Legislature(2005 - 2006)SENATE FINANCE 532
04/08/2006 01:00 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 8, 2006
1:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Gary Wilken convened the meeting at approximately
1:00:27 PM.
PRESENT
Senator Lyda Green, Co-Chair
Senator Gary Wilken, Co-Chair
Senator Fred Dyson
Senator Lyman Hoffman
Senator Donny Olson
Also Attending: Testifiers are listed in the body of the
minutes in the order they spoke.
SUMMARY INFORMATION
HB 365-APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUNDS
The Committee heard testimony from residents of Juneau and other
locations in the state. The bill was held in Committee.
1:00:41 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 fourth hearing for this bill in the Senate Finance
Committee.
1:01:48 PM
FLORENCE COLLINS testified via teleconference from an offnet
location in Fairbanks that she is a resident of the Fairbanks
Pioneers' Home and her husband resided at the facility before
his death. The level of care is jeopardized due to inadequate
staffing numbers.
1:04:21 PM
Co-Chair Wilken noted that the Committee approved $284,000 for
additional Certified Nurse Aid positions, $904,000 to remodel 18
beds across the state and $907,500 for increased staffing. The
over $2 million should assist in addressing the needs of the
Pioneers' Homes this year with continued efforts intended for
the following year.
1:05:14 PM
SUZANNE BAKLKEN testified via teleconference from an offnet
location in Fairbanks that she and her husband reside at the
Fairbanks Pioneers' Home following their involvement in a
serious automobile accident. The staffing levels must be
increased to provide adequate care. The quality of care is
excellent and should be retained.
1:07:15 PM
JOE BANGHART, Superintendent, Iditarod Area School District,
testified via teleconference from an offnet location in McGrath
that the $90 million appropriation to education proposed by the
Governor should be increased to at least $120 million. High oil
prices have increased expenses. Salaries should be increased to
allow for the recruitment and retention of qualified teachers.
He also requested the cost differential needs be addressed, as
McGrath receives only 61 cents on the dollar compared to
Anchorage.
1:09:58 PM
Co-Chair Wilken corrected that McGrath is receiving the full
student "dollar" for each one of its students. The study in
which the cost differential claims are cited refers only to new
students.
1:10:42 PM
LINDA GARCIA testified via teleconference from an offnet
location in Palmer, reading the testimony of a resident of the
Palmer Pioneers' Home requesting additional staffing for the
facility.
1:11:18 PM
MARIE STRADBERG testified via teleconference from an offnet
location in Palmer about the extraordinary care she has received
as a resident of the Palmer Pioneers' Home. She requested
additional funding.
1:12:38 PM
FREDDIE YOUNG testified via teleconference from an offnet
location in Sitka that she receives Level 3 care at the Sitka
Pioneers' Home. The facility needs additional nurses and aides.
Although the Home is a pleasant place to live, existing
caregivers are overextended.
1:15:23 PM
ROYCE PURITAN, Mayor, City of Nulato testified via
teleconference from an offnet location in Nulato referencing
written testimony he submitted to the Committee. He spoke of the
Athabaskan community and the expenses of this second-class city
that has no income except from a fuel depot.
1:19:38 PM
Co-Chair Wilken assumed Mayor Puritan supported municipal
revenue sharing.
Mr. Puritan affirmed.
1:20:06 PM
MARIANNE MILLS, Juneau resident, testified via teleconference
from an offnet location on the Kenai Peninsula about an
organization that lobbies for services for senior citizens. She
spoke of the benefits and importance of the flexible long-term
care program.
1:22:42 PM
JAMES KULAS, Environmental Superintendent, Red Dog Mine,
testified via teleconference from an offnet location near
Kotzebue to request funding for the Kotzebue Vocational
Technical Center. The Center has adopted programs to help
fulfill the mine's commitment to hire 100 percent locally.
1:24:06 PM
Senator Olson asked the number of participants who attend the
program each year.
1:24:17 PM
Mr. Kulas replied that the number varies depending on the
employment needs. Over 100 students have gone through the
program since 1997.
1:24:36 PM
Co-Chair Wilken noted the funding reduction is in federal funds,
which is occurring for many programs statewide.
1:25:05 PM
MAYNARD MILLER, Dr, Foundation for Glacier Research, testified
via teleconference from an offnet location to the benefits of
the University of Alaska, Southeast. He requested funding to
strengthen the science and environmental programs at the campus.
1:29:59 PM
BARBARA LEWIS testified via teleconference from an offnet
location in Haines that she had submitted written testimony
addressing the Alaska Marine Highway System. Today she spoke of
the funding needs for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome education programs
to inform parents of the dangers of the disease. She also
supported special education programs in schools. She favored
municipal revenue sharing and the Power Cost Equalization
program. She questioned the hiring of a public relations firm
from outside the state, and suggested continued retention of the
services of the Alaskan firm, Arctic Power.
1:33:57 PM
JIMMY HURLEY testified via teleconference from an offnet
location in Ekwok about the importance of the Village Public
Safety Officers in rural communities. These officers respond to
medical and other emergencies.
1:36:04 PM
MARTIN MOORE, City Manager, City of Emmonak, testified via
teleconference from an offnet location in Emmonak on behalf of
the mayor and community members to request funding for the Rural
Utility Business Advisor (RUBA) program.
JENNIFER KEMEROFF, City Treasurer, City of Emmonak had testimony
read into the record by Mr. Moore about the accounting training
and assistance she receives through the RUBA program.
1:41:07 PM
JIM HICKERSON, Assistant Superintendent, Bering Strait School
District testified via teleconference from an offnet location in
Unalakleet in support of the Statewide Teacher and Principal
Mentoring Project. The District has had lower turnover and
retains better-trained teachers and principals with the
assistance of this program.
1:42:30 PM
Co-Chair Wilken agreed with the importance of this program.
Federal funding has been reduced and efforts were underway to
secure replacement funding. He spoke recently with the
Department of Education and Early Development requesting it to
identify funding. In addition, the University of Alaska is asked
to contribute $1 million for the program.
1:42:55 PM
JEANNE GERHARDT-CYRUF testified via teleconference from an
offnet location in Kiana that she is the parent of six children
with prenatal alcohol diseases. She urged support for the Fetal
Alcohol Syndrome programs.
1:45:22 PM
ROBIN GRAY testified via teleconference from an offnet location
in Brevig Mission to the Alaska Teacher and Principal Mentor
Project. Three new teachers in the local school and herself, as
a first-year principal, are benefiting from the mentors.
1:47:22 PM
DAWN GROSSMAN, Member, Alaska State Community Service
Commission, testified via teleconference from an offnet location
in Delta Junction to request additional funding for use in its
grants and services. The Commission serves the AmeriCorp and
other volunteer organizations. She gave examples of services the
Commission supports, including litter clean up.
1:49:55 PM
ELISE DAVIS, Principle, Bering Strait School District, testified
via teleconference from an offnet location in Diomede that she
receives mentoring from the Alaska Teacher and Principal
Mentoring Project.
1:51:18 PM
Senator Olson asked the number of teachers in Diomede and the
number involved in the program.
1:51:33 PM
Ms. Davis listed five teachers, with three involved in the
program. All but one have committed to returning for the next
school year.
1:52:28 PM
MAC CARTER, Chair, Alaska State Community Service Commission
testified via teleconference from an offnet location in Prudhoe
Bay that the Commission distributes $5 million in federal and
grant funding for service organizations statewide. The
Commission needs approximately $48,000 in state funding to
administer the programs.
1:56:44 PM
RON SUMMERVILLE, Vice-Chair, Alaska Board of Game, testified in
Juneau in support of funding for the Board and the Department of
Fish and Game. However, funding for the Division of Wildlife
Conservation is inadequate to address predator and prey
management.
2:01:03 PM
BARBE MCCLUNG testified that previous legislators made it
possible for her mother to receive care in her home through the
services of the flexible long-term care program after suffering
a stroke. She appreciated the care she received and the ability
to remain home. Many families could provide care for relatives
with this assistance.
2:05:00 PM
Senator Olson asked the importance of the personal care
attendant in assisting with Ms. McClung's mother.
Ms. McClung described it as invaluable, as she is an only child
and her mother required almost 24-hour care. She would have been
unable to provide this without the help of the attendants.
2:05:43 PM
BRENDA TAYLOR testified in Juneau about the need to fund the
Alaska Teacher Mentor Project. Her daughter's new teacher had 26
students, no mentor and little supplies and was expected to
provide the same level of education as more experienced
teachers. The students must meet the benchmark standards. This
teacher, despite much initial enthusiasm, became overwhelmed.
2:09:43 PM
MARY FRANCIS, Executive Director, Alaska Council of School
Administrators, testified in Juneau that almost every district
is incurring difficulty in maintaining services. The Council
requests some implementation of the cost differential study
recommendations. The Council would like to extend the Alaska
Teacher and Principle Mentor Project to include mentoring for
new superintendents.
2:12:23 PM
WILLOW RITTER testified in Juneau about the special needs of her
mother who resides in the Sitka Pioneers' Home. These needs have
not been met because of limited staffing. She urged the
Committee to make the resources available.
2:15:50 PM
MARTHA PENROSE, Member, Alaska Pioneers' Home Advisory Board,
testified in Juneau to share the story of her 97-year old
grandmother who lives in the Juneau Pioneers' Home. The current
populations of the Pioneers' Homes require significant care.
2:19:55 PM
PAMELA MUELLER-GUY, Deaf Services Coordinator, Southeast Alaska
Independent Living (SAIL), testified in Juneau that the
Interpreter Referral services have had no increased funding for
15 years. She and many others have benefited from the training
the program provides.
2:23:40 PM
JANET KUSSART testified in Juneau that she arrived in Alaska on
a State ferry many years ago. The Alaska Marine Highway System
provides a vital link to Southeastern communities and should be
fully funded.
2:25:03 PM
Co-Chair Wilken noted the Committee recommended fully funding
the increased fuel costs for FY 06. The 90 percent funding
provided for FY 07 would not affect Southeast service rather
cross-gulf service would be reduced.
2:28:09 PM
WALTER MAJOROS, Executive Director, Juneau Youth Services,
testified in Juneau that as many as 400 children on any given
day must be sent to treatment facilities outside the state to
get the care they need. Juneau Youth Services is developing a
new program and constructing a residential treatment facility to
accommodate up to 15 youth with chemical dependency and mental
health problems. The facility is about 75 percent complete and
would begin providing services in September 2006. Behavioral
Health Rehabilitation rate increases and Behavioral
Rehabilitation increases in the Children's Medicaid Services
programs must be restored. Funding is necessary for these
efforts.
2:30:47 PM
Co-Chair Wilken identified the Governor proposed $3.57 million
and the Committee approved funding of $870,000.
2:31:26 PM
MARY ALICE MCKEEN testified in Juneau to request funding public
television in the amount requested by the Governor. The local
KTOO station provides services to Juneau and outlying
communities. It also produces Gavel-to-Gavel, which although not
funded with State funds, would not be possible without the local
station.
2:34:23 PM
KEVIN GADSEY, Independent Living Specialist, Southeast Alaska
Independent Living, testified in Juneau to request the Senate
increase the $150,000 approved by the House of Representatives
for sign language services, the Youth in Transition program and
other services.
2:38:02 PM
C E FURBISH, Skagway resident, testified in Juneau to request
funding allocated for the Juneau Access Road Project for road
construction be transferred to meet other needs. The planning
for this road is incomplete and the project is controversial.
The majority of Skagway and Haines residents have voted in favor
of referendums advocating increased Alaska Marine Highway
Services.
2:40:44 PM
KEN RUSSO, Skagway resident, testified in Juneau in support of
fully funding the Alaska Marine Highway system. He appreciated
the allocation to address increased fuel costs. He agreed the
system must be reviewed and made more efficient.
2:43:27 PM
SHARON DEJA testified in Juneau to her disappointment that the
House of Representatives rejected the Governor's proposal to add
21 new staffing positions for the Alaska Pioneers' Homes. Her
parents both reside in the Juneau Pioneers' Home. The staffing
shortages adversely affect the residents.
2:46:50 PM
Co-Chair Wilken shared that both his parents spent their final
days in the Fairbanks Pioneers' Home and he appreciated the
importance of the facilities. He reiterated the funding approved
by the Committee totaling approximately $36 million for the
Alaska Pioneers' Home system and the intention to provide
additional funding the following year.
2:48:19 PM
BARBARA BELKNAP, Board Member, AWARE Shelter, testified in
Juneau to request funding for the Alaska Council on Domestic
Violence and Sexual Assault. She also supported SB 218, which
increases punishment for sexual assault. Although much attention
was given to abuse of children, elderly and disabled, little
mention was made to the abuse of women. Many of her female
relatives were victims of abuse.
2:52:23 PM
SARA LYN TABACHNIK, Director, AWARE Shelter, had testimony read
by Ms. Belknap in support of funding the Governor's requested
amount for the Alaska Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual
Assault.
2:53:51 PM
JOE PARRISH, Director, SAGA, testified in Juneau to request
$25,000 increased funding for the Alaska State Community Service
Commission. The non-profit SAGA organization receives AmeriCorp
and other federal grants. The 120 YouthCorp members of SAGA
provide community services.
2:57:37 PM
NANCY DAVIS, RN, Alaska Nurses Association, testified in Juneau
in appreciation for the increases to nurses salaries. This would
assist in recruitment for the Pioneers' Homes, psychiatric
treatment facilities, the judicial system, and other Department
of Health and Social Services programs. Increased funding would
also benefit public health.
3:00:38 PM
Co-Chair Wilken pointed out that the Committee approved $2.115
million for nurse salary increases as well as funding for other
nursing programs.
Ms. Davis acknowledged this, furthering that the Department of
Corrections budget also included salary increase for its nursing
staff.
3:01:24 PM
Senator Olson asked where Ms. Davis received her education.
3:01:32 PM
Ms. Davis replied that she received her undergraduate degree at
the University of South Carolina and her master's degree at the
University of Colorado. She retired as the Chief of Public
Health Nursing of the Department of Health and Social Services
and continues to volunteer as a registered nurse.
3:02:12 PM
BENJAMIN BROWN, Chair, Board of Directors, KTOO TV, testified in
Juneau that as a Republican he supports fiscal conservatism.
However, the gains of funding public broadcasting outweigh the
expense.
3:05:37 PM
LARISSA ROOP testified in Juneau that as a high-school dropout,
she realized the need to earn a GED to obtain employment to
support herself and her daughter.
3:07:04 PM
Senator Dyson congratulated Ms. Roop for turning her life
around.
3:07:37 PM
CARIN SMOLIN testified in Juneau in support of adult education
services and the $1 million for this program requested by the
Governor. She expounded on the basic skills learned by
participants, many who continue their education and training.
3:09:49 PM
Co-Chair Wilken pointed out the program was appropriated $1.57
million last year and the Governor proposed a $1 million
increase with the Committee approving a $527,000 increase.
3:10:36 PM
PEGGY COWAN, Superintendent, Juneau School District, testified
in Juneau to request the Committee increase the base student
formula. Not doing so would require districts across the state
to reduce programs and positions. She compared the operating and
utility costs of Juneau to the less expensive costs of
Anchorage. She also supported Municipal assistance, as a strong
borough helps ensure a strong school district.
3:14:48 PM
EMILY FERRY, Alaska Transportation Priorities Project, testified
in Juneau that the cost to operate the Alaska Marine Highway
System could cause sticker shock. Many riders of the system
agree with Co-Chair Wilken that the system should be improved.
The proposed Juneau Access Road project would result in doubled
operating costs for transportation in Lynn Canal over the
current ferry system.
3:17:32 PM
Senator Olson asked Ms. Ferry's position on the fast ferries M/V
Fairweather and M/V Chenega.
3:17:51 PM
Ms. Ferry clarified her organization is an advocacy group. The
fast ferries are appropriate for some summer seasonal service.
Additional alternatives should also be considered.
3:18:42 PM
MARK JOHNSON testified in Juneau in support of increased funding
for public health nurses. He also requested increased funding
for the emergency medical services grant program. Many EMS
responses are for urban residents in rural situations.
3:21:42 PM
GARETH HUMMEL testified in Juneau about the fiscal
responsibility of the proposed Juneau Access Road project. He
requested full funding for the Alaska Marine Highway System and
consideration of alternatives to improve service and operations.
He characterized the system of the State of Washington as a bad
example.
3:24:06 PM
KARLA HART testified in Juneau that she donates to many local
programs and volunteers her time to schools and has taken EMT
training courses. She is a consumer of the Alaska Marine Highway
System and encouraged its viability. She understood the need to
change the system. Fares have become so expensive it is more
viable for independent travelers to use air travel to the
detriment of the small port communities.
3:27:24 PM
Co-Chair Wilken remarked that of all the issues facing the
legislature, the Alaska Marine Highway System is one of the most
challenging. However, it would be addressed.
Co-Chair Wilken noted that a total of 174 people provided
testimony to the Committee.
ADJOURNMENT
Co-Chair Gary Wilken adjourned the meeting at 3:28:04 PM
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