Legislature(1999 - 2000)
04/15/1999 06:07 PM Senate FIN
| Audio | Topic |
|---|
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
MINUTES
SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE
April 15, 1999
6:06 PM
TAPES
SFC-99 # 92, Side A and Side B
93, Side A and Side B
94, Side A and Side B
95, Side A and Side B
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Sean Parnell convened the meeting at approximately
6:06 PM
PRESENT
Senator Sean Parnell, Senator John Torgerson, Senator Randy
Phillips, Senator Dave Donley, Senator Loren Leman, Senator
Gary Wilken, Senator Al Adams, Senator Pete Kelly and
Senator Lyda Green.
Also Attending:
Witnesses are listed in the minutes in the order they
testified.
SUMMARY INFORMATION
SENATE BILL NO. 30
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and
loan program expenses of state government, for certain
programs, and to capitalize funds; making
appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution
of the State of Alaska, from the constitutional budget
reserve fund; and providing for an effective date."
HOUSE BILL NO. 31
"An Act making an appropriation for construction and
renovation of the University of Alaska, Anchorage
Consortium Library Facility; and providing for an
effective date."
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 50(FIN)(brf sup maj fld)
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and
loan program expenses of state government, for certain
programs, and to capitalize funds; and providing for
an effective date."
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 51(FIN)
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and
capital expenses of the state's integrated
comprehensive mental health program; and providing for
an effective date."
The committee heard public testimony on the FY00 Operating
Budget. Co-Chair Sean Parnell requested speakers limit
their testimony to one minute. He suggested written
testimony could be faxed to the committee co-chairs
offices.
LEA TOMLISON (no spelling given for last name) testified
via teleconference from Craig. She spoke to the municipal
assistance matter.
Co-Chair Sean Parnell noted that the Senate Finance
Committee had not yet addressed the subject of municipal
assistance or revenue sharing. They would be taking the
matter up during the Monday meeting.
DENNIS (no last name given) testified via teleconference
from Craig. He touched on the municipal assistance and the
Department of Fish and Game budget - specifically the raw
fish tax.
The following testimony exclusively addressed the municipal
assistance and revenue sharing unless otherwise noted.
PAULA BURGNER, Member of Pelican City Council, testified
via teleconference from Pelican.
LOUISA WHITMARSH, L.I.O. teleconference operator, testified
via teleconference from Pelican.
UNKNOWN SPEAKER testified via teleconference from Yakutat.
He also spoke about municipal assistance.
Co-Chair Sean Parnell called upon testifiers from Eagle and
Nenana but received no response.
GINNY TIERNEY, Member, City Council of Thorne Bay,
testified via teleconference from Thorne Bay.
IMOGENE GARDNER, Mayor, City of Clark's Point, testified
via teleconference from Clark's Point
SHARON CLARK, City Administrator, Clark's Point, testified
via teleconference from Clark's Point. She spoke of the
lowered tax base from the raw fish tax and the need for the
municipal assistance. She also supported funding for the
University of Alaska.
WALT WREDE, Manager, Lake and Peninsula Borough, testified
via teleconference from King Salmon.
JEFF COURIER, Manager, Bristol Bay Borough, testified via
teleconference from King Salmon.
ELSIE VENT, testified via teleconference from Huslia
JERRY CLAY, City Clerk, City of Newhalen, testified via
teleconference from Newhalen.
GEORGE HORNBERGER, Member, Newhalen City Council, testified
via teleconference from Newhalen.
ROCKY JAMES, City Manager, City of Fort Yukon, testified
via teleconference from Fort Yukon.
PAT MCDONALD, Manager, City of Coffman Cove, testified via
teleconference from Coffman Cove.
ELIZABETH MOSENTHIN testified via teleconference from
Coffman Cove.
Pat McDonald had additional comments on the same topic of
municipal assistance.
PAUL PANAMAROFF, Vice Mayor, City of Ouzinkie testified via
teleconference from Ouzinkie.
MAXINE THOMPSON, Mayor, City of Angoon, testified via
teleconference from Angoon.
PETER MCCLUSKEY, JR., Tribal Council, testified via
teleconference from Angoon.
FOREST GRAHM SR. (no name spelling given), small business
owner, testified via teleconference from Angoon.
MARLENE ZUBACK (no spelling given), Executive Director,
testified via teleconference from Angoon.
GENEVEVE THOMPSON (unverified last name) testified via
teleconference from Angoon.
Tape: SFC - 99 #92, Side B 6:53 PM
HARRY WILD, Mayor, Mountain Village, testified via
teleconference from Mountain Village.
PAUL NELSON, Member, Haines Planning and Zoning Assistance,
testified via teleconference from Haines. In addition to
speaking of the need for municipal assistance he suggested
eliminating waste in state government. **
Co-Chair Sean Parnell noted that the property tax exemption
bill was introduced today in the Senate. Senator Dave
Donley thanked the testifier for offering alternatives to
the budget situation.
GEORGE SHELIKOFF testified via teleconference from
Grayling.
BARBARA MACMANUS, Mayor, City of Ambler, testified via
teleconference from Ambler. In addition to revenue sharing
and municipal assistance, the city needed funding for other
programs such as the BPO.
DAVID WALTNER, City Manager, City of Aniak, testified via
teleconference from Aniak.
LUTHER NAGARUK, testified via teleconference from Elim. He
suggested using funds the state had "in the bank" to
balance the budget. He also addressed the need for
municipal assistance.
ALMA BODFISH, Vice Mayor, City of Wainwright, testified via
teleconference from Wainwright.
UNKNOWN SPEAKER (female) testified via teleconference from
Wainwright.
UNKNOWN SPEAKER (female) testified via teleconference from
Wainwright.
MURIEL (no last name given) testified via teleconference
from Wainwright spoke to the crowding in jails.
FELIX WALKER, Mayor, City of Scammon Bay, testified via
teleconference from Scammon Bay.
DONNA WILLIAMS, Mayor, City of Klawock, testified via
teleconference from Klawock.
BOB KNIGHT testified via teleconference from Nenana.
BOB (no last name given) testified via teleconference from
Nenena.
JOANNE HAWKINS, Assembly Member, City of Nenana, testified
via teleconference from Nenana.
GARY STEVENS, Mayor, Kodiak Island Borough, testified via
teleconference from Kodiak.
CAROLYN FLOYD, Mayor, City of Kodiak, testified via
teleconference from Kodiak.
DAVE JONES, Director of Finance, Kodiak Island School
District, testified via teleconference from Kodiak. In
addition to speaking in favor of municipal assistance, he
recommended the Legislature discontinue the five-year
budget reduction plan.
MIKE MILLIGAN, representing himself, testified via
teleconference from Kodiak. He noted that Kodiak like other
Alaskan towns had industries that contributed to the
general fund. He spoke in favor of funding for the
University of Alaska.
Co-Chair Sean Parnell noted that for unknown reasons, the
community of Bethel was not included in the public
testimony during the House Finance Committee budget
hearings. He wanted to ensure that they were given a voice
at this meeting.
AGNES PHILLIPS, Mayor, City of Bethel, testified via
teleconference from Bethel.
BOB HERRON, City Manager, City of Bethel, testified via
teleconference from Bethel.
BILL COUMBE, Mayor, City of Whittier, testified via
teleconference from Whittier.
Tape: SFC - 99 #92, Side A 7:40 PM
Bill Coumbe continued.
PAT PAVILLA testified via teleconference from Tuntatuliak.
After stressing the need for municipal assistance, he spoke
to the importance of University of Alaska funding for
community colleges. He then commented on the cuts to the
Power Cost Equalization program. He suggested cutting
legislative and administrative salaries.
UNKNOWN SPEAKER (male) testified via teleconference from
Tuntatuliak. He spoke to the Power Cost Equalization
program and to University of Alaska funding.
ANGEE ASELTINE, affiliated with an organization that
assisted disabled people, testified via teleconference from
Soldotna. She had concerns about cuts to mental health
programs and potential reductions to the permanent fund.
Senator Pete Kelly commented on the legislative raise.
Five years ago there had been an amendment to attach the
rates to the federal employee rates. They rose and fell,
but the media only reported the rises. Senator Dave Donley
added that the rates were set by the federal government and
the Legislature had no control over the amounts.
Angee Aseltine apologized for offending legislators. She
still felt they made much more money than she did.
Co-Chair Sean Parnell assured her she did not offend any
members of the committee. He noted that members of his
staff had taken leave without pay to help with the budget
shortfall.
GAIL IGO testified via teleconference from Anchorage about
cuts to the foster care system.
MIKE KEECH, Representing the Foster Care in Alaska,
testified via teleconference from Anchorage about the need
for assistance for the foster care system. He supported a
sales tax.
ELOISE JOSEPH testified via teleconference from Anchorage
in opposition to cuts the Medicaid.
AGNES JOSEPH testified via teleconference from Anchorage.
She encouraged the best care should be given to children.
MICHAEL TAVELLA representing the community schools program,
testified via teleconference from Anchorage. He opposed
elimination of funding for the community schools programs.
He supported full funding for the University of Alaska.
ALISON ARIANS, Resident of South Anchorage, testified via
teleconference from Anchorage. She urged the committee to
reconsider elimination of the Division of Lands lands
programs.
JAN SCHWARTZ testified via teleconference from Anchorage
against the Division of Lands budget cuts.
KATHERINE MEANS, Employee of the Division of Lands,
Department of Natural Resources, testified via
teleconference from Anchorage against the budget cuts to
the division.
ART ARIANS, testified via teleconference from Anchorage. He
recommended the state reimpose the income tax and make
reductions to the permanent fund dividends.
ROCKY PLOTNICK, Alaska Health Education Consortium,
testified via teleconference from Anchorage. She spoke
about the tobacco settlement funds.
RICK MYSTROM, Mayor, Municipality of Anchorage, testified
via teleconference from Anchorage. He spoke of the need for
municipal assistance and revenue sharing.
Senator Randy Phillips commented that he hoped the mayor
was directing his criticisms at the House Finance Committee
since that was the group who proposed eliminating the
municipal assistance.
JENNIFER SMENUD, Student, University of Alaska-Anchorage,
testified via teleconference from Anchorage in support of
funding for the university system.
MEGAN HALL, Student, University of Alaska-Anchorage,
testified via teleconference from Anchorage against budget
cuts to the University of Alaska.
RANDI BINION-OLSON, Student, University of Alaska-
Anchorage, testified via teleconference from Anchorage in
support of funding for the university system.
Co-Chair Sean Parnell pointed out that the total University
of Alaska funding request was more than FY99. The
subcommittee added federal funds. The total University of
Alaska budget was higher. He did not say there were not
needs.
MARILYN WILSON, Student, University of Alaska, testified
via teleconference from Dillingham in support of full
funding for the University of Alaska.
MIKE DAVIS testified via teleconference from Dillingham.
He was concerned about cuts to the Power Cost Equalization
program. He suggested tax increases.
CATHERINE FLAVIN testified via teleconference from
Dillingham. She registered her concerns about the
Legislature's proposed use of the tobacco tax and tobacco
settlement revenues. She also encouraged full funding for
the University of Alaska.
CRISTY WILLER-TILDEN testified via teleconference from
Dillingham against the proposed cuts to alcohol abuse
programs.
Tape: SFC - 99 #93, Side B 8:27PM
CHRISTINA SASAKI testified via teleconference from
Dillingham. She opposed cuts to the municipal assistance
programs, the University of Alaska and alcohol abuse
programs.
MARGARET WOOD testified via teleconference from Dillingham.
She had an interest in seeing the University of Alaska
receiving full funding.
HANK HOVE, Mayor, Fairbanks North Star Borough, testified
via teleconference from Fairbanks. He spoke to the need for
municipal assistance and revenue sharing. He suggested a
statewide sales tax.
DAN MASODA, Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly,
testified via teleconference from Fairbanks. He testified
about a resolution for expanding state revenues.
GARA BRIDWELL, Fairbanks Chapter Coalition, testified via
teleconference from Fairbanks and talked about child
development and childcare.
JAMIE PARRISH, General Council, University of Alaska,
testified via teleconference from Fairbanks, in support of
funding for the University of Alaska.
JAKE POOLE, Executive Director, University of Alaska Alumni
Association, testified via teleconference from Fairbanks
also in support of funding for the University of Alaska.
CRAIG HUGHES, Parent of children in daycare, testified via
teleconference from Fairbanks. He spoke in opposition of
reductions to the childcare grant program.
MARTA MUELLER, Alumni, University of Alaska-Fairbanks,
testified via teleconference from Fairbanks and spoke to
the importance of full funding for the university.
KRISTIN VERNOLA, Program Manager, testified via
teleconference from Mat-Su. She talked about the need for
new families programs support.
CATHY BALDWIN-JOHNSON, Doctor and Medical Director,
testified via teleconference from Mat-Su about the
importance of early childhood intervention programs.
MARGART VOLTZ, Program Director, testified via
teleconference from Mat-Su in support of the Health
Families Dual Track program.
KATHY JUTILA, Client and resident, Nugent Ranch, testified
via teleconference from Mat-Su. Her comments addressed the
drug and alcohol abuse programs in Alaska.
CAROL TAYLOR, School Nurse, testified via teleconference
from Mat-Su in support of using tobacco settlement funds
for prevention programs.
ROBERT HALL testified via teleconference from Mat-Su. He
spoke about the high rate of child abuse in the state and
the need for additional staff to investigate reports of
abuse. He urged support of the Dual Track program.
MICHAEL HANDRICKS testified via teleconference from Mat-Su,
commending the Nugent ranch.
BARBARA CADDEN testified via teleconference from Mat-Su.
She spoke about tobacco prevention programs.
HOWARD DELKETTIE testified via teleconference from Mat-Su.
He urged funds not be cut from alcohol treatment and mental
health programs.
PAUL GONZALES testified via teleconference from Mat-Su and
asked the committee to not cut funding for alcohol
treatment programs.
JEFF JAQUES, Recovering Alcoholic and Resident, Nugent
Ranch testified via teleconference from Mat-Su. He
suggested an income tax be imposed to cover the costs of
alcohol treatment programs.
PAT ARNOLD testified via teleconference from Homer and
thanked the committee for continued support for disabled
adult services programs.
SCOT WHEAT, National Alliance of the Mentally Ill-Homer,
testified via teleconference from Homer. He urged use of
the tobacco settlement funds for prevention of mental
illness programs.
LARRY MILLER testified via teleconference from Kenai.
DUANE BANNOCK, City of Kenai, testified via teleconference
from Kenai in support of municipal assistance.
JANET MILLER testified via teleconference from Kenai. She
opposed cuts to the municipal assistance programs.
CLINTON MOTT, Employee, Department of Transportation and
Public Facilities, testified via teleconference from Kenai.
He was concerned about cuts to the department budget and
employee pay cuts. He opposed cuts to the permanent fund
and recommended a state income tax.
MARGARET WRIGHT testified via teleconference from Kotzebue
about revenues from the tobacco tax and the need to fund
prevention programs.
Co-Chair Sean Parnell pointed out that the budget at this
time directed all funds to be used in the cost of treatment
of smoking related costs such as Medicaid.
Tape: SFC - 99 #94, Side A 9:14 PM
BONNIE HARDY testified via teleconference from Anchorage.
She spoke in favor of funding for community schools
programs.
NICOLE KIMBALL testified via teleconference from Anchorage.
She urged reinstatement of funding for the Division of
Lands.
ELAINE DALGREN, Director of an organization that treated
substance abuse, testified via teleconference from
Anchorage. She requested the committee reconsider cuts to
alcohol treatment programs.
HAYDEN GREEN, Dean, University of Alaska-Anchorage,
testified via teleconference from Anchorage. He was in
support of funding for the university.
GEORGE GEISTAUTS, Professor, University of Alaska-
Anchorage, testified via teleconference from Anchorage
recommending the committee fully fund the university.
MARY ROSENZWEIG, Executive Director, Substance Abuse
Treatment Association, testified via teleconference from
Anchorage. She asked for reconsideration of cuts to the
substance abuse treatment programs.
LEE GORSUCH, University of Alaska-Anchorage, testified via
teleconference from Anchorage in support of funding for the
University of Alaska.
LEE COURTNEY, Professor of Management Information Systems,
University of Alaska-Anchorage, testified via
teleconference from Anchorage. He spoke of the importance
of funding the university.
DENNIS DRINKA, Professor, University of Alaska-Anchorage,
testified via teleconference from Anchorage in opposition
to cuts to university funding.
VIC FISCHER, former Alaska State Senator, testified via
teleconference from Anchorage, in opposition to budget cuts
to children's programs and the University of Alaska.
KEN BOZE, University of Alaska, testified via
teleconference from Anchorage in support of funding for the
university. He was opposed to an individual income tax.
SUE SAMET, Chairman of the Board, testified via
teleconference from Anchorage. She understood why the board
was not funded in the past and she told of actions taken by
the board to increase the number of children they reviewed.
CHRISTIE MCINTIRE, Executive Director, American Lung
Association of Alaska, testified via teleconference from
Anchorage. She urged the committee to use monies from the
tobacco settlement for prevention programs.
DARRYL WOOD, Assistant Professor, University of Alaska-
Anchorage, testified via teleconference from Anchorage
about the need for increased funding for the university.
MICHAEL EVANS testified via teleconference from Anchorage
on behalf of foster care. He asked what happened to the
mental health trust and why funds weren't used to help the
mentally ill. He also wondered why tobacco settlement funds
weren't used for prevention programs.
Co-Chair Sean Parnell noted that Senator Randy Phillips
volunteered to answer those questions. Co-Chair Sean
Parnell repeated his comments about the current
appropriation of tobacco settlement funds to treatment
programs. He anticipated amendments to add prevention
programs.
DEBORAH HEEBNER testified via teleconference from Anchorage
about the Division of Lands proposed budget cuts.
JENNY MURREY, American Cancer Society, testified via
teleconference from Anchorage. She spoke about the need to
spend the tobacco settlement funds on prevention programs.
HEATHER STRAIT testified via teleconference from Glennallen
about the municipal matching grants and revenue sharing
programs.
JAMES VANHORN, Member of Ketchikan Gateway Borough
Assembly, testified via teleconference from Ketchikan in
support of the municipal assistance programs.
JACK SHAY, Ketchikan Gateway Borough, testified via
teleconference from Ketchikan also urging the committee to
fund the municipal assistance programs.
SUE ASPLUND, Executive Director, testified via
teleconference from Cordova. She urged the department to
reconsider proposed cuts to the Department of Fish and
Game, commercial fishing programs.
STAN FILLER, Mayor, City and Borough of Sitka, testified
via teleconference from Sitka. He spoke of the need for
municipal assistance and revenue sharing. He recommended a
sales tax and a cap on the permanent fund dividend.
JOHN HOLST, Superintendent of Schools, Sitka School
District, testified via teleconference from Sitka.
ALICE JOHNSTONE, Legislative Liaison, Alaska Board On
Alcohol and Drug Abuse, testified via teleconference from
Sitka about the need for funding for treatment programs.
SYLVIA WARD, Northern Alaska Center for the Environment,
testified via teleconference from Fairbanks. She urged
support for the Division of Lands programs. She opposed use
of the principal of the permanent fund. She urged the
elimination of wasteful and unwanted projects.
Tape: SFC - 99 #94, Side B 10:02 PM
NEAL MATSON, Board Member, American Cancer Society,
testified via teleconference from Fairbanks. He wanted one-
third of the revenues from the tobacco settlement and tax
to be used for prevention projects. He opposed using the
principal of the permanent fund.
TERRY SOLOMON testified via teleconference from Fairbanks,
in support of using the tobacco revenues for prevention
programs. She also spoke of a need for drug and alcohol
treatment facilities in her community. She supported
funding the University of Alaska.
DIANA CAMPBELL, Tanana Chiefs Council, testified via
teleconference from Fairbanks, asking the committee to
spend tobacco revenues on prevention programs.
THERESA LYONS, Alaska Nurses Association, testified via
teleconference from Fairbanks. She requested the committee
refrain from cutting the Department of Health and Social
Services.
MARIE SIMMONS, Member, Governor's Council, testified via
teleconference from Fairbanks. She was concerned about cuts
to the Medicaid budget.
V. MUNDT, Planning and Economic Development, Tanana Chiefs
Council, testified via teleconference from Fairbanks. She
supported the municipal assistance program. She also
supported funding for the BPOs.
Co-Chair Sean Parnell noted the committee introduced a bill
to provide more money for additional VPO and had
encountered considerable opposition. They needed help in
reducing the administrative costs.
V. Mundt offered to address the issue in further detail and
make suggestions during her planned visit to the capital.
HAL MEYER, Division of Lands, testified via teleconference
from Fairbanks. He detailed the mission and the
accomplishments of the division.
NANCY WEBB, Member, Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly,
testified via teleconference from Fairbanks. She spoke
against the cuts made in the House of Representatives to
the municipal assistance program.
Co-Chair Sean Parnell encouraged municipal officers to
chose a spokesperson to convey their message.
BRUCE DEXTER, Graduate, Alaska Vocational Technical Center,
testified in person in support funding for the school.
CHERYL EDENSHAW, Alaska Vocational Technical Center,
testified in person asking the committee to restore funds
to the school.
TIA WAKOLEE, Housing Officer, single mother and Graduate of
the Alaska Vocational Technical Center testified in person.
She urged support of the center.
DENNIS EGAN, Mayor, City and Borough of Juneau, and Chair,
Southeast Alaska Mayors Conference, testified in person. He
spoke of the need for municipal assistance and revenue
sharing.
DON DAPCEVICH, Advisory Board on Alcohol and Drug Abuse,
testified in person. He voiced concerns about loss of
funding for treatment programs.
PAM WATTS, Chemical Dependency Division, City and Borough
of Juneau, testified in person. She also spoke of the need
to reduce cuts the treatment programs. She noted that cuts
to municipal assistance grants and revenue assistance
programs would affect these programs.
STEVE KEPPEL testified via teleconference from Mat-Su. He
talked about alcohol and drug abuse programs.
BRIDGET MCIVER, Greater Palmer Youth Coordinator, Teens
Against Tobacco Abuse, testified via teleconference from
Mat-Su.
ANDREW ROBINSON, Resident, Nugent Ranch, testified via
teleconference from Mat-Su against cuts to treatment
centers.
REGINA HILEMAN, Resident, Nugent Ranch, testified via
teleconference from Mat-Su. She asked that the committee
not make cuts to the center.
VALERIE BAFFONE testified via teleconference from
Anchorage. She addressed the Department of Transportation
and Public Facilities maintenance projects asking them to
be funded. She encouraged use of the permanent fund for
state operations.
LEANIER INNERCHILD, Mental Health Advocate, testified via
teleconference from Anchorage. She requested full funding
for mental health programs.
JAN MACCLARENCE, Budget Chair, Alaska Mental Health Board,
testified via teleconference from Anchorage in opposition
to proposed cuts to Medicaid. She was also concerned about
reductions to substance abuse programs.
CHERYL MANN, Chair, Advisory Board on Alcohol and Drug
Abuse, testified via teleconference from Anchorage. She
urged reconsideration of funding for treatment programs.
ROBERT GALEA testified via teleconference from Anchorage.
He was against the budget cuts to the Division of Alcohol
and Drug Abuse.
Tape: SFC - 99 #95, Side A 10:49 PM
GEORGE HIERONYMUS, Director, Beans Caf , testified via
teleconference from Anchorage, in support of funding for
the medical assistance programs for the indigent. He urged
the committee to oppose HB 126.
JILL GATES, American Cancer Society, testified via
teleconference from Anchorage. She recommended funding for
tobacco prevention programs.
ROSALIE NADAEU testified via teleconference from Anchorage.
She testified about statistics on sexual assault and
relationships to alcohol and drug abuse.
JANICE TOWER testified via teleconference from Anchorage.
She testified about alcohol and drug abuse in relation to
children.
JOE DIMATTEO testified via teleconference from Anchorage in
support of funding for substance abuse treatment programs.
Senator Pete Kelly requested enforcement of the time limit
of testimony.
COLE SONAFRANK testified via teleconference from Fairbanks
in opposition of revenue sharing and municipal assistance.
PAM KARALERNAS testified via teleconference from Fairbanks.
She spoke of the need for child abuse prevention.
TIM BECK testified via teleconference from Fairbanks.
LAURA BUSH, Fairbanks Healthy Families, testified via
teleconference from Fairbanks. She urged funding for the
program.
ANDY HARRINGTON testified via teleconference from
Fairbanks. He asked for full funding of 23 staff positions
for the Division of Family and Youth Services. He supported
healthy families and substance abuse treatment programs.
DAVID KARALUNAS testified via teleconference from
Fairbanks. He felt the Legislature thought there was a
public mandate to cut the budget, which he opposed.
ROGER JENKINS, Administrator, City of Nikolai, testified
via teleconference from Anchorage. He spoke to the need for
revenue sharing.
BILL BOWENS testified via teleconference from Anchorage
about a tobacco cessation program.
LINDA MYERS testified via teleconference from Anchorage.
She referred to a letter she received from Representative
Jeanette James about the use of the tobacco settlement.
Linda Myers wanted the funds used for prevention. She
addressed the recent legislative pay raises.
DARLEEN BELTZ testified via teleconference from Anchorage
about the need for tobacco prevention programs. She also
spoke against the overall budget cuts.
HEATHER BELTZ, Twelve-year old, testified via
teleconference from Anchorage in support of tobacco
prevention programs.
DON VALESKO testified via teleconference from Anchorage. He
asked the committee to think before they cut the budget.
BRAD TUCK, Economist and Professor, University of Alaska-
Anchorage, testified via teleconference from Anchorage in
support of funding for the university. He pointed out that
it was not possible to balance the budget simply by
cutting. Revenues would have to be raised.
JOYCE KITKA, Community Schools Supervisor, testified in
person. She thanked the committee for the funding the
community schools program.
ROSEMARY HAGEVIG, Executive Director, Catholic Community
Services, testified in person. She supported funding for
the Healthy Families program.
BILL LEGERE, KTOO/Public Broadcasting, testified in person.
He thanked the committee for reinstating funding for public
broadcasting.
Senator Loren Leman appreciated the testimony in favor of
some of the committee's actions.
KAREN ELLIOTT, National Council on Alcoholism, testified in
person. She spoke of the need for funding for treatment
programs.
DAVE PALMER, City Manager, City and Borough of Juneau,
testified in person. He addressed the proposed cuts to
municipal assistance and revenue sharing.
DAVID JACKSON, University of Alaska-Southeast, Student
Council, testified in person. He supported funding for
public broadcasting and the University of Alaska. He felt
it was time to cap the permanent fund and impose income and
sales taxes.
JOSH HORST, Student Government President, University of
Alaska-Southeast, testified in person for full funding for
the university.
HEATHER PAIGE, Student, University of Alaska testified in
person.
Senator Loren Leman asked the witness how the University of
Alaska-Southeast compared to Brown University. Heather
Paige felt the students at UAS were just as enthusiastic,
if not as "book smart". The classes were smaller and she
liked the community of Juneau.
Tape: SFC - 99 #95, Side B 11:36 PM
Senator Pete Kelly wanted to stress that the university was
paid for by development of resources. He was discouraged
when students testified against development legislation.
Co-Chair Sean Parnell announced there would be no meeting
the next day or Saturday. Amendments would be due by 5:00
PM. The committee would hear bills Monday morning at 9:00
AM and start with the operating budget at 10:00 AM. He
told the members to plan to meet both Monday and Tuesday
evenings.
ADJOURNED
Senator Parnell adjourned the meeting at 11:39 PM.
SFC-99 (19) 4/15/99
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|