Legislature(2007 - 2008)HOUSE FINANCE 519
02/07/2007 01:30 PM House FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB18 | |
| HB34 | |
| HB87 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | HB 18 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 34 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 87 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE
February 7, 2007
1:41 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Meyer called the House Finance Committee meeting to
order at 1:41:55 PM.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Mike Chenault, Co-Chair
Representative Kevin Meyer, Co-Chair
Representative Bill Stoltze, Vice-Chair
Representative Harry Crawford
Representative Les Gara
Representative Mike Hawker
Representative Reggie Joule
Representative Mike Kelly
Representative Mary Nelson
Representative Bill Thomas Jr.
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Richard Foster
ALSO PRESENT
Representative Gabrielle LeDoux; Michael Pawlowski, Staff,
Co-Chair Meyer; Sue Stancliff, Staff, Representative Mike
Kelly; Christine Marasigan, Staff, Representative Gabrielle
LeDoux; Diane Barrans, Executive Director, Postsecondary
Education Commission, Department of Education; Pat Pitney,
Vice President of Planning & Budget, University of Alaska;
Rod Bettie, President, Alaska State Hospital & Nursing Homes
Association (ASHNHA); Tina Cunning, Alaska National Interest
Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), Coordinator, Department of
Fish & Game
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE
Joel Gilbertson, Regional Director, Strategic Development &
Administration, Providence Hospital, Anchorage; Dr. Peter
Marshal, Family & General Practitioner, Chair, WWAMI
Committee, North Pole; Dr. Roland Gower, President, Alaska
State Medical Association, Anchorage; Doug Griffin,
Director, Alcohol Beverage Control Board (ABCB), Anchorage;
Steve Thomsen, Alaska Wilderness Wines, Kodiak; Dick Mylius,
Deputy Director, Division of Mining Land and Water,
Department of Natural Resources; Pat Luby, Advocacy
Director, Alaska Association of Retired Persons (AARP),
Anchorage; Susanne Tryck, Director, Alaska Regional Affairs,
University of Washington School of Medicine; Kathleen
Dalton, Fairbanks
SUMMARY
HB 18 An Act amending the functions and powers of the
Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education; and
relating to the repayment provisions for medical
education and postsecondary degree program
participants.
CS HB 18 (HES) was reported out of Committee with
a "do pass" recommendation and with a new zero
note by the House Finance Committee and fiscal
note #1 by the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary
Education dated 1/31/07.
HB 34 An Act relating to sales of wine by a winery
licensee.
HB 34 was reported out of Committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and with zero note #1 by the
Department of Public Safety.
HB 87 An Act reestablishing the Citizens' Advisory
Commission on Federal Management Areas in Alaska;
and providing for an effective date.
HB 87 was HEARD & HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
1:44:12 PM
HOUSE BILL NO. 18
An Act amending the functions and powers of the Alaska
Commission on Postsecondary Education; and relating to
the repayment provisions for medical education and
postsecondary degree program participants.
MICHAEL PAWLOWSKI, STAFF, CO-CHAIR MEYER, explained that HB
18 is intended to increase the number of students in the
WWAMI program. The WWAMI program is Alaska's medical school
program and is a partnership between Washington, Wyoming,
Alaska, Montana and Idaho (WWAMI), in which each of those
states contributes to the Medical School at the University
of Washington (UW) based on the amount of students they have
entering the program. For Alaska, that number has
traditionally been 10. The WWAMI student pays in-state
tuition at the University of Washington and agrees to return
to Alaska to practice medicine.
Mr. Pawlowski continued, a student must repay a portion of
the State's subsidy if they do not return to Alaska to
practice medicine. The State forgives 20% of the obligation
for each year they practice in Alaska. The WWAMI program
has been immensely successful and has received national
recognition for several years. It has been ranked the #1
Family Medical Education program in America for 15
consecutive years.
Mr. Pawlowski noted that Alaska needs to expand WWAMI
because the State is facing a significant physician
shortage; a shortage which leads to more expensive and less
available medical care throughout Alaska. HB 18
accomplishes the following:
· Expanding the WWAMI program in section 1
· Allowing students to serve their residency outside
Alaska without accumulating interest in Section 2 -
(There are limited opportunities to pursue residency in
Alaska now with only 12 slots at Providence);
· Envisioning 20 students entering WWAMI a year, which
means that eight of those would have no opportunity to
pursue their residency in Alaska
Expanding the WWAMI program was one of the key
recommendations in the recently released report, "Alaska
Physician Supply Task Force" included in the packets.
Alaska already has fewer physicians per capita than the rest
of the U.S. And as our physicians are approaching
retirement age, the State needs to do everything possible to
recruit more and HB 18 is a first step toward bridging that
gap.
1:46:36 PM
Representative Thomas referenced language "sufficient to
accommodate 20 new people each year" & wondered if that
amount would be compounded each year. He wanted to be on
record, clarifying that would only be 20 students a year.
Mr. Pawlowski acknowledged it was not a compounding equation
and would only be 20 new freshmen each year.
Representative Gara hoped to finely tune the legislation.
He pointed out the shortage in the State of certain types of
doctors. He noted that many doctors come to Alaska because
they make a lot more money. He proposed tying eligibility
for participants that are willing to go into the fields the
State has serious shortages. Mr. Pawlowski thought it would
be difficult to adjust for a career path, not understanding
specifics when entering into the medical path.
Representative Gara recommended adding incentives for
specific areas & if those were not met, the student would
not be given the subsidies and the annual loan payments
would not be forgiven.
1:50:41 PM
Representative Nelson inquired why the proposed legislation
stopped at the number 10, given the serious need throughout
the State. Mr. Pawlowski explained that the bill intends to
"establish the floor", understanding capacity issues in both
the University of Alaska and the University of Washington.
Increasing the number could be worked out over time.
1:52:08 PM
JOEL GILBERTSON, (TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE), REGIONAL
DIRECTOR, STRATEGIC DEVLEOPMENT & ADMINISTRATION, PROVIDENCE
HOSPITAL, ANCHORAGE, discussed that the physician shortage
in the State of Alaska at this time is a serious public
health threat. There is a physician shortage in all
specialty types making for fragmented and reduced access to
care. In the Anchorage market place, there are a number of
seniors unable to receive basic primary care services.
Mr. Gilbertson recommended increasing the WWAMI class size,
a move that Providence Hospital strongly supports. The
WWAMI program has been a key element for retention.
Approximately 85% of the students graduating through the
program have remained in Alaska. Those individuals are
involved in core services of the State. It has been a great
investment. He acknowledged that the problem is still acute
statewide.
Representative Crawford commented on concerns voiced by
constituents in Anchorage that medical access is at a crisis
point. He thought that the bill would provide a beginning
step, however, worried about how to address the short-term
fix. Mr. Gilbertson agreed that there is a need for both
short and long term fixes. The bill would not be the sole
solution; core problems need to be addressed. The U.S.
Congressional delegation has taken an interest in access to
care.
There are a number of efforts in the Anchorage area that are
happening right now. One is the Anchorage Neighborhood
Health Center, which handles many Natives coming from rural
communities. The program has inadequate facilities and can
not meet the volume demand. The clinic is undergoing an
assessment through the Denali Commission to look at ways to
grow the center. The other large primary care facility
practicing in Anchorage is the Family Medicine Residency
Program. That clinic trains residents, receiving some
federal support, however, has been loosing money on an
annual basis. Most states support their programs through
direct funding and reimbursements. Alaska's reimbursement
thus far, has barely kept up with what is happening in other
states. There is interest in strengthening the residency
program.
Representative Crawford questioned what was needed to
enhance the program. Mr. Gilbertson explained that there is
no one solution to solving the crisis. The Neighborhood
Health Center is largely a capital project. That revenue
structure is stronger as they have access to cost base
reimbursement; their issue is physical space and capacity.
It is a capital project. He urged that both clinics be
strengthened & expanded and requested further funding.
2:01:15 PM
Representative Gara understood that where a person goes to
medical school has a relationship on where they end up
practicing, and where the residency program is done has an
even stronger affect on where they end up practicing. Mr.
Gilbertson agreed that was true.
Representative Gara noted that the residency programs
offered in Alaska are not as substantial as they could be.
Mr. Gilbertson advised that the residency program would like
to expand the number of slots available in Alaska. Given a
more predictable revenue stream, they would be able to
expand their actual office hours. A secondary benefit of
more residents coming out of the program, would be more
doctors feeding out into rural areas.
Representative Gara questioned if the residency program
provided practitioners for both the rural and urban areas.
Mr. Gilbertson explained that a good percentage have gone on
to work in rural areas through the Native Health
Corporations. It helps with the long-term training, being
around primary care and internal medicine.
Representative Gara recommended that a quicker solution for
those closer to practicing, would be consideration of
expanding State support of the residency program, especially
in family care.
2:05:04 PM
DR. PETER MARSHALL, (TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE), FAMILY
AND GENERAL PRACTICE, CHAIR OF WWAMI ADMISSIONS, NORTH POLE,
referenced the letter he submitted to the member's packets.
(Copy on File).
Dr. Marshall discussed the dire need for medical doctors in
the bush areas and in Fairbanks & Anchorage. He addressed
the barriers that Alaska students encounter when applying to
other schools. Alaska, currently, only has 10 spots and
last year, there were 78 applicants. The students
attempting to get into the program apply against other
states; states tend to be "stringy" with the spots,
reserving them for their own residents. Well qualified
students are at a disadvantage in trying to apply to other
medical schools. Doubling the class size to 20, would
increase the ration and would help the situation.
2:08:46 PM
Representative Crawford commented that Amendment 1, 25-
LS0131\K.1, Mischel, 2/06/07, could have increased the
program number from 20 to 30. He was informed there was
not enough physical space to accommodate that many. He
agreed to not offer the amendment at this time. He asked
when the program could be expanded. Dr. Marshall responded
that he was not equipped to answer that. The University of
Washington (UW) has made a decision to increase their class
size over the next few years. He believed eventually,
Alaska could have 30 students in the program and supported
such a plan.
2:11:10 PM
ROD BEATTIE, PRESIDENT, ALASKA STATE HOSPITAL & NURSING HOME
ASSOCIATION (ASHNHA), JUNEAU, noted that the membership of
his agency has identified the proposed issue as their most
critical concern this legislative session. He referenced
the agency handout. (Copy on File).
ASHNHA strongly supports passage of HB 18. There are
approximately seven ways to get additional physicians into
Alaska:
· Medical schools
· Residency programs statewide
· Federal assignments
· Self selection
· Loan repayment programs
· Recruitment bonuses
· Travelers
Mr. Beattie reiterated that HB 18 is critical legislation.
He pointed out that Alaska currently suffers from a shortage
of over 300 physicians. The public is not receiving the
care needed. He urged that the bill move swiftly out of
Committee and that the University of Washington is looking
for a quick response; timing is critical.
2:16:14 PM
Co-Chair Meyer questioned how soon ASHNHA needs to know if
passage of the bill could happen. Mr. Beattie replied that
the deadline to complete the contract negotiations is the
beginning of March 2007.
Representative Gara asked the areas of the most acute
shortages. Mr. Beattie responded a lot of the newer
specialty areas and elder care, OB's, surgeries, cardiology,
and internal medicine. He added that targeting students
into specific areas would be problematic.
Co-Chair Meyer asked if the State's residency program could
accommodate all 20 students; he understood that only
Providence Hospital offered a residency program. Mr.
Beattie replied that was correct and that it currently
offers a 12-position residency program.
2:18:07 PM
DR. ROLAND GOWER, (TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE), PRESIDENT,
ALASKA STATE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (ASMA), GENERAL SURGEON,
ANCHORAGE, provided a copy of his testimony. (Copy on
File).
Dr. Gower pointed out that ASMA strongly supports HB 18. He
echoed the crisis given the doctor shortage throughout
Alaska. There is a nationwide shortage and recruitment will
not get any easier in the future for Alaska. He thought
that it made sense for Alaska to "grow our own students"
into the field. There are Alaska students that want the
training but do not have a school to go to. The State
providing a reasonable payback acts as an incentive. It is
important to nurture this resource. He offered to answer
questions of the Committee.
Representative Gara inquired how the legislation would
increase the family residency program throughout the State.
Dr. Gower explained he was not an expert on that program.
There is a critical mass consideration of the number of
physicians that can be trained in that area. He commented
on specialty training and thought it would be possible to
provide some training to specialists in Alaska but many of
that type training can not happen in the State. He
recommended perhaps creating rotations in the Alaska
hospitals with residents from other states.
2:24:21 PM
PAT LUBY, (TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE), ADVOCACY DIRECTOR,
ALASKA ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED PERSONS (AARP), ANCHORAGE,
stated that AARP supports HB 18. He claimed that AARP
members tend to see physicians more often than the younger
set. Now seniors are staying in the State after retirement
since the health services are improving. HB 18 is an
excellent first step in addressing the statewide physician
shortage. He urged support.
2:26:12 PM
Co-Chair Meyer noted that Representative Crawford had
WITHDRAWN his amendment.
Co-Chair Meyer pointed out the fiscal notes, highlighting
the new note by the University of Alaska. Representative
Hawker noted the number of new positions being added into
the system and the note associated. He worried that the
student-faculty ratio was excessive. He pointed out the
capital expenditure request included. Representative Hawker
requested a better evaluation.
Co-Chair Meyer agreed that the capital request should be
addressed in the Capital Budget. Mr. Pawlowski clarified
that under the program, until the actual slots are added,
the incoming class at UAA would not be above 20 people.
2:29:43 PM
PAT PITNEY, VICE PRESIDENT OF PLANNING & BUDGET, UNIVERSITY
OF ALASKA, advised that the fiscal note before the committee
was precise. There would not be two part-time positions; of
the $344 thousand, approximately $44 thousand dollars would
be used for staffing assistance. It would add to staffing
support for the WWAMI program. The two faculty would add to
the existing faculty in the current program. There are
seven faculty in the program and approximately ½ of those
are dedicated for WWAMI teaching. They are also dedicated
to some biological and chemistry teaching positions in the
other departments and research and service. The course
curriculum in the first year is very intensive. There is
course work with lab and teaching requirements; it is more
one-on-one. It would be a significantly larger load. She
stressed that the request to move to 20 students will happen
at the beginning of next school year.
Representative Hawker did not understand the merits or
demerits of the ratio argument. He was concerned with the
travel component, the contractual & supplies. Ms. Pitney
explained that those numbers were a rough estimate and they
assume a modest salary. The travel allocation would be used
for the entire department.
Co-Chair Meyer thought the fiscal request should be analyzed
during a subcommittee process. Co Chair Chenault agreed it
should be examined during subcommittee before moving
forward; he recommended that the capital expenditure be
included in the Capital Budget Request (CBR). He asked that
the fiscal note be removed and provided to the subcommittee
for consideration.
2:34:11 PM
Co-Chair Meyer reminded members that the University received
$475 thousand dollars last year with the understanding that
the remainder would be allocated FY08.
Representative Gara inquired if the bill should pass how
that would be affecting the capital request process. He
asked if construction would be completed by then. Ms.
Pitney responded that the $475 thousand appropriated last
year was being used as the planning part of the construction
process. In the event that the bill passes, the original
$475 thousand dollars allows the planning and the second
allocation in the amount of $475 thousand dollars will cover
the overall construction. Construction completion is
planned for during the summer and will be ready for incoming
students.
Representative Gara asked if the capital upgrade was really
needed. Ms. Pitney emphasized it was.
2:36:57 PM
Co Chair Chenault referenced comments that the allocation
from last year budget was being used for planning of the
renovation. Ms. Pitney responded that the University is
preparing for success of the program as the need is high;
the planning portion was less than $475 thousand dollars.
Co Chair Chenault understood the concern to get the funding.
He worried about the funding from last year being used. Ms.
Pitney replied only a small piece of that amount was used.
2:38:50 PM
SUSANNE TRYCK, (TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE), DIRECTOR,
ALASKA REGIONAL AFFAIRS, UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON SCHOOL OF
MEDICINE, explained that the issue of the number of faculty
in the program is a bit difficult to grasp. At the
University of Alaska - Anchorage (UAA), the numbers for
faculty is lower than in some of other states. It is not
uncommon for a faculty in the second year at the UW, to
teach three or four lectures in a semester. There is a lot
of time involved in research, which makes the teaching time
less. The proposed numbers are in line with the other WWAMI
states.
Ms. Tryck clarified that they can not accommodate all 20
WWAMI students in the family medicine residency program
unless they only intend to practice family medicine. There
is no direct link in terms of the numbers. It would be
cumbersome to attempt to tie the shortage of statewide
doctors with those students selected for the WWAMI program.
The amount of time it takes to complete the program is
usually seven years. Ms. Tryck urged that the bill pass
from committee at this time given the deadline.
2:42:00 PM
Co-Chair Meyer recommended that the University of Alaska
fiscal note be reduced to zero.
Vice Chair Stoltze MOVED to REPORT CS HB 18 (HES) out of
Committee with individual recommendations and with the
accompanying fiscal notes including the new zero note by the
House Finance Committee. Vice Chair Stoltze briefly
OBJECTED.
Vice Chair Stoltze noted that he supports the initiative to
bring more doctors into Alaska. He worried if it had not
been mandated, it would not have come through the
University. He complimented the statewide professionals for
making the legislation happen and wanted to make sure the
leadership on the issue continues to be the medical
community. Vice Chair Stoltze WITHDREW his OBJECTION.
There being NO further OBJECTIONS, it was so ordered.
CS HB 18 (HES) was reported out of Committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and with a new zero note by the House
Finance Committee and fiscal note #1 by the Alaska
Commission on Postsecondary Education dated 1/31/07.
AT EASE: 2:44:39 PM
RECONVENED: 2:50:46 PM
HOUSE BILL NO. 34
An Act relating to sales of wine by a winery licensee.
2:51:43 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GABRIELLE LEDOUX, SPONSOR, testified in
support of the legislation. She explained that wine
production in Alaska has just started to develop. Wineries
are now "mom & pop" businesses. Under current law, none of
the wineries can sell or ship a bottle of wine to a customer
within the State unless the customer is on the premises.
Currently, out-of-state wineries can ship their product into
the State of Alaska. HB 34 would level the playing field by
allowing in-state wineries to ship within Alaska. The
legislation is identical to HB 431, which passed the House
th
in the 24 legislative session.
DOUG GRIFFIN, (TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE), DIRECTOR,
ALCOHOL BEVERAGE CONTROL BOARD (ABCB), ANCHORAGE, spoke in
support of the legislation. He emphasized that the
legislation would be a beneficial tool to in-state wineries,
needing to understand that there are "dry" communities
within Alaska.
Representative Hawker identified concerns regarding underage
drinking & the dry communities. Mr. Griffin acknowledged
such problems and maintained that there is an effort to
restrict sales to those under 21 year old. He acknowledged
that internet shipments are occurring and that the
legislation would allow in-state companies to ship but that
it must be delivered to a person at least 21 years old,
making sure that a record was signed for the product.
2:56:11 PM
Co Chair Chenault observed that wineries would have to
follow all the current Alaska State laws. Mr. Griffin
agreed, pointing out that they could lose their ability to
operate & ship product if they do not follow the law. Co
Chair Chenault mentioned the penalties that would be
attached.
In response to a question by Vice Chair Stoltze, Mr. Griffin
explained that 5 gallons equates to 2 cases of standard unit
size bottles.
2:57:58 PM
Representative Thomas asked if wine could be shipped outside
Alaska. Mr. Griffin noted that the bill allows shipping of
up to 5 gallons out-of-state for personal use.
2:59:07 PM
STEVE THOMSEN, (TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE), ALASKA
WILDERNESS WINES, KODIAK, spoke in support of the
legislation.
Representative Hawker MOVED to report HB 34 out of Committee
with the accompanying fiscal note. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
HB 34 was reported out of Committee with a "do pass"
recommendation and with zero note #1 by the Department of
Public Safety.
AT EASE: 3:01:03 PM
RECONVENED: 3:02:27 PM
HOUSE BILL NO. 87
An Act reestablishing the Citizens' Advisory Commission
on Federal Management Areas in Alaska; and providing
for an effective date.
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE KELLY, SPONSOR, spoke in support of the
legislation & noted that it had been discussed in the House
Resources Committee. He requested that his staff report on
the bill.
SUE STANCLIFF, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE MIKE KELLY, explained
that the Citizens' Advisory Commission on federal areas was
th
established in 1981 by the 12 Alaska State Legislature in
order to provide assistance to the citizens of Alaska who
are affected by the management of federal lands within the
State.
The Commission was repealed after Governor Knowles removed
funding, even though the legislature approved the sunset
extension to 2003. HB 87 has a sunset provision extending
the Commission until 2014. The need for the Commission
arose primarily from conflicts due to the passage of the
Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) in
1980, which changed the federal land management climate
while attempting to protect Alaskans' access and traditional
activities on federal lands. The Commission is charged with
the responsibility of researching issues to assist land
users, monitoring federal statutes, regulations and
management decisions in order to assist citizens to minimize
or resolve potential conflicts with the federal land
managers.
Ms. Stancliff continued, the Commission was effective
assuring that land management decisions were consistent with
Congressional intent and protecting interests of Alaska's
citizens. Twenty-five years later, the State has a loss of
institutional memory and of the promises made to Alaskans.
Rules are easily overlooked when the fed's are rewriting
management plans for refuges and parks. Responsible public
access and traditional uses on the federal lands are just as
important to citizens and communities throughout the State
now as they were when the Commission was originally created.
Individuals still need the assistance that the Commission
previously provided them.
3:06:04 PM
Representative Kelly spoke in support of the Commission. He
stressed that those persons do not have an advocate in
interactions with the federal land managers and often, there
is a differing approach.
Co-Chair Meyer understood that the Commission would be an
advisory group. Representative Kelly replied correct.
3:08:07 PM
KATHLEEN DALTON, (TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE), FAIRBANKS,
spoke in support of the legislation. She recommended an
amendment which would require the Commission to inventory
other land users. She commented on the insufficient "teeth"
in the relationship to the Commission's duties and
recommended stronger language. She pointed out the zero
fiscal note accompanying the legislation.
3:12:26 PM
DICK MYLIUS, (TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE), DEPUTY
DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF MINING LAND AND WATER, DEPARTMENT OF
NATURAL RESOURCES, ANCHORAGE, provided the Committee some
back-ground information regarding the previous Commission,
which was housed within the Department of Natural Resources
in Fairbanks. That Department actively reviews federal
regulations. The focus of the Commission would be to look
at individual concerns regarding federal land managers. The
Department does not have the staffing ability at this time.
The Commission could fill that void. Mr. Mylius did not
have an opinion as to which department the Commission should
be housed. The staff previously was in Fairbanks.
Initially, it was staffed with ten people, however, toward
the end, the number decreased to one.
TINA CUNNING, COORDINATOR, ALASKA NATIONAL INTEREST LANDS
CONSERVATION ACT (ANILCA), DEPARTMENT OF FISH & GAME, noted
that she had worked in the early implementation phases of
ANILCA and worked closely with the executive director of the
Citizen's Advisory Commission. She stated that they had
been a valuable resource, which could not be accomplished by
any department. There are a number of ways citizens can
deal with disputes, since the Commission has been out of
service, but individuals do not want to be in conflict with
the federal managers, which have control over their
activities. She warned that there is no one to help
citizens walk through the red tape, without going to that
level and then causing bad feelings with federal managers.
3:17:37 PM
Representative Hawker questioned if those activities would
be duplicated through the State Ombudsman's office. Ms.
Cunning clarified that the State Ombudsman deals with State
issues, not federal laws. Representative Hawker suggested
that statutory authority to the Ombudsman Office might be
changed through legislation to include those concerns.
3:18:54 PM
Representative Kelly asked examples of the former
Commission's activities. Ms. Cunning advised that the
Commission was "out of commission" for 10 years. In the
early 1980's, the management plans were being developed for
the conservation system units. There are about 135 million
acres in Alaska in special units. The original management
plans for those units were supposed to encompass the
compromise provisions of ANILCA for public use activities on
that land. She recalled one example of when the Commission
was very effective in the development of the Kodiak plan.
There was a strong leaning by planners to proceed with
extreme limitations on the public use of those cabins. The
implement weather and bears make those cabins valuable &
popular. They attempted to eliminate those cabins on the
refuge. It was not an issue the State would deal with. The
Commission raised the issues and the original decisions are
"sticking".
Another example dealt with a series of problems with
trapping cabins, protected under ANILCA; the federal
managers have a history of wanting to eliminate those
cabins. The Commission worked with trappers to cut through
red tape. The Commission was also effective in Title 1 of
ANILCA boundaries adopted under the Alaska Lands Act. The
National Park Service did not publish their boundaries after
four years. The Commission brought the issues forward and
was successful in having the boundaries mapped.
3:23:38 PM
Representative Thomas asked for information regarding the
former Commission's restrictions.
Co-Chair Meyer stated the bill would be held to discuss
housing location and appropriate staffing levels.
3:25:19 PM
Representative Hawker was concerned with the indeterminate
fiscal note, referencing a hearing in April 1998 on
reauthorization. There were arguments made that budget
cutting had affected the operations of the Commission.
History indicates that it needs to be 5 or more employees to
be effective.
Representative Kelly commented on the housing issue. He
said that they had considered both the Office of the
Governor and the Department of Natural Resources. He felt
that the Department of Natural Resources would be the most
likely outcome & the Department would work to reduce the
fiscal note. He observed that the problem is more prevalent
in areas with large conservation units. Representative
Kelly discussed the constant pressure on those utilizing the
areas.
3:29:19 PM
Representative Nelson mentioned concerns regarding the
geographic allocation of board members. She requested it be
stipulated that there is a rural participant.
Representative Kelly agreed to discuss that.
Co-Chair Meyer stated that HB 87 would be HELD in Committee
for further consideration.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 3:29 P.M.
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