Legislature(2001 - 2002)
04/03/2001 09:20 AM 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 03, 2001
9:20 AM
TAPES
SFC-01 # 65, Side A
SFC 01 # 65, Side B
SFC 01 # 66, Side A
SFC 01 # 66, Side B
SFC 01 # 67, Side A
SFC 01 # 67, Side B
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Dave Donley convened the meeting at approximately 9:20 AM.
PRESENT
Senator Dave Donley, Co-Chair
Senator Pete Kelly, Co-Chair
Senator Jerry Ward, Vice Chair
Senator Loren Leman
Senator Lyda Green
Senator Gary Wilken
Senator Alan Austerman
Senator Lyman Hoffman
Senator Donald Olson
Also Attending: NICO BUS, Administrative Services Manager,
Division of Support Services, Department of Natural Resources;
WENDY REDMOND, Vice President, University Relations, University of
Alaska; ANNALEE MCCONNELL, Director, Office of Management and
Budget, Office of the Governor; KEN BISCHOFF, Director, Division of
Administrative Services, Department of Public Safety; TRISHA
GENTLE, Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault; KAREN
PERDUE, Commissioner, Department of Health and Social Services;
JANET CLARKE, Director, Division of Administrative Services,
Department of Health and Social Services; MICHELLE TOOHEY, Public
Advocacy Manager, American Heart Association; DAN SPENCER,
Director, Division of Administrative Services, Department of
Administration; DAVID TEAL, Director, Division of Legislative
Finance;
Attending via Teleconference: From Anchorage: SENATOR SEAN
PARNELL.
SUMMARY INFORMATION
HB 103-APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUNDS
HB 104-APPROP:MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET
The Committee considered amendments to the committee substitutes.
The bills were held in Committee.
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 103(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. 104(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."
At the previous hearing for these bills, the Committee adopted SCS
CS HB 103, 22-LS0410\S and SCS CS HB 104, 22-LS0411\J, as working
drafts. The following amendments are to these versions.
Co-Chair Donley thanked Senate Finance Committee staff for their
work compiling the amendments.
Department of Community and Economic Development
C&ED #1: This amendment adds $9 million Alaska Aerospace
Development Corporation (AADC) receipts to the AADC Budget Review
Unit (BRU), AADC component on page 6, lines 29 through 32.
This amendment also inserts a new bill section to read as follows.
Sec. __. ALASKA AEROSPACE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION. Corporate
receipts of the Alaska Aerospace Development Corporation
received during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2002, that are
in excess of the amount appropriated in sec. 1 of this Act are
appropriated to the Alaska Aerospace Development Corporation
for operations during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2002.
Explanatory language accompanying the amendment reads as follows.
This replaces a $9,000,000 AADC Receipt increment that the
subcommittee added for increased launch activities with the
language section that is in the original Governor's operating
budget. This would allow the AADC to receive and expend any
additional operating receipts that they might receive during
the fiscal year for any unexpected launches that should come
up during the fiscal year.
This amendment was HELD.
C&ED #2: This amendment adds $98,000 general funds for the
Community Assistance and Economic Development BRU, Community and
Business Development component on page 6, lines 12 through 15.
Senator Hoffman moved for adoption.
Senator Ward objected.
Senator Hoffman read an explanatory statement into the record as
follows.
This amendment restores funding for two positions, located in
Nome and Bethel. These positions were funded from the no
longer available Rural Economic Development Initiative Fund. A
funding source change had been made to switch this funding to
general funds.
Elimination of these two positions will cause…reduction in
assistance on … community and economic development-related
training in the Bering Strait, Northwest Arctic and Yukon-
Kuskokwim regions.
Senator Hoffman stressed that these areas are amongst the most
economically depressed regions of the state.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Hoffman and Senator Olson
OPPOSED: Senator Austerman, Senator Green, Senator Leman, Senator
Ward, Senator Wilken, Co-Chair Donley and Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-7)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
C&ED #3: This amendment adds $100,000 general funds/match for the
Community Assistance and Economic Development BRU, Community and
Business Development component on page 6, lines 12 through 15.
Senator Hoffman moved for adoption.
Senator Ward objected.
Senator Hoffman read an explanatory statement into the record as
follows.
This funding will be used to provide one to one match to a
grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to
provide planning and implementation funds for specifically
identified economic development activities and programs. The
department has received and EDA grant regularly since 1985.
Recently the EDA grants have averaged $100,000.
Co-Chair Kelly informed that this request has been denied for the
last few years as an increment in the capital budget. However, he
pointed out, the federal funds have still been received and there
is no reason to believe this would not continue.
Senator Olson asked about the back-up plans in the event the
federal funds are not received.
Co-Chair Kelly stated that there is no back-up plan since there is
no reason to believe that the federal funds would not continue to
be provided. He stressed that although the requests have stated
that a general fund match is required, there actually is no such
requirement.
Senator Olson opined that this item "is looked on in a way of
contempt" with a message that if the federal funds are not
received, "sorry".
Co-Chair Kelly countered there is no contempt because there is no
need for a general fund match.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Hoffman and Senator Olson
OPPOSED: Senator Green, Senator Leman, Senator Ward, Senator
Wilken, Senator Austerman, Co-Chair Donley and Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-7)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
C&ED #4: This amendment adds $200,000 general funds for the
Qualified Trade Association Contract BRU and component on page 6,
lines 23 through 26.
Senator Hoffman moved for adoption.
An unidentified member voiced an objection.
Senator Hoffman read an explanatory statement into the record as
follows.
A reduction of $200,000 from the tourism-marketing contract
will result in a loss of television advertising and further
erosion of the state's ability to compete with other
destinations. In addition, the contract requires this amount
to be matched by $85,700 from the private sector for a total
loss to the program of $285,700.
Co-Chair Kelly noted the current budget allocates $100,000 over the
amount of the previous fiscal year. He stated it follows the trade
association's plan for reductions.
Senator Hoffman commented, "Times change and we have to reevaluate
and adjust accordingly."
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Hoffman and Senator Olson
OPPOSED: Senator Leman, Senator Ward, Senator Wilken, Senator
Austerman, Senator Green, Co-Chair Donley and Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-7)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
C&ED #5: This amendment creates a new BRU and component, Renter's
Equivalency Rebate, and adds $300,000 general funds for that BRU
and component on page six.
Senator Hoffman read an explanatory statement into the record as
follows.
This program provides for reimbursement to Senior Citizens and
Disabled Veterans who rent property that is subject to a local
property tax. It compensates a senior or disabled veteran for
that portion of their rent that goes toward the payment of
local property taxes. It is similar to the homeowners'
property tax exemption program and was instituted in order to
treat seniors who paid rent for their homes on an equitable
basis with those who own their homes in terms of property tax
relief.
Senator Hoffman moved for adoption.
Co-Chair Kelly objected.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Olson and Senator Hoffman
OPPOSED: Senator Leman, Senator Ward, Senator Wilken, Senator
Austerman, Senator Green, Co-Chair Donley and Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-7)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
AT EASE 9:30 AM / 9:34 AM
[Note: The tape recorder was not stopped during the break resulting
in a blank period in the recording. No portion of the meeting is
missing.]
Department of Law
LAW #1: This amendment adds $250,000 general funds for the Civil
Division BRU, Governmental Affairs component on page 24, line 12.
Senator Olson moved for adoption.
Senator Ward objected.
Senator Olson explained this relates to litigation costs incurred
from an on-going lawsuit between the state and the Bank of America.
He noted the dispute is over alleged mismanagement in the Bank of
America and that it is likely the state would prevail. He warned
that not fully funding this request would limit the department's
ability to successfully argue the case.
Senator Wilken informed that while he supports the increment as the
expenditure could yield a potential return of $50 million, it
should not be contained in the operating budget. He suggested this
should be included in the FY 01 supplemental appropriation or as a
one-time capital expenditure.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Halford and Senator Olson
OPPOSED: Senator Wilken, Senator Austerman, Senator Green, Senator
Leman, Senator Ward, Co-Chair Donley and Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-7)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
LAW #2: This amendment creates a new Victim Restitution component
under the Civil Division BRU and adds $306,500 general funds to
that component on page 24, following line 19.
Senator Olson moved for adoption.
Senator Green objected.
Senator Olson explained this appropriation is for the purchase of
computer hardware, programming a database, as well as covering
administrative expenses related to securing compensation for
victims of crime.
Senator Wilken pointed out that funding for this item is contained
in fiscal notes for HB 133 and SB 107.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Hoffman and Senator Olson
OPPOSED: Senator Austerman, Senator Green, Senator Leman, Senator
Ward, Senator Wilken, Co-Chair Donley and Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-7)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
Office of the Governor
GOV #1: This amendment adds $4,500,000 federal funds for the
Governmental Coordination BRU and component on page 17, lines 12
and 13.
Senator Olson moved for adoption.
Co-Chair Donley objected.
Senator Olson spoke to the amendment that pertains to coastal
impact assistance offered to states such as Alaska.
Co-Chair Donley stated that the House of Representative version of
the operating budget, as well as the current committee substitute,
contains $100,000 for the governor's office to develop a plan for
the utilization of this money. He stressed that no such plan had
been presented to the Legislature. He said it was determined in the
House of Representatives that when a plan is developed, the matter
could be brought before the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee
for authority to receive the federal funds.
Senator Hoffman agreed that the Legislative Budget and Audit
Committee could have oversight of the state's portion of the
funding. However, he noted the original federal intent was that the
federal funds go directly to communities, although it was
ultimately decided to allocate the funds as one increment to the
state. He disagreed that the federal funds should be subject to a
state-determined plan, when no state funds are involved.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Hoffman and Senator Olson
OPPOSED: Senator Green, Senator Leman, Senator Ward, Senator
Wilken, Senator Austerman, Co-Chair Donley and Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-7)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
GOV #2: This amendment adds $66,000 general funds for the
Governmental Coordination BRU and component on page 17, lines 12
and 13.
Senator Olson moved for adoption.
Co-Chair Donley objected.
Senator Olson shared that these funds would be used to hire an
additional Project Review Coordinator to handle gas-related
projects.
AT EASE 9:42 AM / 9:42 AM
[Note: The tape recorder was not stopped during the break resulting
in a blank portion on the recording. No portion of the meeting is
missing.]
Co-Chair Donley remarked that this was similar to a proposal that
was deleted from the FY 01 fast track supplemental budget due to
on-going considerations. He offered an explanation: "Different
vehicles are going to be developed in the legislative process here
and possibly deal with this at a later time." He added that this
item is not included in the House of Representatives version of the
FY 02 operating budget, nor does the Senate Finance Office of the
Governor budget subcommittee recommend it.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Hoffman and Senator Olson
OPPOSED: Senator Leman, Senator Ward, Senator Wilken, Senator
Austerman, Senator Green, Co-Chair Donley and Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-7)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
Department of Revenue
There were no amendments to the committee substitute affecting the
Department of Revenue budget.
Alaska Court System
COURT #1: This amendment adds $39,200 general funds for the
Judicial Council BRU and component on page 35, lines 15 and 16.
Senator Olson moved for adoption.
Senator Wilken objected.
Senator Olson explained this request is for the completion of a
research project on the felony convictions and sentencing, and
would provide up to date analysis.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Olson and Senator Hoffman
OPPOSED: Senator Ward, Senator Wilken, Senator Austerman, Senator
Green, Senator Leman, Co-Chair Donley and Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-7)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
AT EASE 9:46 AM / 9:46 AM
Department of Natural Resources
DNR #1: This amendment removes $300,000 general funds from the
Minerals, Land and Water BRU, Water Development component on page
26, line 20. This amendment also inserts a new bill section on page
54, following line 24 that reads as follows.
Sec. 28. WATER DEVELOPMENT. The sum of $300,000 in
interagency receipts from nonpoint source pollution control
funds received by the Department of Environmental Conservation
is appropriated to the Department of Natural Resources,
division of water development, for water quality monitoring,
watershed or nonpoint source assessment, groundwater research,
assessment, technical assistance, and training, and instream
flow reservations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2002.
Senator Leman moved for adoption.
Senator Hoffman objected for an explanation.
Senator Leman explained this is a one-time fund source change
involving inter-agency receipts. He characterized this funding
source as 319 monies under the Clean Water Act through the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). He noted that, according to
a Division of Legislative Finance fiscal analyst, the department
could use existing general funds to provide the 40-percent match
required.
Senator Hoffman requested the department respond to the amendment.
NICO BUS, Administrative Services Manager, Division of Support
Services, Department of Natural Resources, stated that this
amendment would take from the hydrology section of the operating
budget related to water rights permits, leaving only $40,000.
Senator Leman calculated the department would only need to provide
40-percent of $300,000, which is $120,000.
Mr. Bus replied that the matter was investigated and it was learned
the total cost of the project would be $500,000, thus requiring
$200,000 in general fund match.
Senator Leman stressed that after working on the matter, he
determined that it was possible.
Senator Leman WITHDREW his motion to adopt the amendment without
objection and the amendment was HELD in Committee.
DNR #2: This amendment adds $72,200 general funds for the
Information/Data Management BRU, Information Resource Management
component on page 25, lines 28, 30 and 31.
This amendment was NOT OFFERED.
DNR #3: This amendment adds $160,000 general funds for the Parks
and Recreation Management BRU, Parks Management component on page
26, lines 27 and 30.
Senator Hoffman moved for adoption and read an explanatory
statement into the record as follows.
$100,000 for Wood-Tikckik State Park
America's largest state park, Wood-Tikckik will continue to be
staffed at an embarrassingly low level.
AT EASE 9:50 AM / 9:51 AM
Senator Hoffman continued reading.
Currently one staff person manages an area larger than the
state of Delaware, 1.6 million acres. Park use in the past ten
years has steadily climbed and additional ranger staff,
assigned to year-round responsibilities, is desperately
needed. Without this new position, there will continue to be
no routine patrolling in over half the park. This increment
also included funds for maintenance of an aircraft (aircraft
to be secured through the Department of Public Safety at no
cost to Parks). Without an aircraft and a ranger/pilot, the
upper lake systems will not see regular patrol. The increased
conflicts between hunting guides, and between guides and
private hunters will continue with no possibility of
resolution. Recommendations from the revision of the park
management plan to resolve the hunter conflicts and resource
impacts from both guided and non-guided park visitors cannot
be implemented without a field presence.
$60,000 for Park Maintenance
The general condition of the state parks in Alaska is terrible
and we are hearing that statement from the public regularly.
State Parks has identified $42 million in deferred maintenance
needs in our 120 park units. Last year, one of the outhouses
was so rotten a woman fell through and a park road was so bad
it broke a motor home axle. While we attempt to keep up with
the worst situations, we are now unable to do so. All of the
maintenance staff are seasonal. This funding would extend
their seasons so they can address more of the maintenance
needs of the park system. This increase in person months will
be spread throughout the park system and will compliment a CIP
request for Park Emergency Repairs. Without this increment, we
will simply continue to defer maintenance needs with the hope
that those needs involving health and safety don't result in a
visitor injury. This increment does not address all of the
park maintenance needs, but at this point, even a small amount
of additional funding will be immediately put to good use on
those problems that can cause the most injury to park visitors
and the most liability to the state.
Senator Leman understood this is a priority item of the department
but surmised that existing members of the fish and wildlife service
could undertake the duties. However, he stressed that he would
support funding of $60,000 for maintenance, provided that it be
done with volunteer work. He noted that the department has
indicated this is possible.
Senator Hoffman WITHDREW his motion and the amendment was HELD.
DNR #4: This amendment adds $160,000 general funds for Minerals,
Land and Water Development BRU, Claims, Permits and Leases
component on page 26, lines 17, 18 and 21.
Senator Hoffman read an explanatory statement into the record as
follows.
Results of recent geophysical exploration indicate the
potential for a significant deposit of mineral in the Denali
Block area. As the public became aware that the Department of
Natural Resources recently requested the entitlement of the
eastern portion of the Denali Block area to be on the US.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) conveyance priority list, the
mining industry has communicated considerable interest in
assuring that this conveyance occurs. That is, the industry
has reinforced the importance of the area to upcoming
exploration and expenditures.
Senator Hoffman noted the Alaska Miners Association, Inc. has
written in support of this increment.
Senator Leman agreed there is support for this item, but stressed
the budget subcommittee would have been unable to meet the Senate
Majority imposed budget limitations if this item were funded. He
encouraged the item to be considered the next year. He also pointed
out that the House of Representatives did not fund this item in its
version of the FY 02 budget.
[Note: No formal motion was made to adopt this amendment.]
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Hoffman and Senator Olson
OPPOSED: Senator Austerman, Senator Green, Senator Leman, Senator
Ward, Senator Wilken, Co-Chair Donley and Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-7)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
DNR #5: This amendment changes the funding source of $300,000 in
the Minerals, Land and Water Development BRU, Water Development
component on page 26, lines 17, 18 and 20, from inter-agency (I\A)
receipts to general funds
Senator Hoffman noted the relationship of this amendment to DNR #5
and requested it be HELD.
DNR #6: This amendment adds $350,000 for the Statewide Fire
Suppression Program BRU, Fire Suppression component on page 27,
lines 18 through 20.
Senator Hoffman commented on the on-going method of funding fire
suppression activities in the supplemental budget.
[Note: No formal motion was made to adopt this amendment.]
Senator Ward objected to adoption of the amendment.
Senator Leman noted that the budget subcommittee was considering
options of establishing an on-call crew stationed in central
locations for the duration of the fire station, rather than the
current practice of setting up a 20-person initial strike force for
each fire outbreak.
Senator Leman stressed the need for setting funding priorities.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Hoffman and Senator Olson
OPPOSED: Senator Leman, Senator Ward, Senator Wilken, Senator
Austerman, Senator Green, Co-Chair Donley and Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-7)
This amendment FAILED to be adopted.
Department of Labor and Workforce Development
There were no amendments to the committee substitute affecting the
Department of Labor and Workforce Development submitted at this
time.
AT EASE 9:59 AM / 10:01 AM
Department of Education and Early Development
E&ED #1: This amendment removes $1,300,000 from the Early
Development BRU, Child Care Assistance and Licensing component on
page 11, lines 29, 31 and 32. It also adds $6,000,000 general funds
to the University of Alaska, University of Alaska BRU, Budget
Reductions\Additions-Systemwide component, page 34, lines 13 to 15.
Explanatory language states, "This amendment deletes excess General
Funds used as a match for the Child Care Assistance Program" and
"This amendment provides the necessary funding for the University
of Alaska to continue its educational activities."
This amendment was HELD.
E&ED #2: This amendment adds $68,900 general funds for the Mt.
Edgecumbe Boarding School BRU and component on page 12, lines 22
and 23.
Senator Olson explained this amendment relates to a contract
providing around the clock coverage for over 300 students served in
the residential program of the school. He opined that not funding
this increment would be a "disservice" to these students.
[Note: No formal motion was made to adopt this amendment.]
Co-Chair Donley and Senator Green objected to adoption of the
amendment.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Hoffman and Senator Olson
OPPOSED: Senator Ward, Senator Wilken, Senator Austerman, Senator
Green, Senator Leman, Co-Chair Donley and Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-7)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
E&ED #3: This amendment adds $609,000 general funds to the Kotzebue
Technical Center Operations Grant BRU and component. This BRU is
not included in the committee substitute.
Senator Olson moved for adoption.
Senator Green objected.
Senator Olson warned that not funding this increment jeopardizes
the ability of this vocational institute to train residents of his
district to get jobs and earn an income for their families. He
noted that while significant coordination efforts have been made
between the University of Alaska, The Alaska Technical Center and
the Northwest Arctic Borough School District to merge programs, he
did not think it would be successful.
Senator Olson predicted that closure of this center would result in
"staggering" unemployment rates in the region. He understood
discussions were held several years prior regarding merging
programs, but stressed that since that time, there have been
preparations for a natural gas pipeline and that trained personnel
would be needed to undertake such a project. He did not agree that
decisions made by a previous legislature should be binding for this
legislature.
Senator Wilken reminded the members of a discussion two years prior
in the Senate Finance Committee where it was recognized there was a
duplication of effort between the Kotzebue Technical Center and the
University of Alaska-Chukchi Campus. He referenced two letters he
received, one from the Northwest Arctic Borough School District and
the other from President Mark Hamilton of the University of Alaska
[copies not provided] affirming the duplication. These letters,
Senator Wilken noted, indicate a savings of $634,000 in FY 02 with
the phase-down of the Kotzebue Training Center.
AT EASE 10:07 AM / 10:12 AM
Senator Austerman stressed that any perceived cuts to vocational
education were of concern to him. He suggested that the University
of Alaska should be part of this discussion.
Senator Green shared that she had visited the area a few years
prior and was surprised to learn that the University of Alaska has
hampered from offering certain courses because they were already
offered at the technical center. She deemed the proposed merger to
be "a wonderful marriage" that would allow "everybody to come out
way on top." She added that the building space is useful for both
the university as well as local high school activities that
technically are not vocational-related.
Senator Wilken emphasized this is not an effort to close the school
but rather an opportunity to merge overlapping programs. He stated
that if other funding were located to fund the center, he would not
oppose it, but did not want to use general funds.
Senator Olson explained there are reasons for the existence of the
two institutions. He characterized one institution as "producing or
enhancing those people who are in the white collar market," while
those in the "blue collar" market are served by the institution
offering vocational technical training. He expressed that a good
welding teacher could not be expected to teach ancient history or
visa versa.
Senator Olson requested a representative of the university speak to
the issues relating to this matter.
SFC 01 # 65, Side B 10:16 AM
WENDY REDMOND, Vice President, University Relations, University of
Alaska stated that there is no duplication of services between the
two facilities. She spoke to the collaboration between the schools
and the resulting lowered expenses. She stressed that if vocational
education programs were eliminated the university could in no way
pick up the vocational training.
Senator Leman mentioned other legislation with a fiscal note, which
would essentially double fund the program.
Senator Olson applauded the efforts to fund the technical center
through the other legislation, but was not convinced the funding
would actually occur.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Austerman, Senator Hoffman and Senator Olson
OPPOSED: Senator Wilken, Senator Green, Senator Leman, Senator
Ward, Co-Chair Donley and Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (3-6)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
E&ED #4: This amendment adds $427,600 general funds to the Early
Development BRU, Child Care Assistance and Licensing component on
page 11, lines 29, 31 and 32.
Senator Olson moved for adoption.
Senator Wilken objected.
Senator Olson expressed this funding program would allow childcare
subsidies to continue for eligible families.
Senator Wilken pointed out that federal grants and inter-agency
receipts would provide $30,648,000 for child care services. He
reported there is no longer a waitlist for services in any
community except Anchorage, where the issue is being addressed with
other funds. Therefore, he assured, this amendment was not
necessary.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Hoffman and Senator Olson
OPPOSED: Senator Austerman, Senator Green, Senator Leman, Senator
Ward, Senator Wilken, Co-Chair Donley and Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-7)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
E&ED #5: This amendment adds $562,400 general funds to the Early
Development BRU, Head Start Grants component on page 11, lines 29
and 33.
Senator Olson moved for adoption.
Senator Green and an unidentified member objected.
Senator Olson cited that 27 percent of Alaska's children are
eligible for this program and this amendment provides the necessary
matching funds to receive federal funding. He cautioned that not
funding Head Start would be a disservice to children; both those
who would participate and those who would be future state senators.
Senator Austerman spoke in favor of the amendment, stating that
Head Start is one of the most important early development tools in
every state. He calculated this amendment would secure an
additional $3.3 million in federal funding.
Senator Wilken noted there already would be an increase in federal
funds for local Head Start programs. He suggested contributions
could be made by communities to provide matching funds to acquire
additional federal funding. He pointed out that the additional
amount requested in this amendment was never mentioned during the
subcommittee process. He opined that the Head Start program is
adequately funded and is benefiting from increased federal funding.
Senator Hoffman remarked that there is an effort to expand the Head
Start program into additional communities. He listed six to eight
additional communities and 325 more children would be served if
this additional funding were provided.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Hoffman, Senator Olson and Senator Austerman
OPPOSED: Senator Green, Senator Leman, Senator Ward, Senator
Wilken, Co-Chair Donley and Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (3-6)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
E&ED #6: This amendment adds $1 million general funds for the
Alyeska Central School BRU and component on page 12, line 11 and
12.
Senator Olson moved for adoption.
Senator Wilken objected.
Senator Olson explained this amendment would assist in an
innovative program to improve the education provided to students
from communities with low enrollment. He stated there were a
limited number of teachers with an ability to teach multiple
subjects available for rural areas. He stressed the correspondence
program would benefit students living in his district as well as
other rural students in preparing for the high school exit
examinations.
Senator Hoffman added this item is a recommendation of the
Governor's Education Funding Task Force after it spent many hours
addressing ways to improve education throughout Alaska. Senator
Hoffman noted this appropriation is targeted toward schools with
fewer than 50 students.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Hoffman and Senator Olson
OPPOSED: Senator Leman, Senator Ward, Senator Wilken, Senator
Austerman, Senator Green, Co-Chair Donley and Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-7)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
E&ED #7: This amendment adds $730,000 general funds for the
Teaching and Learning Support BRU, Quality Schools component and
page 11, lines 20 and 23.
Senator Olson moved for adoption.
Senator Wilken objected.
AT EASE 10:30 AM \ 10:32 AM
Senator Olson AMENDED his motion to include adoption of E&ED #8,
E&ED #9 and E&ED #10. [Note: These three amendments appear to be
identical.]
E&ED #8: This amendment adds $2 million general funds for the
Teaching and Learning Support BRU, Quality Schools component and
page 11, lines 20 and 23.
E&ED #9: This amendment adds $2 million general funds for the
Teaching and Learning Support BRU, Quality Schools component and
page 11, lines 20 and 23.
E&ED #10: This amendment adds $2 million general funds for the
Teaching and Learning Support BRU, Quality Schools component and
page 11, lines 20 and 23.
Co-Chair Donley objected.
Senator Olson shared these amendments relate to efforts made by the
Governor's Education Funding Task Force to review education in the
state and identify where improvements could be made as well as
finding maximum efficiencies in spending. He asserted that because
of the task force's objectivity in the matter, their
recommendations should receive greater credibility. He requested a
representative of the Administration explain the necessity of
adopting this amendment.
Co-Chair Donley reminded that the purpose of witnesses at this
hearing is to address questions rather than make detailed position
statements.
ANNALEE MCCONNELL, Director, Office of Management and Budget,
Office of the Governor shared that the Education Funding Task Force
took an approach of identifying specific areas where additional
resources are necessary to comply with the requirements leading up
to the exit exams. She listed three areas: the need for specific
assistance for schools that were not performing well, incentives
for schools that were performing well, and developing a center for
excellence to highlight effective methods that could be applied
elsewhere. She noted these complement the legislature's performance
measure approach to funding programs.
Senator Wilken remarked that the Education Task Force "did good
work" and he was tempted to support the amendments. However, he
stated there was a more appropriate manner to address this issue
such as the K-12 education funding formula.
Senator Olson commented that any delays in funding this increment
would create more expense in the future.
Senator Hoffman referenced pending legislation designed to "fine
tune" the exit exam. He asked the witness how the exit exam could
be improved according to the recommendations of the task force
without adequate funding.
Ms. McConnell answered this relates to the decision to delay the
implementation of the exit exams. She said this is to provide
assistance to those students who demonstrate learning difficulties
in earlier tests, including the exam administered to third grade
students. She detailed how the quality schools programs would
address areas of insufficiency.
A roll call was taken on the motion to adopt the four amendments.
IN FAVOR: Senator Olson and Senator Hoffman
OPPOSED: Senator Leman, Senator Ward, Senator Wilken, Senator
Austerman, Senator Green and Co-Chair Donley
ABSENT: Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-6-1)
The amendments FAILED to be adopted.
Department of Labor and Workforce Development (cont.)
LAB #1: This amendment changes the fund source of $90,000 for the
Employment Security BRU, Job Training Programs component from State
Training and Employment Program (STEP) funds to general funds on
page 22, lines 14 and 17.
Senator Hoffman moved for adoption.
Senator Green objected.
Senator Hoffman shared this funding source change is a request of
the Division of Employment Security and reverses the recommendation
of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development budget
subcommittee. He warned that using STEP funds for this increment
would result in approximately 50 participants who paid into the
fund through the Unemployment Insurance (UI) tax, would not receive
training and employment services through the STEP program.
Senator Hoffman noted this amendment supports Co-Chair Donley's
position that UI funds should be used only as intended.
AT EASE 10:42 AM / 10:44 AM
Co-Chair Donley shared information he garnered during the recess
indicating that using STEP funds for job training efforts in this
increment is not inconsistent with the intent of the STEP program.
He pointed out the training program in question is a long-standing
program.
Senator Hoffman WITHDREW his motion to allow him an opportunity to
verify Co-Chair Donley's assertion. The amendment was HELD.
AT EASE 10:45 AM / 10:46 AM
Department of Fish and Game
F&G #1: This amendment adds $100,000 general funds to the Habitat
BRU and component on page 16, lines 17 and 18. Accompanying
explanatory language reads as follows.
Oil and gas exploration, leasing and development on the North
Slope have increases dramatically in the last several years.
The existing budget is not adequate to conduct the field
reviews required before, during, and after project activities.
This has limited the department's ability to work
cooperatively with industry when project designs are in the
early stages of development, a time when the input is often
the most important. The department's early involvement results
in the least economic impact to industry, and provides for the
highest level of protection for fish and wildlife resources,
while still allowing development to occur.
This amendment was HELD.
F&G #2: This amendment adds $100,000 general funds to the Habitat
BRU and component on page 16, lines 17 and 18.
This amendment was HELD.
Department of Environmental Conservation
DEC #1: This amendment adds $32,500 general funds for the
Environmental Health BRU, Solid Waste Management component on page
13, lines 15 and 20.
Senator Leman moved for adoption.
Senator Hoffman objected for an explanation.
Senator Leman explained this amendment is a result of "intense
discussions" with resource development council members regarding
the need for the department to hire a third-party independent
contractor to work with the department and the "regulated
community" on the appropriate categorization of permit types, fee
rates and associated regulation. He noted this relates to
implementation of other legislation passed the previous session.
Senator Leman relayed to the Committee that since close-out of the
Department of Environmental Conservation budget subcommittee, the
department has acknowledged an error in their report stating
$40,000 general funds would be transferred through a reimbursable
services agreement (RSA) to the Department of Law for regulation
efforts. He noted the subcommittee considered the amount to be
excessive and did not recommend funding that portion of the
increment. Since that time, he shared, the Department of
Environmental Conservation clarified the funds would be used for
activities in addition to drafting and adopting regulations,
including efforts to work with all parties and reaching agreement.
Senator Leman commented that while he maintains the work could be
done within existing structure, the regulating community has
concluded that a third party contractor is necessary. He noted that
a third party contractor was used for reaching agreements in water
related matters and the regulatory community predicts it would be
successful in solid waste related matters as well.
Senator Leman noted this amendment funds the majority of the
original $40,000 request and that the department budget remains
below the spending limit established by the Senate Majority.
Senator Hoffman removed his objection.
The amendment was ADOPTED without objection.
DEC #2: This amendment reads as follows.
Appropriation General Other
Allocation Items Funds Funds
Page 13, line 31:
Delete:
Spill Prevention 8,240,800 8,240,800
And Response
Insert:
Spill Prevention 8,163,300 8,163,300
And Response
Page 14, line 3:
Delete:
Industry 3,123,100
Preparedness and
Pipeline Operations
Insert:
Industry 3,045,600
Preparedness and
Pipeline Operations
Page 47, following line 31:
Insert a new bill section to read:
Sec. 10. DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION. The
sum of $77,500 is appropriated from the oil and hazardous
substance release prevention account (AS 46.08.010(a)(1)) to
the Department of Environmental Conservation for increased
financial responsibility activities for nontank vessels and
railroad cars for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2002.
Senator Leman moved for adoption and explained this is a technical
amendment to fund the second year of the fiscal note for SB 273 of
the twenty-first legislative session relating to nontank vessels
and railroad cars. He noted this amendment clarifies that the
funding is one-time only and not to become a part of the base
expenses in FY 03.
There was no objection and the amendment was ADOPTED.
DEC #3: This amendment removes $112,500 Oil/Hazardous Response Fund
(Prevention Account) from the Local Emergency Planning Committees
BRU and component.
This amendment was NOT OFFERED.
DEC #4: This amendment adds $40,000 general funds for the
Environmental Health BRU, Solid Waste Management component.
This amendment was NOT OFFERED.
DEC #5: This amendment adds $120,000 Commercial Fisheries Loan
funds for the Environmental Health BRU, Food Safety and Sanitation
component on page 13, lines 15 and 17.
Senator Olson explained this amendment would ensure a systematic
monitoring program for Alaskan seafood products. He asserted that
the safety of seafood products is a growing concern through the
world. He cautioned that without a monitoring system, questions
from commercial buyers about matters such as federally issued
consumption advisories, could not be refuted due to a lack of
scientific data. He stressed that these consumption advisories are
causing unnecessary concern for Alaska since most reports of
contamination involve seafood from the Lower 48. He moved for
adoption of the amendment.
Senator Green objected and informed that $3.25 million is included
in the Department of Health and Social Services budget to respond
to the advisories and also review the method of mercury testing as
well as fund research activities on the effects of contaminants on
seafood and people. She noted that portions of these funds are
designated for the Department of Environmental Conservation and
other entities involved.
Senator Hoffman requested Ms. McConnell address Senator Green's
statement that the funds in this amendment are no longer needed.
Ms. McConnell responded that a request has been submitted for
federal funds, but they had not yet been received. She added that
Alaska's congressional delegation has been notified that this is a
key issue, but she warned that there is no indication at this time
of whether this request would be successful. She pointed out that
this amendment pertains specifically to the testing of seafood
whereas the proposal Senator Green spoke of involves a
comprehensive approach to the entire issue of public health
relating to seafood. She clarified that the funding in the
amendment would allow the Department of Environmental Conservation
to conduct baseline monitoring of seafood.
Senator Hoffman requested comment on the fund source.
Ms. McConnell said the original budget request was to utilize
general funds and that the source was changed to Commercial
Fisheries Loan funds in the budget passed by the House of
Representatives. She detailed how the proposed testing project
would qualify for Commercial Fisheries Loan funds.
Senator Hoffman spoke to his support of the amendment emphasizing
the large number of people who depend on the fishing industry.
Ms. McConnell emphasized there have been instances where the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency has planned to issue contamination
advisories that included Alaskan fish. She stressed that the state
successfully argued Alaskan seafood products should be exempted
from the bans in one such case. She stated that the proposed
testing would be useful in persuading against similar inclusions in
the future.
Senator Leman shared the amendment sponsor's goal of supporting
Alaska's seafood industry. However he informed that the Division of
Legislative Finance advises that use of the Commercial Fisheries
Loan fund for the proposed testing is not possible.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Olson and Senator Hoffman
OPPOSED: Senator Leman, Senator Ward, Senator Wilken, Senator
Austerman, Senator Green and Co-Chair Donley
ABSENT: Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-6-1)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
DEC #6: This amendment removes $167,600 Statutory Designated
Program Receipts (SDPR) from the Environmental Health BRU, Food
Safety and Sanitation component and adds $221,300 general funds to
the same BRU and component on page 13, lines 15 and 17.
Senator Olson moved for adoption.
Senator Leman objected.
Senator Olson expressed this is a public health issue and asserted
the need for protection by ensuring that the highest risk food
facilities should be inspected at least once a year. This
amendment, he stated, would provide adequate funding to conduct
annual inspections on such facilities.
Senator Leman noted this amendment utilizes general funds and that
the budget subcommittee had determined that SDPR was better suited.
Senator Hoffman opined that the fishing industry "more than pays
its fair share" for the services it receives. He surmised that in
order to continue to receive revenue from the commercial fishing
industry, the state must expend some funds to ensure the viability
of the industry. He characterized this increment as "very
inexpensive insurance."
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Olson and Senator Hoffman
OPPOSED: Senator Ward, Senator Wilken, Senator Green, Senator Leman
and Co-Chair Donley
ABSENT: Senator Austerman and Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-5-2)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
DEC #7: This amendment adds $82,500 Capital Improvement Project
(CIP) receipts and a new position for the Facility Construction and
Operation BRU and component on page 14, lines 13 through 16.
This amendment was NOT OFFERED.
DEC #8: This amendment changes the fund source of $156,800 from
general funds to I/A Oil and hazardous substance prevention and
response fund in the Administration BRU on page 13, line 11. The
amendment makes the same replacement in the Department of Law,
Civil Division BRU, Environmental Law component on page 33, line
33.
This amendment was HELD.
AT EASE 11:01 AM / 3:34 PM
[Note: remainder of the tape is blank. No portion of the meeting is
missing.]
SFC 01 # 66, Side A 03:34 PM
DEC #8: This amendment changes the fund source of $156,800 from
general funds to I/A Oil and hazardous substance prevention and
response fund in the Administration BRU on page 13, line 11. The
amendment makes the same replacement in the Department of Law,
Civil Division BRU, Environmental Law component on page 33, line
33.
This amendment was NOT OFFERED.
Department of Public Safety
DPS #1: This amendment removes $50,000 general funds from the
Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (CDVSA) BRU and
component, on page 28, line 33 and page 29, lines 3 through 5. This
amendment also adds $50,000 general funds for the Batterer's
Intervention Program BRU and component on page 29, lines 6 and 7.
Accompanying explanatory language reads as follows.
The CDVSA has received a 15 percent increase in funding over
the last two years while the Batterers Intervention Program
funding has remained level. This transfer of $50,000 provides
much needed funding for the additional grant requests being
made by batterers intervention program. Without intervention,
we cannot hope to do away with domestic violence.
Additionally, a recent audit of the CDVSA identifies serious
issues regarding monitoring and evaluation and indicates that
Batterers Intervention Programs are underfunded.
This amendment was HELD.
DPS #2: This amendment adds $89,900 general funds for the Alaska
State Troopers BRU, Criminal Investigations Bureau component on
page 28, lines 4 and 8.
This amendment was NOT OFFERED.
DPS #3: This amendment adds $350,000 general funds for the Alaska
State Troopers BRU, Search and Rescue component on page 28, lines 4
and 12.
This amendment was NOT OFFERED to defer to DPS #16.
DPS #4: This amendment creates a new Judicial Services-Statewide
component in the Alaska State Troopers BRU and adds $3,725,900
general funds for that component, on page 28, lines 4 and following
line 10.
Senator Olson moved for adoption.
Senator Austerman objected.
Senator Olson explained the new component pertains to courthouse
security. He informed the amendment would provide 35 additional
court officers to increase security in both rural and urban
courthouses across the state. He stressed courtroom safety as a
growing concern.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Olson
OPPOSED: Senator Wilken, Senator Austerman, Senator Green, Co-Chair
Kelly, Senator Ward, Co-Chair Donley and Co-Chair Kelly
ABSENT: Senator Hoffman
The motion FAILED (1-7-1)
This amendment FAILED to be adopted.
DPS #5: This amendment creates a new Judicial Services-Statewide
component in the Alaska State Troopers BRU and adds $4,369,100
general funds for that component, on page 28, lines 4 and following
line 10.
This amendment was NOT OFFERED.
DPS #6: This amendment adds $100,000 general funds for the Alaska
State Trooper Detachment BRU and component on page 28, lines 16
through 18.
Senator Olson moved for adoption.
Senator Austerman objected.
Senator Olson noted this amendment provides funding to purchase
three vehicles at the request of the Alaska State Troopers. He
stated these are to replace aged emergency response vehicles.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Hoffman and Senator Olson
OPPOSED: Senator Green, Senator Leman, Senator Ward, Senator
Wilken, Senator Austerman, Co-Chair Donley and Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-7)
This amendment FAILED to be adopted.
DPS #7: This amendment adds $142,700 general funds for the Alaska
State Trooper Detachment BRU and component on page 28, lines 16
through 18.
Senator Olson moved for adoption.
Senator Green objected.
Senator Olson told the Committee this amendment would fully fund
on-going law enforcement recruiting efforts. He stressed the
difficulties in attracting quality applicants who meet the high
standards of the Alaska State Troopers.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Halford and Senator Olson
OPPOSED: Senator Leman, Senator Ward, Senator Wilken, Senator
Austerman, Senator Green, Co-Chair Donley and Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-7)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
DPS #8: This amendment adds $838,000 general funds for the Alaska
State Trooper Detachment BRU and component on page 28, lines 16
through 18.
Senator Olson moved for adoption.
Senator Austerman objected.
Senator Olson stated this amount meets the governor's request to
hire and train eight new certified police officers for rural
communities in which the Alaska State Troopers has jurisdiction. He
spoke to the need for long-term proactive measures to deter rural
citizens from committing a crime. He noted these officers would
also assist in search and rescue activities, conduct boat safety
inspections and respond to the needs of domestic violence victims.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Olson and Senator Hoffman
OPPOSED: Senator Leman, Senator Ward, Senator Wilken, Senator
Austerman, Senator Green, Co-Chair Donley and Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-7)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
DPS #9: This amendment adds $1,280,100 general funds for the Alaska
State Trooper Detachment BRU and component on page 28, lines 16
through 18.
Senator Olson moved for adoption.
Co-Chair Donley objected.
Senator Olson explained this increment provides funding for an
additional eight state troopers. He warned that without this
funding, the troopers would be forced to continue dealing with
crime only in a reactive mode rather than taking proactive
measures.
Co-Chair Donley asked Senator Austerman how many new trooper and
Fish and Wildlife Protection officer positions were created at the
recommendation of the department budget subcommittee.
Senator Austerman listed three Alaska State Troopers and four Fish
and Wildlife Protection officers.
Co-Chair Donley noted an additional $500,000 allocated for this
purpose through an RSA, bringing the total to fourteen new
officers.
Senator Austerman clarified the total as twelve.
Senator Olson stressed the need for proactive efforts to prevent
crime, which would not be achieved with the twelve new officer
positions.
Senator Hoffman agreed the committee substitute adds more
personnel, but maintained that the area of jurisdiction for each
trooper remains too large.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Olson and Senator Hoffman
OPPOSED: Senator Ward, Senator Wilken, Senator Austerman, Senator
Green, Senator Leman, Co-Chair Donley and Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-7)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
DPS #10: This amendment adds $500,000 general funds for the Council
on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault BRU and component on page
28, line 33 and page 29, lines 3 through 5.
Senator Olson moved for adoption.
Senator Austerman objected.
Senator Olson asserted the budget subcommittee had approved the
governor's funding request of $500,000 to implement the Violence
Against Women Act. However, he pointed out that the subcommittee
recommended removing $950,000 from the program.
Co-Chair Donley advised that the general funds were replaced with
federal funds and there would therefore be no reduction.
Senator Hoffman stressed that Alaska ranks highest in drug and
alcohol abuse, which is directly related to the number of domestic
violence and sexual assault incidents. He emphasized that without
these funds domestic violence and sexual assault would still be a
problem in many lives.
Co-Chair Donley stressed the legislature has made "a major
commitment to this program in particular" but opined that this has
sometimes been at the expense of other programs.
Senator Hoffman requested the department explain where Alaska
stands in regard to other states in domestic violence.
KEN BISCHOFF, Director, Division of Administrative Services,
Department of Public Safety, affirmed that the subcommittee
proposal maintains the level of funding appropriated in FY 01, but
does not provide the additional $500,000 requested by the governor.
TRISHA GENTLE, Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
testified Alaska has the highest rate of domestic violence and
sexual assault incidents in the nation. She said this increment was
intended specifically for children's advocates.
Senator Hoffman concluded that without this funding the high levels
of domestic violence and sexual assault would remain. He pointed
out that the media has been reporting of the high percentage of
domestic violence and sexual assaults committed against Alaska
Natives. He presumed that $500,000 is "a small price to pay to try
to get us off the list as number one in the nation."
Senator Olson opined that it was obvious to him that because of the
number one ranking of Alaska, efforts to address the matter are
inadequately funded. He stressed domestic violence and sexual
assault affects everyone, regardless of race or social economical
group.
Senator Hoffman asked Mr. Bischoff about insurance rates and the
purchasing power that would be reduced by trying to maintain the
current level of services.
Ms. Gentle replied that the Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual
Assault conducted a survey of programs and health insurance costs
for employees and found a 20 percent increase for all programs. She
emphasized there are additional costs to operate the programs.
Senator Hoffman therefore stated that the current funding does not
maintain, but rather decreases the funding level because of the
reduced purchasing power.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Hoffman and Senator Olson
OPPOSED: Senator Ward, Senator Wilken, Senator Austerman, Senator
Green, Senator Leman and Co-Chair Donley
ABSENT: Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-6-1)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
DPS #11: This amendment adds $60,400 general funds for the Village
Public Safety Officer Program BRU, Support component on page 28,
lines 19, 20 and 22.
This amendment was NOT OFFERED.
DPS #12: This amendment adds $828,500 general funds for the Village
Public Safety Officer Program BRU, Contracts component on page 28,
lines 19 through 21.
Senator Olson moved for adoption.
Co-Chair Donley objected.
Senator Olson spoke to the amendment to increase the salary paid to
Village Public Safety Officers (VPSO), which he remarked are
underpaid. He emphasized that the high turnover in these positions
is a loss of experience for the state.
Senator Hoffman stressed that the VPSOs are the first line of
defense in the communities they serve. He hoped to someday have a
VPSO in every Alaskan community.
Co-Chair Donley pointed out, "Despite erroneous news stories
earlier this session, VPSOs have not been cut"; funding for this
program has never been reduced and was actually increased the prior
year.
Senator Hoffman thanked Senator Halford for sponsoring legislation
that enhances the VPSO program and hoped it would pass.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Hoffman and Senator Olson
OPPOSED: Senator Austerman, Senator Green, Senator Leman, Senator
Ward, Senator Wilken, Co-Chair Donley and Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-7)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
DPS #13: This amendment adds $1,152,100 general funds for the
Village Public Safety Officer Program BRU, Contracts component on
page 28, lines 19 through 21.
Senator Olson moved for adoption.
Co-Chair Donley objected.
Senator Olson stated that 73 rural communities do not have a VPSO
or any other state-certified law enforcement officer. He warned
that without this appropriation, up to 20 of these villages would
not begin to receive this service.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Hoffman and Senator Olson
OPPOSED: Senator Green, Senator Leman, Senator Ward, Senator
Wilken, Senator Austerman, Co-Chair Donley and Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-7)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
DPS #14: This amendment adds $1,210,000 general funds for the Fish
and Wildlife Protection BRU, Enforcement and Investigative Services
Unit component on page 27, lines 24 through 26.
Senator Olson moved for adoption.
Senator Austerman objected.
Senator Olson WITHDREW his motion, without explanation, and the
amendment was HELD.
DPS #15: This amendment adds $100,000 general funds for the Alaska
State Troopers BRU, Search and Rescue component on page 28, lines 4
and 12.
Senator Green moved for adoption and explained this would allow
more attention to be given to information dissemination, training
and awareness of avalanches. She shared that the Mat-Su Borough has
been impacted by loss of life to avalanches. She stated she
preferred more funding, but would be satisfied with the amount
proposed in the amendment.
Co-Chair Donley pointed out no funds are included for this purpose
in the budget passed by the House of Representatives.
Senator Green affirmed.
Co-Chair Donley stated that passing this amendment is the only
method in which to provide these funds.
Senator Leman was unsure how these funds would impact the loss of
life. He understood there is an education effort already underway,
but that avalanche deaths still were occurring.
Senator Green replied that a well-funded program existed several
years prior and this appropriation would reinstate that program.
She stated this would allow for notification of certain danger
areas if the ability to identify them were developed. She admitted
she was unsure whether every person would ever heed to the dangers.
Senator Hoffman opposed the amendment, stating that several of
Senator Olson's amendments were of higher priority.
Co-Chair Donley commented the Committee heard, "very emotional and
moving testimony" on this matter. He requested Senator Green work
with him to identify an alternate funding source for this
increment.
Senator Ward added that this danger does not only apply to snow
machine riders, but to all backcountry users, skiers, trappers and
miners.
Senator Green WITHDREW her motion to adopt the amendment and it was
HELD.
[Pause on the record.]
Department of Health and Social Services
H&SS #1: This amendment changes the funding source of $288,600 in
the Medical Assistance BRU, Medicaid Services component, from
general funds to Tobacco Settlement funds on page 17, line 31 and
page 18, line 3. This amendment also adds $288,600 general funds
for the State Health Services BRU, Tobacco Prevention and Control
component on page 20, lines 5 and 26.
Senator Green moved for adoption and told the Committee that during
the budget subcommittee process, general funds had been included in
the Tobacco Prevention and Control component. However, she
asserted, the intent was to utilize only Tobacco Settlement funds.
She pointed out that an additional $100,000 is added to the
increment.
Senator Austerman asked the total amount allocated to this
increment in FY 01.
Senator Green answered $1,400,000 and pointed out this amendment
increases that amount to $1,500,000.
Senator Hoffman stated that he would support the amendment as a
"good first small step."
Without objection the amendment was ADOPTED.
H&SS #2: This amendment removes $47,800 general funds from the
Community Mental Health Grants BRU, General Community Mental Health
Grants component on page 21, lines 6 through 8. This amendment also
adds $47,800 general funds for the Community Developmental
Disabilities Grants BRU and component on page 21, lines 16 through
19. Accompanying explanatory language reads exactly as follows.
In the Senate Subcommittee transfer from designated BRU grants
there was $47.8 that should have been transferred to the
Developmental Disability Grant component. The $47.8 has funded
individualized DD services for many years in the Norton Sound
region and if the designated BRU grants do not exist the fund
should be in the funded in the Developmental Disability Grant
component.
Senator Green moved for adoption and explained this is a correction
to the subcommittee recommendation.
There was no objection and the amendment was ADOPTED.
H&SS #3: This amendment adds $2,900 general funds for the
Facilities Maintenance BRU, HSS State Facilities Rent component on
page 22, lines 8 and 10. Accompanying explanatory language reads as
follows.
The subcommittee failed to adopt this net zero transfer. By
paying this rent in the Health and Social Services budget
instead of the Administration budget the State of Alaska can
take advantage of federal reimbursement for a portion of the
rental costs.
Senator Green moved for adoption and read the above explanation
statement into the record.
The amendment was ADOPTED without objection.
H&SS #4: This amendment adds $63,500 general funds for the Alcohol
and Drug Abuse Services BRU, Alcohol Safety Action Program (ASAP)
component on page 20, lines 27, 29 and 30.
Senator Hoffman read an explanatory statement into the record as
follows.
Research shows that youth who begin to consume alcohol before
the age of 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol
dependency than people who wait until after the age of 21 to
begin drinking. In 1999 the Alaska Court System recorded over
2,200 citations for minors under the age of 18 consuming
alcohol.
Funding is requested for a permanent full time Juvenile
Probation Officer to assist with a new program to address the
need for a Juvenile Alcohol Safety Action Program (ASAP). The
Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse will provide alcohol
screening, assessments and monitoring of court ordered
sanctions of minors cited for consuming or possessing alcohol
in 6-8 communities through grants with community based
agencies.
Senator Green pointed out this item was funded at FY 01 level.
Senator Hoffman emphasized Alaska's standing in relation to alcohol
consumption in relation to other states to show the "magnitude" of
the issue.
AT EASE 4:11 PM / 4:14 PM
Senator Hoffman requested comment from the department.
KAREN PERDUE, Commissioner, Department of Health and Social
Services, stressed that alcohol is a "very large problem in Alaska"
with at least the fifth highest rate of alcohol-related problems.
She added that the state has the highest documented rate of fetal
alcohol syndrome in the nation, and possibly in the world. She
continued that alcohol accounts for 50 percent of hospital
emergency room visits, 65 percent of suicide attempts, 83 percent
of child abuse cases, "very high" domestic violence rates, 50
percent of fatal automobile crashes, 45 percent of fire deaths and
46 percent of murders. She stressed that there is a need for
treatment that exceeds the amount of funds to offer such treatment.
Ms. Perdue compared the 2.67 gallons per person consumption rate of
Alaskans to the U.S. average of two gallons. She reported that
consumption in Alaska has declined in the last decade by almost one
gallon.
Senator Hoffman requested the amendment be HELD to await action on
HESS #27.
H&SS #5: This amendment adds $326,300 general funds for the Alcohol
and Drug Abuse Services BRU, Alcohol/Drug Abuse Grants component on
page 20, lines 27 and 31.
This amendment was HELD to await action on HESS #27.
H&SS #16: This amendment adds $359,400 general funds for the State
Health Services BRU, Community Health Grants component on page 20,
lines 5 and 20.
This amendment was HELD to await action on HESS #27.
H&SS #21: This amendment adds $148,500 general funds for the
Purchased Services BRU, Family Preservation component on page 18,
lines 28 and 29.
This amendment was HELD to await action on HESS #27.
H&SS #6: This amendment adds $426,000 general funds for the Alcohol
and Drug Abuse Services BRU, Community Action Against Substance
Abuse Grants (CAASA) component on page 20, lines 27, and 33, and
page 21, line 3.
Senator Hoffman referred to the H&SS #4 explanatory statement and
read an additional explanatory statement into the record as
follows.
The impact of not funding these grants will be:
· Approximately eight communities, including Anchorage and
Mat-Su, who are experiencing the most problems with minor
consuming, will not receive juvenile ASAP services
through grants with community based agencies.
· Increase in the number of repeat juvenile offenders who
progress to levels necessitating increased supervision
and space utilization.
· Repeat juvenile offenders will eventually enter the adult
system (Department of Corrections), resulting in more
costly jail time or felony supervision.
· Across time not funding these grants will increase the
number of new DWI, Domestic Violence Assault and other
alcohol/other drug-related offenses statewide due to lack
of early intervention.
[Note: No formal motion was made to adopt this amendment.]
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Hoffman and Senator Olson
OPPOSED: Senator Green, Senator Leman, Senator Ward, Senator
Wilken, Senator Austerman and Co-Chair Donley
ABSENT: Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-6-1)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
H&SS #7: This amendment adds $700,000 general funds for the Alcohol
and Drug Abuse Services BRU, Alcohol/Drug Abuse Grants component on
page 20, lines 27 and 31.
Senator Hoffman noted the budget subcommittee recommended
transferring these funds to another "worthy" program. He read an
explanatory statement into the record as follows.
This is a general fund reduction of funds available to be
granted to substance abuse treatment and prevention services
in Alaska.
The Knowles Administration had proposed $1.8 million to
increase related to substance abuse treatment and prevention
[sic]. The impacts of not funding each of those proposals are
separately discussed in this impact statement. However, this
is a reduction ($700,000) from the base funding now available
for grants and has some large impacts on the Division's
ability to fund existing services.
We estimate the likely impact in terms of beds lost during FY
02 to be:
· Eliminate 5 detoxification beds
· Eliminate 19 co-ed, 8 woman only and 2 adolescent
intermediate care beds
· Eliminate 8 adult and 2 adolescent long-term care beds
· The reductions in outpatient capacity are difficult to
calculate by will be significant
Substance abuse treatment is also a program that works. At a
time when the state is estimating that the lifetime cost of
one Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) child is a million dollars,
eliminating funds for alcohol treatment and prevention seems a
contrary approach to FAS prevention. FAS is the only
preventable birth defect. FAS is 100% preventable.
Senator Green pointed out that the funding for this increment was
transferred to the Infant Learning Program, which she said has had
financial difficulty because the funding allocated in FY 01 was not
provided. She noted the connection between drug and alcohol abuse
and infant learning stressing it is therefore appropriate to use
these fund for the infant learning program. She also pointed out
$700,000 in federal grant funds remains available for drug and
alcohol abuse programs.
Senator Green then spoke to Medicaid payments made to alcohol-
related grant recipients.
Senator Hoffman responded that the infant learning program should
not be funded at the expense of this program. In fact, he
predicted, it could actually place an additional burden on the
infant learning program as a result of alcohol and drug abuse
problems with infants.
[Note: No formal motion was made to adopt this amendment.]
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Halford and Senator Olson
OPPOSED: Senator Leman, Senator Ward, Senator Wilken, Senator
Austerman, Senator Green, Co-Chair Donley and Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-7)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
H&SS #8: This amendment adds $1,010,500 general funds for the
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services BRU, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Grants
component on page 20, lines 27, 28 and 31.
Senator Hoffman read an explanatory statement into the record as
follows.
The demand for alcohol treatment for youth currently exceeds
the availability. Youth residential treatment is available
only in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Sitka and all providers have
wait lists. Note there are no facilities in rural Alaska. In
1999, more than 2,200 citations were issued for minors under
the age of 18 consuming alcohol according to court records. We
need to help these youth before the problems are compounded.
This funding will be utilized to provide grant funding for
approximately 22 youth outpatient and continuing care
counselors statewide. This is a much-needed expansion and can
be viewed as a preventive health care move.
Senator Hoffman moved for adoption of the amendment.
SFC 01 # 66, Side B 04:25 PM
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Olson and Senator Hoffman
OPPOSED: Senator Leman, Senator Ward, Senator Wilken, Senator
Austerman, Senator Green, Co-Chair Donley and Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-7)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
H&SS #9: This amendment adds $1,366,400 general funds for the
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services BRU, Alcohol Safety Action Program
(ASAP) component on page 20, lines 27, 29 and 30.
This amendment was NOT OFFERED.
H&SS #10: This amendment adds $1,500,000 general funds for the
Alcohol and Drug Abuse BRU, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Grants component
on page 20, lines 27 and 31.
This amendment was NOT OFFERED.
H&SS #11: This amendment adds $2 million for the Alcohol and Drug
Abuse Services BRU, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Grants component on page
20, lines 27 and 31.
Senator Hoffman read an explanatory statement into the record as
follows.
The intent of this increment is to eliminate the wait list for
subsistence abuse treatment by increasing outpatient and
residential treatment capacity with a specific emphasis on
individuals involved in the criminal justice system. The
current need and demand for treatment far exceeds the current
treatment capacity. Approximately $800,000 will be used to
increase outpatient treatment capacity by adding 18 outpatient
counselors within grantee agencies and approximately
$1,200,000 would increase residential treatment capacity by
fully funding 54 treatment beds.
[Note: No formal motion was made to adopt this amendment.]
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Hoffman and Senator Olson
OPPOSED: Senator Wilken, Senator Austerman, Senator Green, Senator
Leman, Senator Ward and Co-Chair Donley
ABSENT: Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-6-1)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
H&SS #12: This amendment adds $394,500 general funds for the
Community Mental Health Grants BRU, Services to Chronically
Mentally Ill component on page 21, lines 6, 10 and 11.
Senator Hoffman moved for adoption.
Co-Chair Donley objected.
Senator Hoffman read an explanatory statement into the record as
follows.
Impact: The transfer of designated BRU grant funds for the
public health component of 5 current designated BRUs
(Maniilaq, Norton Sound, Southeast Alaska Regional Health Care
(SEARHC), Tanana Chiefs Council (TCC) and Yukon Kuskokwim
Health Care (YKHC)) to Community Health Grants budget
component results in an 8% reduction or $359,400 to the entire
community health grant program.
The grant funds support a number of public health programs as
listed below that would be impacted by this reduction. The
division will have to re-evaluate the amount that they award
to each program and area of the state to minimize the impact
overall.
Emergency Medical Services: The Emergency Medical Services
grant programs provide important functions, including:
providing high quality and low cost training; assisting with
the certification and t4esting of Emergency Medical
Technicians; coordinating EMS resources; and improving the
availability of safe and efficient emergency medical care and
transportation. The programs provide essential emergency
medical training to Community Health Aides and others.
Training and Supervision: These grant funds support the
training and supervision of over 500 community health aides
(CHA) and community health practitioners (CHP) statewide. This
reduction could result in a yearly elimination of over 100
training courses and over 1,000 supervisory contracts, which
could clearly affect the expertise of CHA/Ps and the quality
of care provided to patients in rural Alaska.
Health Clinics: Funds available to support the personnel costs
of mid-level practitioners providing medical services in the
rural villages will be reduced.
Public Health Nurses: An 8% reduction to the public health
nursing programs will result in a significant decrease in PHN
workforce capacity to provide local public health services
throughout the state. In addition to the Norton Sound and
Maniilaq BRUs, the Division of Public Health awards grants for
Public Health Nursing to the Municipality of Anchorage and the
North Slope Borough. The division will have to re-evaluate the
amount that they award to each area of the state to minimize
the impact overall.
Additionally, the following two programs currently funded
through the designated BRUs may not be able to be funded
through the competitive bid process through the Community
Health Grants component.
Pre-maternal Homes: The result of the funding transfer and
reduction would be the discontinuation of the Maniilaq and
Norton Sound prematernal homes. Prematernal home funding was
discontinued in the state approximately eight years ago,
except in these BRUs.
Eye Care: The only eye care programs statewide are those
supported with state BRU funds provide for comprehensive
vision services in the Norton Sound and Maniilaq regions
[sic]. These services may be eliminated.
Senator Hoffman asserted this item has widespread support as shown
during the public testimony hearings.
Senator Green asked how this amendment relates to H&SS #16, which
relates to Community Health Grants.
AT EASE 4:32 PM / 4:33 PM
It was established that Senator Hoffman's comments pertain to H&SS
#16 rather then H&SS #12. He then addressed comments to H&SS #12
and read an explanatory statement into the record as follows.
Impact: The CMH/API Replacement Project is enhancing the
capability of private community providers to meet the
challenging needs of people with severe and chronic mental
illness who would otherwise require acute or long-term care at
the Alaska Psychiatric Institute (API). This fund source
switch request replaces with GF/MH the federal funding for
deinstitutionalizing six long-term residents of API and
reducing the size of the Katmai unit from 25 to 20 beds.
In the fall of 1999 and spring of 2000, six long-term API
residents transitioned to community-based residential care.
Five of these former patients now live in a triplex with a
full complement of support services and one resides in a
foster care home. These individuals had lived at API from two
to 18 years prior to being placed in the community, not
because they required hospital care, but because there were no
other options available for meeting their challenging day-to-
day needs.
These services have been funding since 1999 with a federal
grant. The plan has been to transition to state general funds.
The Department of Health and Social Services continues its
commitment to improving community mental health services as
part of the three-pronged Community Mental Health/API
Replacement Project. Major partners in this effort include the
Alaska Mental Health Board, the Alaska Mental Health Trust,
the Department of Health and Social Services Division of
Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, and API. The
three central components of this effort are:
· Improving community mental health by supporting the
provision of private treatment alternatives to API
hospitalization
· Replacing the API building
· Enhancing the quality of care at API
Funding of this increment is essential to maintaining the
community's support of the entire CMH/API Replacement Project.
Community support, vital to this success of this effort [sic],
hinges on the State's commitment to on going funding of
community-based services rather than relying on time-limited
funds, such as SAMHSA grants.
The short-term impact in not funding this increase is that we
will be required to make an amendment to our federal funding
application for FY 02 that has already been submitted. In
making this amendment, we will need to decrease some other
vital service that is part of this project. In our planning
for this project, having the funds for this project as general
funds allowed for some additional community based direct
services to be provided. For FY 02, the revised federal
spending plan will result in fewer funds for such community
services as enhanced detox, crisis/respite, dual diagnosis
treatment, supported housing, and other vital services. All of
this has a direct impact on meeting the goals of this project
as noted above.
The long-term impact is that the program will have to be
closed after the federal funds terminate in FY 03. An attempt
will be made to absorb the six individuals into the general
funded services, but due to the severe impairments these
individuals have, it is unclear whether this can be
accomplished.
Senator Green shared that in discussions with the department she
learned that in one year, funding for the program would be replaced
with federal funds.
Senator Hoffman requested the department address the issue.
JANET CLARKE, Director, Division of Administrative Services,
Department of Health and Social Services testified that currently
the program is funded with a federal grant and that the intent of
the department, the Mental Health Trust Authority (MHTA) and the
Alaska Mental Health Board (AMHB) is to utilize general fund-mental
health funds in FY 02 as part of a long-range plan. She cautioned
that without the general funds the application for federal funds
would have to be altered and other services would have to be
reduced.
Senator Hoffman asked if federal funds were available for this
purpose for one more year.
Ms. Clarke responded that the grant application, which had already
been submitted, would have to be amended since this program was not
intended to be a part of the expenditures of the grant. She
stressed that it is uncertain how the federal agency overseeing
this grant would address the matter. She told of the API residents
impacted, and the importance of the program. She could not answer
Senator Hoffman's question yes or no.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Halford and Senator Olson
OPPOSED: Senator Austerman, Senator Green, Senator Leman, Senator
Ward and Co-Chair Donley
ABSENT: Senator Wilken and Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-5-2)
This amendment FAILED to be adopted.
H&SS #13: This amendment adds $235,000 general funds for the State
Health Services BRU, Public Health Laboratories component on page
20, lines 5 and 25.
Senator Hoffman read an explanatory statement into the record as
follows.
This increment for this Back to Basics initiative was funded
at 30% of the requested level. The communicable disease
problems addressed in the Back to Basics programs such as TB,
HIV, Hepatitis A/B/C, sexually transmitted diseases, and loss
in the immunization coverage remain threats to the public's
health. Failure to fully fund the Back to Basics initiative
will result in the elimination of one proposed microbiologist
position and a 50% reduction in needed commodities. Failure to
provide adequate professional staff significantly hinders the
timely diagnosis of such diseases as tuberculosis, hepatitis
and sexually transmitted diseases, all of which are on the
rise in Alaska. Current resource [sic] are inadequate to do
the epidemiological and laboratory fieldwork that is needed.
This increment will help control infectious disease in Alaska.
Senator Olson spoke in support of the amendment on behalf of public
health services. He stressed that this service is constitutionally
mandated. He talked of the increases in the number of cases of
meningitis and tuberculosis.
Senator Green noted the $700,000 overall funding increase for
public health.
[Note: No formal motion was made to adopt this amendment.]
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Hoffman and Senator Olson
OPPOSED: Senator Green, Senator Leman, Senator Ward, Senator
Austerman and Co-Chair Donley
ABSENT: Senator Wilken and Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-5-2)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
H&SS #14: This amendment adds $188,600 Tobacco Settlement Receipts
for the State Health Services BRU, Tobacco Prevention and Control
component on page 20, lines 5 and 26.
This amendment was NOT OFFERED.
H&SS #15: This amendment adds $1.6 million Tobacco Settlement
Receipts for the State Health Services BRU, Tobacco Prevention and
Control component on page 20, lines 5 and 26.
Senator Hoffman moved for adoption.
Senator Green objected.
Senator Hoffman read an explanatory statement into the record as
follows.
The $1,600,000 in tobacco settlement funds (a type of general
funds) for Tobacco Prevention and Control Enhancement would
provide funding for community-based grants for three specific
areas: community-based programming, school-based youth
programs and cessation services. The Governor's budget
includes $1.4 million for Tobacco Prevention and Control and
this amendment would bring the total resources to $3 million.
MICHELLE TOOHEY, Public Advocacy Manager, American Heart
Association, pointed to the "tremendous successes" in states with
comprehensive sustained tobacco control programs, such as in
California and Massachusetts. She reported smoking consumption has
been reduced by over 30 percent. She stated that this funding would
help the Alaska program expand and achieve measurable success.
Senator Leman appreciated the intent of the amendment, but stated
that he would not support such a large increment at one time,
suggesting the increase was "too much too fast."
Senator Hoffman requested the witness respond to Senator Leman's
statement.
Ms. Toohey pointed out an infrastructure and procedures were in
place for undertaking this effort and that the programs in other
states are proving successful.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Olson and Senator Hoffman
OPPOSED: Senator Leman, Senator Ward, Senator Wilken, Senator
Austerman, Senator Green and Co-Chair Donley
ABSENT: Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-6-1)
This amendment FAILED to be adopted.
H&SS #16: This amendment adds $359,400 general funds for the State
Health Services BRU, Community Health Grants component on page 20,
lines 5 and 20.
This amendment was NOT OFFERED.
H&SS #17: This amendment adds $439,000 general funds for the State
Health Services BRU, Epidemiology component on page 20, lines 5 and
13.
This amendment was NOT OFFERED.
H&SS #18: This amendment adds $852,200 general funds for the State
Health Service BRU, Nursing component on page 20, lines 5 and 6.
Senator Hoffman read an explanatory statement into the record as
follows.
The increment for this Back to Basics initiative was funded at
30% of the requested level. The communicable disease problems
addressed in the Back to Basics programs such as TB, HIV,
Hepatitis A/B/C, sexually transmitted diseases, and loss in
immunization coverage remain threats to the public's health.
Without full funding, sine [sic?] areas will continue to
experience disease problems that could have been identified,
treated and controlled with adequate nursing personnel. The
original proposal for 11 nurses and 4 support staff was modest
in terms of the work to be done in our state. Current
resources are inadequate to meet the demand and an increasing
population. The nursing component should be funded to help
prevent and contain infectious disease in the state.
Senator Green pointed out that the funding for nursing services was
increased nearly $1.8 million from FY 01.
Senator Hoffman requested the department explain how the $1.8
million relates to the amount requested in this amendment.
Ms. Clarke responded that the primary funding increase in the
nursing component is for the salary increase granted to the public
health nurse positions. She affirmed the Back to Basics component
remains funded at 30 percent of the governor's requested amount.
Ms. Clark shared that the areas with major disease outbreaks have
been identified as Anchorage, Mat-Su, Kenai, Bristol Bay, Delta
Junction, Valdez, the Interior region, and Aleutian Islands
communities. She detailed there were several outbreaks of
tuberculosis in recent years in Anchorage, the Seward prison and
the Norton Sound region.
[Note: No formal motion was made to adopt the amendment.]
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Halford and Senator Olson
OPPOSED: Senator Wilken, Senator Austerman, Senator Green, Senator
Leman, Senator Ward and Co-Chair Donley
ABSENT: Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-6-1)
This amendment FAILED to be adopted.
H&SS #19: This amendment adds $564,500 general funds for the
Juvenile Justice BRU, Probation Services component on page 19,
lines 21 and 31.
Senator Hoffman read an explanatory statement into the record as
follows.
Impact: The division will be unable to provide services to
victims of juvenile crime and will increasingly fail to
provide them with opportunities to exercise their
constitutional and statutory rights to participate in the
judicial and restitution processes. The division would have
located nine additional juvenile probation officers in those
areas with the highest caseload and programmatic need as
follows: Anchorage (2), Bethel, Barrow, Dillingham, Kenai,
Ketchikan, Kodiak, and Valdez. This was to have been the first
year of a three year initiative to intervene earlier and more
effectively with juveniles before they penetrate further into
the formal juvenile justice system or, in other words, to
prevent juveniles from entering one of the state's six youth
facilities.
If offense referrals continue at current levels or increase by
any amount at our rural offices, the delinquency response will
be limited to only the most serious felony cases. Early
intervention and effective diversion activities will be
reduced, eliminated or not initiated due to continued lack of
resources. There will be fewer consequences for young
offenders who commit minor crimes; this, in turn, will
increase the likelihood that juveniles will offend due to the
lack of accountability for their inappropriate behavior.
Senator Green commented $1.6 million has been allocated for the new
Ketchikan and Mat-Su juvenile detention facilities and an
additional $150,000 has been allocated for increased probation
services. She agreed with the merits of the probation system.
Senator Hoffman pointed out that Senator Green did not mention any
rural communities as having received additional funds.
Co-Chair Donley commented on the "tremendous" progress the
legislature has made over the past three years in the area of
funding for juvenile justice services, plus the "massive" increases
contained in the FY 02 budget. He pointed out that this area has
experienced a significant growth in the number of personnel. He
acquiesced continued efforts are necessary.
Senator Hoffman agreed but noted that the funding increases were
primarily directed to urban areas and suggested fair and equitable
increases and decreases between urban and rural areas.
Co-Chair Donley noted that there had been only two juvenile justice
facilities in the state until recently.
[Note: No formal motion was made to adopt the amendment.]
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Hoffman and Senator Olson
OPPOSED: Senator Green, Senator Leman, Senator Ward, Senator
Wilken, Co-Chair Donley and Co-Chair Kelly
ABSENT: Senator Austerman
The motion FAILED (2-6-1)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
H&SS #20: This amendment adds $1,205,100 general funds for the
Public Assistance BRU, Adult Public Assistance component on page
17, lines 19 and 22.
Senator Hoffman moved for adoption and read an explanatory
statement into the record as follows.
The Adult Public Assistance (APA) program provides cash
assistance (approximately $300/month) to needy aged, blind,
and disabled persons to cover basic living expenses such as
shelter clothing and food. The elderly and disabled poor are
the most vulnerable citizens.
The Governor's Budget requested that the estimated caseload
would continue to grow by about 4.7%, which is the average
growth for the program for the last several years, to 14,617
persons per month in FY 02. The Senate Subcommittee funds an
APA population increase of less than 2%.
APA is a cash entitlement program and the department does not
have discretion to reduce benefit amounts, of the funds are
insufficient to meet the need this could cause a supplemental
funding situation.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Hoffman and Senator Olson
OPPOSED: Senator Green, Senator Leman, Senator Ward, Senator
Wilken, Senator Austerman, Co-Chair Donley and Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-7)
H&SS #21: This amendment adds $148,500 general funds for the
Purchased Services BRU, Family Preservation component on page 18,
lines 28 and 29.
This amendment was NOT OFFERED to defer to H&SS #27.
H&SS #22: This amendment adds $1,828,100 general funds for the
Purchased Services BRU, Subsidized Adoption and Guardianship
component on page 18, line 28 and page 19, lines 4 and 5.
Senator Hoffman moved for adoption and read an explanatory
statement into the record as follows.
Impact: The number of children provided permanent homes
through the Subsidized Adoptions and Guardianship program has
increased significantly over the past several years. From FY
92 to FY 00 the number of children removed from the Foster
Care system and placed in a permanent home increased 294% from
228 to 1,332.
This caseload increase is in large part attributable to the
success of State permanency planning initiatives, Project
SUCCEED and the Balloon Project. The Balloon Project,
implemented in July 1999, provides funds to the Division of
Family and Youth Services, the Attorney General's office, the
Public Defender Agency, and the Office of Public Advocacy to
increase the state's ability to comply with state and federal
permanency planning mandates and to focus on legal proceedings
needed for children who have been in custody the longest
period of time.
The proposed reduction of $1,069,900 general funds from the FY
02 caseload growth increment and not approving the transfer of
$758,200 from Foster Care Base Rate to Subsidized Adoption and
Guardianship will result in insufficient funding for
approximately 235 children. This represents 12% of the revised
FY 02 projected caseload. This could potentially result in the
need for a FY 02 supplemental.
Senator Green listed increases to this component of $1.3 million in
addition to a $1.3 million increase to the Balloon Project, which
she pointed out is above the amount requested by the governor.
Senator Hoffman asked the department the difference between the
amount requested for the Subsidized Adoption and Guardianship
program and the $1.3 million allocated to the Balloon Project.
Ms. Clarke explained that of the $1.3 million increase Senator
Green referred to, $1 million is to replace federal Temporary
Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds that could not be used
for funding subsidized adoption programs. She noted a similar
funding source change request is contained in the FY 01
Supplemental budget legislation.
Ms Clarke reiterated previous testimony given at earlier hearings
attesting to the success of the Subsidized Adoption and
Guardianship program. She emphasized the growth rate for foster
care cases is less than zero. She attributed this to the success of
the Balloon Project.
Ms. Clarke expressed the department would continue to operate the
program and would not keep children in foster care. As a result,
she warned, this item would be included in the FY 02 Supplemental
budget request as well.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Olson and Senator Hoffman
OPPOSED: Senator Ward, Senator Wilken, Senator Austerman, Senator
Green, Co-Chair Donley and Co-Chair Kelly
ABSENT: Senator Leman
The motion FAILED (2-6-1)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
H&SS #23: This amendment adds $1,564,700 general funds for the
Medical Assistance BRU, Medicaid Services component on page 17,
line 31 and page 18, line 3.
Senator Hoffman moved for adoption and read an explanatory
statement into the record as follows.
The Medicaid Services FY 02 funding request is base on a low-
case scenario. A general fund reduction of $1,567,700 will
result in inadequate spending authority to pay service claims.
Medicaid payments to providers will be affected in the absence
of a timely FY 02 supplemental appropriation.
The FY 02 projections that formed the basis for the FY 02
budget request incorporated the maximum rate of federal
funding participation. Under this low-case scenario, a
$1,567,700 cut to general funds means a loss of as much as
$4,645,000 total funds to the Medicaid program.
The foreseeable impact of any cut to general fund match
requested by the Medicaid program is that providers may not
receive timely payment for services rendered and the
department could be forced to request supplemental funding in
FY 02. The department has no plans to reduce service or
eligible groups because of this reduction.
Senator Green emphasized the appropriation for this increment "at
best" is an estimate of the actual amount needed to operate the
Medicaid program. She spoke of the budget subcommittee's intent to
monitor expenditures throughout the upcoming fiscal year.
Senator Hoffman WITHDREW his motion to adopt the amendment to defer
to the FY 02 Supplemental budget request.
H&SS #24: This amendment adds a new bill section to read as
follows.
Sec. __. FEDERAL MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PERCENTAGE. If the
estimated federal receipts for medical assistance appropriated
in sec. 1 of this Act are below 59.8 percent for Medicaid
services during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2002, the
amount of the shortfall in federal receipts is appropriated
from the general fund to the Department of Health and Social
Services for Medicaid services.
Accompanying explanatory reads as follows.
This section provides general funds to replace lost federal
funds if the federal participation rate Medicaid (FMAP)
service falls below 59.8 percent during FY2002 budget was
based on 59.8 percent. Under current federal statutes Alaska's
FMAP rate will drop to 57.38 percent, a reduction of 2.42
percent or a loss of approximately $10 million general funds
from what is currently budgeted. This drop will occur if
Congress does not extend the one-year negotiated rate to
future years and will go into effect October 1, 2001.
Senator Hoffman moved for adoption and read the explanatory
statement into the record.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Halford and Senator Olson
OPPOSED: Senator Ward, Senator Wilken, Senator Austerman, Senator
Green, Co-Chair Donley and Co-Chair Kelly
ABSENT: Senator Leman
The motion FAILED (2-6-1)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
H&SS #25: This amendment removes the following amounts from BRU and
components as shown.
$1,465,400 general funds
Purchased Services BRU
Family Preservation component
Page 18, lines 28 and 29
$3,538,300 general funds
State Health Services BRU
Community Health Grants component
Page 20, lines 6 and 20
$3,213,200 general funds
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services BRU
Alcohol/Drug Abuse Grants component
Page 20, lines 27 and 31
$2,319,800 general funds
Community Mental Health Grants BRU
General Community Mental Health Grants
Page 21, lines 6 through 8
This amendment adds the following amounts for BRU and components
not included in this committee substitute but present in CS HB 103
(FIN)(brf sup maj fld S)
$3,045,30 general funds
Maniilaq BRU
Social Services component
Public Health Services component
Alcohol and Drug Abuse component
Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities component
$2,357,200 general funds
Norton Sound BRU
Social Services component
Public Health Services component
Alcohol and Drug Abuse component
Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities component
$565,700 general funds
Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium BRU
Social Services component
Public Health Services component
Alcohol and Drug Abuse component
Mental Health Services component
$372,700 general funds
Kawarek BRU
Social Services component
Public Health Services component
Alcohol and Drug Abuse component
Mental Health Services component
$1,255,100 general funds
Tanana Chiefs Conference BRU
Social Services component
Public Health Services component
Alcohol and Drug Abuse component
Mental Health Services component
$198,500 general funds
Tlingit-Haida BRU
Social Services component
Alcohol and Drug Abuse component
$2,742,200 general funds
Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation BRU
Public Health Services component
Alcohol and Drug Abuse component
Mental Health Services component
Accompanying explanatory language reads as follows.
These adjustments would restore all of the Designated Grants
to rural health providers that were eliminated in the Senate
Subcommittee action.
The Designated BRUs primary function is to provide human
services in rural Alaska. The cuts in these areas would
primarily affect rural communities that are in need of these
services and do not have access to other providers. These
direct grants provide an efficient mechanism to provide
service in these regions.
All of these grants are for direct public health, substance
abuse, mental health, social services or child protection
services in their respective regions. These grant programs
have existed in the state budget for almost 20 years and were
established because of special circumstances or because of the
lack of competition in these regions. The grantees function in
place of state employees in these areas and provide the most
basic services. State resources to these primarily Native
grantees also ensure that non-Natives in the region have
access to services.
Services that have been provided in these regions through
designated grants include: Emergency Medical Services,
Community Health Aide Training and supervision, Public Health
Nursing Services, Pre-maternal homes in Maniilaq and Norton
Sound regions, Eye care services, Child Protection services,
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services and Mental Health and
Developmental Disabilities services.
This amendment would transfer all of these grants from other
grant programs such as Alcohol and Drug Abuse Grants or
General Community Mental Health Grants back to the designated
grants.
Senator Hoffman moved for adoption.
Senator Green objected.
Senator Hoffman pointed out that during the two days of public
testimony the Committee heard relating to this budget, this item
received more attention than any other, and that no opposition was
voiced on the matter. He requested the department explain the
program would be administered.
AT EASE 5:06 PM / 5:06 PM
Senator Hoffman elaborated asking how the Request for Proposals
(RFP) would be evaluated and how the department would address the
resulting reduction of services.
Ms. Clarke noted the information was very recent and that the
department has not yet formulated a plan. She detailed the process
that occurred when the RFP was issued and the consolidated grant
proposal submitted by the grantees for "those activities that have
been funded in the budget for almost 20 years." She stated that
although the grant process would have to be expanded, she
maintained there is no competition for these providers. She
stressed these providers are established and already have
infrastructures in place.
Senator Hoffman added that these grantees are providing basic
health care services as required by the constitution on behalf of
the State of Alaska. He asked if a major reduction in services to
rural areas is foreseen as a result of this amendment.
Ms. Clarke expressed the department supports the amendment and that
the "designated BRU grants provide an efficient means of providing
those services out of those regions where there are no other
providers and we would continue to support that." She assured that
these regions of the state would not be penalized without analysis.
Senator Green asked if designated grant recipients participate in
the competitive grant process for the community grants.
Ms. Clarke replied they could if additional funds were available
under new initiatives.
Senator Green asked if all of the providers were participating in
the competitive grant process.
Ms. Clarke did not know if all were.
Senator Green understood all of the providers participated in the
competitive grant process currently.
Senator Olson reiterated Senator Hoffman's statement regarding the
support voiced during public testimony for the designated grants.
He predicted services would be "sharply curtailed" if this
amendment were not adopted.
Senator Green referenced a report showing the "great variety of
funding that goes to every one of these public health
corporations." She opined, "they are not being held captive" and
would "probably not suffer one bit." However, she continued, "There
is great advantage to everyone out there being under a competitive
grant process. She found the argument that patients would not
receive services "disingenuous" given the ratio of the funds
received through the grant process to the funds received though
Medicare, in addition to funds contributed by third-party payers,
the Indian Health Service grants and other direct federal grants.
Senator Hoffman did not know of another program administered by the
state that penalizes the grantee for receiving additional funds
from a different source. He believed this should instead be
encouraged. He spoke of a conversation he had with the Chief
Executive Officer of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation where
he learned patients would receive a reduction in services. He
warned that other communities would also suffer a reduction in
services. He emphasized that this amendment attempts to restore
services to a rural region and that this budget contains block
grant reductions to Anchorage or Fairbanks. He reiterated that the
rural areas should not be treated differently than other areas of
the state during times of increases or decreases.
AT EASE 5:15 PM / 5:18 PM
Senator Olson stressed that although he understood there would be
some funding, tuberculosis outbreaks are serious. Because of this,
he remarked the public health services must be adequately funded.
Senator Hoffman referred to the figures referenced by Senator
Green. He asserted the numbers are inaccurate.
SFC 01 # 67, Side A 05:20 PM
Senator Hoffman continued the state does not provide services to
rural Alaska because it depends on the Native corporations to
provide such services. He asked if the department concurred with
this assumption.
Ms. Clarke detailed that public health nurses are state employees
except in areas served by a regional health corporation, the North
Slope Borough and the Municipality of Anchorage. In these cases,
she explained, grants are provided to the corporation or local
government to pay the cost of public health. She stressed the
corporations and local governments are acting as a state agent in
providing public health nursing services.
Co-Chair Donley listed the per capita expenditures of $194 in
Juneau, $132 in Anchorage, and $171 in Fairbanks, compared to over
$300 for the remainder of the state. This, he said reflects that
there is a need, but does not support the argument that the state
is unfair in funding rural areas because of the higher amount
appropriated for them.
Senator Hoffman disagreed.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Halford and Senator Olson
OPPOSED: Senator Austerman, Senator Green, Senator Leman, Senator
Ward, Senator Wilken, Co-Chair Donley and Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-7)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
H&SS #26: This amendment adds $1,500,000 federal funds for the
Purchased Services BRU, Family Preservation component on page 18,
lines 28 and 29.
Senator Green moved for adoption noting this is a technical
amendment relating to a change in attorney positions in the Office
of Public Advocacy and should not be included in the Department of
Health and Social Services budget.
The amendment was ADOPTED without objection.
AT EASE 5:24 PM / 7:48 PM
H&SS #27: This amendment adds the following amounts for the noted
BRUs and components.
$148,800 general funds
Purchased Services BRU
Family Preservation component
Page 18, lines 28 and 29
$359,400 general funds
State Health Services BRU
Community Health Grants component
Page 20, lines 5 and 20
$326,600 general funds
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services BRU
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Grants component
Page 20, lines 27 and 31
$4,400 general funds
Community Mental Health Grants BRU
General Mental Health Grants component
Page 21, lines 6 through 8
Accompanying explanatory language reads as follows.
This amendment reverses all reductions made to grant programs
after the transfer of funds from the designated BRUs.
Senator Green moved for adoption.
Co-Chair Donley stated this amendment would restore funding for the
Community Health grants and other social service grants to the FY
01 level.
The amendment was ADOPTED without objections.
AT EASE 7:49 PM / 7:50 PM
Department of Administration
ADM #1: This amendment adds $500,000 general funds and $800,000
SDPR for the Public Communications Services BRU, Satellite
Infrastructure component on page 4, lines 12 and 16.
Co-Chair Donley AMENDED the amendment, changing the amounts to
$350,000 general funds and $350,000 SDPR.
Co-Chair Kelly moved for adoption.
Without objection the amended amendment was ADOPTED.
ADM #2: This amendment adds $185,000 general funds for the Legal
and Advocacy Services BRU, Office of Public Advocacy component on
page 5, lines 24 and 15. Accompanying explanatory language reads as
follows.
In the Senate Subcommittee on the Department of Health and
Social Services the Child Protection Legal Assistance BRU was
zeroed out. While these components have been funded in H&SS,
the funds simply pass through to the Department of
Administration. The above amendment funds these components in
the Department of Administration, which should result in
better tracking of these budgets.
Senator Green announced she would NOT OFFER this amendment.
ADM #3: This amendment adds $50,000 general funds for the
Centralized Administrative Services BRU, Labor Agreements component
on page 2, lines 12, 13 and 21.
This amendment was NOT OFFERED.
ADM #4: This amendment adds $13,500 general funds and $55,700 Iter-
Agency Receipts (I/A Recpts.) for the Leases Except Anchorage
Division of Motor Vehicles Facilities BRU, Lease Administration
component on page 2, lines 27, 28 and 30.
This amendment was NOT OFFERED.
ADM #5: This amendment adds $1,900,000 general funds for the Leases
Except Anchorage DMV Facilities BRU, Leases component on page 2,
lines 27 through 29.
Senator Hoffman moved for adoption. He stated that historically,
the legislature has short-funded the leasing components and
addressed the remaining funds in supplemental budgets.
Senator Hoffman WITHDREW his motion to adopt the amendment and it
was NOT RE-OFFERED.
ADM #6: This amendment changes the funding source of $255,000 I/A
Receipts to general funds for the Legal and Advocacy Services BRU,
Public Defender Agency component on page 5, lines 14 and 15.
Senator Hoffman moved for adoption, stating it relates to ADM #2,
and read an explanatory statement into the record as follows.
The funding for these interagency receipts was in the
Department of Health and Social Services budget. The
Department of Health and Social Services budget subcommittee
cut these authorizations, so without this amendment funding
for these services will disappear. The Department of Health
and Social Services Senate Finance Subcommittee recommendation
eliminates this funding for the Department of Administration.
The interagency receipts for the Public Defender Agency will
enable the agency to process Child in Need of Aid cases in a
timely fashion. Two full-time attorney positions will have to
be eliminated. Without the interagency receipts the Public
Defender Agency will be unable to meet the new statutory
deadlines for processing these cases as well as the increased
filings based on increased Division of Family and Youth
Services resources and zero tolerance policies.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Olson and Senator Hoffman
OPPOSED: Senator Leman, Senator Ward, Senator Wilken, Senator
Austerman, Senator Green, Co-Chair Donley and Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-7)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
ADM #7: This amendment adds $466,400 general funds for the Legal
and Advocacy Services BRU, Public Defender Agency component on page
5, lines 14 and 16.
Senator Hoffman moved for adoption and explained the same
justification for ADM #6 applies. He noted this amount matches that
appropriated by the House of Representatives.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Olson and Senator Hoffman
OPPOSED: Senator Ward, Senator Wilken, Senator Austerman, Senator
Green, Senator Leman, Co-Chair Donley and Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-7)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
ADM #8: This amendment adds $1,291,400 general funds for the Legal
Advocacy Services BRU, Public Defender Agency component on page 5,
lines 14 and 16.
Senator Hoffman moved for adoption and read an explanatory
statement into the record as follows.
This amendment of $1,292,400 in general funds provides funding
for the Public Defender Agency at the level recommended by the
governor.
The agency needs a portion of this increment to maintain the
current level of services. Failure to fund this will require
reducing existing services. The Public Defender Agency will
not be able to keep up with the delinquency filings in the
Bethel office due to the loss of the existing paralegal. Also,
the Public Defender Agency will no longer be able to
participate in the highly successful Anchorage mental health
court.
Another portion of this increment would provide for additional
resources recommended in a legislative audit in May 1998.
Eight paralegals, an additional investigator in Kodiak,
additional computer/case management support, travel for
attorneys to participate in trials in rural court locations to
ensure that rural clients receive equitable treatment.
Senator Olson commented about lack of consideration for those "on
the fringes of society."
Co-Chair Donley countered that although funding for this agency is
not increased from FY 01, it has received extra funding at a rate
several times that of the Department of Law, Criminal Division.
Senator Olson requested a representative of the department confirm
or deny this.
DAN SPENCER, Director, Division of Administrative Services,
Department of Administration testified that the Public Defender
Agency deals not only with criminal actions, but with Child in Need
of Aid cases and a variety of other cases that are handled by both
the Criminal and Civil sections of the Department of Law.
Senator Olson asked if it is indeed the case that the Public
Defender's Office funding has been maintained at the same level as
in years past.
Mr. Spencer answered that the committee substitute budget before
the Committee is lower than that of year's past due to the loss of
$185,000 RSA'd to the Public Defender's Agency from the Department
of Health and Social Services.
Senator Olson asked how this budget compares to the budget from two
or five years prior.
Mr. Spencer was unsure.
Co-Chair Donley asserted it is "quite a bit higher" than five years
ago.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Halford and Senator Olson
OPPOSED: Senator Ward, Senator Wilken, Senator Austerman, Senator
Green, Senator Leman, Co-Chair Donley and Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-7)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
ADM #9: This amendment changes the funding source of $185,000 I/A
Receipts to general funds for the Legal and Advocacy Services BRU,
Office of Public Advocacy component on page 5, lines 14 and 15.
Senator Hoffman moved for adoption and read an explanatory
statement into the record as follows.
The Office of Public Advocacy needs these funds to support
three non-attorney guardians ad litem. They represent more
than 450 abused and neglected children in Child in Need of Aid
proceedings. The loss of these interagency receipts means that
these children will be assigned to other guardians who are
already overwhelmed by caseload far in excess of best in
practice standards.
The expeditious handling of these cases, which is mandated by
SLA 98, Chapter 99, will be destroyed by the loss of this
money.
The average caseload for a guardian ad litem would jump to
well over 200 children.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Hoffman and Senator Olson
OPPOSED: Senator Wilken, Senator Austerman, Senator Green, Senator
Leman, Senator Ward, Co-Chair Donley and Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-7)
This amendment FAILED to be adopted.
ADM #10: This amendment adds $600,000 general funds for the Legal
and Advocacy Services BRU, Office of Public Advocacy component on
page 5, lines 14 and 15.
Senator Hoffman moved for adoption and read an explanatory
statement into the record as follows.
This reduction would leave the Office of Public Advocacy well
below the level of funding needed for the current fiscal year.
The Office of Public Advocacy cannot control the number, type
or timing of cases assigned by the courts.
Nearly 60% of the Office of Public Advocacy's costs are
payments to private attorneys who contract with OPA at rates
far below market rates, in part because OPA pays its bills
timely. OPA may see its pricing advantages disappear if it
becomes necessary to defer payment of bills. A shortfall of
this magnitude would affect all OPA services, including Child
in Need of Aid cases, the guardian ad litem and public
guardian programs, and criminal defense cases.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Hoffman and Senator Olson
OPPOSED: Senator Austerman, Senator Green, Senator Leman, Senator
Ward, Senator Wilken, Co-Chair Donley and Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-7)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
ADM #11: This amendment creates a new Assisted Living Rate
component in the Senior Services BRU on page 4, line 28 and adds
$128,000 general funds to this component.
Senator Hoffman moved for adoption and read an explanatory
statement into the record as follows.
This is to cover costs of an assisted living rate increase. As
the rate increase is now in place the increased costs will
almost certainly be incurred.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Hoffman and Senator Olson
OPPOSED: Senator Green, Senator Leman, Senator Ward, Senator
Wilken, Senator Austerman, Co-Chair Donley and Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-7)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
ADM #12: This amendment adds $447,300 general funds for the Senior
Services BRU, Protection, Community Services, and Administration
component on page 4, lines 28 through 29.
Senator Hoffman moved for adoption and read an explanatory
statement into the record as follows.
This amendment would fund the Senior Services General Relief
program. This program provides assistance to vulnerable
adults. These are persons 21 or older who are vulnerable
because they are subject to neglect, including self-neglect,
because of competency issues, or because they are subject to
physical or emotional abuse.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Hoffman and Senator Olson
OPPOSED: Senator Ward, Senator Wilken, Senator Austerman, Senator
Green, Senator Leman, Co-Chair Donley and Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-7)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
ADM #13: This amendment adds $650,000 general funds for the
Information Services Fund BRU and component on page 4, lines 10 and
11.
Senator Hoffman moved for adoption and read an explanatory
statement into the record as follows.
Loss of funding means the state's emergency communications
infrastructure will continue to deteriorate as deferred
maintenance needs go unmet. Ongoing maintenance will continue
to be paid for the state agencies that routinely need these
services. Some of these agencies will have to take funds from
their day-to-day operations to support a communications system
that is needed and used by all organizations, stat, local
government, non profits and federal agencies, when responding
to emergencies.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Olson and Senator Hoffman
OPPOSED: Senator Leman, Senator Ward, Senator Wilken, Senator
Austerman, Senator Green, Co-Chair Donley and Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-7)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
ADM #14: This amendment adds $1,600,000 for the Public
Communications Services BRU, Satellite Infrastructure component on
page 4, lines 12 and 16.
Senator Hoffman read an explanatory statement into the record as
follows.
This increment would fund the contract for satellite
transponder services to provide statewide public television.
Senator Hoffman added that this amendment would benefit viewers of
the Gavel-to-Gavel network, which was airing these proceedings.
[Note: No formal motion was made to adopt this amendment.]
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Olson and Senator Hoffman
OPPOSED: Senator Ward, Senator Wilken, Senator Austerman, Senator
Green, Senator Leman, Co-Chair Donley and Co-Chair Kelly
The motion FAILED (2-7)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
ADM #15: This amendment adds $2,615,200 general funds and
$2,633,000 Receipt Supported Services funds for the Alaska
Longevity Programs Management BRU, Pioneers' Homes component on
page 4, lines 23 through 25.
Senator Hoffman moved for adoption and read an explanatory
statement into the record as follows.
The Governor had requested $2,474,700 in general funds for the
Veterans' home proposal and $140,500 in general funds for the
salary adjustment for related nursing positions. The $140,500
and the $2,474,200 add up to the requested increment of
$2,615,200 in general funds.
The $2,633,000 in Receipts Supported Services in the
governor's request for Pioneer Home receipts.
Senator Hoffman noted this increment has received support from
veterans throughout the state.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Hoffman and Senator Olson
OPPOSED: Senator Wilken, Senator Austerman, Senator Green, Senator
Leman, Senator Ward, Co-Chair Kelly and Co-Chair Donley
The motion FAILED (2-7)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
ADM #16: This amendment deletes $70,900 general funds from the
th
Division of Motor Vehicles-East 48 Street Lease BRU and component
on page 3, lines 11 through 14. Explanatory language reads as
follows.
This will zero-out this appropriation. This lease is for the
Department of Public Safety, although DMV does have some
storage space in the facility. DMV will vacate that space, mot
likely within FY 02.
This amendment also deletes $167,600 general funds from the
Division of Motor Vehicles-Fairbanks Street Lease BRU and component
on page 3, lines 7 through 10. Explanatory language reads as
follows.
This lease is held on behalf of several tenants. This
amendment changes the appropriation to 64.4, the amount
related to DMV-occupied space.
This amendment also adds $44,900 general funds for the Division of
Motor Vehicles-Dowling Rd/Benson Avenue Leases BRU and component on
page 3, lines 3 through 6. Explanatory language reads as follows.
This increases the appropriation to the correct amount of
1.044.9.
This amendment also adds $193,600 general funds for the Leases
Except Anchorage Division of Motor Vehicles Facilities BRU, Leases
component on page 2, lines 27 through 29.
This action returns the net amount from the amendments above
back to the Leasing budget.
Senator Ward moved for adoption.
Co-Chair Donley noted this amendment has a net zero impact.
There was no objection and the amendment was ADOPTED.
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
M&VA #1: This amendment deletes $50,000 Investment Loss Trust Funds
(ILTF) and $310,900 Inter-Agency Oil and Hazardous Waste funds (I/A
Oil Haz) from the Disaster Planning and Control BRU and component
on page 24, lines 32 and 33. This amendment also adds $50,000 ILTF
and $423,400 I/A Oil Haz funds for and new Local Emergency Planning
Committee Grants component in the Disaster Planning and Control
BRU.
Senator Leman moved for adoption.
Senator Hoffman objected for an explanation.
Senator Leman stated this amendment incorporates the investment
loss trust fund increment at the request of the Department of
Military and Veterans Affairs budget subcommittee for local
emergency planning committees for non-oil and hazardous substance
planning. He noted funding for oil and hazardous substance
emergencies is contained in the Department of Environmental
Conservation budget.
The amendment was ADOPTED without objection.
M&VA #2: This amendment inserts a new bill section on page 46,
following line 11 to read as follows.
Sec. 5. ALASKA NATIONAL GUARD. The sum of $250,000 from
the fiscal year 2002 dividend that is declared by the Alaska
Student Loan Corporation is appropriated from the student loan
fund (AS 14.42.210) to the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary
Education for payment in fiscal year 2002 to the Alaska
National Guard to pay the University of Alaska for course
credits for continuing educational benefits to members of the
Alaska National Guard.
The amendment was NOT OFFERED.
M&VA #3: This amendment adds $107,000 general funds for the Alaska
National Guard BRU, State Active Duty component on page 25, lines 5
and 13.
Senator Olson moved for adoption and stressed that the Alaska
National Guard plays a "key role" in rural Alaska in providing
services during times of disasters and other calamities. He added
that in a more passive roll, the Guard is involved with schools and
other community activities. He surmised this amendment would have a
positive impact on helping the Guard in its efforts.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Olson and Senator Hoffman
OPPOSED: Senator Leman, Senator Ward, Senator Wilken, Senator
Austerman, Senator Green, Co-Chair Kelly and Co-Chair Donley
The motion FAILED (2-7)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
M&VA #4: This amendment adds $200,000 general funds for the
Disaster Planning and Control BRU and component on page 24, lines
32 and 33.
Senator Olson moved for adoption and explained these funds are for
the state emergency coordination center. He stressed that Alaska
does not have an operations center dedicated for coordinating
deployment of local, state, federal, volunteer and private
resources at the scene of any major disaster or emergency. He
continued, saying law enforcement, fire and emergency medical
personnel have "long seen the need for reducing their response
time."
Senator Olson pointed out that recent events across the country and
Alaska are warnings of the dangers of delayed response. He listed
school shootings, earthquakes, emergency landings in small
communities of large aircraft, such as the situation in Cold Bay,
fuel spills, wildland/urban interface fire and floods as typical of
events that require immediate response.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Olson and Senator Hoffman
OPPOSED: Senator Ward, Senator Wilken, Senator Austerman, Senator
Green, Senator Leman, Co-Chair Kelly and Co-Chair Donley
The motion FAILED (2-7)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
M&VA #5: This amendment adds $111,800 general funds/Match for the
Alaska National Guard BRU, Alaska Military Youth Academy on page
25, lines 5 and 14.
Co-Chair Kelly noted this increment is already contained in the
committee substitute.
This amendment was NOT OFFERED.
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
DOT #1: This amendment increases the appropriation in Section 15
from $27,909,700. The amended language reads as follows.
Sec. 15. MARINE HIGHWAY SYSTEM FUND. The sum of
$29,019,500 is appropriated from the general fund to the
Alaska marine highway system fund (AS 19.65.060).
Accompanying explanatory language reads as follows.
Maintain Baseline Service - $819,800 GF
The Marine Highway Stabilization Component requires additional
GF in FY 02 in order to maintain baseline service to the
public. Without this increase, AMHS would have to reduce
service. Current projections indicate the fund balance will
reach zero during FY 02 unless additional GF is appropriated
or service is reduced. Funding of this increment will allow
AMHS to continue service uninterrupted through the end of FY
02-a projected total of 293.1 weeks of service.
In addition to the GF contribution to the fund needed to
maintain services, additional GF is requested to offset Marine
Highway Fund increments, which have been recommended by the
Senate Finance Subcommittee for the following purposes.
Without the additional GF, the deficit will be higher than
estimated and further vessel service reductions will be
necessary.
Kennicott Longshoring Expenses - $60,000 GF
Because the AMHS operates from several privately owned
facilities and municipal piers in Southwest Alaska and Prince
William Sound, state or contract employees are not allowed to
handle lines due to a statewide longshoring agreement. The
longshoring costs for M/V Kennicott are quadruple that of the
M/V Tustumena. In the winter of 2002, the Kennicott will be
providing the only service to Cordova and Kodiak for five
months due to a scheduled overhaul of the M/V Tustumena.
Seasonal Whittier Terminal Position - $30,000 GF
With the opening of the Whittier Tunnel in May 2000, AMHS has
increased staffing needs at the terminal. Two positions must
be available to meet and tie up incoming Marine Highway
vessels. This request would fund one seasonal position, from
May to September, to assist an existing position.
AMHS Marketing Effort - $200,000 GF
A recently completed AMHS marketing and pricing study shows
that the lack of marketing is the major cause of customer
decline. An active marketing program directed at the 80,000
potential customers identified in the study would increase
revenue and significantly reduce the AMHS annual operating
deficit.
Senator Austerman moved for adoption.
Senator Ward objected.
Senator Austerman stated his intent for the baseline services
portion of the amendment is to prevent reduction in services of the
Marine Highway System. He stressed the importance of the MHS to
communities in his district. He pointed out there has already been
a reduction in services.
Senator Austerman noted the reason longshoring expenses are
considerable higher for the MV Kennicott then other vessels is due
to the larger size of the new vessel.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Olson, Senator Austerman and Senator Hoffman
OPPOSED: Senator Leman, Senator Ward, Senator Wilken, Senator
Green, Co-Chair Kelly and Co-Chair Donley
The motion FAILED (3-6)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
DOT #2: This amendment changes the funding source from general
funds to Highway Working Capital Funds (HWCF) in the Transportation
Administration and Support BRU: $56,400 Regional Administrative
Services component, $52,000 Central Region Support Services
component, $57,000 Northern Region Support Services component, and
$32,000 Southeast Region Support Services component, on page 30,
line 30 and page 31, lines 14 through 21.
Senator Hoffman moved for adoption and read an explanatory
statement into the record as follows.
This amendment changes the fund source used by the Senate
Finance Subcommittee to maintain a basic level of
administrative support to the department. The use of Highway
Working Capital Funds for the administrative support of the
State Equipment Fleet (SEF) will result in a cashflow problem
and an increase in costs to the user agencies. The use of HWCF
for additional support will add about 2 percent to the
replacement fees in FY 03 for user agencies. This will impact
all state agencies' budgets and reduce funding for much needed
programs.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Olson and Senator Hoffman
OPPOSED: Senator Ward, Senator Wilken, Senator Austerman, Senator
Green, Senator Leman, Co-Chair Kelly and Co-Chair Donley
The motion FAILED (2-7)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
DOT #3: This amendment deletes $385,400 general funds from the
North Kenai Maintenance Station BRU and component on page 33, lines
4, 6 and 7, and adds $385,400 general funds for the Highways and
Aviation BRU, Central Region Highways and Aviation component on
lines 12 through 14.
Senator Hoffman moved for adoption, stressed it has a new zero
impact and read an explanatory statement into the record as
follows.
This amendment takes the amount separately appropriated for
the North Kenai Maintenance Station and returns it to the
Central Region Maintenance and Operations for Highways and
Aviation. The department will be better able to respond to
weather and changing maintenance needs (e.g., pothole repair),
as well as basic level of service, on a statewide and region
basis with this amendment. North Kenai has not been identified
as the highest priority maintenance need in the state. All
stations are struggling to meet the maintenance needs of their
assigned areas.
Senator Ward objected to adoption of the amendment.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Hoffman and Senator Olson
OPPOSED: Senator Ward, Senator Wilken, Senator Austerman, Senator
Green, Senator Leman, Co-Chair Kelly and Co-Chair Donley
The motion FAILED (2-7)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
AT EASE 8:21 PM / 8:27 PM
Department of Environmental Conservation (cont.)
DEC #1: This amendment adds $32,500 general funds for the
Environmental Health BRU, Solid Waste Management component on page
13, lines 15 and 20.
[This amendment was adopted earlier in the meeting.]
Senator Leman proposed changing the funding source from general
funds to ILTF funds.
Co-Chair Donley asked about the proposed funding source.
Senator Leman responded, "It's an alphabet soup of acronyms, I
don't know."
DAVID TEAL, Director, Division of Legislative Finance, informed
ILTF is an acronym for "I Love To Fish".
Co-Chair Donley was uncertain.
JAMES ARMSTRONG, staff to Co-Chair Donley, testified the fund
source is related to transportation and the acronym stands for
"Intertidal Longevity Transportation Funds".
Co-Chair Donley remained unconvinced this was correct. He decided
to "use a lifeline" and "phone a friend".
SENATOR SEAN PARNELL testified via teleconference from Anchorage to
clarify ILTF is an acronym for "Investment Loss Trust Fund".
No action was taken on the amendment.
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (cont.)
DOT #4: This amendment adds $234,500 general funds for the
Administration and Support BRU, Commissioner's Office component on
page 30, line 30 and page 31, line 3.
Senator Hoffman moved for adoption and read an explanatory
statement into the record as follows.
This amendment restores a reduction taken by the Senate
Finance subcommittee that is to be spread amongst the various
administrative components within the Administration and
Support appropriation. Maintenance level funding in necessary
to deal with increases to the federal highway and aviation
programs. These programs add to the workload of all support
staff whether it is dealing with impacts of possible federal
legislation or processing payments to construction
contractors. These funds are also needed to assure the
department's proper monitoring and management of performance
measures.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Hoffman and Senator Olson
OPPOSED: Senator Wilken, Senator Austerman, Senator Green, Senator
Leman, Senator Ward, Co-Chair Kelly and Co-Chair Donley
The motion FAILED (2-7)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
DOT #5: This amendment increases the appropriation amount from
$27,909,700 in Section 15 on page 49, lines 26 through 28. The
amended language reads as follows.
Section 15. MARINE HIGHWAY SYSTEM FUND. The sum of
$29,182,000 is appropriated from the general fund to the
Alaska marine highway system fund (AS 19.65.060).
Senator Hoffman noted this amendment is similar to DOT #1.
This amendment was NOT OFFERED.
AT EASE 8:33 PM / 8:35 PM
University of Alaska
UNIV #1: This amendment adds $2,000,000 Alaska Commission on
Postsecondary Education (ACPE) Dividend funds for the University of
Alaska BRU, Budget Reductions/Additions-Systemwide component on
page 34, lines 13 through 15. Accompanying explanatory language
reads as follows.
This amendment continues the fund source and amount
appropriated to the University of Alaska in FY 01. This
amendment is identical to action taken by the House for FY 02.
This amendment was NOT OFFERED.
UNIV #2: This amendment adds $9,490,800 general funds for the
University of Alaska BRU, Budget Reductions/Additions-Systemwide
component on page 34, lines 13 through 15.
This amendment was NOT OFFERED.
UNIV #3: This amendment adds intent language to the University of
Alaska BRU, Chukchi Campus component on page 34, following line 26
to read as follows.
It is the intent of the legislature that the University of
Alaska provide vocational education training at the Chukchi
Campus through contract services with the Kotzebue Technical
Center.
Senator Olson moved for adoption.
Senator Wilken objected.
Senator Olson understood other legislation is pending that relates
to the Kotzebue Technical Center. However, he surmised the funding
incorporated with that bill is for a one-time only appropriation.
Senator Wilken relayed information he received from the University
regarding the Chukchi campus. He explained the approximately
$500,000 budget is used to offer associate degrees and education
preparation courses and has not been used for vocational technical
programs. He warned that if this amendment passed, there would be
an elimination of associate degrees and educational preparation
courses. As a result, he shared that the university is opposed to
the amendment.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Olson and Senator Hoffman
OPPOSED: Senator Leman, Senator Ward, Senator Wilken, Senator
Austerman, Senator Green, Co-Chair Kelly and Co-Chair Donley
The motion FAILED (2-7)
AT EASE 8:38 PM / 8:40 PM
Department of Corrections
COR #1: This amendment adds $100,000 general funds for the
Institutions BRU, Institution Director's Office component on page
9, lines 26 and 27. Accompanying explanatory language reads as
follows.
This amendment adds $100,000 in general funds into the
Department of Corrections BRU institutions, Institution
Director's Office, to be spread among the various
institutions.
This amendment was NOT OFFERED.
COR #2: This amendment adds $654,500 AHFC Dividend funds for the
Administration and Operations BRU, Inmate Health Care component on
page 8, line 28 and page 9, line 4. Accompanying explanatory
language reads as follows.
The department with nursing positions and the Division of
Personnel have agreed to implement a two-range pay increase
for nurse positions statewide in an effort to assist agencies
in recruiting and retaining qualified nurses to work in state
facilities.
Appropriations for nurse's salaries are included in the
budgets of the Departments of Administration and Health and
Social Services. This amendment will treat all three affected
state agencies equally by providing funds to cover the nursing
positions in the Department of Corrections.
This amendment was NOT OFFERED.
COR #3: This amendment adds $273,800 general funds for the
Administration and Operations BRU, Community Jails component on
page 8, line 28, and page 9, line 15. Accompanying explanatory
language reads as follows.
The Department requested $400.0 to address Community Jail
needs, but only $126.2 was funded within the Senate Finance
Subcommittee recommendation. The other $273.8 of general funds
is essential in the Community Jails component to support
fifteen (15) Local Community Jails under contract to the
Agency. These contract facilities provide 56,940 man-days of
prisoner incarceration capability for the State of Alaska.
Current contract amounts were set on January 1, 1995 and have
not increased in over 6 years, yet the contractors have had to
absorb approximately 15% of labor cost increases and 10.5% of
U.S. Consumer Price Increases on their Goods and Services.
From FY 96 to FY 00, the local jails have had a 33% increase
in prisoner services. These $273.8 of general funds is needed
to enable a 5% contractual increase to all local jail
providers and enable them to administer their programs to the
degree necessary to secure the safety of state offenders
incarcerated in these jails.
Without these funds, several local jails may be in serious
financial difficulty and could close their community facility.
The department does not have the empty beds to absorb these
prisoners nor the funding to transport them to state operated
correctional facilities across the state. Many of the state
prisoners are pending local court actions and needs to remain
at the arrest site. Most are short-term misdemeanant
offenders. Housing is not available at state correctional
facilities to support these prisoners.
Senator Austerman moved for adoption.
Senator Ward objected.
Senator Austerman spoke to the importance and cost savings that
community jails provides for the state and stressed the need for
adequate funding to keep them functional. He also told of the poor
condition of the facilities and the increased maintenance costs. He
stated that future deferred maintenance efforts would be necessary.
Senator Austerman referred to a handout [copy on file] showing the
locations of the community jails and the specific financial need of
each facility.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Austerman, Senator Hoffman and Senator Olson
OPPOSED: Senator Ward, Senator Wilken, Senator Green, Senator
Leman, Co-Chair Kelly and Co-Chair Donley
The motion FAILED (3-6)
This amendment FAILED to be adopted.
COR #4: This amendment deletes $50,000 general funds from the
Institutions BRU, White Bison Project component on page 9, line 26
and page 10, line 22. This amendment also adds general funds for
the Community Residential Centers BRU: $25,000 for the Nome
Culturally Relevant CRC component and $25,000 for the Bethel
Culturally Relevant CRC component, on page 10, lines 25, 28 and 29.
Senator Olson moved for adoption.
Senator Olson WITHDREW his motion to adopt the amendment to defer
to COR #16 and the amendment was HELD.
SFC 01 # 67, Side B 08:43 PM
Co-Chair Donley clarified that Senator Ward planned to offer COR
#16.
COR #5: This amendment adds $230,000 STPR and $79,400 general funds
for the Institutions BRU, Anchorage Jail component on page 9, lines
26 and 28.
Senator Olson moved for adoption.
An unidentified member objected.
Senator Olson explained this amendment relates to maintenance staff
working in conjunction with contractors and security staff at the
new facility. He noted an anticipation of funds from the
Municipality of Anchorage to pay the cost of housing the
municipality's inmates.
Senator Olson cautioned that without the needed funding, the
facility would not open in February or March 2002 as scheduled.
Senator Ward objected to adoption of the amendment.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Hoffman and Senator Olson
OPPOSED: Senator Austerman, Senator Green, Senator Leman, Senator
Ward, Senator Wilken, Co-Chair Kelly and Co-Chair Donley
The motion FAILED (2-7)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
COR #6: This amendment adds general funds for the Institutions BRU
in the following components on page 9, lines 26 through 33, and
page 10, lines 1 through 19.
Institution Director's Office $ 6,300
Anvil Mountain 59,200
Combined Hiland Mountain 110,600
Cook Inlet 121,100
Fairbanks 103,000
Ketchikan 40,400
Lemon Creek 90,300
Mat-Su 40,100
Palmer 125,300
Sixth Avenue 42,700
Spring Creek 207,600
Wildwood 122,400
Yukon-Kuskokwim 59,900
Pt. MacKenzie Rehab. Farm 32,400
Senator Olson moved for adoption and explained this amendment funds
20 correctional officer positions. He cautioned that not funding
these positions would jeopardize the safety and security of both
inmates and staff.
Senator Ward objected.
Senator Hoffman read the amendment's list of funds for each
facility and stressed these amounts would be reduced from the
department's budget if this amendment does not pass.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Hoffman and Senator Olson
OPPOSED: Senator Green, Senator Leman, Senator Ward, Senator
Wilken, Senator Austerman, Co-Chair Kelly and Co-Chair Donley
The motion FAILED (2-7)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
COR #7: This amendment adds $1,123,000 general funds for the
Institutions BRU, Out of State Contracts component on page 9, line
26, and page 10, line 17.
Senator Olson moved for adoption and read an explanatory statement
into the record as follows.
These general funds are needed to continue to purchase housing
for approximately 58 Alaska prisoners at the Central Arizona
Detention Center. Failure to purchase these beds will result
in overcrowding at state institutions, which could threaten
final resolutions of the Clearly lawsuit and result in re-
imposition of court monitoring and fines. The Department of
Corrections has already submitted a $610,000 decrement to
account for the transfer of 100 inmates in March 2002 and 100
inmates in May 2002 back to the State of Alaska. These inmates
will be moved into state beds made available by the movement
of Municipality of Anchorage inmates to the new Anchorage
Jail. This reduction would increase the amount cut beyond the
capability of the agency to adjust for. The agency needs the
latitude of these 58 beds to enable a smooth transition to the
new Anchorage jail.
Senator Ward objected.
Senator Hoffman commented that each year the state comes closer to
compliance with the court's order in the Cleary vs. Smith lawsuit.
However, he stressed, if this amendment fails, that progress is
reversed.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Hoffman and Senator Olson
OPPOSED: Senator Leman, Senator Ward, Senator Wilken, Senator
Austerman, Senator Green, Co-Chair Kelly and Co-Chair Donley
The motion FAILED (2-7)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
COR #8: This amendment adds $17,800 general funds for the
Administration and Operations BRU, Correctional Industries-
Administration component on page 8, line 28, and page 9, lines 11
and 12.
This amendment was NOT OFFERED.
COR #9: This amendment adds $20,000 general funds for the
Administration and Operations BRU, Transportation and
Classification component on page 8, line 28, and page 9. lines 21
and 22.
This amendment was NOT OFFERED.
COR #10: This amendment adds $111,300 general funds for the
Administration and Operations BRU, Administrative Services
component on page 9, lines 28 and 31.
This amendment was NOT OFFERED.
COR #11: This amendment adds general funds for the Administration
and Operations BRU in the following components on page 8, line 28,
and page 9, lines 16 through 20.
Community Corrections Director's Office $10,400
Northern Region 36,200
Southcentral Region 71,100
Southeast Region 14,800
Senator Olson moved for adoption and read an explanatory statement
into the record as follows.
Adult Probation Officers handle the casework, monitoring,
surveillance, and overall supervision of offenders on
probation and parole.
If the department were to reduce Probation Officers while the
number of offenders on probation/parole continues to increase,
there would be an impact on public safety.
Senator Ward objected to adoption of the amendment.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Hoffman and Senator Olson
OPPOSED: Senator Wilken, Senator Austerman, Senator Green, Senator
Leman, Senator Ward, Co-Chair Kelly and Co-Chair Donley
The motion FAILED (2-7)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
COR #12: This amendment adds $233,300 general funds for the
Administration and Operations BRU, Inmate Programs component on
page 8, line 28 and page 9, line 10.
This amendment was HELD to await action on COR #16. COR #12 was
subsequently NOT OFFERED.
COR #13: This amendment adds $214,900 general funds for the
Administration and Operations BRU, Office of the Commissioner
component on page 8, lines 28 and 29.
This amendment was NOT OFFERED.
COR #14: This amendment adds $871,300 general funds for the
Administration and Operations BRU, Inmate Health Care component on
page 8, line 28 and page 9, line 4.
This amendment was HELD to await action on COR #17. COR #14 was
subsequently NOT OFFERED.
AT EASE 8:51 PM / 8:52 PM
COR #15: This amendment is for "Structural Changes" for all
components in the Institutions and Parole Board BRU on page 9,
lines 26 through 33 and page 10, lines 3 through 24.
This amendment was NOT OFFERED.
COR #16: This amendment adds $100,000 general funds for the
Administration and Operations BRU, Inmate Programs component on
page 8, line 28 and page 9, line 10. Accompanying explanatory
language reads, "Increase for Inmate Substance Abuse Treatment due
to increased costs associated with providing this service."
Senator Ward moved for adoption and explained this would address
inmate substance abuse treatment programs throughout the department
including two culturally relevant programs in the Nome and Bethel
facilities.
Co-Chair Donley noted the department budget was below the
limitation stipulated by the Senate Majority by approximately
$800,000.
There was no objection and the amendment was ADOPTED.
COR #17: This amendment adds $$327,300 AHFC Dividend funds for the
Administration and Operations BRU, Inmate Health Care component on
page 8, line 28, and page 9, line 4. Accompanying explanatory
language reads as follows.
The departments with nursing positions and the Division of
Personnel have agreed to implement a two-range pay increase
for nurse positions statewide in an effort to assist agencies
in recruiting and retaining qualified nurses to work in state
facilities.
Appropriations for nurse's salaries are included in the
budgets of the Department of Administration and the Department
of Health and Social Services.
Senator Ward moved for adoption and explained.
Co-Chair Donley understood this increment was not included in the
budget adopted by the House of Representatives.
Senator Ward affirmed.
The amendment was ADOPTED without objection.
COR #4: This amendment deletes $50,000 general funds from the
Institutions BRU, White Bison Project component on page 9, line 26
and page 10, line 22. This amendment also adds general funds for
the Community Residential Centers BRU: $25,000 for the Nome
Culturally Relevant CRC component and $25,000 for the Bethel
Culturally Relevant CRC component, on page 10, lines 25, 28 and 29.
This amendment was held from earlier in the meeting. At this time
it was determined the amendment would be NOT OFFERED.
COR #14: This amendment adds $871,300 general funds for the
Administration and Operations BRU, Inmate Health Care component on
page 8, line 28 and page 9, line 4.
This amendment was held from earlier in the meeting. At this time
it was determined the amendment would be NOT OFFERED.
COR #15: This amendment is for "Structural Changes" for all
components in the Institutions and Parole Board BRU on page 9,
lines 26 through 33 and page 10, lines 3 through 24.
Senator Hoffman moved for adoption.
Senator Ward objected.
Senator Hoffman reiterated the department's budget is over $700,000
below the Senate Majority limit. He stated this amendment would
give the department flexibility to save money knowing it could then
be spent in other areas.
Senator Ward objected to adoption of the amendment.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Olson and Senator Hoffman
OPPOSED: Senator Leman, Senator Ward, Senator Wilken, Senator
Austerman, Senator Green, Co-Chair Kelly and Co-Chair Donley
The motion FAILED (2-7)
The amendment FAILED to be adopted.
Department of Community and Economic Development (cont.)
C&ED #1: This amendment adds $9 million Alaska Aerospace
Development Corporation (AADC) receipts for the Alaska Aerospace
Development BRU, Alaska Aerospace Development Corporation
Facilities Maintenance component on page 6, lines 29 and 30, and
page 7, lines 5 through 8.
Co-Chair Kelly moved for adoption.
Without objection the amendment was ADOPTED.
Department of Natural Resources (cont.)
DNR #1: This amendment removes $300,000 general funds from the
Minerals, Land and Water BRU, Water Development component on page
26, line 20. This amendment also inserts a new bill section on page
54, following line 24 that reads as follows.
Sec. 28. WATER DEVELOPMENT. The sum of $300,000 in
interagency receipts from nonpoint source pollution control
funds received by the Department of Environmental Conservation
is appropriated to the Department of Natural Resources,
division of water development, for water quality monitoring,
watershed or nonpoint source assessment, groundwater research,
assessment, technical assistance, and training, and instream
flow reservations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2002.
This amendment was held from earlier in the meeting. At this time
it was determined it would be NOT OFFERED.
Legislature
LEG #1: This amendment inserts a new bill section on page 49,
following line 25 to read as follows.
Sec. 15. LEGISLATIVE BUDGET AND AUDIT COMMITTEE. The sum
of $350,000 is appropriated from the lapsing general fund
balance of the appropriation made in sec. 1, ch. 133, SLA
2000, page 8, line 12 (Department of Education and Early
Development - K-12 Support - $677,662,000) to the Legislative
Budget and Audit Committee for the fiscal year ending June 30,
2002, for a district cost factor study.
This amendment was NOT OFFERED.
Department of Education and Early Development (cont.)
E&ED #1: This amendment deletes $1,300,000 general funds for the
Early Development BRU, Child Care Assistance and Licensing
component on page 11, lines 29, 31 and 32. Accompanying explanatory
language reads as follows.
This amendment deletes excess general funds used as a match
for the Child Care Assistance Program.
This amendment also adds $6 million general funds for the
University of Alaska agency and BRU, Budget Reductions/Additions-
Systemwide component on page 34, lines 13, 14 and 15. Accompanying
explanatory language reads as follows.
This amendment provides the necessary funding for the
University of Alaska to continue its educational initiatives.
This amendment was NOT OFFERED at this time.
Department of Fish and Game (cont.)
F&G #1: This amendment adds $100,000 general funds for the Habitat
BRU and component on page 16, lines 17 and 18. Accompanying
explanatory language reads as follows.
Oil and gas exploration, leasing and development on the North
Slope have increased dramatically in the last several years.
The existing budget is not adequate to conduct the field
reviews required before, during, and after project activities.
This has limited the department's ability to work
cooperatively with industry when project designs are in the
early stages of development, a time when the input is often
the most important. The department's early involvement results
in the least economic impact to industry, and provides for the
highest level of protection for fish and wildlife resources,
while still allowing development to occur.
This amendment was NOT OFFERED to defer to F&G #2.
F&G #2: This amendment adds $100,000 general funds for the Habitat
BRU and component on page 16, lines 17 and 18.
Senator Hoffman moved for adoption.
There was no objection and the amendment was ADOPTED.
Co-Chair Kelly offered a friendly technical correction to the
component name from "Habitat and Restoration", to "Habitat". There
was no objection and the amendment was AMENDED and ADOPTED.
Department of Public Safety (cont.)
DPS #1: This amendment deletes $50,000 general funds from the
Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault BRU and component
on page 28, line 33, and page 29, lines 3 through 5. This amendment
also adds $50,000 general funds for the Batterer's Intervention
Program BRU and component on page 29, lines 6 and 7. Accompanying
explanatory language reads as follows.
The CDVSA has received a 15 percent increase in funding over
the last two years while the Batterer's Intervention Program
funding has remained level. This transfer of $50,000 provides
much needed funding for the additional grant requests being
made by batterers intervention program. Without intervention,
we cannot hope to do away with domestic violence.
Additionally, a recent audit of CDVSA identifies serious
issues regarding monitoring and evaluation and indicates that
Batterer's Intervention Programs are underfunded.
This amendment was NOT OFFERED.
DPS #15: This amendment adds $100,000 general funds for the Alaska
State Troopers BRU, Search and Rescue component on page 28, lines 4
and 12. Accompanying explanatory language reads as follows.
Over the past several years a large number of Alaskans have
been killed in avalanches in Alaska. This funding is to
provide for necessary public education. The governor requested
$350,000. This would provide partial funding.
Senator Green AMENDED the amendment to change the funding source to
Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) funds. She
moved for adoption.
Without objection the amended amendment was ADOPTED.
DPS #16: This amendment deletes $250,000 I/A receipts from the Fish
and Wildlife Protection BRU, Enforcement/Investigative Services
component, and adds $250,000 I/A receipts for the Fish and Wildlife
Protection BRU, Aircraft Section component. This amendment also
deletes $250,000 general funds from the Fish and Wildlife BRU,
Aircraft Section component, and adds $250,000 general funds for the
Fish and Wildlife Protection BRU, Enforcement/Investigative
Services component on page 27, lines 24 through 26 and 28.
Senator Austerman moved for adoption and explained this is a
technical amendment relating to the funding source.
The amendment was ADOPTED without objection.
AT EASE 9:04 PM / 9:11 PM
Department of Natural Resources (cont.)
DNR #3: This amendment adds $160,000 general funds for the Parks
and Recreation Management BRU, Parks Management component on page
26, lines 27 and 30.
This amendment was NOT OFFERED.
DNR #5: This amendment adds $160,000 general funds for the
Minerals, Land and Water Development BRU, Claims, Permits and
Leases component on page 26, lines 17, 18 and 21.
This amendment was NOT OFFERED.
Department of Labor and Workforce Development (cont.)
LAB #1: This amendment changes the funding source from general fund
match to State Training and Employment Program (STEP) funds for
$90,000 in the Employment Security BRU, Job Training Programs
component on page 22, lines 14 and 17.
Senator Hoffman shared he received information that he would share
with the co-chair at a later time and if the co-chair concurred,
Senator Hoffman would offer the amendment before the full Senate.
This amendment was NOT OFFERED.
Department of Environmental Conservation (cont.)
DEC #9: This amendment adds $120,000 Commercial Fisheries Loan
funds for the Environmental Health BRU on page 13, line 15.
Accompanying explanatory language reads as follows.
The department will use Nonpoint Source Pollution funds for
the Arctic Contaminants project and the Commercial Fisheries
Loan Fund $120,000 will be used to match for this project.
Senator Leman moved for adoption and this amendment is similar to
DEC #5, which was determined to have an unworkable fund source. He
reported that the department would use Nonpoint Source Pollution
funds for the Arctic Contaminants Project and Commercial Fisheries
Loan Funds for the required state match.
AT EASE 9:14 PM
Senator Leman AMENDED the amendment to stipulate the funds are for
the Food Safety and Sanitation component on page 13, line 17.
There was no objection and the amended amendment was ADOPTED.
DEC #10: This amendment deletes Storage Tank Assistance Fund:
$707,300 from the Contaminated Sites Program BRU and component,
$134,800 from the Administration BRU, Administrative Services
component, and $500 from the Statewide Public Services BRU and
component on page 13, lines 11, 13, 21, 22, and page 14, lines 8
and 9. This amendment also adds Oil/Haz Response Fund (Prevention
Account): $707,300 for the Contaminated Sites Program BRU and
component, and $134,800 for the Administration BRU, Administrative
Services component. Accompanying explanatory language reads as
follows.
This request provides funding for continued regulatory
oversight for cleanup of contamination associated with
underground storage tanks and support services for the
regulatory program provided by the Division of Administrative
Services. This includes state match for federal monies to
inspect and cleanup underground storage tanks to prevent
future spills and insulate Alaska businesses from federal
compliance actions. Inspections are conducted to ensure new
tank installations are meeting the requirements of federal law
for leak detection and proper operation. Oversight includes
investigation, risk assessment, and cleanup of sites that pose
a threat to human health and the environment. Cleanup of
contamination from underground storage tanks that have leaked
and caused contamination in the past is ongoing and required
by state and federal law. Support services include accounts
payable, accounts receivable, federal grant administration,
payroll, budget, and data processing.
Co-Chair Kelly moved for adoption.
Co-Chair Donley explained the amendment.
Without objection the amendment was ADOPTED.
AT EASE 9:15 PM / 9:18 PM
ADJOURNMENT
Co-Chair Dave Donley adjourned the meeting at 09:19 PM.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|