Legislature(2011 - 2012)SENATE FINANCE 532
03/28/2012 08:30 AM Senate FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB284 || HB285 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 284 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 285 | TELECONFERENCED | |
SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE
March 28, 2012
8:44 a.m.
8:44:28 AM
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Hoffman called the Senate Finance Committee
meeting to order at 8:44 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Lyman Hoffman, Co-Chair
Senator Bert Stedman, Co-Chair
Senator Lesil McGuire, Vice-Chair
Senator Johnny Ellis
Senator Dennis Egan
Senator Donny Olson
Senator Joe Thomas
MEMBERS ABSENT
None
ALSO PRESENT
Carl Rose, Executive Director, Alaska Association of School
Boards; Joy Lyon, Alaska Association for the Education of
Young Children; Richard Monkman, Chairman, Juneau Douglas
High School Site Council; Emily Coate, Coordinator, Parents
as Teachers-Juneau; Lynn Williams, Owner, Williams
Educational Consulting; Pam Mueller-Guy, Southeast Alaska
Independent Living; Kim Mix, Infant Learning Program,
REACH; Bruce Botelho, Mayor, City & Borough of Juneau;
Allison Smith, Teacher, Juneau School District; Denise
Doniello, Executive Director, Alaska Commission on Aging;
Blue Shibler, Administrator, Discovery Preschool; Kathie
Wasserman, Executive Director, Alaska Municipal League;
Sarah Johnson, Student, Juneau-Douglas High School; Dan
Johnson, Self; Andi Story, Vice-President, Juneau School
Board; Mary Hakala, Coordinator, K-12 Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Initiative; Abel Bult-
Ito, Professor of Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks;
Representative Bill Thomas.
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE
Linda Conover, Self, Mat-Su; Freeman Kingeekuk, Self, Mat-
Su; Cheryl Jackson, Wasilla; Jeffrey Lambe, Instructor,
Process Technology, Kenai Peninsula College; Shawn Laplin,
Assistant Professor, Mechanical Technology, University Of
Alaska, Kenai River Campus; Rich Kochis, Assistant
Professor, Electronics, University Of Alaska, Kenai; Tom
Dalrymple, Co-Chair, Business And Industry, Kenai Peninsula
College, Soldotna; Doug Griffin, City Manager, Palmer;
Amber Champagne, Head Start, Rural Cap, Tok; Karen Page,
Head Start, Rural Cap, Tok; John Luick, Student, Kenai
Peninsula College, Kenai; John Landua, Teacher, Kenai
Peninsula College, Kenai; Christine Pichotta, Parents As
Teachers, Rural Cap, Seward; Bryron Kashevarof, Self,
Kodiak; Cera Choy, Self, Anchorage; Mary C. Nanuwak, Self,
Anchorage; Maureen Pintner, Self, Anchorage; Suzi Pearson,
Executive Director, Abused Women's Aid in Crisis (AWAIC);
Nikole Nelson, Executive Director, Alaska Legal Services
Corporation; Greg Roczicka, Self, Bethel; Melissa Pickle,
Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), Eagle River;
Kristin Rainstad, Parents and Teachers Director, Rural CAP,
Anchorage; Patrice Griffin, Director, Head Start, Rural
CAP, Eagle River; Allen M. Bailey, Family Lawyer,
Anchorage; Zoya X. Ponomareva, Volunteer, American Cancer
Society, Cancer Action Network, Anchorage; Rick Adams,
Assistant Professor, Kenai Peninsula College, University of
Alaska Extension, Kenai; Jennifer Charvet, Resource
Navigator, Alaska Brain Injury Network, Palmer; Kamaree
Altaffer, Self, Anchorage; Pat Ferucci, Self, Anchorage;
Amanda Metivier, Facing Foster Care in Alaska, Anchorage;
Jonathan Teeters, Best Beginnings, Anchorage; Mike Tucker,
Alaska Works Partnership, Anchorage; Heidi Frost, Executive
Director, Statewide Independent Living Council, Anchorage;
Arliss Sturgulewski, Self, Anchorage; Sheila Barrett, Self,
Anchorage; Melinda Myers, Thread Alaska, Anchorage; Regina
Manteufel, Executive Director, Back to Work Network,
Anchorage; Karen Matthias, Volunteer, Anchorage Imagination
Library, Anchorage; Danny Gray, Board of Directors, Alaska
Alzheimer's Resource Agency, Anchorage; Barbara Cleary,
Self, Anchorage; Jackie Brunton, Board Member, Alaska
Alzheimer's Resource Agency, Anchorage; Nancy K. Holtry,
Self, Fairbanks; Judith Ramos, Self, Fairbanks; Todd
Brinkman, Research Assistant Professor, University of
Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks; Kevin Hillmer-Pegram, Student,
University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks; Taber Rehbaum,
Arctic Alliance for People, Fairbanks; Linda Hapsmith,
Academic Advising Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks,
Fairbanks; Sean Topkok, University of Alaska Fairbanks,
Fairbanks; Ginny Redmond, Director, Student Support
Services, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks; Sara
Smith, Academic Coordinator, Student Support Services,
University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks; Dana Kinzy,
Intensive Advisor, Student Support Services, University of
Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks; Elsie Vent, City
Administrator, City Council, City of Huslia, Fairbanks;
Emily Vockeroth, Imagination Library, Fairbanks; Gara
Bridwell, Self, Fairbanks; Nelle Andrews, Program Manager,
Rural Apprenticeship Outreach Program, Fairbanks; Shirley
Williams, Self, Fairbanks; Luke Hopkins, Mayor, Fairbanks
North Star Borough; Richard Carlson, Superintendent,
Klawock City School District; Michelle Bricker, Self,
Sitka; Naomi Michalsen, Executive Director, Women in Safe
Homes, Ketchikan; Caroline Smith, Mayor, City of Aleknagik;
Deserie Bond, Self, Dillingham; Ken Bergman, Self, Homer;
Katy Adams, Self, Homer; Val Angasan, Deputy Director,
Bristol Bay Housing Authority, Dillingham; Janette
Burnhoff, Self, Sitka; James Swift, Commercial Fisherman,
Sitka; Lisa Busch, Director, Sitka Sound Science Center,
Sitka; Jerry Dzugan, Alaska Marine Safety Education
Association, Sitka; Tomi Marsh, Self, Sitka; Tahnee Curran,
Self, Sitka; Robert Purvis, Board Member, Southeast Alaska
Independent Living, Sitka; Emily Guthrie, Self, Ketchikan;
Beth LaCrosse, Self, Ketchikan; Kevin Gadsey, Advocate,
Southeast Alaska Independent Living, Ketchikan; Bill Auger,
President, United Southeast Gillnetters Association,
Ketchikan; Melanie Bahnke, Vice-President, Kawerak, Nome;
Lily Ray, UAF Resilience and Adaptation Program, Nome;
Elizabeth K. Johnson, Chair-person, Nome Imagination
Library, Nome; Juanita Smith, North Slope Borough Health
Department, Barrow; Joseph Dingman, Self, Barrow; Sonia
Handforth Kome, Unalaska City School District, Unalaska;
Mia Kome, Student, Unalaska City School, Unalaska; Marybeth
Green, Early Childhood Coordinator, Lower Kuskokwim School
District (LKSD), Bethel; April Blevins, Self, Bethel; Mary
C. Pete, Campus Director, Kuskokwim Campus, University of
Alaska, Bethel; Michelle Dewitt, Executive Director, Tundra
Women's Coalition (TWC), Bethel; Cecilia Martz, Self,
Bethel; Monica Charles Leinberger, Self, Bethel; Anthony
Cravalho, Self, Kotzebue; Debby Edwardson, President, North
Slope Borough School District Board of Education, Barrow;
Peggy Cowan, Superintendent of Schools, North Slope Borough
School District; Polly Tocktoo, Chairperson, Brevig Mission
Imagination Library, Brevig Mission; Jeanne Gerhardt-Cyruf,
Self, Kayana; Bridget Aline, Board Member, Alzheimer's
Resource of Alaska, Bethel; Judith Johnson, Alzheimer's
Resource of Alaska, Anchorage; Shirly Marquardt, City of
Unalaska, Unalaska; Marjorie Strauss, Self, Bethel; Nicki
Shelton, Trainer, Parents as Teachers, Hoonah; Dave
Talerico, Mayer, Denali Borough, Healy; Jeanette Davis,
Independent Living, Homer; Anita Van Dyck, Self, Sitka;
Alavini Lata, Self, Juneau; Ron Johnson, Self, Fairbanks;
Francis Kelly, Self, Anchorage; Carrol Lyberger, Self,
Anchorage.
SUMMARY
CSHB 284(FIN) APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUNDS
CSHB 284(FIN) was HEARD and HELD in Committee for
further consideration.
CSHB 285(FIN) APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET
CSHB 285(FIN) was HEARD and HELD in Committee for
further consideration.
8:45:36 AM
Co-Chair Hoffman stated that the two minute time limit for
testifiers would be strictly adhered to and discussed the
meeting's agenda.
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 284(FIN)
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and
loan program expenses of state government and for
certain programs, capitalizing funds, amending
appropriations, and making reappropriations; and
providing for an effective date."
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 285(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."
JUNEAU
8:46:41 AM
Senator Egan reiterated that testimony would be limited to
two minutes. He referenced a mass email that was released
by the governor and offered that it suggested that the
Senate Finance Subcommittee on Education and Early
Development had disenfranchised Alaska's youth. He
explained that the subcommittee had never implied that the
Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS) program was not good
for Alaska's Children, but that it did believe that
students with financial needs, who were seeking an Alaskan
education, should get help. He related that the governor
had promised not to touch the $400 million that the
legislature had put towards future endowments until a bill
setting the rules for the fund had passed. He opined that
the governor had walked away from the bill during the
current year and had effectively made the legislature "eat"
the funding. He believed that the governor's promise and
refusal to work with the Senate was what stood between the
class of 2012 and the APS program. He shared that the
Senate applauded Governor Parnell for the APS program, but
that Alaska needed to provide for students who were
financially disadvantaged. He communicated that the Senate
would work with the governor to keep the promise of a
responsible funding plan for the class of 2012.
8:48:54 AM
CARL ROSE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL
BOARDS, spoke in strong support of increased funding for
the Base Student Allocation (BSA). He referenced the large
amount of money that had been added to different state
agencies and programs. He pointed out that the governor's
budget included $610 million for the retirement systems,
$400 million for exploration credits, $66 million for labor
contracts, $45 million for fuel and utilities, $100 million
for agency operations and maintenance, and $29 million for
the Goose Creek project. He observed that education would
only receive $62 million if it got an increase in the BSA;
out of that $62 million, $8 million would be allocated to
APS and $23 million would be for major maintenance. He
wondered why education was being singled out when the state
was funding other agencies.
8:51:33 AM
JOY LYON, ALASKA ASSOCIATION FOR THE EDUCATION OF YOUNG
CHILDREN, urged her support for the Best Beginnings'
partnership with Imagination Library and the Parents as
Teachers program; she requested an increase to the proposed
budget request for the Best Beginnings' partnerships to
$500,000 from $250,000. She also spoke in favor of the
$250,000 for Parents as Teachers that was currently
included in the House budget. She stated that Juneau had
seen a 10 percent increase in kindergarten readiness rates
and that it was one of the first communities to start the
Imagination Library program.
8:53:48 AM
RICHARD MONKMAN, CHAIRMAN, JUNEAU DOUGLAS HIGH SCHOOL SITE
COUNCIL, expressed strong support of increased funding for
the BSA. He stated that education costs had increased and
mentioned that the high school was struggling to maintain
the courses that it currently had. He pointed out that the
high school was only able to offer one foreign language
course due to the declining budget, but that it used to
offer four such courses. He referenced a chart showing that
Alaskan students ranked last among the 50 states in college
success. He pointed out that Alaskan students' lack of
success in college was a direct result of minimal funding
to the education system.
8:56:07 AM
EMILY COATE, COORDINATOR, PARENTS AS TEACHERS-JUNEAU, spoke
in support of funding for the Parents as Teachers program
and related that it worked to empower parents, strengthen
families, and to improve children's school readiness.
8:56:39 AM
LYNN WILLIAMS, OWNER, WILLIAMS EDUCATIONAL CONSULTING,
testified in strong support of increased funding for the
BSA. She related that increases in the costs of
transportation, medical services, and fuel were taking the
focus away from the teachers. She shared that quality
teachers made the biggest difference in a child's education
and that the state needed to invest more funding in its
teachers. She shared a personal story about how 15 minutes
of violin lessons had helped improve students' focus,
cooperation, and ability to follow directions.
8:58:39 AM
PAM MUELLER-GUY, SOUTHEAST ALASKA INDEPENDENT LIVING, spoke
in support of increasing the $200,000 in funding for
Southeast Alaska Independent Living (SAIL). She stated that
SAIL provided help with transportation expenses, housing,
technology services, and outreach services. She concluded
that SAIL was good at adapting to the individual needs of
its clients and was very effective at outreaching services
to potential consumers.
9:00:26 AM
KIM MIX, INFANT LEARNING PROGRAM, REACH, urged her strong
support of continued funding for the Best Beginnings and
Parents as Teachers programs. She shared her strong support
of the two programs and stated that past funding had helped
the field of early childhood development. She advocated an
increase in funding for the following year.
9:00:59 AM
BRUCE BOTELHO, MAYOR, CITY & BOROUGH OF JUNEAU, spoke on
behalf of state revenue sharing and particular supported
the measure in Section 24(f) of the bill. He furthered that
the measure would help strengthen local governments and
shared that the increasing costs of energy was a major
issue for the city of Juneau. He pointed out that there had
been a 15 percent increase in electricity costs and a 30
percent increase in fuel costs over the last two years. He
expressed appreciation for the treatment of revenue sharing
in the legislation.
9:02:39 AM
Senator Egan noted that Juneau was a second home for many
people and thanked Mayor Botelho for making the community a
hospitable place to be.
9:03:09 AM
ALLISON SMITH, TEACHER, JUNEAU SCHOOL DISTRICT, expressed
strong support of increased funding for the BSA and thanked
the committee for its support of SB 171. She related that
an increase in funding would keep schools innovated and
current with technology and programming. She mentioned that
increased funding would greatly benefit the Elementary Art
program, specialist staff, special education staff, and
cultural paraprofessional educators. She noted that an
increase in the BSA would also enable the district to
maintain the student to teacher ratio and would help keep
class sizes small.
9:05:37 AM
DENISE DONIELLO, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA COMMISSION ON
AGING, spoke in support of the proposed funding increments
for senior in-home services, adult day programs, and the
Alaska Complex Behavior Collaborative. She stated that the
senior grant programs helped seniors maintain their health,
independence, and ability to live at home. She pointed out
that the cost of nursing home placement was $250,000
annually. She noted that the collaborative was an effort by
the Division of Behavioral Health to help people with
impairments that led to challenging behaviors. She stated
that the collaborative helped people with Alzheimer's
disease, dementia, developmental disabilities, mental
illnesses, and traumatic brain injuries and concluded that
the services were very important to residents of pioneer
homes.
9:07:33 AM
BLUE SHIBLER, ADMINISTRATOR, DISCOVERY PRESCHOOL, urged
continued support for Best Beginnings and related that the
preschool had secured Best Beginnings MINI grants for four
of its teachers. She furthered that the grant program
provided teachers technical training, funding for new
equipment, and directly impacted early childhood programs.
9:08:34 AM
KATHIE WASSERMAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA MUNICIPAL
LEAGUE, testified in support of the supplementary language
in SB 97 that addressed increases in energy costs. She
shared her appreciation for the Senate's efforts and
pointed out that energy costs were "killing" the
municipalities.
9:09:24 AM
SARAH JOHNSON, STUDENT, JUNEAU-DOUGLAS HIGH SCHOOL, spoke
in support of the APS program and related that the
scholarships were a great motivator for her to focus,
achieve high scores in school, and attend college in
Alaska. She concluded that the APS program was a great
opportunity for her.
9:10:34 AM
DAN JOHNSON, SELF, testified in support of the APS program
and stated that the program had been a great motivator for
his child. He shared that there were many distractions in
school and that the scholarship program kept students
focused for college. He pointed out that there were
objections to the exclusion of needs-based scholarships in
the legislation, but stated that his perspective as a
parent was different. He observed that children could
succeed on their own merits and make parents proud.
9:11:49 AM
ANDI STORY, VICE-PRESIDENT, JUNEAU SCHOOL BOARD, urged
support of an increase for education funding and shared
that the board had worked hard to be accountable to
citizens for increasing graduation rates, removing budget
waste, eliminating the achievement gap between students,
and for making each dollar count. She pointed out that the
board appreciated the funding for its Career and Technical
Education program and retirement systems. She stated that
the Juneau School District would be forced to cut $5.8
million under the proposed budget, which would result in
the loss of 65 jobs. The Juneau Economic Development
Council (JEDC) estimated that the job losses would result
in a negative impact of $11.5 million to the community.
9:14:05 AM
MARY HAKALA, COORDINATOR, K-12 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY,
ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS (STEM) INITIATIVE, urged
support of public education funding and related that the
Juneau School District's Elementary Art and music programs
were creative, rich, and successful. She stated that Alaska
needed an increase in the BSA and shared that STEM was
opening opportunities for children in the state. She spoke
about FIRST Robotics and how Alaska led the nation in
participating in the program.
9:16:37 AM
ABEL BULT-ITO, PROFESSOR OF BIOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA
FAIRBANKS, expressed his support of the University of
Alaska's budget and the STEM initiative. He mentioned that
there was an upcoming STEM research presentation at the
University of Alaska Fairbanks by 22 students from across
the state. He further explained that the students would
present research proposals and that the top five entrants
would travel to the national competition in Bethesda,
Maryland.
9:18:37 AM
RECESSED
10:05:12 AM
RECONVENED
10:06:16 AM
KENAI, VALDEZ, KODIAK, SEWARD, MAT-SU, GLENNALLEN , TOK
LINDA CONOVER, MAT-SU (via teleconference), urged continued
support for early education programs such as Best
Beginnings, Imagination Library and Head Start. She
stressed that these programs helped children stay in school
and succeed in life. Over 16,000 children received free
books through the Imagination Library program. Families
were also strengthened through the programs.
FREEMAN KINGEEKUK, SELF, MAT-SU (via teleconference),
testified in support of the Alaska Works Partnership
program. He was helped through its apprenticeship program.
CHERYL JACKSON, SELF, WASILLA (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding for the Alaska Legal
Services Corporation, which had helped her with her
domestic violence problems.
10:10:53 AM
Co-Chair Hoffman noted that the Alaska Legal Services
Corporation component was increased by the Senate Finance
Committee to $200 thousand above the governor's request.
JEFFREY LAMBE, INSTRUCTOR, PROCESS TECHNOLOGY, KENAI
PENINSULA COLLEGE (via teleconference), urged support for
the Associate of Applied Science degree in Process
Technology at the Kenai Peninsula College. He observed that
the program had one full time process technology instructor
and two instructors under temporary funding. The program
was in demand and filled within two hours of open
registration. He stressed the importance of the technology
program to ready students for oil and gas jobs in the Cook
Inlet and other areas of the state. He noted that the
governor had line item vetoed funding for the program over
the last number of years and urged support.
10:13:02 AM
SHAWN LAPLIN, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY,
UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA, KENAI RIVER CAMPUS (via
teleconference), urged support for work force development
funding. He maintained that the [Process Technology]
program would enable individuals to obtain employment in
the industries. He maintained that wait listing students
prevented them from succeeding.
RICH KOCHIS, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, ELECTRONICS, UNIVERSITY
OF ALASKA, KENAI (via teleconference), urged support for
the Associate of Applied Science degree in Process
Technology at the Kenai Peninsula College. He stressed the
need of training for oil and gas industry jobs. Students
were being maxed out of the classes.
10:15:48 AM
TOM DALRYMPLE, CO-CHAIR, BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY, KENAI
PENINSULA COLLEGE, SOLDOTNA (via teleconference), urged
support for the Associate of Applied Science degree in
Process Technology at the Kenai Peninsula College. He
stressed that the program supports local hire.
10:16:52 AM
DOUG GRIFFIN, CITY MANAGER, PALMER (via teleconference),
testified in support for local governments and state
revenue sharing. He emphasized the high costs of snow
removal, energy, health insurance premiums for employees
and other services to citizens.
10:18:52 AM
Co-Chair Hoffman observed that the Senate had passed SB 97
and urged Mr. Griffin to express support to the House.
AMBER CHAMPAGNE, HEAD START, RURAL CAP, TOK (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for Rural
Alaska Community Action early education programs (RurAL
CAP). She stressed the up to date information and resources
provided to families.
10:20:24 AM
KAREN PAGE, HEAD START, RURAL CAP, TOK (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for RurAL
CAP programs, especially the Head Start program.
10:21:32 AM
JOHN LUICK, STUDENT, KENAI PENINSULA COLLEGE, KENAI (via
teleconference), urged support for the Associate of Applied
Science degree in Process Technology at the Kenai Peninsula
College. He noted that he had returned to the state after
20 years to pursue the opportunities the program provided.
JOHN LANDUA, TEACHER, KENAI PENINSULA COLLEGE, KENAI (via
teleconference), urged support for resource jobs related
programs and the Associate of Applied Science degree in
Process Technology at the Kenai Peninsula College. He
stressed the need to maintain and expand the program.
10:24:20 AM
AT EASE
10:25:57 AM
RECONVENED
CHRISTINE PICHOTTA, PARENTS AS TEACHERS, RURAL CAP, SEWARD
(via teleconference), spoke in support of RurAL CAP
programs for small children and parents. She emphasized the
success of the program in skill achievements.
10:27:17 AM
AT EASE
10:43:37 AM
RECONVENED
BRYRON KASHEVAROF, KODIAK (via teleconference), testified
in support of the Alaska Work Partnership. He stressed that
the training he received from the program would assist him
in finding work.
10:47:03 AM
AT EASE
1:03:02 PM
RECONVENED
Co-Chair Hoffman stressed that the public testimony should
be limited to two minutes per person.
Co-Chair Hoffman handed the gavel over to Senator McGuire.
ANCHORAGE
1:04:46 PM
CERA CHOY, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), voiced
support for the Complex Behavioral Collaborative $650,000
increment to the Mental Health budget. She stated that she
had a difficult time with employment and insurance due to
her son's behavioral problems. She furthered that her son
was placed in a special institution on the east coast,
because Alaska did not have the appropriate facilities to
accommodate her son's condition. She felt that Alaska
needed a specialized residential facility to encourage
vocational and educational opportunities for individuals
with behavior disorders.
1:06:53 PM
MARY C. NANUWAK, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
spoke in support for mental health programs. She
appreciated the committee's consideration and support for
mental health treatment programs in rural Alaska. She
thanked Co-Chair Hoffman's advocacy for his constituents.
She felt that the mental health treatment issues were not
addressed adequately, and that the funding was available to
resolve the problems. She supposed that the violence in
Anchorage was due to the high number of individuals with
mental health problems.
1:10:41 PM
MAUREEN PINTNER, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
voiced support for the Complex Behavioral Collaborative
$650,000 increment to the Mental Health budget. She was a
volunteer parent advocate for her two children with
disabilities, because her son had various behavioral
disabilities. She stated that her marriage and family was
strained, because of the stress she faced from resolving
her son's complex behavioral problems. She remarked that
her son referred to his recent hospital stay as "torture",
because he was assaulted in the hospital, was idle most
days, and heavily medicated. She stressed the importance of
understanding and treating complex behavioral problems.
1:14:30 PM
SUZI PEARSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ABUSED WOMEN'S AID IN
CRISIS (AWAIC) (via teleconference), expressed support for
funding the governor's increase for domestic violence and
sexual assault programs. She explained that the Food Bank
of Alaska was limited in their food resources, and her
organization was forced to buy food. She stressed the
pressures of high health care costs, but was grateful for
the funding for new heating and cooling systems in the
AWAIC facility in Anchorage.
1:16:39 PM
NIKOLE NELSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA LEGAL SERVICES
CORPORATION (via teleconference), urged support of funding
for the Alaska Legal Services Corporation. She explained
that the agency provided help to many vulnerable Alaskans.
She announced that the corporation turned away one person
for every two people that approached them; therefore the
funding would improve the availability of the program for
more Alaskans.
1:18:16 PM
GREG ROCZICKA, SELF, BETHEL (via teleconference), testified
in support of funding for the Office of Subsistence
Management in the Department of Fish and Game, to conduct
community baseline subsistence harvest surveys for the
regional fishing hubs. He stated that he had worked on the
regulatory processes and management issues for natural
resources issues for 27 years. He explained that harvest
surveys had been conducted for the rural villages, but the
regional hubs had been overlooked. He remarked that Bethel,
Nome, Kotzebue, Unalaska, Kodiak, Barrow, and Dillingham
were in need of harvest surveys. He felt that the lack of
attention resulted in a large data gap. He noted that he
had served on the Board of Game, and encountered
subsistence fishing allocation issues. He thanked the
committee for including $456,000 for harvest surveys in
Bethel and Kotzebue, and hoped that the other communities
would be surveyed in the next five years.
1:20:24 PM
MELISSA PICKLE, COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATE (CASA),
EAGLE RIVER (via teleconference), urged an increment of
$250,000 for the Parents as Teachers Program (PAT) in the
Rural Community Action Program's (Rural CAP) Child
Development Program. She stated that a CASA was a trained
volunteer that advocates for children who are in state
protective custody. She explained that the children she
worked with had experienced neglect and/or abuse, and had
to be removed from their homes. She encouraged an increase
the PAT funding by an additional $250,000, so more children
and families could exploit the services that PAT offered.
She noted that families and children who were enrolled in
the PAT program experienced many positive benefits. She
declared that the parents enrolled in the PAT program had
increased knowledge of child development and positive
child-rearing practices; and had fewer documented cases of
child abuse and neglect.
1:22:35 PM
KRISTIN RAINSTAD, PARENTS AND TEACHERS DIRECTOR, RURAL CAP,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), supported the $2 million
for additional school district Pre-K programs. She
encouraged the committee to consider an increment that
would support parents and their role in preparing their
children for success in school. She explained that the PAT
program was a highly effective, evidence-based early
childhood education and family support program that had a
successful track-record in Alaska. She noted that there
were several families on the PAT wait-list that could begin
receiving services at a very modest cost. She explained
that the PAT program provided two personal visits and one
group socialization opportunity per month for 92 children
and their families in Anchorage, Ketchikan, Seward,
Tanacross, and Tok.
1:24:26 PM
PATRICE GRIFFIN, DIRECTOR, HEAD START, RURAL CAP, EAGLE
RIVER (via teleconference), testified in support of funding
for all Alaska Head Start. She thanked the committee for
the $2 million that was currently allotted for DEED that
supported Head Start programs. She explained that there
were currently 1,000 children on the wait list for Head
Start services in Alaska. She asserted that Head Start was
facing the possibility of decreased funding, because of
flat-line funding. She encouraged the committee to increase
funding for PAT and Head Start programs.
1:25:25 PM
ALLEN M. BAILEY, FAMILY LAWYER, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), urged support of funding for the Alaska
Legal Services Corporation. He explained that the entity
provided help to many vulnerable Alaskans. He stressed that
the only way for the courts to provide domestic violence
protection, was to provide the victim with convenient legal
services. He pointed out that most family court cases were
related to domestic violence or sexual abuse.
1:27:26 PM
ZOYA X. PONOMAREVA, VOLUNTEER, AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY,
CANCER ACTION NETWORK, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of tobacco-use prevention funding. She
thanked the committee for prior funding for tobacco-use
prevention in the past. She remarked that tobacco-use
directly caused cancer, obesity, and other severe health
problems.
1:28:33 PM
RICK ADAMS, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, KENAI PENINSULA COLLEGE,
UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA EXTENSION, KENAI (via teleconference),
testified in support of $469,000 for the UAA Process
Technology Jobs for Resource Development program. He
specifically urged support of the funding for the Anchorage
Expansion Site in Kenai River location. He stated that with
the addition of another staff member, classes could be
offered every semester, and elective courses could be
available.
1:30:59 PM
JENNIFER CHARVET, RESOURCE NAVIGATOR, ALASKA BRAIN INJURY
NETWORK, PALMER (via teleconference), voiced support for
the Complex Behavioral Collaborative $650,000 increment to
the Mental Health budget. She encouraged support of funding
the treatment for those with brain injuries. She remarked
that those who did not receive the proper treatment for
brain injuries often end up in jail or homeless.
Vice-Chair McGuire passed the gavel to Senator Ellis.
1:33:27 PM
KAMAREE ALTAFFER, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
voiced support for the Complex Behavioral Collaborative
$650,000 increment to the Mental Health budget. She stated
that she had worked with adults who had chronic behavior
disorders. She noted that young children with behavioral
issues and seniors with Alzheimer's were often
institutionalized, with a high cost to the state. She felt
that the Complex Behavioral Collaborative could provide
local, helpful, and appropriate treatments.
1:35:17 PM
PAT FERUCCI, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), voiced
support for the Complex Behavioral Collaborative $650,000
increment to the Mental Health budget. She explained that
her husband was a resident of the Anchorage Pioneer Home.
She expressed gratitude of the capable care-givers at the
Anchorage Pioneer Home, but felt that her husband was not
receiving consistent treatment and care. She continued to
share various incidents about her husband's care at the
Anchorage Pioneer Home, and felt that the Complex
Behavioral Collaborative could provide appropriate
education and support for Alzheimer's patients' care-
givers.
REPRESENTATIVE BILL THOMAS, entered the room.
1:38:59 PM
AMANDA METIVIER, FACING FOSTER CARE IN ALASKA, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), testified in support of funding
foster care programs in Alaska. She urged the addition of
$250,000 for the Education and Training Voucher Fund. She
explained that children who transition out of the state
foster care system were at risk of homeless, early
pregnancy, and moving into the criminal justice system. She
explained that the Education and Training Voucher Fund was
funded by a federal grant, but there were restrictions on
the federal money. She felt that the additional funds from
the state would provide more flexibility for young people
in rural areas who might not have access to accredited
programs.
1:40:30 PM
JONATHAN TEETERS, BEST BEGINNINGS, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), urged continued support for Best
Beginnings. He supported an additional request of $500,000
to the Best Beginnings program. He stated that Best
Beginnings was a public/private partnership, who currently
received significant funding from the state. He felt that
Best Beginnings had a significant impact in rural and urban
areas of Alaska. He reported that there was a video and
book produced by Best Beginnings entitled, "Babies on
Track" that was intended for parents of children ages zero
to 2-years-old. He stated that the video highlighted
techniques for parents to prepare their children for
school.
1:42:41 PM
MIKE TUCKER, ALASKA WORKS PARTNERSHIP, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of funding the Rural
Apprenticeship Outreach program and Alaska weatherization
training. He stated that he was an apprentice during the
building of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline construction, and was
currently a carpenter. He pointed out that he was a lead-
instructor in rural Alaska for Alaska Works Partnership,
which had been funded primarily by the Denali Commission.
He remarked that Denali Commission funds were declining,
and stressed that rural job training needed to continue
with state funds.
1:45:04 PM
HEIDI FROST, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, STATEWIDE INDEPENDENT
LIVING COUNCIL, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified
in support of $250,000 for independent living programs, and
encouraged the committee to provide an additional $250,000
for assisted living centers. She explained that independent
living centers were different from assisted living centers.
Independent living centers provided information, technical
assistance, and nursing home transition for people with
disabilities regardless of age or disability. Assisted
living homes were progressive centers of care for
individuals, elders, and individuals with disabilities
regardless of age, that provided varying levels of care at
varying levels of costs.
1:47:03 PM
ARLISS STURGULEWSKI, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of $175,000 for Alaska Moving Image
Preservation Association (AMIPA). She explained that there
was a large archive of video and archive in the consortium
library. She encouraged continued support of AMIPA. She
felt that there was good cooperation with the University of
Alaska and AMIPA, and the program should continue with
additional funding.
1:48:39 PM
SHEILA BARRETT, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), urged
continued support for Best Beginnings. She stated that Best
Beginnings was a good program, and encouraged the committee
to listen to the former testifiers who also supported Best
Beginnings. She stressed that it was very important for
young people to enter kindergarten prepared for school.
1:51:03 PM
MELINDA MYERS, THREAD ALASKA, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of early childhood
education funding. She encouraged funding for PAT. She
referred to a document entitled, "Investing in Alaska's
Young Children" (copy on file), which outlined items that
would help young children and families across Alaska. She
stated that the items would support community engagement
and early literacy efforts by adding $500,000 for Best
Beginnings.
1:52:36 PM
REGINA MANTEUFEL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BACK TO WORK NETWORK,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in support of
funding for programs encouraging disenfranchised women to
enter the workforce. She explained that there was a
correlation between adequate drug and alcohol counseling
and proper workforce reentry. She remarked that adequate
clothing should be available to those women who were
entering the workforce.
1:55:56 PM
KAREN MATTHIAS, VOLUNTEER, ANCHORAGE IMAGINATION LIBRARY,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), urged continued support for
Best Beginnings. She highlighted the extraordinary work the
Best Beginnings provided across the state. She noted that
the program provided educational tools at an early age. She
felt that the Anchorage Imagination Library was a valuable
program, to help children become readers and feel
passionate about learning and reading.
1:57:51 PM
DANNY GRAY, BOARD OF DIRECTORS, ALASKA ALZHEIMER'S RESOURCE
AGENCY, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), urged support of
funding for the Alaska Alzheimer's Resource Agency. He
noted that the program funding was not yet in the budget,
but there was an SBS increase of 10 percent over 20 years.
He encouraged the addition of $250,000 for the Alzheimer's
Education Network to the operating budget.
2:00:14 PM
AT EASE
2:14:11 PM
RECONVENED
BARBARA CLEARY, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of increasing funding from $250,00 to
$360,000 for sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing and
education. She explained the chlamydia could lead to
infertility and inflammation issues.
2:16:11 PM
JACKIE BRUNTON, BOARD MEMBER, ALASKA ALZHEIMER'S RESOURCE
AGENCY, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), encouraged funding
for education and support of Alzheimer's Resource of
Alaska. She remarked that her mother suffered from
Alzheimer's for many years, and appreciated the education
that she received from the Alzheimer's Resource of Alaska.
She stressed the imperative nature of additional funding,
so the education can continue to expand across the state.
2:19:20 PM
Acting Chair Ellis handed the gavel to Co-Chair Hoffman.
Co-Chair Hoffman discussed the agenda.
2:19:26 PM
RECESSED
2:33:07 PM
RECONVENED
FAIRBANKS
2:33:44 PM
NANCY K. HOLTRY, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
testified in support of increased funding for the Alaska
Legal Services Corporation (ALSC). She related that ALSC
had helped her with a domestic violence protective order,
litigation of custody issues, and divorce proceedings. She
referenced a sample study that polled 100 women in
Fairbanks and stated that out of those women, 57 percent
were either physically or sexually assaulted.
JUDITH RAMOS, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), urged
support for the University of Alaska Fairbanks' Resilience
and Adaptation Program (RAP) and the Indigenous Studies
program and shared that she was currently pursuing a PHD in
indigenous studies. She related her thankfulness for the
RAP's funding; furthermore, the program gave students the
opportunity to collaborate with their peers from other
disciplines and had graduated about 21 PHD and 15 master's
students. She discussed the Indigenous Studies program's
overcrowding issue and related that the funding would be
used to increase staff and faculty for the program.
2:36:27 PM
TODD BRINKMAN, RESEARCH ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, UNIVERSITY OF
ALASKA FAIRBANKS, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), expressed
his support for RAP and stated that it was an
internationally recognized program that trained students to
contribute to the social, ecological, and economic well-
being of Alaska. He shared that RAP had supported the
completion of his degree in wildlife biology and warned
that the program was in jeopardy. He further explained that
the funding for RAP would sunset this year and urged for
the passage of the proposed funding for RAP in the FY 13
operating budget. He pointed out that 90 percent of RAP
graduates stayed in Alaska. He furthered that RAP was an
established and successful program and that "pulling the
plug" on it would be a huge blow to the state.
2:38:34 PM
KEVIN HILLMER-PEGRAM, STUDENT, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA
FAIRBANKS, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in
support of continued funding for RAP and shared that he was
currently a PHD student in the program. He related that the
program was focused specifically on Alaska and that it was
producing cutting edge science aimed at achieving
sustainable solutions to real world problems. He concluded
that the program had been vetted by the National Science
Foundation for the past decade and had a strong student and
faculty leadership.
2:40:43 PM
TABER REHBAUM, ARCTIC ALLIANCE FOR PEOPLE, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), expressed support of increasing funding
for the Human Services Community Matching Grants and the
Community Initiative Grants and explained that the grant
funds were a vital resource for important state programs.
She furthered that the grant programs were community driven
and allowed recipient agencies to leverage additional
funds. She pointed that in FY 11, state funding of $350,510
to Fairbanks had resulted in $6 million of leveraged funds.
She concluded that the grant programs were efficient,
accountable, saved the state money, and improved the
quality of life in Alaskan communities.
2:42:33 PM
LINDA HAPSMITH, ACADEMIC ADVISING CENTER, UNIVERSITY OF
ALASKA FAIRBANKS, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified
in support of the $600,000 in funding for increasing
graduation rates at the University of Alaska. She explained
that the increment would focus on helping students who were
most at risk for graduating and stated that the funding
would be used to improve services to students. She pointed
out that students who received specialized advising
services were more likely to graduate and be successful.
2:44:02 PM
SEAN TOPKOK, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), expressed support of funding for the
Alaska Native Knowledge Network (ANKN) and the Indigenous
Studies program. He stated that ANKN was at the top of the
webpage when someone looked up "Alaska Native" on Google
and related that the network received 2 million "hits" on
its website each month. He noted that ANKN worked to bring
native ways of learning and teaching into schools. He
shared that the program had been grant funded in the past
and that it was seeking funding from the university for the
first time. He stated that the Indigenous Studies program
was the only one of its kind in the U.S. and that it was
garnering interest worldwide; it had graduated three PHD
students in the last two years.
2:46:17 PM
GINNY REDMOND, DIRECTOR, STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES,
UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), testified in support of including new
initiatives to improve graduation rates at the University
of Alaska. She related that the funding would provide
comprehensive advising, improve student retention, and
increase graduation rates for limited income students,
students whose parents did not have college degrees, and
students with disabilities. She furthered that the funding
would with enable the university to reach more students and
pointed out that it was an economic investment that would
benefit state.
2:47:54 PM
SARA SMITH, ACADEMIC COORDINATOR, STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES,
UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), expressed support of including new
initiatives to improve graduation rates at the University
of Alaska. She stated that an investment in disadvantaged
or at risk students would also be an investment in national
security and Alaska's future. She explained that the U.S.
would be more competitive globally if its educated
workforce came from within. She discussed the values of the
STEM initiative and stated that funding would draw off the
strengths of existing programs and infrastructure. She
noted that Alaska needed to have its "best and brightest"
leading the way to developing and managing resources. She
concluded that many students would not have been able to
graduate or attend college without the critical support
that school advisors provided.
2:49:39 PM
DANA KINZY, INTENSIVE ADVISOR, STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES,
UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), urged support for including new
initiatives to improve graduation rates at the University
of Alaska and pointed out that she would not have completed
her degree without the help of a good counselor. She stated
that Alaska ranked last in the nation in sending its low
income, Pell grant eligible students to college. She
mentioned that 83 percent of students who attended college
in Alaska stayed in the state and that the initiative would
provide incentives in the form of financial, motivational,
and advising assistance. She offered that sometimes the
most significant factor in student retention was a close
relationship with an advisor.
2:51:48 PM
ELSIE VENT, CITY ADMINISTRATOR, CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF
HUSLIA, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), urged the passage
of SB 97 and expressed her support for the inclusion of
state revenue sharing in the proposed budget. She pointed
out that energy costs were going up dramatically in the
villages.
2:52:37 PM
EMILY VOCKEROTH, IMAGINATION LIBRARY, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), testified in support of increasing the
base funding for Best Beginnings by $500,000. She stated
that Best Beginnings provided financial, technical, and
moral support to communities. She shared that the
Imagination Library in Fairbanks had supported new play
groups, developed a family friendly website, hosted a
health and resource fair, and had grown its membership to
almost 3,500 children.
2:53:37 PM
GARA BRIDWELL, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
expressed support of adding $500,000 in funding to the Best
Beginnings program and also supported the $250,000
increment for the Parents as Teachers program.
2:54:31 PM
NELLE ANDREWS, PROGRAM MANAGER, RURAL APPRENTICESHIP
OUTREACH PROGRAM, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in
support of funding for the Rural Apprenticeship Outreach
Program. She stated that the Denali Commission had funded
the program in the past, but that budget cuts would result
in a loss of funding and an end to the outreach program in
2013. She explained that the program worked with young
rural Alaskans to overcome the barriers of rural life. She
furthered that the program provided people with traveling
assistance, job training, jobs references, employment
information, help with remote accessibility issues, and job
interview assistance.
2:57:45 PM
SHIRLEY WILLIAMS, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
testified in support of adding $500,000 for the Best
Beginnings program in the proposed budget and also
supported the $250,000 for the Parents as Teachers program.
She observed that the two programs promoted the importance
of early learning, family engagement, and literacy. She
referenced the Babies on Track DVD and Baby Board Book Sets
that Best Beginnings had produced and shared that parents
were expressing interest in both products. She related the
effectiveness of the Parents as Teachers program and shared
that it received a lot of letters from parents who were
grateful for its services. She offered that children were
"our" future and that Best Beginnings was doing great
things for early childhood development.
3:01:06 PM
AT EASE
3:17:35 PM
RECONVENED
3:17:55 PM
LUKE HOPKINS, MAYOR, FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR BOROUGH (via
teleconference), testified in support of the operating
budget, state revenue sharing, and the Division of Human
Services' Community Matching Block Grant. He explained that
Fairbanks was struggling with the high costs of energy and
was experiencing a strain on its social service programs as
a result. He hoped that revenue sharing could help to
address increasing energy cots in schools, government, and
other. He vocalized support for the university budget; he
pointed to UAF research that could help with economic
development statewide.
3:21:02 PM
RECESSED
3:39:11 PM
RECONVENED
KETCHIKAN, SITKA, WRANGELL, PETERSBURG, HOMER, DILLINGHAM,
CORDOVA
3:40:16 PM
RICHARD CARLSON, SUPERINTENDENT, KLAWOCK CITY SCHOOL
DISTRICT (via teleconference), testified in support of the
Parents as Teacher's program, which has helped both
children and parents at young ages with language skills,
social development, and other cognitive abilities. He
maintained that a small investment could render huge
results.
MICHELLE BRICKER, SELF, SITKA (via teleconference),
testified in support of the Southeast Alaska Independent
Living (SAIL) program. She noted that SAIL helped her live
on her own.
3:43:12 PM
NAOMI MICHALSEN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WOMEN IN SAFE HOMES,
KETCHIKAN (via teleconference), expressed support of fully
funding the governor's increase for domestic violence and
sexual assault programs. She observed that their program
was at capacity and there was a struggle to keep up with
building maintenance and health care costs. There was an
increase to over 5,000 shelter nights. She noted that the
program served 4,700 to 5,500 meals.
CAROLINE SMITH, MAYOR, CITY OF ALEKNAGIK (via
teleconference), testified in support of state revenue
sharing and SB 97 funding. She stressed that energy costs
was the number one priority of the city; 80 percent of
their budgeted funds for the year had already been spent.
3:49:01
DESERIE BOND, SELF, DILLINGHAM (via teleconference),
testified in support of the Alaska Legal Services, which
helped her with domestic violence and child custody issues.
She maintained that without the services she would not be
free from domestic violence.
KEN BERGMAN, SELF, HOMER (via teleconference), urged
continued support for Best Beginnings and early childhood
education. He stressed that children are "our greatest
resource and early education would help children become
valuable members of the Alaskan society.
3:51:49 PM
KATY ADAMS, SELF, HOMER (via teleconference), spoke in
support of the $200 thousand in the governor's budget for
independent living services. She asked the committee to
consider increasing the program by another $200 thousand.
She recounted personal experiences.
VAL ANGASAN, DEPUTY DIRECTOR, BRISTOL BAY HOUSING
AUTHORITY, DILLINGHAM (via teleconference), testified in
support of funding for the rural job training program and
Alaska Works Partnership. He observed that the partnership
helped train weatherization inspectors and raters
throughout the state. Trainees maintained, renovated, built
and weatherized homes and public facilities. Training was
mobile and could be held anywhere in the state. He
emphasized that the Denali Commission no longer received
federal funds for training. The Alaska Housing Finance
Corporation trained between 100 to 200 people in Bristol
Bay since 2008.
3:55:10 PM
JANETTE BURNHOFF, SELF, SITKA (via teleconference),
testified in support of Southeast Alaska Independent Living
program. She noted that she had gone from being a consumer
to being an advocate and asked that funding be increased so
that more people could be helped.
JAMES SWIFT, COMMERCIAL FISHERMAN, SITKA (via
teleconference), urged an increase in Alaska Maritime
Safety Education Association (AMSEA) funding and related
that commercial fishing safety in Alaska had improved over
the years. He stated that the improved safety in Alaska's
commercial fishing industry was a result of AMSEA's efforts
and stressed that AMSEA was the only program training
fishermen. He maintained that AMSEA was responsible for a
decrease in fatalities.
3:57:38 PM
LISA BUSCH, DIRECTOR, SITKA SOUND SCIENCE CENTER, SITKA
(via teleconference), spoke in support of the proposed
increase for the marine transportation and fisheries
technology faculty positions [University of Alaska,
Southeast's Marine Transportation Department]. She observed
that the program provided training for hatcheries and
fisheries management. The program was diversifying
economies, building on strong existing economies, and was
using partnerships with industries and non-profit
organizations to leverage their services. The department
also worked in partnership with federal and state agencies.
Over a million dollars had been raised. She indicated that
there was a need for the program in other parts of the
state. There was demand for the program in western
communities that they were unable to meet due a lack of
funding. She asked for the funding increase to be raised to
$250,000.
4:00:27 PM
JERRY DZUGAN, ALASKA MARINE SAFETY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION,
SITKA (via teleconference), supported the increased funding
for the Alaska Marine Safety Education Association's
request of $60,000. Further training could not be offered
at the current funding level. Since 1985, AMSEA had
provided needed and required training to over 80
communities in Alaska. The training they provided was shown
to be partially responsible for the four fold decrease in
commercial fishing fatalities in Alaska since the 1980's.
He maintained that funding was available through boat
registration receipts and the interest from the Fisherman's
Fund.
TOMI MARSH, SELF, SITKA (via teleconference), urged support
for the Southeast Alaska University's Marine Transportation
Department. She stressed the importance of the facility for
allowing her pursuit of a pilot's license. The facility
allowed her to practice important skills on a simulator.
The program included classes that allowed mariners to
upgrade license and gain endorsements, and increased the
ability of students to gain employment on ferries, tugs and
commercial craft in Alaska. She also supported the
increased funding for the Alaska Marine Safety Education
Association program.
4:04:11 PM
TAHNEE CURRAN, SELF, SITKA (via teleconference), recounted
her lifelong experience in Alaska's fishing industry and
urged support of the Southeast Alaska University's Marine
Transportation Department. She pointed to the advantages of
an in-state educational program.
4:05:41 PM
ROBERT PURVIS, BOARD MEMBER, SOUTHEAST ALASKA INDEPENDENT
LIVING, SITKA (via teleconference), testified in support of
the governor's $200,000 for independent living. The
Southeast Alaska Independent Living program helped him
become independent.
EMILY GUTHRIE, SELF, KETCHIKAN (via teleconference),
testified in support of the Alaska Legal Services
Corporation and the Women in Safe Homes program.
4:09:36 PM
BETH LACROSSE, SELF, KETCHIKAN (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding for independent living
centers and the governor's request of $200 thousand for
expansion. She maintained that an additional $200 thousand
was needed for the program to reach outlying areas of the
state.
4:12:15 PM
KEVIN GADSEY, ADVOCATE, SOUTHEAST ALASKA INDEPENDENT
LIVING, KETCHIKAN (via teleconference), testified in
support of the SAIL program. He stressed the need to
increase the program to reach more clients. He observed
that SAIL had helped clients with housing, social security
issues, and adaptive technology. The SAIL program helped
individuals with challenges, to find support, and provide
them with services that could help them chart a course to a
new life.
4:15:10 PM
BILL AUGER, PRESIDENT, UNITED SOUTHEAST GILLNETTERS
ASSOCIATION, KETCHIKAN (via teleconference), testified in
support of fisheries programs and thanked the committee for
inclusion of funding for the Chilkat Lake fisheries study.
He expressed disappointment that funding was not included
for the Hugh Smith weir in Southeast. He stressed the
importance of stock assessment as the underpinnings of
management.
4:17:30 PM
RECESSED
4:32:50 PM
RECONVENED
BETHEL, KOTZEBUE, BARROW, NOME, DELTA JUNCTION, UNALASKA,
OFFNETS
4:33:51 PM
MELANIE BAHNKE, VICE-PRESIDENT, KAWERAK, NOME (via
teleconference), testified in support $200,000 for a 50
percent essential air service match to the community of
Diomede. She stated that Diomede was one of the most remote
communities in the United States. Diomede was located on an
island in the Bering Sea, approximately one mile from the
Russian border. Diomede did not have a landing strip, but
only a landing pad for a helicopter. She stated that she
worked for Kawerak, which was a regional non-profit tribal
consortium in the Bering Strait region, providing services
for 20 tribes in 15 communities.
Co-Chair Hoffman handed the gavel to Senator Olson.
4:36:36 PM
Acting Chair Olson expressed gratitude for Ms. Bahnke for
addressing the Diomede air service funding.
4:36:52 PM
LILY RAY, UAF RESILIENCE AND ADAPTATION PROGRAM, NOME (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding the
Resilience and Adaptation Program at UAF. She stated that
she worked in Nome as a social scientist. She felt that the
program was important for Alaskans to understand local
problems. She remarked that comparing community issues with
communities from across the country were not accurate
comparisons. She felt that incorrect information regarding
local issues was a problem in rural communities. She
explained that if there were not trained Alaskans competing
for federal money, the money would go to another part of
the country.
4:39:00 PM
ELIZABETH K. JOHNSON, CHAIR-PERSON, NOME IMAGINATION
LIBRARY, NOME (via teleconference), urged continued support
and requested an addition of $500,000 for Best Beginnings.
She remarked that the Imagination Library was a program in
Best Beginnings, and stressed the importance of early
childhood literacy.
4:41:01 PM
Senator Olson read a statement from Ruth Emmons in Nome. He
stated that Ms. Emmons would like to keep $200,000 for the
independent living programs. He stated that she would like
to see an additional $200,000 for the program.
4:41:21 PM
JUANITA SMITH, NORTH SLOPE BOROUGH HEALTH DEPARTMENT,
BARROW (via teleconference), voiced support for mental
health programs. She encouraged education and training for
mental health care givers. She pointed out that some mental
health patients needed to leave the state for proper mental
health treatment, which was a high cost to the state.
JOSEPH DINGMAN, SELF, BARROW (via teleconference), voiced
support for the Complex Behavioral Collaborative $650,000
increment to the Mental Health budget. He remarked that his
son had a severe behavioral problem, and felt that proper
mental health education was necessary.
Acting Chair Olson handed the gavel to Co-Chair Hoffman.
4:44:26 PM
SONIA HANDFORTH KOME, UNALASKA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT,
UNALASKA (via teleconference), testified in support of the
Alaska Performance Scholarship. She alleged that Alaska
needed educated and highly competent citizens who were
familiar with the particular challenges of working and
living in Alaska. She explained that college students were
most likely to live where they received their college
education.
4:45:54 PM
MIA KOME, STUDENT, UNALASKA CITY SCHOOL, UNALASKA (via
teleconference), spoke in support of the Alaska Performance
Scholarship. She relayed that many of her classmates were
working towards receiving the Alaska Performance
Scholarship. She reported that these classmates did not
have a chance of higher education without the Alaska
Performance Scholarship.
4:46:47 PM
MARYBETH GREEN, EARLY CHILDHOOD COORDINATOR, LOWER
KUSKOKWIM SCHOOL DISTRICT (LKSD), BETHEL (via
teleconference), urged continued support for the LKSD
Preschool Center. She explained that the current year was
the last year for all federally funded preschools. She
stated that LKSD had historically depended on federal
dollars to provide the effective preschool programs. She
stated that research showed that students who attended
quality preschools scored higher on state tests in third
grade, than those students who did not attend preschool.
She stressed that early intervention was more economical
than mediation.
4:48:41 PM
APRIL BLEVINS, SELF, BETHEL (via teleconference), spoke in
support of funding the LKSD Preschool Center. She explained
that her children had attended a LKSD preschool program.
She remarked that two of her children showed remarkable
academic success, which she attributed to their attendance
of an LKSD preschool.
4:50:28 PM
MARY C. PETE, CAMPUS DIRECTOR, KUSKOKWIM CAMPUS, UNIVERSITY
OF ALASKA, BETHEL (via teleconference), testified in
support of University of Alaska programs. She explained
that approximately one-half of the Bethel census district
population was 25-years-old or younger. She specifically
mentioned the UAF Indigenous Studies Ph.D. program, the
Early Childhood Initiative, and the UAA Nursing Program.
4:51:56 PM
MICHELLE DEWITT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, TUNDRA WOMEN'S
COALITION (TWC), BETHEL (via teleconference), expressed
support of fully funding the governor's increase for
domestic violence and sexual assault programs, in the
amount of $475,500. She supported the funding, because
there were significant challenges related to utilities and
health insurance costs. She stated that the new energy
efficient building still faced increased costs, because of
the rapid increase in the cost of heating fuel.
4:53:21 PM
CECILIA MARTZ, SELF, BETHEL (via teleconference), testified
in support of University of Alaska programs, specifically
funding the Indigenous Studies Program at UAF. She stated
that the program would assure the future of the native
people of Alaska. She stated that the program values the
native history, culture, languages, and traditions.
4:54:36 PM
MONICA CHARLES LEINBERGER, SELF, BETHEL (via
teleconference), testified in support of early childhood
education funding. She remarked that rural Alaska did not
have access to many of the benefits that residents in other
parts of Alaska received. She explained that her children
were able to develop necessary educational and social
skills in their preschool, thanks to early childhood
education programs.
4:56:54 PM
ANTHONY CRAVALHO, SELF, KOTZEBUE (via teleconference),
voiced support for the Complex Behavioral Collaborative
$650,000 increment to the Mental Health budget. He stated
that he had an autistic son, and remarked that the
Collaborative would provide education, treatment, and tools
that would support his son's success in the community.
4:59:20 PM
DEBBY EDWARDSON, PRESIDENT, NORTH SLOPE BOROUGH SCHOOL
DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION, BARROW (via teleconference),
testified in support of the $330,000 funding the North
Slope Borough School District curriculum alignment
integration and mapping project. She specifically thanked
Senator Egan for adding the appropriation to the budget.
She stated that she had raised seven children in Barrow,
and she was passionate about education. She remarked that
it was critical to connect the talented and bright students
in Barrow that were in need of a connection with academic
learning.
5:01:40 PM
Senator Olson thanked Ms. Edwardson for her service on the
North Slope Borough School District Board of Education.
5:01:45 PM
PEGGY COWAN, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, NORTH SLOPE BOROUGH
SCHOOL DISTRICT (via teleconference), testified in support
of the $330,000 funding the North Slope Borough School
District curriculum alignment integration and mapping
project. She urged continued support for Best Beginnings.
She spoke in strong support of increased funding for the
Base Student Allocation (BSA).
5:03:04 PM
POLLY TOCKTOO, CHAIRPERSON, BREVIG MISSION IMAGINATION
LIBRARY, BREVIG MISSION (via teleconference), urged
continued support for Best Beginnings. She furthered that
the Imagination Library was an important program for
encouraging childhood literacy. She encouraged an addition
of $500,000 to the Best Beginnings program.
5:04:37 PM
JEANNE GERHARDT-CYRUF, SELF, KAYANA (via teleconference),
voiced support for the Complex Behavioral Collaborative
$650,000 increment to the Mental Health budget. She
explained that she was involved in many programs related to
mental health issues. She stressed that the Collaborative
could build capacity in the rural areas of the state. She
explained that she had three children with complex
behavioral issues, and pointed out that many people with
behavioral issues were going out of state to seek
treatment.
Acting Chair Olson handed the gavel to Co-Chair Hoffman.
5:07:42 PM
BRIDGET ALINE, BOARD MEMBER, ALZHEIMER'S RESOURCE OF
ALASKA, BETHEL (via teleconference), testified in support
of funding the Alzheimer's Resource of Alaska. She
explained that there was a need for education, training,
and support for elderly care-givers. She explained that
many native elders were aging, and were facing Alzheimer's.
She stressed the need for travel money.
5:10:43 PM
JUDITH JOHNSON, ALZHEIMER'S RESOURCE OF ALASKA, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), testified in support of funding the
Alzheimer's Resource of Alaska. She stated that she
currently had Alzheimer's disease. She explained that the
program had helped many people, including herself, and
hoped that the program would continue to help people.
5:12:59 PM
SHIRLY MARQUARDT, CITY OF UNALASKA, UNALASKA (via
teleconference), testified in support of Revenue Sharing.
She spoke in support of SB 97. She felt that the program
would ease the cost of energy in her community.
Co-Chair Hoffman handed the gavel to Senator Olson.
5:14:50 PM
MARJORIE STRAUSS, SELF, BETHEL (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding the Alaska Legal Services
Corporation. She also expressed support of fully funding
the governor's increase for domestic violence and sexual
assault programs.
Co-Chair Hoffman noted that the Senate version of HB 284
included a $200,000 increase to what the governor had
requested for domestic violence and sexual assault
programs.
5:16:17 PM
NICKI SHELTON, TRAINER, PARENTS AS TEACHERS, HOONAH (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding the
Parents as Teachers programs. She stated that children who
participated in the Parents as Teachers program achieved
success in the kindergarten readiness skills assessments,
and the benefits lasted through at least third grade. She
relayed a story about a father who noticed that all of the
children from the Parents as Teachers program in his son's
third grade class received academic awards.
5:18:55 PM
DAVE TALERICO, MAYER, DENALI BOROUGH, HEALY (via
teleconference), spoke in support of Revenue Sharing. He
testified in support of SB 97. He asserted that high energy
costs were affecting the entire state.
5:20:18 PM
JEANETTE DAVIS, INDEPENDENT LIVING, HOMER (via
teleconference), testified in support of the $200,000 for
the independent living program, she and shared the
importance of its services in her life. She was 76-years-
old, and felt that the independent living program promoted
choices, independence, and a high quality of life. She
remarked that the program enabled her to attend college,
and provided valuable resources to maintain her health.
5:22:12 PM
ANITA VAN DYCK, SELF, SITKA (via teleconference), spoke in
support of the SAIL services in Sitka. She reported eight
years prior, she unexpectedly lost her short-term memory.
Thanks to the services that SAIL provided, she was able to
live in her home without being a burden on her children.
She noted that she volunteers for four different
organizations in her community, as a way of expressing her
gratitude for the services that SAIL provided.
5:23:10 PM
ALAVINI LATA, SELF, JUNEAU (via teleconference), voiced
support for the Complex Behavioral Collaborative $650,000
increment to the Mental Health budget. He explained that
his disabled son would be able to take advantage of the
benefits of the Collaborative. He explained that the
$650,000 would provide consultation and training services
for community providers to serve individuals with
disabilities with challenging behaviors such as aggression,
inappropriate sexual behaviors, and self-harm. He shared a
personal experience about his son's inappropriate behavior
during puberty. He concluded that there was previous
testimony that echoed his perspective.
5:25:05 PM
RON JOHNSON, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke
about the problems with the $11 billion unfunded liability
in the State of Alaska Retirement and Benefits. He felt
that a level-dollar pay-down method was the best way to
ensure financial success. He felt that in the near future,
the focus of the budget would be applying payments to the
unfunded liability.
5:26:42 PM
FRANCIS KELLY, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of the Alzheimer's Resource of Alaska.
She stated that the funding would provide education for
caregivers, and assistance for families of Alzheimer's
patients. She remarked that she was able to care for her
father, because of the Alzheimer's Resource of Alaska
program.
5:28:49 PM
CARROL LYBERGER, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding the Alzheimer's Disease or
Related Disorders (ADRD). She remarked that she had
submitted a letter highlighting her perspective and
experience (copy on file).
Acting Chair Olsen handed the gavel to Co-Chair Hoffman.
CSHB 284(FIN) was HEARD and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
CSHB 285(FIN) was HEARD and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
ADJOURNMENT
5:30:11 PM
The meeting was adjourned at 5:30 PM.