Legislature(1999 - 2000)
04/19/1999 10:25 AM Senate FIN
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
MINUTES SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE April 19, 1999 10:25 A.M. TAPES SFC-99 #97, Side A & Side B SFC-99 #98, Side A & Side B CALL TO ORDER Co-Chair Parnell reconvened the meeting at approximately 10:25 A.M. PRESENT Co-Chair Parnell, Senators John Torgerson, Randy Phillips, Dave Donley, Loren Leman, Gary Wilken, Al Adams and Lyda Green. Also Attending: SENATOR DRUE PEARCE; SENATOR JONNY ELLIS; DAVID TEAL, Director, Division of Legislative Finance; BARBARA FRANK, Director, Division of Administration Services, Department of Environmental Conservation; DOUG MECUM, Director, Division of Commercial Fisheries, Department of Fish and Game. SUMMARY INFORMATION SB 83-SUPPLEMENTAL/CAPITAL APPROPS HB 50-OPERATING BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS HB 51-MENTAL HEALTH APPROPRIATIONS Co-Chair Parnell convened the Senate Finance Committee meeting, outlining the schedule for hearing of amendments on the operating budget. He commented that the Committee would begin working on the amendments from the Department of Commerce and Economic Development. He advised that if the funding source was not specified in the amendment, the amendment would be treated as general fund dollars. The Senate closeout reports will be adjusted for any position count changes. Additionally, the Committee will direct the Division of Legislative Legal and Legislative Finance to make any technical adjustments to the bill upon completion. Senator Adams noted that the spreadsheets were difficult to read and requested that Legislative Finance Division reprint and provide cut sheets. Co-Chair Parnell stated it would be possible for Legislative Finance to provide a component summary. Co-Chair explained that the work draft, version K, incorporated HB 50, the entire Front Section with no changes made and included the subcommittee reports to the back section. HOUSE BILL NO. 50 "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. 17c, Constitution of the State of Alaska, from the constitutional budget reserve fund; and providing for an effective date." CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 50(FIN) "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. 17c, Constitution of the State of Alaska, from the constitutional budget reserve fund; 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." Co-Chair Parnell called the Committee back to order. Co- Chair Torgerson MOVED SCS CSHB 50(FIN) work draft version "K". There being NO OBJECTION, it was adopted. DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION Co-Chair Parnell explained the first set of amendments were to the Department of Administration. It was his intent to skip to the Department of Commerce and Economic Development. He noted that the Department of Administration amendments would be addressed last. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DCED #1. The amendment would reduce the amount paid to the foreign contractor personnel who act as the field office liaison in Japan and Korea in the amount of $71,500 dollars. Senator Donley MOVED DCED #1 on behalf of Representative Cowdry. Senator Green OBJECTED. Senator Green explained that because of the proposed reductions and changes for the millenium plan bill, financial support be continued for this component. Senator Adams said he supported the addition of the $71,000 dollars. He stressed the need to continue to diversify the State's economy. He noted that 50% of our exports go to these two countries. Senator Wilken questioned if the issue was "money" or the fact that there had not been a competitive bid put out. Senator Donley commented that Representative Cowdry was concerned about the competitive process. He understood that the cut would not eliminate the Japanese and Korean office, but instead reduce the amount to the Senate budget. In response to Senator Green, Co-Chair Parnell pointed out the second page of the amendment which illustrated the allocation reduction. He commented that it was not Representative Cowdry's intent to "shut down" the Alaskan presence in these foreign countries, but rather to make them competitively bid contracts. Co-Chair voiced support for the amendment. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Parnell, Torgerson, Donley, Leman, Wilken, P. Kelly, Green, Phillips OPPOSED: Wilken, Adams, Green The MOTION PASSED (6-3). DCED #2. The amendment would add $40 thousand dollars to the Banking, Securities and Corporations component. Senator Adams MOVED to adopt DCED #2. Co-Chair Torgerson OBJECTED. Co-Chair Parnell advised that any increase to general fund receipts will be considered an increase to total spending. Senator Green commented that the amendment would not allow for any new hire and that there was room for flexibility in the Division. Senator Donley asked if user fees were charged for travel expenses. Senator Adams responded that this amendment would provide contract services for the banking institute in order to meet with the Department of Law. Senator Donley agreed that this was a difficult area. He recommended that some of the program receipts should be placed in a different category. The Division of Insurance also has the same problems. The way it is written makes it seem as thought the State is spending money rather than taking it in. Co-Chair Parnell agreed, pointing out that there are several sections of the budget similar to that. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Adams OPPOSED: Wilken, P. Kelly, Leman, Phillips, Donley, Green, Torgerson, Parnell The MOTION FAILED (1-8). DCED #3. The amendment would add $114 thousand dollars to the Banking, Securities and Corporations component of the Department's budget. Senator Adams MOVED to adopt DCEC #3. Senators Torgerson and Senator Green OBJECTED. Senator Adams explained that the component would add extra funds for a security examiner. Without this position, there will be no routine examination of investment advice. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Adams OPPOSED: Wilken, P. Kelly, Phillips, Donley, Leman, Green, Torgerson, Parnell The MOTION FAILED (1-8). DCED #4. The amendment would add $233.8 thousand general fund dollars to the Trade and Development component in the Executive Administration and Development BRU. Senator Adams MOVED to adopt DCED #4. Co-Chair Torgerson and Green OBJECTED. Senator Adams emphasized that this was the #1 priority for the Department. Senator Green responded that business specialist already occupy these positions. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Adams OPPOSED: Leman, P. Kelly, Phillips, Donley, Wilken, Green, Parnell, Torgerson The MOTION FAILED (1-8). At 10:55 A.M., Co-Chair Parnell recessed the Senate Finance Committee meeting until 1:00 P.M. (Tape SFC-99 #97, Side A, Log #316.) Co-Chair Parnell reconvened the Committee at 1:20 p.m. All members were present. HOUSE BILL NO. 51 "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." 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." SENATE CS FOR 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." Co-Chair Parnell advised members that it was important to adopt the Mental Health draft to which some amendments had been written to. Co-Chair Torgerson MOVED to adopt SCS CSHB 51(FIN) work draft version "B". There being NO OBJECTION, it was adopted. DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL AFFAIRS DCRA #1. Co-Chair Torgerson MOVED to adopt DCRA #1. Co- Chair Parnell explained that this was a PCE program amendment change. The House left $17 million dollars of funds in reserve, however, that amount was not remaining in that fund. The amendment would take that number down to $4.180 million dollars, which is the amount currently available in that fund. Senator Adams OBJECTED, that there was no long-range plan. He suggested that SB 157 was available to use as a vehicle. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Parnell, Torgerson, Donley, Leman, Wilken, P. Kelly, Green, Phillips OPPOSED: Adams The MOTION PASSED (8-1). Co-Chair Parnell HELD amendments DCRA #2 through DCRA #6. DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS Corrections #1. The amendment would add $1.827 million dollars to the Out-of-State Contracts for the Department. Senator Adams MOVED Corrections #4. Co-Chair Torgerson OBJECTED. Senator Adams explained that the amendment would increase the number of out-of-state beds by one hundred. Co-Chair Parnell advised that he opposed any amendments that would increase the bed count. He stated that he had been working closely with Commissioner Pugh regarding the concern and that he had advised her to reevaluate the proposed numbers since the prison population is decreasing. Senator Adams questioned the notion that the prison population is declining. Senator Phillips asked if he could amend Corrections #1 to include amendments Corrections #1 through #9. Co-Chair Parnell explained that there were other amendments included in that group that were not "bed" related. Senator Adams had no objection to including all the amendments bed-related, however, he would ask that the amendments concerning probation officers not be included in Corrections #1. Senator Adams MOVED to amend Corrections #1 to include Corrections #3, #5, and #6. There being NO OBJECTION, Corrections #1 would now include Corrections #3, A roll call vote was taken on the main motion to adopt Corrections #1 as amended. IN FAVOR: Adams OPPOSED: Parnell, Torgerson, Phillips, Leman, Wilken, Green Senator Donley was not present for the vote. The MOTION FAILED (1-7). Corrections #2. The amendment would add $415.1 thousand general fund dollars to the Southcentral Region Probation office. Senator Adams MOVED Corrections #2. Co-Chair Torgerson OBJECTED. Co-Chair Parnell requested that Corrections #2 be HELD for later discussion. Senator Adams WITHDREW the MOTION to adopt Corrections #2 until a later time. There being NO OBJECTION, Corrections #2 was HELD for further consideration. Corrections #3. The amendment had been incorporated into Corrections #1 and failed. Corrections #4. The amendment would add $30 thousand general fund dollars and $95.3 general fund program receipt dollars to the Institutional Director's Office for the Department. Senator Adams MOVED Corrections #4. Co-Chair Parnell OJBECTED. Senator Adams explained that in the long run it would save State money while at the same time, positively impacting the prison population. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Adams OPPOSED: Parnell, Torgerson, Leman, Wilken, P. Kelly, Green, Phillips Senator Donley was not present for the vote. The MOTION FAILED (1-7). Corrections #5 had been incorporated into Corrections #1 and failed. Corrections #6 had been incorporated into Corrections #1 and failed. Corrections #7. Co-Chair Parnell requested that Corrections Corrections #8. The amendment would delete $96.3 thousand federal dollars from the Food Service Program and add it to the Office of the Commissioner. Senator Adams MOVED Corrections #8. Co-Chair Torgerson OBJECTED. Senator Adams explained that the amendment would RSA the funds to the Department of Law for assistance from the Attorney General's office on complicated projects. Co-Chair Parnell understood that the original amendment came from Senator Ward. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Adams OPPOSED: Parnell, Torgerson, Leman, Wilken, P. Kelly, Green, Phillips Senator Donley was not present for the vote. The MOTION FAILED (1-7). Corrections #9. The amendment would add $80 thousand federal dollars to Administrative Services at Department of Corrections. Senator Adams MOVED Corrections #9. Co-Chair Parnell OBJECTED for the purpose of discussion. Senator Adams explained that the funding would help the management information system within the Department. Without the authorization, the Department would be unable to grant sufficient staff to adequately maintain the agency network. He emphasized that these would be federal funds. Co-Chair Parnell WITHDREW his OBJECTION. Senator Leman OBJECTED. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Wilken, Adams, P. Kelly, Green, Parnell, OPPOSED: Phillips, Leman, Torgerson Senator Donley was not present for the vote. The MOTION PASSED (5-3). At 1:40 P.M., Co-Chair Parnell recessed the Senate Finance Committee until 2:05 P.M. Co-Chair Parnell reconvened the Senate Finance Committee at approximately 2:05 P.M., noting that Senator Wilken and Senator P. Kelly were absent. ALASKA COURT SYSTEM Co-Chair Parnell noted that there were no amendments for the Alaska Court System. DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION DEC#1. The amendment would delete $1.715 million federal receipt dollars for the Water Quality component and moving that amount to the Non-Point Source Pollution Control component. Additionally, the amendment would add Intent Language for a New Appropriation. The intent of the Legislature would be that Section 319(h) federal non-point source pollution control funding be spent only for grants to program applicants who qualify for Section 319 funding. Senator Leman MOVED to adopt DEC #1. There being NO OBJECTION, the amendment was adopted. DEC#8. The amendment is a Letter of Intent to accompany DEC#1. Senator Leman MOVED DEC #8. He explained that it would work in conjunction with DEC#8 (Letter of Intent). There being NO OBJECTION, the amendment was adopted. DEC#2. The amendment would delete a total of $1,531.8 million dollars from the Contaminated Sites component and Storage Tank Program component and add $6,443.4 million dollars back to the Contaminated Sites Program component. Senator Leman MOVED to adopt DEC#2. Senator Adams OBJECTED. Senator Leman explained the amendment would consolidate two programs under one BRU, which, he believed would provide the department more flexibility. Senator Adams questioned if that action could reduce administrative services. Senator Leman replied that it would not, but would however, consolidate them. Senator Adams maintained his objection to the amendment. He inquired if there would be a savings. Senator Leman replied that the savings would come from the reduction in employees to the storage tank component. Senator Adams emphasized that the merger of underground storage tanks and above ground storage tank would not be a good move. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Leman, Phillips, Donley, Green, Parnell, Torgerson OPPOSED: Adams Senator P. Kelly and Senator Wilken were not present for the vote. The MOTION PASSED (6-1). DEC #3. A technical amendment to restore a portion of the CIP expenditure authority that was deleted as part of the number of employees in the component for the Storage Tank Program in the amount of $29.1 thousand dollars. Senator Leman MOVED to adopt the amendment. There being NO OBJECTION, the amendment was adopted. DEC #4. Senator Leman explained that the amendment would take $126.1 thousand dollars from the Administrative Services component from two information officers and would change that amount to the same component to delete two permanent full-time positions and their funding by applying a portion of the Governor's belt-tightening. Senator Leman MOVED to adopt the amendment. Senator Adams OBJECTED. TAPE SFC - 99 #97, SIDE B Co-Chair Parnell questioned the role of the information officers. BARBARA FRANK, Director, Administrative Services, Department of Environmental Conservation, explained that the role of the information officers is to provide information to the public in a variety of ways. Additionally, they address the programs related to the regulatory packages and on all major permit projects, which are part of the permitting appeals process. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Green, P. Kelly, Leman, Torgerson, Parnell OPPOSED: Phillips, Donley, Adams Senator Wilken was not present for the vote. The MOTION PASSED (6-3). DEC #5. The amendment would add $330 thousand satutory designated program receipt dollars for the Food Safety and Sanitation component. Senator Adams MOVED to adopt the amendment. Co-Chair Torgerson OBJECTED. Senator Adams explained the need for the amendment and situations around the State which have resulted in food born illness. Facilities have traditionally been checked three to four times a year. Without the funding, the facilities will only be inspected once every year and a half. Senator Leman noted that the Subcommittee's goal was to create no new positions for that Department. He pointed out that the amendment would add four new positions. Senator Adams urged that public safety and public health be taken into consideration and that the situation involves camps and daycare centers. Co-Chair Parnell advised that $3.4 million dollars had been funded to that area. Senator Adams countered that amount would not fulfill the number of inspectors needed around the State. Senator Leman clarified there was other legislation that would address the shifting of some of these responsibilities to the local governments. Senator Adams argued that it is a difficult task to project which legislation will pass. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Adams OPPOSED: Wilken, Green, Parnell, Torgerson, P. Kelly, Donley, Phillips, Leman The MOTION FAILED (1-8). DEC #6. The amendment would add $227.2 thousand dollars from the Response Fund and $5880.3 thousand CIP receipts dollars to the Storage Tank Program. Senator Adams MOVED the amendment. Co-Chair Torgerson OBJECTED. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Adams OPPOSED: Wilken, Green, Parnell, Torgerson, P. Kelly, Donley, Phillips, Leman The MOTION FAILED (1-8). DEC #7. The amendment would add $155.8 thousand CIP dollars to the Village Safe Water Project Management and $64 thousand CIP dollars to the Administrative Services component. Senator Adams MOVED to adopt the amendment. Senator Leman OBJECTED. Senator Leman stated that the Subcommittee identified this area to which the Department was requesting additional services. He commented that instead of adding new staff positions to the Department, the Subcommittee recommended adding to the contractual line, $6 thousand dollars per community for new feasibility studies. He reiterated that this is not a good time to be hiring more junior level engineer positions, given the scope of the project. Senator Adams explained that the amendment originated with assistance from Legislative Audit Division. The money from the amendment would provide technical assistance to the village areas. Senator Leman argued that the State is currently providing technical assistance. Senator Wilken questioned if it was the intent to put new projects out to bid. Senator Leman explained that the Village Safe Water Program already puts their projects out to bid. What they are requesting is the addition of four more positions to the engineering staff to better address projects. The Subcommittee suggests that engineers could better handle them. Senator Wilken noted that he had a conflict of interest, as he was a member of a company participating in that group and requested to be excused from voting. Senator Phillips OBJECTED. Co-Chair Parnell indicated Senator Wilken would be required to vote on the amendment. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Adams, Wilken OPPOSED: Leman, P. Kelly, Green, Parnell, Torgerson, Phillips, Donley The MOTION FAILED (2-7). DEC #8. The amendment was previously addressed. DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME F&G #1. The amendment would add language regarding the intent of the Legislature that the Division of Sport Fish to establish a partnership for the operation of the Crystal Lake Hatchery in order to reduce by 50% the Division's cost of operations. Co-Chair Torgerson MOVED to adopt the amendment. Senator Adams OBJECTED. Co-Chair Torgerson advised that the Department had submitted the amendment. DOUG MECUM, Director, Division of Commercial Fisheries, Department of Fish and Game, acknowledged that the Department supported the amendment. Senator Adams WITHDREW his OBJECTION. There being NO further OBJECTION, F&G #1 was adopted. F&G #2. Senator Donley advised the Committee that he would not be offering F&G #2. The amendment was withdrawn. F&G #3. The amendment would add $383.65 thousand general fund dollars to the Headquarters component in the Commercial Fisheries BRU. Senator Adams MOVED to adopt amendment F&G Senator Adams noted that funding would replace federal receipt authority the Subcommittee gave the Department. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Adams OPPOSED: Donley, Wilken, P. Kelly, Green, Leman, Torgerson, Parnell, Phillips The MOTION FAILED (1-8). At 2:35 P.M., Co-Chair Parnell recessed the Senate Finance Committee for a brief at ease. F&G #4. The amendment would insert language regarding the expenditure of the Fish and Game Fund. Senator Donley MOVED to adopt F&G #4. There being NO OBJECTION, it was adopted. OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR Co-Chair Parnell noted that there were no amendments from the Office of the Governor. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES Co-Chair Parnell stated that the amendments for the Department of Health and Social Services would be held for discussion later in the meeting. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR LABOR #1. The amendment would restore the funding for two Wage and Hour Technicians. The technicians handle all notifications of obligations to contractors on public work projects, disseminates information to contractors, sets up projects for monitoring, files all certified payroll received, conducts audits, etc. The amendment would add $88 thousand general fund dollars to the Labor Standards and Safety BRU. Senator Donley MOVED Labor #1 at the request of the Department. Senator Green OBJECTED Senator Green commented that the Subcommittee had worked with the Department to address this concern. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Donley, Adams OPPOSED: Green, P. Kelly, Leman, Parnell, Phillips, Torgerson, Wilken The MOTION FAILED (2-7). LABOR #2. Senator Donley noted that he would not offer Labor #2. LABOR #3. Co-Chair Parnell requested that Labor #3 be HELD. LABOR #4. The amendment would restore existing positions and would add funding requested by the Governor for a boiler inspector in the amount of $238.7 thousand general fund program receipt dollars. Senator Adams MOVED to adopt Labor Senator Green explained that the Subcommittee, after working with the Department, had originally placed $80 thousand dollars for an inspector position in Fairbanks. Senator Adams inquired how many were caught in the Juneau elevator because there were no elevator inspectors. He stressed how important these positions are for public safety. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Adams OPPOSED: Parnell, Torgerson, Donley, Leman, Wilken, P. Kelly, Green, Phillips The MOTION FAILED (1-8). DEPARTMENT OF LAW Co-Chair Parnell noted that there were no amendments from the Department of Law. DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS DMVA #1. The amendment would allow the Department to lease out the Kotzebue Armory and hangar. The funds were budgeted in the Department of Administration's Leasing budget. In the Subcommittee for Department of Administration, $125 thousand dollars of receipt authority was dropped as they thought the facility was vacant. Senator Phillips MOVED DMVA #1. Senator Adams OBJECTED for further explanation. Senator Adams asked if program receipts would be used to rent out the Kotzebue armory. Following an explanation, Senator Adams WITHDREW his OBJECTION. There being NO OBJECTION, the amendment was adopted. DMVA #2. The amendment would add $116 thousand general fund dollars into funds not allocated to Department of Natural Resources. Senator Phillips MOVED to adopt DMVA #2. Senator Adams OBJECTED. Senator Adams commented that the amendment would take funding from the Department of Natural Resources, which was intended to be used for land planning and development. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Leman, P. Kelly, Green, Phillips OPPOSED: Parnell, Torgerson, Wilken, Adams Senator Donley was not present for the vote. The MOTION FAILED (4-4). DMVA #3. The amendment would add $500 thousand general fund dollars to the Front Section appropriation for the Disaster Relief Fund. Senator Adams MOVED to adopt DMVA #3. Senator Green OBJECTED. Senator Adams explained this would be a wise move in case of a disaster. It would capture $1.4 million federal fund dollars. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Adams OPPOSED: Parnell, Torgerson, Donley, Leman, Wilken, P. Kelly, Green. Phillips The MOTION FAILED (1-8). DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES DNR #1. The amendment would change the funding source for $1.44 million dollars of the appropriation from the general fund to permanent fund corporate receipts. Co-Chair Torgerson MOVED to adopt the amendment. Senator Adams OBJECTED. Senator Adams asked if the numbers were the same as those presented in the House. Co-Chair Parnell stated they were. Senator Adams WITHDREW the OBJECTION. Senator Phillips OBJECTED. Co-Chair Parnell explained that the amendment would supplant general fund money in the Oil & Gas development section with permanent fund corporate receipts. The Committee took a brief at ease at approximately 3:00 p.m. DAVID TEAL, Director, Division of Legislative Finance, explained the amendment. The money would be used to pay for operations within the Department of Natural Resources. The effect on the dividend would not be immediate, nor would it be $1 million dollars less. In response to Co-Chair Parnell, Mr. Teal noted that the funding would be used for the oil and gas development section of Department of Natural Resources. Senator Donley asked if there would be a zero impact this year. Mr. Teal replied that was correct. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Torgerson, Parnell, Donley, P. Kelly, Leman, Wilken OPPOSED: Phillips, Green, Adams The MOTION PASSED (6-3). DNR #2. The amendment would add $50 thousand statutory designated program receipt dollars to the Interdepartmental Data Processing Charge-back in the Information/Data Management BRU. The action would cover the increased Data Processing charges that are incurred by the Department when the public uses State resources for research. There being NO OBJECTION, the amendment was adopted. DNR #3. The amendment would provide partial restoration of unallocated reduction in the amount of $70 thousand dollars to the Oil and Gas development component and additional partial restoration in the amount of $45.9 thousand dollars to the Commissioner's Office component. Senator Adams MOVED to adopt the amendment. Senator Phillips OBJECTED. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Adams OPPOSED: Parnell, Torgerson, Donley, Leman, Wilken, P. Kelly, Green, Phillips The MOTION FAILED (1-8). DNR #4. The amendment would add $75 thousand dollars to the Information Resources Management component for the Information/Data Management BRU. Senator Adams MOVED to adopt the amendment. Co-Chair Torgerson OBJECTED. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Adams OPPOSED: Parnell, Torgerson, Donley, Leman, Wilken, P. Kelly, Green, Phillips The MOTION FAILED (1-8). DNR #5. Senator Adams MOVED to adopt the amendment. He explained that the amendment would restore $726.4 thousand dollars to the Land Development component BRU and would be comprised of five deletions within that Department. Senator Phillips OBJECTED. Senator Adams emphasized that the addition of funds would encourage more interaction between the Federal and local governments. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Adams, Leman OPPOSED: Parnell, Torgerson, Donley, Wilken, P. Kelly, Green, Phillips The MOTION FAILED (2-6). TAPE SFC-99 #98, SIDE A DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY DPS #1. The amendment would add $10.764 million dollars to the Enforcement component of the Fish and Wildlife Protection and would delete $10.454 million dollars from that same component. Senator Adams MOVED to adopt the amendment. Senator Green OBJECTED for further discussion. Senator Green maintained her OBJECTION. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Adams OPPOSED: Parnell, Torgerson, Donley, Leman, Wilken, P. Kelly, Green, Phillips The MOTION FAILED (1-8). DPS #2. The amendment would add $32,986,900 general fund dollars to the Detachments component in the Alaska State Trooper Detachment BRU and would also delete $31,896,900 general fund dollars from the same component. Senator Adams MOVED to adopt the amendment. Co-Chair Parnell OBJECTED. Senator Adams explained that the amendment would provide for insuring that registration for sex offenders occurs, it would provide funds to operate the Anchorage helicopter, and it would provide an information and communication system. Additionally, it would fund 10 - 12 full time positions. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Adams OPPOSED: Parnell, Torgerson, Donley, Leman, Wilken, P. Kelly, Green, Phillips The MOTION FAILED (1-8). DPS #3. The amendment would add $5.766 million dollars to the contract component for the Village Public Safety Officer (VPSO) BRU and would delete $5.523 million dollars from that component. Senator Adams MOVED to adopt the amendment. Senator Donley OBJECTED. Senator Adams explained that the amendment would fund a 5% pay increase for the VPSO's, providing a viable income for those officers. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Adams OPPOSED: Parnell, Torgerson, Donley, Leman, Wilken, P. Kelly, Green, Phillips The MOTION FAILED (1-8). DPS #4. The amendment would add $1,069,300 general fund dollars to the ASPIN component in the Statewide Support BRU and would delete $978,700 general fund dollars from that component. Senator Adams MOVED to adopt the amendment. Co- Chair Torgerson OBJECTED. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Adams OPPOSED: Parnell, Torgerson, Donley, Green, P. Kelly, Leman, Phillips, Wilken The MOTION FAILED (1-8). DPS #5. The amendment would add $2,203,800 general fund dollars to the Laboratory Services component in the Statewide Support BRU and would delete $1,965,300 general fund dollars from the same component. Senator Adams MOVED to adopt the amendment. Co-Chair Torgerson OBJECTED. Senator Leman questioned who had been the Chair of this department. It was noted that Senator Donley was Chair. Senator Leman asked if there were other sources for funding of DNA inspection which would satisfy crime line criteria. Senator Donley replied that one additional position had been added to the Crime Lab in the Senate version. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Adams OPPOSED: Donley, Green, P. Kelly, Leman, Parnell, Phillips, Torgerson, Wilken The MOTION FAILED (1-8). DPS #6. The amendment would provide intent language that the Department: 1) Pay no more than 15% for administrative costs to nonprofit corporations administering the VPSO program; 2) Not exceed 15% administration costs in future negotiations with nonprofit corporations; 3) Retain 100% of the a decision to place or relocate VPSO's in communities; 4) Not place a VPSO in a community with established police department; and 5) Work to relocate VPSO's in communities with established police departments to communities that need VPSO's that have no police department. Senator Donley MOVED to adopt the amendment. Senator Adams OBJECTED. Senator Adams recommended that this language be placed into SB 132. He urged that substance law not be included in the appropriation section of the operating budget. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Donley, Green, Leman, Parnell, Phillips, Torgerson, Wilken OPPOSED: Adams, P. Kelly The MOTION PASSED (7-2). DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE REV #1. Senator Leman noted that he would not offer REV #1. REV #2. Senator Leman explained that REV #2 would add $300 thousand general fund dollars to the Oil and Gas Audit component and would delete $150 thousand general fund dollars and would add $150 thousand AHFC Corporate Receipts to the Capital Project-Department of Health and Social Services - Housing Modifications for People with Special Needs. Additionally, it would delete $250 thousand general fund dollars and would add $250 thousand AHFC Corporate Receipt dollars to the Capital Project-Department of Health and Social Services-Program Facilities Deferred Maintenance and Americans with Disabilities Act Upgrade. Senator Leman MOVED to adopt REV #2. Co-Chair Parnell explained that the AHFC corporate receipts were capital funds. He advised that this information was clarified through an amendment attachment to REV #2. He requested that Co-Chair Torgerson move that amendment. Co- Chair Torgerson MOVED to adopt the amendment to REV #2. Co-Chair Parnell commented briefly, explaining that the amendment would add the $300 thousand general fund dollars back to the Oil and Gas Audit Division. He recognized that would be a very important function given the BP and ARCO merger and the decline in oil production. Co-Chair Parnell stated that a proposed bill by Senator Pearce would make these program receipts. The House has fully funded them in the possibility that SB 134 does not pass. Senator Adams asked if the designated statutory program receipts would cover the cost. Co-Chair Parnell replied that it would cover the cost of oil and gas in the same amount as those receipts. There being NO OBJECTION to the amendment to REV #2, it was ADOPTED. There being NO OBJECTION to the amended REV #2, it was also adopted. REV #3. Senator Leman advised that REV #3 would not be offered. REV #4. Senator Adams WITHDREW amendment REV #4. REV #5. The amendment would add $100 thousand dollars to the Permanent Fund Corporation component. Senator Adams MOVED to adopt REV #5. Co-Chair Parnell OBJECTED. Senator Adams explained that "There are times when we need to spend money to make money." Senator Leman and Senator Adams discussed the success of the Permanent Fund Corporations investments. Senator Adams believed it would be a disservice to not fully fund the amendment request. Senator Leman pointed out that the proposed House number was $100,000 higher than the amendment request. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Adams OPPOSED: Donley, Green, P. Kelly, Leman, Parnell, Phillips, Torgerson, Wilken The MOTION FAILED (1-8). DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC FACILITIES DOT #1. The amendment would delete $3,548,400 dollars and insert $3,858,400 dollars into the Construction and CIP Support-Southeast Region Construction. The amendment would allow for an increment of $310.0 CIP receipts for HET position months and overtime for construction projects in Southeast Alaska. Co-Chair Torgerson MOVED to adopt the amendment. Senator Adams OBJECTED. Senator Donley inquired if the Juneau access road funds could be used for this component. Co-Chair Torgerson replied that $200 million dollars had been authorized and they used $7 million. Senator Donley voiced his continued concern in authorization without legislative approval. Senator Adams WITHDREW his OBJECTION. There being NO OBEJCTION, DOT #1 was adopted. DOT #2. The amendment would add Intent Language that the Department prepare a report for the second session of the 21st Alaska Legislature, identifying maintenance stations and airports in the region that they recommend, to be consolidated or transferred to local government. Also, all maintenance stations and airports in these areas should be ranked in priority order for closure consideration. There being NO OBJECTION, the amendment was adopted. DOT #3. The amendment would add $250 thousand general fund dollars to the Maintenance Stations component for the Northern & Central Regions BRU. The addition would continue to fund one maintenance station in each district. Senator Adams MOVED to adopt the amendment. Co-Chair Torgerson OBJECTED. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Adams OPPOSED: Donley, Green, P. Kelly, Leman, Parnell, Phillips, Torgerson, Wilken The MOTION FAILED (1-8). UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA Co-Chair Parnell noted that the Committee would not take up the University of Alaska amendments at this time. FRONT SECTION FRONT #1. Co-Chair Torgerson MOVED to adopt FRONT #1. He explained there would be a conceptual amendment forthcoming. He pointed out that the amendment only deals with general funds and that it was the recommendation of both Legislative Finance Division and Legislative Legal to include "other" funds. A corrected version of the amendment is being drafted by Legislative Legal Services. The intent of the amendment would be to move the Division of Occupational Licensing from the back section of the budget to the front section. Co-Chair Parnell advised the Committee that the conceptual amendment would include all funds in FRONT #1. Co-Chair Torgerson agreed and WITHDREW FRONT #1. There being NO OBJECTION, it was withdraw in order to wait for the new #1. FRONT #2. Co-Chair Torgerson requested to HOLD FRONT #2. FRONT #3. The amendment would address Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) money coming to the State. They receive $3.5 million in federal funds; their fisheries provide $7 million dollars. The amendment would move the authorization entirely to the Front Section of the budget. Co-Chair Torgerson MOVED to adopt FRONT #3. Senator Adams stated that he would not oppose the amendment, however, recommended that it be further scrutinized in the future. There being NO OBJECTION, FRONT #3 was adopted. FRONT #4. Co-Chair Torgerson advised that he would not offer FRONT #4. FRONT #5. Co-Chair Torgerson noted that he would not offer FRONT #5. FRONT #6. The amendment would remove the federal authority portions of the bill which would enable Exxon Valdez to come forward to Legislative Budget and Audit to get projects approved not yet addressed. Co-Chair Torgerson MOVED to adopt the amendment. There being NO OBJECTION, the amendment was adopted. FRONT #7. The amendment would move the revenues from the M/V Malaspina to run as a day boat. The amendment would clarify that it is not Legislative intent to subsidize that operation. The vessel would become a full program receipt boat as established in Front #7. Co-Chair Torgerson MOVED to adopt the amendment. Senator Adams OBJECTED. Senator Adams commented that the amendment would affect only one boat, the M/V Malaspina. He stressed that this is Southeast Alaska's highway system. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Donley, Green, P. Kelly, Leman, Parnell, Phillips, Torgerson, Wilken OPPOSED: Adams The MOTION PASSED (8-1). DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION ADMIN #1. The amendment would add $350 thousand general fund/program receipt dollars to the Division of Motor Vehicles BRU. Senator Donley MOVED to adopt ADMIN #1 noting that it would maintain the Division of Motor Vehicles at their FY99 authorized funding level. It would also add the amount from program receipts already collected by the Division of Motor Vehicles. Senator Adams OBJECTED. Senator Adams understood that public access had been taken and that a mail-in program had been established. He noted that he would not support ADMIN #4. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: P. Kelly, Green, Phillips, Donley OPPOSED: Leman, Wilken, Parnell, Torgerson, Adams The MOTION FAILED (4-5). ADMIN #2. Senator Donley MOVED to adopt ADMIN #2, which is similar to ADMIN #1, except that it would use the source of funding the addition of $350 thousand dollars from the Public Defenders office. Senator Wilken OBJECTED. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Green, Phillips, Donley OPPOSED: Parnell, Torgerson, Wilken, Leman, Adams, P. Kelly The MOTION FAILED (3-6). ADMIN #3. Senator Donley WITHDREW the amendment. ADMIN #4. Co-Chair Parnell requested that Senator Adams not offer ADMIN #4 as it was a repeat. Senator Adams agreed. ADMIN #5. The amendment would add $2.4 million dollars to the Longevity Bonus grants in order to restore the Governor's request. Senator Adams MOVED to adopt ADMIN #5. Co-Chair Parnell OBJECTED. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Adams OPPOSED: Donley, Green, P. Kelly, Leman, Parnell, Phillips, Torgerson, Wilken The MOTION FAILED (1-8). ADMIN #6. Co-Chair Parnell advised that ADMIN #6 had been withdrawn from the original amendment packets at his request. ADMIN #7. The amendment would add Intent Language that the Office of Public Advocacy be funded adequately. Senator Adams MOVED to adopt ADMIN #7. Senator Wilken OBJECTED. TAPE SFC-99 #98, SIDE B Senator Wilken MOVED an amendment to ADMIN #7. The change would delete the language: "In order to fulfill all legal and statutory responsibilities". There being NO OBJECTION to the amendment to ADMIN #7, it was adopted. Co-Chair Torgerson OBJECTED to the amended ADMIN #7. He stated that it would lead to a future supplemental request. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Adams, Wilken OPPOSED: Parnell, Torgerson, Donley, Leman, P. Kelly, Green, Phillips The MOTION FAILED (2-7). ADMIN #8. The amendment would add Intent Language to the Public Defender component that office should be funded adequately in order to fulfill all legal and statutory responsibilities. Senator Adams MOVED to adopt ADMIN #8. Senators Torgerson and Senator Green OBJECTED. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Adams OPPOSED: Parnell, Torgerson, Donley, Leman, Wilken, P. Kelly, Green, Phillips The MOTION FAILED (1-8). ADMIN #9. The amendment would add $308.1 thousand general fund dollars and program receipt dollars to the Pioneer Homes. Senator Adams MOVED to adopt ADMIN #9. Co-Chair Torgerson OBJECTED. Senator Wilken explained that the Subcommittee funded the Administration's request adding around 50 new care giver positions to the Pioneer Homes. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Adams OPPOSED: Parnell, Torgerson, Donley, Leman, Wilken, P. Kelly, Green, Phillips The MOTION FAILED (1-8). ADMIN #10. The amendment would add $420,600 dollars to the Citizen Foster Care Review Panel, Senior Services BRU. Senator Adams MOVED to adopt ADMIN #10. Senator P. Kelly OBJECTED. Senator Wilken said they did not take the reduction lightly and that the Subcommittee followed the lead of the House. Senator Adams pointed out that the other body placed "no" funding in this component. He recommended that the Senate not follow that lead. A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Leman, Adams, P. Kelly, Green OPPOSED: Parnell, Torgerson, Wilken, Donley, Phillips The MOTION FAILED (4-5). ADJOURNMENT The meeting recessed at 4:25 P.M. Co-Chair Parnell reconvened the Senate Finance Committee at approximately 7:57 P.M. and then adjourned the meeting until April 20, 1999 at 9:00 A.M. SFC-99 (24) 04/19/99 a.m.
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