska; Penny Griffin, (teleconference), Anchorage, Alaska;
John Lopez, (teleconference), Anchorage, Alaska; Greg
Wakefield (teleconference) Anchorage, Alaska; Gina Kaiser,
(teleconference), Anchorage, Alaska; Sherry Goll, Alaska
Women's Lobby, Juneau, Alaska; Mary Guthrie, Alaska Native
Sisterhood (ANS), Grand Camp President, Klawock, Alaska;
Barbara Lewis, Alaska Native Sisterhood, Haines, Alaska;
Jenny Bell, Director, AWARE, ANS, Juneau, Alaska.
SUMMARY INFORMATION
HB 59 An Act making a special appropriation to the
Department of Natural Resources for refunds to
certain veterans who purchased state land and for
reimbursement to the University of Alaska for the
8
veterans' land discount applied to land
transferred to the University of Alaska; and
providing for an effective date.
CS HB 59 was reported out of Committee with a "do
pass" recommendation.
HB 168 An Act relating to multiple-beneficiary charitable
gaming permits and door prizes for charitable
gaming; and providing for an effective date.
HB 168 was placed in Subcommittee with Chair
Representative Parnell and with members
Representative Hanley and Representative Brown.
The bill was held for further discussion.
HB 67 An Act relating to eligibility for and payments of
public assistance; and providing for an effective
date.
CS HB 67 (FIN) was reported out of Committee with
"no recommendations" and with nine fiscal notes by
the Department of Health and Social Services.
HOUSE BILL 168
"An Act relating to multiple-beneficiary charitable
gaming permits and door prizes for charitable gaming;
and providing for an effective date."
JOHN LOPEZ, (TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE), ANCHORAGE,
ALASKA, spoke in opposition to the legislation given the
impact of the legislation. He stated that real estate would
be vacated and noted the lost taxes which the State would
experience.
ROSE PALMQUIST, (TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE), MATSU,
ALASKA, spoke in support of the legislation and felt that
the State would be able to better audit gaming.
GREG WAKEFIELD, (TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE), ANCHORAGE,
ALASKA, spoke in opposition to the legislation. He felt
that there would serious ramifications for charities and
gaming organizations with the passage of the legislation.
He asked for further consideration of the bill.
IDA MCMAHON, (TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE), MATSU, ALASKA,
spoke in opposition to the legislation.
GINA KAISER, (TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE), ASSOCIATION FOR
RETARDED CITIZENS - ANCHORAGE (ARCA), ALASKA, asked for more
time to consider the legislation and work draft.
9
PAUL FUHS, COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT (DCED), provided the Committee with handouts.
[Attachments #1 and #2]. He asked that the Committee to
consider amendments made to the House Judiciary Committee
version pointing out that original law was intended to
benefit charities. At this time, there is an increasing
diversion of funds from charities to political purposes and
lobbyists. DCED would like to see more of the funds from
charitable gaming going to charities. The Senate committee
substitute would place 10% into a bingo fund and 30% for
pull tab contributions which would establish the 40%
regulatory figures, doubling the amount of money going to
charities. Commissioner Fuhs requested the Committee to
adopt the Senate committee substitute.
REPRESENTATIVE RAMONA BARNES interjected that the Governor
did not support the Senate committee substitute.
Representative Brown asked the Administration's philosophy
regarding charitable gaming political contributions. She
thought that political candidates depending on direct
corporate contributions from other organized interest groups
would provide more opportunity for illegal pressure.
Commissioner Fuhs stated that the Department believes it is
wrong to combine gambling and government and pointed out
that the money for charitable gaming is being diverted from
charitable purposes and used for political interests
creating a conflict of interest. He noted that of the net
proceeds, ten percent of funds are currently going to
campaign contributions.
SENATOR DAVE DONLEY spoke to the Senate Judiciary committee
substitute. He advised that the full Senate Judiciary
Committee was not given the version referenced by
Commissioner Fuhs. That version contains new expansion
proposals from the original bill. He recommended that the
House Finance Committee be cautious in adopting the proposed
legislation.
(Tape Change, HFC 93-91, Side 2).
PENNY GRIFFIN, (TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE), MATSU,
ALASKA, asked for more time for consideration of the bill.
Co-Chair Larson placed HB 168 in Subcommittee with Chair
Representative Parnell and members Representative Hanley and
Representative Brown. The bill was HELD in Committee for
further discussion.
HOUSE BILL 59
10
"An Act making a special appropriation to the
Department of Natural Resources for refunds to certain
veterans who purchased state land and for reimbursement
to the University of Alaska for the veterans' land
discount applied to land transferred to the University
of Alaska; and providing for an effective date."
REPRESENTATIVE ELDON MULDER spoke in favor of HB 59. He
stated that in 1978, the Land Discount Program was created
by the Tenth Legislature. The program granted eligible
persons a discount on the purchase price of land sold for
residential use. The discount amounted to a percentage of
the price of the land for each full year that the purchaser
had been a resident of the state. The discount was limited
to 50% or $25 thousand dollars, whichever was less. To be
eligible, a person must have been physically present in the
state for at least 12 months.
The program was amended in 1979 to increase the discount for
eligible veterans. Under the amended program, a veteran
could receive a discount which was limited to 75% or $37.5
thousand dollars, whichever was less.
He noted that a problem arose with veterans who had
purchased land from the State between April 1, 1983 and July
6, 1984. These veterans had not been granted any discount
at all, due to the fact that the program was not being
implemented then and the new program did not go into effect
until July 6, 1984.
In an effort to correct the inequity, the Sixteenth
Legislature passed CS HB 134 (RES) which made the current
veterans land benefit effective retroactively to April 1,
1983 when DNR stopped the implementation of the former
discount program. HB 176 provides an appropriation to cover
previous legislation. The bill provides a special
appropriation to the Department of Natural Resources for
refunds to veterans who purchased state land between April
1, 1983 and July 6, 1984. It also reimburses the University
of Alaska for the veterans' land discount that applied to
land that was transferred to the University of Alaska.
Co-Chair MacLean MOVED to report CS HB 59 (MLV) out of
Committee with individual recommendations. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
CS HB 59 (MLV) was reported out of Committee with a "do
pass" recommendation.
HOUSE BILL 67
"An Act relating to eligibility for and payments of
11
public assistance; and providing for an effective
date."
Representative Brown WITHDREW the previous amendment which
she provided at the last meeting. There being NO OBJECTION,
it was withdrawn. She provided the Committee with three new
amendments. [Attachment #3 - #5].
SHERRY GOLL, ALASKA WOMEN'S LOBBY, JUNEAU, ALASKA, provided
the Committee with information regarding how other states
gauge decisions relating to COLA. Alaska's automatic COLA
is an unique program but not unusual in trying to keep
payments level with the inflation factor. In 1992, there
were seven other states which increased their payment level
due to inflation.
Alaska 2.8%
Arizona & Hawaii 4%
Washington 3%
Alabama 10%
She noted in twenty-seven other states there are two
optional programs not existing in Alaska. These states
"special needs" include:
1. High shelter costs;
2. High fuel or utility costs;
3. Burial costs;
4. Clothing;
5. Expenses due to natural disasters or eviction.
Ms. Goll added, thirty states operate "emergency assistance"
programs designed to provide short term cash aid to house
holds in crisis. Emergency assistance payments are used for
such purposes as preventing eviction by paying rent arrears,
preventing utility shot off by paying past due utility
bills, deposits, repair replacements, and enabling homeless
families to move to an apartment.
States set their own budget priorities. These priorities
can reflect a commitment to protecting their poorest
residents from large cuts or they can plunge those whose
incomes already fail to meet society's standard for a
minimal level of subsistence still deeper into poverty.
The federal government has followed the explicit principle
of putting such cuts off limits, and in 1985, most major
low-income benefit programs were exempted from the across
the board cuts triggered under the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings
balanced budget act when deficit targets are missed.
Co-Chair Larson questioned the State's responsibility to
12
those persons on AFDC who misuse their state money. Ms.
Goll stated that concern would be dealt with by the
Department of Health and Social Services.
JAN HANSEN, DIRECTOR, ADULT PUBLIC ASSISTANCE, DEPARTMENT OF
HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES, commented that the majority of
the persons on AFDC and APA are using their monthly checks
appropriately. She stated that the Department does not do
anything to determine how the allowance is used. The
program is there to foster responsibility in individuals for
managing their lives and money. She felt that there was
little abuse of the money, as the Department is trying to
operate the most cost effective program.
Discussion followed regarding the possibilities establishing
additional systems which would be more effective.
Ms. Hansen noted that the primary strategy has been to cut
costs by creating a rigorous eligibility program.
Co-Chair MacLean questioned the impact of the proposed
amendments to the legislation. Ms. Hansen addressed
Amendment #2, Attachment #4, which would establish a minimum
floor from which AFDC payments would not fall. This payment
would be determined as a percentage of the federal poverty
guideline.
(Tape Change, HFC 93-92, Side 1).
Ms. Hansen stated the poverty guideline in the federal
statutes at this time would provide the Alaskan AFDC claim
81% of the poverty level. The bill would provide a floor of
75%. She continued, for the Adult Public Assistance, the
poverty guideline for one person is $725 dollars per month.
The payment made at the FY 92 level would be 108% of the
federally established poverty level.
Ms. Hansen pointed out that Amendment #4, the COLA
provisions in current statute remain with the exception of
an appropriation made specifically for it. The language
states that the state "shall" award the COLA if the federal
government makes an increase subject to appropriation funds.
The Committee discussed if Amendment #2 or Amendment #4
would be best for the poor of the State while maintaining
the budgetary cap and economic development in rural areas.
Representative Brown reiterated that the APA program often
suffices as the rural Alaskan retirement program because
those people worked at jobs in which retirement benefits
were not available. She urged the Committee not to cut the
COLA adjustments for the poorest. An APA recipient often
pays 70% of their income for rent. Representative Brown
13
requested the Committee to adopt Amendment #2 and Amendment
MARY GUTHRIE, ALASKA NATIVE SISTERHOOD, KLAWOCK, ALASKA,
spoke in opposition to HB 67. She noted her concern with
alleviating the COLA for the Adult Public Assistance.
BARBARA C. LEWIS, ALASKA NATIVE SISTERHOOD, HAINES, ALASKA,
spoke in opposition to HB 67, representing the small rural
minority areas.
(Tape Change, HFC 93-92, Side 2).
JENNY BELL, DIRECTOR, AWARE, CAMP - 2, ALASKA NATIVE
SISTERHOOD, JUNEAU, ALASKA, noted that subsistence was the
pension plan for the older rural Alaskans. She spoke in
opposition to HB 67. She urged the Committee to consider
other solutions than cutting the COLA and instead offering
incentive programs to help the poor.
Representative Brown MOVED Amendment #2. Co-Chair Larson
OBJECTED for further discussion. Representative Therriault
OBJECTED.
A roll call was taken on the MOTION.
IN FAVOR: Brown, Foster, Grussendorf, Hoffman,
Martin, Navarre, Larson, MacLean.
OPPOSED: Therriault, Parnell.
Representative Hanley was not present for the vote.
The MOTION PASSED, (8-2).
Representative Hoffman MOVED Amendment #4. Representative
Martin OBJECTED.
A roll call was taken on the MOTION.
IN FAVOR: Brown, Foster, Grussendorf, Hoffman,
Navarre, Parnell, Therriault, MacLean.
OPPOSED: Martin, Larson.
The MOTION PASSED, (8-2).
Representative Hoffman MOVED to report CS HB 67 (FIN) out of
Committee with individual recommendations and with the
accompanying fiscal notes. There being NO OBJECTION, it was
so ordered.
14
CS HB 67 (FIN) was reported out of Committee with
"individual recommendations" and with nine fiscal notes by
the Department of Health and Social Services.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 12:37 P.M.
15
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