Legislature(1999 - 2000)
04/10/2000 08:39 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 10, 2000
8:39 AM
TAPES
SFC-00 # 81, Side A & B
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair John Torgerson convened the meeting at approximately
8:39 AM
PRESENT Co-Chair John Torgerson, Co-Chair Parnell, Senator Al
Adams, Senator Pete Kelly, Senator Randy Phillips, Senator Gary
Wilken, Senator Leman, Senator Green.
Also Attending:
Witnesses are listed in the minutes in the order they testified.
SUMMARY INFORMATION
SB 192-APPPROPRIATIONS; CAPITAL BUDGET/REAPPROPS
The Committee heard public testimony on the proposed committee
substitute. The bill was HELD.
SENATE BILL NO. 192
"An Act making and amending capital appropriations and re-
appropriations and capitalizing funds; and providing for an
effective date."
Co-Chair Torgerson stated that testimony would be taken on the
Capital Budget, Senate Bill 192. He listed fax numbers available
for those who might wish to submit written testimony. He stated
that oral testimony would be limited to one minute.
ALDANA JANAITIS, Director, University of Alaska Museum testified
via teleconference from Fairbanks in support of funding for the
University of Alaska Museum. She stated that the museum is asking
the state to match the money raised from private sector and
federal government sources, totaling $15.5 million.
CHARLES ROLLINS testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in
support of databases for Alaska, funded by the University. He
stated that he would like to see this program continued since it
is such an asset to the citizens of Alaska.
HUGH FATE, Board Member, Visitors of the University of Alaska,
Nucleus Committee testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in
support of the Hutchison Career Center and funding for the
University Museum.
ANGELA KETGLER testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in
support of the low-income weatherization budget. She stated that
she was an assessor for an interior weatherization program in
Fairbanks and noted that in many of the homes inspected there are
no smoke alarms, along with inefficient heating systems. She
stated that she has seen first hand the positive difference this
program makes in people's lives for saving energy dollars.
DORIS KOIVESTO testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in
support of the state's weatherization program. She stated that
she was very appreciative of this wonderful program.
MIKE PRAX testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in support
of the Hutchison Career Center. He stated that this center trains
students that will help enhance Alaska's economy.
ANDY WARWICK, Chair, Neighborhood School Committee testified via
teleconference from Fairbanks in support of a $57 million school
bond. He stated that the committee is very concerned about the
plan to delete funding for the Hutchison Career Center from the
budget as well.
CINDY BRANLEY, University of Alaska Fairbanks Alumni Association
testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in support of the
Hutchison Career Center. She noted that over 60 percent of
Alaskan jobs require post-secondary vocational education and by
appropriating the $5 million in the capital budget, this will
further enhance this necessary training.
MIKE SCHAFER testified via teleconference from Thorn Bay in
support of the Thorn Bay road paving projects. He noted that with
the downturn of the timber industry it was important to go
through with these projects.
RICK ABBOT testified via teleconference from Soldotna in support
of funding for the handicapped and the elderly weatherization
program. He encouraged continued funding for this project.
JANICE BAY testified via teleconference from Trapper Creek in
support of restoring the Housing Finance Corporation funds. She
noted that two members of her family were disabled and the help
they received this winter allowed her family to stay within their
home. She added that warm shelter is basic to survival.
CHARLIE LEAN testified via teleconference from Nome in support of
the Phase Two, Emergency Medical Services Communication Project.
He stated that this project has statewide ramifications and gave
sound reasons why this system was necessary.
LEW REECE, small farm operator testified via teleconference from
Delta Junction in support that full funding be restored to the
Department of Community and Economic Development. He noted that
last year, through funding of the potato seed and carrot
certification program his farm sold produce directly to Taiwan.
He added that this had a potential of one-half million dollars in
revenue.
RAMYA SUBRAMANIAN, Director, Reference Department, University Of
Alaska, Anchorage Library and President, Library Association
testified via teleconference from Anchorage in support of funding
for the statewide database project. She gave some background
information of funds received thus far for this program and
stressed its statewide benefits.
MOE MCGEE, Anchorage Municipal Libraries testified via
teleconference from Anchorage in support of funding for the
statewide database project. She used examples of patrons
researching options for surgery and property tax issues to
bolster the need for such services.
PATRICK SHIFLEA, Alaska Community Development Corporation
testified via teleconference from Anchorage in support of funding
for the disabled and elderly persons weatherization program. He
noted previous cuts to this program and requested that such
funding be restored since there are clients on waiting lists in
need of these services.
MICHAEL CARR testified via teleconference from Anchorage in
support of the weatherization program at the $4 million amount.
He noted how this program helps to keep people out of subsidized
housing.
PAT TRUESDELL, Social Worker, Family and Youth Services testified
via teleconference from Kenai. He spoke to the Frontline Workers
Safety and support equipment budgets. He noted that his office
has one car per 10 employees who are required to be out in the
field on a regular basis. He also stated that the fire alarm
system is broken in their building.
BOBBI O'NEAL, Family and Youth Services testified via
teleconference from Kenai in support of the Frontline Workers
Safety and support equipment budgets. She made the same arguments
as the previous witness.
PHIL YOUNKER, Chair, Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce, Standing
Committee, University of Alaska testified via teleconference from
Fairbanks in support of the Hutchison Career Center. He explained
that this project was a first priority of Fairbanks since the
community plans to designate a bond locally to match the state's
funding.
PAMELA YOUNKER, President & CEO, Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce
testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in support of the
expansion of the Hutchison Career Center. She noted how the
foundation of the state is dependent on enhancement of its
educational system.
CYNTHIA HENRY, School Board President testified via
teleconference from Fairbanks in support of the Hutchison Career
Center. She asked that the committee not include the $5 million
related bond in their state bond package, since to do so would be
very problematic. She continued that Fairbanks plans to bring
this bond issue forward on May 2nd and noted that the school board
and the school district is concerned that if the $5 million is
taken out of the capital budget, this could jeopardize the
passage of Fairbanks' bond proposal.
PETE BRAUMAN, Director, [inaudible] testified via teleconference
from Fairbanks in support of the renovation of the Farenkamp
Center so that a local diagnostic and treatment facility can be
established there. He noted that as a result, children could be
treated locally.
JOE GARCIA, Student testified via teleconference from Fairbanks
in support of the Hutchison Career Center. He noted that it was
critical for future students to have access to current
technology, which these upgrades would supply.
JULIE DECKER, Executive Director, Southeast Alaska Regional Dive
Fisheries Association testified via teleconference from Wrangell
in support of funding for relocation studies regarding a food
safety lab in Anchorage, including funding for a feasibility
study on a satellite food safety lab in Southeast Alaska. She
gave some background on what facilities presently exist and
outlined some of the Association's goals for dive fisheries.
BOBBI LEICHTY testified via teleconference from Craig in support
of the Emergency Medical Services communications funding. She
outlined what communication systems presently exist, specifically
in Southeast Alaska.
DANIEL HOFMAN testified via teleconference from Anchorage in
support of the weatherization program. He noted how his family
was able to benefit from this program.
PEGGY BURGIN testified via teleconference from Anchorage in
support of the low-income weatherization program funding. She
noted how this program is so important for senior citizens that
wish to stay in their own homes.
JOHN SIMPSON testified via teleconference from Anchorage in
support of the weatherization program. He gave some background
about his involvement in the program and noted how cost efficient
the changes were to his home.
JOHN DRESCHER testified via teleconference from Anchorage in
support of the weatherization program. He stated that he lives in
a trailer and has supported a large family. He appreciates the
help he was able to receive through this program.
GARY DOSS testified via teleconference from Anchorage in support
of the weatherization program. He stated that as a contractor he
takes part in this program as a community service, since the
funds for it keeps declining.
MICKEY ALLEN testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in
support of the Hutchison Career Center expansion project. He
noted how some of the instructors teach in limited space,
reflecting the need for this expansion.
DON GRAY, President, Friends of the University of Alaska Museum
testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in support of funding
for the University Museum. He noted that he, along with many
other individuals have tried to raise $15.5 million dollars from
private and federal sources. He added that these same individuals
seek a matching amount from the state for this project.
PHILIP ANDERSON testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in
support of the funding for the Department of Transportation &
Public Facilities projects, especially for the harbors program
and aviation funding. He noted that these matching funds were
important for the success of these projects.
JEANETTE GRASTO, Board, Family [indiscernible] services testified
via teleconference from Fairbanks in support of funding for the
children's diagnostic treatment center at the Farenkamp facility.
She outlined background information regarding the Farenkamp
center and pointed out that local Fairbanks children are required
to travel to Anchorage for treatment.
JON MCCOY, mechanical contractor testified via teleconference
from Fairbanks in support of the weatherization program. He noted
that he has seen first hand the benefits of this program and he
was not sure if there were any other alternatives for individuals
in need.
GINNY TIERNEY testified via teleconference from Thorn Bay in
support of funding for the Prince of Wales Island/Thorn Bay
paving project. She noted that this project captured a
significant federal match from the federal Forest Highway Program
and it will result in the reduction of state highway maintenance
costs.
JAY DEARBORN, farmer testified via teleconference from Palmer in
support of funding for the export certification program. He gave
a breakdown of how the money is spent for this program and the
agricultural progress made as a result of its funding.
LARAINE DERR, Executive Director, Alaska State Hospital and
Nursing Home Association testified from Juneau in support of the
Department of Health & Social Services Medicaid Management
Information System (MMIS). She noted that this system benefits
members a great deal by making payments more efficient.
Tape: SFC - 00 #81, Side B 9:27 AM
JAN WRENTMORE, City of Skagway, Skagway Marine Access Committee
testified from Juneau in support of reinstating the $6 million
required to fully fund the first shuttle ferry and to provide
some funding mechanism for the additional two ferries. She
outlined a history of how this project came into being.
BEA SHEPARD, Museums Alaska, testified from Juneau in support of
the Alaska State Museum. She noted that in the past the funding
for this facility has been piecemeal and then gave an overview of
the present repairs needed to this facility, such as, new dust
reduction and fire alarm systems.
JON LORING, International Council of Museums, testified from
Juneau in support of the Alaska State Museum. He stated that it
was important to protect and expand the storage of collections
for this facility. He explained that this is what this new
funding would accomplish.
JAKE POOLE, Interim Director, Tanana Valley Campus and a member
for the Committee for Neighborhood Schools testified via
teleconference from Fairbanks in support of the bond issue slated
for May 2nd, including the Hutchison Career Center funding from
the state.
DUANE SAKUMOTO testified via teleconference from Anchorage in
support of the land-mobile radio, migration project. He stated
that this project would allow the efficient response to life-
threatening situations. He noted that it would also allow the
state to apply for federal funds for programs that support the
wireless in-operability concept initiated by Janet Reno. He gave
additional reasons why this funding should be realized.
KATHIE WASSERMAN testified via teleconference from Pelican in
support of harbor programs. She stated that the community wants a
full service harbor in order to become more self-sufficient.
STUCKEY GALLANT testified via teleconference from Anchorage in
support of the weatherization project funding. He noted that this
type of program is a necessity for most, rather than a choice.
ROBERT REEKIE testified from Juneau in support of the
weatherization program. He noted that this program is cost saving
and that by cutting heating inefficiency by 40 percent, this
would mean a savings to the state in the long run.
RICK SOLIE, North Star Borough Assembly, testified via
teleconference from Fairbanks in support of the Hutchison Career
Center. He noted that the related bond package was fully
supported by the Assembly and he encouraged the state's continued
support by funding this project as well.
RON DICKSON, [inaudible] testified via teleconference from
Fairbanks in support of the Hutchison Career Center. He noted
that this expansion and improvement of this facility has been a
dream of the community since the early 90's.
JANE PARRISH, school board testified via teleconference from
Fairbanks in support of funding for the Hutchison Career Center.
She stated that many people in the community have worked
diligently on this project.
Co-Chair Torgerson called an at ease at 9:45 AM and reconvened at
10:00 am.
MARIE DARLIN, AARP State Legislative Committee testified from
Juneau in support of the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation
budget items. She noted that the related senior housing projects
were very important to retirees around the state. She asked that
this funding stay within the state's budget.
DAVID BARON, Administrator/Coordinator, Copper River Emergency
Medical Services testified via teleconference from Copper River
in support of the EMS, phase two, communications project budget
items. He noted that the communication systems in their area are
aging.
LLOYD SCHADE testified via teleconference from Homer in support
of the weatherization program. He noted that his parents
qualified for this program and praised the systems efficiency.
GREG HILL, Library Director testified via teleconference from
Fairbanks in support of the magazine and periodicals database
program included in the budget. He outlined some reasons why this
program should be supported.
FREDI JACKSON testified via teleconference from Anchorage in
support of the weatherization program. She stated that she had
qualified for this program and was very appreciative of the cost
saving associated with this weatherization.
DOUG WARD [affiliation inaudible] testified via teleconference
from Ketchikan in support of the Marine Highway and the Public
Safety budgets allowed for in this legislation. He noted the
decreases in the Marine Highway maintenance budget, while the
number of vessels has increased. He continued that maintenance
costs go towards safe and timely service of vessels.
BOB JANIK testified via teleconference from Sitka in support of
the Emergency Medical Services budget and the radio system that
is needed to support these services. He explained changes to
Federal Communications Commission regulations that make present
radio systems obsolete.
Co-Chair Torgerson concluded the public testimony related to SB
192.
Senator Green asked about the weatherization program and wondered
if there was a repayment component by recipients for this
program.
Co-Chair Torgerson responded that he was not sure if there was
such an allowance, but suggested that this could be a viable
piece of legislation.
ADJOURNED
Senator Torgerson recessed the meeting at 10:16 AM to the call of
the chair.
SFC-00 (8) 04/10/00
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