Legislature(2001 - 2002)
04/03/2002 09:14 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, 2002
9:14 AM
TAPES
SFC-02 # 47, Side A
SFC 02 # 47, Side B
SFC 02 # 48, Side A
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Pete Kelly convened the meeting at approximately 9:14 AM.
PRESENT
Senator Pete Kelly, Co-Chair
Senator Dave Donley, Co-Chair
Senator Jerry Ward, Vice Chair
Senator Lyda Green
Senator Gary Wilken
Senator Loren Leman
Senator Lyman Hoffman
Senator Alan Austerman
Also Attending: SENATOR RANDY PHILLIPS; ELMER LINDSTROM, Deputy
Commissioner, Department of Health and Social Services; JON
SHERWOOD, Unit Manager, Beneficiary Eligibility Policy, Division of
Medical Assistance, Department of Health and Social Services;
ANGELA SALERNO, Division of Public Assistance, Department of Health
and Social Services; KAREN PEARSON, Director, Division of Public
Health, Department of Health and Social Services; JENNIFER
RUTTINGER, Executive Director, Alaska Civil Liberties Union;
Attending via Teleconference: From Anchorage: DARYL NELSON,
Community Advocacy Coordinator, Access Alaska; SUSAN SULLIVAN,
Child Support Enforcement Division, Department of Revenue; BOB
LYNN, President, Alaska Right to Life Alliance; VICTORIA HALCRO,
Director, Public Affairs and Marketing, Planned Parenthood of
Alaska; KAREN VOSBURGH, Executive Director, Alaska Right to Life;
From Fairbanks: ANNE HARRISON, Registered Nurse and Nurse
Practitioner of Women's Health Care, and Member, State Board of
Planned Parenthood; From Delta: DEB JOSLIN
SUMMARY INFORMATION
SB 340-HOLD HARMLESS PROVISIONS OF PFD PROGRAM
The Committee heard from the sponsor, the Department of Health and
Social Services, the Department of Revenue, and social services
representatives. A committee substitute was adopted and the bill
moved from Committee.
SB 91-ABORTION: INFORMED CONSENT;INFORMATION
The Committee heard from the sponsor, the Department of Health and
Social Services and members of the public. The bill moved from
Committee.
SB 140-SMALL WATER-POWER DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
The Committee considered and adopted two amendments. The bill was
held in Committee.
SENATE BILL NO. 340
"An Act relating to treatment of permanent fund dividends for
purposes of determining eligibility for certain benefits; and
providing for an effective date."
This was the second hearing for this bill in the Senate Finance
Committee.
SENATOR RANDY PHILLIPS, sponsor of the bill, testified the
Department of Health and Social Services had recommended amending
the bill.
JON SHERWOOD, Unit Manager, Beneficiary Eligibility Policy,
Division of Medical Assistance, Department of Health and Social
Services testified that the proposed committee substitute, Version
"L", addresses income eligibility for Medicaid. He informed Section
2 of the proposed committee substitute requires the Department to
include permanent fund dividends as income when determining
eligibility for public assistance programs, with the exception of
Medicaid. He noted the federal government recently issued
regulations allowing the Department to disregard permanent fund
dividend income.
Mr. Sherwood cautioned of the possible inequity of including
dividends as income, because some recipients would continue to
qualify for Medicaid. He also warned that this legislation would
adversely impact nursing homes, home and community-based care
providers, and other providers who serve Medicaid clients "whose
cost of care far exceed the value of the permanent fund divided."
He explained the providers would in many instances be unable to
recover the lost revenue.
Senator Phillips added that the changes proposed in the committee
substitute would not impact the fiscal note.
Senator Green asked if Medicaid eligibility is determined month by
month or annually.
Mr. Sherwood replied that for most clients, eligibility is
determined month by month, with the exception of children whereby
eligibility is continuous for six months. He noted that those
children, whose eligibility expires during the month of October,
would become ineligible for the next six months based on the income
received from the dividend. He qualified that some adult Medicaid
recipients qualify on an annual basis; however, they are required
to notify the Department of any income changes that occur, in which
case they would become ineligible as well.
Senator Green asked if the federal government would allow
applicants to amortize annual income for the purposes of qualifying
for Medicaid coverage.
Mr. Sherwood responded there are rules disallowing amortization. He
noted income could be disregarded under federal rules, pointing out
this is the process currently practiced with permanent fund
dividend income.
Senator Wilken referenced a chart indicating the amount of State
funds saved as a result of this legislation [copy on file], and
asked if the proposed committee substitute would change the
amounts.
Senator Phillips answered there would be no changes.
Senator Wilken understood the Department testified that the
proposed committee substitute would eliminate the fiscal impact
related to the Medicaid program.
Mr. Sherwood explained that recently adopted federal regulations
allow the exemption of permanent fund dividends from income
qualification. Therefore, he stated the current State expenditure
for the dividend hold harmless provision would cease regardless of
enactment of this legislation.
AT EASE 9:23 AM / 9:26 AM
DARYL NELSON, Community Advocacy Coordinator, Access Alaska,
testified via teleconference from Anchorage that people should not
be excluded from receiving a permanent fund dividend because of a
physical or mental disability. He asked if federal law requires
this legislation.
Co-Chair Kelly responded it does not although the Committee must be
mindful of federal requirements.
Senator Phillips clarified that this legislation would not prohibit
residents of the Alaska Psychiatric Institute (API) from receiving
dividends.
SUSAN SULLIVAN, Child Support Enforcement Division, Department of
Revenue, testified via teleconference from Anchorage about the
ramifications for custodial parents with child support payments in
arrears. She explained that because the State could not retain
funds garnished from dividends until the custodial parents are paid
in full, the reduced revenue to the general fund is estimated to be
$1.458 million in FY 03. She stated the proposed committee
substitute would not affect the fiscal note.
Co-Chair Kelly asked if the sponsor's projected cost savings
includes the impact of child support.
Senator Phillips answered the figures listed on the aforementioned
spreadsheet are net amounts, but do not include child support.
Senator Phillips expressed the intent of this legislation is to
utilize the savings garnered from the elimination of the hold
harmless provision, for the Medicaid program. He asserted this
would benefit the people affected, as opposed to expending the
funds for bridge construction or other unrelated purpose.
Co-Chair Kelly pointed out the bill does not contain a "transfer
mechanism" guaranteeing that the funds would be appropriated to
Medicaid.
ELMER LINDSTROM, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Health and
Social Services, reiterated the Department's opposition to the
bill. He appreciated that the proposed committee substitute
eliminates "any unintended consequences" relative to the Medicaid
program.
Mr. Lindstrom stressed the bill would "remove many temporary
assistance clients from the temporary assistance rolls for… at
least one month." He understood the assumption might be that these
recipients would function adequately because of the dividend
income. However, he calculated the amount of dividends averaged
over 12 months, in addition to benefits received from the Temporary
Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, places a family of
three at 100 percent of the federal poverty level. He noted this
allows a discretionary income of approximately $40 per month after
housing, food, and other "necessities of life" expenses are
deducted.
Mr. Lindstrom spoke to the need for discretionary income and noted
that up to $100 is allowed for single individuals residing in a
nursing home or assisted living facility. He asserted, "you're
suggesting that $40 of discretionary funding is somehow
extravagant; we simply cannot accept that as a sound conclusion."
Senator Hoffman asked if the Department calculated the financial
impact of this legislation sorted by community.
Mr. Lindstrom responded he would prepare the information.
Senator Wilken referenced an impact statement prepared by the
Division of Medical Assistance [copy on file] and asked if it is
based on the chart provided by Senator Phillips.
Mr. Lindstrom responded that by exempting Medicaid, as proposed in
the committee substitute, the impact is eliminated.
Senator Hoffman asked if the committee substitute would impact the
general fund.
Mr. Lindstrom replied there would be small administrative costs
related to the provisions in the committee substitute.
AT EASE 9:37 AM / 9:39 AM
Mr. Lindstrom spoke to fiscal notes prepared that would reflect the
impact of the committee substitute, specifically the Public
Assistance Administration, Public Assistance Field Services fiscal
note. He qualified that the $420,300 interagency receipts from the
Permanent Fund Dividend Division are for the hold harmless
provision, and should be replaced with general funds. He pointed
out there would be "administrative complexities" incurred with
removing recipients from the program eligibility.
Co-Chair Kelly asked if the Department does not currently remove
these participants from the programs during the month permanent
fund dividends are received.
ANGELA SALERNO, Division of Public Assistance, Department of Health
and Social Services, answered no and explained the flexibility
afforded states by the federal government at the time of welfare
reform.
AT EASE 9:40 AM / 9:41 AM
Co-Chair Kelly asked if the Department reimburses the federal
government the cost of providing services to those recipients that
would otherwise be removed during the one-month period, or if the
recipients are actually removed from the program and the dividend
funds are paid to the recipients in lieu of the benefits.
Ms. Salerno answered, "The federal government does not require us
to remove them from the rolls. We are not required to count
permanent fund dividend as income. So we do not remove them from
the rolls. Because of our block grant funding, there's no
reimbursement or exchange of funds."
Senator Green referenced a comment printed on the check stub of
permanent fund dividend checks indicating that a portion of the
funds are used to augment federal welfare. She noted this statement
"generates lots of inquires" and asked for an explanation.
Ms. Salerno explained that with advent of welfare reform, the
Department was no longer required to remove participants from the
program. However, she informed that the permanent fund has been a
"funding stream" for one month each year since the inception of the
hold harmless provision. She furthered that general funds are
sufficient to fund only 11 months of the program, and the dividend
funds are necessary to maintain benefit payments for the entire
year.
Senator Green asked if this is due to "maintenance of efforts"
requirements.
Ms. Salerno replied the dividend funds are necessary for both
maintenance of effort and receipt of federal block grants as they
are based on the amount spent for welfare programs in 1994. She
stressed that in 1994, general funds were spent for only 11 months
th
with dividend funds utilized for the 12 month.
Senator Hoffman asked if beside the $420,000 general funds for
administration costs projected in the fiscal note, whether this
legislation would incur additional expense.
Mr. Lindstrom replied there would be no additional cost for the
Department of Health and Social Services, although he was unsure
whether there would be costs for the Child Support Enforcement
Division.
Senator Green moved for adoption of CS SB 340, 22-LS1361\L, as a
working draft.
There was no objection and the committee substitute was ADOPTED.
Co-Chair Kelly requested the sponsor to calculate the "net effect"
of this legislation, less the proposed costs and the impact to the
Child Support Enforcement Division.
Senator Phillips shared that he had been unaware of the fiscal note
before the Committee.
Co-Chair Kelly ordered the bill HELD in Committee.
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 91(HES)
"An Act relating to information and services available to
pregnant women and other persons; and ensuring informed
consent before an abortion may be performed, except in cases
of medical emergency."
This was the first hearing for this bill in the Senate Finance
Committee.
Senator Ward, sponsor, testified this bill requires the Department
of Health and Social Services to develop an information booklet and
make it available to women "contemplating" an abortion. He spoke to
actions of the Senate Health Education and Social Services
Committee related to this legislation.
Senator Ward commented that Alaska's informed consent process is
not uniform. He stated this bill would provide uniform information
to those receiving services regardless of their location in the
State.
AT EASE 9:50 AM / 9:58 AM
BOB LYNN, President, Alaska Right to Life Alliance, testified via
teleconference from Anchorage to urge the Committee to pass this
legislation. He spoke of the medical procedure and the need for
informed consent. He talked about the financial benefits to
abortion providers for performing the procedures and asserted that
relying on these providers to provide information is a conflict of
interest. He used an analogy of real estate transactions and the
informed consent requirements in that industry and compared the
health of a house to the health of a woman.
VICTORIA HALCRO, Director, Public Affairs and Marketing, Planned
Parenthood of Alaska, testified via teleconference from Anchorage
that Planned Parenthood "does more every day to prevent abortions
than any other organization in the country." She stated this
legislation singles out one medical procedure, which she surmised
is unethical, and noted the medical profession has established
methods for informing patients about procedures. She asserted that
the American College of OB/GYN position is that there is no medical
basis supporting statements that a risk of adverse psychological
effects related to abortions exists. She continued that there is no
evidence that an abortion causes any long-term psychological injury
and she suggested there could be long-term psychological effects
resulting from childbirth. She opined the information that would be
contained in the proposed pamphlet would be presented in a biased
manner with the intent to discourage women from choosing to have an
abortion. She predicted the pamphlet would not contain statements
indicating that an abortion is eight times safer than carrying a
pregnancy to term, nor would it state that first-term trimester
abortion has a lower complication rate than any other surgery.
Senator Olson asked the witness if her testimony is that former US
Surgeon General, C. Everett Koop, found no psychological risk for
women who have an abortion.
Ms. Halcro affirmed.
KAREN VOSBURGH, Executive Director, Alaska Right to Life, testified
via teleconference from Anchorage that, "informed consent is not as
much an abortion issue as it is a woman's health issue." She cited
a three-year Planned Parenthood study, which found that post-
procedural trauma for abortion patients could be as high 91
percent. She disagreed that abortion providers present adequate
information about the procedure, referencing a study compiled by
David Reardon, Director, Elliot Institute for Social Services,
whereby 80 percent of surveyed women stated they were denied
informed consent or were actively misinformed prior to receiving an
abortion. She asserted that women are entitled to know the physical
and psychological risks that could be incurred from abortions as
well as information about fetal development. She listed additional
findings in Dr. Reardon's report: abortion is four times deadlier
than childbirth, and that three to five percent of women who have
had an abortion are rendered sterile. She mentioned a Japanese
report that found the rate of sterilization to be nine percent; 14
percent suffered from reoccurring miscarriages; and a 400 percent
increase in ectopic pregnancies. She also spoke of suicide attempts
and various complications from abortions, including increased risk
for breast cancer. She detailed reports of psychological trauma
related to abortions.
Co-Chair Kelly commented that one of two reporters left the room
after hearing the testimony of Planned Parenthood.
ANNE HARRISON, Registered Nurse and Nurse Practitioner of Women's
Health Care, and Member, State Board of Planned Parenthood
testified via teleconference from Fairbanks on her own behalf.
SFC 02 # 47, Side B 10:15 AM
Ms. Harrison detailed her experiences in working with pregnant
women. She asserted this legislation is unnecessary because the
health care providers give adequate information of options and
possible complications to all pregnant woman. She stated the data
cited by the Right to Life organization is inaccurate and distorted
and focuses on a small incidence. She predicted an information
packet could not be compiled to the satisfaction of groups on both
sides of the issue. She reminded this country is established on the
separation of church and state and urged the Committee not impose
it's views, especially in areas it is not proficient.
ROBIN SMITH, constituent of Senator Ward, testified via
teleconference from Anchorage in opposition to the bill. She stated
she wished efforts could be combined to prevent abortions. She
calculated that of the approximately 9,960 births in Alaska in
1999, 48 percent were funded by Medicaid, and that 42 percent of
all births are unintended births; therefore 2,100 births were paid
by the State. She referenced State information listing the average
public cost for an unintended pregnancy carried to term and infant
care for one year is $30,000 and she calculated the total cost at
$60 million annually. She emphasized the need to reduce the number
of unintended pregnancies. She spoke to the psychological problems
with childbirth and giving babies up for adoption.
JENNIFER RUTTINGER, Executive Director, Alaska Civil Liberties
Union, testified in Juneau referencing a position statement dated
April 20, 2001 [Copy on file]. She spoke of the organization's
mission "to guarantee the individual liberties that are found in
the Alaska Constitution and the US Bill of Rights," and it's
representation of Planned Parenthood of Alaska on the issue of
protecting privacy in the context of medical decision-making for
one's own body. She described the 1992 US Supreme Court decision on
Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania vs. Casey upholding
a Pennsylvania State law requiring physicians to provide women
state-prepared anti-choice materials prior to an abortion
procedure. She qualified that the Alaska Supreme Court, as well as
Supreme Courts in other states, gives the right to choose more
protection under their State constitution than the US Supreme Court
gives under the federal constitution, which does not contain a
right to privacy component. She told of the Alaska Supreme Court
decision in Valley Hospital Association vs. Mat-Su Coalition for
Choice finding that any restrictions on the private decision of a
woman to terminate a pregnancy or to carry a pregnancy to term,
would be "held to the highest possible standard of scrutiny." She
explained that the State must demonstrate a compelling interest for
the need for this legislation as well as demonstrate that the law
would not infringe on the right to choose. She remarked this
legislation violates the Alaska constitution under the Valley
Hospital decision. She stated the medical information required to
be included in the proposed material is scientifically and
medically "suspect" in some instances, and she noted that neither
Dr. C. Everett Koop, or the World Health Organization were able to
find psychological harm linked to abortion. She told stories of
women for whom a pregnancy would be life threatening and the
additional hardship of requiring them to be subjected to this
information. She stated this is not in women's best interest. She
talked about the higher cost of doctor's required to provide this
information rather than nurses, etc. She supported information
about all medical procedures. She cautioned against the government
making decisions about what information is appropriate.
DEB JOSLIN testified via teleconference from Delta about her
experience with an unborn child "with multiple anomalies" and the
counseling she received urging her to terminate the pregnancy. She
decided against termination and detailed her introduction to a
support group where she learned of other children with trisomy 13
disorder. She said her child was born with serious heart conditions
but was in significantly better health than anticipated and that he
was not in pain. She therefore supported this legislation as she
thought she should have received more accurate information about
the prenatal condition her son was diagnosed with. She informed her
son lived much longer than the maximum two days prognosis.
Senator Olson asked the sponsor about a witness statement that
women are aware of the availability of information on abortion
procedures. He commented that in Rural Alaska there are some people
who are "less than knowledgeable" about the procedure. He asked
what provisions in this legislation address rural residents and if
the information would be provided in languages other than English.
Senator Ward stated the information would be provided in English.
He hoped that any provider would not perform an abortion procedure
on a person who was unable to understand what was about to occur.
Co-Chair Kelly commented the number of abortions performed in rural
Alaska is low, primarily due to the limited amount of State
funding.
Senator Ward stated Senator Olson's concerns are the basis for this
legislation. He relayed the story of a girl who received an
abortion in the 1970s and was sterilized. As a result he and wife
became involved in counseling against abortion. He stated many
women did not receive adequate information.
Senator Ward asserted this legislation is about "choice". He also
compared the decision to receive medical treatment to that of a
real estate transaction, citing full disclosure requirements in
real estate.
Senator Olson spoke as a physician, that this legislation imposes
additional regulations, which he did not support because it tends
to require physicians to operate more as technicians than doctors.
He asked the consequences of a health care provider not supplying
the information proposed in this bill. He commented he assumed that
in the instance shared by Senator Ward, the sterilization was
unintended.
Senator Ward hoped so.
Senator Ward opined this legislation would provide a "safeguard",
not only for the patient making the decision, but for all involved
parties as well. He remarked, "the more information that people
have in order to make a decision, I think the better it is." He
surmised that the vast majority of patients receiving these
services would prefer to have this information.
Senator Austerman stated with due respect to moral and religious
beliefs, this issue could be divisive. He would not object to
moving the bill from Committee, however he informed that he would
not vote for passage from the Senate. He ascertained, "obviously,
it's an issue that appears to be a veiled approach" to pursue
"personal issues."
Co-Chair Kelly disagreed the legislation is "veiled" and instead
asserted, "it's a straightforward attempt to give people who are
going into a potential very dangerous medical procedure, the
information that I think has been denied them." He told of the
several miscarriages his mother experienced before his birth, and
the pressure she was under to abort him as he was not expected to
be healthy and because she was in danger of dying. He qualified
this occurred in a different time and involves only one doctor.
However, he thought this practice continues in some form.
Senator Green talked about the extensive consultation she received
before undergoing recent routine surgery. She did not think
education could be "over stressed" to allow good consumer choices,
particularly in relation to medical treatment.
Co-Chair Kelly asked about changes to the fiscal note.
KAREN PEARSON, Director, Division of Public Health, Department of
Health and Social Services, testified the fiscal note incorporates
the estimated cost of advertising and additional professional time.
At the time the original fiscal note was prepared, she stated, it
was assumed the information would be provided in the form of a
"simple pamphlet or small booklet", but in reviewing the
legislation, it was realized that a much larger publication would
be required. She explained this is partially due to the inclusion
of a geographic index of services and providers. She stated the
increase in funding for professional services is intended to
address provider inquiries regarding the publication.
Co-Chair Kelly asked the cost of the Department's statutory
requirement to advertise Planned Parenthood services.
Ms. Pearson replied the Department does not advertise Planned
Parenthood services. She clarified, "unfortunately, the terminology
that's in the statute happens to match the name of an official
organization" and stated the Department's business relates to
"planned pregnancy".
Ms. Pearson continued the Department and the Division supports the
intent of the bill to fully inform patients in any situation. She
said the contention, however, is that informed consent is already
required for any procedure. She questioned the effectiveness of
providing information in written form, given the limited literacy
of some patients. She stated that providing various forms of
information about avoiding unplanned pregnancy would be a more
appropriate approach.
Senator Hoffman clarified the witness testified that informed
consent is currently required and asked if provisions are
stipulated in regulation.
Ms. Pearson responded that before any medical procedure is
conducted, the patient must sign a consent form. She was unsure
whether this stipulation is contained in statutes or regulations.
Co-Chair Kelly stated the informed consent provision is different
in the instance of abortion procedures due to Alaska Supreme Court
decisions. He doubted if informed consent of abortion proceedings
"in practice is true." He surmised the witness is misinformed.
Ms. Pearson replied she would verify her statements.
Senator Leman asked if in light of the existing informed consent
practices, why one-half year is required annually to develop the
proposed booklet, which he assumed would utilize information
already available. He also asked why a full-time clerk position is
required to maintain a database and distribute the booklets.
SFC 02 # 48, Side A 11:03 AM
Senator Leman commented that when a department opposes legislation,
it would "inflate" the fiscal note.
Ms. Pearson responded she wanted to accurately reflect the expenses
to continually update the information. She noted the technical
information would not comprise the majority of the cost. Rather,
she stated, there would be effort required to update the frequent
changes of service providers. She qualified her interpretation of
the legislation is to document all agencies, counselors, health
care providers and other service providers, which she stated would
require constant interaction with communities. She pointed out that
if the information could be updated on an annual basis, the fiscal
note would be significantly less.
Co-Chair Kelly asserted that the content of a signed consent form
would be considerably different than the information proposed in
this legislation.
Co-Chair Kelly commented on the testimony given by the ACLU and
Planned Parenthood that there is no psychological impact of an
abortion. He pointed out that litigation regarding public funding
of abortion services is partially resulting from the argument that
medically necessary abortions include the psychological health of
the woman. He asserted, "ACLU speaks with a forked tongue."
Co-Chair Kelly requested Senator Ward address the concerns related
to the fiscal note.
Senator Green offered a motion to "move Senate Bill 91 out of
Committee with individual recommendations and flocculating fiscal
note."
Without objection, CS SB 91 (HES) MOVED from Committee with new
$110,000 fiscal note from the Department of Health and Social
Services dated 4/3/02 12:43 PM.
Co-Chair Kelly recessed 11:08 AM / 4:36 PM
SENATE BILL NO. 140
"An Act relating to regulation and licensing of certain water-
power development projects."
This was the third hearing for this bill in the Senate Finance
Committee.
Amendment #1: This amendment inserts new language in Section 1 on
page 2, following line 11 to read as follows.
(G) the interests of Alaska residents and
landowners
Senator Wilken moved for adoption.
Senator Green objected for an explanation.
Senator Wilken supported the intent of the bill. However, he
stated, it "left out a group of people." He pointed out a five-
megawatt power plant is one-forth the size of the power plant
located on the banks of the Chena River, which supplies Fairbanks
with power. He surmised therefore, that a five-megawatt power plant
is "not just a little paddle wheel in the stream."
Senator Wilken noted the legislation lists several purposes and
parties to receive equal consideration when approving these power
plant projects. He suggested the interests of Alaska residents and
landowners should be included.
Senator Green removed her objection.
The amendment was ADOPTED without objection.
Amendment #2: This amendment inserts "resident" before "Alaska" on
page 2, line 9. The amended language of Section 1(b)(2)(E) reads as
follows.
(E) the interests of resident Alaska Natives;
and
Senator Wilken moved for adoption.
Senator Green objected for an explanation.
Senator Wilken explained this amendment addresses the
aforementioned list of parties to receive equal consideration. He
noted this amendment specifies this provision would not apply to
the "thirteenth Native Corporation," whose shareholders reside
outside the State.
Senator Green removed her objection.
Without objection the amendment was ADOPTED.
Senator Wilken offered a motion to report CS SB 140 (FIN) from
Committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal
notes.
Senator Green objected.
Senator Hoffman asked the position of the "industry".
Senator Green noted she had the same request.
AT EASE 4:40 PM / 4:43 PM
Senator Green removed her objection.
Senator Wilken WITHDREW his motion to report the bill from
Committee.
Co-Chair Kelly ordered the bill HELD in Committee.
SENATE BILL NO. 340
"An Act relating to treatment of permanent fund dividends for
purposes of determining eligibility for certain benefits; and
providing for an effective date."
This bill was heard and held earlier in the meeting.
ELMER LINDSTROM, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Health and
Social Services, directed the Committee's attention to a corrected
fiscal note.
Senator Hoffman asked the amount lost to the general fund for the
reimbursement of welfare payments.
SUSAN SULLIVAN, Child Support Enforcement Division, Department of
Revenue, testified via teleconference from Anchorage that in FY 03,
the amount of reimbursement for public assistance would be
$1,458,000 as indicated on the fiscal note.
Co-Chair Kelly noted the updated fiscal note information is not
reflected in the chart prepared by the sponsor, which details the
financial impact of this legislation [copy on file.]
Senator Green offered a motion "to report SB 340 out of Committee
with individual recommendations and fiscal notes."
There was no objection and CS SB 340 (FIN) MOVED from Committee
with eight new fiscal notes, two from the Department of Revenue:
Permanent Fund Dividend Division, zero, 3/11/02; and Child Support
Enforcement Division, ($1,453,900), 3/2/02; and six from the
Department of Health and Social Services: Adult Temporary
Assistance Program, ($3,235,900), 4/3/02; Tribal Assistance,
($907,800), 4/3/02; Public Assistance, Field Services, zero,
4/3/02; General Relief, ($72,400), 4/3/02; Public Assistance, PFD
Hold Harmless, ($6,303,500), 4/3/02; and Medical Assistance,
($200,000), 4/3/02.
ADJOURNMENT
Co-Chair Pete Kelly adjourned the meeting at 04:48 PM
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|