Legislature(2003 - 2004)
04/15/2003 05:00 PM Senate FIN
| Audio | Topic |
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
MINUTES
SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE
April 15, 2003
5:00 PM
TAPES
SFC-03 # 51, Side A
SFC 03 # 51, Side B
SFC 03 # 52, Side A
SFC 03 # 52, Side B
SFC 03 # 53, Side A
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Lyda Green convened the meeting at approximately 5:00 PM.
PRESENT
Senator Lyda Green, Co-Chair
Senator Gary Wilken, Co-Chair
Senator Con Bunde, Vice-Chair
Senator Lyman Hoffman
Senator Donny Olson
Senator Ben Stevens
Senator Robin Taylor
Also Attending: CARL ROSE, Executive Director, Association of
Alaska School Boards; JENNIFER APP, Advocacy Director, Anchorage
American Heart Association; LAUREL TYRRELL, Parent and Resident of
Central
Attending via Teleconference: *teleconference participants from the
communities of Dillingham, Homer, Seward, Valdez, Cordova, Kenai,
Mat-Su, Fairbanks, and Anchorage who testified on the FY 04
Operating Budget are listed in the body of the minutes in the order
in which they testified*
SUMMARY INFORMATION
HB 75-APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUNDS
HB 76-APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET
The Committee heard public testimony and the bills were held in
Committee.
CS FOR SS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 75(FIN) am(brf sup maj fld)
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan
program expenses of state government, for certain programs,
and to capitalize funds; and providing for an effective date."
CS FOR SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 76(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."
This was the fourth hearing for these bills in the Senate Finance
Committee.
Co-chair Green announced that public testimony would be limited to
two minutes per testifier.
JANICE PEYTON testified via teleconference from Homer in support of
the increased funding request by the University of Alaska. She
noted that because of prior Legislative funding appropriations, the
University has been able to expand its nursing, engineering, and
technology programs. She credited the increase in enrollment to the
University's ability to expand program offerings, and she stressed
that funding reductions would force programs to be curtailed. In
addition, she voiced opposition to the proposed ten percent funding
reduction for the 18 adult education grant programs that are
operated in the State as they provide such services as the General
Equivalency Diploma (GED) program through which 25-percent of the
State's high school diplomas are earned.
DEB GERMANO testified via teleconference from Homer and stated that
rather than a reduction in education program funding, an increase
in resources is required. She stated that the City of Homer
supports its education system at the maximum level allowed by State
law, and she labeled the proposed FY 04 funding reductions as
"severe." She urged that further education funding options be
evaluated as she stated that, "kids are a resource that can't be
overlooked."
JIM BRADY testified via teleconference from Homer in opposition to
the proposed elimination of the Centers for Independent Living
Center (ILC) Grant program in the Department of Labor and Workforce
Development budget. He asserted that contrary to the Commissioner's
position that other funding sources would be available, the
alternate sources that have been identified would not be applicable
to this program and that, despite repeated requests, the
Commissioner has not identified appropriate alternate funding. He
stressed that the benefits of the ILC program include a lower cost
per person care and lower Medicaid costs, and he avowed that when
these services are provided "outside of an institution," the
savings to the State are approximately $30,000 per program
recipient per year. He urged the Committee to fully fund this
program at the $619,000 level.
KAREN SHEMET, Volunteer, Alliance for Fresh Air, testified via
teleconference from Homer in support of funding anti-smoking
education programs as, she noted that they have been successful in
getting people to stop smoking and in persuading youth to not start
smoking. Furthermore, she stressed, medical expenses would decrease
as the result of the reduction in smoking related illnesses. She
stated that kids should live in a tobacco-free environment.
DR. VI JERREL, PH.D, testified via teleconference from Homer in
opposition to the elimination of the Longevity Bonus Program. She
avowed that had Governor Frank Murkowski's election campaign
included the proposal to eliminate the Longevity Bonus Program, he
would not have been elected Governor. She noted that documentation
exists that reflects the benefits of continuing the program for
Alaska's seniors, and she stated that the Governor's salary as well
as those of other Administration officials could be reduced to
assist in funding the existing Longevity Bonus Program. In
addition, she urged for full funding for the University of Alaska.
DARRELL BEHYMER, Kachemak Bay Campus Student Body President,
University of Alaska, testified via teleconference from Homer to
urge for full funding of the University as it "is training Alaskans
to meet the current and future needs of the State." He stated that
the University's momentum and student enrollment are growing, and
he declared that providing good educational opportunities for
students is "worth the investment."
RICHARD LIGENZA, Kachemak Bay Campus Student Body Vice President,
University of Alaska, testified via teleconference from Homer and
urged for full funding for the University.
BETH BRUDER, Employee, Bristol Bay Campus, University of Alaska,
testified via teleconference from Dillingham to note that the
campus provides educational services to 32 villages and is
experiencing "exceptional" enrollment and program growth, and, in
addition, is experiencing growth in partnership programs with area
trade groups, Native corporations, vocational education centers,
local schools and others. She attested that the University "is
training and educating local people" and, she stressed, that these
efforts result in promoting "real jobs and local hire." She
characterized the University as an "economic engine" for the State,
and she stressed that full funding for the University would be
required in order to continue the progress that has occurred.
SUSAN FLENSBURG, Environmental Coordinator, Bristol Bay Native
Association, testified via teleconference from Dillingham in
support of continued funding for the University. She commented that
the programs offered by the University assist in providing rural
residents the ability to pursue diverse employment opportunities,
especially in light of the decline of employment in the area's
fishing industry.
KRISTIN NYGREN testified via teleconference from Dillingham and
spoke in support of continued funding for the Infant Learning
Program (ILP). She shared that the services provided to infants,
such as her daughter, and might be jeopardized were this program's
funding reduced.
CHRIS HARRIS testified via teleconference from Seward and voiced
concern regarding proposed funding reductions for Independent
Living Centers. She stated that the independence and care that is
provided to program recipients, who suffer from such things as
coma-induced memory loss, is valuable. She also acknowledged the
dedication and concern that ILC providers have for program
recipients.
CANDY NORMAN testified via teleconference from Seward and stated
that as a lifelong Alaskan, business owner, taxpayer, volunteer,
and voter, she is opposed to the proposed budget reductions for the
Independent Living Centers program. She shared that her daughter, a
car accident victim who is a program recipient, has "tremendously"
benefited from being able to live in her own home, in her own
community, as opposed to living in a nursing home. She stated that
in addition, the program helps people find jobs, return to work,
and be active in their community. She commented that she is
"offended and outraged" by the Department of Labor and Workforce
Development's Commissioner Greg O'Claray's comments that "the ILC
money is money down the drain." She urged the Committee to fully
fund this program.
MARILEE CHAMPION testified via teleconference from Seward in
support of continued funding for Independent Living Centers. She
stated that in addition to allowing people with disabilities to
live independently in their own homes and be productive members of
society, the program saves the State a significant amount of money
as opposed to the cost of providing nursing home care. She stated
that the ILC provided her family, and others like it, with the
assistance they needed to address a family member's unexpected
disability.
JENNIFER HUBER testified via teleconference from Seward regarding
the benefits that her daughter has received from the Infant
Learning Program. She stated that in a short period of time, her
daughter has learned to communicate with words and sign language.
She urged the Committee to fully fund the needs of this program so
that other families, who could not afford the expenses associated
with treatment on their own, could receive assistance.
MERCEDES O'LEARY, Student, Kachemak Bay Campus, University of
Alaska, testified via teleconference from Homer and announced that
because of the variety of programs offered by the University, she
had opted to stay in the State and attend school. She stated that
were programs reduced, she would be forced to attend an out-of-
state school. She urged the Committee to support the University's
funding request.
LAURA ASBUL, Student, Kachemak Bay Campus, University of Alaska,
testified via teleconference from Homer to voice concern that that
she and her children might be forced to attend college elsewhere
were program offerings at the campus downsized as a result of the
University's funding request being denied. She urged the Committee
to fund the University at its requested funding level.
PEGGY FRAZIER, Student, Kachemak Bay Campus, University of Alaska,
testified via teleconference from Homer and stated that she would
be required to relocate were the Campus's program offerings
reduced. She urged the Committee to fully fund the University's
budget request.
IRIS DOUGLASS testified via teleconference from Homer and voiced
concern about the negative affect the elimination of the Longevity
Bonus Program would incur on many of the State's senior citizens.
She also voiced concern that funding for ILC might be reduced.
Furthermore, she opined that Governor Murkowski seems to be out of
touch with the needs of the State's citizens.
LAURA BARTON testified via teleconference from Homer and stated
that the Longevity Bonus Program has been characterized as being a
charity program or a bribe to get senior citizens to remain in the
State once they reached the age of 65. However, she stated that as
a result of program qualification changes, the youngest person
receiving program benefits is 71-years old and most of the
recipients are too old to relocate and depend on the monthly
monetary payments. She stated that the number of recipients is
rapidly declining due to death, and she suggested that, rather than
eliminating the program, the Legislature should retain the current
policy, as the program would die on its own. In addition, she urged
that the funding for the Infant Learning Program be continued as by
addressing infant problems at an early age, long-term problems
could be lessened.
CARL ROSE, Executive Director, Association of Alaska School Boards,
testified in Juneau and presented an overview on the status of K-12
education in the State. He noted that approximately 60 percent of
the voters in the recent November statewide election voted in favor
of school General Obligation Bonds (GO Bonds), and in addition, he
declared that the majority of the candidates running for statewide
office during that same election timeframe recognized education as
a top priority. He stated that, as a nation, it is the value placed
on the education rather than that placed "on economic or military
might that defines who we are as a nation." He stated that
supporting K-12 education "is a much broader issue that just
balancing the budget this year." He stated that the benefits and
development of such things as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge,
a gas pipeline, and other State resources might be ten years into
the future, and he continued that in ten years, today's sixth
graders would be graduating from our University. He urged the
Committee to ask what we, as a State, are doing to ensure our
future. In addition, he voiced the importance of maintaining a
healthy and stable economy in order to allow these students'
parents to continue to viably remain in the State. He stated that a
lesson that could be learned from the downturn in the State's
economy in the mid 1980's is that "once the for sale signs go up,
and once the shops start to close, its already too late." He stated
that as the State looks forward, "there are opportunities to
strategically use State's resources." He stressed that without
long-term planning, the quick-fix approach would continue. He
stated that while the FY 04 budget is a "tough" scenario, the FY 05
budget projection would not be "much easier" for K-12 funding.
Mr. Rose voiced that the options currently being forwarded are a
continuation of belt-tightening efforts. He noted that while other
states are also experiencing budget shortfalls, such things as
income tax or other types of statewide taxes are in place to assist
them with addressing future funding needs. He noted that while
Alaska does not currently have an income tax, it does have the
Permanent Fund. He stated that, "we are rapidly coming to the
realization that we have to marshal the resources" we have "to
address the essential services of the State." He asked the
Legislature to read newspapers and listen to the people of the
State. He recalled one Legislator as saying "that the people of
Alaska are going to have to beg us to put in an income tax before
we do anything." He assured the Committee that the State's citizens
"are looking for other options." He voiced the personal preference
for the implementation of a State income tax as opposed to the
continuance of belt-tightening or further program eliminations or
reductions. He shared that his two adult sons would not be living
in Alaska, and one of them had remarked, "Dad, Alaska was your
dream, it's not my dream." He stated that the impacts of the budget
"that would be forwarded by the Senate Finance Committee are going
to create some tremendous strain, not only this year," but in years
to come. He urged the Committee to consider this when determining
the budget.
JILL SIMPSON, Representative, Cordova Family Resource Center,
testified via teleconference from Cordova to voice concern that
while budget reductions are proposed that would negatively affect
organizations such as the Resource Center, there continues to be an
increase in "upper administrative" State personnel. She exampled
that, whereas once "there was one [unspecified] deputy
commissioner, there are now three." She remarked that this increase
takes funding away from programs.
JULIE JUSZKEIWICZ, Mental Health Clinician, Sound Alternatives
Mental Health Center, testified via teleconference from Cordova to
state her concerns regarding possible funding reductions to mental
health programs and the affects those reductions would have on
families. She stated that there are "continuous on-going needs for
quality preventive and treatment" mental health programs.
SAMMY CRAWFORD, Vice President, Kenai Peninsula Borough School
Board, testified via teleconference from Kenai and shared that the
district's 41 schools serve 10,000 students. She stated that in an
effort to control district expenses, in addition to reducing such
things as custodian positions, 56 teaching positions have been
eliminated which has resulted in increasing the student to teacher
class ratio to a minimum of a 29 to one ratio. She noted that
communities are "up in arms" at the prospect of consolidating
schools in an effort to further contain costs, and she noted that
funding for sports and other extracurricular activities might be
further reduced or eliminated. She avowed that the Borough's school
administration office is one of the most efficient in the State,
and that her comments are being made to further enlighten
Legislators to the affect that further funding reductions would
have on local districts. She urged the Committee to assist
districts by providing sufficient education funding as, she
declared, in order to adequately fund student transportation and
local debt service, additional teaching positions might be
eliminated. She voiced appreciation for any support that could be
provided as, she attested, the goal is to provide a quality
education to students.
LISA GREENLEAF, President, Kenai Peninsula College Student Union
and Member, Statewide Coalition of Student Leaders, testified via
teleconference from Kenai and noted that the College's student
enrollment is steadily increasing. She stressed that while budget
constraints are necessary, a quality education must be a priority
as it is "the backbone of the future." She urged the Committee to
invest in education and support the budgets at both the K-12 and
University levels.
KATHY NEILSON, Vice President, Valdez Board of Education, testified
via teleconference from Valdez and informed the Committee that the
Municipality of Valdez fully supports its education system by
providing the maximum amount allowed under State law. She urged the
Members to do as much as possible to fund the State's education
programs, as she attested that further cuts to the City's school
programs and teaching positions would be "devastating." She
concluded that it would be improper for the Legislature to not
uphold its responsibility to reimburse school districts sixty cents
on the dollar as approved by voters for the school bond issues.
STEVE CATHERS, Superintendent, Valdez City School District,
testified via teleconference from Valdez and opined that,
"education in Alaska has been trimmed to the bone at this time." He
declared that the results of a recent statewide poll concluded that
all school districts have been forced to reduce staffing levels "in
core academic programs." He shared that Valdez has been cutting
staff for two years, and he affirmed that more reductions might be
forthcoming. He stated that programs such as the Governor's "no
child left behind for Alaska" program must be properly funded. He
urged the Committee to restore all education funding and avowed
that the adequate base allocation level should be approximately
$4,500 per student to allow Alaska to be the nation's education
role model.
SFC 03 # 51, Side B 05:48 PM
Mr. Cathers continued that student transportation funding
reductions would also result in staffing eliminations, fewer
elective courses, less individualized instruction, larger classes,
fewer staff training opportunities, and other reductions. He stated
that one of the factors in electing the current Administration was
the hope that economic growth would transpire. He stated that a
good education would provide the necessary labor force training
that would be the backbone for Alaska's resource development.
Furthermore, he decried the current trend in the oil industry of
"importing commuter employees from the Lower 48 and exporting
profits." He stated that budget reductions have made it difficult
to recruit teachers and now, he stated, "our children will be
paying the price" of inadequate education funding.
AT EASE: 5:50 PM / 6:05 PM
KRISTA TIMLIN, Coordinator, Career Center, Knik Peninsula College,
testified via teleconference from Kenai and voiced concern
regarding the economy of the State. She urged the Committee to
support education at all levels, especially higher education
opportunities in the State. She stressed that funding for the
University of Alaska must continue at a rate that would allow the
University to "build upon its ongoing successes."
JENNIFER APP, Advocacy Director, Anchorage American Heart
Association testified in Juneau and spoke to the negative health
affects of cigarette smoking and of second-hand smoke exposure. She
urged that in an effort to fight the social and economic costs of
tobacco related illnesses twenty percent of the State's tobacco
company master settlement money should be allocated to the Tobacco
Education and Cessation Funding, even though she noted that the
funding should be at a higher level. She attested that the FY 03
program marketing efforts have had positive impacts on youth and
parents.
AT EASE: 6:12 PM / 6:18 PM
JOHN WENSLEY, Educator and Parent, testified via teleconference
from Kenai to voice his concern as a parent about the need to fully
fund education in the State. He noted the consistent "campaign
rhetoric" that identified education as a high priority; however, he
contended, "these education concerns constantly fall by the
wayside." He stated that the reductions to school programs and the
loss of "veteran teachers is a sad situation." He stated that, like
everything else, the cost of education is increasing, and he
declared that a quality education must be provided to students. He
urged the Committee to consider implementing a State income tax or
to access the Alaska Permanent Fund account to assist in providing
adequate education funding.
AT EASE: 6:21 PM / 6:30 PM
JOHN STEIN, Executive Director, Kids Are People, Inc, testified via
teleconference from Mat-Su stated that he would be "willing to pay
my fair share of the cost of State government." He proclaimed that,
regardless of whether a gas tax or an income tax is implemented,
"the time has come for Alaskans to pay up." He stated that one of
the primary programs offered by his organization is a tobacco
prevention program, and he voiced support for the Governor's
recommendation that twenty percent of the Tobacco Settlement money
be used to support this cause. In addition, he urged for full
funding for education, specifically for the University of Alaska,
as he attested, it provides education programs, such as the nursing
programs, that assist the needs of the State.
JOHN CANNON testified via teleconference from Mat-Su in opposition
to the $2.2 million reduction in the Community Developmental
Disabilities Grants "as these cuts are not fair, go too deep, and
seriously jeopardize the safety net for many Alaskans with
developmental disabilities." He stated that it is "a disgrace" not
to provide the services that these individuals require.
CATHY PENNA, Parent, testified via teleconference from Mat-Su and
informed the Committee that her two autistic children would be on
the wait list for services for approximately another five years. In
the meantime, she shared that the limited respite time and
educational tools that her family receives are invaluable in
helping the family, who has no immediate family support group, to
cope with the demands of everyday life. She stressed that adequate
funding for the Department of Health and Social Services Infant
Learning Program must be provided.
PAUL DAUPHINAIS, Director, Matanuska Susitna College, testified via
teleconference from Mat-Su regarding the need to expand the
educational opportunities in the Matanuska Susitna valley in order
to retain residents and continue to expand and provide programs "in
areas of high need" such as the healthcare field. He stated, that
in order to meet the demands being placed on it, the College must
"receive at least level funding."
KRIS MOORE, lifelong Alaskan and Mother of four, testified via
teleconference from Mat-Su and urged the Committee to address the
changing needs of the State, specifically the changes occurring in
the education field. She encouraged the Committee to support
teachers and others who serve children. She stated that while she
believes in holding teachers and schools accountable, insufficient
time and resources such as textbooks and a high student to teacher
ratios often negate efforts. She urged the Committee to invest in
the State's children by increasing the education foundation funding
formula and pupil transportation funding.
MARCIE SCHMIDT testified via teleconference from Mat-Su and
questioned the expense generated by a situation where one State
agency rents from another, for she attested that the State is
renting from itself. Furthermore, she asked that additional Office
of Public Advocacy positions in the Division of Family and Youth
Services be budgeted, as more are necessary to adequately provide
legal representation to Alaska's youth. She suggested that the
Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and commissioners lower their
monetary compensation in order to allow these individuals to join
in "the economic struggle" of reduced State services.
TRISH WALTER, testified via teleconference from Mat-Su, and stated
that "it appears … that the Legislature is trying to balance the
budget on the backs of people who can least afford it," in
particular, senior citizens and people with disabilities. She
stressed that many of these people are currently on wait lists and
are not receiving the services they need. She avowed that she would
be willing to pay a State sales tax or an income tax, in order for
adequate services to be provided to those who need assistance.
JANET GIRARD testified via teleconference from Mat-Su to state that
many of Alaska's senior citizens would be willing to assist the
State with its financial crisis if only they had the means to do
so. She stated that the medications that are required by "the aging
process" are very expensive and are difficult to acquire when
health insurance is not adequately available; therefore, she urged
that the Longevity Bonus program be continued to assist seniors, as
other options are limited.
FRANK GIRARD testified via teleconference from Mat-Su in support of
the continuation of the Longevity Bonus Program as many recipients
"would starve or lose their home" without it. He reminded that no
"new" seniors are eligible to receive the Bonus, that those in the
program are aging, and that the program is phasing out. He stressed
that seniors require the funding. He suggested that the State could
pursue revenue-generating alternatives such as the elimination of
the church property tax exemption or the implementation of a State
lottery.
ANGELA ROSAR, Representative, City of Houston, testified via
teleconference from Mat-Su to inform the Committee of the
importance of the municipal revenue sharing program to small
communities such as Houston. She stated that any curtailment in
this funding would result in employee layoffs and a reduction in
city programs and services such as fire fighting. She urged the
Committee to not reduce funding to this program.
AT EASE: 6:47 PM / 6:54 PM
LAUREL TYRRELL, Parent and Resident of Central, testified in Juneau
in support of the Alyeska Central School Correspondence Program.
She shared that she has tried numerous educational correspondence
programs for her children and has found that the courses offered by
this school are good. She urged that funding for the program be
extended one more year in order for the school to regroup as,
perhaps a charter school, and to allow transition time for students
currently in the program.
AT EASE: 6:56 PM / 7:00 PM
Co-chair Wilken chaired the following portion of the meeting.
JERI LANIER, Representative, Family Center Services of Alaska and
Member, Alaska Mental Health Board, testified via teleconference
from Fairbanks to urge the Committee to carefully consider where
budget reductions are made, specifically that community service
programs should be maintained, that the Denali KidCare program
should be fully funded, and that local field grants be continued as
they are more efficient than State or federally run programs.
DONNA JORDAN, Parent, and Member, Governor's Council for
Disabilities and Special Education, testified via teleconference
from Mat-Su and urged the restoration of the $2.2 million in
funding for the Infant Learning Program services. She shared that
one of her two severely disabled children has a more promising
future as the result of the early intervention provided by the
program. She noted that approximately 1,300 children are on a wait
list for this service, and that the program, as opposed to
institutionalizing children, is beneficial to the State in the long
run. In addition, she urged that funding be provided for a
community parent support group as it enables families "to move
forward."
HARRY JENKINS testified via teleconference from Fairbanks and told
the Committee "to leave the Longevity Bonus Program alone," as he
noted, in ten years, it would be "phased out" due to the natural
deaths of its senior citizen recipients.
CANDY WAUGAMAN testified via teleconference from Fairbanks and
asked the Committee to reconsider the proposed reductions to the
Alaska State libraries. In addition, she voiced concern regarding
the "strong" support for the Governor's budget proposals.
VICKI HORODYSKI, Foster Parent, Coordinator of the Fetal Alcohol
Syndrome (FAS) Parent Support Group and Member, Fairbanks, FAS
Diagnostic Team, testified via teleconference from Fairbanks to
share her involvement with FAS children. She stated that without
appropriate intervention and support, these children could
experience secondary disabilities such as chronic unemployment,
social problems, mental illness, poverty, criminal acts, and more.
She noted, that while some children who experience FAS, might never
be totally independent, services to them must be provided because
she declared, that although they did not create their situation,
they must live with it. She stated that their quality of life could
benefit from adequate program funding. She avowed that were this
funding not forthcoming, then funding would be required for other
institutions such as prisons, hospitals, and homeless shelters.
TABER REHBAUM, Representative, Arctic Alliance for People (AAP),
testified via teleconference from Fairbanks to urge the Committee
to fully fund the Department of Health and Social Services
community matching block grant program as it is important to the
forty human services providers that AAP represents. She declared
that these funds would support efficient and cost effective
services and would, in the long run, save the State millions of
dollars in such things as incarceration expenses. She informed the
Committee that the Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly has
adopted a resolution in support of funding this program at the FY
02 $1.7 million level. She stressed that this program is the
"biggest bargain" in the State and urged that the funding be
restored.
CORA WAGGONER testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in
support of funding for the Independent Living Center program that
allows people to live independently and is three times less
expensive than were the State to provide institutional care for
them. She stated that the Anchorage Independent Learning Center
program allows people who are deaf, blind, and mildly handicapped
to live and work independently, which she avowed, enhances a
person's self-worth.
CINDY FRANKENBACH testified via teleconference from Fairbanks that,
while she has a neurological disorder, she is able to live
independently with the assistance of a personal care attendant. [It
was noted that the personal care attendant was reading Ms.
Frankenbach's comments because her disorder prevents her from
speaking]
SFC 03 # 52, Side A 07:09 PM
Ms. Frankenbach urged the Committee to support the continuation of
the Independent Living Program because in addition to being less
expensive than nursing home care, it enables people such as herself
to live independently in their own home.
LARRY ATKINS testified via teleconference from Fairbanks and shared
the benefits he has received from the Independent Living Center
program. He stated that as a result of the training provided him,
he plans on operating his own business and "becoming a more viable
member of the community." He attributed his and others' successes
to the program, and he stressed that these programs provide an
economical benefit to the State.
ANDY HARRINGTON testified via teleconference from Fairbanks and
voiced that, "Alaska is the tax-free extreme." He attested that
while Alaskans are getting "a free ride today," it is inevitable
that some sort of tax would be forthcoming. He voiced that a State
income tax would be preferred as it could be claimed as a deduction
on the federal tax return. In addition, he stated that non-profit
human service agencies are more economical than State-run programs,
and therefore, he urged the Committee to continue funding the
Community Matching grant program, as supported in the Governor's
budget proposal.
Co-Chair Wilken informed that "only one out of five Alaskans" would
be able to deduct the State income tax amount on their federal
income tax statement and he continued, of that twenty percent, only
about 25-percent "would be able to benefit as they approach the
$8,500 taxable income level."
MARGIE VAUGHT, Staff, Access Alaska, and Mother of a child with
multiple disabilities, testified via teleconference from Fairbanks
and urged that the budget for the Independent Living Program be
restored as she voiced the hope that her child might one day be
able to live independently as opposed to being institutionalized.
Furthermore, she declared that institutionalizing people does not
make fiscal sense and is contrary "to our obligations as a
society."
GEORDIE CARROLL, Representative, Access Alaska, testified via
teleconference from Fairbanks and, as a disabled person, urged the
Committee to restore funding to the Independent Living Program. He
attested that the cost of independent living is less expensive than
institutional care.
CONNIE SNIDER, Access Alaska Recipient, testified via
teleconference from Fairbanks and stated that as a person who is
able to live independently because of funding from the independent
living service provider Access Alaska, she voiced "disbelief" that
independent living program funding is proposed to be reduced. She
stated that institutional care is more expensive and negatively
affects people's dignity.
OLAN ORNSETH testified via teleconference from Fairbanks and
advocated for full funding of the University's Board of Regents'
budget request as well as for K-12 schooling. He stated that he had
earned his fisheries degree through the University system, and he
likened a reduction in University funding "to shooting ourselves in
the foot." He stated that, in addition to providing a quality
education, the University is awarded research grants that generate
additional revenue for the State even though, as noted by Senator
Bunde, those grants do not directly benefit the State's general
fund. Mr. Ornseth declared that, while this is a "good point," it
also supports the argument for a State income tax because, as the
grant monies funnel through the University to the private sector, a
healthy economy could result. Thus, he concluded, were an income
tax in place, a healthy private sector would, in turn, benefit the
State.
JO PEDERSEN, Access Alaska Recipient, testified via teleconference
from Fairbanks and urged for continued funding of the Independent
Living Program as these type of agencies provide a valuable service
to people.
DAVID JACOBSON testified via teleconference from Fairbanks to state
that he is testifying as a person with a disability, as a parent of
a child with a disability, as a member of the State Independent
Living Council, and as [indiscernible} for fourteen years to urge
for the restoration of the Independent Living Program funding as it
would be the most efficient choice and "the greatest choice" for
persons living with disabilities. He stated that the benefits these
programs provide across the State outweigh the option of placing
these people in nursing homes. He stated that this funding "belongs
in the budget."
ANNIE HOPPER, Program Director, Family Counseling and Adoption
Program, testified via teleconference from Fairbanks and asked the
Committee to increase, rather than decrease, funding for the Family
Preservation and Support grant programs. She attested that a
funding reduction would severely affect these programs statewide by
incurring inadequate staffing, food and other services, and would
compromise many programs' operations. She stated that the grants
provided to programs "are not luxuries but are necessities," She
also stressed the importance of providing appropriate funding for
the Community Matching Grant program.
TRACY BRADSHAW testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in
support of funding for the Independent Living Centers. She stressed
that the State would be responsible for the cost of taking care of
many of these people were they forced to live in nursing homes.
DIANN DARNALL testified via teleconference from Fairbanks and urged
the Committee to fully fund the Tobacco Cessation and Education
Program. She cited the level of funding that is recommended by the
Center for Disease Control, and she noted that the program's public
awareness programs are having an impact. She stressed that the
Tobacco Settlement money should be used as intended rather than
being used to fund other things.
ED SHELLINGER, AARP, testified via teleconference from Fairbanks,
in support of continuing the Longevity Bonus Program as it is. He
stated that Legislative commitment to "the contract" should not be
broken.
CHRIS FAETH testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in
opposition to the proposed budget reductions to the Independent
Living Program. He stated that, as a person who is terminally ill
with cancer, the cost of living in a nursing home would be three
times more expensive than the cost of living independently. He
stated that his independence is important, as he came to Alaska to
participate and not "to give up."
CYNTHIA HENRY, Member, University of Alaska Board of Regents,
testified via teleconference from Fairbanks to voice support for
the increased University funding as proposed in the Governor's
budget. She urged the Committee to support that funding level, as
the University is moving forward in its program development and
adequate funding would allow that momentum to continue. She also
mentioned that the University is endeavoring to increase the level
of private funding it receives.
PETER BOWERS testified via teleconference from Fairbanks, in
support of adequate funding for K-12 education, the University, and
the Department of Health and Social Services programs. He also
urged the Committee to reconsider implementation of a state income
tax, as he attested a lot of money from the fishing, tourism, and
oil industries leaves the State.
DEREK MILLER, Student and Student Regent, University of Alaska
Fairbanks, testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in support
of adequate K-12 and University education funding. He attested that
the increase in the number of Alaska high school students enrolling
at the University and expanding University program offerings is
indicative of the success of the program.
BEN ANGEL, Coalition of Student Leaders and Student, University of
Alaska, testified via teleconference from Fairbanks and thanked Co-
Chair Wilken for his "forward-thinking" support of the University
of Alaska system in spite of his concerns involving University
"accountability" and the level of student services that are
available at the University. He stated that instead of providing
State "handouts or subsidies to individuals," the citizens of the
State desire that the money invested in institutions and programs
such as the University of Alaska, provide "a high rate of return to
the people of Alaska." He noted that while the investment in the
University would not return benefits to the State's general funds,
it would benefit the economy of the State by producing "one
productive individual at a time." He summarized that funding for K-
12 education and the University should be viewed as "a necessity"
rather than as "a luxury."
HETTIE HUME testified via teleconference from Fairbanks and urged
the Committee to increase funding for autism programs in the State,
as she noted, that early intervention improves the quality of life.
She stated that the number of individuals being diagnosed with
autism could be characterized as reaching epidemic numbers either
as a result of better diagnosis or environmental issues. She noted
that early intervention also reduces long-term expenses. She urged
that separate legislation be introduced to address this issue, as
it is now the third-leading childhood illness. She asked whether
any funding is specifically being proposed to address autism in the
Special and Supplemental Service program in the Department of
Education and Early Development or the Infant Learning or
Behavioral Health programs in the Department of Health and Social
Services.
Co-Chair Wilken responded that the testifier should "be encouraged"
by the Governor's Initiative that was started by Congressman Ted
Stevens to address this issue via the Department of Education and
Early Development.
TODD HUME testified via teleconference from Fairbanks and urged the
Committee to provide funding for a preschool special education
program to specifically address autism, as he attested that none
currently exist and that early intervention helps and sometimes
cures this affliction.
JOHN WITTER, grandfather of an autistic child, testified via
teleconference from Fairbanks and stressed that early diagnosis and
intervention of this condition "is critical." He noted that only
one doctor in Anchorage specializes in autism and that the State
must provide a specific program through which children with this
disorder could be identified and treated.
KAREN WOOD, Gerontologist and Senior Citizen advocate, testified
via teleconference from Fairbanks to voice the negative impacts
that would result from the elimination of the Longevity Bonus
Program. She reviewed the basis for the establishment of the
program, and "respectfully asked" the Committee to honor the
original commitment of the program and allow the State's seniors to
live with "independence and dignity."
MARTA MUELLER testified via teleconference from Fairbanks and
surmised that the State's financial difficulties arise "from paying
for on-going expenses with one-time revenue sources." She stated
that several programs such as the Alaska Science and Endowment Fund
and the Learning Opportunities Grant funds as well as the
Constitutional Budget Reserve (CBR) are being used to fund programs
that users consider "on-going and essential." She countered that,
rather than cutting programs, diversified funding sources such as
an income tax must be implemented to replace one-time revenue
sources. She stated that the State's education system and the
economy must "be buffered from the crazy swings" of the oil
industry." She urged for full funding for education. She also
stated that there is an "Alaskan disconnect, a gap between the
reality of our State's financial challenge and our residents
perception." She stated that education is the remedy to
reconnecting politicians and the State's citizens.
JIM LYNCH testified via teleconference from Fairbanks and spoke in
favor of funding for K-12 education and the University. He urged
that the Governor's budget proposal for the University be
supported.
RON DIXON, Chair, Tanana Valley Campus Community Advisory Council,
testified via teleconference from Fairbanks and urged the Committee
to support the Governor's proposed budget for the University of
Alaska. He stated that the University has been accountable and
responsible in that it is continually responding to the needs of
the State by providing training programs for such things as the oil
industry and the medical fields.
AMY KRIER testified via teleconference from Fairbanks and spoke in
favor of K-12 education funding. She noted that others have
testified as to the funding needs for pupil transportation, the
base student allocation, staff salaries, and other requirements
like the federal "No child left behind" program, and she
highlighted the quality education that teachers are providing to
Alaskan youth. She stated that Legislators and all residents are
responsible for providing a quality education to our children and
that education should not be penalized by the desire to curb State
spending. She applauded efforts to develop alternate school funding
sources; however, she warned that the current education system must
not suffer in the meantime.
GLENN HACKNEY testified via teleconference from Fairbanks and noted
that contrary to the Governor's recent remarks about fairness,
there is not a single decision that is made that could not be
misconstrued by someone to be unfair. However, he stated that the
Governor missed the mark when he proposed to eliminate the
Longevity Bonus program. He stated that legislation "capping the
program and letting it die naturally" was acceptable, and that
"pulling the plug" on that program now that people have built it
into their lifestyle is unacceptable. He urged the Legislature to
leave the Longevity Bonus Program alone.
LISA VILLANO, Lathrop Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA),
Social Service Volunteer, TBC Advisory Board, Alaska Association
for Community Education, testified via teleconference from
Fairbanks to note that, on behalf of these organizations, adequate
funding is needed to continue to provide for education, quality of
life, safe communities, and services in a community to attract and
retain residents.
SFC 03 # 52, Side B 07:57 PM
Ms. Villano urged the Committee to consider these things when
making funding decisions.
JULIE WILD-CURRY, Student, University of Alaska, Fairbanks campus,
testified via teleconference from Fairbanks and thanked Co-Chair
Wilken for his support of education. She referenced a letter-to-
the-editor that she had written that was published in various
newspapers in the State that urged that the Governor's proposed
University operating budget be supported as the University, in
addition to providing great educational opportunities, provides an
economic benefit to the State.
Co-Chair Wilken asked Ms. Wild-Curry to fax a copy of her letter-
to-the-editor to the Committee.
JAKE POOLE testified via teleconference from Fairbanks and urged
for full funding for K-12 education and for the University's Board
of Regents' budget request. He stated that because of adequate
funding, the University has had "unparalleled success" during the
past four years with increasing the number of Alaska students who
stay in or return to the State to attend college as well as
increasing the number of out-of-state students. He voiced that the
House of Representative's budget proposal would negate the
University' forward momentum.
CARL BENSON testified via teleconference from Fairbanks and urged
full funding for K-12 and University budget requests, as he
attested, education is essential to the future of Alaska. In
addition, he voiced opposition to shifting the Department of Fish
and Game Habitat Division to the Department of Natural Resources.
He also urged for municipal revenue sharing to be fully funded. He
stated that the State's population growth, combined with inflation,
places additional burdens on the services of local governments, and
that the State, rather than cutting the budget, must provide
adequate funding by raising revenue by re-instituting a State
income tax. He stated that this would be much easier to administer
and would raise more revenue than implementing a variety of user
fees and other taxes.
AT EASE 8:06 PM / 8:06 PM
Co-Chair Green chaired the remainder of the meeting.
KATHLEEN FITZGERALD testified via teleconference from Anchorage and
asked that the developmental disabilities (DD) program reductions
being proposed in both the Governor and House of Representatives'
budgets be restored. She stated that the proposed reductions would
undo years of work that have been developed to provide a safety net
and hope to people that they would receive services. She attested
that contrary to what is being said; existing core services would
be negatively affected. She shared that she is personally
"despaired" by the actions being presented and the affect it would
have on people in need of assistance.
Co-Chair Green announced that, due to the quantity of people
wishing to testify from the Anchorage area, testimony would be
limited to one minute.
DEBBIE OSSIANDER, Representative, Association of Alaska School
Boards, testified via teleconference from Anchorage and stated that
education funding is inadequate as it is and does not provide for
inflation or mandated services. She stated that increased class
size, reduced staffing levels, and the elimination of elective
classes are occurring throughout the State. She continued that the
proposed student foundation formula funding would not provide
sufficient funding as local districts are not able to absorb
further expenses; specifically pupil transportation expenses. She
urged the Committee to increase education funding and to support
such things as community schools.
ED EARNHART testified via teleconference from Anchorage and
declared "you can't run a good government without paying for it."
He urged the Committee to "wake up," and incorporate adequate
revenue streams into the budget to provide for the things that are
required.
BETH EDMANDS Representative, Governor's Council on Disabilities and
Special Education, testified via teleconference from Anchorage to
request that $250,000 be restored to the Early Intervention Infant
Learning Program and $2,158,300 be restored to the Developmental
Disabilities Community Grant Program. She stated that both of these
programs provide essential services to individuals and would save
the State money in the long run.
MARIAH L. GODES testified via teleconference from Anchorage to
voice that as a person with a disability she has benefited from the
DD grant program. She urged that the DD grant program be adequately
funded as it has allowed her to be independent.
BRYAN KNIGHT, Representative, Governor's Council on Disabilities
and Special Education testified via teleconference from Anchorage
to ask that funding for programs that assist people with
disabilities not be reduced.
TIM MORGAN, Anchorage School District School Bus Driver, testified
via teleconference from Anchorage and informed the Committee that
47,000 children are transported to and from Anchorage's schools
each school day. He stated that districts should be fully funded to
ensure that school bus transportation, which is the safest mode of
transportation in the nation, could continue to be provided. He
asked that this safe mode of transportation not be compromised as
the result of short-funding education.
ZAK YOUNG, Anchorage School District School Bus Driver, testified
via teleconference from Anchorage and stated that his job is to
provide a safe environment for the students he transports to
school. He noted that the proposed $10.7 million reduction in
transportation funding would jeopardize the safety of our children
as more children would be forced to walk to school or parents would
be forced to drive them to school.
PAULA ARTZ, Anchorage School District School Bus Driver, testified
via teleconference from Anchorage and commented that the bus driver
transportation training she teaches is intensive and that student
transportation funding should not be reduced as it provides the
safest mode of transportation to and from school.
STEVE LESKO President, Alaska Association of Developmental
disabilities, testified via teleconference from Anchorage to point
out that DD funding grants are proposed to be reduced approximately
five million dollars, which equates to approximately a 25-percent
funding reduction. He stated that this level of reduction does not
meet his definition of the word "fair." He urged the Committee to
restore a minimum of $2.2 million. Furthermore, he stated that a
letter to the Committee would be forthcoming that identifies the
needs of the program. He quoted the saying, "evil thrives when good
people do nothing," and he voiced his belief that the Committee
members "are good people."
CARL EVERTSBUSCH, Representative, Key Coalition, testified via
teleconference from Anchorage and urged for the restoration of $2.2
million in DD grant funding in the Governor's proposed budget as it
would provide short-term temporary assistance to families in
crisis, low cost grants, training to families to utilize generic
community services, and medical funding money to those who do not
qualify for Medicaid. He stated that no alternate funding mechanism
has been identified to address these situations. He noted that
while the State's fiscal situation is recognized, people with
disabilities should be allowed to remain at home in their
communities.
ARLISS STURGULEWSKI testified via teleconference from Anchorage and
declared that, "this legislature is giving short shift to
maintaining and growing the State's economy." She noted that
economic benefits, jobs and economic diversification would be
negatively affected by the elimination of funding for the Alaska
Science and Technology Endowment Fund (ASTF). She stated that
University funding should also be provided.
WILLIAN THEUER, Anchorage School District School Bus Driver,
testified via teleconference from Anchorage and explained that, in
addition to providing the safest mode of transportation for
children, the school bus transportation system provides
"cohesiveness" to students' families who rely on that
transportation being provided every day so that other family
obligations, such as jobs, could be met. He urged for full funding
for pupil transportation.
GRESINE JACOBS, Anchorage School District School Bus Driver,
testified via teleconference from Anchorage and explained that as a
parent, she depends on school buses to safely transport her
children to school. She noted that otherwise, her children would be
required to travel by foot across several busy streets, and since
children could be preoccupied at times, could be approached by
strangers or unleashed animals, and might have to walk in the dark,
she has concerns.
LINDA WETHERBY, Rabbit Creek Community School, testified via
teleconference from Anchorage to voice that community schools
provide a broad variety of programs such as a preschool program,
language program, adult and evening educational classes, and family
activities. She stated that these programs enhance lives, and she
urged that funding not be reduced for community schools.
DERI LYNN JOHNSON, Anchorage School District School Bus Driver,
testified via teleconference from Anchorage and stated that of the
800 school related transportation fatalities occurring annually on
a national level, the majority result from private vehicle
accidents or students who walk to school. She stated that reducing
pupil bus transportation funding would result in an increase in
parents delivering their children, would raise pollutant emissions,
would increase danger to children who would be required to walk to
school, and disrupt family schedules. She urged that pupil
transportation funding be maintained.
JODY MCINTOSH, Anchorage School District School Bus Driver,
testified via teleconference from Anchorage and expressed anger at
the proposed reduction to pupil transportation funding as it could
result in increased dangers to pupils. She stressed that current
programs are run efficiently and safely.
LARRY WIGET, Executive Director, Public Affairs, Anchorage School
District, testified via teleconference from Anchorage to voice, on
behalf of the Anchorage School District Superintendent, that the
Governor's proposed education funding reductions "would absolutely
devastate" efforts that have been undertaken by the Anchorage
school district to improve student achievement. He stressed that
fully funding the student foundation formula does not equate to
adequately "funding all components of the education budget." He
stated that this would also apply to funding for the University. He
quoted the Superintendent as saying that, "an education is the
ticket out of poverty, it's a ticket to a successful workforce,
it's the ticket to safe and healthy families where children are
stable and strong." He urged for full and increased school funding.
STEVE KALMES, Director of Transportation, Anchorage School
District, testified via teleconference from Anchorage and stated
that 40-percent of the City's school buses transfer special
education children who equate to approximately five percent of the
overall student population. He stated that because the District is
required by federal law to provide special education bus
transportation, the four million dollar pupil transportation
reduction specified in the budget could only be removed from the
$9.6 million remaining regular bus service funding. He stated that
were this done, either "a significant number of routes" would be
eliminated which would result in children being required to walk to
school or that the classroom dollars "would be severely cut."
ALAN MITCHELL testified via teleconference from Anchorage to voice
opposition to "any State funding of the southern intertie project,
the duplicate power line between Anchorage and the Kenai
Peninsula." He observed that the Committee appears to support this
position as it has earmarked $27 million in interest that was
earned on a prior intertie grant to be appropriated to the Alaska
Debt Retirement Fund. He stated that this action is contrary to the
action of the House of Representatives action, which desires to use
that interest to further subsidize the southern intertie project.
He opined that this project is not cost effective as studies
indicate, "that it would provide fifty cents of benefits to every
dollar of cost." He stated that this would equate to a $70 million
loss to the State's economy. Furthermore, he stated that were the
project cost effective, there would be no need for the State to
fund it, as the Railbelt electric utilities would be able to fund
and build it without the State's assistance. He stated that better
uses of the funding would be to fund education and reduce school
debt.
DEBORA STUDNEK, Anchorage School District School Bus Driver,
testified via teleconference from Anchorage and urged the Committee
to fully fund education "as the youth of today are the State's
greatest investment." She asked that any proposed education funding
reductions be reconsidered.
PAT REYNAPA, Registered Nurse, testified via teleconference from
Anchorage to voice support for funding the Tobacco Cessation and
Education program. She stated that the documented progress of the
program, to date, "has been encouraging." She urged that twenty-
percent of the Tobacco Settlement be allocated to fund this
program.
BILL BOUWENS, Member, Alaska Tobacco Control Alliance (ATCA)
testified via teleconference from Anchorage and urged the Committee
to fund the Tobacco Cessation and Education program fund at the
allowable twenty percent level.
SHERRY BYERS, Member, ATCA, testified via teleconference from
Anchorage and urged the Committee to fund the Tobacco Cessation and
Education program at the twenty percent level of the Tobacco
Settlement monies. She stated that the results of the programs have
"been amazing."
PHIL KALUZA testified via teleconference from Anchorage and spoke
in opposition to the southern intertie funding as proposed by the
House of Representatives. He urged that the interest earnings be
instead used to fund education needs in the State.
TIM STEELE, Member, Anchorage School Board, testified via
teleconference from Anchorage and reminded the Committee of
campaign promises in support of education. He stated that contrary
to the Governor's interpretation that full funding means funding
the base student education foundation formula, full funding should
include sufficient funds for such things as debt reimbursement,
transportation, out of district tuition funding, funding for
community schools, as well as to provide for the costs associated
with mandated programs. He avowed that schools "can't do more with
less."
PATRICIA SENNE, President, Alaska Nurses Association, testified via
teleconference from Anchorage and urged for support of the
Governor's proposed budget increase for the University. She stated
that the University's nursing programs assist in providing the
number of the nurses who would be required in the State.
RYAN WOLCOTT, Seventh Grade Student, Alyeska Central Correspondence
School, testified via teleconference from Anchorage and stated that
it appears that Legislators have not been listening to the
testimony that has been presented in support of continuing the
Alyeska Central Correspondence School. He stated that the teaching
services provided by the School are excellent. He noted that were
he to attend public school in Anchorage, the cost would be
approximately the same as that being paid for him to participate in
the Alyeska Central Correspondence School program.
SFC 03 # 53, Side A 08:46 PM
Mr. Wolcott urged the Committee to "save" Alyeska Central School
"as it is the best."
CINDY MICHOU testified via teleconference from Anchorage to voice
that Alyeska Central School would be needed more than ever because
the Anchorage school district "would not be receiving the level of
funding they need, especially for the summer school students." She
urged the Committee to fully fund K-12 education.
JAKE METCALFE, President, Anchorage School Board, testified via
teleconference from Anchorage and advocated for full funding
support of K-12 and University funding. He stated that the proposed
budget reductions proposed by the Governor "would pit lower
achieving students against higher achieving students." He suggested
that Committee Members spend a day in an elementary school
classroom in order to witness, "how hard our teachers work and what
type of education our children are receiving." He stated that
rather than promoting economic development, the proposed education
reductions would impose "economic destruction." He opined that the
Anchorage School District is being run efficiently. He suggested
that the money in the Permanent Fund should be considered to
support economic development.
RICH SEWELL, Past President and current Member, University of
Alaska Anchorage Alumni Association, testified via teleconference
from Anchorage and stated that in regards to economic development,
the University should be considered as an investment rather than an
expense. He asserted that the State should double the University's
budget request.
TINA DELAPP, Director, School of Nursing, University of Alaska
Anchorage, testified via teleconference from Anchorage and urged
support of K-12 and University funding. She stated that proposed
House of Representatives budget reductions slated for the
University "would decimate crucial programs," would lead to
students seeking their education outside of the State, "fail to
address crucial workforce shortages," and lead to "a decline in the
health and economic status" of the State." She urged the Committee
to support the Governor's proposed University budget.
BARBARA HAYR, Coordinator, Fair Valley Community School, testified
via teleconference from Anchorage and urged full funding for K-12,
University, and Community Schools. She stated that community
schools provide after-school tutoring programs and other programs
geared to improving student academic performance. She voiced
disbelief that any reductions in education programs are being
considered this year.
VICKY MARTIN testified via teleconference from Anchorage and voiced
support for continuing the Alyeska Central Correspondence School
Program, as it is a quality program "and the only viable choice for
many families." She stated that closing this school would not be a
cost-saving measure.
HALEY RUDDELL, Student, Alyeska Central Correspondence School,
testified via teleconference from Anchorage and voiced strong
support for continuing the program as opposed to eliminating it.
SEAN RUDDELL, Student, Alyeska Central Correspondence School,
testified via teleconference from Anchorage and stated that the
Legislators do not seem to be hearing any of the testimony that has
been presented in support of the correspondence program. He voiced
that closing this program would not save the State money, and that
the option of attending "overcrowded schools in need of repair"
where the "teachers are overworked" would not meet the needs of
many students such as himself.
FAY VON GEMMINGEN, President, Alaska Municipal League, testified
via teleconference from Anchorage and informed that in addition to
a downturn in the economy of many communities as well as population
decreases, such things as increasing operating costs and higher
insurance rates are hindering Alaska's local economy. She urged the
Committee to not reduce local municipal revenue sharing programs
and school funding, as this would place additional burdens on local
businesses.
TAMELA RAMICKE testified via teleconference from Anchorage to voice
support for continuing funding for programs that assist the
developmentally disabled.
VISTORIA SHAVER, Representative, Food Bank of Alaska, testified via
teleconference from Anchorage and urged that funding for the Human
Services Matching Grant program be restored. She noted that in
addition to providing basic funding for human service programs such
as food and shelter, this is the only State funding the Food Bank
of Alaska (FBA) receives.
CHERYL SCOTT, Families of Disabled Children, testified via
teleconference from Anchorage and shared her experiences with her
adopted child who suffers from developmental conditions resulting
from a premature birth and fetal alcohol syndrome. She stated that
services such as the Infant Learning program, K-12 special
education programs including bus transportation, DD programs, and
Medicaid waivers are some of the things that her family requires in
order to be able to care for their son. She stated that funding
reductions in these services would negatively impact families and
individuals. She stated that rather than being "a vegetable" as
originally diagnosed, her son, as a result of these programs, has
become an independent and production member of society. She urged
that disability program funding be restored.
RAY KREIG, Chairman, Chugach Consumers, testified via
teleconference from Anchorage, and urged the Legislators to support
the Governor's request that the $27 million in accrued interest
that has been generated from the southern intertie power system
program be returned to the general fund rather than being allocated
to the Railbelt Energy Fund. He stated that the Southern intertie
project would not be economical, and, he attested that "were it not
for the deplorable suppression" of Chugach Electric management, it
"would have been abandoned" long ago. He urged the Committee to not
use public funds to further "this dubious project" and to recover
other funds that have been allocated. He stressed that the money
should be allocated to the general fund or "be reappropriated to
benefit South Central Alaska's utility or "general government
school debt reduction."
MARY MARKS, Member, Anchorage School Board, testified via
teleconference from Anchorage and stated that, as a member of the
Board, she is responsible for 50,000 students. She stressed that no
reduction in K-12 education funding occur as full funding is
required in order to meet mandated education requirements.
REGINA MANTENFEL testified via teleconference from Anchorage and
urged for full funding support for the Anchorage Human Services
Block Grants that provide funding for such things as literacy
programs and the Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center. She asked
how many of the Members have participated in the program denoted on
the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) application that would
allow for some of their PFD to be donated to certain non-profit
education and human services organizations.
Senator Taylor responded that he and many of his colleagues have
participated in the program in the past. He noted his support in
developing that program and stated that people should be encouraged
to consider participating in it.
LOU THEISS, Girdwood Resident, testified via teleconference from
Anchorage regarding the need to continue community school funding,
especially in communities such as Girdwood, where other options are
limited and the school, alone, might be too small to meet the
community's need for after work and after school activities.
KYM WOLCOTT testified via teleconference from Anchorage in support
of continued funding for the Alyeska Central Correspondence School
program. She argued that, contrary to the Department of Education
and Early Development's position that eleven other education
options exist; several correspondence programs would not be
operating statewide programs. She also stated that closure of the
program would not result in any cost savings, and that absorbing
these students back into their district schools would serve to
worsen over-crowding conditions. She concluded that were Governor
Murkowski and his administration committed to providing a quality
education in the State, they would not close Alyeska Central
Correspondence School.
JOELLE SHALL, Representative, Alaska Tobacco for Kids, testified
via teleconference from Anchorage and stated that the full twenty-
percent of the Tobacco Master settlement funding should be spent on
Tobacco Cessation and Education programs rather than being spent on
other non-related projects.
JOHN STEINER, Anchorage School District, testified via
teleconference from Anchorage and voiced understanding for the
fiscal challenges facing the State and the tough decisions that
Legislators must make. He noted, however, that any further
education funding reduction from the FY 03 funding levels would not
be possible. He suggested that funding be decreased or deferred for
other discretionary programs, as he declared funding for education
could not be categorized as discretionary, as funding must be
available to provide quality education opportunities to students as
they advance, each year, toward graduation. He stated that the "no
child left behind" program must be upheld.
ALLISON BUTLER, Biology Instructor, University of Alaska Anchorage,
testified via teleconference from Anchorage and pointed out that
insufficient funding of the University system would not only
negatively affect the programs that the University offers, it also
would negatively affect the future workforce of Alaska, especially
in health care programs such as nursing.
JILL GATES, Member, Alaska Tobacco Control Alliance, and former
Director, Prevention Program, American Cancer Society, testified
via teleconference from Anchorage and strongly recommended that the
Tobacco Cessation and Education program be funded at the full
twenty-percent level. She stated that these programs are successful
and save lives.
LEE GORSUCH, Chancellor, University Alaska Anchorage, testified via
teleconference from Anchorage in support of Representative Norm
Rokeberg's legislation that would establish a funding source to
fully fund K-12 education and University funding "by repealing the
supplemental contribution to the Alaska Permanent Fund." He noted
that, while several funding options have been investigated over the
years, this would an "appropriate and adequate" approach.
SHIRLEY EVANS, Representative, Developmental Disability Community,
testified via teleconference from Anchorage and requested that the
$2.2 DD funding be reinstated in the budget. She shared how this
funding assisted her family with caring for their disabled daughter
and allowed the family's needs to be addressed.
GRAHAM SIEBE, Student, University Alaska Anchorage, testified via
teleconference from Anchorage and communicated to the Committee
"the strong momentum" of progress that has been occurring at
University campuses. He stressed that without adequate funding this
momentum would be negatively affected. He stated that continued
momentum would allow the University to develop "the future leaders
of Alaska" rather than losing them to other states.
CAROL COMEAU, Superintendent, Anchorage School District, testified
via teleconference from Anchorage and implored the Committee to
restore K-12, pupil transportation, and school debt reimbursement
funding levels that are proposed to be reduced in the FY 04 budget.
She stated that K-12 education, the Alyeska Central Correspondence
School, and the University each provide essential services and
should not be pitted against each other. She asked that Committee
Members "remember their commitment to education when they ran for
office" as the State's students and educators deserve Legislators'
full support.
REBECCA REICHLIN testified via teleconference from Anchorage and
asked for that full funding for education be provided in the
budget. She stressed that opportunity grant money, pupil
transportation funding, and debt reimbursement funds are critical
to schools. She also noted that all age groups benefit from the
services that are provided by community schools, and she asked that
funding for these programs not be eliminated.
ADJOURNMENT
Co-Chair Lyda Green adjourned the meeting at 09:25 PM
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