Legislature(2005 - 2006)SENATE FINANCE 532
04/06/2006 05:30 PM Senate FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB365 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 365 | TELECONFERENCED | |
MINUTES
SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE
April 6, 2006
5:30 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Gary Wilken convened the meeting at approximately
5:30:09 PM.
PRESENT
Senator Lyda Green, Co-Chair
Senator Gary Wilken, Co-Chair
Senator Con Bunde, Vice-Chair
Senator Donny Olson
Senator Lyman Hoffman
Senator Fred Dyson
Senator Bert Stedman
Also Attending: Witnesses are listed in the body of the minutes
in the order they testified.
SUMMARY INFORMATION
HB 365-APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUNDS
The Committee heard public testimony from residents of
Fairbanks, Mat-Su, Anchorage, Glennallen, Seward, Homer, Kenai,
Kodiak and Dillingham. The bill was held in Committee.
5:30:25 PM
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 365(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; making appropriations for state
aid to public schools, centralized correspondence study,
and transportation of pupils; and providing for an
effective date."
This was the second hearing for this bill in the Senate Finance
Committee.
5:31:25 PM
Co-Chair Wilken noted the committee substitute adopted at the
previous hearing restored funding for public radio to 100
percent of the amount requested by Governor Murkowski and public
television to 75 percent. He would point out other changes as
the topics arise.
Co-Chair Wilken announced testimony would be limited to three
minutes.
5:32:24 PM
TYLER WHITE testified via teleconference from Fairbanks, to
request funding to decrease the waitlist for services for the
special needs population. He also spoke in support for a
governor's counsel and the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority.
5:33:18 PM
JOAN WALSER, Alaska Statewide Mentor Project, testified via
teleconference from Fairbanks, to request full funding for the
mentor project. It should be viewed as an investment rather than
an expense. She detailed the project and the benefits it
provides.
5:36:55 PM
Senator Bunde asked what level Ms. Walser taught and where she
taught and mentored.
5:37:10 PM
Ms. Walser listed the Lower Yukon School District, Southwest
Region School District, the Department of Education at the
University of Alaska, and the Fairbanks School District. She
mentors teachers in Fairbanks, the Northwest Arctic Borough,
Delta-Greely, Alaska Gateway Borough and Copper River.
5:37:36 PM
Co-Chair Wilken told of ongoing efforts to identify funding
sources for this program. The issue has received significant
attention within the legislature and he supported the program.
5:38:06 PM
JAN LITTLEBEAR, Anchorage School District employee, testified
via teleconference from Fairbanks in support of the Alaska
Statewide Mentoring Project. She spoke of the intensive training
the mentors receive to enable them to share with new teachers.
She quoted one of her mentor students, "A teacher without a
mentor is like an apprentice without a master."
5:41:52 PM
LYNDA GARCIA reading the testimony of DAN WOLF testified via
teleconference from Mat-Su about the Palmer Pioneers' Home. Mr.
Wolf's 93-year old mother is a long-time Alaskan and resident of
the Palmer facility. He requested funding to hire new positions
in anticipation of increased resident population needs.
5:44:02 PM
Co-Chair Wilken noted that the Governor had requested $1.5
million and the Senate Finance Committee proposed to appropriate
$900,000 of that request.
5:44:26 PM
Co-Chair Green relayed that the Department of Health and Social
Services indicated that funding to operate the program for nine
months would be sufficient due to hiring delays. The positions
would not likely be filled immediately upon the start of the
fiscal year.
5:45:28 PM
GABRIEL LAYMAN, Palmer Senior Citizens Center, testified via
teleconference from Mat-Su to support funding for flexible long-
term care services. This is a long-standing program that has
proven to allow seniors to remain in their homes, thus saving
the State considerable nursing home costs.
5:48:48 PM
CHRIS MINOZA, Lifelong Alaskan, testified via teleconference
from Mat-Su in support of the Alaska Youth First program.
Acceptance in this program and the training it provided has
greatly assisted him in obtaining employment operating heavy
equipment. His case manager provided him with opportunities for
hands-on training and financial support.
5:50:45 PM
BOB WILLIAMS testified via teleconference from Fairbanks, that
he formerly taught in the Palmer School District and currently
participates in the mentoring program, guiding teachers in
various locations of the state. He told of the benefits mentors
provide new teachers. He thanked the Committee for restoring
partial funding and encouraged efforts to secure full funding.
5:54:15 PM
EDITH TOMANY testified via teleconference from Fairbanks, in
appreciation of the funding for public radio and television. She
has donated time and money to both. She hoped public television
could be funded 100 percent.
5:55:36 PM
DICK TOMANY testified via teleconference from Fairbanks, that in
1992 the State funded public broadcasting with $7.5 million.
That amount was reduced to $3.1 million in 2006 and would be
less in 2007. He applauded the restored funding the Committee
provided.
5:57:09 PM
Co-Chair Wilken invited written testimony.
5:57:45 PM
JOHN CANNON, Executive Director, Mat-Su Services for Children
and Adults, testified via teleconference from Mat-Su to continue
funding for community developmental disability services.
Families that had anticipated they would receive services, based
on the Governor's proposed budget, would be disappointed. The
surplus funding should be utilized for these programs.
5:59:16 PM
Senator Bunde remarked that the State does not have surplus
funding and actually has a deficit of over $11 billion. While
not intending to demean the needs of those on the wait list, if
the entire Governor's budget request were granted, the State
would have a $50 million deficit.
6:00:03 PM
SARAH WELTON, Mat-Su School Board, testified via teleconference
from Mat-Su that this area has the fastest growing population in
the State. The increased student population would fiscally
impact the community. Municipal assistance funding would be
appreciated by the school district. The school district has
achieved significant savings from energy saving efforts;
however, energy costs have increased.
6:01:53 PM
Senator Bunde expressed that municipal revenue funding must be
funded through a sustainable base. Oil prices would not be
stable, only the Alaska Permanent Fund could provide a stable
source. He asked if the witness supported use of the Fund for
municipal revenue sharing.
Ms. Welton replied that she did.
6:02:46 PM
ROB WELLS, Mat-Su School Board, testified via teleconference
from Mat-Su in support of the Alaska Statewide Mentor Project.
He appreciated past funding for this program as well as for
transportation projects.
6:03:47 PM
LESLIE YAMAMOTO testified via teleconference from Fairbanks
about her 19-year old mentally developmentally disabled son. He
has received services for the last seven years, which have
improved his quality of life and allowed him to remain in the
family home. She requested the Committee provide the funding
amount requested by a governor's counsel and the Mental Health
Trust Authority so other families currently on the wait list
could receive services.
6:06:14 PM
JENNIFER MCBEATH testified via teleconference from Fairbanks to
request funding for the Alaska Potato Export program. She
detailed the possibilities of marketing seed potatoes to Asian
countries. She developed a variety of seed potatoes that are
resistant to disease and rot through her research at the
University of Alaska. Not funding this program would negate all
efforts to date.
6:09:52 PM
JOHN BROWN, Volunteer Board Member, Tanana Valley Boys and Girls
Club, testified via teleconference from Fairbanks, to request
funding for the Alaska Youth Initiative. Alaska has high
instances of youth suicide and substance abuse. Programs such as
this have proven success rates for reducing these problems. The
Boys and Girls Clubs are private and provide the majority of
their funding.
6:12:07 PM
Co-Chair Wilken commented that the Governor's budget set high
expectations in increasing spending 21 percent from the previous
year. Such an increase would not be sustainable. While he
supported the efforts of the Boys and Girls Club, decisions as
to which funding requests to grant were required.
6:13:07 PM
JEAN CHAPMAN testified via teleconference from Mat-Su to request
full staffing of the Palmer Pioneers' Home. Her husband is a
resident of the facility and she detailed his long active
history in Alaska. She has witnessed deteriorating circumstances
resulting from increased patients but no increase in personnel.
6:14:53 PM
Co-Chair Wilken reiterated Co-Chair Green's statement about the
funding for this issue. In addition, funding was appropriated
for the nursing program, and construction at the Palmer
Pioneers' Home. Both his parents spent their final days in a
Pioneer Home and he appreciated the importance of the
facilities.
6:15:35 PM
NANCY SCHRAMM testified via teleconference from Mat-Su that her
mother is a resident of the Palmer Pioneer Home. Ms. Schramm
requested funding for the facility. There is not enough staffing
to provide care for the increasing number of residents suffering
from dementia. Her mother suffered falls and injuries, which she
attributed to inadequate staffing attention. Pioneers' Homes
should not become a warehouse for those suffering from dementia.
6:19:33 PM
SUZANNE CYR, Elementary School Principal, testified via
teleconference from Mat-Su in support of the Alaska Statewide
Mentor Program. She told of a new teacher who benefited from the
program and the advances this teacher has made.
6:21:26 PM
BUZZY CHIU, General Manager, Bridgewater Hotel, and Volunteer
Board Member, Boys and Girls Club, testified via teleconference
from Fairbanks about the importance of the organization. As a
business manager she has hired many teenaged employees for their
first job. The Boys and Girls Club has provided skills necessary
for jobs in addition to improving their self-esteem. This is a
prevention program that costs $500 per child compared to $50,000
to incarcerate a child at the McLaughlin Youth Center each year.
6:23:51 PM
DAN JOHNSON, Interior Region Emergency Medical Services Council,
testified via teleconference from Fairbanks, about the private
non-profit organization funded primarily with grants through the
Department of Health and Social Services. Emergency Services
have not received increased funding for 15 years and many
reductions have been necessary due to increased expenses.
Although the Governor did not include funding for this program,
the House of Representatives has approved over $400,000 for
statewide services. He asked that the Senate also approve this
funding.
6:27:42 PM
KATHIE COOK testified via teleconference from Fairbanks to thank
Co-Chair Wilken for identifying funding for the Alaska Statewide
Mentoring Program. She told of her work with developmentally
disabled students and the importance of providing new teachers
with the skills and confidence necessary to teach.
6:29:23 PM
ROGER HEBERT, Nurse, Palmer Pioneers' Home, testified via
teleconference from Mat-Su that when he began working at the
facility 15 years prior, the majority of the residents were
fully functional. Today only two residents fit that category
with most others requiring significantly more assistance. The
frequency of falls increases with fewer staff.
6:31:19 PM
CLIFF JUDKINS, Member, Alaska Board of Game, testified via
teleconference from Mat-Su that the Governor requested over $2
million for Wildlife Conservation programs. Due to a high
predator population, fewer hunters are able to get a moose or
caribou. The five ongoing predator control programs are in
jeopardy due to lack of funding.
6:33:18 PM
ROD ARNO, Executive Director, Alaska Outdoor Council, testified
via teleconference from Mat-Su, that the Council had voted
unanimously to support the Governor's request for the Division
of Wildlife Conservation. Funding is necessary to do the surveys
and studies required to continue predator control programs.
6:34:38 PM
CHUCK KAUCIC testified via teleconference from Mat-Su that the
Palmer Pioneers' Home is a part of the local community, serving
as a location for worship services, Boy Scouts of America
meetings and other events. Residents of the facility require
more care than was necessary in the past. Nurses are available
for employment at the Palmer Pioneers' Home.
6:36:40 PM
Co-Chair Wilken limited testimony to two minutes to allow the
numerous Fairbanks residents present an opportunity to
participate.
6:36:49 PM
TABOR REHBAUM testified via teleconference from Fairbanks on
behalf of the Arctic Alliance for People and Big Brothers Big
Sisters. She requested funding the full amount the Governor
requested for the Department of Health and Social Services
Community Matching Block Grants. She also requested at least a
portion of the requested funding for the Youth Success
Initiative.
6:39:48 PM
ALBERT PAGH testified via teleconference from Fairbanks about
the Interior forestry industry. Interest has been expressed in
timber harvesting in the region, which would benefit the economy
and reduce wildfires.
6:41:42 PM
ANNE DELAUNE testified via teleconference from Fairbanks to
thank the Committee for restoring funding to public radio. She
requested full funding for public television as well. She spoke
to the benefits of children's educational programs. These
services are non-expendable.
6:43:29 PM
DICK BURLEY, Member, Alaska Board of Game, testified via
teleconference from Fairbanks that in three days of testimony,
the Board heard overwhelming support of intensive management
programs. These programs are expensive to implement due to the
extensive survey and study requirements.
6:45:26 PM
SCOTT PETERS testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in
appreciation of restored funding to public radio and television.
Public television offers the only appropriate programming for
his children.
6:46:34 PM
BETH REAGIN testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in
support of the Alaska Youth First Initiative. She told of her
community service. Workforce needs would increase in the next
few years and trained workers would be needed. She hoped for
increased graduation rates and better-trained youth.
6:49:50 PM
BARBARA SCHUHMANN testified via teleconference from Fairbanks as
a fan of the local public radio and television station. News
reports are independent and not unduly influenced. She could
allow her daughters to enjoy public broadcasting without
supervision, as the programming would be appropriate. Reduced
State funding would jeopardize federal funding.
6:52:17 PM
CHERYL KEEPERS, Employee of Fairbanks North Star Borough,
testified via teleconference from Fairbanks about reduced
funding allocated to health and human services programs. This
occurred when the Mat-Su Borough became eligible for
participation in the Community Matching Block Grant program and
the total funding was distributed among more recipients.
6:54:45 PM
Co-Chair Wilken noted written testimony submitted by Luke
Hopkins, Presiding Officer of the Fairbanks North Star Borough
Assembly in support of this funding as well.
6:54:54 PM
DICK BISHOP testified via teleconference from Fairbanks about
his long-time support for sound fish and game management. He
requested that the Division of Wildlife Conservation receive the
full amount requested by the Governor.
6:57:20 PM
JOHN DAVIES testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in
support of funding the maximum amount possible of the University
of Alaska Board of Regents' request. He requested increased
funding for Department of Health and Social Services Community
Matching Block Grant program for feeding the hungry.
6:59:57 PM
BOB ZACHEL, Sawmill Operator, testified via teleconference from
Fairbanks to request funding for the Division of Forestry for
Interior timber activities. He also supported funding for public
television.
7:01:14 PM
GILBERT BOOTH testified via teleconference from Fairbanks that
the University of Alaska is an investment. Many Alaskan high
school students choose to attend schools outside the State
because the programs they seek are not offered by the University
of Alaska system. Many of these people do not return.
7:03:20 PM
KARA NYQUIST testified via teleconference from Anchorage on
behalf of 19 service providers of children and youth to request
the Committee reinstate childrens' Medicaid funding,
specifically funding to return youth currently in out-of-state
residential treatment programs to the State. These are not
optional services.
7:05:25 PM
Co-Chair Green noted that funding for the Bring the Kids Home
initiative is included in several line items of the budget.
Ms. Nyquist responded that one component was not addressed.
7:05:58 PM
Co-Chair Wilken indicated the issue would be researched.
7:07:03 PM
LORIE MORRIS, Executive Director, Alaska Baptist Family
Services, testified via teleconference from Anchorage about the
residential treatment center for children. Providers have not
received a rate increase since the reimbursement programs'
inception in 1997. The Governor's requested amount would provide
an 18 percent increase to offset inflation.
7:09:36 PM
JOHN DEDE, Volunteer Board Member, Boys and Girls Club,
testified via teleconference from Anchorage in support of
funding for the organization's programs to assist youth.
7:11:37 PM
Senator Bunde excused himself for a prior commitment.
7:11:54 PM
WILMA VINTON testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in
support of funding to allow family members to provide care for
dementia sufferers. The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority has
assisted in these efforts. This is not a new program. Her mother
benefited from this program. She also requested funding for
emergency medical services programs.
7:14:52 PM
JANET HALVERSON testified via teleconference from Fairbanks that
the State made a wise choice in establishing the pioneers'
homes. An aging population has increased the demands on the
facilities with more residents requiring higher levels of care.
7:17:54 PM
Co-Chair Wilken noted the Committee did fully fund the
Governor's request for staffing. He agreed the needs are
growing.
7:18:27 PM
Co-Chair Green pointed out this is in addition to the $36
million appropriated to the Pioneers' Homes.
7:18:48 PM
TEISHA SIMMONS testified via teleconference from Fairbanks about
her spinal injury and services she received from the Independent
Living Center. She has since graduated from the University of
Alaska, Fairbanks, is employed and is a taxpayer. She would not
have accomplished this without the Center's assistance.
7:21:07 PM
JOE HAYES, Director, University of Alaska Alumni Association,
testified via teleconference from Fairbanks to request the
Committee's $4 million reduction to the Governor's request be
restored.
7:22:36 PM
BRUCE BARTLEY, Chief, Chugiak Fire and Rescue, testified via
teleconference from Anchorage that the emergency medical
services programs have received flat funding for many years. He
expounded on the services provided by the mostly volunteer
agencies.
7:24:51 PM
JONATHAN DONEY, University of Alaska student, testified via
teleconference from Anchorage in support of the Alaska Youth
First program. He participated in a similar program while in
high school.
7:26:13 PM
ALANA HUMPHREY, Vice President, Clubhouse Operations, Boys and
Girls Club, testified via teleconference from Anchorage that she
joined the organization several years ago because of the
benefits it provides young people. The Alaska Youth First
program would help young people achieve their potential.
7:29:04 PM
LOU GROSS, Director, North Star Council on Aging, testified via
teleconference from Fairbanks to request the amount of funding
the governor proposed for the Human Services Community Matching
Block Grant. The local Meals on Wheels program provides the only
hot meals many elderly residents in the community receive. He
expressed willingness to utilize earnings of the Alaska
Permanent Fund for certain government services.
7:32:42 PM
TIM SHARP testified via teleconference from Fairbanks against
the elimination of three wage and hour officer positions. These
officers are necessary to enforce the Governor's Alaska Hire
initiative.
7:34:25 PM
Co-Chair Wilken noted that the House of Representatives approved
$99,700 for these positions. He would review the matter.
7:34:40 PM
DAVE GARDNER testified via teleconference from Fairbanks to
emphasize the importance of public broadcasting in Alaska. He
requested the full amount proposed be restored for public
television.
7:36:01 PM
HISA FALLICO, Registered Nurse, Department Health and Human
Services, Municipality of Anchorage, testified via
teleconference from Anchorage to request full funding of the
Alaskan Immunization Registry. She told of the importance of
having this information for preventative measures. Baseline data
would be vital in the event of a pandemic.
7:39:21 PM
Co-Chair Wilken was not aware of this omission and would
investigate.
7:39:27 PM
BARB JEWELL, Covenant House Alaska, testified via teleconference
from Anchorage in support of funding for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
treatment programs. She described the afflicted children the
organization serves.
7:40:57 PM
Senator Dyson thanked Ms. Jewell for her efforts in helping
those with prenatal alcohol diseases.
7:41:41 PM
ALEX JOHNSTON, Director, Statewide Initiatives, Big Brothers Big
Sisters, testified via teleconference from Anchorage in support
of funding for the organization. She listed the innovation
partnerships to reach at-risk children in the state.
7:44:24 PM
JUDY CORDELL, Executive Director, Abused Women's Aid in Crisis
(AWAIC), testified via teleconference from Anchorage about the
women and children's shelter and the victims it serves. The
center has received flat funding for several years, which equals
"serious cuts". This and other shelters have been successful at
securing funding from other sources, including private
corporations.
7:47:04 PM
DON ALSPACH testified via teleconference from Anchorage that he
and his wife view public television and contribute financially
to its operation. They requested full funding, noting the use of
shared facilities to limit expenses.
7:49:24 PM
DEBBIE NEWSHAM testified via teleconference from Anchorage that
she is a caregiver to her father who suffers from Alzheimer's
and she has cared for other family members. The ten hours of
respite she receives each week from agency assistance allows her
to meet other family obligations.
7:51:36 PM
RONNI SULLIVAN, Director, Southern Region Emergency Medical
Services, testified via teleconference from Anchorage that the
organization is a basic health care provider. The State has an
obligation to support these efforts.
7:55:06 PM
VERN MCCORKLE testified via teleconference from Anchorage that
he volunteers time and money to public broadcasting. Alaska is
one of the most "wired" states in the nation, yet many
communities only have access to public television. Public
television is the one entity that has no commercial obligation
or political influence. The local station operates very
efficiently. He writes a monthly public broadcasting magazine.
7:58:02 PM
DAN DUNAWAY testified via teleconference from Dillingham to
thank the Committee for restoring funding for public radio. He
asked for additional funding to allow the continuation of
services.
7:59:49 PM
RON BOWERS testified via teleconference from Dillingham about
the $428,000 the House of Representatives approved for emergency
medical services programs. The non-profit organizations have
been flat-funded since 1990.
8:01:50 PM
ROBERT FITHIAN, Master Guide, representing the Alaska
Professional Hunters Association, testified via teleconference
from Glennallen to request funding for Wildlife Conservation
efforts. Failure to properly manage these resources represents a
lapse in stewardship. The worldview of Alaska is of wild places
and wild things rather than industrial accomplishments.
8:05:13 PM
ROBERT PURCELL, former Fire Chief, City of Homer, testified via
teleconference from Homer about the need for office space for
the local fire department. Homer and the southern Kenai
Peninsula had been identified as the highest wild land fire risk
area in the state.
8:07:45 PM
TERRY ANDERSON testified via teleconference from Homer in favor
of including $50,000 for the emergency medical service program
that was approved by the House of Representatives. The Homer-
area program has a proven track record. Fire suppression is
actually a failure of fire prevention. This program is a cheap
insurance policy.
8:09:36 PM
Co-Chair Wilken informed that Senator Gary Stevens has brought
this issue to his attention and efforts were underway to address
the need.
8:09:53 PM
MAKO HAGGERTY testified via teleconference from Homer that he
serves on the board of directors of the local public radio
station. A strong public broadcasting system relies on both
radio and television.
8:12:20 PM
MARGARET GILMAN, Assembly Member, Kenai Peninsula Borough,
testified via teleconference from Kenai to the need for
municipal revenue sharing. If received, the funds would be used
for property tax relief. She appreciated the increased funding
for education, but noted that 90 percent would be applied to
fixed cost increases. The area cost differential must also be
addressed as the local district is impacted significantly.
8:15:34 PM
ELIJAH STAFFORD, Talents, testified via teleconference from
Kenai that he benefited from the Independent Learning Center. He
requested increased funding for the program.
8:17:15 PM
BETTY WALTERS, Superintendent, Kodiak School District, testified
via teleconference from Kodiak that the Alaska Statewide Mentor
Program has benefited the district significantly. Alaska
students deserve the best that could be provided.
8:19:08 PM
WALLY JOHNSON testified via teleconference from Kodiak to thank
the Committee for recommending that public radio remain at least
the same as allocated the previous year. The legislature's
challenge was to increase fundraising efforts and the "seed
money" provided would be used for this.
8:20:34 PM
PAUL PELLEGRINI, Chair, Kachemak Bay Emergency Service Area,
testified via teleconference from Homer that the three witnesses
testifying on this issue from Homer represent about 80 years of
fire fighting experience.
8:22:21 PM
LORETTA SPAULDING, Talents, testified via teleconference from
Kenai to thank Co-Chair Wilken for restoring funding to the
Independent Living Center. She told of the services provided by
the Talents program and students with disabilities and high-risk
youth who have benefited from the employment training programs.
8:24:27 PM
EILEEN BRYSON, Teacher, Kenai School District, testified via
teleconference from Kenai to express concern about the increased
needs. She requested the Committee address the area cost
differential.
8:26:10 PM
JACK WALSH, Personnel Director, Kodiak School District,
testified via teleconference from Kodiak about the importance of
the Statewide Mentor Project. He also requested the Committee
adopt the area cost differential, as expenses are higher in
rural areas and must be addressed.
8:27:33 PM
GENEVIEVE STEVENS, Retired Educator and community volunteer,
testified via teleconference from Kodiak that public radio is a
staple in Kodiak and communities across the state. Rural areas
rely on both public radio and television to keep communities
strong, informed and connected.
ADJOURNMENT
Co-Chair Gary Wilken adjourned the meeting at 8:30:22 PM
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