Legislature(1993 - 1994)
03/25/1994 01:30 PM House FIN
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE
March 25, 1994
1:30 p.m.
TAPE HFC 94-87, Side 2, #000 - end.
TAPE HFC 94-88, Side 1, #000 - end.
TAPE HFC 94-88, Side 2, #000 - end.
TAPE HFC 94-89, Side 1, #000 - end.
TAPE HFC 94-89, Side 2, #000 - end.
TAPE HFC 94-90, Side 1, #000 - end.
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Larson called the House Finance Committee to order
at 1:30 p.m.
PRESENT
Co-Chair Larson Representative Hoffman
Co-Chair MacLean Representative Martin
Vice-Chair Hanley Representative Navarre
Representative Brown Representative Parnell
Representative Foster Representative Therriault
Representative Grussendorf
ALSO PRESENT
Representative David Finkelstein; Representative Joe Sitton;
Representative Ed Willis; Representative Fran Ulmer; Mike
Greany, Director, Legislative Finance Division; Nancy
Slagle, Director, Division of Budget Review, Office of the
Management and Budget, Office of the Governor; Sharon
Barton, Director, Department of Administration; Edgar
Blatchford Commissioner, Department of Community and
Regional Affairs; Remond Henderson, Director, Division of
Administrative Service, Department of Community and Regional
Affairs; Douglas Hanon, Postsecondary Education Commission;
Karen Crane, Director, Libraries, Archives and Museums,
Department of Education; Karen Rehfeld, Director, Division
of Administrative Services, Department of Education; John
Abshire, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Labor; Jeff
Morrison, Director, Administrative and Support Services,
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs; Ervin Martin,
Director, Division of Emergency Services, Department of
Military and Veterans Affairs; David Teal, Director,
Division of Administrative Services, Department of Labor;
Dave Johnston, Chairman, Oil and Gas Conservation
Commission; Stan Ridgeway, Deputy Director, Vocational
Rehabilitation, Department of Education; Joe McCormick,
Director, Postsecondary Education, Department of Education.
SUMMARY INFORMATION
1
HB 370 "An Act making appropriations for the operating
and loan program expenses of state government and
to capitalize funds; and providing for an
effective date."
HB 370 was HELD in Committee for further
discussion.
HB 371 "An Act making appropriations for operating
expenses for certain programs for which the costs
are derived from mandated formulas or criteria,
and for expenses for certain leases and contracts
for state services and operations; and providing
for an effective date."
HB 371 was HELD in Committee for further
discussion.
HOUSE BILL NO. 370
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and
loan program expenses of state government and to
capitalize funds; and providing for an effective date."
HOUSE BILL NO. 371
"An Act making appropriations for operating expenses
for certain programs for which the costs are derived
from mandated formulas or criteria, and for expenses
for certain leases and contracts for state services and
operations; and providing for an effective date."
Representative Hanley MOVED to INCORPORATE HB 371 into HB
370. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Co-Chair MacLean MOVED to INCORPORATE the House Finance
Committee Agency Subcommittee's recommendations into HB 370.
There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION
Co-Chair Larson MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 1 (copy on file).
Amendment 1 would reduce $500.0 thousand dollars in
interagency receipts within the Information Services
component and increase general fund program receipts by
$350.0 thousand dollars.
NANCY BEAR-USERA, COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION
explained that the Department anticipates a six percent
reduction in charge-back rates for all agencies. A two
percent increase for utilization has been included.
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In response to a question by Representative Brown,
Commissioner Usera clarified that the reductions will be
based on utilization and anticipated needs for the following
fiscal year. Agencies will be charged less for the service
provided.
There being NO OBJECTION, AMENDMENT 1 was adopted.
Co-Chair Larson MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 2 (copy on file).
He explained that amendment 2 would reinstate $82,577 for a
senior petroleum engineer position in the Oil and Gas
Conservation Commission and reinstate $43,238 to reflect the
true amount of salary reduction. He explained that the
Subcommittee's reductions were beyond the desired level.
DAVE JOHNSTON, CHAIRMAN, OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION COMMISSION
expressed concern that travel and contractual funding be
available to allow the petroleum engineer to travel to the
oil sites. He clarified that the program could be run at a
minimum of $120.0 thousand dollars.
Co-Chair Larson MOVED to AMEND amendment 2 to insert
"$106,762" and delete "$82,577" thousand dollars.
Mr. Johnston stressed that Alaska is branching out to
satellite oil production sites. The oil industry has
proposed that the production of each small field be co-
mingled on the surface and processed at the Lisburne
production facility. He explained the importance of oil
testing to facilitate the oversight process and track oil
for accounting purposes. He emphasized that current funding
could not be used without cutting other programs or staff.
He reiterated his concern that the engineer position
requires computer software and travel support.
Co-Chair Larson HELD AMENDMENT 2.
Co-Chair Larson MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 3 (copy on file).
He explained that amendment 3 would clarify legislative
intent to implement a plan to hold and broadcast public fund
raising efforts on behalf of RATNet.
Representative Brown questioned what role public
broadcasting can play. Co-Chair Larson explained that the
amendment would encourage RATNet to retain the same level of
funding but raise $150.0 thousand dollars through their own
efforts.
Representative Grussendorf noted that other agencies are not
required to raise their own funds.
There being NO OBJECTION, AMENDMENT 3 was adopted.
3
Representative Hanley MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 4 (copy on
file). He explained that amendment 4 would delete $400.0
thousand dollars from RATNet and add $300.0 for Alcohol and
Drug Abuse grants. He emphasized the need to prioritize
reductions. He maintained that RATNet is not an essential
service.
(Tape Change, HFC 94-88, Side 1)
Representative Hoffman MOVED to AMEND amendment 4 to delete
the $400.0 reduction from RATNet and fund the $300.0
increase for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Grants from the
Constitutional Budget Reserve Fund. Representative Martin
OBJECTED. A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION.
IN FAVOR: Hoffman, Navarre, Brown, Foster, Grussendorf,
MacLean
OPPOSED: Hanley, Martin, Parnell, Therriault, Larson
The MOTION PASSED (6-5).
Discussion pursued in regards to expenditures from the
Constitutional Budget Reserve Fund. Representative Hanley
WITHDREW AMENDMENT 4. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so
ordered.
Co-Chair MacLean MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 5 (copy on file).
Amendment 5 would delete $100.0 thousand dollars in program
receipts and add $100.0 thousand dollars in general fund
dollars. She spoke in support of amendment 5. She
emphasized that the RATNet Council needs time to devise
means to raise additional funding. Representative Hanley
OBJECTED. A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION.
IN FAVOR: Hoffman, Brown, Foster, Grussendorf, MacLean
OPPOSED: Navarre, Hanley, Martin, Parnell, Therriault,
Larson
The MOTION FAILED (5-6).
Co-Chair MacLean MOVED to delete $50.0 thousand dollars in
program receipts and add $50.0 thousand dollars in general
fund dollars.
Representative Brown noted that if the amendment is adopted
RATNet will still have to be off the air for four weeks.
She emphasized the importance of RATNet to the areas where
no commercial alternatives exist.
Representative Martin spoke in opposition to the amendment.
A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION.
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IN FAVOR: Hoffman, Brown, Foster, Grussendorf, MacLean,
Larson
OPPOSED: Navarre, Hanley, Martin, Parnell, Therriault
The MOTION PASSED (6-5).
Co-Chair MacLean MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 6 (copy on file).
She explained that amendment 6 would state that not more
than $315,600.0 thousand dollars of the Alaska Public
Broadcasting Commission grant could be given to KAKM
television in Anchorage.
Representative Hanley observed that KAKM is going to
discontinue its leasing of facilities.
Representative Brown questioned the ability to restrict the
appropriation.
MIKE GREANY, DIRECTOR, LEGISLATIVE FINANCE DIVISION stated
that the amendment was properly drafted.
A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION to adopt AMENDMENT
6.
IN FAVOR: Foster, Grussendorf, MacLean
OPPOSED: Brown, Navarre, Hanley, Martin, Parnell,
Therriault, Larson
The MOTION FAILED (3-8).
Representative Hanley WITHDREW AMENDMENT 7.
Representative Hoffman MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 8 (copy on
file). He noted that amendment 8 would add $160.0 thousand
dollars from the Constitutional Budget Reserve Fund to the
Public Broadcasting Commission. He spoke in support of
amendment 8.
Representative Martin OBJECTED. Discussion pursued in
regards to expenditures from the Constitutional Budget
Reserve Fund.
A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION to adopt AMENDMENT
8.
IN FAVOR: Brown, Grussendorf, Hoffman, MacLean
OPPOSED: Foster, Hanley, Martin, Navarre, Parnell,
Therriault, Larson
The MOTION FAILED (4-6).
Representative Hanley MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 9 (copy on
5
file). He clarified that amendment 9 would add legislative
intent to direct the Public Broadcasting Commission not to
reduce grants in areas where the public radio station is the
only station available.
Co-Chair MacLean and Representative Grussendorf expressed
concern with the amendment.
Representative Hanley WITHDREW AMENDMENT 9.
Representative Hanley MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 10 (copy on
file). He observed that Senior Services Administration
would be reduced by $400.0 thousand MHTIA dollars and
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Grants increased by $300.0 thousand
MHTIA dollars. The remaining amount would be returned to
the General Fund.
Commissioner Usera noted that the amendment would reduce
programs to aid Alzheimer patients. She emphasized the need
for long term care of Alzheimers disease and related
dementia.
A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION to adopt AMENDMENT
10.
IN FAVOR: Therriault, Hanley, Martin, Navarre, Parnell,
MacLean
OPPOSED: Brown, Foster, Grussendorf, Hoffman, Larson
The MOTION PASSED (6-5).
Representative Brown reviewed AMENDMENTS 11 and 12 (copies
on file). She explained that both amendments address the
Senior Services component. She observed that these programs
help keep seniors in their homes. Amendment 11 would
restore $28.7 thousand dollars for home meals and $20.0
thousand dollars for home and community based care. She
stressed the additional cost of nursing home care.
Amendment 12 would shift $20.0 thousand dollars from
Nutrition, Transportation and Support Services to Home and
Community Based Care.
(Tape Change, HFC 94-88, Side 2)
Co-Chair MacLean expressed support for amendment 11.
Representative Brown MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 11.
Representative Hanley OBJECTED. A roll call vote was taken
on the MOTION.
IN FAVOR: Brown, Grussendorf, Hoffman, Navarre, Foster,
MacLean
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OPPOSED: Hanley, Parnell, Therriault, Larson
Representative Martin not present for the vote.
The MOTION PASSED (6-4).
Representative Brown MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 13 (copy on
file). She explained that amendment 13 would fund $35.1
thousand dollars for the Alaska Public Offices Commission.
She spoke in support of amendment 13.
Co-Chair Larson spoke in support of higher filing and
lobbying fees.
A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION to adopt AMENDMENT
13.
IN FAVOR: Brown
OPPOSED: Grussendorf, Hoffman, Navarre, Foster, Hanley,
Martin, Parnell, Therriault, MacLean, Larson
The MOTION FAILED (1-10).
Representative Navarre MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 14 (copy on
file). Amendment 14 would restore the Office of Public
Advocacy to the Governor's amended request minus $9.2
thousand dollars for health insurance increase. He
maintained that failure to adopt amendment 14 will result in
the need for a FY 95 supplemental request.
A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION.
IN FAVOR: Brown, Grussendorf, Hoffman, Navarre
OPPOSED: Foster, Hanley, Martin, Parnell, Therriault,
MacLean, Larson
The MOTION FAILED (4-7).
Representative Brown MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 15 (copy on
file). She explained that amendment 15 would restore the
Public Defender Agency to the Governor's amended request
minus $40.0 thousand dollars for health insurance increase.
She observed that no new positions will be added. She noted
that there has been a 45 percent increase in caseload over
the past six years with no comparable staff increase. She
provided members with a memorandum from John Salemi,
Director, Public Defender Agency supporting the request
(copy on file).
Representatives Navarre and Grussendorf spoke in support of
amendment 15. Representative Brown noted that the Public
Defender Agency will require a supplemental if amendment 15
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is not adopted.
A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION to adopt AMENDMENT
15.
IN FAVOR: Brown, Grussendorf, Hoffman, Navarre
OPPOSED: Foster, Hanley, Martin, Parnell, Therriault,
MacLean, Larson
The MOTION FAILED (4-7).
Representative Hoffman MOVED to RESCIND the Committee's
action in failing to adopt AMENDMENT 8. Representative
Hanley OBJECTED. A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION.
IN FAVOR: Brown, Foster, Grussendorf, Hoffman, Navarre,
Larson, MacLean
OPPOSED: Hanley, Martin, Parnell, Therriault
The MOTION PASSED (6-4).
Representative Hoffman MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 8.
Representative Hanley OBJECTED. A roll call vote was taken
on the MOTION.
IN FAVOR: Brown, Foster, Grussendorf, Hoffman, Navarre,
MacLean
OPPOSED: Hanley, Martin, Parnell, Therriault, Larson
The MOTION PASSED (6-5).
Commissioner Usera spoke in support for additional funding
for the Division of Personnel and General Services. She
observed that over 200 arbitrations are pending. The
Division does not have the resources to address the
arbitrations. She emphasized that the it is costing the
state $166.0 thousand dollars a month to not arbitrate the
cases. She stressed that the Division of General Services
saved the state $1.5 million dollars in renegotiated leases.
She maintained that further money could be saved if staff
was available to negotiate additional leases.
DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS
Representative Therriault MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 1 (copy
on file). Amendment 1 would reduce Disaster Planning and
Control by $182.4 thousand dollars.
ERVIN MARTIN, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF EMERGENCY SERVICES,
DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS spoke against
amendment 1. He emphasized the need to maintain the states
ability to respond to disasters. He noted that the funds
8
reflect one third of the Divisions personnel. He asserted
that there will not be sufficient state responders if the
funding is reduced. He clarified that $1.0 million dollars
in federal funding would be jeopardized.
Representative Therriault argued that the state/federal
match would not be effected.
Mr. Martin discussed disaster preparedness. He stressed the
need to maintain a critical threshold of preparedness for
disasters. He noted that the Governor can only release $1.0
million dollars without legislative approval.
JEFF MORRISON, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS
clarified that the Division's cost allocation of positions
would be altered, resulting in a cascading effect if funding
is reduced.
A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION to adopt AMENDMENT
1.
IN FAVOR: Brown, Hanley, Martin, Parnell, Therriault
OPPOSED: Foster, Grussendorf, Hoffman, MacLean, Larson
Representative Navarre was absent from the vote.
The MOTION FAILED (5-5).
Representative Therriault WITHDREW AMENDMENT 2.
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Representative Brown MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 1 (copy on
file). She explained that amendment 1 would allow the state
to continue to provide demographic functions by adding
$136.3 thousand dollars to the Labor Market Information
component.
DAVID TEAL, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES,
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR observed that the functions of the State
Data Center benefits the whole state. Information is used
to apply for federal grant funds.
Representative Martin asserted that the Department of
Community and Regional Affairs duplicates the data function.
Mr. Teal clarified that the Department of Community and
Regional Affairs uses the data provided by the Department of
Labor for calculations of municipal assistance and revenue
sharing.
JOHN ABSHIRE, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
9
emphasized that the Department of Labor gives priority to
its statutory obligations to the people in the state of
Alaska.
A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION to adopt AMENDMENT
1.
IN FAVOR: Brown, Grussendorf, Hoffman
OPPOSED: Foster, Hanley, Martin, Parnell, Therriault,
MacLean, Navarre, Larson
The MOTION FAILED (3-8).
Representative Grussendorf MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 2 (copy
on file). Amendment 2 would add $60.0 thousand dollars in
the Worker's Compensation component.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE SITTON testified in behalf of amendment
2. The amendment will add an investigation officer to
investigate incidents of workers' compensation fraud. He
maintained that the position will save the state money.
Co-Chair MacLean spoke in support of amendment 2.
(Tape Change, HFC 94-89, Side 1)
Representative Hanley OBJECTED to the motion to adopt
amendment 2. A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION.
IN FAVOR: Brown, Foster, Grussendorf, Hoffman, Navarre,
MacLean
OPPOSED: Hanley, Martin, Therriault, Larson
The MOTION PASSED (7-4).
Representative Therriault MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 3 (copy
on file). Amendment 3 would reduce Data Processing by
$100.0 thousand dollars.
Co-Chair MacLean clarified that the funding in question had
been reduced by a previous amendment.
Representative Therriault WITHDREW AMENDMENT 3.
Representative Therriault MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 4 (copy
on file). Amendment 4 would reduce Labor Standards and
Safety by $344.3 thousand dollars. He maintained that
federal funds would not be diminished by the amendment.
Co-Chair MacLean stated that the reduction would result in
the elimination of Asbestos Abatement Training and
Certification, Painter Training and Certification, Explosive
10
Certification, Hazard Communication Support Programs.
Mr. Abshire discussed the ramifications of the reduction.
He noted that eight positions would be affected.
Representative Therriault MOVED to AMEND amendment 4 to
reduce the Labor Standards and Safety by $100.0 thousand
dollars. Co-Chair MacLean OBJECTED. A roll call vote was
taken on the MOTION.
IN FAVOR: Brown, Grussendorf, Navarre, Foster, Hanley,
Martin, Therriault, Parnell, Larson
OPPOSED: Hoffman, MacLean
The MOTION PASSED (9-2).
A roll call vote was taken on the main MOTION as amended.
IN FAVOR: Hanley, Martin, Parnell, Therriault, Foster
OPPOSED: Brown, Grussendorf, Hoffman, Navarre, MacLean,
Larson
The MOTION FAILED (5-6).
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL AFFAIRS
Representative Grussendorf MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 1 (copy
on file). Amendment 1 would restore the $30.0 thousand
dollars designated grant for Perseverance Theater.
REPRESENTATIVE FRAN ULMER testified in support of amendment
1. She noted that the grant supports a statewide training
program. She gave examples of the program's training
support for rural residents.
Co-Chair MacLean discussed the criteria used for designated
grants. She stated that programs without alternative
funding sources were given priority.
Representative Hanley OBJECTED. A roll call vote was taken
on the MOTION.
IN FAVOR: Brown, Foster, Grussendorf, Hoffman, Navarre
OPPOSED: Hanley, Martin, Parnell, Therriault, MacLean,
Larson
The MOTION FAILED (5-6).
Representative Hoffman WITHDREW AMENDMENT 2.
Representative Hoffman MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 3 (copy on
file). Amendment 3 would add $40.0 thousand dollars for a
11
designated grant to the Yukon River Drainage Fisheries
Association. He spoke in support of amendment 3. He
clarified that the Association does not receive STEP
funding.
A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION.
IN FAVOR: Brown, Foster, Grussendorf, Hoffman, Navarre,
MacLean
OPPOSED: Hanley, Martin, Parnell, Therriault, Larson
The MOTION PASSED (6-5).
Representative Navarre MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 4 (copy on
file). Amendment 4 would add $31.9 thousand dollars for a
designated grant to People Count and reduce other designated
grantees by 10 percent.
Representative Navarre MOVED to AMEND amendment 4 by
changing the funding source to the House Legislative
Operating Budget.
A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION to amend.
IN FAVOR: Brown, Grussendorf, Hoffman, Navarre, Foster,
Martin, Therriault, MacLean
OPPOSED: Larson
The MOTION PASSED (10-1).
Representative Navarre pointed out that the Kenai Peninsula
is among the top areas of the state in respect to
unemployment. People Count provides job training for
unskilled workers. People count has a successful placement
program.
A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION to adopt AMENDMENT
4 as amended.
IN FAVOR: Brown, Foster, Grussendorf, Hoffman, Navarre,
MacLean
OPPOSED: Hanley, Martin, Parnell, Therriault, Larson
The MOTION PASSED (6-5).
Representative Hanley MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 5 (copy on
file). Amendment 5 would delete all designated grants and
add $240.0 thousand dollars into Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Grants. He maintained that the Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Grants are a higher priority than other designated grants.
Representative Brown noted that she is about to become a
12
board member of the Alaska Special Olympics which is one of
the grantees.
(Tape Change, HFC 94-89, Side 2)
Representative Hoffman recommended that the question be
divided.
Representative Hanley MOVED to DELETE the addition to
Alcohol and Drug Abuse grants. There being NO OBJECTION, it
was so ordered.
Representative Hanley MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 5, to delete
all designated grants. A roll call vote was taken on the
MOTION.
IN FAVOR: Brown, Grussendorf, Navarre, Hanley, Martin,
Parnell, Therriault
OPPOSED: Hoffman, MacLean, Larson
The MOTION PASSED (7-4).
Representative Hanley MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 6 (copy on
file). Amendment 6 would delete $350.0 thousand dollars
from the Office of the Commissioner.
Co-Chair MacLean OBJECTED. She maintained that the
amendment would result in the elimination of state funding
for Alaska Legal Services.
Mr. Henderson agreed that some offices of Alaska Legal
Services would be closed.
Representatives Hoffman and Brown spoke against the
amendment.
A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION to adopt AMENDMENT
6.
IN FAVOR: Therriault, Hanley
OPPOSED: Brown, Grussendorf, Hoffman, Navarre, Foster,
Martin, Parnell, MacLean, Larson
The MOTION FAILED (2-9).
Representative Therriault discussed AMENDMENT 7 (copy on
file). He noted his intent to add amendment 7, $150.0
thousand dollars for the Fairbanks Native Association, under
the Department of Labor, STEP Program.
Representative Therriault HELD AMENDMENT 7.
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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Representative Grussendorf MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 1 (copy
on file). Amendment 1 adds $184.4 to the WICHE Student
Exchange Program. This would allow 15 new students to enter
the program.
Co-Chair Larson noted that the Subcommittee elected to
delete funding for new students until the issue was
discussed by the full Committee. Discussion pursued in
regards to the addition of new students in the WITCHE
program.
JOE MCCORMICK, DIRECTOR, POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT
OF EDUCATION spoke in support of amendment 1. He pointed
out that 115 students have applied and are eligible for the
program. Only 15 of the students would be funded. He
emphasized that as long as there is no state higher
education system which provides medical, veterinary, and
other allayed health training then access to certain
programs would be eliminated if WICHE funding is not
continued. He observed that Alaska seats are reserved. If
the program is discontinued Alaskan students will have to
compete with students from other states.
Representative Martin OBJECTED to the adoption of AMENDMENT
1. He spoke against amendment 1. A roll call vote was
taken on the MOTION.
IN FAVOR: Brown, Foster, Grussendorf, Hoffman, Navarre
OPPOSED: Hanley, Martin, Parnell, Therriault, Larson
Co-Chair MacLean was not present for the vote.
The MOTION FAILED (5-5).
Representative Hanley MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 2 (copy on
file). Amendment 2 would eliminate $325.0 thousand dollars
from the Alaska State Council on the Arts. Funding for the
Alaska State Council on the Arts would be deleted with the
exception of funds needed to match federal funds. Seventy-
five percent of the reduced funding would be added to
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Grants.
Representative Hoffman MOVED to DIVIDE the Question.
Representative Hanley OBJECTED. A roll call vote was taken
on the MOTION.
IN FAVOR: Brown, Foster, Grussendorf, Hoffman, Navarre
OPPOSED: Hanley, Martin, Parnell, Therriault, Larson
Co-Chair MacLean was not present for the vote.
14
The MOTION FAILED (5-5).
Representative Therriault MOVED to AMEND amendment 2 to
delete "$325.0" and insert "$200.0" thousand dollars.
Seventy-five percent of $200.0 would be added to Alcohol and
Drug Abuse Grants. Representative Hanley OBJECTED. A roll
call vote was taken on the MOTION.
IN FAVOR: Therriault, Larson
OPPOSED: Brown, Grussendorf, Hoffman, Navarre, Foster,
Hanley, Martin, Parnell
Co-Chair MacLean was not present for the vote.
The MOTION FAILED (2-8).
Representative Hoffman MOVED to AMEND amendment 2 to add all
$325.0 thousand dollars to the Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Grants. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Representative Brown spoke against amendment 2. She pointed
out that the Alaska State Council on the Arts has been cut
40 percent in the past four years, and 60 percent in 8
years.
A roll call vote was taken on the main MOTION as amended.
IN FAVOR: Foster, Hanley, Martin, Parnell, Therriault
OPPOSED: Brown, Grussendorf, Hoffman, Larson
Co-Chair MacLean was not present for the vote.
The MOTION PASSED (6-4).
Representative Navarre MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 3 (copy on
file). Amendment 3 would delete $100.0 thousand dollars
from Client Services, Vocational Rehabilitation.
STAN RIDGEWAY, DEPUTY DIRECTOR, VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION,
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION explained that this component serves
all disability groups in Alaska. The amendment would result
in an additional $100.0 thousand dollars reduction in
federal funds. Funds for independent living would be
impacted.
A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION to adopt AMENDMENT
3.
IN FAVOR: Brown, Hoffman, Navarre
OPPOSED: Grussendorf, Foster, Hanley, Martin, Parnell,
Therriault, Larson
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Co-Chair MacLean was not present for the vote.
The MOTION FAILED (3-7).
Representative Parnell MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 4 (copy on
file). He explained that amendment 4 would delete $54.8
thousand dollars for the printing of the Alaska Blue Book;
and add $54.8 thousand dollars to Trial Courts.
Members discussed the use of the Alaska Blue Book and the
availability of information contained in the book.
Representative Martin recommended that sales of the book be
encouraged.
Representative Brown MOVED to DIVIDE the Question, to
separate the increment from the decrement.
Representative Parnell OBJECTED. A roll call vote was taken
on the MOTION to DIVIDE.
IN FAVOR: Brown, Foster, Grussendorf, Hoffman, Navarre
OPPOSED: Hanley, Martin, Parnell, Therriault, Larson
Co-Chair MacLean was not present for the vote.
The MOTION FAILED (5-5).
Representative Hoffman MOVED to AMEND amendment 4, to
replace Trial Court with the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Grants.
A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION.
IN FAVOR: Hanley, Hoffman, Foster
OPPOSED: Brown, Grussendorf, Martin, Navarre, Parnell,
Therriault, Larson
Co-Chair MacLean was not present for the vote.
The MOTION FAILED (3-7).
A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION to adopt AMENDMENT
4.
IN FAVOR: Hoffman, Navarre, Parnell, Therriault, Foster,
Hanley
OPPOSED: Martin, Brown, Grussendorf, Larson
Co-Chair MacLean was not present for the vote.
The MOTION PASSED (6-4).
Representative Parnell MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 5 (copy on
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file). He explained that amendment 5 would delete $120.9
thousand dollars for Alaska State Museums and add $90.0
thousand dollars for Trial Courts, court security. He
emphasized the need to prioritize funding.
Co-Chair Larson pointed out that state owned artifacts would
have to be moved at additional expense.
Representative Foster spoke against amendment 5. He
emphasized the need to preserve Native artifacts.
Representative Navarre MOVED to DIVIDE the Question, to
separate the increment from the decrement. Representative
Parnell OBJECTED. A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION.
IN FAVOR: Navarre, Brown, Grussendorf, Hoffman
OPPOSED: Martin, Parnell, Therriault, Foster, Hanley,
Larson
Co-Chair MacLean was not present for the vote.
The MOTION FAILED (4-6).
A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION to adopt AMENDMENT
5.
IN FAVOR: Navarre, Parnell, Therriault, Hanley, Martin
OPPOSED: Brown, Foster, Grussendorf, Hoffman, Larson
Co-Chair MacLean was not present for the vote.
The MOTION FAILED (5-5).
Representative Brown MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 6 (copy on
file). She explained that amendment 6 would add $50.0
thousand dollars in contractual for Library Operations; and
delete $50.0 thousand dollars from the Legislative Operating
Budget. She explained that the amendment would fund the
SLED Program. The SLED Program is a cooperative effort
between the University of Alaska, Fairbanks library and
state libraries.
KAREN CRANE, DIRECTOR, LIBRARIES, ARCHIVES AND MUSEUMS spoke
in behalf of amendment 6. She explained that the project
allows the state libraries access to the University of
Alaska database through the computer network. Access is
available to all students and teachers and public libraries
throughout the state. The amendment would allow the
purchase of statewide licenses for databases of interest to
citizens statewide.
Co-Chair Larson MOVED to AMEND amendment 6, change the
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funding source from the Legislative Operating Budget to
Library grants.
Ms. Crane spoke against the funding change. She emphasized
that the program would not issue grants to smaller
libraries.
Representative Brown observed that the legislative carry-
forward for FY 94 is $3,429.0 million dollars. She spoke
against the funding source change.
Co-Chair Larson WITHDREW his MOTION to amend.
Representative Hanley MOVED to AMEND amendment 6 to delete
the $50.0 thousand dollars increment. Representative Brown
OBJECTED. A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION.
IN FAVOR: Hanley, Martin, Parnell, Therriault, Larson
OPPOSED: Brown, Foster, Grussendorf, Hoffman, Navarre
Co-Chair MacLean was not present for the vote.
The MOTION FAILED (5-5).
A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION to adopt AMENDMENT
6.
IN FAVOR: Brown, Grussendorf, Hoffman, Navarre
OPPOSED: Foster, Hanley, Martin, Parnell, Therriault,
Larson
Co-Chair MacLean was not present for the vote.
The MOTION FAILED (4-6).
HB 370 was HELD in Committee for further discussion.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m.
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