Legislature(2001 - 2002)
02/26/2002 09:17 AM Senate FIN
| Audio | Topic |
|---|
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
MINUTES
SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE
February 26, 2002
9:17 AM
TAPES
SFC-02 # 17, Side A
SFC 02 # 17, Side B
SFC 02 # 18, Side A
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Pete Kelly convened the meeting at approximately 9:17 AM.
PRESENT
Senator Dave Donley, Co-Chair
Senator Pete Kelly, Co-Chair
Senator Jerry Ward, Vice Chair
Senator Loren Leman
Senator Lyda Green
Senator Gary Wilken
Senator Alan Austerman
Senator Lyman Hoffman
Senator Donald Olson
Also Attending: SKIFF LOBAUGH, Human Resource Manager, Personnel
Office, Legislative Administrative Services, Legislative Affairs
Agency; BARBARA CRAVER, Attorney, Legislative Legal Counsel,
Legislative Legal and Research Services, Legislative Affairs
Agency; ANNALEE MCCONNELL, Director, Office of Management and
Budget, Office of the Governor; CANDACE BROWER, Legislative
Liaison, Office of the Commissioner, Department of Corrections;
Attending via Teleconference: From Nome: JOE MASON, University of
Alaska-Fairbanks, Northwest Campus; From Anchorage: ROSE MUNAFO,
Criminal Justice Planner, Inmate Programs, Division of
Institutions, Department of Corrections; BRUCE RICHARDS, Special
Assistant, Office of the Commissioner, Department of Corrections;
ROBERT BUTTCANE, Legislative and Administrative Liaison, Division
of Juvenile Justice, Department of Health and Social Services.
SUMMARY INFORMATION
SCR 29-HIRING FREEZE
The Committee heard from the Legislative Affairs Agency and the
Office of Management and Budget. The bill was held in Committee.
SB 223-PRISONERS:PAROLE/GOOD TIME
The Committee heard from the sponsor, the University of Alaska and
the Department of Corrections. The bill was held in Committee.
SB 97-PROBATION AND PAROLE FEES
The Committee heard from the sponsor, the Department of Corrections
and the Department of Health and Social Services. The bill was held
in Committee.
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 29
Relating to urging the Governor to institute a hiring freeze
on state government.
This was the first hearing for this bill in the Senate Finance
Committee.
Co-Chair Kelly opined that when requesting a hiring freeze, there
are complexities to the issue that are not immediately apparent.
Therefore, he requested the Division of Legal and Research Services
and the Division of Personnel to comment on the matter.
SKIFF LOBAUGH, Human Resource Manager, Personnel Office,
Legislative Administrative Services, Legislative Affairs Agency,
testified that it is common for managers to assist with the duties
of other positions during a temporary hiring freeze. He told of a
disadvantage in that if this practice continued over a length of
time, managerial positions could change. He spoke of Fair Labor
Standards and job classifications and the percentage of time spent
performing clerical duties, which could make a manager employee
eligible for overtime compensation.
Co-Chair Kelly asked the specific percentage of time spent on
clerical duties whereby the position is no longer considered
professional and exempt from Fair Labor Standards.
BARBARA CRAVER, Attorney, Legislative Legal Counsel, Legislative
Legal and Research Services, Legislative Affairs Agency, testified
the amount is established in case law and is between 20 and 50
percent. She stressed the issue is that an employee's job duties
regularly involve nonprofessional duties, the status as a
profession could be lost and the position could subsequently become
subject to overtime compensation.
Co-Chair Kelly commented that becoming liable for overtime
compensation for managers could defeat the cost saving purpose of a
hiring freeze.
Co-Chair Kelly pointed out that if this resolution were passed, the
Executive Branch is not required to implement it because of the
Separation of Powers. He referenced another Senate resolution
relating to a constitutional amendment to allow the Legislature to
enact a hiring freeze, which is currently in the Senate State
Affairs Committee.
Ms. Craver replied that if the Administration decided to institute
a hiring freeze, a number of statutory changes would be necessary,
although these could be temporary.
Senator Wilken referenced page 1, line 8 and 9 of the resolution,
which reads as follows.
WHEREAS the proposed fiscal year 2003 budget contains an
increase of 858 full-time positions from the current fiscal
year, at a cost of $115,000,000; and
Senator Wilken asked if these positions are funded with general
funds.
Co-Chair Kelly stated that not all the positions would be funded
with general funds.
Senator Wilken suggested the funding sources of the positions
should be clarified.
Senator Austerman asked if those positions funded from other
sources require general funds for medical and retirement benefits
packages and whether this cost is reflected in the $1.5 million.
Co-Chair Kelly stressed this resolution is not intended to "beat up
on the Governor". He noted that the increased number of positions
is partially because of legislative action. She requested Ms.
McConnell address Senator Wilken's and Senator Austerman's
questions in her testimony.
ANNALEE MCCONNELL, Director, Office of Management and Budget,
Office of the Governor, spoke to the purpose of a hiring freeze at
this time. She surmised that some feel that before additional
revenue sources could be considered, it must be demonstrated to the
public that existing resources are utilized wisely. She referenced
the hiring freeze instituted in Alaska in 1999 because of a
significant reduction in oil prices, and hiring freezes instituted
in other states experiencing "emergency situations" caused by "a
sudden precipitous drop in their revenues." By contrast, she stated
the situation currently in Alaska has been known for some time,
which is the need to address the fiscal gap with both budget cuts
and revenue measures.
Ms. McConnell said the question is whether a hiring freeze would
provide "good cost control" and also whether it would provide
assurance to the public.
Ms. McConnell addressed the cost control issue, saying there is not
a surplus of state employees who are not performing any work or
important work. She stated that five years of budget reductions and
a past hiring freeze has "concentrated the effort quite
significantly" and forced many agencies to determine how to perform
necessary functions with fewer people.
Co-Chair Donley asked how many state employees were released "non-
voluntarily" i.e. were fired.
Ms. McConnell did not have that information.
Co-Chair Donley requested examples of how the Administration is
attaining efficiency, whether through job reassignments, etc.
Ms. McConnell replied there have been several consolidations within
departments, such as the Tax Division, which performs with fewer
managers and the Department of Labor and Workforce Development,
which has instituted cross training of inspectors.
Ms. McConnell asserted a hiring freeze does not guarantee budget
reductions in specific areas. She noted this resolution exempts
those positions related to health and safety. She commented it must
then be determined what constitutes health and safety. She listed
Alaska State Troopers and the necessary administrative support in
the crime lab, investigations and payroll.
Co-Chair Kelly asked if there have been lay-offs.
Co-Chair Donley said the case has been argued that efficiencies
have been made that that the state needs every person currently
employed. He asked the number of employees dismissed over the past
year to "maximize the productivity of the workforce".
Ms. McConnell spoke to difficulties due to position vacancies,
which she said she would address later in her testimony.
Ms. McConnell informed that paying overtime to existing employees
is more expensive then hiring new employees. She told of the 55
correctional officer vacancies in the Department of Corrections,
the 15 percent vacancy rate in probation officers, 17 medical
positions and five percent vacancy rate for administrative
positions. She stressed that the administrative staff "has not kept
pace" with the overall growth of the number of prisoners. The
Department of Law, she continued, has had a 39 percent turnover
rate in the Criminal Division since January 1, 2000. She emphasized
that a hiring freeze would impact the Department's ability to hire
graduates in the fall, when most are hired. She also reminded of
difficulties in hiring and retaining nurses. In addition, she noted
the Legislature approved funding for a new hearing officer position
in the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to address the
backlog of Workers Compensation Claims. However, she informed that
another hiring officer position has been vacated and a hiring
freeze instituted at this time would negate the effect of the
additional position.
She also pointed out that new employees require a period of time
before they are able to fully complete their duties and that the
impact of a hiring freeze would be realized in future delivery of
services as well as in the short term.
Ms. McConnell spoke to the complex matter of general fund
positions. She told of a general funded position in the Labor
Market Information Section of the Department of Labor and Workforce
Development, which generates over $550,000,000 federal funds.
Ms. McConnell next addressed public perception and the difficulties
experienced during the past hiring freeze when non-general funded
positions continued to be advertised. She stated it is also a
misperception as to the importance of general funded positions.
Ms. McConnell asserted Alaska has instituted budget reduction
measures before many of the states that are currently instituting
hiring freezes. She suggested the Legislature could identify
functions and modify statutes to reduce the level of certain
services.
Ms. McConnell reminded of the FY 02 budget Conference Committee
intent that although funds would be approved for various increases,
the total position count would not be adjusted. She said this
decision required the additional positions to be accounted in the
FY 03 Governor's budget.
Ms. McConnell referenced a handout: Understanding the FY 2003
Budget, Analysis of Position Changes [copy on file], which she said
addresses the questions raised by Senator Wilken and Senator
Austerman. She pointed out that the aforementioned figure of 858
new positions is inaccurate because it "disregarded" many positions
although funds had been approved by the Legislature. She informed
that of the 536 new positions included the Governor's proposed
budget, 116 are either federally funded or self-supporting. Another
75 of those positions, she said, were previously part time
positions; 12 new positions are for programs or facilities
previously approved by the Legislature; and 29 new positions in the
Governor's Oil Safety and Development Initiative are to address the
aging pipeline and other oil and gas facilities and to streamline
the permitting process. She continued that 11 new positions
proposed for the Department of Corrections are intended to meet the
increase probation officer and child protection caseloads.
Ms. McConnell remarked that the Administration continues to
recognize that there is a need to assure the public that funds are
spent wisely. However, she asserted that the "primary issue right
now is addressing the revenue side of the equation."
Co-Chair Kelly referenced a conversation held in Committee a week
prior relating to the specifics of the budget and the difficulties
for the Legislature at finding efficiencies. He commented that the
same applies to a hiring freeze. He stated he would not presume to
tell the Governor the best method to implement a hiring freeze.
However, he hoped to enter a dialog on the matter.
Co-Chair Kelly stressed the number of positions has increased by
1,200 since 1995. He qualified he did not dispute the importance of
many of these positions and noted that some of these positions are
the result of legislative action. Regardless, he surmised that a
hiring freeze is a common sense response to a growing government in
times of a fiscal gap. He wanted to reach an agreement with the
Administration as to how a hiring freeze could best be implemented.
Ms. McConnell reiterated there is a disagreement about whether a
hiring freeze is the best solution. She talked about the unfairness
of requiring employees funded with general funds to perform the
work of one and one-half positions while other employees working in
non-general funded positions are not. She noted employee contracts
prohibit this practice and that it would be unfair to the public as
well as to employees.
Co-Chair Kelly did not disagree and requested assistance in
crafting a hiring freeze to avoid the problems Ms. McConnell
mentioned.
Ms. McConnell asked the purpose.
Co-Chair Kelly responded the purpose would be to slow the growth of
government in light of a $1.3 billion fiscal gap. He asserted that
a hiring freeze is a reasonable response of management in times of
a budget shortfall. He pointed out the Governor has proposed
increased spending every year except one, when there has been a
revenue shortfall.
Ms. McConnell stressed the Legislature has approved each of those
budgets. She expressed that if the Legislature wants the
Administration to stop certain functions, the statutes establishing
those services should be amended.
Co-Chair Kelly responded, "Act like an executive," and "take hold
of this problem and begin to do something about it rather than just
passing out money like it's Christmastime."
Ms. McConnell pointed out many vacant positions could not be filled
because pay scales and compensation packages are not commensurate
with the federal government and the private sector, or because or a
short supply in trained workers for certain jobs. She stressed that
a hiring freeze prohibiting the Administration from recruiting for
these positions would compound the problem.
Co-Chair Kelly noted this resolution is "fairly general" and does
not restrict recruitment.
Ms. McConnell gave an example of accounting clerk positions, which
the Legislature could determine to not be health and safety
related. She warned the system could not function without basic
administrative support.
Senator Ward asked the number of new positions added since 1996.
Ms. McConnell did not have that information.
Senator Ward wanted to know the number of new positions requested
since the 1999-hiring freeze.
Ms. McConnell responded a position analysis has been prepared each
of the last three or four fiscal years. She noted some positions
are a result of federal transportation funding and other non-
general fund sources.
Senator Ward asked if since 1999 any non-essential positions have
been added. If not, he suggested this resolution is unnecessary.
Ms. McConnell remarked the question is what positions are
necessary, listing correctional officers and crime lab staff. She
emphasized the Legislature and the Executive Branch reached the
decisions regarding specific additional positions, jointly. She
maintained that the addition of social workers, and other such
positions are necessary.
Senator Ward did not disagree, but questioned the addition of
managerial positions.
Senator Hoffman compared Alaska's approximately one billion dollar
fiscal gap to the $1.6 billion fiscal gap of the State of
Washington, noting that although a hiring freeze is being
considered for Washington, additional revenue sources are under
consideration as well. He commented that the deficit in Alaska of
is more significant due to the lower population.
Senator Hoffman indicated a hiring freeze, delayed pay raises and
other proposals are reactions to the budget problem. He remarked he
would be more supportive of the proposed measures if he were able
to "see the light at the end of the tunnel." He explained this must
include consideration of new revenues, rather than only a spending
limit.
Senator Hoffman referenced a survey published in the Juneau Empire
on Monday February 25, 2002, which indicated broad support of
addressing the fiscal gap.
SFC 02 # 17, Side B 10:04 AM
Senator Hoffman warned. "We don't have the time, Mr. Chairman, to
be sitting around and hoping that something big is going to happen
out of the blue. We need to be a little bit more active in the
concerns of the economy of the state and the services that we are
obligated to provide to the citizens of the state."
Ms McConnell added that between 1990 and 1997, the Washington state
general fund budget increased 33 percent, whereas the general fund
budget for Alaska was reduced .6 percent during the same time
period. She suggested that a hiring freeze might be reasonable in
Washington due to this growth. She noted that because another state
is implementing a hiring freeze it is not necessarily advisable for
Alaska to do likewise.
Co-Chair Kelly agreed this was not a valid reason to implement a
hiring freeze, but noted it is not uncommon to address budget
shortfalls with a hiring freeze. He asked if the witness considered
the 1999-hiring freeze successful.
Ms. McConnell responded it reduced the growth in the number of
employees. However, she stated the state is currently having
difficulties in filling existing vacancies. She reiterated the
issue regarding non-general fund positions that continued to be
advertised.
Co-Chair Kelly suggested that showing that the 1999 hiring freeze
was unsuccessful would be an effective argument against this
resolution.
Ms. McConnell asked which positions the Legislature could recommend
should be vacant.
Co-Chair Kelly remarked the issue relates to cooperation between
the Legislature and the Executive Branch in making budget
decisions.
Senator Austerman addressed the 75 positions changing from part
time to full time and asked if the positions were originally
created through federal funding.
Ms. McConnell answered that in some cases three part time positions
would be converted into one or two full time positions; other
changes are the result of increased workloads. She pointed out the
data does not report the deletion of part time positions.
Co-Chair Donley remarked the per capita spending argument is an
"excuse" of the Executive Branch to "do nothing". He informed the
per capita spending of Alaska is approximately $9,000, compared to
the state of Hawaii with the next highest per capita spending of
approximately $5,000. He partially attributed this to significant
oil revenues generated in the 1980s.
Co-Chair Kelly noted the Alaska Constitution requires this state to
provide more services than other states.
Co-Chair Donley agreed but stressed Alaska spends more per capita
on education then any state.
Senator Wilken commented that "stealing" from "working people" and
small businesses as the first step to solving the state's fiscal
problem, is actually an oncoming train at the end of the tunnel.
Senator Wilken asked for reconciliation between the 18,300
positions listed by the Division of Legislative Finance as approved
by the Legislature for FY 02, and 19,339 positions cited by the
Office of the Governor.
Ms. McConnell explained that although the Conference Committee
authorized funding for new positions, the position count was not
increased.
Co-Chair Donley again spoke to the comparison of per capita
spending in the State of Washington and the State of Alaska.
Ms. McConnell noted Alaska's expenditures are higher because of
constitutional requirements. She stated Alaska spends more for
education then most states. She also pointed out the unified court
system requires more state funds.
Ms. McConnell compared current per capita spending in Alaska to the
amount spent in 1979 informing that, adjusted for inflation, the
state spends $1,100 less. She agreed there were spending increases
in the 1980s but stressed decreases have been made since then and
spending has not "kept pace" with population increases. She
emphasized the question is "what is right for us today".
Co-Chair Kelly ordered the bill HELD in Committee to await a
constitutional amendment resolution on the same subject.
CS FOR SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE BILL NO. 223(JUD)
"An Act limiting the award of good time and restricting
release on mandatory parole for prisoners serving certain
sentences who fail to attain certain minimum educational
standards; providing that prisoners having attained or
attaining those educational standards receive good time awards
and availability of release on mandatory parole of one-third
of the term or terms of imprisonment rounded off to the
nearest day; and providing for an effective date."
This was the first hearing for this bill in the Senate Finance
Committee.
Co-Chair Donley, sponsor, testified this is a "familiar concept"
that would encourage prisoners who do not already have a high
school education to obtain their General Equivalency Diploma (GED)
while in prison. He explained the incentive would be a reduction in
the amount of good time, or non-discretionary parole, available. He
also pointed out the state would be required to make such
educational opportunities available.
Co-Chair Donley informed that Alaska has the "most generous" good
time provisions in the United States, noting a person sentenced to
ten years could be paroled after serving 6 2/3 years. He stated the
national standard is 85 percent compared to 75 percent in Alaska.
He qualified that Alaska laws are tougher for some offenses.
Co-Chair Donley summarized the goal of this legislation is to
encourage offenders to obtain their education. He referenced
studies showing that the rate of recidivism is directly related to
education.
Co-Chair Donley stated it is reasonable to require that parolees
have the ability to read and write. He said this does not unfairly
penalize those inmates who do not obtain a GED because the amount
of good time allowed for their sentences would be the national
average. He added that not providing such a high level of good time
is reasonable because studies show an increased likelihood of
illiterate offenders reentering the criminal justice system.
Co-Chair Donley noted the State of Florida has instituted a similar
program at an estimated savings of $1.9 million due to reduced
recidivism. He qualified Alaska has fewer inmates and the amount
would therefore be lower.
Co-Chair Donley spoke of his efforts to determine the savings,
which are not reflected in the fiscal notes. He noted the
Department of Corrections has attempted to estimate the cost of
housing the approximately 16 inmates per year who would not obtain
a GED. He informed the average annual cost per inmate is $27,000,
which would total approximately $400,000. He compared this amount
to the costs involved with the 41 percent national re-incarceration
rate of offenders without a high school education. He calculated
that of the 111 inmates this legislation would apply to, less the
16 who would remain incarcerated for a longer period, and assuming
the six-percent success rate experienced in the State of Florida,
approximately six former Alaska inmates would not re-offend as a
result of obtaining their GED. He qualified the incarceration costs
would be higher but stressed the cost savings of the six successful
inmates would offset that amount. He listed the costs of crime to
society and injuries to victims of the multiple crimes that might
be committed before an offender is apprehended, plus the expenses
of the criminal justice system.
Co-Chair Donley stressed the only reason to not pass this
legislation is the potential cost of inmates remaining in prison
longer. However, he emphasized the possibility of significant
savings from reduced recidivism.
Co-Chair Donley asked and answered, "Is it the right thing to do?
Absolutely."
Co-Chair Donley asserted educational opportunities as part of
restitution is mandated by the state Constitution. He noted other
states are operating similar programs with success. He indicated he
intended to perform additional research on the recidivism rate in
Alaska in order to accurately calculate the potential savings
involved.
Co-Chair Donley stated that withholding the permanent fund dividend
for an additional year from those who have committed serious crime,
would "more then fund" the additional incarceration expenses of the
inmates who would receive reduced good time. He suggested such a
proposal could be incorporated into this bill, although he
recommended separate legislation.
Senator Wilken asked if this bill is identical to legislation
considered in a previous session.
Co-Chair Donley answered it is and explained the earlier
legislation was introduced during a year when no legislation with
accompanying fiscal notes was passed.
Senator Green asked for clarification of Section 2(a)(1)(A) of the
committee substitute, which gives exemptions to the GED provision
for those who already have a high school education, are incapable
of attaining a diploma, do not speak English, or are of a certain
age or social background.
Co-Chair Donley affirmed and noted this language is consistent with
assumptions made by the Department of Corrections and reflected in
an assessment contained in the fiscal note.
Co-Chair Donley explained Section 2 and detailed the process of
granting good time credit of one-third of the sentence for inmates
who have a high school education or are determined to be incapable
of receiving such. Others, he continued, would receive one-sixth
good time credit unless they obtain a GED while incarcerated.
Senator Hoffman commented the committee substitute is an
improvement over the original bill. He spoke to the unquantifiable
expense of those inmates who do not obtain a GED and subsequently
serve longer portions of their sentences. He suggested performing a
two to three year demonstration project in a controlled setting
before enacting legislation to identify and rectify concerns. He
agreed it has been proven that people with a higher education are
less likely to commit crimes and are more productive citizens.
However, he asserted that placing these assumptions into law is
excessive.
Senator Ward supported this bill. He stated that a demonstration
project has merit, although not as much merit as would a law.
Senator Ward stated that people who are incarcerated have
"problems" with work ethic and educational ability. He asserted
that an overriding factor for a prisoner is "how much time do they
have; when can they get out." He stated that a vast majority of
inmates perform certain actions if they know doing so could reduce
the length of their stay.
Senator Ward told of inmates he has encountered who embrace
religion, sobriety or "anything that the system gives them in order
to make the system happy" and obtain release. He remarked that a
benefit is that occasionally, while "pulling this con upon society,
they get caught up in it and get better".
Senator Ward expressed this legislation addresses those inmates who
had problems that resulted in them not obtaining a high school
education. He commented that many of these people are "getting
through life because they have wits, they are very smart, but they
don't have the foundation and the ability." He said these people do
not want others to know that they are unable to read and that this
is one reason they "turn to crime".
Senator Ward predicted that if education were offered as an
incentive, those inmates would "come to the table" even if it means
admitting they are unable to read well or perform mathematical
functions.
JOE MASON, University of Alaska-Fairbanks, Northwest Campus,
testified via teleconference from Nome in support of the bill and
stressed that statistics prove education reduces recidivism. He
told of teaching audio conference college courses to students
incarcerated at Anvil Mountain Correctional Center and shared the
story of one former inmate student, who later pursued further
education after being released and was voted Student of the Year at
the Northwest Campus. He attested this person today is not the
"anger-filled individual" he was before receiving an education. He
stressed audio conferencing and correspondence courses are
effective methods of providing education to inmates.
Mr. Mason suggested that the inmates who receive an exemption from
the GED requirement due to language, social, age or intelligence
levels should also be required to pursue and meet "measurable
education objectives to improve their skills."
ROSE MUNAFO, Criminal Justice Planner, Inmate Programs, Division of
Institutions, Department of Corrections, testified via
teleconference from Anchorage that no one believes education is not
"a good thing" and that it would contribute to productivity.
SFC 02 # 18, Side A 10:52 AM
Ms. Munafo warned of the fiscal ramifications of this legislation.
She stated that in 1987 or 1988 the budget for criminal education
efforts was reduced by one-half, although the inmate population has
continued to increase and she did not see how the objectives of
this bill could be accomplished within the current level of
funding.
Senator Hoffman asked if the witness supports the legislation.
Ms. Munafo did not. She suggested other methods, such as an
incentive provision allowing inmates to earn additional good time.
Senator Hoffman asked if the witness would endorse a demonstration
project.
Ms. Munafo replied that although she had not considered it, she
would support it.
Senator Ward asked how many prisoners in Alaska have been refused
an opportunity to receive a GED due to budget restraints.
Ms. Munafo did not know of any although noted there is a wait list,
which varies with each institution.
Senator Ward asked the average time on a wait list.
Ms. Munafo was unsure.
Senator Ward clarified the witness' testimony that because of
budget constraints, this legislation would result in additional
costs. However, understood that educational opportunities were
currently available.
BRUCE RICHARDS, Special Assistant, Office of the Commissioner,
Department of Corrections, testified via teleconference from
Anchorage that the increased cost to the Department would be the
longer incarceration of those who do not obtain their GED.
Senator Ward stated there would be no increase to the cost of the
educational program.
Mr. Richards replied there currently is a wait list and that in
order accommodate the additional inmates, funding for additional
"contract hours" of educators would be necessary.
Senator Ward asked if the witness saw providing additional
educational opportunities for inmates to be "a problem".
Mr. Richards did not. He preferred an incentive process of allowing
prisoners to earn additional good time rather than the proposed
method that would remove good time initially and require inmates to
earn that time back. He understood the system in the State of
Florida provides additional good time for those who receive a GED,
rather than a reduction for those who do not.
Senator Ward asked if the one-third-sentence reduction is not an
incentive.
Mr. Richards responded the one-third reduction is already in place
and that making additional good time available would be an
incentive and would be more appropriate.
Co-Chair Donley noted the Executive Branch presented this option
when the earlier legislation was considered. He stressed Alaska
already has the highest good time policy and he argued it is bad
public policy to release inmates earlier.
Co-Chair Donley stated he would support a demonstration project
except that one could not be fairly implemented within the criminal
justice system. He addressed the suggestion of a lapse date,
informing that because this legislation only applies to those with
sentences longer then two years and to those sentenced after the
effective date of the law, the effects would not be apparent for
several years. He noted the additional expenses would not be
incurred until the third year and any savings would not occur until
the fourth year of the new program.
Senator Hoffman commented that adding more available good time
would allow "good people" who obtain a degree, to be released
earlier and become more productive. He surmised this would result
in more savings.
Senator Leman referenced the analysis in the fiscal note relating
to the cost of contractual services to administer the education
program. He asked the current process for administering the GED
examinations.
Ms. Munafo explained the fiscal note reflects the anticipated
additional testing to determine an individual's reading and
mathematic level prior to enrollment in a GED preparation course.
She noted the fiscal note also includes additional "teacher time",
based on 97 students per education provider the previous year and
the projected 111 additional students this legislation would incur.
Senator Leman asked if the teachers would utilize an existing
literacy program.
Ms. Munafo replied a program is in place that is similar to that
used by adult learning centers.
CANDACE BROWER, Legislative Liaison, Office of the Commissioner,
Department of Corrections testified in Juneau, that although the
Department supports education as part of rehabilitation, it is
opposed to the approach contained in this legislation. She stated
the Department currently provides successful educational
opportunities and encourages inmates to improve themselves. She
anticipated less money would be appropriated for the Department's
FY 03 budget and stated this legislation would increase expenses.
She listed the increase of 300 additional inmates since one year
ago and the increase of 919 inmates since 1996. She attributed the
increases to statutory changes that increase sentences.
Ms. Brower cautioned against criminalizing those who lack an
education. She noted that many offenders receive education while on
supervised parole and she spoke to the limited resources for
educational programs available to the Department.
Ms. Brower knew of no other state that makes education a condition
of early release, although many offer incentive programs.
Ms Brower informed the GED examinations have been changed, are more
rigorous and she was unsure how inmates would perform.
Ms. Brower asserted that lowered recidivism is the result of a
number of factors, not only one program.
Co-Chair Donley agreed recidivism is complex, but stressed research
has shown the number one factor relates to the ability to read and
write.
Senator Leman did not want dangerous criminals released early.
However, he wanted others to repay their debt to society in other
ways then being incarcerated in a prison facility.
Co-Chair Donley spoke to the argument of positive incentive. He
told the history of increasing good time from one-quarter of the
sentence to one-third, reiterating it is the highest rate in the
nation. He stated that this legislation provides negative incentive
is misleading. He was more inclined to provide additional good time
for those who did not commit act of violence. He noted the current
good time was increased to one-third was due to difficulties the
Department had with tracking the different amount of good time
available for different inmates convicted of different offenses. He
suggested this issue could be revisited to allow additional good
time for those offenders who did not commit a violent crime and who
received a GED during their incarceration.
Co-Chair Kelly expressed support for the bill.
Co-Chair Kelly ordered the bill HELD in Committee to await data
from the Department of Corrections to incorporate into a fiscal
note.
SENATE BILL NO. 97
"An Act relating to fees for probation and parole."
This was the first hearing for this bill in the Senate Finance
Committee.
Senator Ward testified this bill stipulates that probationers and
parolees under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections
must participate in their rehabilitation by paying a portion of
their parole or probation expenses. He spoke to the high cost of
probation and parole to the government and stressed the primary
purpose of placing offenders on probation or parole is to secure
employment.
Senator Ward indicated other states have implemented similar
programs. He stated it has been shown that those affected offenders
make the effort to stay employed so they are able to pay the
necessary fees, and therefore avoiding returning to prison.
Senator Ward expressed the intention is not to create a debtor jail
and assured this legislation would not cause this. He noted
exceptions would be made for those who are unable to pay.
Senator Ward predicted that despite victim's compensation and child
support payments, a significant number of parolees and probationers
would be eligible to receive a permanent fund dividend, which could
be garnished under this legislation for parole and probation
expenses.
Senator Ward pointed out that various broad based taxes were under
consideration in part to pay for the expenses related to probation
and parole.
Senator Ward remarked this legislation would benefit those on
probation and parole. He stated that lack of a job is one
"underlying ill" causing people to commit crimes because of the
need to fill emptiness. He commented this legislation offers a
method for offenders to "earn their way back into society".
Senator Ward mentioned the proposed interstate compact relating to
monitoring and administering probationers and parolees. He
predicted other states would be reviewing cost options as well.
Senator Ward commented this program could be cost-effective
provided the collection process is not made burdensome requiring
the addition of significant staff.
Senator Ward noted that in states with similar programs,
probationers and parolees who fail to make the necessary payments
are usually in violation of other conditions of their release as
well.
Senator Ward also pointed out he proposed this system during the
Thirteenth Legislative Session, but was unsuccessful.
AT EASE 11:25 AM / 11:31 AM
BRUCE RICHARDS, Special Assistant, Office of the Commissioner,
Department of Corrections testified via teleconference from
Anchorage about previous attempts to require payments from parolees
and probationers and statutes to this effect that were in place
from 1986 to 1991. He stated the collection rate during that period
was approximately eight percent. He qualified the proposed
legislation stipulates collections would be performed by a private
entity. However, he informed that past efforts to locate a
collection agency willing to assume these duties were unsuccessful
because collection agencies are "in the business of taking on bad
debt." Instead, he continued, a local financial institution was
employed to establish an escrow account and to mail monthly
statements to parolees and probationers, but did not pursue
collection of late balances. Therefore, he stated, the fiscal note
reflects a ten-percent collection rate for the proposed
legislation.
ROBERT BUTTCANE, Legislative and Administrative Liaison, Division
of Juvenile Justice, Department of Health and Social Services,
testified via teleconference from Anchorage to explain the
projected 80 percent collection rate reflected in this Department's
fiscal note. He shared that in-house discussions were held to
arrive at this estimate, that there is no quantitative basis for
this "subjective" assumption and that it is based on an "absolute
best case scenario". He noted the Division has been successful in
obtaining 87.7 percent payment rate in court-ordered restitution.
Because if this, he said, most juvenile offenders could be
motivated to comply with expectations imposed on them.
Co-Chair Donley asked Mr. Richards the current repayment percentage
of restitution payments ordered for adult offenders.
Mr. Richards indicated he would provide the information.
Co-Chair Donley had suggested the Department of Corrections fiscal
note should indicate that the number of new parolees and
probationers affected by this legislation would be phased in over
several years.
Co-Chair Kelly ordered the bill HELD in Committee.
ADJOURNMENT
Co-Chair Pete Kelly adjourned the meeting at 11:40 AM.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|