Legislature(1999 - 2000)
03/04/2000 09:05 AM House FIN
| Audio | Topic |
|---|
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
GENERAL SUBJECT(S): Teleconference:
Statewide Teleconference on the FY01 Operating
Budget
The following overview was taken in log note format. Tapes
and handouts will be on file with the House Finance
Committee through the 21st Legislative Session, contact 465-
2156. After the 21st Legislative Session they will be
available through the Legislative Library at 465-3808.
Time Meeting Convened: 9:05 a.m.
Tape(s): TAPE HFC 00 - 48, Side 1
TAPE HFC 00 - 48, Side 2
TAPE HFC 00 - 49, Side 1
TAPE HFC 00 - 49, Side 2
TAPE HFC 00 - 50, Side 1
TAPE HFC 00 - 50, Side 2
TAPE HFC 00 - 51, Side 1
TAPE HFC 00 - 51, Side 2
TAPE HFC 00 52, Side 1
TAPE HFC 00 - 52, Side 2
TAPE HFC 00 - 53, Side 1
TAPE HFC 00 - 53, Side 2
TAPE HFC 00 - 54, Side 1
TAPE HFC 00 - 54, Side 2
TAPE HFC 00 - 55, Side 1
TAPE HFC 00 - 55, Side 2
PRESENT:
x Representative G. Davis
x Co-Chair Therriault x Representative Foster
x Co-Chair Mulder x Representative
Grussendorf
absent
Vice Chair Bunde x Representative Moses
x Representative Austerman x Representative Phillips
Telecom
x Representative J. Davies Representative Williams
ALSO PRESENT: REPRESENTATIVE SHARON CISSNA; REPRESENTATIVE BETH
KERTULLA;
1 Donna Collier, Regional Center for Alcohol and Other
Addictions, Fairbanks
2 Corie Sheets, Regional Center for Alcohol and Other
Addictions, Fairbanks
3 Travis Buck, Regional Center for Alcohol and Other
Addictions, Fairbanks
4 Mark Martenson, Regional Center for Alcohol and Other
Addictions, Fairbanks
5 Marjorie Overby, Fairbanks Native Association Women
and Children, Fairbanks
6 Ramona Peters, Fairbanks Native Association Women and
Children, Fairbanks
7 Karen Romero, Fairbanks Native Association Women and
Children, Fairbanks
8 Vanessa Spencer, University of Alaska, Fairbanks
9 Marta Mueller, University of Alaska, Fairbanks
10 Patty Meritt, University of Alaska, Fairbanks
11 Kristian Swearingen, University of Alaska, Fairbanks
12 Jay Hardenbrook, University of Alaska, Fairbanks
13 Pat Race, University of Alaska, Fairbanks
14 Brenda Stanfill, Women In Crisis Counseling and
Adoption, Fairbanks
15 Carol Smith, Women In Crisis Counseling and Adoption,
Fairbanks
16 Nikita Chase, Women In Crisis Counseling and Adoption,
Fairbanks
17 Kristie Wakefield-Ormson, Fairbanks
18 Michael Schmahl, Fairbanks
19 Aaron Suring, University of Alaska, Fairbanks
20 Julie Stern, Women In Crisis Counseling and Adoption,
Fairbanks
21 Joe Hardenbrook, University of Alaska, Fairbanks
22 Bob Coghill, Fairbanks North Star Borough School
Board, Fairbanks
23 Steve Larue, Fairbanks
24 Susan Taylor, Fairbanks
25 Carol Benson, Fairbanks
26 Solveig, Perdersen, University of Alaska, Fairbanks
27 Jaren Spor Peterlin, Fairbanks North Star Borough,
Fairbanks
28 Susan Galereave, Fairbanks North Star Borough School
Board, Fairbanks
29 Mike Fisher, Assistant Superintendent, Fairbanks North
Star Borough School District, Fairbanks
30 Joe Ryman Scott, Fairbanks
31 Deborah Allman Reynolds, Fairbanks
32 Jeff Walters, Fairbanks
33 Lisa Love, Fairbanks
34 John Brown, President, Fairbanks Labor Council,
Fairbanks
35 Dori Olsen, Fairbanks North Star Borough School
District, Fairbanks
36 Joanne Olsen, Fairbanks
37 Bill Woodward, Alaska State Arts Council, Fairbanks
38 Peggy Ferguson, Alaska State Arts Council, Fairbanks
39 Diana Campbell, Fairbanks
40 Jake Poole, Fairbanks
41 Taber Rehbaum, Fairbanks
42 David Leone, Fairbanks
43 Pamela Younker, Fairbanks
44 Mary Vogel, Fairbanks
45 Jeanette Grasto, Fairbanks
46 Cheryl Keepers, Fairbanks
47 Patricia Ogino, Fairbanks
48 Shirley Demientieff, Fairbanks
49 Bill Bjork, Fairbanks
50 Steve Hamlin, KBRW Radio Station, Barrow
51 Tom Nicolos, KBRW Radio Station, Barrow
52 Leena Ongley, Barrow
53 Susan Rinker, NSB Counsel, Barrow
54 Connie Green, Valdez
55 Leonora Hotch, Emmonak
56 Christine Coupchiak, Togiak
57 Karen Swenson, Principal, Togiak
58 John Brower, Haines
59 Steve Long, Hanies
60 Dennis Miles, Haines
61 Elizabeth Red Fox, Emmonak
62 Martin Moore, Emmonak
63 Unknown speaker did not identify themself
64 Caroline Cremo Renner, Bethel
65 Nario Notti, Bethel
66 Chris Bragg, Yukon Kuskokwin Health Clinic, Bethel
67 Anges Phillips, Tundra's Women Coalition, Bethel
68 Mark Springer, Coordinator, DDC, Bethel
69 Graham Storey, President, Yukon Kuskokwin Association,
Venetie
70 Dave Bouker, University of Alaska Fairbanks,
Dillingham
71 Gina Hobson, Dillingham
72 Peggy Wood, Dillingham
73 Susan Kernes, Homer
74 Scot Wheat, Homer
75 Heather Reichenberg
76 Heather Arnett, Interim Director, Women in Crisis
Resource Center, Kenai
77 Jerry Brookman, Kenai
78 Pam Nelson, Kenai
79 Beth LaCrosse, Ketchikan
80 Keith Smith, Arts and Humanities Council, Ketchikan
81 Victoria Lord, Ketchikan
82 Gary Stevens, Mayor, Kodiak Borough, Kodiak
83 Rick Leland, Executive Director, Council on
Alcoholism, Kodiak
84 Edward May, News Director, KHNS, Haines
85 Scott Carey, Haines
86 Mitch Erickson, CCLC, Nome
87 Berda Wilson, Nome
88 Terry Wilson, Nome
89 Wayne Davenport, Board Member, KFCK, Wrangell
90 Greg Wood, Board Member, KFCK, Wrangell
91 Jeanne Tetangelo, Eagle
92 Elisabeth Sager, Eagle
93 Jan D. Parish, Eagle
94 Nancy Galastad, City Manager, Kotzebue
95 Mary Ann Wilson, Kotzebue
96 Beatrice Lisbourne, Kotzebue
97 Brad Reeve, Kotzebue
98 Lillian Monson, Kotzebue
99 Cristy Tilden, Board Member, Alcohol Drug Abuse,
Dillingham
100 Ginger Baim, Bristol Bay Health Corporation,
Dillingham
101 Laurentia Chamblee, Director, South Peninsula Women's
Services, Homer
102 Gail Parsons, Homer
103 Ed Cooley, Homer
104 Lloyd Gathman, Executive Director, Community Health
Program, Thorne Bay
105 Lonnie Walters, Director, Subsistence Abuse, Craig
106 Michael Quinn, Craig
107 Doug Veit, Director, Communities Organized for Health
Options (COHO), Klawock
108 Susan Price, SAFE, Sitka
109 Janice Huls, Sitka
110 Kristen Griffin, Friends of Sheldon Jackson Museum,
Sitka
111 Stan Filler, Mayor, Sitka
112 William Stortz, President of Board, KCAW, Sitka
113 Alice Johnstone, Board Member, KCAN, Sitka
114 Lisa Herwald, General Manager, Raven Radio, Sitka
115 Molly Kabler, Member, Alaska Public Broadcasting
Commission, Sitka
116 Grace Brooks, Sitka
117 Jeffrey Pearson, Raven Radio Volunteer, Sitka
118 Robert Rice, Ketchikan
119 Bill Hardy, Program Manager, Ketchikan Drug Recovery
Hospital, Ketchikan
120 Lisa Wax, Valdez
121 Matt Plumber, Valdez
122 Jerrie Clarke, Valdez
123 John Anderson, Valdez
124 Catherine Vaara, Executive Director, Advocates for
Victims of Violence, Valdez
125 Annie Heinz Phillips, Valdez
126 Alice Neakok, Board Member, KBRW, Barrow
127 Corrine Erickson, Cordova
128 Faye Pahl, Cordova
129 Tom Church, City Council, Cordova
130 Ismet Kelty, Mayor, Unalaska
131 Jean Richards, Iliuliuk Mental Health Center, Unalaska
132 Kate Nixon, Unalaska Community Broadcasting, Unalaska
133 Tammy Pound, Unalaska
134 M. Lynn Crane Director, USAFN, Unalaska
135 Roger Leff, Manager, Public Broadcasting KIAL,
Unalaska
136 Tom Abbott, Petersburg
137 Pat Hind, President, KFSK Radio, Petersburg
138 Kelly Demko, Teacher, Petersburg School District,
Petersburg
139 Charlie Gibson, Board of Directors, South Peninsula
Women's Services, Homer
140 Sheryl Vitale, Administrator, Childcare Program, Homer
141 Jean Steele, KBBI, Homer
142 Ken Landfield, President, KBBI Radio, Homer
143 David Anderson, KBBI, Homer
144 Clark Chambers, Journalist, Homer
145 Lynn Burkhardt, Homer
146 Lisa Greenleaf, Kenai
147 Syliva, Sullivan, Valdez
148 Bill Hatch, President, Board of Public Radio, Kenai
149 Zeda Friedersdorff, Kenai
150 Tim Peterson, President, Kenai School Association,
Kenai
151 Andree McLead, Anchorage
152 William Theuer, Anchorage
153 Kirsten Schenker, Regional, Director, Heart
Association, Anchorage
154 Natalie Gabriel, Anchorage
155 Megan Hall, Anchorage
156 Sherry Thompson, Anchorage
157 Linda Spencer, Anchorage
158 Graham Siebe, Achorage
159 Ahelisa Culpepper, Chair, Alaska Anchorage
160 Sam Rose, Anchorage
161 Phil Keith, Anchorage
162 Judith Miller, Anchorage
163 Steven Rouse, Made in Alaska, Anchorage
164 Bob Elyard, Wassilla
165 Mary Rosenzweig, Substance Abuse Directors
Association, Anchorage
166 Angie Rosales, Alaska Resource Center, Anchorage
167 Terri Robertson, Anchorage
168 Ruth Quinlan, Abused Women's Aid in Crisis (AWAIC),
Anchorage
169 Kim Renee Anderson, Anchorage
170 Helen Howarth, Executive Director, Alaska State Arts
Council, Anchorage
171 Ed Bourgeois, Anchorage Opera, Anchorage
172 Joseph Dimateo, Governor's Advisory Board for Drug and
Alcohol Abuse, Anchorage
173 Donald Heflin, Anchorage
174 Patricia Petrivelli, Anchorage
175 Michael Queen, Anchorage
176 Donna Matthews, Anchorage
177 Michele Miller, President, Anchorage Cultural Center,
Anchorage
178 Gail Hollinger, Statewide Museum Association,
Anchorage
179 Carol Von Meer, Anchorage
180 Robyn Henry, NAMI Alaska, Anchorage
181 John Novak, Anchorage
182 Christine McIntire, Executive Director, American Lung
Association, Anchorage
183 Kathy White Murphy, Matsu
184 Harry Crawford, Anchorage
185 April Ferguson, Anchorage
186 Vivian Kinnaird, Alaska State Counsel on Arts,
Anchorage
187 Martha Anderson, Anchorage
188 Joe Lind, Anchorage
189 Paul Merculif, Anchorage
190 Jenny Muray, American Cancer Society, Anchorage
191 Bill Legere, President and General Manager, KTOO,
Juneau
192 Bea Shepard, Museums of Alaska, Juneau
193 Jeffrey Hermann, Producing Manager, Perseverance
Theatre, Juneau
194 Charity Coleman, ILP, Juneau
195 Christopher Pace, Juneau
196 Dennis Egan, Mayor, City and Borough of Juneau
197 Dave Palmer, City Manager, City and Borough of Juneau
198 Sally Smith, Juneau
199 Bev Ingram, AILPA, Juneau
200 Jennifer Burton, Juneau
201 Robin Brenner, Juneau Alliance of the Mentally Ill,
Juneau
202 Tracey Martin, Juneau
203 Harold Cleek, Alaska State Employees Association,
Juneau
204 Katherine Doe, AWARE Shelter, Juneau
205 Susan Motter, AWARE Shelter, Juneau
206 Don Gray, Fairbanks
207 June Rogers, Executive Director, Fairbanks Art
Association, Fairbanks
208 Joyce Parry-Moore, Juneau
209 Joy Lyon, President Alaska Association for Education
of Young Children, Juneau
210 Peter DuBois, Artistic Director, Perseverance Theatre,
Juneau
211 Annie Stokes, Alaska State Council on the Arts, Juneau
212 Sarah Elliott
213 Laura Rorem, CBJ, Advisory Board, Mental Health Board,
Juneau
214 Nancy Seamount, Counselor, Juneau School District,
Juneau
215 Grace Elliott
216 Annette Coggins, Director, AWARE, Juneau
218 Doris St.Clair
219 Brenda Goenett
220 Steve Shows, Juneau
221 Lem Batchelder, Illiamna
222 Richard Isett, ASEA, Juneau
223 Josett Valentine, Voice of America, Juneau
224 Rosemarie Alexander, Alaska Coastal Network, Juneau
225 Martha Valentine
226 Jon Loring
227 John Roxburgh
228 Lauree Hugonin, Director, Council on Domestic Violence
and Sexual Assault, Juneau
229 Caren Robinson, Alaska Women's Lobby, Juneau
230 Vernon Marshall, Executive Director, NEA-Alaska,
Juneau
231 Beth Fritzgerald, Student, Juneau
232 Merritt Helfferich, Fairbanks
(Testifiers are identified by number. See above.)
LOG SPEAKER DISCUSSION
TAPE HFC 00 - 48
FAIRBANKS
SIDE 1
000 Co-Chair Mulder Convened the House Finance Committee
statewide teleconference meeting on the
operating budget at 9:05 a.m.
150 -1- Testified against eliminating funding
for alcoholic and drug abuse treatment
programs. She commented that these
programs are a life support for people
that have a problem with drugs and
alcohol.
355 -2- Testified in support of funding for drug
and alcohol treatment programs. He noted
that these programs provide services for
many that live in the rural areas.
454 -3- Reiterated previous testimony in support
of drug abuse and alcohol treatment
programs. He echoed that these programs
save many lives. He pointed out that
Alaska has one of the highest rates of
alcohol abuse in the United States.
572 -4- Testified in support of continued
funding for the RCAOA program and
similar programs throughout the State.
He urged that funding be allocated in
the proposed budget.
736 -5- Commented regarding her status as a
single mother needing treatment, while
providing for her children. She urged
members to consider continued funding of
the drug and alcohol program offered in
Fairbanks and throughout the State.
924 -6- Testified in support of continued
funding for drug and alcohol abuse
program. She recounted her years of
struggle and emphasized the need to
guarantee that programs would be
available to others that need them.
1008 -7- Stated that she was born as an alcoholic
and has passed the disease on to her
daughter. She spoke in support of all
women in the Fairbanks area that have
been addicted. She noted that the
program has taught her about her
addiction and her spirituality. She
strongly urged that Committee members
support further funding for all drug and
alcohol centers in the state of Alaska.
She stressed what a serious problem
alcohol is in the state of Alaska.
1175 Co-Chair Therriault Asked if the program that she referred
to was run by FNA and asked the
location. He noted that program was
still funded through the proposed
funding.
1201 -8- Spoke in support of further funding for
the University of Alaska. Ms. Spencer
enumerated the opportunities that UAF is
able to offer. With full funding the
programs will be strengthened. The
University needs full funding.
1343 -9- Spoke in support of the further funding
for the University. She noted that she
was an alumni of UAF. The University is
experiencing a decline in student
enrollment at the same time tuition
costs have been raised. The state
deserves the dedicated workforce that
the UA could offer.
1413 Co-Chair Mulder Noted that there are 4 members of the
Committee that are alumni of the
University of Alaska.
1440 -10- Testified regarding the advisory vote
and all the votes that the state
citizens have made. She requested that
the advisory vote not be the sole basis
for a decision that guides Legislators.
She stressed that the state cannot
afford to not further fund education.
She urged that members consider the
consequences that will occur with poor
funding of education. Additionally, she
noted that the plan, which was created,
should be reconsidered. It is a
ludicrous goal to keep funding when
other programs are making progress.
Other states across the nation are
experiencing dramatic improvements. She
maintained that 100% of childcare money
has gone away, which is very short
sited.
1616 -11- Encouraged the Committee to support
increased funding for the University of
Alaska. It is imperative that the state
invests in the University system in
order to keep the students here in
Alaska.
1672 -12- Spoke in support of continued funding
and increased funding for the University
of Alaska. He commented that the
University funding has been decreasing
as the Department of Corrections funding
has been increased.
1722 -13- Spoke on behalf of further funding for
the University of Alaska. He commented
that not providing adequate funding
would be a serious problem for the state
of Alaska.
1851 -14- Testified for greater support of the
Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual
Assault (CDVSA). She commented that
there is no place left to reduce funding
without compromising the safety of the
women and children in the shelter. She
urged that there be no decrease in
funding.
1945 -15- Spoke in support of further funding for
the women's shelters throughout the
state. The people that work at these
shelters are providing incredible
service for women and children that have
great needs. She urged greater funding
for these services. She noted how
emotionally draining this work is. A
paid staff should coordinate all the
services for each individual.
2075 -16- Spoke in support of the services
provided by the women's shelter
throughout the State. She noted that she
was served by the Shelter in Fairbanks,
which provided childcare and support for
her to get back on her feet after
leaving a violent relationship. She
spoke for all women and children that
use these services.
2164 -17- Spoke in support of further funding for
the University of Alaska. She noted that
she is a military wife trying to get
educated. She urged also that further
funding go into the childcare assistance
program. Alaska has the highest costs
for day care services. Further cutting
will be devastating to the majority of
the citizens of Alaska. Cutting funding
will place more people on Welfare. The
University will eventually help the
economy.
2280 -18- Spoke in support of further funding for
the University of Alaska and the
increase that the University has
proposed. These monies will help to meet
inflation and contractual obligations.
TAPE CHANGE 00-48
SIDE 2
FAIRBANKS
050 -19- Spoke in continued support for the
University funding.
090 -20- Spoke in support of continued and
increased funding for women shelters
throughout the State. She commented on
how children will be alone without these
services.
196 -21- Spoke in support of further funding for
the University of Alaska. He commented
that there has been continued decrease
to the funding with the current budget
crisis in the state. He commented that
this is a destructive cycle. Further
funding for K-12 is preparing children
for "export". To save the state we must
save the University.
360 -22- Expressed concern with funding for
education. Spoke in support for further
funding for transportation costs
530 Co-Chair Therriault Provided information regarding education
funding.
549 Representative J. Questioned what is driving reductions in
Davies education funding.
569 Mr. 22 Explained that increased property values
have caused a decrease in education
funding. There is a decrease from the
state to the Assembly.
622 Co-Chair Therriault Noted that increased property values
should not reduce the overall amount
648 -23- Spoke in support of funding for
education. Stressed that education can
improve the economy. Recommended that
funding from the Earnings Reserve
Account be used for education. Spoke in
support of a $50 dollar school tax.
Maintained that the state budget has
been cut to the point where it affects
the quality of life in Alaska.
839 Co-Chair Mulder Acknowledged remarks by the previous
speaker. Referred to the ballot question
regarding state use of the permanent
fund dividend.
880 Mr. Larue Stressed that while people are opposed
to spending the dividend, he supports
use of earnings reserve.
924 Co-Chair Therriault Pointed out that use of the Earnings
Reserve would impact the next year's
dividend.
945 Mr. Laure Observed that many people do not
understand the history behind the
Permanent Fund. He voted against the
plan because he did not feel that it was
necessary to use the permanent fund
dividend. He felt that there were other
ways to support the needs of the state.
1040 Co-Chair Mulder Stressed that a long-term solution would
require use of the Permanent Fund excess
earnings. He explained the intent of the
Long-Range Fiscal Plan. The decline in
production is the major problem. A $50
dollar head tax would only raise $8
million dollars.
1108 Representative J. Noted that Mr. Laure stated that he is
Davies willing to implement an income tax. He
observed that the Long-Range Plan did
not encompass other increases in
revenues. People are willing to go
beyond just using the Earnings Reserve.
1168 Co-Chair Mulder Emphasized that the Long-Range Plan was
a starting point and that other measures
could have been discussed within the
plan. Without a base line there is a
reluctance to grow the budget.
1211 Representative Observed that his constituents spoke
Williams against paying taxes while they are
being handed the permanent fund
dividend.
1266 -24- Spoke in support of Alaska state
employees.
1309 -25- Pointed out that proposed cuts will only
make up 4 percent of the shortfall.
Spoke in support of an income tax, leave
local and property tax to
municipalities, raise fuel tax and
vehicle registration fees, use earnings
from Permanent Fund, put an upper limit
on the dividend, and stop cuts to state
government. Expressed concern with
funding to the university and state
troopers. Stop using budget cuts
vindictively. Try to keep in mind the
size of the savings accounts and
financial stability. Stop expecting the
federal government to pay the state's
way. The state should raise revenues.
1530 Co-Chair Therriault Agreed that taxes should be at a local
level.
1595 Representative Moses Expressed appreciation for Mr. Benson's
remarks.
1600 Representative J. Also expressed appreciation for the
Davies remarks of Mr. Benson.
1663 -26- Spoke in support of funding for
education.
1699 -27- Spoke in support of funding for music
and art education. She stressed that
music assists math education and problem
solving. Explained that the school board
has recommended the elimination of the
band program.
1917 Co-Chair Mulder Stressed that the formula program has
not been reduced.
1933 Representative J. Stressed that there has not been a
Davies significant drop in pupil registration.
Pointed out that with cuts to municipal
assistance and revenue sharing it is
harder to make local contributions.
1983 Co-Chair Mulder Pointed out that additional funding was
provided with the revisions of SB 36.
1998 Representative J. Observed that Delta is going to have to
Davies lay off 27 percent of their teachers for
a 9 percent decline in students.
2022 -28- Expressed concern with funding for
education. She stressed that nurses,
band teachers, and counselors are
essential. Gave examples of how these
teachers assist students.
2113 -29- Spoke in support of funding for
education. Stressed the need for Quality
Schools funding. Expressed concern with
funding for pupil transportation. Spoke
to impact of increases in access
valuation to the school district.
Detailed affects of an increase in
accessed value. Concluded that there is
a cap on local contribution.
2248 -30- Spoke in support of education funding.
Stressed the difficulty of maintaining
the quality of education with the level
of funding.
TAPE CHANGE, HFC 00
49, SIDE 1
65 Ms. Scott Stressed that the ballot vote was just
advisory. Emphasized that it makes more
sense to put a fence at the top of the
hill than a hospital at the bottom.
254 -31- Expressed concerns with reductions to
sexual assault and abuse programs
435 -32- Spoke in support for funding education
and legislation affecting education.
Pointed out that there would be cuts to
teachers with reductions to the
education budget. School safety is a
concern, as is the high school
qualifying exam. There is a teacher
shortage in the state. Funding for
compensation and benefits is important
to teachers. Fairbanks North Star
Borough is facing serious education
funding difficulties.
598 -33- Spoke in support of funding for
education. Children are the ones that
are affected by reductions in education
funding.
750 -34- Asked how long the decline in the
quality of life in Alaska will continue.
Noted that testifiers have not been
requesting cuts to the budget. Pointed
out that Alaska has a world economy. The
burden of supporting government falls on
business, not the citizens.
940 Co-Chair Therriault Observed that labor groups were not able
to influence votes on the ballot
initiative questioned why they voted no.
980 Mr. Brown Observed that labor leaders are elected
and felt that they were reluctant to
speak to their members. People he spoke
to expressed support for an income tax.
Stressed the need to diversify.
1100 -35- Spoke in support of education funding.
Pointed out that they are facing a loss
in music education programs. Music will
become an elitist program, only those
that can afford lessons will excel.
Quality musicians must start at an early
age.
1225 -36- Testified in support of continued
funding for the education budget for all
children in the State. She added that
funding for the art budget is also of
primary interest. Additionally, she
requested that the Legislature fully
fund the state contracts.
1306 -37- Voiced dismay that the state is trying
to reduce funding to the Council on the
Arts. He noted that in the last 16
years, the funding has gone from the
best in the nation to the least funded
in the entire United States.
1433 -38- Testified in support for continued
funding for the State Arts Council. She
noted that the federal match would be
lost with this reduction. She added that
death by a thousand cuts is the most
painful of all.
1576 -39- Spoke in support of tobacco free
programs paid for with the settlement
money. Expressed further support for
tobacco prevention programs.
1750 -40- Testified in support of funding for the
University, representing the University
alumni.
1803 -41- Voiced support for the Governor's budget
that addresses concerns of children. She
asked for full funding for alcohol and
drug abuse programs. She stated that the
cuts would be devastating and ultimately
costly to the State. She echoed support
for K-12 funding and the University.
Invest in the children of Alaska. Many
of the cuts do the opposite of that.
1924 -42- Noted that other revenue sources need to
be found including reinstatement of a
state income tax. Future leaders are
today's children. Those citizens must
have quality education and health care.
Child protection, drug and alcohol
treatment centers and tobacco funds for
those concerns.
2032 -43- Testified for the Fairbanks Chamber of
Commerce. She requested that there be a
balanced and reasonable approach of
budgeting. She encouraged a long-range
economic plan and pointed out
strengthening the University should be
part of that plan. She emphasized that a
long-range plan needs to be implemented.
She noted that the University is doing a
lot of long range fiscal planning for
the State. She asked that the Governor
and Legislature work together for this
concern.
2281 -44- Stated that she reiterated comments for
support of early development and the K-
12 funding. She noted that the State
should support all programs that keep
costs down ultimately by providing
health care services for all children in
the school systems. The proposals made
by the Legislature will highly impact
all school districts.
TAPE CHANGE 00-49 FAIRBANKS
SIDE 2
053 -45- Testified in support of fully funding
the governor's recommendation for mental
illness services. If the decrement is
adopted, it will be a dramatic decrease
in services to these individuals.
Chronic mental illness needs access to
medical treatment to prevent
incarceration costs. Treatment works!
209 Co-Chair Therriault Noted that the decrement still leaves a
component growth of $417 thousand
dollars. He noted that he would be
meeting with the Alaska Mental Health
Trust Authority.
253 Ms. Grasto Commented that those funds were not
supposed to be used to cover that type
of program.
290 -46- Echoed observations of previous
testimony. She noted that she was
concerned with cuts to programs to
families and children. She referenced
the advisory vote, which did not mean
that people do not want a state tax.
386 -47- Voiced support for additional funding
for concerns with mental illness.
470 -48- Longevity bonus cuts will raise serious
problems. Cuts to public radio are not
good. Asked the Committee not to cut the
Alaska Legal Services or childcare.
Added that Department of Environmental
Conservation cannot afford to be cut.
Trade and Development is an area that
Alaska needs a future in. Questioned if
the State can afford to under-fund
foster care. Child protection workers
need further funding. Substance abuse
needs to be further funded. Made in
Alaska needs funding.
644 -49- Voiced support for further funding for
education. The decisions made in the
budget will dramatically effect what
happens in the State for the future.
This is a bipartisan issue. The cuts to
transportation exasperate the problem.
Need support for SB 198 and restore
transportation money.
OFF NET SITES
853
890 -50- Voiced support for fully supporting
radio services in all rural communities.
The cuts would force collapses. There
have been many cuts in the past years
and these cuts will cause public radio
to go off the air. Public Radio provides
vital services to these communities. He
urged that the cuts be restored.
998 -51- Echoed sentiments of the previous
testimony. Local fund raising cannot
support the services of these necessary
services provided by public radio. These
are essential services.
1084 -52- Do not make cuts to those programs that
affect young children. Early
intervention has changed many problems
with young children. Rural Alaska needs
help to deal with substance abuse. The
child that has the benefit of quality
day care will be the most successful.
1232 -53- Addressed concerns about cuts to public
radio. The entire community links to one
another through public radio. Public
radio is the lifeline.
Please continue funding to the social
and health issues. With cuts coming
forward and with oil money declining so
goes the North Slope Borough budget. The
rural area cannot afford to have cuts to
foster care, infant learning, and rural
service grants. These are vital to the
people of the North Slope. They cannot
absorb the costs.
Legal Services needs continued funding.
The proposed cuts will seriously
influence all the people of the
community.
1431 -54- Testified in support of continued public
broadcasting.
1508 -55- Spoke in support of funding the women's
shelter in the rural service area of the
Lower Yukon Delta area. She noted that
alcohol has ruined the culture. Healing
and recovery will occur with the help of
the entire village. Violence against
self is a major concern in the village
area. She asked that the villages be
empowered to do so. She pleaded that
services not be cut that are essential
to life in these areas.
1698 -56- Voiced concern about cuts to funding
that deal with families and children.
She noted that they do support the
Governor's children's budget. She noted
concern with the full funding of
education, specifically, community
college in the rural areas. Expressed
additionally concern with cuts to the
municipal revenue sharing. Cuts are
hitting the village areas hard.
1823 -57- Principal of Togiak School. She voiced
support of all measures that will help
the children to assure that they have
adequate support. She noted support for
the Governor's children budget, health
care and alcohol prevention and
treatment programs. She urged funding
for higher education to keep the
intelligence in the state.
Juvenile justice system needs further
funding.
1934 -58- Voiced concern with the proposed cuts to
public radio.
2043 -59- Echoed continued support for public
radio. He commented that the community
relies on safety and telephone messages
that come across public radio.
2103 -60- Spoke in support of public radio
funding. Noted that reductions would
result in radio stations being taken off
the air.
2145 -61- In support of funding for domestic
violence and sexual assault programs.
2171 -62- Concerns with funding for municipal
assistance and revenue sharing. Gave
examples of problems in city funding.
Added that funding for public
broadcasting is very important.
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045 -63- Stressed importance of village public
safety officers, education and public
radio.
180 -64- Bethel control substance alliance.
Support for funding for tobacco
prevention programs.
470 -65- Public broadcasting is essential to
everyday life. Highlighted importance of
public announcement services on the
radio.
613 -66- Stressed funding for drug and alcohol
programs.
762 -67- Tundra Women's Spoke in support of funding for domestic
Coalition violence and sexual assault programs.
Discussed programs offered by TCA in the
community to support women and children.
962 -68- Urged funding for public broadcasting.
Essential manner of sharing state
revenues. Helps without asking. Pointed
out that many bush areas cannot receive
urban stations.
1108 -69- Expressed concern with cuts to the
education budget. Pointed out that cuts
will result in teachers that must teach
outside of their areas of education.
Emphasized importance of schools as a
part of local communities.
1254 -70- Spoke in support of funding for the
university. Emphasized the need to
maximize human resources through
education. Pointed out that 90 95
percent of the state's educators went
out-of-state for their education. Not
enough professional Alaskans are
educated in the state of Alaska.
1493 -71- Spoke in support of funding for the
university and head start programs.
Stressed that the quality of life is
improved with education.
1570 -72- Expressed support for full funding for
the university system.
1712 -73- Spoke in support for public
broadcasting. Noted that there is
overwhelming support for public
broadcasting around the state. Observed
that funding from public broadcasting
would be shifted to aging and frail
individuals. Pointed out that aging use
the services of public broadcasting.
1883 Co-Chair Therriault Explained that a shift from public
broadcasting to the longevity bonus
tried to maintain funding for public
television due to the educational
programs.
1915 -74- Spoke in support of funding for mental
health programs. Concerns with inmate
health care, Medicaid match, community
based mental health grants, KBII, and
the use of tobacco settlement funds for
treatment.
1996 -75- Testified in support of full funding for
the university's request. Maintained
that the majority of college bound
students leave the state. Alaskans
represent one of the state's largest
resources. Gave examples of work by the
Council.
2113 -76- Testified in support of funding for the
Council Domestic Violence and Sexual
Assault. She observed that their grant
from the Council was reduced by $6,000
in the previous year as the result of
cuts to the Council. A volunteer
coordinator was reduced to part-time;
resulting in a reduction of education
and prevention activities.
2330 -77- Support for public broadcasting. Spoke
in support of a fair graduated state
income tax. Maintained that everyone
must pay their fair share. Noted that
the reason he did not support the long-
range budget plan is because it did not
include an income tax.
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48 -78- Spoke in support of funding for women in
domestic violence programs.
110 -79- Testified in support of mental health
programs.
301 -80- Spoke in support for continued funding
for public radio and the State Arts
Council.
446 -81- Spoke against the cuts to the Council on
the Arts in the state. She urged that
there be no cuts to the Shelton Jackson
Museum in Sitka. She stressed the assets
that museum is to the State. She noted
that testifiers are all demanding
quality in the State.
583 -82- Mayor of Kodiak Borough. He voiced
concern with the various boroughs'
budgets and how important municipal
sharing is for the individual budgets.
Last year, each community received
funding from the Legislature. He
requested that the funding this year
equal the funding received last year.
Elimination of the funds will hurt all
Alaskans.
729 -83- Executive Director, Kodiak on Alcoholism
and Substance Abuse Programs. He voiced
support of continued funding for these
programs. He enumerated the facts on
drug abuse and alcoholism. He stressed
that treatment abuse programs work in
helping these people. He voiced concern
with the way that the cuts would be
made. He commented that FAS dollars
cannot be used to off set treatment
programs.
He voiced concern with the reduction of
funding for other agencies throughout
the state. He urged the members to
understand the consequences of reduced
funding.
953 -84- News Director, Radio KHNS, Haines. Spoke
in support of public radio. He listed
all the services that the local radio
station provides. The proposed cuts will
do vital damage to the small communities
in the State. Communication is essential
to understand important issues and that
will be reduced.
1122 -85- Spoke to the proposed cut to public
radio. He noted that KHNS is the sole
source of information for the Haines
area. To zero out funding will reduce
federal funding. They are currently
using 3000 hours of volunteer hours per
year. Public radio is the only link to
the outside world.
1210 -86- Commented on childcare funding and the
need for restored funding for those
programs. He added that there needs to
be further funding for the grant
program. The licensing program provides
for a certain funding per child. He
noted that 75% of the children at
currently "at risk". By working with the
school and Head Start, it is hope to
create a community wide program. That
will cost the community a lot.
1380 -87- Spoke in support of fully funding the
University of Alaska's budget. More
money needs to be spent on educating the
rural Alaskan citizens. Local Alaskan
employees spend most of their money in
Alaska.
1505 -88- Testified in opposition to decreased
funding for those people living in rural
Alaska. He stressed that the key is in
education. Low self-esteem, lack of job
opportunities, and hopelessness are
things that cause many of the suicides
in the Bush area. Education is about
saving the lives of our young people.
1608 -89- Spoke in behalf of the Wrangell radio
station, KSGK. He commented that public
broadcasting needs continued funding by
the State of Alaska. It provides a lot
of vital service to the public. Tourism
is of little help in the communities.
1727 -90- Board of Directors, Radio-Wrangell. He
spoke in support of continued funding
for public broadcasting. For many people
it is the sole source of networking with
the rest of Alaska. There are thousands
of hours of volunteerism in public
radio. The communities rally behind
these radio stations. Public
broadcasting provides a valuable service
to the citizens of Alaska.
1813 -91- Spoke support of further funding of the
Taylor Highway in Eagle Alaska. She
stated that some of the cuts are not
responsible cuts and should be
reconsidered by the Committee members.
She urged that the members try to
determine ways to raise revenues, not to
continue to cut. She noted that no one
is encouraging the cuts that are
proposed.
1923 Co-Chair Therriault Noted that the funding was included in
legislation that passed out of the house
this past week.
1987 -92- Spoke against the cuts to power cost
equalization and public radio. She urged
members to find a way to grow rather
than pushing citizens down. She noted
that she supported a fair income tax.
2064 -93- Commented on the Taylor Road funding.
She noted how important that funding is
for the people of that community. The
division between rural and urban becomes
deepened with issues like this.
2142 -94- City Manager. Stressed that there should
be no further cuts to municipal and
revenue sharing. She supported coming up
with a plan to tape the earnings on the
Permanent Fund. She noted that the vote
in September was a vote to determine
ways to tap funding services already
available in the State.
She noted support for the PCE program
and voiced appreciation that the budget
is on a faster track this year.
2228 -95- Spoke in support of continued funding
for local substance abuse programs. She
stated that funding was needed in their
region for programs, which impact people
suffering from alcoholism. The funding
is important.
2295 -96- Testified in support of continued
funding to the alcohol and drug programs
in the State.
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097 -97- General Manager, Electric Assn. & Public
Radio. Spoke in support of full funding
for public broadcasting. Commented on
the critical services to the citizens of
Alaska, public safety, municipal revenue
sharing, and public radio. He commented
on the advisory vote and how that was
worded. The State needs adequate
communication and education. He
suggested establishing an endowment for
the future of children.
306 Co-Chair Therriault Asked about the disconnect regarding
what Alaskans are continuing to support
and what they are willing to pay for.
342 Replied that Alaska has the highest
support of public broadcasting than any
state in the nation. He added that there
is not a strong economic base in rural
Alaska. The state has lost 70% of
original money through cuts.
411 -98- Spoke as a recovering alcoholic. She
urged continued funding for the alcohol
and drug abuse programs.
510 -99- Program Director, Bristol Bay Health
Corporation. She noted that she
supported further funding for the
alcohol and drug abuse programs. She
noted that there is a turning point
occurring in rural Alaska and it would
be a shame to lower the funding for
these programs. The local citizens
support these programs as they recognize
the impact of FAS children. Over time,
it is likely that treatment will work
for those in treatment. People do heal.
She asked that members consider the
money saved by the programs working.
807 -100- Director, Bristol Bay Sexual Assault
Agency. She stated that it has been
difficult to be "held" harmless. She
listed all the accomplishments of the
shelter. She noted that the agency is
funded through the Department of Public
Safety and noted that the State is
getting a lot from the amount that they
are paid. Maintained that excellent
services are provided with the amount
given to each community for these
services. She noted that a cut to the
grant line was recommended and
emphasized that could mean a $20
thousand dollar cut to her organization.
People are working long hours and they
cannot keep up with the cuts proposed.
1090 -101- Director, South Peninsula Woman's
Services. She voiced concerns with the
funding cuts that will affect women of
domestic violence and sexual assault.
Many children are growing up in abusive
homes. She noted that the services will
be negatively affected by the cuts that
are proposed. Outreach services will be
dramatically affected.
1226 -102- Educator. Spoke in support of the
programs that educate all people in
Alaska and against the cut to the Alaska
State Council on the Arts and public
broadcasting. She asked that sales and
statewide income tax be implemented to
fund educational programs.
1295 -103- Testified in support of funding for
education. A better-educated society is
a better-protected society.
1367 -104- Spoke in support of mental health
programs. Increase tax on alcohol.
1516 -105- Spoke in support of programs for
substance abuse. Pointed out that
alcoholics and drug-addicted individuals
cannot speak for themselves. A 1.5
million-dollar cut in services would
increase to $3 million dollars in three
years due to loss of matching funds.
Support taxes on alcohol.
1557 -106- Administer, City of Klawock, testified
in support of funding for drug and
alcohol abuse programs. Stressed that
there would be a reduction in education
programs with reduced funding.
1701 -107- Clinical director, Mental Health
Services, spoke against cuts to mental
health programs. Suggested
implementation of an income tax.
1758 -108- Testified in support of programs that
support drug and alcohol abuse programs.
1821 -109- Concern with the use of tobacco
settlement funds. Stressed that tobacco
funds are used for prevention education.
1884 -110- Support for funding of Shelton Jackson
Museum.
1999 -111- Urge opposition of cuts to public
broadcasting. Stressed that public
broadcasting is not a luxury; it is an
essential service. Stop cutting and look
at a sustainable long-range plan.
2072 -112- Testified in support of public
broadcasting. Already doubled their
private grants. Suggested that the vote
against the use of the permanent fund
dividend was misunderstood. Stressed
that he is willing to pay an income tax.
2203 -113- Spoke in support of funding for alcohol
and drug abuse programs. Stressed that
alcohol abuse is the biggest health
problem in Alaska. Treatment works.
Spoke in support of funding for public
radio. Noted the lack of testimony in
support of budget cuts.
2270 -114- Spoke in support of funding for public
radio. Restore public funding noted that
costs have been reduced and redundancy
eliminated. Stressed the level of public
support. Community radio encompasses all
cultural groups.
2352 -115- Testified in support of public
broadcasting. Cuts over the last 15
years have been difficult to deal with.
TAPE CHANGE, HFC 00
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32 Funding is now regional. There is no
easy way to make further cuts. TV and
radio are linked together. Radio
stations do not stand alone
84 -116- Testified in support of funding for the
Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual
Assault. Recounted services by the
Council.
260 -117- Spoke in support of funding for public
broadcasting. Stressed importance for
marine weather forecasts.
473 -118- Support for public radio and the Made in
Alaska program.
580 Co-Chair Therriault Pointed out Made in Alaska program is
self-funding.
659 -119- Testified in support of funding for
tobacco prevention and control programs.
764 -120- Spoke in support of funding for public
radio.
930 -121- Stressed the importance of public radio.
974 -122- Testified in support of funding for
public radio, arts, and museums.
1055 -123- Spoke against cuts to public
broadcasting.
1084 -124- Testified in support of funding for
domestic violence and sexual assault
programs.
1183 -125- Shared her experience with domestic
violence and spoke in support of further
funding for sexual assault and domestic
violence programs.
1237 -126- Spoke in support of funding for public
broadcasting. Noted importance of the
public station for community
information, including weather reports.
1430 -127- Testified in support of funding for
alcohol and drug abuse programs.
Emphasized that jails are overcrowded
and suggested that funding of prevention
programs could reduce the prison
population. Added that childcare
assistance is needed to remove people
from welfare.
1590 -128- Testified in support of funding for
mental health programs. Recounted
personal experiences with alcohol abuse.
1749 -129- Spoke against cuts to municipal
assistance and revenue sharing.
1816 -130- Voiced concern with the cuts to
municipal funding and revenue sharing.
He listed all the programs that are
funded with that money. He reminded
members that no one that had testified
had supported the cuts.
1945 -131- Nurse Practitioner, Mental Health. She
urged that funding a non-profit will
give the state a lot for their money.
She noted that funding these programs
will be economically better for Alaska.
2011 -132- Voiced support of public broadcasting in
the State. She stressed that no cutting
should happen for the non-profits
throughout the State. Mental health,
education, sexual assault, public
broadcasting. She stressed that the
fishing industry is important to the
State and the Nation.
2090 -133- Testified in support of further funding
for sexual assault and domestic
violence, which will affect the safety
of women. She stressed that the rural
areas will suffer the most by these
cuts.
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000 -134- Spoke in support for further funding of
shelter homes and organizations for
sexual assault, child abuse and domestic
violence. She noted that major problems
in the fisheries have negatively
affected the number of clients that are
served through these programs. There has
been no increased in state funding for
two years. She emphasized that
compromise conditions will happen with
decreased funding.
311 -135- General Manager, Unalaska General
Broadcasting. Spoke in support of
further funding for public television
and radio. He commented that these
programs provide vital services and
emergency services for the people of
that area. He noted that the program is
very efficient as requested by the
Legislature. The cuts will be
devastating.
441 Mayor Kelsey Recommended providing some kind of state
plan for budget revenues. He encouraged
that other programs become available.
529 -136- Voiced concern with cuts to public
broadcasting. He pointed out that the
cuts have been continuous for the past
12 years. It will seriously damage the
infrastructure of the essential service
of weather forecast and essential
services of emergency nature. He pointed
out the match that the community makes
to radio funding. The radio station is
responsible to notify all emergency
coordinators.
757 -137- President, Petersburg Radio Station. She
spoke to the proposed cuts to public
broadcasting. Money for public
broadcasting is based on State funding.
842 -138- Voiced concern with cuts to education of
$19 million dollars. She spoke to the
vital loss to the school programs. She
noted that the price of oil is high
right now. Additionally, she pointed out
that there is a lot of money in the
Permanent Fund that could be used for
education. She asked what happened that
can justify the diminished funding to
public radio.
1005 -139- Board of Director, Peninsula Services.
He spoke to the cuts to the Council on
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. He
supported the idea of an income tax. He
asked members to consider the long-term
impact of the cuts. He questioned the
cost of not treating alcohol patients,
which will far exceed the proposed cuts.
1133 -140- Local Administrator, Childcare, Homer.
She spoke in support for childcare
assistance funding. Present funding will
remove families from their program to
reduce the budget.
1199 -141- Mental Health Advocate. She spoke in
support of funding public radio. She
added that sexual, drug and alcohol
abuse programs need to be fully funded.
Her main concern was the health and
safety of children. There is an
obligation to find a cure for alcohol
abuse.
1290 -142- Public Radio, Lower Kenai Peninsula.
Testified in support of fully funding of
$330 thousand dollars for public radio.
He noted that they have done everything
that was asked of them. The time for
cutting is past. It is time to come up
with a new source of funding such as a
state income tax or sales tax.
1396 -143- Volunteer Public Radio. Spoke in support
of fully funding public radio. He noted
that there is a need for a state income
tax.
1516 -144- Journalist, Fisheries. Spoke in support
of fully funding public radio. He
observed that Homer is in need of
continual funding of public radio.
1578 -145- Spoke in support of fully funding public
radio. She urged that we should cut what
needs to be cut to leave the Permanent
Fund alone.
1690 -146- Full funding on the Council on Domestic
Violence and Sexual Assault. She noted
her direct involvement in a sexual
assault situation and the care that she
received at the local women's shelter in
Juneau.
1865 -147- She noted that the permanent fund has
been exempted from IRS taxes. She listed
that fundamental services are being
denied. She hoped that the IRS would
investigate the use of the permanent
fund dividend. The Legislature continues
to cut. She noted that the working poor
cannot afford to not notice what is
happening.
1960 -148- President, Board of Public Radio.
Testified in support of continued
funding for public broadcasting. He
commented that the local radio stations
are doing more with less. The impact of
the cut will destroy many radio
stations.
2038 -149- Elementary School District. Asked that
the committee adequately fund school
education. She pleaded that we not
sacrifice the children themselves. It is
impossible to teach without the tools
that they need. Children are not
arriving at school ready to learn.
2140 -150- President of Kenai School Assn. Spoke
against the decreased funding to the
foundation formula. The cuts are
directly hurting educational programs.
ANCHORAGE
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000 -151- Spoke in support of sound business
accounting processes.
064 -152- Testified in support of fully funding
public broadcasting and the Division of
Tourism.
202 -153- Regional Director, American Heart Assn.
Spoke in support for appropriate use of
the tobacco settlement money. She
stressed that the State should not dip
into the money to fund other programs.
294 -154- Asked for greater funding to the
University of Alaska. She listed the
items that are breaking down on the
campuses because of a lack of funding.
389 -155- Requested adequate funding for the
University system within the State. She
stressed that it is time to recognize
the value of the university system.
479 -156- Opposed to the time limit given to the
testifiers. She noted that education
should be the number one objective of
each legislator. She noted the valuable
"brain drain" occurring in the State.
582 -157- UAA. Spoke in support of further funding
for the University of Alaska. She noted
that the computer science program is not
accredited. Urged full funding to the
University system.
714 -158- Student. Spoke in support of fully
funding the University of Alaska budget
request.
811 -159- Chair of Alaska Tobacco Alliance. She
noted that the Tobacco Settlement funds
are a unique opportunity to work with
the citizens' effort to prevent tobacco
relief. A difference can be made. She
urged reconsideration of a 5%
allocation.
881 -160- Testified in support of public
broadcasting. He noted that public
broadcasting has sustained many cuts for
the past couple of years. He urged
reconsideration of these cuts.
1000 -161- Spoke in support of funding for alcohol
and abuse programs. Recommended an
alcohol tax.
1033 -162- Spoke in support of tobacco prevention
programs.
1077 -163- Spoke in support of Made in Alaska
programs.
1185 -164- Look at new revenue generating programs,
such as the lottery. Also spoke in
support of childcare grants.
1284 -165- Spoke in support of funding for alcohol
and drug abuse programs.
1389 -166- Spoke in support of funding for the
Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual
Assault.
1447 -167- Support in support of daycare assistance
grants. Maintained that children would
be dropped from the program.
1493 Co-Chair Mulder Pointed out that childcare grants have
grown.
1507 -168- Support for Council on Domestic Violence
and Sexual Assault.
1565 -169- Spoke in support of Council on Domestic
Violence and Sexual Assault. Recounted
personal experiences.
1699 -170- Spoke against funding changes in the
budget of the Alaska State Council on
the Arts. Pointed out that the $75
thousand dollar AIPP funding source
would jeopardize state grants and
federal match.
1777 -171- Spoke against the funding change in the
budget of the Alaska State Council on
the Arts. Expressed concern that federal
matching funds can be lost. Stressed
that art should be affordable to all
people.
1900 -172- Spoke against cuts to alcohol and drug
abuse programs. Stressed that over 50 %
of the outpatients remain clean. Spoke
in favor of an alcohol tax. Noted
support for tobacco prevention programs.
1978 -173- Testified against cuts to drug and
alcohol abuse programs. Pointed out that
the cost of imprisoning addicts is
substantial. Stressed that costs will be
greater if not addressed.
2072 -174- Support for art and cultural programs,
Shelton Jackson museum, Alaska State
Council on the Arts and public
broadcasting.
2116 -175- Testified in support of funding for drug
and alcohol abuse programs and the
university. Funding for the university
has not kept up with inflation.
105 -176- Spoke in support of funding for the
Shelton Jackson museum. It is the oldest
museum in the state.
246 Co-Chair Mulder Pointed out that $36 in program receipts
were added. Net reduction $20 in general
fund.
306 -177- Spoke against reductions for the arts.
She reminded members that the price of
oil is increasing.
351 -178- Reminded members that the State museums
are a part of the art system throughout
the state. She urged funding to keep the
museums open for the full year.
477 -179- Asked why there is an imbalance in the
economy and the social structure. She
noted the cuts to the cultural areas.
625 -180- Spoke against cuts to programs affecting
the mentally ill. Cuts to services will
increase medical care down the line.
Chronically medical ill programs were
cut $200 thousand dollars.
760 -181- Alaska spends too much to imprison its
people. Suggested the elimination of
mandatory sentencing. Not tough on crime
but affective on crime.
840 Co-Chair Mulder Stressed that the legislature has
prioritized community-based programs.
879 -182- Spoke in support of funding for tobacco
prevention and cessation programs.
Medicaid does not cover cessation
programs.
975 -183- Testified in support of funding for
education. Budget does not reflect
inflation increases and quality school
mandates. Emphasized that there will be
students that do not pass the high
school qualify exit exams and benchmark
exams. Need resources to support
standards through remedial programs.
Class sizes have risen.
1283 -184- Expressed frustration with budget cuts.
Cutting the quality of Alaskan lives.
1370 -185- Support for an income tax. Cuts will
dismantle infrastructure. Support for
Alaska Legal Services. Emphasized that
only low-income persons get services.
1406 -186- Support for funding to the Alaska State
Council on the Arts. Pointed out that
the $75 thousand dollars fund source
change would result in a loss in federal
match.
1559 -187- Support for childcare funding. She added
that the licensing program should be
fully funded. She urged that
consideration of children be made.
1668 -188- Voiced concern with the decrease of
funding to the drug and alcohol
programs. He asked that members begin
preparing us for the future.
1750 -189- Voiced concern with the basic public
health issue, both tobacco and alcohol
and other drugs. He noted that Alaska
collects some of the highest taxes in
the nation. Much of those funds should
go to Medicaid, however, some of that
money should go into the smoking
cessation program. He urged implementing
the 25 cents per drink tax.
1869 -190- American Cancer Society. She testified
regarding funding for appropriating some
of the tobacco settlement money. She
asked that the American Cancer society
be prioritized. The smokers of Alaska
are paying for the money that is coming
in.
1962 -191- Testified in support of further funding
for public broadcasting and public
radio. He noted that the people that
work in public broadcasting have done as
much as they can to provide what
Alaskans want and need.
2057 Representative G. Noted the letter from the Alaska Public
Davis Broadcasting members. He noted that the
letter contained misinformation. He
stated that the subcommittee looked at
all the functions of the Department and
believed that public radio was the one
that should receive the biggest
decrease. He asked that be placed on the
record. Representative G. Davis took
offense regarding that information.
2159 Mr. Legere Replied that public radio is trying to
adapt to the cuts to the system.
TAPE CHANGE 00-53
SIDE 2
023 Representative J. Voiced appreciation for the work of
Davies people like Mr. Legere. He noted that
every year citizens have stated that
enough is enough. He voiced appreciation
for work well done.
083 -192- Represented museums in Alaska. She
voiced support for funding the Shelton
Jackson museum. She voiced concern with
the $56 thousand dollar cut to the
museum. She spoke to all the care that
needs to happen during the time that the
museum is closed.
345 Representative Explained that the Governor submitted
Grussendorf the cut. He commented that created a
dilemma.
402 Ms. Shepard Agreed that the Department provided the
number. They believed that the museum
could operate on program receipts alone.
She stated that it is a bigger problem
than anticipated.
462 -193- Voiced opposition to the reduction of
funding for the arts. He noted that the
adoption of the cut will dramatically
affect the arts within the State. He
stressed the effect it will have on
Perseverance Theatre. The support of the
state allows the theatre to leverage
funds from both private and federal
funding sources.
603 -194- Testified in support of funding for the
Infant Learning Program. She requested
that the program be funded at the
Governor's requested amount. She stated
that there are 333 children on that
waiting list.
774 -195- Spoke in support of full funding of the
State employee contracts. He commented
that the state employees work throughout
the state and are the ones that make the
state of Alaska government happen. The
contracts have not kept up with the cost
of living. He pointed out that some
state employees are now working second
jobs.
1005 -196- Mayor of Juneau. He spoke to funding
cuts to municipal assistance and revenue
sharing. He commented on how that would
affect the citizens of Juneau. He
commented that the cuts would not take
into consideration unfunded mandates.
Based on the current mil rate and local
sales tax of 5% leaves no option but to
cut city jobs. General government has
decreased by 9% in the city of Juneau.
The total budget has only increased 2.7%
in 15 years. A further reduction in this
will be disastrous. Mr. Egan stressed
that communities want to address a
solution.
1210 Co-Chair Therriault Asked of Mr. Egan knew of the new
program in the HESS budget for the state
owned hospital.
1231 -197- City Manager. Noted that local
government is doing what it can to do to
absorb these hits. Referred to other
issues related to criminal prosecution.
He noted that the municipal assistance
and revenue sharing funding helps with
municipal prosecution.
1340 Co-Chair Mulder Recognized that Juneau is the only
community that does local prosecution.
1355 -198- Spoke in support of further funding for
KTOO. She suggested that the strength of
people has two major components.
Emphasized that our commercial stations
put profits in us as a people because it
improves our minds, which has an
economic pay off down the road. She
added that it is important to look at
what the systems have done to absorb the
funding cuts. These are our values as
people to make the next creative
approach. She urged further support.
1460 Co-Chair Therriault Commented that the Subcommittee intended
that the impact to public television
would be livable. He questioned the
impact.
1482 Ms. Smith Replied that the effect would be to both
the radio and the television in Juneau
and the education value of Coast Alaska.
1516 -199- Spoke in support of the Alaska Infant
Learning Program. She noted that this
program provides education resources to
support the families. Early intervention
is essential at this time. Families
cannot afford to wait during this
critical time. She urged members to
included the $700 thousand recommended
by the Governor.
1613 -200- Spoke in support of AWARE funding. She
explained that she has been supported by
AWARE through sexual abuse situations in
her life. She was able to educate her
self with the shelter's help; couldn't
have without help.
1748 Co-Chair Therriault May be able to offset TANF funds for
Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual
Assault
1806 -201- Testified in support of mental health
programs. Funding helps to increase
community participation.
1896 Co-Chair Therriault Work with mental health board.
1906 -202- Spoke in support of funding for
education. It does not make sense to cut
funding for education while requiring
exit exams. Librarians result in higher
reading scores. When the teacher pupil
ratio is cut and reading specialists
lost the success rate of students is
reduced.
TAPE CHANGE, HFC 00
- 54, SIDE 1
62 Representative G. Funding for education is at formula
Davis level reductions refer to decline in
numbers
106 Representative J. Emphasized the need to do more.
Davies
198 -203- Support of employee contracts. Stressed
impact to lower scale employees and the
difficulty of recruiting employees.
393 Representative Issue of the workforce shortage is a
Phillips concern. The Alaska journal of Commerce
has an article on the issue. It predicts
a crisis in employment in the next ten
years.
449 -204- Spoke in support of funding for Domestic
Violence and Sexual abuse. She accounted
her experience and emphasized the
importance of shelters.
629 -205- Noted that she was a victim of domestic
violence. Stressed the need of victims
in small towns for a place to go.
Importance of intervention. Stressed the
affect on children in domestic violence
situations.
849 Representative How many can't leave small communities
Grussendorf and must stay in their environment.
890 Family resource center helped her get
out of town.
908 -206- Urged funding for the university,
including the maintenance budget, mental
health programs, grants for childcare
assistance and public broadcasting.
1176 -207- Support of art funding. She urged that
the members become willing to invest in
the people of the state.
1348 -208- Spoke in support of the arts to our
state. She stressed how important the
arts are to living in the State of
Alaska. She spoke in support of grants
and funding to the theatre and the arts
programs. Art in public places is vital.
She spoke in support of programs run by
the local arts Council. She urged
members to make a smart investment of
$75 thousand dollars in general funds.
1543 Representative Noted that most people do not make their
Phillips living through the arts.
1560 Ms. Parry-Moore Noted that she was a teacher of voice
and an actor and singer. She noted that
she pieced it together. So many of the
smaller organization rely on that
funding.
1601 -209- President, Alaska Assn. of Education of
the Child. She urged full support for
providing for children's needs. The
actions of the State speak louder than
our words. The state is not talking
about prevention, but rather treading
water. Stated that the work of the
legislature is to mitigate the long-term
damage and to not have long-term
impacts. Children cannot wait.
Additional funds are need for safe
options for parents.
1. Denali Kid Care
2. Healthy Families
3. Head Start
1824 -210- Reiterated concern that the $76 thousand
dollars for art in public places not be
cut. He noted that Perseverance uses
that money to leverage money from the
federal government. The money received
from the State is put back into the
economy. He noted his support for public
broadcasting.
1903 -211- Voiced concern for the cut to the arts.
She noted that cut would be devastating
for our culture and our State. The
investment attracted 2x regional and
federal returns. Alaskans want the arts.
Your constituents want support for the
arts. The arts create a creative work
force. It is not in the best interest to
cut these programs.
She asked why our students are not
learning. She noted that there are
different types of learning. Many
cultures teach by doing. The state is
still giving the information in the same
old way. Alaska invests $.75 cents in
arts per person. It is not in the best
interest to cut the arts. The most
important thing about our future is to
use our imaginations. She invited people
to imagine what would make a better
Alaska.
2153 -212- Spoke in support of public radio. She
stressed that public radio needs
support. She added that she supported
the full funding for the Arts program.
2221 -213- Testified in support of FAS. She
commented that she is the adoptive
mother of two children with many
illnesses because the birth mother drank
during pregnancy. She pleaded for
members not to cut any grants that
affect those that suffer from serious
mental illnesses. She asked for members
to address FAS, domestic violence or
sexual assault. Loosing funds denies
treatment for the most vulnerable.
TAPE CHANGE 00-54
SIDE 2
358 -214- Spoke in support of full funding for
children and the domestic violence
program. She stated that ¼ of the
children that she had in classroom
suffered from either sexual abuse or
alcohol or divorce. Advocate of full
funding for schools and domestic
violence. She has 170 students and works
60 hours a week, but still can't get to
all of the kids. Support for domestic
violence and sexual abuse programs.
727 -215- Spoke in support of public radio.
Emphasized that she pledges as much as
she can afford. Commercial stations
cannot provide the same services.
878 -216- Support of funding for domestic violence
and sexual assault. Gave details on
services provided by shelters. Noted low
pay of staff and lack of benefits. Does
a lot with very little and no place left
to cut. Questioned if they should reduce
efforts in schools, providing shelter or
other services.
1133 -217- Support for funding of programs that
assist fetal alcohol syndrome and other
services that affect children. Parents
alone do not raise children. Support for
funding on mental health programs.
1304 Representative J. What is the $5.8 million dollar
Davies reduction.
1318 Co-Chair Therriault Explained that funding is being shifted
for five years and that no match is
required. He maintained that Alaska
spends more money than next closest
state in gross dollars.
1399 Ms. Rorem Doesn't want money to be used to replace
existing dollars; should be dedicated
for fetal alcohol programs.
1452 Co-Chair Therriault Portion diverted is specifically for
fetal alcohol program in Fairbanks.
1471 -218- Support for alcohol treatment programs.
Recounted personal experiences with
alcohol addiction.
1604 -219- Support for drug and alcohol addiction
funding. Noted her experience with
alcoholism and the support given her
through treatment. Stressed the affects
of alcoholism on children.
1734 -220- Support for funding in the Department of
Public Safety for code inspectors.
1866 Representative Noted that there are one-year federal
Grussendorf funds to bring buildings to code.
Federal funding through FEMA is tied.
1906 Representative G. Maybe more appropriate in the capital
Davis budget. Noted that $98 thousand needed
for a state match.
1942 -221- It takes state resources to make money.
Urged members to invest in rural Alaska.
Spoke against the use of Permanent Fund.
2036 Representative In Community and Economic Development
Phillips look at opportunities to connect
communities.
2105 -222- Support for funding of state employee
contracts. Perceived that there would be
a strike if contracts are not funded.
Can be averted with a fiscal plan that
encompasses taxes.
2193 -223- Support for funding to public radio.
Noted the force of public radio.
Importance of rural radio and the
participation of volunteers.
TAPE CHANGE HFC00-
55, SIDE 1
Continued remarks in support of public
radio. "Now that I have the horse
trained not to eat it dies."
182 -224- Emphasized that volunteers keep public
radio on the air. Members support public
radio. Stressed that there have been
huge cuts over many years. Have done
what they can to protect sound of local
stations; many services have been
combined.
392 -225- Support for health care programs and
public radio. Added support for mental
health programs.
564 -226- Support for museum funding. Expressed
concerns regarding closure of Shelton
Jackson Museum in Sitka. Observed that
there are fewer people working for state
museums than in 1976.
689 Representative Asked the amount necessary to sustain
Grussendorf the museums' funding.
748 Mr. Loring Explained that tour companies want to
own the resources. He did not know how
much could be raised. The increase in
program receipts would be both from
Sitka and Juneau.
830 -227- Spoke to funding the State contracts. He
stated that the State wages are low and
below market. He commented that the
agreements do not represent an increase
in pay, but rather a softening of the
blow. With the contracts they would only
lose a small percentage of the cost of
living increase. He pointed out that
State employees are not looking for a
free handout. The state employee is
being squeezed economically so that they
can barely pay their rent. He requested
that the contracts be funded.
1109 Co-Chair Therriault Asked if the members understand that the
agreement must come to the Legislature
for ratification.
1162 Mr. Roxburgh Replied that there is a difference
between the approval of the contract and
the funding of the contract. He agreed
that it is a difficult issue. Members
would be disappointed if the contracts
are turned down.
1232 Co-Chair Therriault Noted that this a three-year contract.
He noted that they cannot bind future
legislatures. He spoke to the eroding
funding negotiations.
1278 Mr. Roxburgh Commented that merit increases should
reflect merit and not an inflation
proofing for wages. On the average, what
the workers are being paid is not
keeping up with inflation.
1337 Co-Chair Therriault Spoke to his confusion regarding the pay
increase for merit. He stated that pay
can raise 18% over a 20-year period of
time. He stated that was a discrepancy.
1402 Representative Commented that the Legislature should be
Austerman negotiating the contracts.
1425 Representative Commented that the numbers of merit
Kerttula increases should be determined. She
noted that an employee can max out in
those positions.
1481 Mr. Roxburgh Suggested that they contact the labor
economist, Tom Wylie.
1503 Representative J. Commented that the skill level must be
Davies compared.
1540 -228- Spoke on behalf of the network on
domestic violence and sexual assault.
She spoke on behalf of the statewide
committee on stalking women. The federal
money does not go to programs. Alaska
one of the few states that has allowed
judiciary to take advantage of funding
in order to understand their role in
domestic violence. Detailed where money
has been spent. Looking for alternative
financial support and transitional
housing. Increase in federal dollars
supports systems that interact with
victims and help first responders, not
programs. Seeking support from federal
government. State dollars support
emergency first response.
2031 -229- Support for Alaska Legal Services.
Pointed out that it is the first avenue
to assist domestic violence cases.
Recounted services provided by Alaska
Legal Services. Support for programs to
address domestic violence and sexual
assault. Alaska was among the first to
combine domestic violence and sexual
assault. Observed that 12 women died as
the result of domestic violence in
Alaska in one year.
2258 -230- Expressed concern with funding for
education. Impact of inflation cancels
increases in SB 36. Detailed funding
needs. Stressed need to address students
that do not pass benchmark exams and
high school graduation qualifying tests.
TAPE CHANGE, HFC 00
55, SIDE 2
72 Mr. Marshall He continued his testimony on behalf of
additional education funding. The loss
of students is more than 2 percent.
Noted the need for deferred maintenance.
Schools mirror every city and village in
Alaska. Questioned if the legislature
would provide the resources so that each
student can take advantage.
432 Mr. Marshall In response to a question by Co-Chair
Therriault, noted that the ADM was
$134,000 in FY00 and is $131,000 for
FY01. Pointed out that costs are not
greatly reduced by a decrease in two
students.
701 -231- Spoke in support of education funding
and emphasized the need to reduce class
size. Noted disrepair of the buildings,
leaking roofs, "hard to focus on the
teachers when things are falling apart
around you."
836 -232- Support for public broadcasting.
Recalled experiences with KUAC radio in
Fairbanks. Stressed that public radio
has improved the quality of life. It
serves the whole community.
1030 Co-Chair Mulder Remarks thanking testifiers.
1044 Co-Chair Therriault Emphasized that there haven't been
complaints regarding the need for an
automatic supplemental in FY01. Stressed
the areas that received funding.
1096 Representative G. Justifications for programs that were
Davis being reduced.
1163 Co-Chair Mulder Noted comments by testifiers suggesting
solutions to the state's financial
problems. In support for alternatives.
1209 Co-Chair Mulder ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
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