Legislature(2021 - 2022)ADAMS 519
04/09/2021 01:30 PM House FINANCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB69 || HB71 | |
| Public Testimony: Fairbanks, Kenai, Mat-su, Anchorage, Bethel, Cordova, Kotzebue, Nome, Utqiagvik | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 69 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 71 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE
April 9, 2021
1:32 p.m.
1:32:53 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Foster called the House Finance Committee meeting
to order at 1:32 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Neal Foster, Co-Chair
Representative Kelly Merrick, Co-Chair
Representative Dan Ortiz, Vice-Chair
Representative Ben Carpenter
Representative Bryce Edgmon
Representative DeLena Johnson
Representative Andy Josephson
Representative Bart LeBon
Representative Sara Rasmussen
Representative Steve Thompson
Representative Adam Wool
MEMBERS ABSENT
None
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE
Tom Atkinson, City Manager, City of Kotzebue, Kotzebue;
Denice Gilroy, Executive Director, Arctic Access
Independent Living Center, Nome; Cheri Smith, The LeeShore
Center, Kenai; Alli Lane, Standing Together Against Rape,
Talkeetna; Tara Carlson, Self, Fairbanks; Shelby Kearns,
Self, Fairbanks; Isaac Fenigsohn, Self, Fairbanks; Valerie
Therrien, City Council, City of Fairbanks; John Creed,
Self, Anchorage; Kathy Hanson, Self, Bethel; Bryce Ward,
Mayor, Fairbanks North Star Borough, Fairbanks; Jacob Cole,
Self, Anchorage; June Rogers, Self, Fairbanks; Sarah Sears,
Self, Bethel; Lauren Custer, Self, Fairbanks; David
Brighton, President, Kenai Peninsula Education Association;
Keeley Olson, Executive Director, Standing Together Against
Rape, Anchorage; Victoria Shanklin, Executive Director,
Victims for Justice, Anchorage; Helen Howarth, City
Manager, Cordova; Panu Lucier, Director, THREAD, Anchorage;
Dorothy O'Donnell, Self, Fairbanks; Kimberley Shelden,
Self, Fairbanks; Charles McKee, Self, Anchorage; Meghan
Topkok, Self, Nome; Toni Porter, Self, Fairbanks; Eileen
Arnold, Tundra Women's Coalition, Bethel; Annie Lee, Self,
Bethel; Suzy Person, Abused Women's Aid in Crisis,
Anchorage; Don Black, Bethel Family Clinic, Bethel; Nithya
Thiru, Self, Anchorage; Carmen Pitka, Program Director,
Children's Advocacy Center, Bethel; Polly Odom, Director,
Day Break Incorporated, Palmer; Janet McCabe, Partners for
Progress Inc, Anchorage; Anne Doerpinghaus, Self,
Fairbanks; Mark Lackey, Executive Director, CCS Early
Learning, Mat-Su; Shadi Rabi, Self, Bethel; Brook Ivy,
Alaska Oil and Gas Association, Anchorage; Peter Hoepfner,
Vice President, Cordova School Board, Cordova; Dawn
Shewmaker, Self, Anchorage; Michael Jaffery, Utqiagvik,
Self; Marge Sponeking, AARP Alaska, Anchorage; Mike Coons,
Self, Palmer; Karen Bird, Self, Fairbanks; Bert
Houghtaling, Self, Big Lake; Carmen Guzman, University of
Alaska Anchorage; Anne McCabe, Self, Soldotna; Rachel
Kallander, Self, Anchorage; Bertha Sulunulik Koweluk,
Executive Director, Bering Sea Women's Group, Nome; Alphred
Wallace, Self, Bethel; Nancy Pease, Self, Anchorage; Sierra
Brown, Safe Home Outreach Coordinator, Bering Sea Women's
Group, Nome; Nicole Songer, Executive Director, Cordova
Family Resource Center; Michael Shaffer, Self, Anchorage;
Monica Charles, Self, Bethel; Melissa Hewer, Executive
Director, Susitna River Coalition; Lance Johnson, Director,
Behavioral Health Services, Norton Sound Health, Nome.
SUMMARY
HB 69 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUNDS
HB 69 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
HB 71 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET
HB 71 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY: FAIRBANKS, KENAI, MAT-SU, ANCHORAGE,
BETHEL, CORDOVA, KOTZEBUE, NOME, UTQIAGVIK
Co-Chair Foster provided the call in numbers and email
address for public testimony.
HOUSE BILL NO. 69
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and
loan program expenses of state government and for
certain programs; capitalizing funds; amending
appropriations; making reappropriations; making
supplemental appropriations; making appropriations
under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State
of Alaska, from the constitutional budget reserve
fund; and providing for an effective date."
HOUSE BILL NO. 71
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and
capital expenses of the state's integrated
comprehensive mental health program; making
supplemental appropriations; and providing for an
effective date."
1:37:28 PM
^PUBLIC TESTIMONY: FAIRBANKS, KENAI, MAT-SU, ANCHORAGE,
BETHEL, CORDOVA, KOTZEBUE, NOME, UTQIAGVIK
1:37:31 PM
TOM ATKINSON, CITY MANAGER, CITY OF KOTZEBUE, KOTZEBUE (via
teleconference), shared information about the City of
Kotzebue. He supported retaining full funding for the Power
Cost Equalization (PCE). He stated that PCE was the
endowment that created a level playing field for
communities in the north with high electric costs. He did
not support using the funds for anything other than the
intended purpose. He spoke in support of broadband funds to
create more accessible and affordable internet in the
region's schools. He spoke in favor of full funding for the
regional jail, which had been flat funded since 2015. He
reported that without the facility, prisoners would have to
be flown to facilities further south at a much greater cost
to the state. He supported funding for the local public
radio station, which was the only source of information
available to all residents. He asked for public radio funds
to be reinstated. He requested retaining DMV funds in the
budget. He supported community assistance at the full
amount.
1:40:31 PM
DENICE GILROY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ARCTIC ACCESS
INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTER, NOME (via teleconference), spoke
about the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). She
detailed that $250,000 had been offered by the Alaska
Mental Health Trust Authority (AMHTA) for an ADRC in the
north/northwest. She had recently learned that the money
had been moved to a reserve account. She implored the
legislature to reconsider the action. She provided detail
about services provided at the centers. She equated an ADRC
to a library for resources for service providers working
with people experiencing disabilities. The northern ADRC
was located in Dillingham, which was too far away. She
spoke about housing, healthcare, wage, discrimination
experienced by individuals with disabilities. She discussed
that any adult with a physical or mental condition that
impaired their ability to care for their needs was at risk.
She stressed they were at risk for abuse. She underscored
that the center was needed in the north. She asked the
committee to reconsider the $250,000 increment.
1:44:04 PM
CHERI SMITH, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, THE LEESHORE CENTER, KENAI
(via teleconference), shared that the LeeShore Center
provided services to victims of domestic violence and
sexual assault. She thanked Co-Chair Merrick and the
Department of Public Safety subcommittee for fully funding
victims' services through the Council on Domestic Violence
and Sexual Assault (CDVSA). She reported learning the
previous week that federal VOCA [Victims of Crime Act]
funding was being cut and that all services providers
receiving funding through CDVSA would see a 30 to 33
percent funding decrease for FY 22. She underscored that
the loss of funding would be devastating to victims'
services. She shared that if the decrease were maintained
it would equate to over $350,000 for the center. She would
be faced with eliminating half of her staff. She stressed
that the change would result in drastically cutting back on
services including its children's services and legal
advocacy. She requested general funds to replace the loss
of funding.
Co-Chair Foster provided the email address for written
testimony.
1:46:52 PM
ALLI LANE, STANDING TOGETHER AGAINST RAPE, TALKEETNA (via
teleconference), testified in regard to the decrease in
federal VOCA funding. She shared that the rates of sexual
assault and domestic violence were some of the highest in
the country. She stressed that funding for services
supporting survivors were crucial for Alaskan communities.
She underscored that a cut of up to 34 percent was
devastating. She implored the committee for making up the
funding loss. She personally witnessed the success of the
organization in a society that stigmatized victims. The
cuts could deteriorate decades of work. She asked the
committee to find the cuts elsewhere.
1:48:39 PM
TARA CARLSON, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
testified against the cut to federal VOCA funding of 34
percent. The Interior Alaska Center for Nonviolent Living
budget was funded through the CDVSA under the Department of
Public Safety. She reported that prior to the pandemic
Alaska had one of the highest rates of sexual assault and
domestic violence and rates had only increased during the
pandemic. She provided information about services provided
by domestic violence and sexual assault organizations and
advocates. She stressed that services providing public
safety should be the last things cut at present. She shared
information about her experience with domestic violence and
sexual assault and reported that she had been fortunate to
have support and resources available following her
experience. She asked the committee to ensure victims'
services were fully funded.
1:51:14 PM
SHELBY KEARNS, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), worked
for the Interior Alaska Center for Nonviolent Living,
educating the community on how to prevent domestic violence
and sexual assault. She worried about having to tell people
there were not services available due to the federal
funding cuts. She shared that advocates working at the
local shelter were already stretched thin, but there was
always someone available to listen. The cuts would mean
there would no longer always be an advocate available to
survivors. She asked the legislature to ensure that
survivors had the resources needed when they sought help.
1:53:02 PM
ISAAC FENIGSOHN, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
shared that he worked for the Interior Alaska Center for
Nonviolent Living. He stated that the HB 69 included a 34
percent decrease in funding for victims' services. He was
very concerned about losing funding for an overworked and
underpaid group of individuals who were critical in helping
people on the worst days of their lives. spoke against cuts
to victims' services. He stressed that the legislature had
the power to prioritize funding. He stated that the funding
in the budget for advocacy was not sufficient. He stressed
that every dollar taken represented a person that would not
receive services. The decision directly impacted victims.
He asked the committee to consider what would happen if
their child was not able to receive victims' services. He
asked legislators to be committed to ending domestic
violence and sexual assault in Alaska.
1:55:05 PM
VALERIE THERRIEN, CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), urged the committee to support the
governor's proposal to fund the state's contributions to
the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). She
detailed that the city supported maintaining the 22 percent
PERS contribution rate to pay off the unfunded liability.
She asked the committee to deny the administration's
proposal to shift costs to municipalities associated with
prosecuting misdemeanors to cities. She remarked that it
would cost Fairbanks about $400,000 if the change occurred.
She asked the committee to capitalize the community
assistance fund to the full $90 million.
1:56:48 PM
JOHN CREED, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), shared
that he had taught as a professor in Kotzebue for over 30
years. He supported President Biden's American Rescue Plan
Act (ARPA) including funds for education in Alaska. He
spoke in support of funding for the University of Alaska.
He stated that the university could miss out on millions of
dollars due to the governor's "short sighted" budget cuts.
He explained that the federal funds required the
maintenance of effort at pre-pandemic levels, or the money
would be lost. He asked the legislature to not allow the
cuts to sabotage the federal funds. He spoke to the impact
of higher education in rural Alaska and asked the
legislature to maintain the rural campuses. He did not
support SB 39 [voter registration legislation proposed in
2021] by Senator Mike Shower. He asked members to support
HB 66 by Representative Chris Tuck, which he characterized
as a "good voter bill."
2:00:01 PM
KATHY HANSON, SELF, BETHEL (via teleconference), spoke to
the value of public broadcasting in rural Alaska. She
shared that the community had received all of the
information on the pandemic through its public health
corporation via public radio. There had been no other means
to get the daily information out to community residents.
She noted that many individuals in the region did not have
access to internet. She relayed that public radio had kept
residents up to date and informed. The public radio station
also provided public safety reports notifying residents
when the river was unsafe for travel. She emphasized that
lives were saved by the reports. She implored the committee
to maintain funding for public radio.
2:01:58 PM
BRYCE WARD, MAYOR, FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR BOROUGH, FAIRBANKS
(via teleconference), spoke in support of community health
and social services grants. He requested the full $90
million funding for community assistance. He asked the
committee to consider forward funding education. He
supported school debt bond reimbursement. He believed the
ability for the state to continue to honor the commitment
was incredibly important. He spoke about the Coronavirus
Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and American
Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) federal funding. The community had
distributed $23.5 million to support businesses during the
pandemic. He asked the legislature to consider its funding
allocations to communities.
2:04:29 PM
JACOB COLE, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in
support of Alaska libraries. He relayed that during the
2020 legislative session, the Alaska Library Association
had recommended an amendment to the budget for $635,900 for
the Alaska Library catalogue and SLED resources. He
reported that the legislature had approved the
appropriation and it had been vetoed by the governor. He
stated that the lack of funding jeopardized the SLED and
library catalogue. He detailed that the total cuts had been
28 percent since 2014. He requested full funding of the
$635,900 in the Department of Education and Early
Development budget. During the pandemic usage of the
library internet services had increased significantly in
the past year. He reported that families had contacted the
libraries to let them know they had been a lifeline in the
past year. He spoke to the narrowing of the rural/urban
divide that libraries assisted with.
2:07:02 PM
JUNE ROGERS, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), thanked
the committee for its dedication to serving all
jurisdictions in Alaska. She reported that COVID-19 had
greatly impacted rural communities. She spoke in support of
public radio in Alaska. She pointed out that restoring
partial funding to Alaska Public Media would help ensure
the stability of the rural stations was supported. She
stressed that public radio provided a lifeline in the
state. She underscored the importance of public radio in
rural Alaska. The services were essential and efficient.
2:08:21 PM
SARAH SEARS, SELF, BETHEL (via teleconference), shared that
she worked as a nurse practitioner at the Yukon Kuskokwim
Health Corporation. She detailed that she performed medical
exams for sexual assault survivors. She reported the region
had two times the number of sexual assault survivors than
the rest of Alaska. She provided information about the
medical process responding to victims. She detailed that
they had recently learned that federal VOCA funding for
advocates and services was being cut. She stressed that the
cuts would have devastating impacts on the region. She
elaborated on the services provided by advocates. She urged
the committee to allocate state general funds in place of
the lost federal funds.
2:10:40 PM
LAUREN CUSTER, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), was
grateful for Governor Dunleavy's recognition of April as
Sexual Assault Awareness Month. She shared that she is a
survivor of domestic violence and an advocate. She worked
as an advocate to help victims find their voices when times
were hard. She had learned of a reduction of funds for
emergency shelter services by $4.1 million. She elaborated
that the cut would translate into a 34 percent cut in
grants for FY 22. She reported that the cut would hinder
the ability to provide lifesaving services to victims. She
spoke about Alaska's high rate of domestic violence. She
implored the committee to allocate state general funds to
bridge the gap in lost federal funding.
2:12:51 PM
DAVID BRIGHTON, PRESIDENT, KENAI PENINSULA EDUCATION
ASSOCIATION (via teleconference), urged the legislature to
use the prior year's student count for schools prior to the
beginning of the pandemic. He shared that many students had
come back to school. They were currently doing surveys to
determine the number of students that would be in school in
person in the fall. He thought if the pandemic numbers were
used it could result in a shortfall. He shared that public
school funding was suffering as there had not been an
increase in the Base Student Allocation (BSA) in five
years. Programs were continuing to be cut back and class
sizes were increasing.
2:14:48 PM
KEELEY OLSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, STANDING TOGETHER AGAINST
RAPE, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), thanked the
legislature for its efforts to fully fund crime victim
services statewide. She understood that a VOCA funding cut
occurred at the federal level in a previous administration,
which was beyond the state's control. She urged the
committee to set aside general funds aside to make up for
the cut. She relayed that the 34 percent was larger than
any cut she had experienced in her years of work in the
field. She shared that fundraising events and donations
could be expected to generate up to $100,000 for the
organization annually. She shared that STAR and other
nonprofits providing services to victims were cost-
efficient, they worked with law enforcement, and other. She
provided information about the organization. She elaborated
that a 24-hour crisis line was staffed by community
volunteers with years of experience. She stressed that it
was inconceivable that they would be able to make up the
loss of funds over the coming two years.
Co-Chair Foster handed the gavel to Co-Chair Merrick.
2:17:40 PM
VICTORIA SHANKLIN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, VICTIMS FOR JUSTICE,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), urged the state to
temporarily cover a gap in victims service funds over the
next two years. She reported that the federal VOCA funds
were being drastically reduced with no forewarning. She
stated that the reduction equated to $124,000 for the
organization. She shared that the organization was serving
more Alaskans than ever before. She stated that a bill
currently being considered by Congress would take two years
to remedy the situation. She spoke to the various types of
violent offences included. The state's violent crimes were
high. She shared that the organization did not have a way
to make up the funds anywhere else. She thanked the
legislature for its commitment to public safety.
2:20:16 PM
HELEN HOWARTH, CITY MANAGER, CORDOVA (via teleconference),
shared that COVID-19 had resulted in an unexpected loss of
nearly $700,000 in budgeted revenue for Cordova in the past
year. She stressed that Cordova could not make up the
revenue loss on its own. She urged the committee avoid cost
shifting or cuts that would impact local governments. She
requested full funding for community assistance and school
bond debt reimbursement. The city applauded the rejection
of the Department of Law's class one city misdemeanor
proposals. She shared that the sudden and dramatic cuts to
Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) had been devastating.
She relayed that during the past year, Cordova had been
without a ferry for eight months. She spoke about the
community's reliance on the fishing industry. She requested
adequate funding for the Department of Fish and Game for
fisheries management. She reported that the community's top
capital priority was the rebuild of the south harbor for
$30 million. She stated it was imperative the state fund $5
million for the harbor in the current year. She shared that
the city had obtained a $5 million bond and was actively
pursuing other funding.
2:22:57 PM
PANU LUCIER, DIRECTOR, THREAD, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), thanked the committee for including early
childhood resources in the budget, specifically for
childcare benefits, infant learning, early learning
coordination, Pre-K, and family support. She stressed the
importance of investing in early childcare. The services
ensured that children received a strong start in life. She
reported that 90 percent of a child's brain developed by
age 5. She encouraged additional resources to early
childhood education if additional federal funds were
received. She asked the committee to commit to paying
educators a living wage.
2:25:23 PM
DOROTHY O'DONNELL, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
shared that she is a lifelong Fairbanks resident. She
highlighted the importance of the Interior Center for
Nonviolent Living. She stressed the importance of filling a
34 percent [federal] cut to victims' services. She
elaborated that the cut would mean reducing critical
services for domestic violence and sexual assault
survivors. She shared that children and adults would be
turned away from services if the cuts were made. She
stressed that the state already experienced
disproportionately high rates of violence. She believed it
was the responsibility of the legislature to reject the
proposed budget cuts.
2:26:36 PM
KIMBERLEY SHELDEN, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
expressed concern that programs were at risk of financial
danger if a 34 percent cut to the Council on Domestic
Violence and Sexual Assault (CDVSA) went through. She
shared her experience as a survivor of domestic violence.
She believed she would not be where she was if she had not
had the support from the Interior Alaska Center for
Nonviolent Living in Fairbanks. She stressed that the
services were vital and a cut would have devastating
impacts on victims' services.
2:27:47 PM
CHARLES MCKEE, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
about his name. He shared that he was under bail. He
highlighted that he had submitted written documents to the
committee. He pointed out the degree of deception in the
administration and the courts. He shared a story about
trying to submit a workers' compensation claim. He provided
numerous statements about his life. He asked the committee
to read the material he had submitted.
2:30:13 PM
MEGHAN TOPKOK, SELF, NOME (via teleconference), she
detailed that she was speaking in her role as the board
president for the Bering Sea Women's Group. She shared that
she was a survivor of sexual assault and had grown up in a
home that experienced significant domestic violence. She
spoke to the importance of mending breaks caused by the
multigenerational cycle of violence. Due to her trauma
experiences, she had elected to pursue a law degree and
return to her community to help victims. She provided
information about the Bering Sea Women's Group. She spoke
to the importance of hope, respect, and dignity for
victims. She stressed that Alaska's rates of domestic
violence and sexual assault rates were four times higher
than the rest of the country. She thanked Co-Chair Merrick
and the Department of Public Safety subcommittee to fully
fund services for victims. She had recently learned there
were federal cuts that would reduce VOCA services by $4.1
million. She implored the committee to allocate state
general funds to cover the gap in lost federal funds. She
stressed the critical nature of the services.
2:34:04 PM
TONI PORTER, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), shared
that she was testifying on behalf of herself and in support
of the Interior Alaska Centers for Nonviolent Living. She
stressed that during the pandemic, things had gotten easier
for abusers and worse for victims as victims were often
isolated from friends and family. She emphasized that
victims in Fairbanks needed access to services provided by
the center. She shared that she had survived sexual,
psychological abuse throughout much of her adult life at
the hands of her husband. She spoke to the danger she and
her children had been in. Victim support services had been
life changing for her and her family. She stressed the need
for support services. She asked everyone to visit the IAC
website to view programs that were at risk of being cut if
federal funds were cut. She stressed the importance of full
funding for the organization and communicated that everyone
deserves to be safe.
2:36:53 PM
EILEEN ARNOLD, TUNDRA WOMEN'S COALITION, BETHEL (via
teleconference), thanked the committee for its commitment
to domestic violence and sexual assault survivors over the
years. She knew the shortage of funds to statewide victims'
services was as much of a shock to the legislature as it
was to victims' services agencies in the state. She
stressed that the small programs had big impacts especially
in rural communities with less access to law enforcement
and prosecution. She shared an example of a call received
earlier in the day from a victim who had been unable to
access services due to a barrier in another system. She
would have to cut services if the federal funds were lost.
She asked the legislature to allocate general funds to
cover the gap by the VOCA shortfall. She understood that it
was a situation the legislature did not create, but it
could help with the situation.
2:38:29 PM
ANNIE LEE, SELF, BETHEL (via teleconference), shared that
she had been scared and confused when she had gone to the
shelter as a child. She provided details about her persona
experience. She shared that the Tundra Women's Coalition
housing program had enabled her and her family to get a
home. She spoke about crisis intervention and helping other
victims. She knew that her family always had a place to
turn to if they were ever victimized. She spoke against
federal VOCA funding cuts. She was concerned that the cuts
meant people would not receive the support if the cuts went
through. She did not know where her life would be without
the programs. She emphasized that the programs made a world
of difference for individuals seeking services.
2:40:28 PM
SUZY PERSON, ABUSED WOMEN'S AID IN CRISIS (AWAIC),
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), thanked the committee for
ensuring the safety of domestic violence and sexual assault
victims by supporting the CDVSA. She detailed that the
governor's proposed budget had been sufficient to meet the
needs of victims' service agencies; however, the agencies
had been informed the previous week that the VOCA federal
funding had been cut by 34 percent. She elaborated that
CDVSA planned to pass the cut onto victims' service
agencies throughout Alaska, which would have devastating
impacts on victims. She shared that AWAIC was looking at a
$540,000 loss, which would cause a significant reduction in
staff and services. She expounded that services including
beds and legal advocacy would be cut. The community could
not afford to lose the services. The organization needed
immediate need.
Co-Chair Merrick reminded testifiers to call in by 3:00
p.m.
2:42:57 PM
DON BLACK, BETHEL FAMILY CLINIC, BETHEL (via
teleconference), spoke as a violent crime survivor and on
behalf of the Bethel Family Clinic where he served as the
executive director. The clinic partnered with the Tundra
Women's Coalition, a VOCA funding recipient, to provide
services to victims of domestic violence and sexual
assault. He shared information about the services process.
He stated that if things continued on the current course
the cracks would increase due to a loss of funding. He
underscored that it was not the time to cut funding. He
stressed the importance of hearing victims' voices in order
to address breaking the cycle of violence.
2:44:54 PM
NITHYA THIRU, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in support of funding for essential services for domestic
violence and sexual assault survivors. She referenced the
loss of federal funding. She highlighted that Alaska had
some of the highest rates of domestic violence in the
country. She shared that she was a sexual assault and
domestic violence survivor. She provided detail about her
experience. She had been lucky to leave the situation
safely, but that was not the situation for all survivors.
She asked the committee how much victims' lives were worth.
She emphasized that when services were not funded, it
communicated a message that the collective healing of
survivors was unimportant. She asked the committee to cover
the loss of federal funding.
2:46:36 PM
CARMEN PITKA, PROGRAM DIRECTOR, CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY CENTER,
BETHEL (via teleconference), spoke against the federal VOCA
funding cuts. She stressed that the cuts were devastating
and impacted victim assistance for the Yukon Kuskokwim
region, which had one of the highest rates of domestic
violence and adult and children sex crimes. She detailed
that the center's advocates responded to crisis calls 24-
hours a day. She emphasized that vulnerable caregivers
needed safe shelters for themselves and their children. She
pointed out that many times offenders walked free and faced
no consequences. She reported that victims were often left
with only the support of advocacy services. She stated that
the services could not be cut because they were sometimes
all a victim had.
2:48:05 PM
POLLY ODOM, DIRECTOR, DAY BREAK INCORPORATED, PALMER (via
teleconference), spoke in support of continued grant
funding for behavioral health treatment and recovery
services. She detailed services provided by Day Break
Incorporated for adults experiencing mental illnesses and
those with traumatic brain injuries. She elaborated that
the organization received state grant and Medicaid funding
under state plan services as well as the newly formed
services under the 1115 waiver demonstration project. The
organization used grant funds to bridge gaps in funds that
were not reimbursed by state plan services during FY 21.
She provided details about the costs and delays in Medicaid
reimbursements. She anticipated a need for grant funding in
FY 22 to make up for the reduction in reimbursement rates
for several services under the 1115 waiver. She provided
examples. She shared that the new plan had been reduced to
70 hours annually, which would make it impossible to meet
the needs of clients. She thanked the committee for its
time.
2:50:56 PM
JANET MCCABE, PARTNERS FOR PROGRESS INC, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), she shared information about the
nonprofit's work to support statewide therapeutic courts.
Additionally, the organization ran Partners' Reentry Center
in Anchorage. Typically, the organization provided daily
walk-in assistance to about 70 homeless people returning to
the community from prison. She stressed that without the
organization's assistance, many individuals would be likely
to commit another crime and return to prison. She explained
that much of the program was supported by funds in the
mental health budget under the Department of Revenue,
Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) Homeless
Assistance Program. She highlighted that the governor's
proposed budget cut the critical programs by half of the
amount in the prior year's budget. She asked for restored
funding to the prior year's level. She stressed that it was
not the time to cut assistance to homeless reentry. She
remarked that without the programs, many people were likely
to commit new crimes and return to prison, which would
increase costs to the Department of Corrections (DOC). The
organization's goal was to reduce DOC costs.
Representative Josephson asked where to locate the item in
the budget.
Ms. McCabe replied that the increment was located in the
mental health budget under Alaska Housing Finance
Corporation within the Department of Revenue. She would
provide the information in writing to the committee.
2:53:33 PM
ANNE DOERPINGHAUS, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
shared that she worked as a forensic nurse at Fairbanks
Memorial Hospital. She detailed that she saw victims of
violence ranging in gender and all ages. She highlighted
the high demand for services. She reported that the VOCA
federal funding cuts would be devastating to victims of
violence in Alaska. She stated that without the expertise
of advocates, victims would have to navigate invasive
medical exams, interviews, and the complicated legal
procedures without support. She informed the committee
there was strong reliance on victims' advocates in the
state. She provided details about the services provided by
advocates in their support of victims. She stressed the
critical nature of shelter services. She believed the 30
percent [federal] cuts needed to be addressed. She asked
the committee to consider allocating general funds to cover
the shortfall.
2:55:54 PM
MARK LACKEY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CCS EARLY LEARNING, MAT-SU
(via teleconference), spoke in support of a $5 million
increment offered by Representative Andi Story in the
Department of Education and Early Development subcommittee
for increasing Pre-K services. to increase funding for
early childhood learning. He shared information about the
nonprofit services provided by CCS. He relayed that the
organization's primary programs were Head Start and early
Head Start, which were federally funded. Currently, nearly
$60 million in federal funds came to Alaska for the
programs. He noted he had provided written testimony
outlining the incoming federal funds.
Mr. Lackey detailed that Alaska had long been behind other
states in its support of funding for Pre-K services. He
offered four suggestions to strengthen early childhood
education in Alaska: 1) eligible applicants should include
school districts and private entities who had demonstrated
experience in providing and sustaining high quality Pre-K
services in Alaska; 2) applicants needed to provide a
community assessment demonstrating the level of unmet
community need; 3) priority for awarding the funding should
go to application to demonstrate a high level of community
collaboration and support; and 4) applicants should specify
the locations, the eligibility criteria, the qualifications
of staff, the hours of childhood contact, amount of child
transportation, curriculum to be used, the assessment tool,
and other.
2:58:51 PM
SHADI RABI, SELF, BETHEL (via teleconference), thanked Co-
Chair Merrick and the Department of Public Safety
subcommittee for fully funding victims' services through
the CDVSA. He reported learning the previous week that
federal VOCA funding was being cut by 34 percent in FY 22.
spoke against the VOCA federal funding cuts. He stressed
that the cuts to domestic violence and sexual assault
services would have devastating impacts in Alaska. He
reported that Alaska continued to have some of the highest
rates of domestic violence and sexual assault, including
violence against children. He underscored that it was not
the time to cut lifesaving services to victims and
survivors. He asked the committee to consider allocating
general funds to cover the federal funding shortfall. He
listed various support services provided by the Tundra
Women's Coalition. He stressed that a 34 percent decrease
would mean entire programs would have to be cut. He stated
that the coalition provided life and death services and
crime victims should not bear the brunt of the cuts.
3:01:15 PM
BROOK IVY, ALASKA OIL AND GAS ASSOCIATION (AOGA), ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), provided information on AOGA's
mission. She detailed that one of AOGA's primary priorities
was to maintain fiscal stability and consistency, including
advocating for a long-term solution for the payment of
approximately $744 million in outstanding liability for the
refundable tax credit program. The association recognized
the budget issues the state was facing and it was not
advocating a full immediate payout of the credits; however,
AOGA supported funding of the statutory payment updated in
the Department of Revenue's spring forecast. She shared
that no payments had been made to the credits in the past
couple of years. She elaborated that the Alaska Supreme
Court had ruled a bonding proposal was unconstitutional;
therefore, it was increasingly important to send a message
to the investors and the oil industry that Alaska was an
attractive place to do business. She stressed that
providing funding to pay the full statutory minimum
payments was very important to over half of AOGA's members.
3:03:33 PM
PETER HOEPFNER, VICE PRESIDENT, CORDOVA SCHOOL BOARD,
CORDOVA (via teleconference), testified in support of a
fiscal plan to provide adequate, equitable, and predictable
funding of K-12 education in Alaska utilizing 2019 student
numbers. He supported funding for Pre-K and full funding of
the school bond debt reimbursement. He stressed that school
districts were achieving results and gains, some at
exceptional levels; however, funding kept being reduced. He
reported that the Consumer Price Index in Anchorage had
increased 27 percent in the past 10 years, while the Base
Student Allocation (BSA) only increased 8 percent. He noted
that health insurance for staff had increased 326 percent.
He pointed out that K-12 funding was further reduced by
cost shifting. He highlighted examples including the state
canceling its promise of school bond debt reimbursement and
cutting the AMHS forcing schools to fly and fly goods to
town. He explained that there continued to be unfunded
mandates annually that took money away from the classrooms.
He addressed the drastic cuts in federal VOCA funding that
would result in decreased services for victims.
3:06:44 PM
DAWN SHEWMAKER, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
against federal funding cuts to domestic violence and
sexual assault services. She stressed that the cut would be
catastrophic and would reduce programs throughout the
state. She shared that agencies could not absorb the
funding cuts. The decrease in access to services meant
survivors would not have support services needed for
healing. She stated that supporting crime victims was a
task that resided with everyone. She emphasized that
victims of violence should not be shortchanged for the sake
of budget decisions.
3:08:56 PM
MICHAEL JAFFERY, UTQIAGVIK, SELF (via teleconference),
spoke in support of funding for public radio. He detailed
that public radio provided important updates during
emergency situations. Additionally, public radio broadcast
meetings, Native cultural events, local and international
news, and music. The radio station was an important
lifeline and could not be replaced by streaming from
another part of the state. He supported funds for frontline
social workers. He had witnessed problems that could happen
in a town when social workers could not be adequately
supported by the Office of Children's Services. He
supported efforts to cut back on the intellectual
development disabilities waitlist. He was concerned about
issues around FASD. He supported therapeutic courts and
other. He thanked the committee for its time.
3:11:50 PM
MARGE SPONEKING, AARP ALASKA, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in defense of low income seniors
in Alaska. She highlighted the proposed cut of $450,000 in
the governor's budget to Alaska Legal Services. She
reported that if the cut were enacted, Alaska Legal
Services projected a cut in capacity that would result in
818 fewer low income Alaskans receiving services. She
shared that the organization already had to turn away up to
50 percent of applicants due to a lack in resources. She
elaborated that the organization had seen a 35 percent
increase in applications during the pandemic. She shared
that 40 percent of the organization's caseload was provided
to Alaska seniors. She stated that AARP supported the
recommendation by the Department of Commerce, Community and
Economic Development subcommittee to eliminate the $450,000
cut in the governor's budget. The organization also opposed
the $35 million unallocated cut to Medicaid and a $3.4
million cut to the Division of Public Assistance staffing.
She elaborated that Alaskans were already experiencing long
wait times to reach staff and services. The cuts would
increase those wait times. She stated that without the
benefits seniors would lose services.
3:14:55 PM
MIKE COONS, SELF, PALMER (via teleconference), believed the
budget was bloated. He thought the state was paying
teachers to not teach in class. He did not support
expanding Medicaid because it was mandated. He believed the
new federal administration was attacking the Second
Amendment. He supported an upcoming constitutional
amendment on a spending cap. He thought the legislature
would continue spending the Permanent Fund and would demand
income taxes. He thought disaster declarations related to
the pandemic were unnecessary. He supported cutting the
administrative costs of nonprofits. He wanted PBS and arts
funding to be used for public safety instead. He opposed
the "bloated" budget.
3:17:27 PM
KAREN BIRD, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), shared
that she worked as the legal director for the Interior
Alaska Center for Nonviolent Living. She detailed that the
agency's program was partially funded with federal VOCA
funds. She reported that the funds helped the organization
fill the gaps and allowed it to serve victims who were
unable to receive representation from Alaska Legal Services
or the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual
Assault. She asked the legislature to allocate state funds
to make up for the loss in federal funding. She detailed
services the federal funding had enabled the organization
to provide. She informed the committee that there had been
an increase in violence since the start of the pandemic.
She stated that a loss in funds would be catastrophic to
the state.
3:19:33 PM
BERT HOUGHTALING, SELF, BIG LAKE (via teleconference),
stated that he found it "disgusting" there had been no
attempt to cut the budget. He remarked that there had was
an additional $300 million in revenue from oil, but instead
of keeping the budget down, the legislature had increased
it. He believed that the K-12 system was failing the
state's children. He reported that according to state data,
66 percent of Alaska 9th graders tested far below
proficiency in English language art and 70 percent tested
below or far below in math. He thought the university in
Alaska was a failing system. He spoke about increased
funding given to the K-12 system from the Coronavirus Aid,
Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. He thought the
healthcare system was too expensive. He expressed his
desire for a statutory PFD.
3:22:27 PM
CARMEN GUZMAN, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of deferred maintenance
funding for the University of Alaska Anchorage. She
reported that in one building the air conditioning was
running 100 percent of the time. She shared that she was
having health issues and the building condition was not
healthy.
3:24:00 PM
ANNE MCCABE, SELF, SOLDOTNA (via teleconference), spoke in
support of education funding. She shared that she was an
educator for the Kenai Peninsula School District. She
thanked the committee members for their hard work on the
budget. She did not believe the school system was failing.
She highlighted that students were coming back with many
more challenges than they had prior to the pandemic. She
explained that her job was to ensure that brick and mortar
high school students who also took online classes, had the
skills to be successful. She reported that high school
students and most college students did not have the skills
to be successful online. She spoke to the reasons students
had worked from home over the past year. She wanted to
ensure that students had the appropriate skills to be
successful online. She stressed that many students needed
extra support at present. She asked the committee to
reconsider the average daily membership (ADM). She
recommended looking at budget numbers that were not
reflective of a pandemic.
3:27:25 PM
RACHEL KALLANDER, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
shared the critical nature of nonprofits in communities.
She shared that she worked in Anchorage and had been born
and raised in Cordova in a fishing family. She cited the
Cordova Family Resource Center as one of the important
organizations in Cordova. She relayed that the organization
had been notified the previous week of a 30 to 34 percent
cut in the coming year. She reported that the reduction
would cut critical response capabilities for domestic
violence cases, including legal support services and
limited office hours. She stressed that Alaska was one of
the most dangerous places to be a woman. She stated that
COVID-19 had complicated access and safety for victims even
more. She asked committee members to pause and consider the
ripple impacts the cuts would have. She concluded that
protecting the most vulnerable Alaskans in crisis should be
as imperative as any other funding priority.
3:29:36 PM
BERTHA SULUNULIK KOWELUK, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BERING SEA
WOMEN'S GROUP, NOME (via teleconference), spoke against
cuts to federal VOCA funds. She shared that she is a
survivor of domestic violence and sexual assault. She
expressed that she felt blessed to heal from her experience
through family support. She stated that many individuals
did not have a support system. She emphasized the
importance of the services provided by the shelter. She
appreciated Governor Dunleavy's recognition of April as
Sexual Assault Awareness Month and for recognizing the need
for more prosecuting attorneys in the Department of Law's
budget to respond to backlog cases. She shared that the
agency had been notified that federal VOCA funds would be
reduced by $4.1 million, which would significantly cut
grants for FY 22. She elaborated that the cut would mean a
decrease of $175,000 in the organization's budget. She
stressed that crime victims should not be expected to bear
the brunt of the cuts. She underscored the importance of
services to keep families together. The cuts would mean the
organization would have to reduce staff. She asked the
committee to come up with a solution to the funding
shortfall.
3:32:05 PM
ALPHRED WALLACE, SELF, BETHEL (via teleconference), voiced
support for the Tundra Women's Coalition in Bethel. He
thanked the Department of Public Safety subcommittee for
working to fully fund victims' services through CDVSA. He
shared that the organization had learned in the past week
of the over 34 percent cut to federal VOCA funds. He
underscored that the cuts would have devastating impacts on
the organization and survivors. He stressed that crime
victims should not be expected to bear the brunt of the
costs. He provided statistics showing the critical nature
of the organization to the community. He fully supported
the Tundra Women's Coalition. He had grown up in Bethel and
had witnessed the importance of the lifesaving supports for
victims. He asked the committee to consider allocating
general funds to cover the shortage in federal funds.
3:35:05 PM
NANCY PEASE, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in
support of funding for domestic violence and sexual assault
programs, such as Standing Together Against Rape (STAR).
She stressed that STAR had been critical for helping a
young man who had been assaulted by a coworker in the
workplace lunchroom. She shared that the individual is a
minority and neuroatypical. She reported that STAR had
helped the individual to file a police report. She
elaborated that the help from STAR was the first step to
recovery for her young friend.
Ms. Pease shared a second story about her time working in
rural Alaska in the past. She recalled hearing constant
referenced by school children to domestic violence and
sexual harassment in their lives. She noted there had been
nothing specific enough for her to report. She explained
that she had asked the school principal about the situation
and the principal had replied that he felt paralyzed and
that he left the room when teenagers started their talking
circle. She elaborated that the principal had told her he
would be required to report students' cousins, uncles,
brothers, grandfathers, and neighbors if he listened to
their discussions. She emphasized that the best response
the school principal had was to not listen to students'
discussions because it would mean having to report numerous
members of the community. She recalled feeling stunned by
the information. She stressed that funding for domestic
violence and sexual assault was critical. She asked the
committee to keep the services fully funded.
3:37:02 PM
SIERRA BROWN, SAFE HOME OUTREACH COORDINATOR, BERING SEA
WOMEN'S GROUP, NOME (via teleconference), shared that she
worked as a safe home women's coordinator. She detailed
that the safe homes helped victims have a safe place to go
before going to the Bering Sea Women's Group. She
emphasized that the cuts would affect the women and
children of the region. She stressed the importance of the
services to keep families together. She had seen first-hand
the lifesaving services offered to victims. She asked the
committee to consider allocating general funds to cover the
VOCA federal funding shortfall. She underscored it was not
the time to cut victims' services.
3:38:58 PM
NICOLE SONGER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CORDOVA FAMILY RESOURCE
CENTER (via teleconference), thanked Co-Chair Merrick and
the DPS subcommittee for fully funding CDVSA. She
highlighted the federal cut of 30 to 33 percent. She
elaborated that the cut would mean a loss of $80,435, which
would mean cutting 45 percent of her staff. She expounded
that the cuts would limit the organization's ability to
provide services responding to sexual assault and domestic
violence. The organization would not have the ability to
maintain its current level of services. The Cordova Family
Resource Center had seen a 50 percent increase to sexual
assault response and callouts in recent months. She
implored the committee to find funds to cover the VOCA
shortfalls.
3:40:52 PM
MICHAEL SHAFFER, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
shared that he worked as a prosecutor in Anchorage and had
prosecuted domestic violence cases for over 15 years. He
provided information about other work he had done. He
emphasized his support and the incredible need for domestic
violence and sexual assault services. He addressed the
vulnerability of domestic violence victims. He shared that
he worked with victims on a daily basis who needed help and
support with things like safe housing, help with children,
and other. He stressed that individuals were extremely
vulnerable to their abusers unless they had avenues of help
and resources provided by the federal funding that had been
stripped without much notice. He stated that whatever the
legislature could do to make up for the federal funding
shortfall would be enormously important for Alaska and
victims.
3:43:28 PM
MONICA CHARLES, SELF, BETHEL (via teleconference), shared
that she is a board member on the Tundra Women's Coalition
board. She discussed that Alaska had the highest rates of
domestic violence and sexual assault in the country. She
highlighted that rural areas off the road system often had
higher rates of violence and fewer services available to
victims. She stressed that cuts to victims' services would
hurt the most underserved voices in every community in
Alaska, which in turn would affect healthcare, education,
juvenile justice, corrections, public safety, and the
general workforce. She highly encouraged the committee to
determine a way to fully fund the services and cover the
VOCA shortfall for the next couple of years. She
underscored that the legislature's action would impact
every family throughout Alaska.
3:45:10 PM
MELISSA HEWER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SUSITNA RIVER COALITION
(via teleconference), supported a cut to the Alaska
Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) and
Alaska Energy Authority (AEA)/ budgets. She stated that
AIDEA had nearly $400 million in uncommitted funds and did
not need any funding in the budget. She believed the budget
should take money from AIDEA. She opined that AIDEA was
acting outside of the best interest of Alaska and was
disregarding the Public Meetings Act and regulations. She
remarked that AIDEA had spent hundreds of millions of
dollars pursuing failed and unwanted projects, including
the Knik Arm Bridge and other projects. She thought the
legislature should be handling the large expenditures and
conducting true cost benefit analysis before millions of
dollars were spent on unfinished projects. She spoke to the
difficulty for the public to participate in the agency's
meetings. She stressed that both organizations needed to
develop publicly available written justification for AIDEA
board decisions, including responding to public comment.
She remarked that the agencies generally voted unanimously
against public opinion. The state was not benefitting from
the majority of the projects.
3:46:56 PM
LANCE JOHNSON, DIRECTOR, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES, NORTON
SOUND HEALTH, NOME (via teleconference), thanked the
committee for understanding that increased funding for
behavioral health services was paramount. He stated that
despite the evidence that rampant substance use concerns,
backlog psychiatric facilities, and service reimbursements
were inadequate to meet the expenses of providing the
services, there was a disconnect between the magnitude of
the problem and appropriate funding. He believed proposing
a $1.25 million addition to the behavioral health treatment
and recovery grant line was a step in the right direction
after years of cuts. He disputed the misconception that
grants supporting behavioral health services were no longer
needed after the implementation of the 1115 waiver. He
stated there was no baseline for expected reimbursements
and outcomes under the waiver because it was new. He
stressed there had to be other support to ensure agencies
could remain viable. He underscored that cutting grants
would undermine the successful implementation of the
waiver. He noted he had provided the information in written
testimony. He spoke to the dangers of providing fewer
services. He thanked the committee members for their
service to the state.
Co-Chair Merrick provided the email for written testimony.
She shared information about the meeting for the following
day.
ADJOURNMENT
3:49:43 PM
The meeting was adjourned at 3:50 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB69 HF Public Testimony 4.9.21 PART 1.pdf |
HFIN 4/9/2021 1:30:00 PM |
HB 69 |
| HB69 HF Public Testimony 4.9.21 PART 2.pdf |
HFIN 4/9/2021 1:30:00 PM |
HB 69 |