Legislature(2005 - 2006)SENATE FINANCE 532
04/12/2005 09:00 AM Senate FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB66 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 66 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 67 | TELECONFERENCED | |
MINUTES
SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE
April 12, 2005
9:07 a.m.
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Wilken convened the meeting at approximately 9:07:38 AM.
PRESENT
Senator Gary Wilken, Co-Chair
Senator Lyda Green, Co-Chair
Senator Bert Stedman
Senator Donny Olson
Senator Lyman Hoffman
Senator Fred Dyson
Senator Con Bunde
Also Attending: Testifiers are listed in the minutes in the order
they testified.
SUMMARY INFORMATION
HB 67-APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUNDS
HB 66-APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET
The Committee adopted committee substitute for both bill and heard
public testimony. The bills were held in Committee.
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 67(FIN)(brf sup maj fld)
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan
program expenses of state government, for certain programs,
and to capitalize funds; and providing for an effective date."
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 66(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."
The Committee scheduled testimony from the Legislative Information
Offices in Bethel, Nome, Kotzebue, Barrow, Tok, Delta Junction,
Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, Sitka, Cordova and Valdez.
Senator Stedman moved for adoption of CS HB 67, 24-GH1073\L as a
working document.
Without objection the committee substitute was ADOPTED.
9:09:18 AM
Senator Stedman moved for adoption of CS HB 66, 24-GH1075\Y as a
working document.
There was no objection and the committee substitute was ADOPTED.
9:10:11 AM
Co-Chair Wilken outlined the public testimony procedures.
9:12:15 AM
CHARLENE SACLAMANA testified via teleconference from Nome directed
testimony to page 26 of HB 67 and requested increased funding for
the Local Emergency Planning Committee.
9:15:10 AM
Co-Chair Wilken spoke to the budget subcommittee's efforts in
securing an additional $100,000 for this component, increasing the
amount to $150,000. Efforts would continue to secure the total
$300,000 requested. He detailed the process in examining this
program.
AT EASE 9:16:47 AM/9:17:38 AM
9:17:40 AM
JOAN HAMILTON, Chair, Bethel Broadcasting Board testified via
teleconference from Bethel to thank the Committee for support of
public radio broadcasting. Public radio is important in emergency
broadcasting and in providing weather reports, critical to the
region.
9:20:44 AM
Senator Hoffman asked the status of the Camai Festival.
Ms. Hamilton reported the festival was a success and Senator
Hoffman's presence was missed.
AT EASE 9:21:29 AM/9:34:55 AM
9:35:34 AM
NATE OLEMAUN, Mayor, City of Barrow, testified via teleconference
from Barrow in reference to a resolution adopted by the city
council in opposition to municipal funding reductions. He spoke to
the increased employer contributions required for the Public
Employees Retirement System (PERS), increased insurance costs and
other expenses.
9:39:45 AM
Co-Chair Wilken noted that the PERS and Teachers Retirement System
(TRS) issue has been undertaken by this legislature and
characterized by Co-Chair Green as the most difficult issue she has
faced in her tenure. Co-Chair Wilken appreciated the assistance of
municipality officials and the House of Representative in achieving
a solution in reforming the retirement system.
9:41:13 AM
Co-Chair Green informed that a fiscal note accompanying SB 141,
reforming PERS and TRS, contains funding to municipalities to
offset increased PERS and TRS costs.
9:41:58 AM
Senator Olson thanked the mayor for his testimony.
9:42:34 AM
MARY HAKALA, education advocate, testified in Juneau that funding
for education must be "substantial enough to reach the classroom."
She estimated this to be approximately $85 to $90 million in
increased funding.
9:44:22 AM
AT EASE 9:44:40 AM/10:08:18 AM
10:08:35 AM
JACK SHAY, representing the Ketchikan Gateway Borough and the City
of Ketchikan, testified via teleconference from Ketchikan about the
increased costs for PERS and TRS. Although every one-dollar
increase in the price per barrel of oil generates approximately $65
million in additional revenue to the State, the cost to
municipalities is approximately $20 for the increased fuel costs.
He thanked the Committee for continuing the funding for public
broadcasting at the FY 05 level. The municipalities need as much
assistance as possible.
Co-Chair Wilken requested Mr. Shay's assistance in the retirement
system reform.
Senator Stedman furthered the request that Mr. Shay encourage the
Borough and the City in this effort, as the sooner a remedy is
agreed upon, the sooner relief could be possible.
Mr. Shay assured he would contribute what he could.
10:13:41 AM
ROBERT PRUNELLA, City Manager, City of Wrangell, testified via
teleconference from Wrangell, that the increased costs of PERS/TRS
is "killing me." Insurance rates have also increased.
10:15:11 AM
Senator Stedman reiterated his statement made to Mr. Shay that the
Committee could use assistance from municipal officials in
reforming the PERS and TRS retirement systems.
Mr. Prunella indicated he would speak to the city council on the
matter.
AT EASE 10:16:35 AM/10:25:18 AM
10:25:33 AM
DAN ETULAIN, President, North Star Television Network, and 20-year
member of public broadcasting organization, testified via
teleconference from Sitka about the benefits of public broadcasting
for his community. He was pleased the legislature supported
continued funding for public broadcasting. Commercial broadcasting
is his livelihood; public broadcasting is his passion.
10:27:45 AM
Senator Stedman clarified the witness is comfortable with the
funding levels proposed.
Mr. Etulain affirmed the level is adequate for continued
operations. He noted the amount is less than in the past, although
fund raising efforts are compensating.
AT EASE 10:29:08 AM/10:50:55 AM
Co-Chair Wilken announced that public testimony would continue at 5
pm.
Co-Chair Wilken ordered the bill HELD in Committee.
ADJOURNMENT
Co-Chair Wilken adjourned the meeting at 10:52 AM
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