Legislature(2005 - 2006)SENATE FINANCE 532
04/07/2006 01:00 PM Senate FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB365 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 365 | TELECONFERENCED | |
MINUTES
SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE
April 7, 2006
1:01 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Gary Wilken convened the meeting at approximately
1:01:30 PM.
PRESENT
Senator Lyda Green, Co-Chair
Senator Gary Wilken, Co-Chair
Senator Con Bunde, Vice-Chair
Senator Lyman Hoffman
Senator Donny Olson
Senator Fred Dyson
Senator Bert Stedman
Also Attending: Testifiers are listed in the body of the minutes
in the order they testified.
SUMMARY INFORMATION
HB 365-APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUNDS
The Committee heard testimony from residents of Bethel, Nome,
Kotzebue, Barrow, Tok, Delta Junction, Ketchikan, Wrangell,
Petersburg, Sitka, Cordova and Valdez. The bill was held in
Committee.
1:02:02 PM
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 365(FIN) am(brf sup maj fld)
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan
program expenses of state government, for certain programs,
and to capitalize funds; making appropriations for state
aid to public schools, centralized correspondence study,
and transportation of pupils; and providing for an
effective date."
This was the third hearing for this bill in the Senate Finance
Committee.
1:03:04 PM
Co-Chair Wilken announced testimony would be limited to three
minutes to allow all those present an opportunity to
participate.
1:03:15 PM
GINA APPOLLONI, Program Director, Village Public Safety Officer
program, testified via teleconference from Nome about the
importance of the officer program in Northwestern Alaska. She
supported the proposal of creating a lower tier position
category, as it would not detriment the program. Additional
funding is needed to hire 15 new positions and provide bonuses
to current officers.
1:06:14 PM
Co-Chair Wilken informed that the Department of Public Safety is
having difficulty recruiting for vacant positions and is
therefore able to utilize lapsing funds for the program.
1:07:03 PM
MIKE OWENS testified via teleconference from Nome to raise
awareness of the emergency medical services program. He
requested the Senate provide the funding approved by the House
of Representatives. Funding is desperately needed to maintain
constitutionally mandated essential services.
1:08:47 PM
CHARLIE LEAN testified via teleconference from Nome that he is
the voluntary ambulance chief for the local community. He
stressed the need for funding the emergency medical services
program. Volunteers provide most of these services and they
require training.
1:11:38 PM
JOHN MCINTYRE, Public Relations Director, Association of Village
Council Presidents, testified via teleconference from Bethel
that the Association supports full funding for the Power Cost
Equalization program. He and other rural residents have incurred
high fuel costs this winter. Oil and gas development would not
benefit residents of Western Alaska. The Association also
supports municipal assistance. The regional public broadcasting
station provides important information to the area and requires
funding.
1:15:51 PM
GEORGE YOUNG, Fire Chief, City of Bethel, testified via
teleconference from Bethel that he has been a member of the
Lower Yukon-Kuskokwim Region EMS (emergency medical services)
program for 27 years. The program needs assistance, such as the
funding approved by the House of Representative. The critical
needs in the Bush could not be underestimated.
1:18:23 PM
Senator Bunde remarked that municipal revenue sharing requires a
stable revenue source. Revenue from oil is not stable. He asked
if the witness would support expending earnings from the Alaska
Permanent Fund for government services.
1:18:54 PM
Mr. Young replied that the municipal revenue share funding has
decreased in recent years. He would support the use of the
Alaska Permanent Fund earnings in this manner.
1:19:58 PM
BALASSA LARSON testified via teleconference from Bethel that she
supervises health aides in rural communities and that the
emergency medical services program would benefit from additional
financial assistance.
1:21:48 PM
KYLA HAGAN testified via teleconference from Bethel in support
of increases to the rural emergency response programs. The local
program has struggled over the past 15 years to provide training
to emergency medical technician volunteers.
1:23:48 PM
Co-Chair Wilken invited interested parties to submit written
testimony.
1:24:36 PM
RHODA ALLEN, Employee, Native Village of Kotzebue, testified via
teleconference from Kotzebue in support of the Kotzebue
Vocational Technical Center and public radio. She benefited from
computer training she received at the Center, which allowed her
to secure employment.
1:26:31 PM
DARA WHALEN, Nursing Instructor, University of Alaska and
Nursing Supervisor, Maniilaq Nursing Program, testified via
teleconference from Kotzebue about the need to train Native
Alaskans as nurses to serve rural areas.
1:28:13 PM
SUZY ERLICH, General Manager, KOTZ public radio, testified via
teleconference from Kotzebue to thank the Committee for
restoration of requested funding for public radio. Many local
residents could not afford cable television and rely on public
television. She requested full funding for that service.
1:29:36 PM
Senator Olson asked the witness to speak to the impacts of
interrupted public broadcasting to the area.
1:29:46 PM
Ms. Erlich told of an aircraft that crashed into the radio
tower, interrupting service to Kotzebue and outlying areas.
Residents and traveling hunters were cut off from all forms of
communication. The affect was drastic.
1:31:55 PM
LORETTA BULLARD testified via teleconference from Nome in
support of the Village Public Safety Officer (VPSO) program and
to request the Committee approve the funding requested by the
Governor. In addition, many cities are unable to pay their fuel
bills.
1:34:29 PM
Senator Olson asked the witness's position on the proposal to
add Village Public Safety Assistants position classifications to
the VPSO program.
1:34:36 PM
Ms. Bullard had only recently heard of the proposal and was
unsure of the impacts.
1:35:27 PM
JOAN HAMILTON, Chair, Bethel Broadcasting Inc, testified via
teleconference from Bethel to thank the Committee for restoring
funding for public radio and partial funding for public
television. She told of efforts to record historical Native
practices and techniques to share with future generations.
1:38:14 PM
Senator Bunde listens to public radio in Juneau and in Anchorage
and these stations air fundraising campaigns. He asked if the
Bethel station does the same.
1:38:33 PM
Ms. Hamilton replied that fundraising events are held twice a
year and have received generous contributions in proportion to
the local economy.
1:39:51 PM
BRAD KEHOE testified via teleconference from Bethel to the
importance of public broadcasting to the community. This is not
a luxury service, but required to locations off the road system.
He asked that all funding be restored.
1:43:55 PM
JOHN MARK, Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, testified via
teleconference from Bethel that he travels to rural villages to
train health care providers. Funds are needed through the
emergency medical services program to assist in these efforts.
1:45:11 PM
JOSEPH KLETKA, Family Practice Physician, Corporate Medical
Director, Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, testified via
teleconference from Bethel that unintentional injuries are the
number one cause of death in the region. Trained Emergency
Medical Technicians (EMTs) are essential for treating these
emergencies.
1:47:13 PM
Senator Hoffman informed that the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health
Corporation provides health care services for 56 villages over
an area larger than the State of Washington. Recipients of the
Corporation's services have noted significant improvements since
Dr. Kletka assumed his position.
1:48:18 PM
BILL OBRIEN testified via teleconference from Bethel about the
first responder teams stationed in villages. These are staffed
with young volunteers. Increased funding should be supported.
These programs improve the quality of life for village
residents.
1:50:24 PM
DAVE TRANTHAM, Member, City Council, City of Bethel, testified
via teleconference from Bethel that a gathering of area
community leaders deemed public broadcasting to be the most
important component needed to address a possible Avian Flu
outbreak.
1:52:16 PM
Mr. Young clarified his earlier response to Senator Bunde
regarding the use of the Alaska Permanent Fund. While he
supported funding the Power Cost Equalization program, he did
not support allocation of the Fund earnings for this effort.
1:52:50 PM
Senator Bunde appreciated the clarification, as he had been
surprised at the initial response.
1:53:21 PM
VIVIAN JOHNSON testified via teleconference from Bethel to echo
Mr. McIntyre's testimony regarding emergency medical services
needs. She detailed surveys of Emergency Medical Technicians and
Village Public Safety Officers.
1:57:37 PM
DAN HARRIS testified via teleconference from Barrow that his
education background is in special education of developmentally
disabled youth. He had been told that all funding for Fetal
Alcohol Syndrome diagnostic and treatment programs would be
eliminated from the FY 07 operating budget. Funding for related
efforts has been reduced or eliminated.
2:01:31 PM
Co-Chair Wilken indicated he would research the matter, thanking
Mr. Harris for bringing it to his attention.
2:01:55 PM
SHIINA AKPIK testified via teleconference from Barrow in support
of increased funding for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome treatment
programs.
2:03:01 PM
LINDA WENNING, Finance Director, City of Barrow, testified via
teleconference from Barrow to request increased municipal
revenue sharing funding and funding for increased costs of the
Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and the Teachers
Retirement System (TRS). Most revenue is generated from rural
areas of Alaska.
2:04:42 PM
CYD HANNS testified via teleconference from Barrow to thank the
Committee for restoring all funding for public radio and partial
funding for public television. She requested full funding for
public television.
2:06:02 PM
TOM ABBOTT testified via teleconference from Petersburg that he
was pleased the Committee approved funding for public radio and
television. He stressed the importance of both and that full
funding for public television is equally important as funding
for radio. Public broadcasting provides education, entertainment
and communication.
2:11:01 PM
DAVID HULL, Chief, North Tongass Volunteer Fire Department,
testified via teleconference from Ketchikan about the Governor's
proposed 20 percent increase to grants to regions for emergency
medical services. He told of the significant workload required
of the local department. Many responders are volunteers and must
be trained.
2:15:24 PM
Senator Stedman was aware of the funding reduction and would
attempt to address the issue.
2:16:01 PM
Co-Chair Green asked for clarification, as the Committee did not
reduce the Governor's request.
2:16:13 PM
Co-Chair Wilken explained that the House of Representatives
inserted this funding.
2:16:30 PM
Mr. Hull informed that the increment had been originally
included in the Governor's proposal, but removed before the
budget was submitted to the legislature.
2:16:44 PM
Senator Hoffman added that the program has been flat funded for
many years.
2:16:59 PM
ED ZASTROW, Chair, Pioneer Home Advisory Board, and Member,
Alaska Commission on Aging, testified via teleconference from
Ketchikan in support of funding the Pioneers' Homes in the full
amount requested by the Governor.
2:20:00 PM
Co-Chair Green reiterated the Department position that funding
for nine months of operation would be adequate because hiring
would not be immediate at the start of the fiscal year.
2:21:55 PM
Senator Stedman told Mr. Zastrow he would contact him to further
discuss the matter.
2:22:51 PM
HEATHER MCGHEE, Ketchikan resident, testified in Juneau that
Ketchikan is a maritime community, dependent on the Alaska
Marine Highway System. She requested the system be adequately
funded.
2:23:52 PM
Co-Chair Wilken stated that he and others have great concern
about the future of the Marine Highway System and would work to
ensure its viability rather than its demise.
2:24:22 PM
Senator Stedman further commented on the need to review and
determine a viable response to the growing costs of operating
the ferry system.
2:25:11 PM
ALICE ROONEY, Social Worker, Alaska Island Community Services,
testified via teleconference from Wrangell about the services
she provides for elderly citizens. She spoke in favor of
retaining $250,000 in funding for the flexible long-term care
program through the Division of Senior and Disability Services.
2:26:43 PM
JULIE DECKER, Executive Director, Southeast Alaska Regional Dive
Fish Association, testified via teleconference from Wrangell
about the non-profit organization and its efforts to develop
dive fisheries. This organization is the only fishery
organization in the state to tax itself to further its efforts.
Funding assistance was requested.
2:28:22 PM
Senator Stedman was aware of the funding request and was
attempting to address the issue either this year or in the
future.
2:28:58 PM
JANELL PRIVETT, Wrangell Chamber of Commerce, testified via
teleconference from Wrangell in appreciation of funding for
public radio. It is the main communication system for the
community. Public television is also important to allow her and
the public to view their elected officials at work.
SUSAN SCIABBARRASI, Superintendent, Wrangell School District,
provided testimony read by Ms. Privett. The District drafted its
budget based on the funding amount proposed by the Governor. The
amount proposed by the Committee would result in a six percent
reduction according to a study conducted by the Alaska
Association of School Boards.
2:34:13 PM
Co-Chair Wilken offered to explain the fallacy of the study Ms.
Sciabbarrasi cited.
2:34:31 PM
Senator Stedman emphasized that the requests to fund public
broadcasting have been considered, given that in many coastal
areas, public radio is the only broadcast available. He was also
aware of the cost differential concerns for the Wrangell area
and was attempting to rectify the situation.
2:35:45 PM
BURL SHELDON Testified in Juneau that he is involved in the
public broadcasting program "Back Country". The facilities of
the stations are bare bones and he could not identify areas
where further reductions could be made. He requested the funding
levels be retained.
2:39:46 PM
CAROL ROSS testified via teleconference from Wrangell in support
of funding for public broadcasting.
2:40:57 PM
MICHAEL KINERK, Volunteer, KRBD public radio, testified via
teleconference from Ketchikan that public broadcasting is the
only way for those who do not subscribe to cable television to
receive information.
2:42:37 PM
CHRIS AUBERTINE testified via teleconference from Ketchikan that
her mother is a resident of the Ketchikan Pioneers' Home. She is
able to see the impacts of the staff shortages on the residents.
2:43:33 PM
Co-Chair Wilken noted that the Committee approved $284,000 for
additional Certified Nurse Aid positions, $904,000 to remodel 18
beds across the state and $907,500 for increased staffing. The
over $2 million should assist in addressing the needs of the
Pioneers' Homes this year with continued efforts intended for
the following year.
2:44:17 PM
ROBERT SANDERSON, President, Tlingit and Haida Central Council,
testified via teleconference from Ketchikan in support of the
emergency services programs. One in ten Natives are affected by
this program.
2:45:25 PM
GIG DECKER, Commercial Fisherman, testified via teleconference
from Wrangell, about the importance of the industry.
2:46:52 PM
GEORGE JOSEPH, Manager, Wrangell Senior Center testified via
teleconference from Wrangell to request $250,000 for the
flexible long term care program in the Division of Senior and
Disability Services. Without this program, the community would
suffer.
2:47:35 PM
Co-Chair Green would review the matter.
2:48:37 PM
JEFF SEIFERT, KRBD FM public radio, testified via teleconference
from Ketchikan to thank the Committee for supporting public
broadcasting. The station would soon begin an on-air fundraising
effort.
2:50:11 PM
Senator Stedman recognized Mr. Seifert's many years involvement
with public broadcasting.
2:50:41 PM
SHERI SLICK testified via teleconference from Ketchikan that she
cares for an elderly parent. She echoed previous testimony in
favor of full funding for the Pioneers' Homes.
2:52:35 PM
Senator Stedman appreciated Ms. Slicks efforts on the Pioneers'
Home Advisory Board.
2:54:27 PM
KENT THELEN testified via teleconference from Cordova to request
increased funding for the emergency medical services grants.
Many changes and improvements have been made in the medical
field and personnel must be trained in these advances.
2:57:49 PM
BARBARA SMITH, President, Cordova Family Resource Center,
testified via teleconference from Cordova that the Center's
costs have doubled in recent years. Dedicated staff have
contributed additional hours without compensation to address the
needs of the residents.
2:59:55 PM
NICHOLE SONGER, Executive Director, Cordova Family Resource
Center, testified via teleconference from Cordova to request the
Committee fully fund the Governor's request for the Council on
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. She listed the services
the Center provides.
3:02:09 PM
STEVE BRADSHAW, Superintendent, Sitka School District, testified
via teleconference from Sitka in support of the Alaska Statewide
Mentor Project. The district utilizes this program for both
teachers and principles. Although he understood Co-Chair Wilken
deemed the cost differential study to be flawed, costs are
higher in smaller communities than in Anchorage.
3:04:49 PM
Co-Chair Wilken identified Mr. Bradshaw as one who contributes
to solutions rather than only complaining about the problems.
3:05:10 PM
Senator Stedman thanked Mr. Bradshaw for his participation.
3:05:41 PM
JANE DEMMERT testified via teleconference from Sitka, that all
Alaskans are potential clients of the Pioneers' Homes.
Inadequate staffing is provided to increasing needs of
residents. Residents' basic human needs are not being met,
including eating and bathing.
3:08:00 PM
MICHELLE PUTZ testified via teleconference from Sitka to request
full funding for public television. She is willing to pay for
public broadcasting but is unwilling to pay for cable or
satellite broadcasting. If the service were eliminated, she
would reconsider remaining in Sitka.
3:10:13 PM
JULIE HURSEY, Petersburg resident, testified in Juneau that
access to the legislature is commendable. She supported public
radio and television. She understood any funding reduction to
public broadcasting could result in a cut to public radio as
well.
3:12:03 PM
PENNY OSWALT, EMT, Cordova Volunteer Fire Department, testified
via teleconference from Cordova that providing volunteer
emergency medical services in Alaska is a daunting task. She
requested funding increases to the EMS regional council.
3:13:37 PM
Co-Chair Wilken informed that the rural emergency medical
services grants has been funded $1.71 million each year since
before FY 04. The House of Representatives approved a 20 percent
increase of $455,000. The Senate Finance Committee would
consider the matter. He thanked the testifiers on this issue for
bringing the matter to the attention of the Senate.
3:14:30 PM
JOAN BEHRENDS, Emergency Medical Services Coordinator, Cordova
Volunteer Fire Department, testified via teleconference from
Cordova about a letter submitted to legislators on the needs of
the EMS Southern Regional Council and the other councils. The
Cordova department is planning for a new ambulance, made
possible through the Code Blue program.
3:19:04 PM
MIKE HICKS, Fire Chief, City of Cordova's testimony was read by
the Cordova Legislative Information Office staff. He supported
funding for the emergency medical services grants to regional
councils.
3:21:26 PM
DEEANN PORRITT, mother and grandmother, testified via
teleconference from Valdez in support of education. Her
children, grandchildren and other families live in various
communities across the state. She was concerned about
diminishing funding for teachers and programs. PERS and TRS
should be separately funded.
3:25:31 PM
DAVID VOLUCK, Executive Director, Youth Advocates of Sitka,
testified via teleconference from Sitka detailing the services
provided by the Hanson House, a non-profit residential treatment
facility for at-risk youth. The Behavior Rehabilitation Services
(BRS) rate, which reimburses facilities for treatment of
residents in State custody, has not been increased for several
years.
3:28:21 PM
RALPH JUNKER testified via teleconference from Sitka that his
wife is a resident of the Sitka Pioneers' Home. The staffing
level at that facility is tight. Efforts to increase staffing
and training of staff would be appreciated.
3:30:17 PM
DAN ETOLIN testified via teleconference from Sitka that he owns
radio and television stations. He also volunteers on the board
of the local public broadcasting station. Local fundraising
efforts are generating great response.
3:32:08 PM
Senator Stedman agreed that funding for public broadcasting and
Pioneers' Homes is important.
3:32:54 PM
MOLLY KITKA testified via teleconference from Sitka on behalf of
the residents of the Sitka Pioneers' Home who are unable to
speak for themselves. Her mother suffers from dementia and
Parkinson's disease and requires a great deal of care. At least
three aides should be on duty at any given time because two
staff members are necessary to care for one patient and another
staff must be available for other patients.
3:35:53 PM
Senator Stedman hoped the Pioneers' Homes could be upgraded over
the next several years.
3:36:44 PM
KORIE HOLMES testified via teleconference from Sitka that the
rural and regional emergency medical services programs need an
increase in funding.
3:40:20 PM
STEPHANIE WEDDEL testified via teleconference from Sitka on
behalf of Rural Cap/AmeriCorps VISTA. She is a member working
with the Sitka Family Justice Center. Other efforts include
projects in the schools and attempts to establish a Boys and
Girls Club in Sitka.
ADJOURNMENT
Co-Chair Gary Wilken adjourned the meeting at 3:44:29 PM
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