Legislature(2001 - 2002)
04/18/2002 09:01 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 18, 2002
9:01 AM
TAPES
SFC-02 # 66, Side A
SFC 02 # 66, Side B
SFC-02 # 67, Side A
SFC 02 # 67, Side B
SFC 02 # 68, Side A
SFC-02 # 68, Side B
SFC 02 # 69, Side A
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Dave Donley convened the meeting at approximately 9:01 AM.
PRESENT
Senator Dave Donley, Co-Chair
Senator Pete Kelly, Co-Chair
Senator Jerry Ward, Vice Chair
Senator Donald Olson
Senator Lyman Hoffman
Senator Loren Leman
Senator Alan Austerman
Senator Lyda Green
Senator Gary Wilken
Also Attending: Testifiers are listed in the body of the minutes in
the order they testified.
SUMMARY INFORMATION
HB 403-APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUNDS
SB 289-APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUNDS
HB 404-APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET
SB 288-APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET
The Committee heard public testimony from the Legislative
Information Offices in the Mat-Su Borough, Delta Junction,
Ketchikan, Tok, Wrangell, Nome, Kotzebue, Barrow, and Fairbanks as
well as from offnet sites and from testifiers in Juneau. Two
committee substitutes were adopted, and the bills were held in
Committee.
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 403(FIN) am(SENATE BILL NO. 289
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan
program expenses of state government, for certain programs,
and to capitalize funds; making appropriations under art. IX,
sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska, from the
constitutional budget reserve fund; and providing for an
effective date."
SENATE BILL NO. 289
"AN ACT MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE OPERATING AND LOAN
PROGRAM EXPENSES OF STATE GOVERNMENT, FOR CERTAIN PROGRAMS,
AND TO CAPITALIZE FUNDS; MAKING APPROPRIATIONS UNDER ART. IX,
SEC. 17(C), CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, FROM THE
CONSTITUTIONAL BUDGET RESERVE FUND; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE."
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 404(FIN)
"AN ACT MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE OPERATING AND CAPITAL
EXPENSES OF THE STATE'S INTEGRATED COMPREHENSIVE MENTAL HEALTH
PROGRAM; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE."
SENATE BILL NO. 288
"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."
This was the fourth hearing for these bills in the Senate Finance
Committee.
Co-Chair Donley announced that public testimony would resume
regarding the FY 03 Operating Budget. He requested testifiers to
limit their remarks to two minutes in order to provide sufficient
time for all testifiers to comment.
SUSAN MASON-BOUTERSE, Executive Director, Sunshine Community Health
Center and Board Member, Primary Care Association of Alaska,
testified via teleconference from Mat-Su and noted that the small,
non-profit health center located in Talkeetna provides a multitude
of services to the residents of the area. She shared that the
previous year the Center provided 2,000 individuals with health
care and 6,000 counseling sessions. She stated that although the
Center receives some federal Community Health Center grant funding,
patient fee revenue, and a small amount of United Way funds, its
primary funding is through an Assistance to Community Health
Facilities (ACHF) grant program through the Division of Public
Health, Department of Health and Social Services.
Ms. Mason-Bouterse asserted that the proposed elimination of the
ACHF grant program would also negatively affect the Center's
opportunity to receive federal grant program funding would further
impact the Center's ability to provide services.
Ms. Mason-Bouterse continued, on behalf of the Primary Care
Association of Alaska, that rural clinics that do not receive
federal Community Health Center grant funding rely on the State
ACHF grant program funding "to survive." She stressed that
elimination of the ACHF grant program "will be devastating" to
rural clinics and could result in rural clinic closures across the
State.
Ms. Mason-Bouterse noted that proposed Senate Operating Budget
reductions to the Department of Health and Social Services programs
such as the Early Infant Learning Program would negatively affect
preventive care which could, if maintained, "save the State money
in the future, not to mention saving incredible hardships for
families." She stressed that cuts to Mental Health and Substance
Abuse programs would also limit services to individuals and
communities. She voiced understanding of the fiscal challenge
facing the State; however, she urged the Committee to not support
the proposed elimination of $218,000 of the total $315,000 of State
funding dedicated to primary health care nor significantly reduce
the already minimal funding for other health care and behavioral
health care.
PATRICIA G. COYNE, Member, Backcountry Avalanche Awareness Rescue
Team, testified via teleconference from Mat-Su to ask the Committee
to include funding for Avalanche Awareness Education Programs. She
expressed that the $50,000 included in the FY 02 budget provided
funding for a "reach and teach program" through which twenty
individuals received training that allowed them to teach avalanche
awareness and search and rescue methods in their communities. She
stressed the importance of continuing to educate people on how to
avoid being caught in an avalanche.
ERIC T. WAGENIUS testified via teleconference from Mat-Su in
support of funding for drug and alcohol recovery centers such as
Nugent's Ranch. He stated that the program offered at the Ranch
"turned his life around," and he stated that he is training to
offer counseling services to others. He urged the Committee to
continue funding these programs.
DAVID BARTHOLMEW, Wasilla Area Seniors Incorporated, testified via
teleconference from Mat-Su about the importance of continuing
kitchen inspections, for he attested, if this program were
eliminated, senior centers would suffer due to the loss of funding
food programs generate.
Mr. Bartholmew read from an article [copy not provided] authored by
Ray Metcalfe from the Anchorage Daily News that while Alaska
retains 33 percent and the federal government retains approximately
24 percent of the profits generated by the State's oil fields
production, the worldwide average oil field revenue profits
retained by governments is approximately 79 percent while oil
companies normally retain approximately 23 percent. He asked the
Committee why the State allows oil companies to retain more of the
profit than is the norm, and he suggested that the State tax the
oil companies rather than the citizens of the State. He noted that
the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend is approximately $1,800 and he
asked the Committee why the State could not provide more money and
free education to its citizens.
PAULA HANDRICKS, Alaska Native, testified via teleconference from
Mat-Su to detail the treatment she had received at the Nugent's
Ranch Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center. She urged the Committee to
retain the Ranch's funding to enable the Ranch to continue to
provide treatment programs, which, she attested, have enabled her
to become a responsible citizen and parent.
MICHAEL HANDRICKS testified via teleconference from Mat-Su to voice
support for drug and alcohol treatment centers' programs. He
exclaimed that the treatment centers have had a positive impact on
his life, and that he is now a functioning individual with a job
and a family and that he pays taxes and child support. He stressed
that treatment programs do work, and he urged the Committee not to
reduce alcohol treatment program funding.
WILLIAM WALLACE testified via teleconference from Mat-Su that the
proposed $4.75 million funding reduction in treatment programs
would be harmful to both individuals and communities in the State.
He asserted that private prisons and treatment programs in those
prisons do not work.
SUSAN MCKITTRICK testified via teleconference from Mat-Su and
informed the Committee that she is a recovering alcoholic who is
testifying in support of rehabilitation centers. She stated that
alcoholism is a disease and that many people who suffer from it
have received assistance from the rehabilitation centers and have
become responsible citizens. She voiced strong opposition to the
proposed Senate's funding reductions as they would "only serve to
perpetuate the problem" by incarcerating more people but offering
fewer recovery opportunities, and she avowed, would result in
"sentencing people to an untimely death."
ROBERT HENDRICKSON testified via teleconference from Mat-Su that
alcohol abuse incurs pain and suffering to families, especially
children. He attested that recovery programs have benefited his
family; but that other families would suffer were funding for
alcohol treatment and other mental health programs reduced. He
voiced support for an income tax or the use of Permanent Fund
earnings to provide money to support these programs.
DONALD FISCUS testified via teleconference from Mat-Su and
acknowledged Senator Ward's efforts for road improvements in the
Kenai Peninsula area. He stated that dwindling State revenue
requires the development of fiscal responsibility, however, he
characterized the cuts to the Department of Health and Social
Services "to be extreme," particularly the $4.4 million funding
reduction in alcohol and drug abuse programs thereby denying
treatment to approximately 1,000 people. He asked the Committee
where the money generated from current and proposed alcohol taxes
and the money received from the tobacco settlement fund and tobacco
taxes is being spent. He asked whether new prison facilities would
be housing people who need treatment for alcoholism, as he stressed
that treatment is "less expensive than incarceration in the long
run." He voiced that some legislators' do not believe that
treatment works, and he again requested that the public be notified
as to how user tax money is being spent.
SCOTT WELLS testified via teleconference from Mat-Su and noted that
Alaska has one of the highest rates of alcoholism in the nation. He
exclaimed that "it should be obvious" that this abuse contributes
to many other social illnesses and expenses. He noted that he is a
contributing member of society and that he is a recovering
alcoholic in treatment, and he stressed, "that his life depends on
maintaining sobriety." He noted that treatment costs are exorbitant
and that financial assistance from the State is necessary as most
alcoholics have lost their jobs and benefits and cannot afford to
enter treatment without State assistance. He furthered that the
State should provide more funding, not less, for treatment
facilities. He asserted that by offering more treatment, the State
would benefit from a reduction in domestic violence, violent crimes
and assault, traffic violations, lost wages and psychiatric care,
physical ailments and death. He furthered that if he had had to
wait 120 days to enter treatment, he would not have survived. He
stated that the proposed cuts would triple the waiting time to get
into a treatment program and the number of people on the waiting
list would escalate. He stressed that treatment works, and he
urged the Committee to reconsider the proposed funding cuts.
CAROL KANE, Executive Director, Alaska Association of Secondary
School Principals, testified via teleconference from Mat-Su to urge
full funding for education as it would benefit all Alaskan
children. She assured the Committee that the Association supports
education standards, and she asserted that a quality education
contributes to a stronger economy.
ANN KILKENNY testified via teleconference from Mat-Su and spoke
with concern regarding funding for education; particularly that the
State is lowering the standards required of teachers and that
teaching positions are difficult to fill. She stated that the
current hiring practices "are a disservice" to the State's
children. She asserted that economists specify "that education is
as much an engine of economic growth as new jobs in mining,
tourism, and oil and gas," and that "abundant intellectual
resources play a more important role in a region's economic
development than do physical resources. She stressed that a strong
school system would benefit the State, and she urged the Committee
to increase the State's school funding formula by $190 per student.
AT EASE 9:28 AM / 9:29 AM
REBECCA KLEINSCHMIDT testified via teleconference from Ketchikan
regarding the tobacco settlement money. She informed the Committee
that tobacco is the number one cause of preventative death in
America. She stated that "allocating a mere 20 percent of the $25
million tobacco settlement funds" to educate the public about the
adverse results of smoking tobacco is not sufficient, and she urged
the Committee to use the funds as they were intended to be used,
which is "to treat and prevent tobacco addiction in the State."
KEVIN MURPHY Deputy Director, Gateway Center for Human Services and
President, Substance Abuse Directors Association for Alaska,
testified via teleconference from Ketchikan to urge the Committee
to reconsider the proposed 20 percent funding cut to the substance
abuse treatment program as well as the reduction in Alcohol Safety
Action Programs (ASAP) funding which would result in the closure of
the Juvenile ASAP program, a three year pilot project that focused
on juveniles and minor consuming. He asked the Committee to
maintain the FY 02 funding levels or consider the House of
Representatives FY 03 funding level proposal, which would require
the programs "to tighten their belts," but would allow them to
continue functioning.
ED ZASTROW, Representative, Ketchikan AARP and President, Ketchikan
Senior Center, testified via teleconference from Ketchikan to urge
the Committee to reconsider the proposed reduction in the food
safety and sanitation program of the Department of Environmental
Conservation. He voiced that full State funding of this program is
required as any reduction in funding could lead to major closures
in senior food services facilities in Ketchikan. He aired that this
"would be unacceptable."
Senator Leman interjected that the funding reductions being
referred to are proposed by the House of Representatives rather
than by the Senate subcommittee. He continued that, although there
is a proposed reduction in funding, the Senate subcommittee
recommends the establishment of receipt-supported services rather
than the use of general funds to support, and continue, the
program.
KASAY KELLEY, Representative, Alaskans for Drug Free Youth
testified via teleconference from Ketchikan and spoke regarding the
Alaska tobacco settlement fund. She stated that this fund has
provided programs to educate young people about the dangers of
tobacco use, and she requested the Committee to fully fund, at the
maximum level of "20 percent, the Tobacco prevention, education,
and cessation program as it is intended." She challenged the
Committee to protect Alaska's children from the tobacco industry by
providing this funding.
VALEREE RICE, Representative, Alaskans for Drug Free Youth,
testified via teleconference from Ketchikan to urge the Committee
to fully fund the tobacco prevention program at the recommended 20
percent level of the tobacco settlement fund money in order to
continue to educate youth, businesses and schools "on the harmful
and deadly effects of tobacco." She stated that the recommended
funding level of 20 percent would allow for "counter-marketing"
against the aggressive tobacco companies and would provide a strong
foundation for the prevention for tobacco use in Ketchikan.
PAT CHAPMAN, Employee, Ketchikan General Hospital Tobacco Cessation
Program, testified via teleconference from Ketchikan and informed
the Committee that the program is beginning to gain momentum and
exhibit positive results. She stated that if funding were reduced,
the expanding client base of the program could not be served. She
stated that 20 percent of the tobacco settlement fund money should
be designated for the Alaska Prevention and Cessation programs, and
she encouraged the Legislature to provide that level of funding.
She attested that this funding support would benefit the State
because associated medical expenses would diminish as the number of
smokers lessens; particularly as the majority of the Ketchikan
program's clients are from low-income families on Medicaid.
Co-Chair Donley informed the Committee that the communities of Tok
and Delta are experiencing teleconferencing difficulties and would
be submitting testimony via facsimile which would be incorporated
into the public testimony record
LUCY ANNE HARBOR, Director of Finance, North Slope Borough School
District testified via teleconference from Barrow and thanked the
Committee for the increase in base student allocation funding that
the Borough received this year. She noted that the increase
assisted in offsetting some major cuts instituted within the
District. She also voiced appreciation for the commitment to fully
fund K-12 education funding in FY 03.
Ms. Harbor informed the Committee that the affects of inflation
have been substantial, and she exampled, that a math textbook cost
$18 in 1989; however, that same book costs more than $40 in 2000.
She stated that all schools face "the challenge of retooling of
instructional staff to meet the demands of the informational age"
and incorporating that into the curriculum; "aligning standards to
assessments; and retaining and recruiting good teachers." She
asserted that inflation has reduced the buying power of the State's
educational funds and has thereby produced budget reductions
Statewide. She voiced that federal education standards mandate that
schools hire competent teachers, be accountable and institute a
student management data system; however, she argued, no supportive
funding was provided to uphold the mandates. She explained the
approach the District is taking to accomplish the mandated goals,
and informed the Committee that the State should increase and
inflation-proof the base number used in the student funding formula
to allow schools the finances required to operate and provide
necessary services to Alaskan students.
RECESS 9:41 AM / 10:00 AM
TAFFY FOX, Employee, Bering Straits Community Partnership and
Tobacco Prevention and Control, testified via teleconference from
Nome to urge the Legislature to support the Tobacco Education,
Prevention and Cessation Program by allocating the full 20 percent
of the Tobacco Master Settlement Money Funding, "as promised."
SUE WHITE, Director, Family Resource Program, Maniilaq Association,
testified via teleconference from Kotzebue and voiced concern about
the proposed cuts to child protection programs, foster care
services, and alcohol treatment programs. She opined that these
funding reductions would negatively affect child/parent outreach
programs services in the region, where, she attested, "family
violence is rampant," primarily as a result of alcohol and drug
abuse. She stressed that children are "trapped" in an environment
surrounded by alcohol and drug abuse at an early age, and as a
result they themselves become alcoholics. She continued that these
children are also defenseless against "sexual predators in their
own homes when their parent cannot protect them." She stated that
currently, the insufficient numbers of troopers and social workers
are barely able to investigate all the reported abuses of children,
and she exclaimed that the proposed cuts to the budget are not the
solution to protect the children and "break the cycle of abuse."
She communicated the understanding that the State is facing revenue
shortfalls; therefore, she expressed the willingness to pay sales
taxes or income taxes to support needed services, for, she
attested, we all "have an obligation" to protect the children.
TODD FASTON, Representative, North Slope Borough Fire Department,
testified via teleconference from Barrow and informed the Committee
that the department serves an area of approximately 90,000 square
miles with a population of 8,000. He shared that the Department has
developed and supports volunteer fire and Emergency Medical
Services (EMS) teams in every village in the region, and he stated
that the proposed reduction or elimination of the State block grant
through the Department of Health and Social Services would
significantly impact EMS services statewide because it would
negatively affect the fire department's ability to travel to
provide training to the villages. He "strongly requested that the
funding be restored to, at least, maintenance levels."
JACK SMITH, Training Officer, North Slope Borough Fire Department,
testified via teleconference from Barrow to voice that the fire
department's ability to provide training, equipment, accreditation,
and other assistance to the fire and EMS volunteers in the eight
villages in the region would be negatively affected by the proposed
budget cuts. He stated that current funding is received from two
"small" sources; the EMS State block grant and the State Fire
Marshall funding. He noted that the EMS block grant allowed the
department to provide, in FY 02, 85 courses including first aid
training, CPR training, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT)
training, and fire fighting training. He stated that further budget
reductions would impact the services provided to the communities
and the ability to re-certify EMTs. He informed the Committee that
local budget cuts have also been experienced, and to compensate for
that funding reduction, the fire department has formed alliances
with entities such as the local community college and borough
governments to partner together to try and meet basic training
needs. He asserted that any additional State cuts would result "in
a more serious impact."
GARY LEWIS, Vice Mayor, Wrangell, testified via teleconference from
Wrangell and asserted that "any reduction in municipal capital
grant sharing" would "have a huge impact on the community." He
stressed that a State sales tax would result in Wrangell being the
highest sales taxed community in the State at ten percent, which he
declared, "would be devastating to the community." He stated that
Wrangell annually generates approximately $250,000 per one percent
of its current sales tax, and, he asserted, that were a State tax
to be established, the City might be required to offset the total
tax level by reducing the current City tax by three percent. He
clarified that the resulting loss of $750,000 to the City's revenue
would prohibit the community's ability to maintain its current
level of City operations.
SFC 02 # 66, Side B 10:08 AM
BRUCE HARDING, Mayor, City of Wrangell, testified via
teleconference from Wrangell to address the proposed cuts to the
Marine Highway System (MHS) and the affect it would have on
communities in Southeast Alaska as well as those in the Railbelt
area. He attested that now that he is a Wrangell resident rather
than a resident of the Mat-Su area, he understands the level of
impact that a reduction in ferry service would have in Southeast;
particularly in the tourism arena, which he attested, would be felt
on a statewide basis. He urged the Committee to fund the MHS at
sufficient levels.
Mr. Harding additionally addressed the "serious impact" that the
proposed MHS funding reductions would incur on the State's
fisheries which use the ferry system to ship large quantities of
fish. He expressed that, "tying up boats is about the only way to
save money."
Senator Olson informed the Committee that there would be a delay in
the public testimony from the villages of Nome, Kotzebue, and
Barrow as the residents of the area were incorrectly notified, on
the local level, about the scheduled time for public testimony.
INEZ WEBB, Student, University of Alaska Fairbanks, testified via
teleconference from Nome to urge the Committee to fund President
Mark Hamilton's proposed budget request for the University of
Alaska as it is important that rural campuses remain open;
particularly the distance delivery programs. She acknowledged the
numerous budget challenges presented to the Legislature; however,
she stressed the benefits that an education provides.
DIANE SCHAEFFER, testified via teleconference from Nome and
informed the Committee that she is the first member of her family
to go to college and that she is continuing to pursue her degree.
She urged the Committee to continue funding education programs.
CHARLES PULLOCK, University of Alaska Fairbanks Northwest campus,
testified via teleconference from Nome in support of the student
services that the University provides. He stated that the
University benefits the community and the region in addition to the
students. He spoke of a partnership between the University and the
United States National Park Service through which they jointly
present seminars such as one that he is currently attending titled
"Culture, Museum, and Tourism Development." He attested that these
types of student services are a great benefit, and he urged
continued funding support for education.
TREVOR COLBY, Vice President, Community Health Services, Norton
Sound Regional Hospital (NSRH) testified via teleconference from
Nome regarding proposed budget cuts to small, regional clinics. He
stated that the eliminated funding supports the salaries of four
Physician Assistants (PAs) who work in conjunction with health aids
in small clinics in Unalakleet, Shishmaref, Gambell, and Stebbins.
He explained that while approximately twenty medivacs, costing
approximately $10,000 each, occur each month in the region; he
asserted that the medical knowledge of the PAs is helpful in
preventing approximately twenty unnecessary medivacs each year for
total annual savings of $200,000. He clarified that approximately
$60,000 of the $90,000 being eliminated equates to one full PA
position, and he stressed that removal of this position would
adversely affect medical services in a community as well as
increase expenses such as the unnecessary medivacs.
ROSEMARY DEGMAN, Director, Village Health Service, Norton Sound
Regional Hospital testified via teleconference from Nome that the
proposed removal of one PA position from the budget would harm the
health care of a community, remove medical assistance and "moral
support" to nurse's aids, limit health education options, and
lessen the integration of other services in the community. She
stated that it would negatively affect the perception of community
health care delivery in the villages and raise expenses incurred by
unnecessary medivacs. She urged the Committee to continue to
provide funding for PA salaries.
Co-Chair Kelly moved to adopt "the Senate CS for House Bill Number
403 Version 'R' as the working document for the operating budget."
Senator Hoffman commented that while "he does not agree with the
document at this time," he would not object to the motion.
There being no objection, SCS for CS HB 403(FIN), 22-LS1295\R was
ADOPTED as a working draft.
Co-Chair Kelly moved to adopt "Version 'J' of House Bill 404."
Senator Hoffman restated his previous comment.
Co-Chair Kelly objected to clarify language of the original bill
verses language in the committee substitute.
Co-Chair Kelly removed his objection.
There being no further objection, SCS for CS HB 404(FIN), 22-
LS1483\J was ADOPTED as a working draft.
RECESS 10:21 AM / 10:27 AM
There being no further public testimony at this time from the
scheduled teleconferencing sites, Co-Chair Donley called for a
recess.
RECESS 10:31 AM / 4:04 PM
[Note: The remainder of Side B, Tape 66 is blank; however, the
testimony resumes on Side A, Tape 67. No portion of the meeting is
unrecorded.]
SFC 02 # 67, Side A 04:04 PM
JENNY CAROL testified offnet from Fort Yukon to urge the Committee
to provide full funding for the University of Alaska as the
University is essential to the growth of the State. She stated that
education is particularly important in rural Alaska as it provides
individuals with the education and training required to be
successful.
ERA EKTU [name and title indiscernible] testified via
teleconference from Fort Yukon to urge the Committee to support
funding for the University of Alaska, especially funding that
supports rural programs that benefit people in the region.
EVELYN JAMES testified offnet from Fort Yukon to urge full funding
for the University of Alaska's budget, especially rural education
opportunities that allow people to remain in their communities
while taking classes.
[Name not provided], Student, Aleutian Campus of the University of
Alaska testified via teleconference from Fort Yukon to urge full
funding for the University. She noted that her participation in
teleconferenced courses has allowed her to become certified and
obtain employment in the Early Childhood field. She stressed that,
without these rural long-distance educational opportunities,
current residents and future generations might not be able to
continue their education because relocating to other areas in the
State is not an option.
GARY CRANDALL, Representative, Lower Yukon School District,
testified from an offnet site to inform the Committee that current
regulations require Peer Instructional Aids to acquire their
Associate's Degree or 60 hours of post-secondary instruction in
order to be hired as a Peer Instructor in the district's
classrooms. He stated that without adequate funding for the rural
Universities, the required classes would not be available to these
individuals; and furthermore, he stated these courses also provide
the education necessary for these individuals to become certified
teachers. He expressed that the individuals taking these courses
are the "anchors" in the community as they have grown up in the
region and would remain there to teach in the schools, as opposed
to the normal high turnover that has been experienced with teachers
who are not native to the area.
Mr. Crandall additionally urged the Committee to continue funding
the Quality Schools Learning Opportunities Fund that the District
has used to provide after school tutorials for at-risk children.
ANDY DURNY testified offnet from Nulato and spoke to proposed
budget "cuts that would most negatively" affect rural Alaska,
particularly proposed reductions in the Village Public Safety
Officers (VPSO) and troopers programs. He divulged that villages
could not provide the required funds to support these programs, and
he stressed that more money would be saved by funding these
programs than would be saved by reducing them. He additionally
protested proposed cuts to the University's Distance Delivery
education program, as the benefits to the receiving communities are
important. He voiced support for a State income tax, school tax or
a limit on the Permanent Fund Dividend checks in order to provide
the money necessary to continue needed programs in rural Alaska.
Co-Chair Donley asked Mr. Durny how rural communities might acquire
the ability "to self-police."
Mr. Durny responded that "the huge movement away from the
traditional subsistence-based-lifestyle to a cash economy" within
the past 30 years has forced the need for State funding assistance
to address the problems that have developed with these changes,
particularly problems involving alcohol and drug abuse. He stated
that local funding is not available to support enforcement as
mandated by State law; however, he stressed that some level of law
enforcement and public safety is required. He stated that until
other options are implemented, the VPSO program is the best current
alternative.
PAULA HARRIS testified offnet from McGrath to state that any cuts
in community health, education, or safety would be harmful to rural
Alaska. She stated that cuts to the Power Cost Equalization (PCE)
program and public radio would also be felt. She stressed that
limiting health clinic, VPSO, and troopers programs would
negatively affect the villages, as unlike larger communities,
oftentimes, there is only one VPSO officer and no other resource
available. She urged the Committee to consider the negative results
of these cuts on rural communities. She informed the Committee that
same communities, like McGrath, have limited local funding that
makes it difficult to provide for all the needs of the community.
JERRI NAGARUK testified offnet from Elim to state that were it not
for the University's distance learning program, she would not have
been able to further her education and become a teacher. She shared
the opportunities that acquisition of an education has provided her
and her three children. She urged the Committee to fully fund the
University as she stated that cuts to the University would prevent
others from receiving this opportunity.
JIMMY HURLEY testified offnet from Ekwok to note that the
University of Alaska funding is "very important to the Bristol Bay
area." He stated that since the decline in the fishing industry,
the University has provided rural Alaskans other opportunities from
which to make a living. He communicated that the VPSO program is
very important to rural areas, and he shared the importance of
continuing to fund VPSO training opportunities due to the fact that
officers are not allowed to carry firearms. He noted that funding
for health and social service programs is also essential to rural
areas, especially to address the problem of alcohol. He stressed
that funded programs provide jobs for people in rural Alaska, which
assists in addressing the alcohol problem, as having a job deters
people from developing vices.
BART LABOND, President, Board of Education, Fairbanks North Star
Borough School District testified in Juneau and likened the flat
funding being considered for K12 education as being a cut to school
budgets due to inflation. He stated that the Fairbanks' school
district welcomes State initiatives such as the State High School
Qualifying Exit Exam that challenges the educational system to meet
the goals established for the State; however, he remarked that the
proposed education budget is like "being put on a long-term diet to
gain weight." He stated that schools must have more funding to
address the State's mandate for increased student performance
levels. He stated that the District used the increased funds
provided in the FY 02 budget to enhance its summer school
operations and provide additional elementary school reading
enhancement programs. He revealed that money is earmarked to
address middle school and high school math enhancement programs
which, he attested, is an area that needs assistance Statewide. He
stressed that without sufficient funding, "schools might go
backwards, as there is no such thing as status quo." He stressed
that "the budget is needs-based," and support must be demonstrated
on the local and State level.
JIM HOLT, Superintendent, Fairbanks North Star Borough School
District, testified in Juneau and acknowledged the Legislature's FY
02 education funding efforts. He testified that the Fairbanks'
School District's $100,000,000 budget is affected by annual
inflation rates of one to three percent which results in the need
of an additional one to three million dollar increase being
budgeted each year just to maintain status quo, without addressing
labor adjustment increases. He stated that flat funding is the same
as a budget decrease due to inflation, and he stated that to reach
the mandated State education benchmarks, the District must be
appropriately funded.
Senator Leman asked the witness to clarify whether the funded
specified for inflation-proofing the District's budget allows for
salary scale increases.
Mr. Holt responded that 84 percent of the District's budget
addresses salaries and employee benefits, and he explained that the
District is currently in teacher salary negotiations. He clarified
that the one to three percent increase aforementioned addresses
inflation proofing requirements for the contract that is currently
in place.
Senator Wilken voiced appreciation, on behalf of the Fairbanks
legislative delegation, for Mr. Holt's years of service to the
education community.
ROGER JENKINS testified offnet from Nikolai to thank the
Legislature for the Community Capital Matching Grant program that
has been used to fund the community's generator shed improvements.
He informed the Committee that any reduction in the kilowatt
formula in the Power Cost Equalization (PCE) program would be
detrimental to rural residents overall. He exampled some of the
community's residential kilowatt usage.
WILLIAM SOLOMAN testified offnet from Kaltag that budget cuts would
harm rural communities and that his foremost concern is a proposed
kilowatt formula reduction in the PCE program. He additionally
stated that budget cuts to Head Start programs would be harmful to
communities.
ELIZABETH WOODS testified offnet from Manley Hot Springs to address
proposed road maintenance budget reductions for the Elliot Highway
that provides access to Manley Hot Springs. She stated that the
option of flying to the area is limited and often weather
dependant. She stated that road maintenance cuts would be harmful
to the community, especially with the recent development of winter
tourism. She voiced support of a State income tax or gas tax to
assist the State's fiscal needs.
FRANK KELTY, Natural Resource Analyst, City of Unalaska, testified
offnet from Unalaska to urge the Committee to investigate methods
to raise revenues for the State rather than continuing to reduce
services. He stated that the community of Unalaska "is not looking
for handouts" and has contributed to its road, prison and school
district well-being. He continued that while the community
contributes in many ways, there are, he attested, things that it
could not do such provide funding to manage the commercial
fisheries in the Bering Sea area. He stated that fishing licensing
and landing fees contribute to this cause, and he voiced support
for continuing State, rather than federal management, of commercial
fisheries. He urged the Committee to continue its fisheries funding
to enable the State's experienced biologists and other
professionals to work to address the challenges facing the State's
fisheries as this resource is critical to communities in the area.
SAM LIGHTWOOD, Farmer, Kenney Lake, testified offnet from
Glennallen to urge the Committee to not reduce funding to the
Division of Probation and Corrections, Department of Corrections
budget; specifically the funding support of the Palmer
slaughterhouse operation. He stated that this small budget item
impacts agriculture operations throughout the State and impacts the
funding operations of other Department of Corrections divisions. He
additionally voiced support for a State business tax.
SHERYLE CHARLIE testified offnet from Minto to voice opposition to
road maintenance funding reductions, as, she alerted the Committee,
the road system is critical for the community of Minto to receive
supplies, groceries and medical care. She stated that air travel is
not reliable due to weather conditions. She additionally voiced
opposition to any proposed cuts to the VPSO program and medical
aide positions as the community relies heavily on their services,
and she considers them community assets.
AL UNOK testified offnet from Kotlik and thanked the Legislature
for the Community Capital Matching Grant Program that the community
has used to upgrade such things as its jail. He voiced opposition
to any funding reductions in the VPSO or State Trooper programs. He
voiced support for allowing VPSO officers to carry guns, as well as
appreciation for the community's Head Start program.
LAWRENCE BRENDEMAN, Tanana Chiefs, testified offnet from Manley Hot
Springs to voice opposition to the proposed Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities budget cuts. He stated that
transportation system in the State is diverse and requires a lot of
money; however, he asserted, continuing maintenance is less
expensive than reconstructing a neglected road system. He voiced
support for a State income tax as it would be the most equitable
method of addressing the State's needs and would allow the people
who earn money in the State to support State services. He stated
that eliminating road maintenance to villages would be very
harmful, as local economies would be negatively affected. He opined
that road closures would be very irresponsible.
CRYSTAL WILSON, Student, College of Rural Alaska Interior Regions
Campus, Tok Center, testified offnet from Tok to urge full funding
for the University as it allows people like herself to further
their education without being required to move to a larger
community. She stated that the education she has received has
enabled her to obtain an administrative position that has enabled
her to provide for her family.
SFC 02 # 67, Side B 04:51 PM
Ms. Wilson stated that many productive citizens of the area have
benefited from the opportunity to earn a university education. She
stated that the community has additionally benefited from the
ability to hire local Natives who have become teachers through the
University program. She stated that the University funding is vital
to the State.
LYNN CULBERTSON, Teacher, testified offnet from Mento to voice
support for continued road maintenance to ensure medical and dental
services for the community's residents, especially for community
elders. She stated that plane service is limited and weather
dependent. She stated that the cost of receiving school supplies
"would skyrocket," and that mail service would be restricted,
school extracurricular activities would be eliminated, trips out of
town would require a minimum of three days as small plane service
is limited to Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. She furthered that
family trips would diminish, and the cost of living would
dramatically increase; thereby forcing families to move elsewhere.
She concluded that due to the resulting isolation, drug and alcohol
abuse would increase, and asserted that all aspects of life would
be negatively affected, and if the road were not maintained, the
village "would die."
GLENN MARUDE testified offnet from Northway to urge full funding of
the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities budget
rather than targeting the Department for budget cuts.
PATTY BROWN, Middle School Science Teacher, testified offnet from
Haines to urge more funding for schools. She noted that the decline
in the Haines student enrollment this year has adversely affected
the community. She attributed the enrollment decline to be
"partially due to a wobbly economy;" however, she urged the
Committee to increase the school funding formula level per child to
assure that Alaska's students could be educated to be good citizens
and be able to have the educational background required to obtain
good jobs and contribute to the economy. She stated that currently
Haines could loose five teachers at the time when the State is
mandating that a certain level of education be acquired.
BILL BEYORK, Teacher, Fairbanks North Star Borough School District
informed the Committee of his involvement for the past five years
with a Fairbanks at-risk student program consisting of 110
students, four teachers, and a secretary. He stated that any budget
cuts to the District would place this program in jeopardy, and he
urged the Committee to rank K12 school funding as a high priority.
He stated that the program's kids would not be served by the public
school system if the school funding for Fairbanks were not
increased. He stressed that the investment in school funding would
be money well spent.
CHRISTINE ROBERTS testified offnet from Tanana to voice support for
funding for the Head Start program and the PCE program. She
additionally urged that no reductions be made to the State's road
maintenance budget.
RECESS 5:03 PM / 5:15 PM
ART BUSWELL testified via teleconference from Fairbanks to urge the
Committee to fully fund the University's budget request to enable
the University to offer programs needed to fill in-State jobs in
the medical, engineering, health, and psychology fields. He stated
that investing in the University now would support the future of
the State and would continue the progress that has been made in the
last few years.
ROYCE CHAPMAN, Member, Fairbanks North Star Borough School Board,
testified via teleconference from Fairbanks that flat funding from
the State is not acceptable when, at the same time, the State is
mandating that schools must meet higher standards. He continued
that flat funding would be the same as a budget reduction and would
result in math and other critical programs being reduced or
eliminated.
JAMES PARRISH, General Counsel, University of Alaska, testified via
teleconference from Fairbanks in support of full funding of the
University as recent funding increases have provided for an
improved educational experience. He asserted that the University is
using its general funds "wisely" and is providing training and
skills that Alaskans need to acquire Alaskan jobs in addition to
retaining youth in the State; thereby, reducing the State's "brain
drain." He reiterated that the University has kept "its promises"
regarding the intent of the increased funding, and he reiterated
that the University requires the proper level of inflation proofing
to continue its mission.
MIKE DONALDSON testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in
support of a fiscal plan rather than program cuts. He stated that
the current proposed operating budget would be a disservice to the
most disadvantaged citizens of the State.
RICHARD WRIGHT, Employee, Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities testified via teleconference from Fairbanks to ask the
Committee how the Department's employees would be expected "to do
more with less;" specifically how fewer employees would be able to
maintain the same amount of lane miles. He urged the Committee to
allot the necessary funding to maintain and manage the road system.
He stated that the Retirement Incentive Program (RIP) should be
revised in order to encourage more employees to retire in order to
lower overall employee expenses.
CARTER CRAWFORD testified via teleconference from Fairbanks and
encouraged the Committee to maintain the State's block grants to
entities as, he attested, these programs provide more services at a
25 percent less cost than similar State managed programs;
particularly in the legal, penal and health fields. He continued
that "the University is the most powerful economic engine in the
State," as it supplies jobs, attracts outside revenue, supports
community businesses, creates an educated work force, "provides
vital communication links to rural communities," and provides
cultural events throughout the State. He supported use of the
Permanent Fund, rather than a State tax, as "an appropriate"
revenue source for the State as "it is not our money, it is meant"
to support the State.
RICHARD HARNOS testified via teleconference from Fairbanks to
support funding for road maintenance in Norton Region of the State.
He stated, "that further cuts in road maintenance would be a
disaster and would cost the State more money in the long run."
JAMES DART, Operator, Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities, testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in support
of funding for road maintenance. He detailed the needs of the area
and how it would be "grossly unfair" to reduce the level of
service.
JERI LANIER testified via teleconference from Fairbanks to declare
that the proposed cuts to the State's Mental Health Budget would
"set the program backward." She stated that as a result of the
proposed reductions, adults would receive treatment through the
Department of Corrections, which is more expensive and could
violate federal law that demands that people be treated rather than
"held for long periods of time." She continued that many children
would be treated through the DFYS by use of expensive out-of-State
programs, and she asserted that more extensive efforts should be
undertaken to provide more opportunities for in-State treatment.
She expressed that program quality would be impacted by the
proposed budget reductions. She avowed that the State should "be
fiscally responsible and that that could be accomplished by
treating people in their own community in the least restrictive
manner possible, and keeping kids at home with their families."
DAVID LEONE testified via teleconference from Fairbanks to voice
that the State's Safe Communities Revenue Sharing budget, and in
particular, the State's Community Matching Block Grants, should
include inflation-proofing measures. He urged full funding for the
University system to ensure economic development in the State, and
he encouraged the Committee "to do whatever it can to inflation-
proof" the school foundation funding formula for K12.
JUDY DOELTS, Principal, Fort Wainwright Elementary School,
testified via teleconference from Fairbanks to urge the Committee
to increase education funding as, she stressed, children are
"greatly impacted" by funding cuts. She shared that children of
military families move frequently, have no extended family, and she
stated that a standard curriculum should be offered as these
children move from one school environment to another. She stated
that while teachers work hard to meet State standards; smaller
class sizes would assist the effort. She noted that the military
school averages a 40 percent student turnover during a school year.
SAMUEL FARIS, Student, testified via teleconference from Fairbanks
to announce that Alaska should levy a Statewide education tax to
promote economic growth and support the education system.
Senator Austerman observed that testifiers have offered numerous
funding source ideas to acquire the funds needed to support State
programs. He stated that he values the suggestions and deems them
worthy of consideration.
EVE LAMBERT, Fairbanks North Star Borough School District testified
via teleconference from Fairbanks in opposition to the proposed
budget cuts to the infant learning program. She stated that this
"wonderful service" assists in identifying children at an early age
who might require special care to assure they are successful
individuals.
RIKI SIPE, Member, Fairbanks North Star Borough Social Services
Commission and Employee, Fairbanks North Star Borough School
District, testified via teleconference from Fairbanks to urge the
Committee to consider "that education funding is essential" to the
State's future. She attested that Permanent Fund revenue should be
tapped to provide for necessary education funding.
DENISE DANIELLO, Executive Director, North Star Council on Aging,
testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in support of full
funding for the community matching grant program. She informed the
Committee that this grant provides critical funding for the
Fairbanks' Meals-on-Wheels senior services program that saves the
State a lot of money by allowing people to remain in their own
homes rather than in hospitals or assisted living facilities. She
detailed the benefits provided to the community's seniors by the
Meals on Wheels program, and she stressed that the need for
adequate and expanding funding of the grant program is critical to
communities.
RUTHAMAE KARR, Employee, Interior Neighborhood Health Clinic,
testified via teleconference from Fairbanks and thanked the
Legislature for establishing the Tobacco Cessation and Education
Fund from which the clinic received a grant. She urged the
Committee to use the recommended 20 percent of the $25 million
Mastery Tobacco Settlement money for education and prevention
programs. She stated that for every pack of cigarettes bought by
youth, the State has to spend double "that amount for health care
in the long run."
KRYSTAL HUWE, Employee, University of Alaska Fairbanks, testified
via teleconference from Fairbanks to urge the continuance of
funding for tobacco education and prevention programs. She stated
that continuing education is required to combat the influence of
youth peer pressure.
TINA KOCSIS, Director, Nanana Valley Hospice, testified via
teleconference from Fairbanks, and urged the Committee to increase
funding for the Department of Health and Social Services community
matching grant programs. She noted that while 90-percent of the
work performed by the Nanana Valley Hospice is conducted by
volunteers, the matching grant funding the organization receives
supports programs that are offered. She continued that without
programs such as Hospice, individuals who have ill loved ones would
be required to leave their jobs to provide care for them. She
continued that this would result in increased unemployment,
increased applications for public assistance, and an increased need
for Medicaid. She stated that studies indicate that people who have
experienced a loss due to death incur increased alcohol and drug
abuse, divorce, child abuse, illness, and suicide. She stated that
these issues would further impact the State by increasing demands
on social services. She reiterated that proper funding for social
services would assist in negating these concerns, and she voiced
that the State "has a responsibility to look after children, the
elderly, the terminally ill, and those who are alone or afraid."
SHARON BULLOCK, Clinical Director, Fairbanks Community Mental
Health Center testified via teleconference from Fairbanks to urge
funding for the Center's children programs. She spoke of the growth
the program has experienced due to the demand for assistance and
that the program currently has a waiting list of 61 children aged
two to seventeen. She stated that these children suffer from such
things as depression, sexual, physical and emotional abuse, and
fetal alcohol syndrome. She stressed that assisting "severely
emotionally disturbed children" prevents further repercussions on
society as the children grow up. She urged the Committee to provide
assistance to this growing situation.
CYNTHIA HENRY, Member, Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly,
testified via teleconference from Fairbanks to voice appreciation
for the Legislature's continuing support for municipal revenue
sharing. She noted that the Borough is concerned about the K12
school formula funding for education and urged the Committee to
continue to increase the funding levels as, she attested, progress
has been made and increased funding would continue that trend.
DON THIBEDEAU, Board Member, Tanana Valley Hospice testified via
teleconference from Fairbanks to urge continuing or increased
support of the Department of Health and Social Services community
matching grants funding. He detailed the services that Hospice
provides and the continuing need to expand those services. He
stated that increased funding is required to allow Hospice and
other local non-profit agencies to provide assistance programs.
STEVE SWEET, Representative, Public Employees Local 71 testified
via teleconference from Fairbanks that proposed operating budget
cuts "are uncivilized and atrocious." He stated that the proposed
elimination of Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
jobs would result in such things as people losing their homes and
an increase in crime. He stated that because other job
opportunities are limited; unemployment claims would increase. He
stated that efforts to save money by contracting out such things as
the Dalton Highway road maintenance have not been successful as
contractors state that they would require more funding than it
currently costs the State to undertake those responsibilities.
ANNETTE FRIEBURGER testified via teleconference from Fairbanks that
she is concerned about the proposed budget because it would
adversely impact children and their families. She stressed that not
everyone is lucky enough to be born into a striving environment and
that no one asks to have a disability, get cancer, to be poor, or
to become an alcoholic. She stressed, "that addiction is like a
disease and should be treated" as such. She stated that any
reduction in drug and alcohol treatment program "funding would cost
the State much more in the long run" as the State cuts would incur
a loss of federal match money and create a backlog of individuals
requiring treatment.
MARGARET WILSON testified via teleconference from Fairbanks that
proposed budget reductions "would force the closure of the 12-bed
residential treatment program at Old Mitchell Recovery Camp" which
is the State's only family treatment center. She stated that the
program serves up to 150 clients annually and employs six
physicians and other staffers. She commented that, in addition to
treating individuals with drug and alcohol addiction, the Center
prints and distributes approximately 10,500 monthly substance abuse
prevention newsletters to schools in the State.
ANN HOPPER, Director, Fairbanks Native Association Family Focus
Program testified via teleconference from Fairbanks and explained
that this 24-hour a day program provides assistance to homeless and
run-a-way youth, aged ten to seventeen, as well as family
mediation. She stated that the Center receives grant funding from
the Division of Family & Youth Services and that the proposed
twenty percent cut to these grants would negatively affect this
crisis intervention program and numerous other social service
programs in the community. She stressed that the State "needs
healthy functioning programs" to provide care, support, and
referral services.
ELAINE LANDON, Tanana Chiefs Council, Incorporated (TCC), testified
via teleconference from Fairbanks, to inform the Committee that the
Council operates a social service program with a $550,000 annual
budget in McGrath, a community consisting of 401 people. She stated
that currently the program receives State grants amounting to
$27,000; however, proposed cuts would lower that Assistance to
Community Health grant amount to $9,000. She asserted that the
current funding level does not provide adequate and basic health
care for the community's residents, and "that the proposed funding
barely qualifies as a token of State support for this very rural
health care facility."
CARLA GOLDIZEN, Parent and Member, Parent Teacher Association
testified via teleconference from Fairbanks that she wants other
children to have the same educational advantages and opportunities
that her children have had in the Fairbanks public school system.
She urged the Committee to fully fund, rather than flat fund
education.
TABER REHBAUM, Arctic Alliance, testified via teleconference from
Fairbanks that she is "grateful" that the Committee is not
proposing unallocated cuts to the departments nor that it includes
a reduction in the level of DFYS social workers. She voiced
disappointment; however, that subsidized foster care and adoption
programs have been targeted for budget reductions. She stated that
children in State custody require "all the support" that can be
supplied. She characterized proposed reductions in substance abuse
treatment programs as "unconscionable and irresponsible." She
stressed that this "is the most invasive problem" the State faces
as it affects law enforcement, the Department of Corrections,
incurs family problems and child abuse, and medical care expenses.
She stated that if the Legislature is concerned about whether
funding these programs is warranted, then she suggested, "that
requirements could be built" into the program. She urged "the
Committee to please rethink this one."
SFC 02 # 68, Side A 05:55 PM
Ms. Rehbaum thanked Committee members who support full funding of
the Department of Health and Social Services Human Services
Community Matching block grant. She stated that the State has flat
funded these grants for years; however, she attested the demands on
the community programs "has increased expediently." She stated that
the block grants in Fairbanks are awarded to local non-profit
organizations that concentrate on prevention and must demonstrate
positive outcomes from their efforts. She attested "that this is a
wonderful example of results-based funding," and she avowed, "that
to cut this efficient, effective use of State and local funding is
again irresponsible, and if anything, the funding for these grants
should be increased." She urged the Committee "to address the
State's fiscal problem with a fiscal plan not band aid cuts."
Senator Green asked for Ms. Rehbaum to expand on her comments
regarding subsidized adoption and foster care funding, as Senator
Green attested that the Senate budget version proposal for these
programs differs from the witness' testimony.
Ms. Rehbaum replied that the information she has is not current and
that some of the funding levels might have been updated. She
continued that her information indicates that funding for these
programs has been reduced.
Senator Green corrected the information by pointing out that the
Senate Purchase Services Budget Request Unit (BRU) specifies there
to be $10 million more funding allotted than in the FY 02 budget,
and approximately $4.5 million more than the level proposed in the
House of Representatives budget.
Ms. Rahbaum commented that her information suggests a $600,000
reduction is proposed; however, she appreciates the update.
Senator Wilken stated that an updated budget sheet would be faxed
to the Fairbanks LIO office.
BRENDA HOLDEN testified via teleconference from Fairbanks and
informed the Committee that she chaired a recent Fairbanks Health
and Social Service Commission grant review process during which 18
grant funding proposals were reviewed and scored. She expressed
that the agencies submitting the requests provide essential
community services such as hunger, safety and housing needs. She
pointed out that the agencies requesting grant funding assistance
from the Department of Health and Social Services are also
undergoing budget reductions from other sources, which creates "a
ripple affect on the services provided." She stated that the demand
for services is increasing rather than decreasing, and that "the
problems of hunger, safety and housing will not go away."
Ms. Holden stressed that the agencies receiving community matching
block grants leverage those funds to acquire other funding in
excess of twelve times the allotted grant amount. She stressed that
the community block grant funding should be increased rather than
reduced.
RICHARD KECK testified via teleconference from Fairbanks to urge
the Legislature to invest in children, "the most important
investment in the State." He urged full funding for K12 education
and University of Alaska. He asserted that, "this is the only way
the state would prosper."
CHERYL KEEPERS testified via teleconference from Fairbanks and
applauded the efforts being undertaken for the development of a
long-range State fiscal plan; however, she voiced concern regarding
proposed reductions in State programs that would negatively affect
children. She noted that research indicates that early childhood
environments are a significant factor in how "a child would grow,
their success in school, and their ultimate productivity as adult
citizens." She stated that investing in such things as Head Start,
child protection, and infant learning programs would "pay off in
the long run and that cutting back on these programs now would
incur more expenses in the years ahead "in social and monetary
measures."
Ms. Keepers additionally urged funding for alcohol and substance
abuse programs. She stated that more, rather than fewer, treatment
options are needed. She aired that a reduction in funding now would
create additional expenses later. She thanked the Committee for
their support of community matching grants, which she attested is
very valuable in the community as the funds are used to leverage
additional dollars to support the community programs.
NICK STAYROOK, Employee, Fairbanks North Star Borough School
District testified via teleconference from Fairbanks that he has
worked on the development of the State education standards
guidelines, and he declared that education in the State has
improved as a result of the standards. He indicated that
Legislative support has enabled schools to improve their
curriculums, and he urged the Committee to increase funding for the
State school foundation formula funding program to further the
momentum.
Mr. Stayrook additionally urged the Committee to support the
Department of Education and Early Development Early Development
Program, which conducts the State's student assessments. He voiced
support of a limit being placed on the Permanent Fund Dividend
checks as a means of financing school programs.
LINDA ROBERTSON, Employee, Special Education Department, Fairbanks
North Star Borough School District testified via teleconference
from Fairbanks to voice opposition to any funding reduction to the
State's Infant Learning Program. She shared her personal
experiences involving the importance of intervention at an early
age, and she urged the Committee to increase program funding for it
would benefit the State over time.
DON TRIPLEHORN, Geologist, testified via teleconference from
Fairbanks to voice support for public radio funding. He stated that
the programs provided by public radio are essential to many
people's quality of life.
VANESSA SPENCER, Student, University of Alaska Fairbanks, urged the
Committee to fully fund the University. She shared that university
graduates "are less likely to spend time in prison, are less likely
to be on welfare, and make, on average, twice as much as those
people without a degree." She stressed that investing in the
University would save the State money in the long run. She shared
that a recent report identified Alaska as one of five states where
a public educational college education is affordable for low-income
individuals, and she stated that flat funding might result in
tuition increases that would deny some Alaskans from the
opportunity of a university education. She stated that disallowing
individuals a chance of an advanced education could result in an
increase of demand on social services. She stated that in order to
have a healthy Alaskan economy, the University should be fully
funded.
MARTA MUELLER, Student, University of Alaska testified via
teleconference from Fairbanks to urge the Committee to fully fund
the University. She noted the scores of letters, phone calls, and
testimony of individuals who have urged full funding of the
University system. She sang the University of Alaska song to
accentuate her position of support.
JULIA PETERS, Client, [indiscernible] Program for Women and
Children, testified via teleconference from Fairbanks to voice
opposition to a reduction in funding for such programs. She stated
that Alaska must address the issue of alcoholism and substance
abuse and that funding for treatment programs should be increased.
HAROLD BROWN, President, Tanana Chiefs Conference testified via
teleconference from Fairbanks to object to proposed budget funding
reductions that negatively affect the Conference's delivery of
"services to 42 villages that the Conference works for, including
the Fairbanks Native population." He voiced disagreement with the
"slash and burn technique that is being used to address" the
State's funding shortfalls rather than the development of a long-
range fiscal plan. He stated that it is incorrect to expect that
federal funding distributed to the Alaska Federation of Natives
would be able to fill the gap "as these federal funds could not be
used to supplant any services that are currently provided to the
villages or to Fairbanks Native population through State funds." He
informed the Committee that prior attempts to use the federal funds
to supplement the VPSO services in this manner failed.
MOLLY ANDREWS testified via teleconference from Fairbanks that too
many budget cuts could harm all Alaskans. She stated that she has
personally experienced alcohol and drug abuse and has been enrolled
in treatment programs. She noted that previous funding reductions
already require villagers to travel to larger communities to enter
treatment programs; however, she stressed that it would be easier
to have those programs within the village community. She stated
that she supports treatment program funding.
WAYNE MCCOLLUM, Social Worker, Fairbanks Community Mental Health
Center and Program Director, Community Support Program for the
Mentally Ill testified via teleconference from Fairbanks that while
State funding for mental health services has been decreasing since
1991, the costs of providing those services has steadily increased.
He asserted that individuals served by the program are "those least
able to advocate for themselves." He contended that more and more
children are being sent out of State for assistance, and that
because local capacities have decreased, adequate local support is
not available for those children upon their return to the State. He
reminded the Committee that the Alaska Psychiatric Institute has
lowered its bed capacity from 144 to 72 beds. He asserted that
there is not enough money for these critical services; however, he
stressed that sufficient funding now would save the State money
over time.
KARA MORIARTY, President and CEO, Greater Fairbanks Chamber of
Commerce, testified via teleconference from Fairbanks to inform the
Committee that the Chamber's business membership "strongly
supports" full funding of the University of Alaska and an increase
in the K12 school funding formula as means to supply an economic
impetus for the State.
Ms. Moriaty continued that investing in the development of the
State's natural recourses and improvements in the State's
transportation infrastructure would assist the State in growing and
moving beyond the years of fiscal restraints. She voiced that she
personally would prefer to forego her Permanent Fund Dividend check
than have any taxes imposed to pay for State services.
JOSH HORST, Employee, University of Alaska Fairbanks and Graduate,
University of Alaska Southeast testified via teleconference from
Fairbanks to urge the Committee to fully fund the University of
Alaska Board of Regents' budget request. He voiced appreciation for
the recent years of financial support and avowed that the
University has improved and would continue to improve when
sufficiently funded. He noted that University students and
graduates, through community involvement, contribute in many ways
to the State.
JACKIE MCAREE testified via teleconference from Fairbanks and urged
the Committee to not cut money for alcohol treatment programs as
her mom has worked hard to get sober and she does not "want her to
get drunk again."
JULIE SHEFCHIK, 16-year-old high school student, testified via
teleconference from Fairbanks and informed the Committee that she
has served for three years in various capacities on the Board of
Directors for the North Star Borough Youth Court which conducts up
to four youth hearings and sentences on a weekly basis. She stated
that the Youth Court exerts positive peer pressure that is
demonstrated by Fairbanks having a lower recidivism rate than the
State average. She continued that the Youth Court has expanded its
program to provide for a Victim/Offender Mediation Program. She
stated that a funding reduction in the community services matching
grant program "would cripple" the Youth Court's ability to best
serve the community.
BEN M. ANGEL testified via teleconference from Fairbanks to urge
full funding for the University of Alaska as flat funding or a
funding reduction would limit programs offered by the University.
DOUG ISAACSON, Council Member, City of North Pole, testified via
teleconference from Fairbanks and urged the Committee to address
the State's budget by encouraging economic growth and development
of the State's infrastructure. He stated that a reduction in
infrastructure resources negatively affects private businesses that
rely on the road system to deliver goods and services. He thanked
the Legislature for continuing to support the municipal assistance
program; however, he voiced concern about the proposed funding
reductions in the Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities. He opined that cuts to this Department are concentrated
in the Northern Region; however, he attested, that when funding
increases, the Anchorage area appears to benefit. He stated that
the funding reductions are "not proportionally applied" as the
Northern Region suffers the most. He encouraged the Committee to
continue to fund the University of Alaska as its growth positively
impacts the Fairbanks region. He urged the Committee to support the
Nano-Technology agreement as it would benefit the State. He
stressed that the City of North Pole is concerned about the
implementation of a State sales tax, as "it wouldn't be an
equitable system for the Municipality because the exemptions would
be determined by the State not by the locality."
H.B. TELLING testified via teleconference from Fairbanks to state
that "proper funding and new leadership" of the University of
Alaska has enabled the University to become a powerful force in the
State. He encouraged the Committee to fully fund the University's
budget request.
DEREK MILLER, President, Student Body, University of Alaska
Fairbanks testified via teleconference from Fairbanks that
increased funding has allowed the University to expand its programs
and become an integral part of the State's economy as well as
becoming "the driving force" in the State's economic future. He
urged the Committee "to invest in the State's future" by investing
in the University.
JOE HARDENBROOK, Student and Member, Board of Regents, University
of Alaska Fairbanks, testified via teleconference from Fairbanks to
urge the Committee to fully fund the University of Alaska as the
University "is a key component of developing Alaska's economy." He
stated that while the State "relies on developing natural resources
for a significant part of its budget," he argued that the people of
the State, particularly students educated through the University,
would be the State's next great resource.
OSCAR JONES, Employee, Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities, testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in support
of funding for roads, particularly the Dalton Highway. He informed
the Committee that private contractors have complimented the State
on the quality of road maintenance performed at the budgeted
levels, and he attested that good employees would be laid off from
their positions if Department road maintenance funding were
reduced. He suggested the use of the Permanent Fund interest, as a
funding source for the State's transportation needs. He urged the
Committee to fund Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities at the level recommended in the Governor's budget
proposal.
ERIN MCGRATH, Student, University of Alaska, testified via
teleconference from Fairbanks and stated that, as a new Alaskan
resident, she realizes the unique challenges and opportunities that
Alaska has. She exclaimed that the University is one of these
opportunities as it provides excellent education opportunities and
contributes to the State's economic success by allowing residents
to remain in the State and get good jobs. She urged the Committee
to "not rob Alaskans of the opportunity to benefit from the
University" and she urged the Committee to fully fund the
University's budget request. She declared that she "would rather
pay State taxes than to watch the University wither due to lack of
funding."
JIM LYNCH, Associate Vice-President Finance, University of Alaska
testified via teleconference from Fairbanks and spoke in support of
education funding for K12 and for the University. He voiced
appreciation for the wide variety of funding needs of the State and
he noted that, with his professional experience, the State must
limit the Permanent Fund Dividend and implement a State income and
sales tax in addition to implementing alcohol and cigarettes taxes
and other user taxes. He implored the Committee to act quickly as
it takes a considerable amount of time to establish new systems.
TAMMY GANGULI testified via teleconference from Fairbanks and urged
full funding for the University. She reminded the Committee that
medical education courses provided through the University could
address the State's need to provide adequate medical care to its
citizens. She stated that the University could provide the State
with a skilled workforce that would benefit the State's economy.
MARTIN P. BRANVILLE, Employee, Alaska Department of Transportation
and Public Facilities, testified via teleconference from Fairbanks
to voice that proposed cuts to the Department's workforce would be
harmful to the State's road system. He reiterated other testifiers'
comments that private contractors could not perform the same level
of road maintenance for as low a price as State personnel. He
stated that while contracting out road maintenance jobs would
reduce the number of operators' jobs, it would only result in
eliminating a few management positions.
IRENE PEYTON testified via teleconference from Fairbanks and stated
that the State's senior citizen population is growing, and she
urged the Committee to recognize this trend and fund corresponding
support services accordingly. She voiced support of user fees as a
method to fund needed services.
LISA VILLANO, Student Member, Alaska Commission on Postsecondary
Education Board and Student, University of Alaska Fairbanks
testified via teleconference from Fairbanks to urge full funding
for the University. She thanked the Committee for the support of
the University and the high school graduates Alaska Scholars
program which, she attested, is an example of a successful program.
She stated that retaining Alaska's youth in the State is important
to the State's future.
TODD LARKIN testified via teleconference from Fairbanks to declare
that the majority of people who have been testifying rely on State
funds to support them. He expressed that the belief is that if
programs are not funded by the State that "the sun will fail to
rise, all children will starve, the elderly will die, and you will
be despised among men." However, he stated, that if the Legislature
institutes a new Statewide tax, "then you would be revered." He
expressed that he, a private jobholder, does not want to pay for
more State funded programs.
ALFRED KETZLER, Employee, Tanana Chiefs Conference testified via
teleconference from Fairbanks to comment that the FY 03 proposed
general fund expenditures level is similar to that of budget year
FY 76; however, he declared it should be sufficiently higher due to
inflation and increased demands. He voiced support for a State
income tax rather than a State sales tax.
PAT SWEETSIR, Deputy Administrative Officer, Tanana Chiefs
Conference testified via teleconference from Fairbanks and spoke of
the harm that poor families would endure as a result of the
Permanent Fund Hold Harmless Clause. He urged the Committee to
pursue a reasonable fiscal plan that would establish standards for
future budgeting needs.
BETTY DUPREE, 25-year Employee, University of Alaska, testified via
teleconference from Fairbanks to voice that the funding provided to
the University during the last two years "has been instrumental in
giving the University back the impetus" that is required to create
new programs needed by the citizens of the State. She asked the
Committee to fully fund the University's budget request.
RECESS 6:41 PM / 7:15 PM
The following witnesses testified in person in Juneau.
JODI RUMPH, a Juneau parent, informed the Committee that while she
does not like to pay taxes, she would support an alcohol tax and a
two percent across-the-board State income tax to provide revenue
for State programs. She acknowledged that the cost of Medicare is
rising, and she stated that early intervention would assist in
reducing Medicare costs.
SFC 02 # 68, Side B 07:15 PM
Ms. Rumph stated that currently there is an eight-year wait list
for Medicare services, and she suggested that the Medicare funding
should be equally distributed to program applicants.
MARC WHEELER, Member, City and Borough of Juneau Assembly,
expressed to the Committee that he was personally "shocked to hear
about the steep cuts" proposed by the Senate for the Division of
Alcohol and Drug Abuse programs. He reminded the Committee of the
"huge problems" that occur in the State due to alcohol and drug
abuse and the high cost incurred to the State as a result of those
abuses. He stressed the need for "more funding for treatment
programs not less," and he contended that these treatment programs
do produce results. He urged the Committee to protect Alaskan
families from alcohol and drug abuse and to pass an alcohol tax to
support the endeavor.
JAMES KENWORTHY, Alaska Science and Technology Foundation (ASTF),
informed the Committee that ASTF is concerned about "the first ever
use of our endowment funds" for non-ASTF purposes. He informed the
Committee that ASTF funds have been used to fund a wide variety of
concerns in the State including funds for numerous start-up
businesses including seafood plants in Wrangell and other
communities and science research projects and training grants. He
urged the Committee to allow ASTF to have full access to its
earnings.
DAVID HULL, Fire Fighter, Paramedic, and Representative, Alaska
Council of Emergency Medical Services (ACEMS), notified the
Committee that written testimony [copy on file] has been submitted
from attendees at the organization's recent Sitka Symposium in
which "imminent doctors from all over the world came to Sitka to
rewrite and review the Alaska State cold water near-drowning and
frostbite protocols." He stated that symposiums such as this would
be endangered if the proposed 25 percent cut in the emergency
services grant were adopted. He stated that the public need for the
ACEMS services has increased; however, the funding has remained
flat. He stated that cuts in this program would weaken the
foundation for Statewide medical programs as these funds provide
for insurance coverage, fuel for ambulance and other emergency
vehicles, training and certification. He stated that the results
could be "disastrous" for the basic emergency needs of the State.
BILL LEGERE, Manager, KTOO FM and TV Public Broadcasting addressed
the proposed $69,900 reduction in radio grants provided for in the
Public Communications Services budget, Department of
Administration. He asserted that this "two percent of the total"
reduction would trigger a loss of $130,000 in federal funding
support of public radio across the State.
STEPHEN SUNDBY, PHD, Administrator, Juneau Recovery Hospital (JRH),
detailed the services the agency provides such as emergency
services patrols, emergency detoxification services and suicidal
treatment care. He informed the Committee that the State has not
increased the funding for these types of agencies in ten years;
however, costs continue to rise. He stressed that further funding
reductions would close the agency and be a disservice to people who
do not have the financial means to pay for such services.
CHRISTINE MCINTYRE, Director, American Lung Association of Alaska,
testified to urge the Committee to fund the Tobacco Use, Education,
and Cessation program at the State recommended level of 20 percent
of the total Master Tobacco Settlement Fund. She reported the
positive results occurring as a result of the program, and she
advised that when programs are adequately funded, positive long-
term endeavors result.
KATHRYN ARLEN, Participant, Meeting the Challenge Advocacy Program
and Volunteer for the Johnson Youth Center and Juneau Youth
Services identified herself as "a grateful recovering alcoholic."
She exclaimed "that treatment works," and she is a responsible
contributing member of society. She urged the Committee to
reinstate the proposed 20 percent reduction in treatment programs
or to create a conduit from the public sector to a private provider
to allow these programs to continue to be available.
MARK GRAVES, Student, University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) urged
full funding support for the University. He stated that the
University system is currently educating 32,000 students and has
7,000 employees. He stated that for every general fund dollar
invested in the University system, there is a four dollar and fifty
cent economic return within the State. He stated that reducing
programs would jeopardize enrollment numbers by causing students to
seek an education elsewhere.
MCKENZIE MATAYA, Student, University of Alaska Southeast, urged
full support of UAS. She is currently a tele-counselor who markets
the University to prospective students, and she would be pleased to
be able to continue to boast about the University's qualities
afforded by appropriate levels of funding.
ERIC MORRISON, Student, University of Alaska Southeast urged full
funding for the University. He stated that if education is
supported the State would benefit.
Senator Leman asked whether the testifier is aware of "how much the
University's budget has increased annually in the past five years."
Mr. Morrison responded that he was not aware of the exact amount.
Senator Leman stated that the University's budget has increased
$150 million. He voiced that he wanted to let the testifier know
"how much the Legislature has chosen to support the University."
Mr. Morrison expressed that "it shows." He thanked the Committee
for the support.
JENNIFER LOESCH, Student, University of Alaska, thanked the
Committee for the support of the University for she declared that
the more students attending the in-State University system, the
more who would remain in the State and join the workforce. She
stated, "that support of the University creates hope and success"
for the future of the State.
SHYANN STEDMAN, Transfer Student, University of Alaska, has seen
the school grow and develop tremendous potential. She stated that
students from all over the country are attending the University and
"falling in love" with the State, which provides the State with a
young growing workforce. She noted that she is a tele-counselor at
the University, and she expressed that "the affordability" of the
school has real appeal to prospective students.
MARILYN PILLIFANT, accompanied by THOIR THOMAS, Teachers, Anchorage
School District, detailed the daily activities and responsibilities
involved when teaching 29 third grade students. She stated that
classroom sizes must be reduced in order to provide a teacher with
adequate time to work with each student as well as to allow for
sufficient planning time. Using a classroom "window painting" art
diagram, she explained to the Committee that her classroom budget
consists of a $54 per student allotment from which she is required
to purchase school district standards printed materials totaling
$21 plus shipping as well as pay for use of the school copier to
publish newsletters and other needed classroom material. She stated
that after all classroom obligations were deducted, the amount
remaining "for discretionary spending" is $4 per student, which she
spent on glue and pencils.
Ms. Pillifant exclaimed that the only piece of new classroom
equipment she has encountered in her 14.5 years of teaching was new
student chairs. She stated that the school's copying machine
malfunctions every day. She related that applying for grants
"creates this huge bureaucracy" which taxes any limited free time
she might have; therefore, she suggested that grants become a
segment of the State school funding foundation formula. She stated
that in order to make the educational system function, parents,
teachers, and the community must be involved. She stressed that the
Legislature must be involved by providing appropriate school
funding. She voiced that there is disparity between the schools in
every district in the State. She implored the Committee to
"properly" fund education.
ANNETTE MARLEY, Representative, Alaska Native Health Board, thanked
the Senate for supporting the establishment of the Tobacco Youth
Education and Cessation Fund the prior year and subsequently
allocating 20 percent of the State's tobacco settlement money in
the FY 02 budget to support it. She stressed that the proposed
Senate FY 03 budget does not reflect that same level of commitment
to the program, and she urged funding to continue at the 20 percent
level. She stated that while the organization she is representing
does not receive any of the tobacco settlement money for programs,
the organization attests that the program works and is necessary to
ensure healthier Alaskans.
PAM WATTS, Executive Director, Advisory Board, Alcoholism and Drug
Abuse Program expressed concern regarding "the crippling proposed
cuts to the Division of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse budget" which
would negatively impact programs in every region of the State. She
explained that the $4 million cut to treatment grant programs, in
particular, "would be devastating" since those programs "have been
flat funded since 1992 with no increases for inflation." She
detailed the impact that alcoholism has on the State such as child
abuse, vehicular accidents, and homicides, and she urged the
Committee to restore full funding to programs because, she
asserted, treatment does work.
FRANK WRIGHT, Student, Manley Hot Springs School, testified that
the proposed budget cuts to the Elliot Highway winter maintenance
"would kill our community because half of the town would lose their
jobs." He stated that Manley Hot Springs is located approximately
164 miles from Fairbanks.
HEIDI WRIGHT, Teacher, Manley Hot Springs School, stated that she
and her students raised money in order to travel "hundreds of miles
to be here to talk with Legislators face to face" because "they
fear that their school and their homes would be brought to an end
by the State government." She urged the Committee to consider the
"ripple effect" of budget cuts that would negatively affect the
community.
CRYSTAL MELTON, Fifth Grade Student, Manley Hot Springs informed
the Committee that her family would be required to move if road
maintenance is not provided on the Elliot Highway leading to Manley
Hot Springs, because her step-father is employed by Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities and would lose his job. She
stressed that she does not want to leave the community and that her
school provides a good education and "really is worth saving."
DR. SUE CLIFTON, Principal, Manley Hot Springs School stressed
"that no child in a State as great as Alaska should have to worry
so much about how to keep their school open" due to such things as
the State government denying road maintenance to their community.
She urged the Committee to remember, "that every address is Alaska
is important to our children" whether it is urban or rural. She
continued that were funding for rural education "killed directly or
indirectly, you kill all that is unique about the State and you
might as well represent California" or Montana or Mississippi. She
urged the Committee to remember these Manley Hot Springs children
when deciding financing for rural education or road maintenance
funding leading to a small community that has a school.
JOHN ROWLETT, Student, Manley Hot Springs noted that the proposed
road maintenance budget cuts would have a "severe" impact on his
school and small rural community. He stated that many families
would be required to move resulting in the closure of the
community's school and a further loss of jobs in the community.
DANE KOPONEN, Eighth Grade Student, Manley Hot Springs informed the
Committee that he and other students have come to Juneau to
specifically lobby for the "preservation of rural education." He
stated that the effects of the proposed Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities budget cuts would "mean death"
to the community of Manley Hot Springs and its school.
CORI DART, Student, Manley Hot Springs asserted that no winter road
maintenance funding for the Elliot Highway would indirectly close
the school. He attested that closing a school "in this manner is
just as shameful as directly closing a school." He asserted that
the Gladys Dart School "is the lifeline of the community," and he
continued that, "it is our right to have and the state's
responsibility to provide education to children no matter where
they live." He exclaimed that rural education is just as productive
as education received in urban areas.
Senator Leman stated that while he represents an urban area, he was
raised in rural Alaska, and he attests that rural areas can
"deliver" a good education.
BILL GLUDE, Director, Southeast Alaska Avalanche Center thanked the
Committee for the FY 02 public safety budget funding which allowed
the non-profit center to educate the public about avalanche safety.
He urged the Committee to consider increasing the funding to the
program in FY 03. He noted Alaska leads the nation in per capita
avalanche deaths and is also the only state that does not have
formal government education or forecasting programs relating to
avalanches. He supplied the Committee with written testimonies
[copies on file] in support of avalanche safety programs from
throughout the State, and he asserted that, "avalanche deaths are
largely preventable through education."
Senator Austerman asked whether avalanche education could assist in
preventing snow machiner deaths caused by "high marking."
Mr. Glude stated that education could help in this situation. He
asserted that while these deaths are often characterized as
resulting from "risk takers;" he contended that these people are
just Alaskans "going out recreating and don't know better than to
go up a steep slope." He shared with the Committee that modern snow
machines are powerful and allow snow machiners to venture to more
extreme locations; however, he asserted, these people do not
perceive the situation to be dangerous. He stated that snow
machiners comprise 67 percent of the avalanche deaths in the State.
He noted that the Southeast Alaska Avalanche Center has purchased a
high power snow machine to demonstrate and better address teaching
snow machiners about avalanche safety.
VIVIAN MONTOYA, Teacher, Juneau School District, asked the
Committee to understand how important it is to fully fund education
to allow teachers to meet students' needs. She stated that properly
teaching children involves providing significant financial support
and resources, qualified teachers, and a "tremendous commitment"
from Legislators, teachers and families. She attested that the
saying, "if kids are mad, bad or sad, they can't add" demonstrates
that educators must address the "whole child."
SFC 02 # 69, Side A 08:03 PM
Ms. Montoya stated that children must have all their basic needs
met in order to learn; therefore, she urged the Committee to
adequately fund alcohol treatment programs as this issue affects
students' learning behavior.
Senator Leman identified and acknowledged that Ms. Montoya is the
Alaska Teacher of the Year.
Senator Austerman voiced appreciation for the efforts Ms. Montoya
and other teachers contribute to their students.
DEBRA GARRISH, President, Red Alaska Child Abuse [unverified name
of organization] testified that the State needs more, not less
State Troopers as child abuse is a very large problem in the State.
She continued that alcohol and mental health issues also affect
child abuse, and she attested that budget reductions affecting
these programs negatively affect children. She continued that
proposed cuts to the Foster Care program are unfortunate, as these
services are needed in the State. She reminded the Committee that
the State Constitution requires the State to provide for health,
education, and safety, and she voiced that all of these things join
together to help protect children.
Dr. ROBERT SEWELL, Chair, University of Alaska Statewide Staff
Alliance thanked the Committee for prior support of the University.
He informed the Committee that McDowell Group surveys attest that
"things are blossoming" at the University, and he urged the
Legislature to fully fund the University's budget request to allow
the school to continue that momentum and support President Mark
Hamilton's leadership, "which has been remarkable indeed."
VERNER STILLNER, Medical Director, Behavioral Health, Bartlett
Regional Hospital and Psychiatrist, Juneau Recovery Hospital (JRH)
stated that, "the war on drugs is failing and the war on treatment
is succeeding." He pleaded with the Committee to not reduce
treatment programs by the proposed 20 percent decrement. He
informed the Committee that while the State supplies 25 percent of
the JRH funding; the proposed 20 percent decrement combined with
the flat funding the Center has received for ten years would close
the facility. He stated that the JRH clients "are not always
likeable, they relapse, they contribute to domestic violence and
fetal alcohol syndrome; however, they are people with chronic
illnesses." He stated that treatment does work.
Co-Chair Donley announced that there being no further testimony,
this concludes approximately ten hours of public testimony that the
Senate Finance Committee has accepted regarding the Operating
Budget.
Senator Austerman voiced appreciation for the testimony and for the
suggestions as to how to balance the budget, garner new revenue,
and pay for services throughout the State.
Co-Chair Donley ordered the bills HELD in Committee.
ADJOURNMENT
Co-Chair Dave Donley adjourned the meeting at 08:15 PM
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|