Legislature(2021 - 2022)ADAMS 519
05/04/2022 01:30 PM House FINANCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB183 | |
| SB20 | |
| HB283 | |
| Public Testimony | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 183 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 20 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 120 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | HB 283 | TELECONFERENCED | |
HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE
May 4, 2022
1:31 p.m.
1:31:56 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Merrick called the House Finance Committee meeting
to order at 1:31 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
ALSO PRESENT
Lizzie Kubitz, Staff, Representative Matt Claman; Brenda
Stanfill, Executive Director, Alaska Network on Domestic
Violence and Sexual Assault; Nancy Meade, General Counsel,
Alaska Court System; Representative Matt Claman, Sponsor;
Tim Lamkin, Staff, Senator Gary Stevens; Steve Williams,
Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, Juneau. Suzi Pearson,
Executive Director, Abused Women's Aid in Crisis.
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE
Susanne DiPietro, Executive Director, Alaska Judicial
Council; Travis Welch, Program Officer, Alaska Mental
Health Trust Authority; April Wilkerson, Administrative
Services Director, Department of Corrections, Office of
Management and Budget, Office of the Governor; Alysa
Wooden, Division of Behavioral Health, Department of Health
and Social Services; Sondra Meredith, Teacher Certification
Administrator, Department of Education and Early
Development; Peggy Rankin, Senior Director of Talent
Management, Anchorage School District, Anchorage; Tammie
Perreault, Northwest Regional Liaison, Defense-State
Liaison Office, operating under the direction of Under
Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness; Bryan
Hawkins, City of Homer and Alaska Association of Harbor
Masters & Port Administrator, Homer; Bruce Friend, Self,
Homer; Jon Erickson, City Manager, Yakutat; Bal Dreyfus,
Matson, Anchorage; Bob Scanlon, CEO, Blood Bank of Alaska,
Anchorage; Mike Brown, Self, Palmer; Douglas Olerud, Mayor,
Haines; Edna DeVries, Mayor, Mat-Su Borough, Palmer; Cara
Durr, Food Bank of Alaska, Anchorage; John Handeland,
Mayor, City of Nome, Nome; Sarah Kathryn Bryan, Self,
Anchorage; Dianne Holmes, Self, Anchorage; Jason Lessard,
NAMI Anchorage, Anchorage; Margaret Henson, Northwest
Arctic Borough School District, Kotzebue; Paul Ostrander,
City Manager, Kenai; Robin Minard, Mat-Su Health
Foundation, Wasilla; Kelly Lessens, Anchorage School Board,
Anchorage; Heidi Hill, Self, Anchorage; Brenda Moore, Self,
Anchorage; David Karp, Saltchuk, Anchorage; Eric Wyatt,
President, Alaska Mariculture Alliance; Gale Vandor, Self,
Juneau; Kurt Buchholz, Self, Soldotna; Virgie Thompson,
Mayor, City of Houston, Houston; Bryan Haugsead, AWAIC,
Anchorage; Clay Bezenek, Self, Ketchikan; Patrick Mayer,
Superintendent, Aleutian East Borough School District, Sand
Point; Chuck Homan, Self, Eagle River; Joan O'Keefe, United
Human Services of Southeast Alaska, Juneau; Brandon
Calcaterra, Self, Eagle River; Joy Baker, City of Nome,
Nome; Julie Decker, Alaska Fisheries Development
Foundation, Executive Director, Wrangell; Susanne Marchuk,
Executive Director, Alaska Careline, Fairbanks; Laura Lann,
Self, Anchorage; Jan Carolyn Hardy, State President,
AFSCME, Anchorage; Heather McCarty, Central Bearing Sea
Fisherman Association, Juneau; Dave Bronson, Mayor,
Municipality of Anchorage, Anchorage; Ross Risvold, Finance
Officer, City of Anchorage; Tom Chard, Alaska Behavioral
Health Association, Fairbanks; Mariya Lovishchuk, The Glory
Hall, Juneau; Bruce Bustamante, Anchorage Chamber of
Commerce, Anchorage; Jerry Jenkins, Self, Anchorage; Moria
Smith, Self, Anchorage; Julia Luey, VOA Alaska, Anchorage;
Jessica Leonard, Self, Houston; Haley Johnson, Alaska
Trails, Anchorage; Dr. Gene Quinn, Alaska Heart Institute,
Alaska Health Information Exchange, Anchorage; Donna
Aderhold, Homer City Council, Homer; Ed Hendrickson,
Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, Anchorage; Pollybeth Odom,
Self, Mat-Su Valley; Carl Weisner, Northwest Arctic
Borough, Kotzebue; Chris Manculich, Self, Mat-Su; Carter
Cole, City of Houston Council Member, Houston; Suzanne
LaFrance, Anchorage Assembly, Anchorage; Katie Bethard,
Seawolf Hockey Alliance, Anchorage; Georgiana Page, Health
Information Exchange, Anchorage; Carlin Evanoff, Self,
Anchorage; Steve Nerland, Miracle Legion Baseball,
Anchorage; Noria Clark, Self, Anchorage; Tom Atkinson, City
Manager, City of Kotzebue, Kotzebue; June Rogers, Fairbanks
City Council, Fairbanks; Victoria Kildal, Kodiak Area
Native Association, Kodiak; Joann Rieselbach, Juneau Youth
Services, Juneau; Brent Fisher, Self, Juneau; Tim Potter,
Anchorage Skates, Anchorage; Richard Tuluk, City of Chevak,
Chevak.
SUMMARY
HB 183 CRIMINAL JUSTICE DATA ANALYSIS COMMISSION
CSHB 183(FIN) was REPORTED out of committee with
four "do pass" recommendations, four "do not
pass" recommendations, and four "no
recommendation" recommendations and with one new
zero fiscal note from the Department of
Corrections; one new zero fiscal note from the
Department of Health and Social Services for the
Department of Health; one previously published
zero fiscal note: FN1 (AJS); and one previously
published fiscal impact note: FN3 (AJS).
HB 283 APPROP: CAP; REAPPROP; SUPP
HB 283 was HEARD and HELD in committee for
further consideration.
CSSB 20(FIN)
OUT OF STATE TEACHER RECIPROCITY
CSSB 20(FIN) was HEARD and HELD in committee for
further consideration.
Co-Chair Merrick reviewed the meeting agenda.
HOUSE BILL NO. 183
"An Act renaming the Alaska Criminal Justice
Commission the Alaska Criminal Justice Data Analysis
Commission; relating to the membership of the Alaska
Criminal Justice Data Analysis Commission; relating to
the powers and duties of the Alaska Criminal Justice
Data Analysis Commission; extending the termination
date of the Alaska Criminal Justice Data Analysis
Commission; relating to the duties of the Judicial
Council; providing for an effective date by amending
the effective date of secs. 41 and 73, ch. 1, 4SSLA
2017; and providing for an effective date by repealing
the effective date of sec. 74, ch. 1, 4SSLA 2017."
1:32:25 PM
Co-Chair Merrick relayed the bill had previously been heard
on April 27, 2022. The committee would consider two
amendments. She asked the bill sponsor's staff if she had
any opening statements.
LIZZIE KUBITZ, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE MATT CLAMAN,
introduced herself and was happy to answer any questions
and speak to the amendments.
Co-Chair Merrick moved to invited testimony.
1:33:30 PM
AT EASE
1:33:51 PM
RECONVENED
SUSANNE DIPIETRO, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA JUDICIAL
COUNCIL (via teleconference), shared that the Judicial
Council had served as staff to the Alaska Criminal Justice
Commission. She intended to speak about staffing under the
legislation. She explained that the Judicial Council would
continue to staff the new entity, the Alaska Criminal
Justice Data Analysis Commission. She shared that Article
IV of the state's constitution one of the council's
constitutional duties was to conduct studies for
improvement of the administration of justice. She informed
committee members that the council had been engaged in
studies of the criminal and civil justice systems for the
past 50 years, including studies on criminal recidivism,
sex offences, felony sentences, domestic violence treatment
programs, therapeutic courts, and other topics.
Ms. DiPietro noted at the previous hearing on the bill
there had been discussion about the role the Alaska Justice
Information Center (AJIC) would play in the work of the
data commission as envisioned in HB 183. She detailed that
AJIC also did discrete research projects for the
commission. The Judicial Council had found in its research
that the roles of the council and AJIC had very
complimentary skill sets that were not overlapping. She
reported that the current structure was working quite well
from her perspective. She explained that the data
commission would have a critical function of collecting and
analyzing criminal justice data supplied by the Department
of Corrections (DOC), Department of Public Safety (DPS),
and the Court System.
Ms. DiPietro stated that while each of the agencies
currently had their own data sources they analyzed for
their own purposes, the role of the commission would be to
collect data from all of the criminal justice entities to
form a more complete picture of how the criminal justice
system was functioning. She highlighted that it was a
unique ability that had not been previously available to
any entity. She explained it would be the primary purpose
of the Criminal Justice Data Commission and would be the
value added to have a view of the big picture. She
expounded that under the bill, the data commission would be
entitled to receive quarterly data from the criminal
justice agencies. She noted it would not be statutorily
possible without the authority in the legislation.
Ms. DiPietro discussed what the commission had been able to
accomplish by weaving together data from all of the various
sources. She highlighted the commission's report on
impaired driving offences from 2016 as an example. She
believed at the previous meeting the committee had been
made aware of reports on sex offences and domestic violence
compiled by the commission in collaboration with AJIC and
the University of Alaska. She stated that most importantly,
the reports used data from the Court System, DPS, and DOC.
Ms. DiPietro highlighted a final potential benefit of
creating a data analysis commission: the ability to
document changes over time in the criminal justice system.
She explained it would include documenting changes in the
laws in addition to variations in patterns of offending,
incarceration, charging, and convictions. She pointed out
it was something that no agency or entity had previously
been in the position to do. The creation of the data
commission, the legislature could ensure that work done
over the last five or six years was not lost and was built
upon going forward.
Co-Chair Merrick thanked Ms. DiPietro for her testimony.
1:39:08 PM
BRENDA STANFILL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA NETWORK ON
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT, spoke to the
importance of creating the Alaska Criminal Justice Data
Analysis Commission from a victim advocate perspective. She
shared she had been honored to participate on the Alaska
Criminal Justice Commission from the beginning of its
formation through two terms for a total of six years. She
detailed it had been a time of determining what needed to
be done differently in the system. Her time with the
commission had ended in July 2020. As a victim's rights
advocate, the knowledge she had gained while serving on the
commission was transformative in how she performed her
work. She believed that often victim's rights advocates saw
their piece of the work, but not the larger picture of the
criminal justice system.
Ms. Stanfill shared that a unique feature of the commission
and its proposed transformation into the criminal justice
data workgroup was its inclusion of judges who could share
insight and information regarding the court system. She
highlighted the involvement of the head of the Public
Defender Agency and the attorney general or their designee.
She explained it was the only group she knew of that
included the Court System perspective while discussing the
criminal justice system. She pointed out the structure was
also unique because most often those who support
individuals who harm Alaska's communities work together in
a group and those who support individuals who have been
harmed work together in a group. The working group brought
both groups together to try to find a balance in providing
supports to those doing harm so they could make better
choices in life going forward, while also recognizing the
harm caused to the victim to ensure the system provided the
supports victims needed to be made whole over an event that
was not their choice.
Ms. Stanfill discussed that while AJIC (operated through
the University of Alaska Anchorage) collected and analyzed
data, they did not have the story behind the data. She
recalled from a statistics class that a direct connection
had been made between an increase in sexual assault and
consumption of ice cream based on the numbers only. She
stressed the importance of the story behind the numbers.
She explained that the group at the table was where the
story got told to understand things like the reason for a
"blip" one year or what was going on in the system that may
have created something different.
Ms. Stanfill stated that while the group may no longer be
making formal recommendations, it could compile meaningful
reports that legislators could use to bring forward
meaningful legislation. She spoke to the importance of
having a strong victim's rights advocate in a seat on the
working group. She detailed that in a survey of victims
offered over the internet and in a series of hearings
conducted by the current Criminal Justice Commission in
four locations across Alaska, the commission had heard
overwhelmingly that victims did not feel the criminal
justice process was their process. She elaborated victims
shared that their story had been taken and then it was no
longer their story or about them, but about a system that
often seemed to be about winning or losing by a defense or
prosecution.
1:43:16 PM
Ms. Stanfill continued that victims had indicated they did
not feel heard, were not included in decisions, and often
times they were not believed. She explained that having a
victim's rights representative appointed by the groups
working with victims would allow victim's rights advocates
to have a free voice to say what they need at the table,
regardless of whether it may be in line with what others
would like for them to say. The criminal justice system had
a huge job in its attempt to accomplish the goals of
holding offenders accountable, imposing the correct
sentence reflecting the seriousness of the offence, and
deterring future criminal conduct, while at the same time,
supporting the victims and their needs. She relayed that
the balancing act of needs required continual review and
analyzation to determine if it was performing the way it
should. She strongly supported the creation of the Alaska
Criminal Justice Data Analysis Commission where the state
could keep a group coming together to talk about an issue
that was way too prevalent in Alaska.
Co-Chair Merrick thanked Ms. Stanfill for her testimony.
Representative Johnson asked if there would be time to
speak to the bill.
Co-Chair Merrick replied affirmatively.
Representative LeBon asked Ms. Stanfill if she had an
opinion regarding adding a person who had been convicted of
a felony offense to the commission.
Ms. Stanfill replied that the bill specified that in order
to serve on the commission, a person convicted of a felony
could no longer be "on paper," meaning they had to have
fulfilled their sentence and be off probation. While
serving on the commission, she had found listening to
stories told by individuals who had been incarcerated to be
impactful. She elaborated that people forget about the
impact trauma had in growing up. She expounded on hearing
about the challenge people had coming out of a long prison
sentence for kids who got into trouble early on in life.
She felt strongly the person serving on the commission
needed to be past the event, where they could meaningfully
participate in the conversation without looking for an
outcome that could assist them in some way. She believed as
long as there was a screening process by the public
defender and Department of Law (DOL), the person would be a
good addition to the group.
Representative LeBon wondered about asking Ms. Stanfill
about a yet to be proposed amendment.
Co-Chair Merrick replied that the committee could hear from
Ms. Stanfill once the amendment process was underway.
1:46:47 PM
TRAVIS WELCH, PROGRAM OFFICER, ALASKA MENTAL HEALTH TRUST
AUTHORITY (via teleconference), testified in support of the
legislation with a prepared statement:
Trust beneficiaries account for approximately 40
percent of the annual incarcerations in DOC
facilities. Beneficiaries include Alaskans who
experience mental illness, intellectual developmental
disabilities, substance use disorders, Alzheimer's,
dementia, and other cognitive impairments like
traumatic brain injury. Available data indicates that
unsentenced and sentenced trust beneficiaries remain
incarcerated longer than non-trust beneficiaries.
Trust beneficiaries are also over-represented as both
perpetrators and victims of crime. Alaska is currently
facing high rates of violent crimes such as domestic
violence and sexual assault, high recidivism rates,
and a prison population that is disproportionately
represented by trust beneficiaries. The Alaska
Criminal Justice Data Analysis Commission established
by HB 183 includes appropriate criminal justice
representation as well as the opportunity for the
public to engage.
HB 183 establishes a body that represented the key
stakeholders of the criminal justice system including
victims of crime, a member of the Alaska Native
community, and a person with lived criminal justice
involvement, among others. This body would maintain
and prioritize data collection and analysis functions
as recommended in the sunset review of the ACJC by the
legislative auditor. The collection, research, and
reporting of criminal justice data to such a
representative body is critical to understanding
criminal justice in Alaska and analyzing where the
current system is functioning effectively or
ineffectively, in order to find solutions for the
serious problems I just described.
There are other important reasons for a body like this
commission. For example, improved interdepartmental
communication; executive, legislative, judicial branch
communication; and direct meaningful dialogue with the
public to produce results such as small problems get
identified and solved, public awareness of how the
criminal justice system functions, opportunities for
the public to share their experiences with the system,
positive or negative.
I recognize and appreciate that there may be some
concerns in establishing this new commission; however,
I believe the benefits of data-driven, informed public
policy that can result from this commission outweigh
any concerns. Our criminal justice system is far from
perfect, and we must continue efforts to make
investments based on sound information. Requiring the
body to continue to collect, analyze, and report on
data is paramount to making Alaska's criminal justice
system fair, efficient, and protective of the public.
As a program officer with the Alaska Mental Health
Trust whose mission is to improve the lives of
vulnerable Alaskans and as a former chief of police in
Alaska, I urge the committee to support HB 183. Thank
you.
1:49:41 PM
Co-Chair Merrick thanked Mr. Welch for his testimony.
Representative LeBon asked what Mr. Welch thought about the
fact that the proposed commission did not include a member
from the private sector. He asked it if was an omission
that should be considered.
Mr. Welch replied that it was an interesting question that
should be discussed. He had not looked at that particular
aspect. He believed a diverse group was important and that
many of the desired stakeholders were represented in the
legislation.
Representative LeBon highlighted the hope of finding
employment opportunities for individuals coming out of the
prison system. He asked if it would be valuable to have a
private sector perspective in the process.
Mr. Welch answered that he could see value in the idea.
1:51:17 PM
Representative Johnson had a number of concerns and
questions. She stated her concern that there was already an
AJIC steering committee. She read from the audit conducted
by the Division of Legislative Audit (copy on file):
Although we recommend sunsetting the commission, we do
not recommend terminating the data collection and the
analysis functions. Objective evidence regarding the
effectiveness of the criminal justice system and laws
governing the system are critical to future policy
decisions.
Representative Johnson stated that the bill did not create
another objective group, but people who may influence or
give opinions on what the data should or may be. She
highlighted the makeup of the AJIC steering committee that
included a member of the Alaska Native Justice Center, a
member from the Alaska Court System, DOL, AMHTA, DOC, the
Department of Health and Social Services, DPS, Council on
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (CDVSA). She compared
the existing steering committee to the proposed commission
makeup. The proposed commission included a member from the
Native community nominated by the Alaska Native Justice
Center, a member from the Alaska Court System, DOL, AMHTA,
DOC, the Department of Health and Social Services, DPS, a
legislator (non-voting), two peace officers selected by the
Alaska Association of Chiefs of Police (also in the realm
of public safety), a public defender, victim's rights
advocate, and a person formerly convicted of a felony
offence.
Representative Johnson stated the bill set up a board that
was very similar to an existing group established in 1975.
She considered perhaps people forgot about the existing
group. She believed the bill went above and beyond the
audit's recommendation to sunset the commission and keep
the data collection and analysis in an objective way. She
stated there was already something in place set up by the
legislature. She asked if it was efficient to create
another group with similar people.
Ms. Kubitz deferred the question to Ms. DiPietro to speak
to the differences between the AJIC and the commission she
had staffed for many years.
Ms. DiPietro responded it was a question that the
commission, AJIC, and the Judicial Council spent quite a
bit of time discussing and working on when the commission
received the audit results and was contemplating what would
be a good successor. At the time it had been acknowledged
that the Judicial Council and AJIC had complementary but
not overlapping research expertise. She elaborated that
AJIC had its own research agenda, which was independent
from the criminal justice agencies and Judicial Council.
She shared that the discussion had been that AJIC was not
really in a position to create a research agenda driven
completely by the data commission and to make a commitment
to supporting the research agenda and to commit to
reporting back regularly to the legislature on the research
agenda.
1:57:35 PM
Ms. DiPietro continued to answer the question by
Representative Johnson. She explained that AJIC had its own
research projects and functions and had collaborated well
and assisted with the work of the outgoing commission. She
believed AJIC would be happy to assist with the proposed
data commission and to share the data. She relayed that the
last time the Judicial Council spoke with the director of
AJIC and the commission, AJIC was not really in a position
to take on the full staffing of the data commission.
1:58:27 PM
Representative Edgmon spoke about the battles through SB
64, SB 91, SB 54, HB 49 and a slew of other pieces of
legislation that dealt with the criminal justice system
sometimes in a singular way and other times in a
comprehensive way. He stated that historically the agencies
including AMHTA, Court System all came forward in earnest,
but in a very separate manner. He stated there was no
comprehensive approach. He observed the fiscal notes
attached to the bill had zero fiscal impact. He wondered
why the legislature would not implement the bill. He did
not see any persuasive argument against it. He stated the
committee had spent a significant amount of time with AJIC
over the years and he recalled the agency's role was more
from an academic standpoint. He stated AJIC's role was not
to take retired judges, defenders, prosecutors, or law
enforcement to give a well-rounded perspective.
Representative Edgmon underscored that the state's criminal
justice system cost at least $500 million on paper. He
stressed there were a whole range of costs that were not on
paper. He wondered why they should not implement the
commission. He wanted to hear if there was a credible
argument against it. He stated that if there was a credible
argument, he wanted to hear what, in lieu of the
commission, would bring forward policy recommendations and
needed interpretations from a multidisciplinary standpoint
that would serve legislators' functions as appropriators.
He asked Ms. DiPietro to address the question.
Ms. DiPietro answered that she did not understand "why we
would not move forward with this." She served on the AJIC
steering committee and as staff to the Criminal Justice
Commission. She relayed that the entities had two very
different roles that were important and complimentary to
each other. She relayed that the Judicial Council was not
requesting any additional funding to staff the data
commission. She pointed out that the council was proposing
a decrement because the work of the data commission would
be smaller in scope than the work of the Criminal Justice
Commission.
2:02:19 PM
Representative Johnson spoke to her concerns about the data
commission. She stated she did not believe anyone in the
room did not want to see the criminal justice system
improved. She believed policy makers wanted to see better
things come forward and they all wanted to find the right
answers to things. She pointed out that the committee was
looking at a board extension. She highlighted that the
audit's recommendation was to sunset the board. She did not
believe her stance was "way out there" to want to follow
the auditor's recommendation. She remarked that some
components had been noted to be valuable; however, it
included the data analysis component and not the policy
component.
Representative Johnson believed that in a simple board
extension the bill was getting carried away with many
different policy changes. She remarked that the bill
changed the name of the commission and established a board
with nearly the same members serving on another board
established by the legislature in 1975. The proposal did
not seem efficient to her. She wanted to see "this kind of
thing" come forward as a new board and new discussion. She
stated there had been many recommendations that came from
the existing board, which had contributed to SB 91. She
suggested starting fresh with new discussion and setting up
a board where the legislature was descriptive about the
policy it wanted to see brought forward instead of trying
to put it in a board extension the legislature had been
recommended to sunset.
2:04:58 PM
Co-Chair Merrick OPENED public testimony.
Co-Chair Merrick CLOSED public testimony.
2:05:17 PM
Co-Chair Merrick asked the Department of Corrections to
review the first fiscal note.
APRIL WILKERSON, ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR,
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET,
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR (via teleconference), spoke to the
department's zero fiscal note within the research and
records allocation component. She explained that the
department was currently providing portions of the data
request that were identified in HB 183; however, if there
was a change or expansion of the data in the future, the
department would seek an additional position.
2:06:22 PM
Co-Chair Merrick asked the Judicial Council to review the
Fiscal Note 3.
Ms. DiPietro reviewed the Judicial Council's fiscal note
showing a decrement. She explained that the scope and
function of the Criminal Justice Data Analysis Commission
would be less than that of the [outgoing] Criminal Justice
Commission. The council believed it could support the work
of the new commission with fewer resources than before.
2:07:19 PM
Co-Chair Merrick asked the Department of Health and Social
Services to review the next fiscal note.
ALYSA WOODEN, DIVISION OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, DEPARTMENT OF
HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES (via teleconference), reviewed
the department's zero fiscal note. The division believed it
could accomplish all of the requests within the bill and
did not anticipate a fiscal impact.
Co-Chair Merrick asked the Court System to review the last
fiscal note.
NANCY MEADE, GENERAL COUNSEL, ALASKA COURT SYSTEM,
discussed the Court System's zero fiscal note. She relayed
that the Court System already submitted much of the data to
the Criminal Justice Commission. The Court System provide
the data to the new commission as required, without any
fiscal impact.
2:08:47 PM
Representative Edgmon asked where the Court System would
send the data if the bill did not pass.
Ms. Mead answered replied that the current law required the
Court System to send a whole slew of data to the Criminal
Justice Commission. She explained that if the commission
sunset and was removed from statute, the Court System would
no longer gather or send the data unless someone else
requested it.
Representative Edgmon considered that in theory the
information could be sent to the legislature or executive
branch. He clarified that he was advocating for the current
bill. He remarked that although the data could be provided,
there would no longer be an ability for someone on the
other end to interpret the data in absence of a data
commission. He was perplexed "about all of this."
2:10:24 PM
Ms. Mead responded that the Court System was neutral on the
bill. She relayed that the Court System provided data to
anyone who asked within reason. She noted there was readily
available data that was sort of easy to provide. There was
a different rule with respect to people requesting the
Court System to compile information, which depended on
resources. The Court System could provide the data called
for in the legislation to the legislature, DOC, or others.
The Court System entered into agreements to exchange data
with other entities sometimes. She understood
Representative Edgmon's point about who would do what with
the data and perhaps it would not make its way to policy
makers. She did not take a position on the issue. She
relayed that if AJIC or others sought data, the Court
System was typically cooperative to the extent it could be.
Representative Edgmon stated he believed she had answered
the question that there was no definitive response to
[inaudible].
Co-Chair Merrick noted that Representative Carpenter had
joined the meeting at 2:06 p.m.
Representative LeBon asked if Ms. Mead was familiar with
the reports or data produced by the commission. He asked if
the data was received by the Court System.
Ms. Mead replied affirmatively. She had personally attended
all of the Criminal Justice Commission meetings.
Representative LeBon asked for verification that the
commission collected and analyzed data and offered
recommendations for action to be taken by the legislature.
Ms. Mead relayed that the description reflected the
operations of the Criminal Justice Commission under current
law. She explained that the bill would modify the duties
and change the name of the commission and she expected it
would analyze data and prepare reports. She clarified that
the bill stopped short of requiring the proposed commission
to provide recommendations to the legislature on bills and
policy. She believed it was also limited to providing
recommendations on how to spend funds to assist in issues
regarding criminal justice.
2:13:16 PM
Representative LeBon asked if Ms. Mead had an opinion on
the addition of a person who had a previous felony and had
been cleared [by serving out their sentence and probation].
Ms. Mead replied that she would not offer an opinion on the
policy call. She echoed a prior testifier who had stated
that formerly incarcerated individuals occasionally
attended the meetings to offer perspective, which she
believed voting members of the commission had found
valuable. She reiterated that she did not have a personal
or Court System opinion on whether it was a good addition.
Co-Chair Merrick thanked Ms. Mead and moved to the
amendment process.
2:14:16 PM
Representative Wool MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 1, 32-
LS0645\G.1 (Radford, 4/28/22) (copy on file):
Page 3, line 11:
Delete "16"
Insert "17"
Page 4, line 15:
Delete "and"
Page 4, line 21, following "AS 12.55.185":
Insert "; and
(16) one person who has an immediate family member
incarcerated in the state, designated jointly by the
deputy attorney general for the division of the
Department of Law that has responsibility for criminal
cases and the public defender for a three-year term"
Representative LeBon OBJECTED.
Representative Wool explained the amendment that would add
another member on the proposed commission. He noted there
were currently 15 members on the commission including three
judges, a member from the Native community, deputy attorney
general, public defender, commissioners from DPS, DHSS, and
DOC, AMHTA, two police officers, a victim's rights
advocate, a person who had been incarcerated and was no
longer in state custody. He believed including a person who
had been in jail was of the utmost importance. He stated
that lawmakers did not know what it was like to serve time
or be in state custody. He stated that an increasing number
of places require individuals released from prison to
comply with a list of things including drug and alcohol
testing and numerous appointments. He remarked that some
had said that the system was setting people up for failure
and increased the recidivism rate.
Representative Wool explained that the amendment would add
a family member of an incarcerated person to the
commission. He reviewed the makeup of the commission
members and noted there were numerous individuals on the
law enforcement and corrections side. He pointed out that
if a father was incarcerated it impacted his entire family.
He elaborated that families had to deal with a loss of
income and had to help the person once they were released
on parole or probation. He believed the experience of
having a family member in prison was valuable as well. He
referenced adverse childhood experiences (ACES) scores; one
of the experiences was an incarcerated family member. He
remarked that prison populations were increasing in Alaska.
He thought eventually the state would have to build another
prison or send prisoners outside of state. He believed
having the perspective of a family member of someone
incarcerated completed one of the pieces that was not
included.
2:19:38 PM
Co-Chair Merrick referenced Representative Wool's mention
that sometimes incarcerated individuals were sent out-of-
state. She provided a scenario where a person serving a
three-year term on the commission had a loved one sent to
prison out-of-state. She asked if the commission member
would be replaced under the circumstances.
Representative Wool replied in the negative. He thought it
could be an indicative experience of what could happen more
and more. He stated his understanding that the state was
not using outside prisons with the exception of a handful
of federal prisoners and other.
Representative Rasmussen requested to hear Ms. Stanfill's
opinion on the proposed amendment. She asked about the
potential impact on victims.
Ms. Stanfill referenced her prior experience on the
commission and relayed there was a lot of conversation at
the table and those at the table had a voice. She thought
that having people involved in the system who could provide
real life experiences was important. She stated that having
the voice of someone who understood what it was like to
have a family member serving time out-of-state could be
impactful. She noted that when a person was going through
something at the present moment, it was hard to be
objective. She noted it happened in victims' circles also.
She pointed out that often times when conversations arose,
a person thought about how it may impact them and/or their
family member. She encouraged the committee to consider a
family member of a person who had previously been in the
correctional system. She did not believe it was a bad idea
to have a voice at the table who could really talk about
the experience.
2:22:34 PM
Representative LeBon asked Ms. Stanfill if it was redundant
to have a person who was once convicted of a felony on the
commission in addition to a family member of a person
currently serving prison time in Alaska. He wondered if it
tilted the balance of the commission. He wondered if it
helped with the commission's intended purpose to reduce
crime in addition to gathering and analyzing data.
Ms. Stanfill replied it was not really a tilt when thinking
about the different people represented on the commission
including law enforcement, public defender, and DOL. She
reasoned that because it would be a data commission that
would not put recommendations forward, it would be okay to
add another person. She added that the person had to be
agreed on by DOL and the public defender, which she
believed was a way of ensuring the person would be looking
out for the best interest of the State of Alaska. She
highlighted the importance of a balanced approach on the
commission. She explained that as a victim advocate, she
was not necessarily thinking about the trauma the person
going to jail would experience, what they had experienced,
and what their family would experience. She was thinking
about the victim and their pain. She stated the commission
was a way of bringing a group together that could share in
all of the experiences and come up with the right balance.
Representative LeBon asked if Ms. Stanfill was familiar
with how a parole board was set up in Alaska.
Ms. Stanfill replied that she was not.
Co-Chair Merrick asked Ms. Wilkerson to reply.
Ms. Wilkerson asked to hear the question restated.
Representative LeBon was interested in the typical
composition of a parole board. He wondered about the number
of individuals on the board and the background of the
members.
Ms. Wilkerson answered that she could respond in writing.
She noted there were five board members.
Representative LeBon noted that she did not need to respond
in writing. He believed the parole board sought diversity
in its membership as well. He wondered if there was
representation from the private business sector on the
parole board. He thought the absence was as much of an
absence as the suggestion of adding someone with a criminal
background or a family member of someone currently serving
time in prison.
2:26:55 PM
Representative Carpenter asked if the commission was
currently allowed to bring a family member on in pertinent
situations as invited testimony to help with perspective.
Ms. Stanfill replied that public comment time was available
at all of the commission meetings. She detailed that public
comment time allowed time for individuals (i.e., victims,
incarcerated individuals, and family members) to share the
story. She relayed that the commission had heard from a
substantial number of family members talking about the
impact of the sex offender registry. The commission had
also heard family members talk about the impact on their
kids with a change in financial status. She clarified that
the commission meetings were specific to the members of the
commission in terms of having a voice at the table. She
explained that if the person [under the proposed amendment]
was not on the commission, they would not have an equal
voice, but they would have a time to speak.
Representative Carpenter asked if the issues included in
the data and analysis performed by the commission impacted
families. He was trying to get more information on the
commission's workload and what it did.
Ms. Stanfill replied that she had not been on the
commission for the past two years. She deferred to a
current member.
Ms. DiPietro replied that currently the commission's policy
work was informed by the members of the public with
experience of the criminal justice system who came in to
tell their stories. She suspected that if the Criminal
Justice Data Analysis Commission became a successor entity,
although people's perspectives would still be welcome, the
commission would be looking at the data and adding context
to the data and would not be making policy recommendations;
therefore, the input may be a little less relevant.
2:30:34 PM
Representative Carpenter was trying to understand the value
of having a family member of an incarcerated person as a
member of the board versus having the board hear from
public comment when necessary. He considered that if the
new commission was focused on data, it seemed to be a role
for professionals who understood the system.
Ms. DiPietro replied it was difficult to predict how the
discussions would go. From the perspective of the entity
that would be staffing the commission, there would be no
logistical or fiscal problem for the council to include
such a person as a member. She noted it was hard to predict
the value of their comments and observations, but it was
also difficult to say there would be no value.
2:32:32 PM
Representative Johnson thought it opened up an interesting
idea. She asked if there was value in having a family
member of a victim on the board.
Ms. Stanfill replied affirmatively. When considering a
balance, she had debated the question in her mind. She
elaborated that currently there was a position that would
be appointed by groups that worked with victims but there
was not a position for a victim or family member of a
victim. She would not discourage the idea and believed the
perspective would be a good addition.
Representative Josephson referenced AS 33.16.020 pertaining
to the board of parole, which was composed of geographic
spread by judicial district and required the governor to
use due regard for representation of the board based on
ethnic, racial, sexual, and cultural populations.
Representative Edgmon asked for verification that the idea
presented in Amendment 1 had been presented or considered
in the past.
2:34:44 PM
Ms. DiPietro replied that when the commission had first
been contemplated there had been robust discussion on the
composition its composition. She believed the idea had been
discussed; however, she had not been a part of the
discussion.
Representative Edgmon stated it aligned with his
recollection of SB 64 that created the commission.
Representative Johnson MOVED conceptual Amendment 1 to
include an immediate family member of a victim of a felony
crime.
Representative Wool explained the reason he had offered the
amendment to include a family member of an incarcerated
individual was because they had a different experience from
the incarcerated individual. He believed the family member
of a victim also had a different experience than the
victim. He considered the idea and did not know whether the
distinction between the victim and a family member was a
pronounced. He stated there was a victim of a crime on the
commission already. He referenced Representative LeBon's
comment about redundancy because there was one formerly
convicted person on the commission out of a total of 16
members. He remarked that the other 15 members included law
enforcement, lawyers, judges, and commissioners. He did not
believe adding the position proposed under Amendment 1
would create a tilt in the board composition. He believed a
victim of the crime would be more on the side of law
enforcement. His goal was to have a different perspective.
He the sponsor of the conceptual amendment to discuss the
different perspective the family member of a victim would
offer.
2:38:52 PM
Representative LeBon stated there were two directions the
commission could go: 1) data collection as a process and 2)
interpretation of the data into a recommendation to take
action by the legislature. He wondered if the commission
was about more than data collection, whether the goal was
to get as many voices at the table as possible. If so, he
noted the conceptual amendment would add another voice to
the table. He added that he would need to offer a
subsequent conceptual amendment to add a banker to the
table.
Representative Carpenter was opposed to heading in the
direction of Amendment 1 if its intent of adding additional
members to the commission for different perspective was to
steer results or outcomes that were more friendly to
incarcerated individuals or their family members. One of
the things people should think about before committing a
crime was about how the crime would impact their family. He
did not want to see it made easier for people committing a
crime. He stated it was a consequence of committing a
crime.
2:41:09 PM
Co-Chair Foster surmised that Representative Wool did not
support Representative Johnson's conceptual amendment.
Representative Wool stated that under the bill, the
commission included a victim's rights advocate. He
commented on Representative Carpenter's remarks that a
person should think about how committing a crime would
impact their family. He did not think it was always that
clear. He noted there was mental illness and substance
abuse that contributed to crimes. He was not defending
criminals, but there was more than one reason to commit a
crime. He stated there were many problems in society and
the solution was not as simple as locking people up and for
longer. He recognized it reduced crime, but it produced
other problems. He stated the family bore the brunt of much
of it and they were innocent. He considered why corrections
was a growing section of the state's budget. He remarked
that there was opposition to adding to schools, but they
were adding to corrections, police, and courts. He stated
the problem needed to be addressed holistically. He opposed
the conceptual amendment.
Representative Rasmussen asked to hear what each respective
family member would bring to the commission from the
proposed amendments.
2:44:18 PM
Representative Johnson replied that a family member of a
victim had a unique perspective [poor audio quality]. She
suggested adding the individual to add to the balance of
the commission's membership. She believed the individual
could bring a very different perspective to a situation
than someone speaking about something academically.
Representative Thompson thought the commission was sounding
more and more like the group that worked on SB 91. He
elaborated that the working group had included the same
list of individuals as the proposed commission in addition
to several more. He relayed the group had come up with ways
to reduce the cost associated with crime. He cautioned the
need to be careful.
Representative Edgmon noted that SB 91 had passed in 2016
and done away with in 2019. He remarked that he and
Representative Thompson had both served on the House
Finance Committee at the time. He recalled extensive
testimony on reform measures taking a period of time to be
effective. He believed Representative Johnson's point on
having the victim perspective was well taken. He noted the
proposed commission already included a victim's rights
advocate. He thought there seemed to be a nuance involved.
He understood that the bill sponsor had been on the
Criminal Justice Commission for a period of time. He asked
to hear the bill sponsor's perspective.
2:48:09 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MATT CLAMAN, SPONSOR, relayed that Ms.
Stanfill had served on the commission for several years and
when her term ended, the governor appointed a man from
Kotzebue whose daughter had been brutally murdered. The man
was a member of a victim's rights group in Kotzebue. He
explained that the individual had attended several meetings
but there was a level of policy detail involved on the
commission and Representative Claman believed it had been a
hard place for the individual to be. He explained that Ms.
Stanfill worked with victims daily and in working with
domestic violence groups, the bill specified the groups
would work together to select a person to serve on the
proposed commission. He believed it was important to
include someone who was in the business of working with
victims. He pointed out that the notion of hearing from a
victim on the commission may make it harder on the
individual. He considered the amendment proposed by
Representative Wool and thought it was an interesting
discussion; however, in his experience as commission
membership grew in size it became more unwieldly and
complicated. He advised maintaining the current size and
membership proposed in the bill.
Representative Rasmussen appreciated Representative
Claman's comments about the size of the council growing too
large. She agreed it could be a concern. She asked if he
thought there was a difference in the level of competency
that the relative of an incarcerated person had versus the
relative of a victim. She asked if the two would experience
parity in their policy knowledge.
Representative Claman answered that the knowledge of
someone from the Network on Domestic Violence and their
understanding of policy issues was much more in depth than
the average family member of an incarcerated individual or
the average family member of a victim. He believed the
latter two would be very focused on the specific incident
or events of their personal family experience. He believed
it was incredibly important, which was the reason
committees heard public testimony. He stated that in terms
of policy expertise, people working with the issues more
regularly brought a level of understanding that was hard to
bring just from families. He was not in any way meaning to
diminish the importance of families' participation.
Representative Wool referred to Representative Claman's
mention of perspective of a professional advocate for
victim's rights that was less emotionally attached in their
professional experience in dealing with many victims and
not only a family member. He noted that the commission
included a formerly convicted individual, which he believed
was a good perspective to have. He did not believe an
advocate could have that same perspective. He discussed
people who advocated for rights of families or incarcerated
individuals. For example, the state's prison system had not
allowed any visitors for over a year [due to the COVID-19
pandemic]. He remarked it was traumatic for families when
they could not see a loved one for over a year. He asked if
there was an advocacy group for families of incarcerated
individuals.
Representative Claman replied that in serving on the
commission for the last several years, the most frequent
advocate for incarcerated individuals was the reentry
coalitions. The commission had occasionally heard from
families of incarcerated individuals. He relayed that the
reentry coalitions did not have members on the commission,
but they routinely attended meetings, provided public
comment, and wrote to the commission with comments. He
stated that lack of presence on the commission did not
prevent people from getting information. He noted the issue
about visitation had been discussed in recent commission
meetings. He elaborated that DOC presented to the
commission a couple of times to present on how the
department was dealing with visitation in light of the
pandemic. The fact that someone did not have a seat on the
commission did not mean the concerns would not be brought
forward.
2:56:24 PM
Representative Wool referenced Ms. Stanfill's
recommendation to have a family member of a formerly
incarcerated individual in order to avoid having a person
on the commission with a personal agenda. He understood the
commission was not for that purpose. He wanted to have the
perspective of a person with an incarcerated family member.
He would not be opposed to inserting the word "formerly"
into the amendment.
Representative Wool WITHDREW Amendment 1.
2:58:01 PM
AT EASE
3:02:41 PM
RECONVENED
Co-Chair Foster noted Amendment 1 and the conceptual
amendment and had been withdrawn.
Representative LeBon MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 2, 32-
LS0645\G.2 (Radford, 5/3/22) (copy on file):
Page 3, line 10, following "AS 44.19.642(a)":
Insert ", as amended by sec. 135(23) of Executive
Order 121,"
Page 4, line 14:
Delete "and social services"
Page 13, lines 19 - 20:
Delete "and Social Services"
Representative Wool OBJECTED for discussion.
Representative LeBon explained that the amendment was a
cleanup amendment required in the wake of the split of the
Department of Health and Social Services into two
departments by Executive Order 121. The amendment clarified
that one of the members of the commission would be the
commissioner of the Department of Health or the
commissioner's designee.
Representative Wool WITHDREW his OBJECTION.
There being NO further OBJECTION, Amendment 2 was ADOPTED.
Co-Chair Foster MOVED to REPORT CSHB 183(FIN) out of
committee with individual recommendations and the
accompanying fiscal notes.
Representative Johnson OBJECTED. She believed the bill
established something that was outside the scope
recommended by the audit. The audit recommended the sunset
of the commission and maintaining the data and analysis
component to help the legislature make more informed policy
decisions. She did not support the creation of a new
council that would be similar to the Criminal Justice
Commission that had brought forth SB 91. She noted the data
did not lead the legislature in the right direction. She
did not favor making policy changes within a board
extension. She thought the commission was redundant. She
pointed out that the University of Alaska's Justice Center
had been established in 1975 to do the same work. She
stated there were numerous groups to address the issues the
commission would address. She thought setting up a
commission deserved a more detailed policy discussion on
how to address issues related to incarceration and
recidivism in Alaska.
3:06:40 PM
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Wool, Edgmon, Josephson, Ortiz, Merrick, Foster
OPPOSED: Thompson, Carpenter, Johnson, LeBon, Rasmussen
The MOTION PASSED (6/5). There being NO further OBJECTION,
it was so ordered.
CSHB 183(FIN) was REPORTED out of committee with four "do
pass" recommendations, four "do not pass" recommendations,
and four "no recommendation" recommendations and with one
new zero fiscal note from the Department of Corrections;
one new zero fiscal note from the Department of Health and
Social Services for the Department of Health; one
previously published zero fiscal note: FN1 (AJS); and one
previously published fiscal impact note: FN3 (AJS).
3:07:34 PM
AT EASE
3:08:46 PM
RECONVENED
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 20(FIN)
"An Act relating to teaching certificates for teachers
holding out-of-state certificates."
3:08:56 PM
TIM LAMKIN, STAFF, SENATOR GARY STEVENS, thanked the
committee for hearing the bill. He explained that the bill
was a result of some emergency regulations enacted in 2020
due to COVID-19, which resulted in significant support from
school districts in helping them find teachers to fill
classrooms more quickly. The bill was a reflection of those
amendments and the changes that had been made. The bill
would lower barriers to entry and reduce some of the
administrative bureaucracy for existing teacher programs
coming into the system. The bill enabled teachers holding a
regular teacher certification in another state to teach in
Alaska. The individual had to hold a four-year degree, go
through the standard background checks required to teach in
Alaska, and complete multicultural education coursework
within two years. Individuals would still undergo all of
requirements pertaining to alcohol and drug awareness and
abuse, sexual assault awareness, and suicide awareness and
would have 90 days to complete their training.
Mr. Lamkin continued to explain the legislation. He
explained that the concept of the bill applied to teachers
with years of classroom experience who had taken the basic
competency exam at some point in time. The bill would allow
the individuals to teach without retaking the exam, which
was fairly onerous.
3:11:21 PM
Representative Johnson asked how many other states had
similar reciprocity agreements or arrangement.
Mr. Lamkin deferred to the department.
SONDRA MEREDITH, TEACHER CERTIFICATION ADMINISTRATOR,
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND EARLY DEVELOPMENT (via
teleconference), answered that most states had some form of
allowances for individuals who were fully licensed in
another state. She reported what the allowances looked like
varied from state to state. There were a number of states
that did not require individuals with regular licensure to
take additional exams. She did not have an exact number.
3:12:54 PM
Vice-Chair Ortiz referenced Mr. Lamkin's statement that
under the bill, in order for a teacher to receive one of
the certificates they would have to have years of
experience. He asked if the bill stipulated the number of
years of experience required in order to qualify.
Mr. Lamkin replied that the bill was not that prescriptive.
He noted there were regulations in place that Ms. Meredith
could speak to.
Ms. Meredith responded that beyond what existed in current
statute, the Department of Education and Early Development
(DEED) had not added additional regulatory requirements to
the type of certificate addressed in the bill. There was
currently no stipulation for a certain number of years of
experience to qualify under the certificate.
Vice-Chair Ortiz stated that theoretically a person could
get certified in a different state for half of a year and
perhaps get a certificate in the State of Alaska. He asked
what the certificate category would be called.
Ms. Meredith answered that the department currently
referred to the certificate as an initial out-of-state
certificate. Through the changes proposed in the
legislation, an individual would qualify after they had
done the Alaska multicultural coursework for the regular
professional license in Alaska.
Vice-Chair Ortiz asked for verification it was possible a
person could come directly out of school without any
previous experience and still qualify for the certificate.
Ms. Meredith confirmed it would be possible if the
individual qualified for a regular license, meaning they
had done all that was necessary in their state to gain the
license in another jurisdiction.
3:15:53 PM
Vice-Chair Ortiz appreciated the bill and was aware of the
issues the state was having with obtaining teachers. He
clarified his questions were not meant to indicate
objection to the purpose of the bill. He asked about the J-
1 Visa program that DEED had in place and how it may differ
from the certificate requirements offered under the
legislation. He remarked that J-1 was more for foreign
based teachers. He asked if they were the same kind of
education requirements.
Ms. Meredith answered that the J-1 Visa individuals coming
to Alaska were not qualifying through the initial out-of-
state certificate. The individuals were frequently required
to go through emergency licensure when they did not have
the testing when they first began in Alaska. After the
emergency licensure the individuals moved into one of the
state's initial licensures where they had to demonstrate
they had the training with the equivalent to a four-year
degree in Alaska in addition to the completion of a teacher
preparation program. The certificate under the bill
differed significantly and would not be one that J-1 Visa
applicants would qualify for.
3:18:18 PM
Vice-Chair Ortiz asked which would have a higher bar for a
teacher: the J-1 Visa program or the SB 20 proposal.
Ms. Meredith responded that she did not know that she could
equate the two except for the fact that the J-1 Visa
individuals still needed to do the testing requirements
after the emergency certificate, whereas the testing
requirements would not be necessary for the certificate
under SB 20.
Vice-Chair Ortiz asked if it was currently possible for a
teacher from another state to obtain temporary
certification to teach in Alaska in the coming fall.
Ms. Meredith responded that the current statutory language
allowed for a form of reciprocity where the individual had
to provide proof of a bachelor's degree and valid regular
certificate. She explained it gave the individual a one-
year period of time to provide evidence of the basic
competency exams. She elaborated that the individuals then
moved on to complete the two required courses. The route
was currently available but on occasion the individuals
coming in through the route had multiple years of
experience (sometimes 15 to 20 years) and were required to
locate or retake the basic competency exam, which could be
a challenge.
Vice-Chair Ortiz stated his understanding that the bill
removed the competency exam from the process of obtaining a
certificate that was currently in place for anyone who
wanted to come to Alaska to work as a teacher (regardless
of prior experience).
Ms. Meredith answered that it was a primary feature of the
bill.
3:22:02 PM
Mr. Lamkin clarified that currently in Alaska, all people
preparing to teach had to take the competency exam. He
highlighted that the exam was difficult; however, not
entirely because of its content, but by its administrative
nature. He referred to an anecdote from an individual in
rural Alaska who had tried to take the exam online and the
system had crashed in the middle of the exam. The
individual had already spent hundreds of dollars to take
the exam that he felt he did not really need to take
because he had come from out-of-state with years of
experience. He stated the exam was bemoaned by many people.
The bill would alleviate the burden. He elaborated it was
presumed that in another state where a teacher had received
a regular teacher certification that they had undertaken
the same process and had already taken that type of
competency exam in the past.
Representative Josephson referenced Ms. Meredith's
testimony that currently a person could obtain a
preliminary certificate. He thought she had stated a person
had to meet some obligation within a year [after obtaining
the preliminary certificate]. He observed the legislation
gave people two years to take a course or do the things
needed to be certified in Alaska. He asked if the timeframe
was one difference between existing law and the bill.
Mr. Lamkin replied affirmatively. He elaborated that
individuals were required to take cross-cultural,
multicultural coursework to help sensitize individuals
coming in from out of state to Alaska's unique culture,
geography, and circumstances. He explained that the
University did not offer the course every semester;
therefore, the two-year window gave individuals time to
align their schedules with the course schedule.
Representative Josephson referenced Mr. Lamkin's statements
about the difficulty of the administrative nature of the
test. He shared that he was currently a certified teacher
and had a master's degree in education that had required
all sorts of tests. He did not recall a basic competency
test. He asked how to ensure the state was not going to get
washed-out teachers from the Lower 48.
Mr. Lamkin deferred to the department.
3:25:44 PM
Ms. Meredith answered that the quality of educators coming
into Alaska was checked by a number of different things
beginning with and likely most effectively, through the
hiring process. The hiring process looked at level of
expertise and recommendations. Additionally, there were
certification processes that ensured the credentialing of
the individual met the statutory and regulatory standards.
She relayed the individuals were evaluated after one year
to determine whether the districts felt their expertise
warranted another year of service.
Representative Josephson looked at the repealers in the
bill that included AS 14.20.015 (f), which specified that a
preliminary teacher certificate and any endorsements were
valid for three years and may not be renewed. The removal
of that suggested they were valid forever or that they may
be renewed. He asked if there would be people who were
preliminary teachers forever or if the bill was designed to
mean the individuals would be regular teachers and not
preliminary teachers who would comply with the terms within
the specific window.
Ms. Meredith replied it was her understanding that the
repeal of the sections allowed the certificate to
recognized as a regular certificate and after the two
classes were completed, the certificate would be extended
to a five-year period and could be renewed through the
renewal requirements set out in regulation.
Representative Josephson spoke to his personal experience
working as a teacher for a year and a half in the past. He
asked Mr. Lamkin what the teacher demand was that was not
currently being met. He asked if he should be concerned
that the legislation lowered the standards.
Mr. Lamkin answered the demand had been an outcry from
Alaska's districts for some time. He relayed there was
upcoming invited testimony to speak to the need. The bill
was prompted by emergency regulations that were taken up
with great success. Additionally, the bill sponsor had been
contacted by Kodiak, Anchorage, and others who applauded
the emergency regulations and hoped to see it put more
solidly in statute for the long-term.
Representative Josephson asked if teachers should be
concerned the bill watered down the standards.
Mr. Lamkin answered that the issue had been deliberated in
earlier committees, particularly education committees. He
expounded that an amendment had been made to page 2,
Section 2, line 11 that added a valid regular teacher
certificate. He stated that to date everyone had been
satisfied that the bill did not establish a system that
brought in washed up teachers from out of state.
3:31:28 PM
Co-Chair Merrick moved to invited testimony.
PEGGY RANKIN, SENIOR DIRECTOR OF TALENT MANAGEMENT,
ANCHORAGE SCHOOL DISTRICT, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
reiterated a few words shared previously by Dr. Deena
Bishop regarding Senate Bill 20:
This bill provides the needed flexibility for school
districts at just the right time. We have fewer and
fewer going into education across the nation. This is
a very important bill to be able to support incoming
teachers. Senate Bill 20 provides additional avenues
for school districts to seek and find top educators.
Many states presently allow alternative teacher
certification pathways and programs and its not the
traditional university setting or student teaching
experience. They utilize a blended approach to gaining
certification. Many of these include co-teaching,
substituting, on the job training and they're
increasing in popularity as one in five new teachers
in the U.S. become a teacher through a means other
than the traditional four-year undergraduate program
or master's degree in traditional universities.
Also, second career educators are more inclined to
enter into the alternative certification program.
These alternative path educators are also a more
diverse as a whole. They mirror their communities much
more than traditional path educators. As you
mentioned, concerns of the past have been around
lowering of AK teacher certificate standards. Please
know that that is not the intent of this bill. Rather,
we choose to expand the candidate pool.
We have many immersion programs here in the Anchorage
School District and we hire many out-of-country
educators. Most of them do not and have not
participated in the traditional student teaching
world. This Senate Bill 20 would allow for a new out-
of-country candidate to move to the professional
certification. Right now, they can only have the
initial certification because they do not have the
student teaching requirement, which would not allow
them to move to the professional and also often lessen
their stay in Alaska because of that. This senate bill
allows the time and flexibility needed to transition
to Alaska with a certificate from another state. We
continue to hold our standards, but it does allow time
to complete those Alaska-specific certification
requirements. None of that goes away.
Ms. Rankin thanked the sponsors of the bill that directly
and deliberately responded to the needs of Alaska school
districts, schools, and students.
3:35:22 PM
Representative LeBon stated that the Anchorage School
District had quite a few school buildings and a pretty
sizeable number of principals and assistant principals. He
asked if the district was experiencing the same challenges
with hiring and filling principal positions as it was
having with hiring teacher positions.
Ms. Rankin replied that most often the district's
principals came from within its teacher forces. The
district tended to grow its own principals who were
familiar with the curriculum. She relayed the district did
not frequently hire principals from outside. She
highlighted that applicant pools across the nation were
reduced in all teaching professions. Additionally,
individuals were not entering programs at universities.
Representative LeBon agreed with the practice of growing
and developing your own. He asked if the district was still
experiencing interest from instructors on seeking out
higher certification to become an assistant principal and
ultimately a principal.
Ms. Rankin confirmed there was a strong interest. She
informed the committee that several cohorts of the
district's teachers were involved in administrative
programs to obtain their administrative certificates.
Vice-Chair Ortiz referred to Ms. Rankin's testimony about
out-of-country candidates. He asked if the candidates had
the ability to become teachers in Alaska entirely through
the J-1 Visa program.
Ms. Rankin responded that the district was not currently
hiring out-of-country teachers on J-1 Visas. She explained
that regardless of their ability to get a certificate, it
was merely the individual's status to come to Alaska to
work in the district, whether it was through an H-1B or J-1
Visa.
Vice-Chair Ortiz asked if there had been a significant
increase in the two aforementioned visa programs over the
past several years. Alternatively, he asked if they had
always been used by the Anchorage School District.
Ms. Rankin replied that the district had recently been
speaking with some smaller school districts in Alaska and
working closely with DEED in regard to what the various J-1
Visa programs and sponsorship looked like. She stated the
J-1 requirements had support components that had to be put
in place. Currently, the district was hiring for hard to
fill positions.
Vice-Chair Ortiz clarified his question. He asked if the
district had seen increased use of the programs in the past
several years.
Ms. Rankin replied that the Anchorage School District had
only been using the process for several years.
3:39:58 PM
TAMMIE PERREAULT, NORTHWEST REGIONAL LIAISON, DEFENSE-STATE
LIAISON OFFICE, OPERATING UNDER THE DIRECTION OF UNDER
SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR PERSONNEL AND READINESS (via
teleconference), provided prepared remarks:
Our mission is to be resource to state policy makers
like this committee as you work to address quality of
life issues for military families. On behalf of
military families and the Department of Defense, I'm
here to express support for the policy changes
proposed in Senate Bill 20, a bill that revises
teacher licensure for personnel entry in Alaska and
requiring the adoption of an expedited licensure
process for military spouses.
Ms. Perreault referenced an earlier question on how many
states had implemented a process similar to the one
proposed under the bill. She shared that specifically for
military spouses, about 30 states had similar processes.
She continued to read from prepared remarks:
The process for teachers licensed in other states to
become fully licensed in a new state can require
extensive documentation, additional testing and
coursework, and may involve application processing
delays that create further barriers for military
spouse teachers to seamlessly continue on their career
paths. Policies such as those contained in this bill
will contribute to the morale, economic stability, and
well-being of our military families. As a military
spouse myself, I cannot tell you the number of times I
have talked to fellow military spouses who have simply
chosen not to teach in a state where they moved to
because of the rigorous challenges of getting licensed
even though they may have held years of teaching
experience and multiple teaching certificates from
across the nation.
Teaching is one of the most prevalent professions
among our licensed military spouses and while our
society is becoming more mobile, the percentage of
military spouse population that moves across state
lines is over 14 percent annually, compared to only 1
percent for civilian spouses; 88 percent of our
military spouses report they want or need to work. We
appreciate the tremendous efforts that Alaska has
historically made to support our military service
members and their families. We're grateful to Senator
Stevens and to the work of his staff for bringing
forth this important piece of legislation.
3:43:02 PM
Representative LeBon remarked that military spouses
benefited various sectors including teaching and banking.
He remarked that experience in the banking industry was
very transferable. He recalled that at one time he had
three commercial loan processors who were all married to
military members. He stated that it was possible to say
there was risk of losing the employees; however, while
stationed in Alaska the employees were loyal with low
turnover. He added that in many cases their tenure with the
bank was longer than a non-military employee. He liked that
the bill aimed to do something about the teacher shortage
"in this manner." He thanked Ms. Perreault for calling in.
Co-Chair Merrick thanked Ms. Perreault for testifying and
emphasized that the committee members loved the military
families living in Alaska.
Vice-Chair Ortiz asked for the names of the teacher
competency exams currently being used in Alaska.
Ms. Meredith replied that the state primarily used the
practice exam offered by the Educational Testing Service
(ETS). The department had a list of a number of other tests
accepted across the country such as the Washington-based
skills test called the WEST-B and the California test
called CBEST. Additionally, the department honored the SAT,
ACT, and GRE and a number of state-specific exams.
Vice-Chair Ortiz asked if Ms. Meredith had listed the SAT
for teacher competency.
Ms. Meredith responded that the competency exam was a
reading, writing, and math exam and portions of the SAT
could be used. She noted there was an established minimum
test score for that purpose.
Vice-Chair Ortiz asked if the type of competency exams used
was at the discretion of the local school districts as long
as the exam was state approved.
Ms. Meredith answered that all of the information had to be
part of a teacher's file with DEED. The only exams that
could be used were those approved by the state board.
Co-Chair Merrick thanked the testifiers and presenter.
CSSB 20(FIN) was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
3:47:35 PM
AT EASE
4:06:05 PM
RECONVENED
HOUSE BILL NO. 283
"An Act making appropriations, including capital
appropriations, reappropriations, and other
appropriations; making supplemental appropriations;
and providing for an effective date."
4:06:09 PM
Co-Chair Merrick relayed that public testimony would be
taken from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. She provided the email
address and call-in numbers.
^PUBLIC TESTIMONY
4:06:13 PM
BRYAN HAWKINS, CITY OF HOMER AND ALASKA ASSOCIATION OF
HARBOR MASTERS & PORT ADMINISTRATOR, HOMER (via
teleconference), supported the $750,000 in the capital
budget to complete the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers general
investigation for Homer's large vessel port expansion
project. He highlighted the funding was important match
funding of $750,000 set aside by the City of Homer and it
would leverage $1.5 million in federal funds. He shared
that the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly and Alaska
federal delegation were aligned in their support for the
project. The project was the district's top capital
priority. Additionally, he urged full funding of
$20,160,000 for the Municipal Harbor Grant Program. He
stated that the program was an equitable and effective
mechanism for completing deferred maintenance projects.
4:08:49 PM
BRUCE FRIEND, SELF, HOMER (via teleconference), testified
in support of the bill. He shared that he was an active
member of the Homer Marine Trades Association. He provided
information about the organization. The organization was
intimately involved in the expansion of the harbor; it was
an extremely important addition to the current port. He
emphasized the need for the harbor expansion. He noted it
would bring commerce to the area and would provide
alternate port capability in the event of a disruption in
traffic in Cook Inlet.
4:11:23 PM
JON ERICKSON, CITY MANAGER, YAKUTAT (via teleconference),
thanked the committee for its work in the current year. He
had seen significant progress. He highlighted the
community's PFAS problem. He shared that he had spoken with
the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the
Congressional delegation to get PFAS funded to take care of
the airport. He spoke to the importance of funding sewer
and water projects. He spoke in support of the Municipal
Harbor Grant Program.
4:13:12 PM
BAL DREYFUS, MATSON, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
thanked the committee for the opportunity to testify. He
detailed that Matson was a leading ocean carrier cargo
providing lifeline services to three Alaskan ports. He
requested the committee's support for Port of Alaska
funding. He stated that the port received 50 percent of the
state's incoming goods that 90 percent of Alaskans relied
on. He spoke to various communities that relied on the
shipments. He stressed that the port was the only
Southcentral Alaska facility with waterfront infrastructure
and workforce to support the cargo needs. He shared that
port users, the Municipality of Anchorage, and the
Anchorage Assembly were aligned in support for the project.
He highlighted various support for the project. He stressed
the need to fund the state's most critical infrastructure
projects. He supported a $200 million appropriation and
$200 million in matching funds as currently outlined in the
bill.
Representative Rasmussen stated there was another version
of a budget bill that included $25 million for the port.
She asked if it would be a sufficient contribution from the
state.
Mr. Dreyfus replied in the negative.
4:16:24 PM
BOB SCANLON, CEO, BLOOD BANK OF ALASKA, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), thanked the committee for the Blood Bank's
inclusion in the budget. He requested a $3 million
increment in the capital budget. He stated that funding
would allow the blood bank to end a serious vulnerability
to Alaska's blood supply by making the blood bank wholly
self-sufficient. He detailed that the funds would be used
to create instate donor testing and laboratory services. He
shared that donor testing currently done out of state was a
substantial bottleneck and ongoing dangerous vulnerability
for the state, impacting blood supply operations, routine
operations, medical trauma, and/or states of emergency. He
spoke to other benefits of instate donor testing and self-
sufficiency. Self-sufficiency would assure predictability,
consistency, versatility, and shorter response times in the
event of disaster.
Vice-Chair Ortiz asked if the blood bank had received funds
in the capital budget in the past.
Mr. Scanlon replied that the blood bank had received
appropriations in the past for the construction of the
Blood Center in Anchorage.
4:19:44 PM
MIKE BROWN, SELF, PALMER (via teleconference), appreciated
state support for the Arctic Winter Games. He stated that a
$1 million appropriation would assist with hosting the
games. He supported a request for transportation system
funding. He shared that the assembly had put several
transportation projects before voters, which were approved
by a nearly two to one margin. The city was requesting
state support as the borough had already appropriated
several million dollars to the projects. He detailed it was
a way for the state to partner with a local government
match. He shared that a 50 percent match would total $30
million. The city would appreciate consideration of an
increment of at least $20 million. The borough appreciated
the inclusion of funds for a first responder training
facility. The assembly had already appropriated matching
funding. He asked the committee to continue to support the
request. He thanked the committee for its service.
4:21:59 PM
DOUGLAS OLERUD, MAYOR, HAINES (via teleconference),
testified in support of the Haines Borough Lutak dock
rehabilitation project. He shared that the community had
received a $20 million federal grant that was dependent on
a 20 percent match. The borough had put $2.4 million
towards a long awaited overhaul of the dock that was
crumbling and had holes in the concrete decking. All of the
fuel and freight for the community arrived at the dock. He
provided detail on the request for $3.2 million to complete
the match for the shovel ready project. He thanked the
committee.
Representative Rasmussen reviewed the numbers provided by
Mr. Olerud.
Mr. Olerud replied affirmatively.
4:23:46 PM
EDNA DEVRIES, MAYOR, MAT-SU BOROUGH, PALMER (via
teleconference), thanked the legislature for including $1
million for the Arctic Winter Games. She thanked the
legislature for funding for the first responder training
facility. She spoke to the importance of proper training.
She requested additional funds for transportation project
package that the voters approved two to one in a recent
election. The borough had already contributed 27 percent of
the total amount. She spoke to the importance of road
improvements to handle increased traffic resulting from
population growth.
4:26:03 PM
CARA DURR, FOOD BANK OF ALASKA, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of items for food
security in Alaska. She highlighted that between years of
lean budgets and a pandemic the Food Bank saw record
numbers of Alaskans in need of its services. She reported
that the state's food bank and food pantry system was
strained. She stressed that a dramatic spike in costs drove
increased need and operational challenges. The budget
request would go far in addressing the problems. The funds
would address critical capital needs such as refrigeration,
vehicles, space modifications, and other. The investments
would increase the organization's ability to distribute
food. She provided additional program information and
benefits. She appreciated the committee's consideration.
Representative Rasmussen asked if Ms. Durr saw the Port of
Alaska as an area that could jeopardize food security if it
was not addressed.
Ms. Durr replied affirmatively. She shared that the Food
Bank received much of its food through the port. The
organization was in support of funding for the Port of
Alaska.
4:28:31 PM
JOHN HANDELAND, MAYOR, CITY OF NOME, NOME (via
teleconference), spoke in favor of the Port of Nome state
matching funds. He stressed that matching funding was
needed immediately, and any delay risked losing the
opportunity to build the port. He detailed that the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers released $250 million in federal
dollars. He provided detail about the project and work done
to bring it to fruition. He shared that Nome's economy was
struggling. He stated that the port would have long-term
economic benefits to the region. He spoke to other sectors
that would benefit.
4:31:18 PM
SARAH KATHRYN BRYAN, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
spoke in support of the AWAIC shelter and transitional
living renovation projects for a 67-bed emergency shelter
and 10-bed transitional housing program. The project would
impact the lives of hundreds of victims escaping from
abusive situations. She spoke about the organization's
mission to provide shelter for female and male victims of
domestic violence and sexual assault. The shelter would
save lives. The increment was for $347,000. She thanked the
committee for its consideration.
4:32:48 PM
DIANNE HOLMES, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in support of funding for the Port of Alaska. She stated
that the port served most of Alaska. She emphasized that
other projects would cost more for materials and equipment
if the port project did not occur. She stated that the port
deserved to be funded at a higher level than the level she
had heard was in the budget. She asked the committee to
support the port's replacement.
Representative Rasmussen stated that the House version of
the bill included $200 million with $200 million in
matching funds. She believed the other body had $25 million
for the project in its version of the budget. She asked if
Ms. Holmes believed $25 million was insufficient or the
$200 million was insufficient.
Ms. Holmes stated that $200 million was not adequate for a
$1 billion project.
Co-Chair Merrick replied that the budget included $200
million in addition to up to $200 million in matching
funds. If the federal funds were secured, the amount would
be up to $600 million. She noted the $600 million was the
original request.
4:35:25 PM
JASON LESSARD, NAMI ANCHORAGE, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), provided details about his affiliation and
work with various entities. He supported $1.5 million for
Careline Alaska to rebuild its facility. He spoke to the
effectiveness of the Careline component. He stated that 90
percent of the calls could be handled at the call center
level and did not require any additional response. He asked
the committee to consider adding behavioral health
treatment capacity funding. He stated it had been a number
of years since the continuum of care had received an influx
of cash for capital improvements. He spoke in support of
funding for the Port of Alaska. He stressed that the port
was in dire need and the state depended on the port for
food security.
Co-Chair Merrick clarified that the House version included
$1.5 million for the Careline.
Representative LeBon stated that approximately $275,000
would likely be sufficient as Careline was not looking to
purchase a building currently.
4:38:41 PM
MARGARET HENSON, NORTHWEST ARCTIC BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT,
KOTZEBUE (via teleconference), spoke in favor of money for
the Alaska Technical Center student/family housing. She
provided detail about the district. The center provided
training in construction, health occupations, culinary
arts, and technology. The Red Dog Mine and the Ambler
mining belt was located in the region. She shared that
employment opportunities in the region frequently went to
non-local individuals. She elaborated that while many
residents desired to obtain certification to pursue career
opportunities, the individuals were having difficulty
securing necessary housing while attending training. She
requested $1.2 million for the project. They were confident
other funding partners would be available.
4:42:00 PM
PAUL OSTRANDER, CITY MANAGER, KENAI (via teleconference),
thanked the committee for the inclusion of $6.5 million for
the Kenai River bluff stabilization project. He thanked
Representative Carpenter and Co-Chair Merrick for including
the increment. He detailed that the funding would be
combined with $5.25 million from the City of Kenai. The
funds would be leveraged with $22 million to $23 million of
federal funding. It had been a top priority capital need
for at least 30 years and was a critical step in the
revitalization of oldtown Kenai, which was an area of
cultural and historical significance. There had been no
capital investing in the area for at least three decades
and the bluff continued to erode at three feet annually.
The project would stabilize the bluff. He thanked the
committee for the opportunity to testify.
4:44:24 PM
ROBIN MINARD, MAT-SU HEALTH FOUNDATION, WASILLA (via
teleconference), asked for additional funding to support
behavioral health treatment capacity. She spoke to the
importance in access to healthcare. The funding would be
needed even in normal times; however, life post-COVID-19
was anything but normal. She highlighted examples. There
was more need now more than ever for behavioral health
support. She thanked the committee.
4:45:57 PM
KELLY LESSENS, ANCHORAGE SCHOOL BOARD, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), highlighted the district's backlog in
deferred maintenance, which exceeded more than $800
million. She supported the $100 million for major
maintenance in the capital budget. She stated the funding
would allow the district to move forward on updates to
enable children to attend school in safe conditions.
Representative Rasmussen asked if the board had a position
on the Port of Alaska.
Ms. Lessens answered that it was not something the board
had engaged with. She noted that the district's supplies
came in and out of the port. She referenced food security
and supplies for capital projects that came through the
port. She personally supported action on securing a
functional port.
Representative Rasmussen asked how many students received
meals through the district.
Ms. Lessens answered that more than half of the district's
students were economically disadvantaged. She believed all
children were eligible for meals nationwide. She did not
have the exact figures, but she could follow up with the
information.
4:49:06 PM
HEIDI HILL, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in
support of $347,000 for AWAIC's shelter and transitional
living renovation project. She highlighted the terrible
rates of domestic violence in Alaska. She provided detail
about the existing shelter. She stated that the shelter
provided housing for domestic violence and sexual assault
victims. She saw the impact of the programs on the lives of
individuals on a daily basis. She relayed that the repairs
would be significant in terms of support for victims. She
appreciated the committee's support.
4:50:39 PM
BRENDA MOORE, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), asked
for support of $11 million for behavioral health treatment
capacity. Needs had risen and the pandemic had
substantially impacted behavioral health, yet the capacity
to treat behavioral health in Alaska had not seen
significant investment. She thanked the committee for its
commitment to Alaskans.
4:52:27 PM
DAVID KARP, SALTCHUK, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in support of funding for the Port of Alaska. He
represented multiple port users. He believed there was a
significant role for the state, federal government, and
users to cover funding for the infrastructure project. He
had witnessed multiple starts and stops on the project
during his three years on the project. He stated that each
iteration of the project over the years resulted in lost
time and additional expense. They reached a moment in time
where there was an agreed upon scope of work, timeline, and
price. He implored parties to understand that each day
wasted created additional exposure for the majority of the
state's population as it pertained to the potential for a
catastrophic failure of the existing facility. It was
critical infrastructure that was currently at risk. He
urged support of funding in HB 283.
4:54:38 PM
ERIC WYATT, PRESIDENT, ALASKA MARICULTURE ALLIANCE (via
teleconference), testified in support of a one-time funding
request for a mariculture matching grant program with a
goal to double private investment. He shared that the
program was supported by existing farmers and new entrants.
Product demand had increased substantially in recent years.
He spoke to the demand for shellfish. The program would
allow the disbursement of funds to opportunities maximizing
industry growth in the future.
Vice-Chair Ortiz asked about the amount of the funding
request.
Mr. Wyatt replied that the original ask was $25 million in
the governor's budget request.
4:56:42 PM
GALE VANDOR, SELF, JUNEAU (via teleconference), thanked the
committee for including funding for the United Human
Services Teal Street center. She strongly supported service
coordination in one building ensure comprehensive planning
to provide assistance to people with disabilities that
would enable them to remain in their homes and communities.
Services would also be made available to patrons of the
Glory Hall. She highlighted the resource room in the center
that would enhance services for disabled persons in
Southeast. She provided details about the center and
clinic. The project had been in the works for more than a
decade. She appreciated the committee's time and attention.
4:59:05 PM
KURT BUCHHOLZ, SELF, SOLDOTNA (via teleconference),
supported the Blood Bank of Alaska funds to build a testing
lab. He was a practicing physician and had been a Blood
Bank medical director for several facilities. He shared
information about his work with the Blood Bank. The Blood
Bank provided sufficient blood to handle trauma and it had
been a great partner responding to facilities' medical
needs. The two elements that were incomplete included
performing testing on all of the blood units and testing
blood in the current environment was the safest it had ever
been. He spoke to the importance of reference labs in rural
communities. Moving the work to Anchorage would provide a
quicker response in critical situations in order to give
the proper, compatible blood.
5:01:58 PM
VIRGIE THOMPSON, MAYOR, CITY OF HOUSTON, HOUSTON (via
teleconference), requested the inclusion of the city of
Houston's installation of a natural gasline, which also
included the extension of power to areas that were
currently off-grid. The project would provide safe and
cost-effective heating fuel for residents and would improve
the cost of living for all impacted residents. The request
was for $993,410. She asked for support for the
construction of a commercial building to house fire
department and public works supplies, which would provide
fire protection to surrounding areas. She supported $1.2
million for the Houston school's campus paved walking
bicycle pathway. She provided detail on the benefits of the
pathway. She spoke in support of $723,000 for Bear Paw
activities park recreational area.
Representative Rasmussen asked how much Houston had
contributed towards the requests.
Ms. Thompson answered that the community currently had no
contributions to the natural gas project. She added it
would be shovel ready because there was only institution
installing natural gas. The city owned the property for the
fire station. The community did not have any contributions
for the pathway, and it owned the property and had the
design phase completed for the activities park.
Representative Josephson referenced the natural gas
infrastructure with a cost of $993,000.
Ms. Thompson agreed that it would cost $993,410 to put
natural gas in three sections of the city, which would
affect approximately 600 people.
Representative Josephson asked how much the fire station
cost was.
Ms. Thompson answered, "$2.5 million."
Representative Johnson thanked Ms. Thompson for calling in.
Ms. Thompson added her support for behavioral health
funding. She shared it took her granddaughter 17 hours for
intake when she had extreme need.
5:06:41 PM
BRYAN HAUGSEAD, AWAIC, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
supported funding for AWAIC, which gave critical aid to
victims of domestic violence. He asked the committee to
support the request the renovation of the AWAIC facilities.
He encouraged funding for the Blood Bank of Alaska. He had
personally had to leave the state for medical care and the
funding would be significant for everyone in Alaska.
5:07:21 PM
CLAY BEZENEK, SELF, KETCHIKAN (via teleconference), shared
a food safety and biological issue had been identified in
the fall. He had been working with Vice-Chair Ortiz on the
issue. He requested support for a remote operated vehicle
(ROV) that went to a depth of 200 meters that would be used
to survey rockfish stocks in Southeast Alaska. Rockfish was
an important food staple for the community. He relayed that
the ROV would be used to survey from Sitka to the inside
waters of Ketchikan. There was currently one ROV located in
Homer that was only available for Southeast for three days
per year. He noted the community was not attached to the
road system and if there was a calamitous event, the
community would need to harvest out of the ocean.
Vice-Chair Ortiz asked about the current status of local
residents' ability to harvest rockfish. He stated his
understanding it was limited.
Mr. Bezenek answered that they could not harvest any yellow
eye rockfish in Ketchikan. He detailed that the Board of
Fish had recently discussed the issue extensively. He
shared that it had been a crushing blow to the economy and
food safety.
Vice-Chair Ortiz asked what the ROV would cost.
Mr. Bezenek replied it was a $250,000 purchase for a
machine that would last about 10 years. He detailed that
the Department of Fish and Game would come up with
surveying costs for the first year. He remarked that if the
issue would have been identified sooner it would have been
included in the budget in a different way. He appreciated
the support.
5:11:12 PM
PATRICK MAYER, SUPERINTENDENT, ALEUTIAN EAST BOROUGH SCHOOL
DISTRICT, SAND POINT (via teleconference), thanked the
committee for its continued support of education in Alaska.
He supported school bond debt reimbursement and school
major maintenance. He shared that the funding would enable
districts to improve aging school buildings and ensure
students had a safe school environment. He highlighted the
increase in cost. The district had a structural roof and
foundation repairs to bring it up to ADA compliance. He
thanked the committee for making children a priority.
Vice-Chair Ortiz thanked Mr. Mayer.
5:12:46 PM
CHUCK HOMAN, SELF, EAGLE RIVER (via teleconference),
testified in support of $1.5 million for the Starner Bridge
replacement. The funding for maintaining and repairing the
roads was through local property taxes. He explained that
the taxes were split between road maintenance and capital
projects. He relayed the Starner Bridge was in poor
condition with a rating of three tons. There were concerns
the bridge would be closed by the bridge inspector and the
homes served by the bridge would be completely cut off. He
elaborated that the bridge was currently unsafe for
emergency vehicles. Funding the bridge replacement with
entirely local funds would wipe out the city's capital
projects budget for the year. He relayed that $1 million in
local tax dollars had been approved. He urged the committee
to include the $1.5 million.
5:14:39 PM
JOAN O'KEEFE, UNITED HUMAN SERVICES OF SOUTHEAST ALASKA,
JUNEAU (via teleconference), spoke in support of funding
for the Teal Street center social services hub in Juneau.
She detailed that the center would collocate nine
organizations in a hub to serve seniors, low income
individuals, and people with disabilities. She listed
various tenants. The center would also host providers in a
in a resource room to provide tools including employment
services, mental health education, legal resources, youth
mentoring, housing navigation, and disability access. She
provided additional details about the center. The
investment came at a critical point in the fundraising
effort. She highlighted escalated costs. The total project
had increased to over $10 million. She supported a $3.7
million increment.
5:16:50 PM
BRANDON CALCATERRA, SELF, EAGLE RIVER (via teleconference),
testified in support of $100 million for school major
maintenance and previous funding for school bond debt
reimbursement. He stressed the funding was critical to
ensure students had functional facilities. He thanked the
committee.
5:17:59 PM
JOY BAKER, CITY OF NOME, NOME (via teleconference), spoke
in support of $175 million for the Port of Nome. The
funding was needed to match the $250 million Army Corps
funding that would construct the only Arctic deep draft
port in the country. She spoke to the importance of the
Arctic port. She highlighted the benefits of the port
including food security, environmental safety, scientific
research, national security, and other. The current ability
to meet the needs in the Arctic were currently marginal at
best. She stated there were currently serious limitations
for providing response capacity for spill response and life
safety. She listed additional benefits of the port. She
spoke to developing resilient and stable infrastructure
necessary to support the national security fleet. The
increment was required by the corps. She thanked the
committee.
5:21:10 PM
JULIE DECKER, ALASKA FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION,
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WRANGELL (via teleconference), spoke in
strong support for a $25 million mariculture matching grant
program included in the governor's capital budget. She
discussed that mariculture would benefit Alaska's
communities, environment, and economy. She highlighted it
was an opportunity to grow a new industry. Investing $25
million in state funds was a wise investment that would be
returned to the state through increased economic activity
for years to come. The funds would increase the trajectory
of the industry growth. She reviewed various growth
scenarios that depended on government investment.
5:23:45 PM
SUSANNE MARCHUK, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA CARELINE,
FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), shared that she had been a
part of Careline for 16 years. She shared that Careline had
been a frontline of defense for Alaska's crisis care system
for nearly 20 years offering a statewide resource for
Alaska's most vulnerable. She highlighted the benefits of
the program. The entity was the only designated suicide
lifeline contact center in Alaska. She shared that the
center would begin receiving 988 contacts in July 2022.
Projections predicted nearly 45,000 contracts in FY 23,
which was a substantial increase. She shared that Careline
reduced the burden on law enforcement, EMS, and the
judicial system. She highlighted a lease agreement secured.
She believed it was in the best interest to purchase a
building. She thanked the committee.
5:26:25 PM
LAURA LANN, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in
support of $347,000 for the AWAIC transitional living
renovation project. The project was important to the
community because it provided critical renovation to the
67-bed emergency shelter and 10-bed transitional housing
facilities. She shared that AWAIC was the only provider of
emergency shelter and transitional housing for domestic
violence victims in Anchorage. The funds would address
multiple issues throughout the shelter and transitional
living facilities. She thanked the committee.
5:27:30 PM
JAN CAROLYN HARDY, STATE PRESIDENT, AFSCME, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), supported the proposal for a spending cap,
protection of the Permanent Fund, and energy relief
payments concurrent with the payment of the PFD. She stated
that the budget reversed cuts to human services. She
discussed that public health services had become more
significant and necessary over the past couple of years.
She discussed the need for long-term care for dementia and
Alzheimer's patients. She listed other health related needs
for individuals with developmental disabilities, behavioral
health treatment, substance abuse treatment, and other. She
supported the inclusion of funds for education and school
bond debt reimbursement. She spoke in support of Pre-K and
WWAMI. She spoke in support of funding for the Port of
Alaska. She stated the port was critical to Arctic
commerce. She supported funding for the Port of Nome.
Representative Rasmussen thanked Ms. Hardy's comments in
support of the items.
5:30:49 PM
HEATHER MCCARTY, CENTRAL BEARING SEA FISHERMAN ASSOCIATION,
JUNEAU (via teleconference), spoke in support of $5 million
for the mariculture matching grant program. She highlighted
the original request for the program was $25 million and
she believed it could successfully support continued
mariculture growth and development in Alaska. She requested
an increased amount allocated to the program. She stated
that fully funding the program would provide stability and
potentially for shellfish enhancement. She stated that crab
had suffered over the past several years and was in a
disastrous situation. She provided detail about legislation
that was working to help.
5:33:22 PM
DAVE BRONSON, MAYOR, MUNICIPALITY OF ANCHORAGE, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), testified in support of the Port of
Alaska and deep water Port of Nome. He stressed that the
projects were critical to the prosperity and security of
Alaskans. He stated that the ability to raise federal funds
for the port was directly related to the state funding
secured. He supported the HB 283 increments for the ports.
He stated failing to finance the Port of Alaska, the state
would face a humanitarian crisis if there was a seismic
event. He supported the $200 million appropriation with the
$200 million match for the Port of Anchorage.
Vice-Chair Ortiz asked if a spending plan had already been
submitted in regard to how $200 million would be used.
ROSS RISVOLD, FINANCE OFFICER, CITY OF ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), replied that the $200 million would be
committed funds for the cargo dock 1 and 2 replacements.
The funds would be committed to the $1.1 billion
replacement. The funds would not go to a particular item.
Representative Rasmussen stated the committee had heard
from several other local governments. She believed
Anchorage had contributed funding toward the project. She
asked for the figure.
Mr. Risvold replied that the municipality currently had
$222 million pf funds on hand. The municipality had
requested state funding in the amount of $600 million. The
port was seeking $281 million in federal funds. Anything
short of the State of Alaska request would be made up with
Port of Alaska revenue bonds.
Vice-Chair Ortiz asked if the city had submitted an
application for Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
(IIJA) funds for the project.
Mr. Risvold answered that the plan finance included a
variety of fund sources including Port Infrastructure
Development Grants and RAISE grants in the $25 million
range. The port would also apply for IIJA funds as long as
it qualified.
Vice-Chair Ortiz asked if the port planned to apply for the
IIJA funds but had not yet done so.
Mr. Risvold answered affirmatively. He did not believe
applications were available yet.
Representative Josephson asked for verification that the
$281 million in federal funds was spread over many years.
Mr. Risvold answered that the port had a reasonable
expectation that the $281 million could be spread out over
more than one year.
Representative Josephson wondered how many years.
Mr. Risvold answered that the port needed to have committed
funds in place by 2025 totaling $1.1 billion. The port
would continue to pursue federal funding until that
timeframe and the municipal assembly would have to
authorize revenue bonds if the $1.1 billion had not been
achieved.
5:41:26 PM
SUZI PEARSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ABUSED WOMENS AID IN
CRISIS, requested $347,000 for the AWAIC shelter and
transitional living renovations project. She provided
detail on the project that would allow AWAIC to address
multiple issues in all of the facilities. She relayed there
were additional fund sources being used to support the
project. She thanked the committee.
STEVE WILLIAMS, ALASKA MENTAL HEALTH TRUST AUTHORITY,
JUNEAU, spoke in support of $8 million to stand up crisis
stabilization services in Anchorage. The increment would
enable Alaska to stand up the first 23-hour crisis
stabilization facility in the state. He elaborated on the
benefits of the project. He testified in support of funding
for the Careline, which was the first response to someone
in a behavioral health crisis.
Representative Josephson thought he had seen the number $9
million for the center.
Mr. Williams believed the increment was $8 million but he
was not positive.
Representative Josephson asked where the facility site was
located.
Mr. Williams believed it was the old Alaska Psychiatric
Institute (API) facility off of Piper.
5:45:15 PM
TOM CHARD, ALASKA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION, FAIRBANKS
(via teleconference), requested an addition of $11 million
for behavioral health treatment capacity. He spoke to the
dramatic increase in need during COVID. He reviewed the
benefits of the treatment services. He spoke about
legislation that had authorized the use of 1115 Medicaid
waivers for behavioral health and substance abuse. Capital
funding would help recruit and retain counselors, upgrade
electronic health systems, and other. He thanked the
committee.
5:47:08 PM
MARIYA LOVISHCHUK, THE GLORY HALL, JUNEAU (via
teleconference), testified in support for funding for the
United Human Services on Teal Street Center. She provided
detail on the center. She stated that collocating the
services would move the needle on homelessness. She stated
that homelessness was a problem and difficulty getting to
appropriate resources was a problem. The project would
improve service delivery and was in the right place at the
right time. She thanked the committee.
5:48:34 PM
BRUCE BUSTAMANTE, ANCHORAGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), spoke to the mission to support
growth and success for members and economic strength and
resiliency for Anchorage. He spoke in support of funding
for the Port of Alaska. The current port was beyond
disrepair. The port was the highest priority of the
Anchorage Chamber of Commerce. He spoke to the assets of
the port. He cited a study by the McDowell Group
highlighting the port's critical nature. He supported a
$200 million appropriation and $200 million match.
5:51:20 PM
JERRY JENKINS, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), asked
for additional funding for behavioral health treatment
capacity. He thanked the committee for taking his
testimony.
5:52:03 PM
MORIA SMITH, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), thanked
the committee for including $100 million for school major
maintenance. She thanked the committee for funding school
bond debt reimbursement in the operating budget. She stated
that her son's elementary school was in sore need of
improvements. She thanked the committee.
5:53:21 PM
JULIA LUEY, VOA ALASKA, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
provided information about VOA Alaska that provided
therapeutic services to youths and their families. She
listed attributes of the program. She thanked the
legislature for including $960,000 for VOA's school-based
mental health program. She requested support for behavioral
health treatment capacity. She stated that with the
Medicaid 1115 transformation, providers could not stand up
new service lines without funds. She highlighted the youth
mental health crisis impacting youth in Alaska. She
discussed the large increase in calls and in suicidal
inclination. She provided further detail. She urged the
committee to prioritize youth mental health.
Co-Chair Merrick remarked that she had visited the VOA
facility and had been very impressed.
5:56:29 PM
JESSICA LEONARD, SELF, HOUSTON (via teleconference),
requested the addition of City of Houston capital projects
to the capital budget. She spoke in support of funds of the
local fire station and public works facility. She supported
pathways for the local school, which had been needed for a
long time. She noted dangerous traffic in the area. She
spoke in support of funding for the Bear Paw Park. She
provided detail. She thanked the committee.
Co-Chair Merrick asked who the senator and representatives
were for Houston.
Ms. Leonard did not know.
5:59:10 PM
HALEY JOHNSON, ALASKA TRAILS, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of Alaska trails. She
thanked the legislature for support for the Alaska long
trail in the past. She supported funding for land and water
conservation fund, recreational trails program, fee
stations for state parks, and sanitation and deferred
maintenance funds for state parks. She stressed that state
managed public lands were in dire need of funding for
recreational purposes. She encouraged additional funding
for public use cabins.
6:01:08 PM
DR. GENE QUINN, ALASKA HEART INSTITUTE, ALASKA HEALTH
INFORMATION EXCHANGE, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
shared information about his work with the Alaska Health
Information Exchange. He took care of individuals who had
heart attacks. He did not always have patient's records.
The Health Information Exchange provided a way to transfer
records. He noted there had been a mistake in the budget.
The $6 million had been removed in the Senate because they
thought there was federal COVID relief funding available.
There was not. He was asking for the item to be included in
the budget to fund the Health Information Exchange for the
next two years. He stated the federal government and the
state had put tens of millions of dollars into creating the
infrastructure. He appreciated the committee's
consideration of reinserting the item in the budget, which
was critical infrastructure for Alaska's healthcare system.
Representative Josephson had heard about the funding source
problem. He hoped the issue could be fixed.
Co-Chair Merrick asked if Dr. Quinn was working with
someone in the Senate to offer an amendment on the Senate
floor.
Dr. Quinn referenced lobbyists for the Health Information
Exchange. He relayed there were multiple individuals
working on the issue including the commissioner and Dr.
Anne Zink. He was happy to reach out to someone if he
needed to.
Representative Rasmussen suggested the issue should be
brought to Senator Mia Costello's attention as well.
6:05:57 PM
DONNA ADERHOLD, HOMER CITY COUNCIL, HOMER (via
teleconference), appreciated the $750,000 for a general
investigation study for the harbor's large vessel expansion
project. The funds would match funds the city had already
set aside in addition to federal funds. The city had
outgrown its current harbor. She thanked the legislature
for including full funding for the municipal harbor grant
program. She spoke to the benefits of the program.
6:07:25 PM
ED HENDRICKSON, ANCHORAGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), testified in support of the growth
and support of business. He supported the Port of Alaska.
He detailed that the current port had reached the end of
its life and had experienced severe corrosion. He stressed
the need for urgency. He supported the $200 million
included in HB 283. He stated that the port supported
military operations in Alaska, the Arctic, and the Pacific
Rim. He stressed the importance could not be over
emphasized. He stated failure to act was not an option. He
thanked the committee for its support.
6:09:52 PM
POLLYBETH ODOM, SELF, MAT-SU VALLEY (via teleconference),
asked for support for additional funding for behavioral
health treatment capacity. She had seen an increased need
for services and less money for services needed. She
requested support for AWAIC and the Port of Alaska.
Representative Rasmussen thanked Ms. Odom for calling in
support of the port.
6:11:17 PM
CARL WEISNER, NORTHWEST ARCTIC BOROUGH, KOTZEBUE (via
teleconference), testified in support of a $1.5 million
request for a public safety facilities for the villages of
the Northwest Arctic Borough to store firefighting and
search and rescue equipment in order for communities to
have access to the equipment when needed. He stressed that
outdoor temperatures made things difficult. He shared four
members of a family had lost their lives in a house fire
the previous month. He elaborated that the equipment the
community had been attempting to use had been frozen. He
thanked the committee.
6:12:58 PM
CHRIS MANCULICH, SELF, MAT-SU (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding for the Port of Alaska. He
stated that a catastrophic failure of the current port
would cost the lives of longshoremen would be lost.
Additionally, an even would impact food security. He
supported any money they could get immediately.
Representative Rasmussen asked if the $25 million proposed
in the Senate would be sufficient to meet the needs.
Mr. Manculich answered that he thought the increment was
$200 million.
Representative Rasmussen clarified that the House version
included $200 million with a $200 million match whereas the
Senate version included $25 million with a $25 million
match.
Mr. Manculich answered that $25 million was not sufficient
when talking about a $1.2 billion project. He highlighted
longshoremen had worked at the port during the pandemic
with no plumbing because it had been frozen. He stated
there had been a lot of deferment waiting for funds that
were not there. Without complete funding, the project would
still be in limbo.
6:15:36 PM
CARTER COLE, CITY OF HOUSTON COUNCIL MEMBER, HOUSTON (via
teleconference), thanked the committee for the opportunity
to testify. He was in support of funding highlighted by the
Houston mayor earlier in the meeting. He supported a
project related to natural gas in the community. He shared
that the project plan had originally been driven by
residents, but there was no funding mechanism within the
city to help them. He worked with the third-party gas
supplier have gas costs as reasonable as possible. He
remarked it was rare to find unanimous consent by the
public. The projects were well-supported.
6:17:23 PM
SUZANNE LAFRANCE, ANCHORAGE ASSEMBLY, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of funding for the Port
of Alaska. She discussed that rebuilding the port had been
an ongoing priority for the assembly and of the current and
prior administrations. She supported a request to assist
with repair, design, and modernization. She asked for
continued support for the port. She listed stakeholders who
were united around the plan. She shared that an investment
would help in the pursuit of federal funds and would reduce
the amount borne by most Alaskans through tariffs. She
thanked the committee.
6:19:12 PM
KATIE BETHARD, SEAWOLF HOCKEY ALLIANCE, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in favor of $340,000 for upgrades to
the UAA sports center. She shared information about the
volunteer alliance. She stated that previously the
organization had raised over $3 million through private
donations during COVID to save the hockey team from
elimination. The organization was asking for some state
funding to make improvements to keep spectators and the fan
base safe. The current bleacher situation was unsafe. The
money would go toward the installation of new bleacher
seating and a jumbotron. She thanked the committee for its
time.
6:22:13 PM
GEORGIANA PAGE, HEALTH INFORMATION EXCHANGE, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of funding for the Health
Information Exchange. She provided details about the
exchange and its benefits. She stated that a loss of the
exchange would be a major setback and would place an undue
burden on public health employees and lead to reporting
delays. She stated that the exchange had played a vital
role in COVID test results reporting. She provided further
detail about the operations of the exchange. She asked the
committee to consider the funding.
6:24:34 PM
CARLIN EVANOFF, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of the Health Information Exchange.
The exchange provided point of care access. The exchange
provided care coordination and other serving individual
Alaskans and reducing the overall cost of healthcare in
Alaska. The secure storage of health data would allow for
analysis of healthcare gaps, needs for services, and
allocation of healthcare resources to those needing it the
most. She requested support for the exchange to support
individuals, public health, and pandemic management.
6:26:54 PM
STEVE NERLAND, MIRACLE LEGION BASEBALL, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of a $200,000 request for
Miracle Legion Baseball. He shared information about the
legion. There was seasonal maintenance and the legion paid
umpires. There was no building for the organization, and it
had low operational cost. The funds would go toward working
with matching grants from private organizations for various
fields statewide. He thanked the committee.
6:29:05 PM
NORIA CLARK, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of the Port of Alaska. She thanked
Representative Rasmussen in regard to the Sand Lake Road
study. She remarked on the lights on Sand Lake. She noted
there were safety issues on the road. She thought the
assembly needed to stop wasting the community's money. She
appreciated the state stepping in. She thanked the
committee for its hard work.
6:31:56 PM
TOM ATKINSON, CITY MANAGER, CITY OF KOTZEBUE, KOTZEBUE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of the Cape Blossom Port
and road. He shared that the city had been working on the
port for many years with other regional stakeholders.
Kotzebue was the gateway to 11 villages in the region and
represented about 10,000 residences. The project would help
reduce the cost of goods in the region. He highlighted that
many residents paid prices that were up to 61 percent
higher than Anchorage. He relayed it would be an economic
driver for the region. He provided detail about the current
status of the project. He spoke about an 11.5 mile road out
to the port site. Phase 2 of the road would cost was also a
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities project.
The community had received federal infrastructure funding
in the amount of $27.7 million. The estimates for the road
were between $40 million to $50 million, leaving a
shortfall of $13 or so million. The community had applied
for a federal RAISE grant in addition to another grant. The
port would be the only one above the Arctic Circle. He
hoped the committee would consider support for the project.
6:35:11 PM
JUNE ROGERS, FAIRBANKS CITY COUNCIL, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for a law
enforcement range and training facility. The current
facility was located on the Fairbanks International Airport
property and the rules made basic training difficult. In
2018 law enforcement agencies were notified the range would
be shut down. There was no other firearm range training
facility. A new facility would serve every local, state,
and federal law enforcement agency in Interior Alaska. A
professional training environment was essential. She
thanked the committee.
Co-Chair Merrick asked if the amount requested was $6
million.
Ms. Rogers answered in the affirmative. The estimate for
the range was $16 million and there was an additional $225
in a Department of Environmental Conservation grant to the
Alaska Peace Officers Association for the design of the
facility.
Co-Chair Merrick asked if it would be helpful to receive
half of the $6 million.
Ms. Rogers answered that everything was helpful. She added
that the City of North Pole was looking at the possibility
of donating land. She stated that looking at working
together to move forward was incredibly helpful.
6:38:28 PM
VICTORIA KILDAL, KODIAK AREA NATIVE ASSOCIATION, KODIAK
(via teleconference), asked for additional funding support
for behavioral health treatment capacity. She thanked the
committee.
6:39:04 PM
JOANN RIESELBACH, JUNEAU YOUTH SERVICES (JYS), JUNEAU (via
teleconference), requested $11 million for behavioral
health treatment capacity within the state. She spoke about
the services JYS provided to young people. The program
provided outpatient services and facility services.
Additional funds would enable the organization to increase
its capacity. She elaborated that the funding would allow
providers to better focus on youth crises. The absence of
funding hampered the ability to respond to the crisis. She
spoke to the need for funding for long-term strategic
planning. She thanked the committee.
6:41:56 PM
BRENT FISHER, SELF, JUNEAU (via teleconference), shared
that he worked for JYS. He asked for support for behavioral
health treatment capacity. He thanked the committee.
6:42:40 PM
TIM POTTER, ANCHORAGE SKATES, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), underscored the need for behavioral health
services and facilities to diagnose, treat, and make
headway with the local population. He strongly supported
funding for the Port of Alaska. He stressed that if the
current port failed, the whole state would be in trouble.
He highlighted a request of $650,000 for a year-round
warming facility chalet for Anchorage Skates at the Cuddy
Family Midtown Park in Anchorage. He elaborated that the
park was used by residents and tourists. He had been in an
office located directly next to the park. He stated the
park was a huge benefit for mental health. The chalet would
allow for increased user safety and would help families
with small kids. He thanked the committee for its time.
Representative Josephson thanked Mr. Potter for his
testimony.
6:46:24 PM
RICHARD TULUK, CITY OF CHEVAK, CHEVAK (via teleconference),
testified in support of airport improvement funding for the
Chevak airport. He stated the funding was critical for the
city. Additionally, Chevak was designated as a postal hub
serving six other communities. He spoke to the importance
of addressing the needs of supplies and goods coming into
the airport to meet the needs of economic success for
communities. He discussed it would improve services for
villages around Bethel. He stated that airline companies
would benefit from increased service, and it would benefit
the community. The airport would most importantly help the
City of Chevak when it built a hotel to accommodate
visitors from an ecotourism program. It would also enable
residents to develop small business opportunities. He
thanked the committee.
Co-Chair Merrick CLOSED public testimony.
6:49:28 PM
AT EASE
6:54:22 PM
RECONVENED
Co-Chair Merrick noted the meeting would adjourn.
HB 283 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
ADJOURNMENT
7:20:19 PM
The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| SB 20 TeacherCert_Reciprocity Research Dept.Defense Military Spouses.pdf |
HFIN 5/4/2022 1:30:00 PM |
SB 20 |
| SB 20 TeacherCert_Reciprocity Research ECS policy resources 3.19.2021.pdf |
HFIN 5/4/2022 1:30:00 PM |
SB 20 |
| SB 20 TeacherCert_Reciprocity Sectional version W.pdf |
HFIN 5/4/2022 1:30:00 PM |
SB 20 |
| SB 20 TeacherCert-Reciprocity Summary of Changes Version G to W.pdf |
HFIN 5/4/2022 1:30:00 PM |
SB 20 |
| SB 20 TeacherCert_Reciprocity Sponsor Statement.pdf |
HFIN 5/4/2022 1:30:00 PM |
SB 20 |
| HB183 Amendments 1-2 050322.pdf |
HFIN 5/4/2022 1:30:00 PM |
HB 183 |