Legislature(2009 - 2010)SENATE FINANCE 532
03/25/2009 09:00 AM Senate FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB83 |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 81 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 83 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE
March 25, 2009
9:06 a.m.
9:06:39 AM
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Hoffman called the Senate Finance Committee
meeting to order at 9:06 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Lyman Hoffman, Co-Chair
Senator Bert Stedman, Co-Chair
Senator Charlie Huggins, Vice-Chair
Senator Johnny Ellis
Senator Donny Olson
Senator Joe Thomas
MEMBERS ABSENT
None
ALSO PRESENT
JUNEAU:
Jill Dumesnil, University of Alaska; David Means, Director
of Administration, Juneau School ; Jim King, University of
Alaska Alumni Association, Board Member; Andi Story, Juneau
School District Board Member; Connie Munro, advocate for
the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI); Joy
Lyon, Association for Education of Young Children; Candace
Winhler, CEO. Alaska Child Care Resource and Refferal
Network; Kathie Wasserman, Executive Director, Alaska
Municipal League; Saralyn Tabachnick, Executive Director of
AWARE; Stephanie Burglund, Program Manager Childcare
Connection; Patricia Dobbins, volunteer, National Alliance
for the Mentally Ill (NAMI); Judy Klein, Secretary, UAF
Cooperative Council; Louise Galvin, Polaris House; Darrel
Wilkerson, member of the Polaris House; Tina Young,
employee of Polaris House.
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE
KENAI, VALDEZ, KETCHIKAN, KODIAK, SEWARD, MATSU,
GLENNALLEN, TOK:
Michael Jenkins, Fire Chief, Gakona Volunteer Fire
Department, Gakona; Megan Hanifen, Women In Safe Homes,
Ketchikan; Mimi Eddy, Ruralcap, Women In Safe Homes,
Ketchikan; Jerry Kiffer, Ketchikan; Cathy Lecompte, Campus
Director, Ua Ketchikan; Hannah Martin, Student, Ua
Ketchikan; Karen Eakes, Advisory Board Member, Ketchikan;
Wendy Gierard, Assistant Director, Workforce Development,
Ua Southeast, Ketchikan; Laurie Booyse, Allen Marine Tours,
Ketchikan; Patti Mackey, Executive Director, Ketchikan
Visitor's Bureau; Roberta Mccreary, Ua Community Advisory
Board, Ketchikan Youth Initiative, Ketchikan; Ed Zastrow,
President, AARP, Ketchikan; Elizabeth Dunn, Seaview
Community Services, Seward; Lauren Jones, Seward; Dennis
Brodigan, Director, Emergency Services, Matsu; Vern
Rupright, Mayor, Wasilla; Dan Stearns, Communications, City
Of Wasilla, Matsu; Jean Woods, Self, Matsu; Noel Woods,
Self, Matsu; Jeremy Pike, Alaska Addiction Rehabilitation
Services, Matsu; Elizabeth Kershner, Alaska Addiction
Rehabilitation Services, Matsu; Adrian Day, Alaska
Addiction Rehabilitation Services, Matsu; Denise Oliver,
Alaska Addiction Rehabilitation Services, Matsu; Teddy Von
Scheele, Alaska Addiction Rehabilitation Services, Matsu;
Shelley Edwards, Alaska Addiction Rehabilitation Services,
Matsu; Marion Elliot, Self, Matsu; Linda Conover,
President, Matsu School Foundation, Matsu; Sadie Updike,
Child Care Connection, Kenai.
FAIRBANKS:
Paul W Maki, President Alaska Interior Marksmanship
Committee; Tim Beck, Assembly member, Fairbanks Northstar
Borough, past President, Alaska Municipal League (AML);
Karen Purdue, University of Alaska; Paloma Harbour,
University of Alaska; Brenda Stanfill, Interior Alaska
Center for Non- Violent Living; Amelia Topkok, University
of Alaska; Nancy Wagner, Superintendent Fairbanks Northstar
Borough School District FNSB; Scott Reisland, Denali
Grizzly Bear resort; Jack Wilbur, President, Design Alaska;
Jeff Werner, Director, UAF Future Farmers; Luke Hopkins,
Assembly member for Fairbanks North Star Borough (FNSB);
Lillian Ruedrich, Director of the Area Health Education
Center (AHEC) for the Fairbanks Memorial Hospital(FMH);
Jeannette Grast, President, National Alliance for the
Mentally Ill (NAMI); Taber Rehbaum, Representative for
Arctic Alliance for people; Diane Shoemaker, Alaska Travel
Industry; Cheryl Kilgore, Executive Director, Interior
Community Health Center (ICHC); Jim Lynch, Chief Financial
Officer for Fairbanks Memorial Hospital (FMH); Lenetta
Colbert, adjunct professor University of Alaska Fairbanks
(UAF), Director, Open Arms Childcare Center; Jeff Tucker,
Alaska Land Mobile Radio System Executive Council; Cheryl
Keepers, FNSB Early Childhood Commission.
ANCHORAGE:
John Riley Coordinator, Physicians Assistant Program, UAA;
Charlene Spadafore Vassar, Executive Director, Anchorage
Project Access; Evan Evanson, Student, Physician Assistant
Program, UAA; Beth Landon, Director, Alaska Center for
Rural Health, UAA; Thomas Wood, MD, Anchorage Project
Access; Tom Morgan, Community in Schools, Eagle River; Judy
Cordell, AWAIC, Self; Kim Peterson, UAA; Grant Baker,
School of Engineering, UAA; Allen Bailey, President, AWAIC;
Marsha Barton, Self, Tourism Industry; Patty Ginsburg,
Chief of Staff to Mayor of Anchorage; Sheila Wright, Board
Member, Alaska Public Health Association; Beth Sirles,
Director, School of Social Work, UAA; Jessica Weller,
Advocate, STAR; Barbara Brown, Best Beginnings; Terrie
Chang, Librarian, Anchorage Public Library Ready to Read
Resource Center; Abbie Hensley, Executive Director, Best
Beginnings; Lori Zaumseil, CANWIN; Robyn Henry, Rural Human
Services, UAF; Arliss Sturgulewski; Karl Wing, Student Body
President, UAA.
SITKA, WRANGELL, PETERSBURG, HOMER, DILLINGHAM, CORDOVA:
Peter Hoepfner, Board President, Cordova Family Resource
Center, Cordova; Barbara Smith, Vice President, Cordova
Family Resource Center, Cordova; Krissy Smith, Krissy's
Playland/ ECE, Wrangell; Andy Taylor, Parent, Wrangell;
Angela Allen, Parent, Wrangell; Jeremy Maxand, Wrangell
Assembly, Wrangell; Toni Carrington, Resident, Sitka;
Debbie Reeder, Sitka; Deb Miller, Small Business Owner,
Nursing Student, Sitka; Erika Parker, Resident, Sitka;
Ellen Trimble, Nurse, Sitka; Chris Bauman, Sitka; Susanne
Howey, Sitka; Cornelia Huebsotten, Sitka; Michael Biggers,
Petersburg; Kim Kilkenny, Petersburg; John A. Yarbrough,
Petersburg; Jennifer A. Ray, Petersburg; Deanna Hardin,
Dillingham.
BETHEL, KOTZEBUE, BARROW, NOME, DELTA JUNCTION, OFFNETS:
Jacqueline Hardy, Anchorage; Jordan Nigro, Juneau Youth
Services, Juneau; Martha Flores, Physicians Assistance,
Bethel; Larry Elarton, Chief of Police, Bethel; Lauri
O'Brien, Bethel; Diane McEachern, Rural Human Services
Program, UAF, Bethel; Maureen Nolan, Early Learning and
Learning Program, Kotzebue; Sarah Saxton, Youth Services
Librarian, Barrow; Richard Beneville, Nome; Joy Hewitt,
Nome; Janet Ahmasuk, Rural Victims Service Program, Nome;
Samaria Ross, Nome; John Bockman, Nome; Lisa Riley, Barrow;
Wanda Baltazar, Nikaitchaut; Michelle Dewitt, TWC, Bethel;
Dan Leinburger, City of Bethel; Michelle Dakai, Kotzebue;
Ginny Walsh, AWIC, Barrow; Eleanor Oyagak, AWIC, Barrow;
Mary Pete, Bethel; Michael Paschall, Rural Deltana
Volunteer Fire Department, Delta Junction; Barbara Pardee,
Haines School District; Julie Folta, Haines School District
Michelle Byer, Haines School District; Sandy June Degen,
Haines School District; Kim Phillips, Self; Amanda
Metivier, Foster Care Alaska, Anchorage; Yvonne Chase, CEO,
Denali Family Services, Anchorage; Carl Ekstrom, Change
Point; Mary Sullivan, Self; Margaret Bauer, Best
Beginnings, Anchorage; Doug White, ACS, Director, Community
Programs; Rebecca Carlson, Self; Jennifer Yoeman, Foster
Parent, Haines; Vide Van Velzor, Foster Parent, Haines;
John Warek, Pharmacist, Haines; Judith Renwick, Self; Meg
Loomis, Student, UAA; Brad Alexander, Foster Parent; Summer
Lefevre, Chair National Association of Social Workers;
Unknown, Bethel.
GENERAL SUBJECT(S):
The following overview was taken in log note format.
Handouts will be on file with the House Finance Committee
through the 26th Legislative Session, contact 465-6814.
After the 26th Legislative Session they will be available
through the Legislative Library at 465-3808.
HB 81-APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUNDS
HB 83-APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET
Statewide Public Testimony
TIME SPEAKER DISCUSSION
JUNEAU
9:10:16 AM Testified in support of the University
JILL DUMESNIL,
of Alaska. She spoke in support of
PROFFESOR,
program.
UNIVERSITY OF
ALASKA
9:12:10 AM Testified in support of funding for K-
DAVID MEANS,
12 education programs. He spoke in
DIRECTOR OF
support of the acceptance of federal
ADMINISTRATION
stimulus funds.
, JUNEAU
SCHOOL
DISTRICT
9:13:55 AM
CO-CHAIR Stated that a decision determining
HOFFMAN which stimulus funds would be accepted
had not yet been made. He noted that a
resolution was introduced to allow
acceptance of funds.
9:14:48 AM Urged support for the Regent's request
JIM KING,
for full funding for the University of
UNIVERSITY OF
Alaska.
ALASKA ALUMNI
ASSOCIATION,
BOARD MEMBER
9:18:23 AM Testified in support of funding for the
ANDREA STORY,
K-12 education outreach program. She
JUNEAU SCHOOL
urged support for funding for K-12
DISTRICT BOARD
education programs.
MEMBER
9:21:41 AM Spoke in support of funding for mental
CONNIE MUNRO,
health programs. She stated that she
ADVOCATE FOR
was available to help with issues
THE NATIONAL
concerning the mentally ill.
ALLIANCE FOR
THE MENTALLY
ILL (NAMI)
9:25:36 AM
SENATOR Stated that he would appreciate Ms.
HUGGINS Munro's contact information.
9:26:08 AM Testified in support of funding for the
JOY LYON,
Infant Learning Program. She expressed
EXECUTIVE
support for continued funding for child
DIRECTOR,
advocacy centers.
ASSOCIATION
FOR EDUCATION
OF YOUNG
CHILDREN.
9:29:01 AM Spoke in support of funding for the
CANDACE
Infant Learning Program. She expressed
WINHLER, CEO.
support for continued funding for child
ALASKA CHILD
advocacy centers. She requested $400
CARE RESOURCE
thousand for Best Beginnings. She
AND REFERRAL
expressed appreciation for the
NETWORK
acceptance of the economic stimulus
funds. She requested reappropriation of
$3 million for childcare assistance
Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual
TABACHNICK,
Assault. She expressed her appreciation
EXECUTIVE
for the funding.
DIRECTOR OF
ARMING WOMEN
AGAINST RAPE
AND
ENDANGERMENT
(AWARE)
9:38:15 AM Expressed support for continued funding
STEPHANIE
for child advocacy centers.
BURGLUND,
PROGRAM
MANAGER
CHILDCARE
CONNECTION
9:39:58 AM Testified in support of funding for
PATRICIA
mental health programs. She shared a
DOBBINS,
personal story about her mother who
VOLUNTEER,
suffered from mental illness. She spoke
NATIONAL
in favor of funding to improve school
ALLIANCE FOR
based mental health services.
THE MENTALLY
ILL (NAMI)
9:43:40 AM Spoke in support of the Governor's
JUDY KLEIN,
increments for the University. She
SECRETARY,
testified in support of the Regent's
UNIVERSITY OF
University of Alaska.
FAIRBANKS
(UAF)
COOPERATIVE
COUNCIL
9:46:48 AM Spoke in support of funding for mental
LOUISE GALVIN,
health programs.
POLARIS HOUSE
9:48:06 AM Urged support for funding for mental
DARREL
health programs. He stated that the
WILKERSON,
program was responsible for additional
MEMBER OF THE
services that provided him great
POLARIS HOUSE
benefit. The program helped him to find
permanent employment and housing.
9:49:09 AM Testified in support of funding for
TINA YOUNG,
mental health programs.
EMPLOYEE OF
POLARIS HOUSE
9:50:08 AM Thanked the city of Juneau for the
CO-CHAIR
testimonies.
HOFFMAN
9:50:37 AM
AT EASE
KENAI, VALDEZ, KETCHIKAN, KODIAK,
SEWARD, MATSU, GLENNALLEN, TOK
10:08:24 AM
RECONVENED
10:09:12 AM
MICHAEL Urged support of funds for Alaska Land
JENKINS, FIRE Mobile Radio (ALMR) program. He
CHIEF, GAKONA described the importance of
VOLUNTEER FIRE communications for emergency services
DEPARTMENT, for volunteer.
GAKONA
10:11:36 AM Spoke in support of full funding for
MEGAN HANIFEN,
the Council on Domestic Violence and
WOMEN IN SAFE
Sexual Assault.
HOMES,
KETCHIKAN
10:12:32 AM Testified in support of full funding
MIMI EDDY,
for the Council on Domestic Violence
RURALCAP,
and Sexual Assault.
WOMEN IN SAFE
HOMES,
KETCHIKAN
10:13:02 AM Urged support for ALMR program.
JERRY KIFFER,
KETCHIKAN
10:14:59 AM Spoke in support of the Regent's
CATHY
request for full funding for the
LECOMPTE,
University of Alaska.
CAMPUS
DIRECTOR, UA
KETCHIKAN
10:16:46 AM Urged support for the Regent's request
HANNAH MARTIN,
for full funding for the University of
and especially the Pioneer Homes and
PRESIDENT,
Veterans' Homes, and Meals on Wheels.
Alaska
He pointed out that those on a fixed
Association of
income, especially seniors, are
Retired
affected by the economic downturn.
Persons
(AARP),
KETCHIKAN
10:27:07 AM Pointed to stimulus funding for senior
Co-Chair
meals for Alaskan seniors.
Stedman
10:28:07 AM Has a child in the individual learning
ELIZABETH
program and spoke in support of
DUNN, SEAVIEW
education and services for children
COMMUNITY
SERVICES,
SEWARD
10:30:15 AM Testified in support for early learning
LAUREN JONES,
programs, especially the infant
SEWARD
learning program, and for programs for
children with special needs. She
discussed challenges for parents of
special needs children in rural areas.
10:31:47 AM Opposed the garnishment of revenue
DENNIS
sharing funds. He supported the ALMR
BRODIGAN,
system. He described emergency services
DIRECTOR,
in his area. He was concerned about
EMERGENCY
cutting the number of radios.
SERVICES,
MATSU
10:34:58 AM Urged support for the ALMR program.
VERN RUPRIGHT,
MAYOR, WASILLA
10:35:51 AM Spoke in support of the ALMR program.
DAN STEARNS,
Assessing a fee would force local and
COMMUNICATIONS
municipal communities off the ALMR
, CITY OF
system.
WASILLA, MATSU
10:37:26 AM Testified in support of a gas tax to
JEAN WOODS,
raise funds. She urged making
SELF, MATSU
reductions.
10:38:50 AM Stated concerns with the size of the
NOEL WOODS,
budget. He suggested an efficiency
SELF, MATSU
study on state operations.
10:39:40 AM Advocated for funding for substance
JEREMY PIKE,
abuse grants and treatment programs.
ALASKA
ADDICTION
REHABILITATION
SERVICES,
MATSU
10:41:52 AM Advocated for funding for substance
ELIZABETH
abuse grants and treatment programs.
KERSHNER,
She was concerned about the effect of
ALASKA
cutting the funding on individuals with
ADDICTION
addictions.
REHABILITATION
SERVICES,
MATSU
10:43:06 AM Advocated for funding for substance
ADRIAN DAY,
abuse grants and treatment programs.
ALASKA
ADDICTION
REHABILITATION
SERVICES,
MATSU
10:43:41 AM Advocated for funding for substance
DENISE OLIVER,
abuse grants and treatment programs.
ADDICTION
not live near a treatment center.
REHABILITATION
SERVICES,
MATSU
10:45:11 AM Advocated for funding for substance
TEDDY VON
abuse grants and treatment programs. He
SCHEELE,
described the Pathways program for
ALASKA
homeless and addicted individuals.
ADDICTION
REHABILITATION
SERVICES,
MATSU
10:46:10 AM Advocated for funding for substance
SHELLEY
abuse grants and treatment programs.
EDWARDS,
She described changes in her life.
ALASKA
ADDICTION
REHABILITATION
SERVICES,
MATSU
10:47:08 AM Spoke in support of a natural refuge in
MARION ELLIOT,
Southcentral Region, especially a need
SELF, MATSU
for a refuge manager. She advocated for
funding for substance abuse grants and
treatment programs.
10:50:48 AM Urged support of early childhood
LINDA CONOVER,
education program. She spoke of the
PRESIDENT,
Imagination Library and described
MATSU SCHOOL
impacts for young children.
FOUNDATION,
MATSU
10:53:00 AM Testified in support of early childhood
SADIE UPDIKE,
education programs, especially Best
CHILD CARE
Beginnings.
CONNECTION,
KENAI
10:54:50 AM
RECESS
1:34:38 PM
RECONVENED
FAIRBANKS
1:34:46 PM Spoke in regard to HB 81 and a cut in
PAUL W MAKI,
the Department of Fish and Game's
PRESIDENT
budget. The Interior Marksman Committee
ALASKA
provides hunter education, bear
INTERIOR
protection, firearm safety, and the
MARKSMANSHIP
honor education courses required by
COMMITTEE
state regulation. He asked for
restoration of the federal funding for
the three shooting ranges used for
education purposes.
1:39:09 PM Testified in favor of revenue sharing
TIM BECK,
for municipalities.
FAIRBANKS
NORTHSTAR
BOROUGH, PAST
PRESIDENT,
ALASKA
MUNICIPAL
LEAGUE (AML)
1:40:25 PM Urged support for the Regent's request
KAREN PURDUE,
for full funding for the University of
UNIVERSITY OF
Alaska. She spoke in support of funding
ALASKA
a physician assistant program.
1:42:56 PM Testified in support of funding for the
PALOMA
University of Alaska. She spoke in
HARBOUR,
support of the Governor's increments
UNIVERSITY OF
for the University.
ALASKA
1:44:46 PM Testified in support of full funding
BRENDA
for the Council on Domestic Violence
STANFILL,
and Sexual Assault.
INTERIOR
ALASKA CENTER
FOR NON-
VIOLENT LIVING
1:46:13 PM Urged support for the Regent's request
AMELIA TOPKOK,
for full funding for the University of
UNIVERSITY OF
Alaska. She spoke in support of the
ALASKA
Governor's increments for the
University. She spoke in favor of
funding for culturally appropriate
training programs.
1:48:29 PM Testified in support of funding for the
NANCY WAGNER,
Infant Learning Program. She spoke in
SUPERINTENDENT
favor of books in the home to
FAIRBANKS
accelerate and promote early reading
NORTHSTAR
for children. She spoke on behalf of
BOROUGH SCHOOL
Best Beginnings.
DISTRICT
1:51:55 PM Stated that a $2 million increment over
CO-CHAIR
the funding for Head Start last year is
HOFFMAN
included in the budget. He stated that
the legislature had also included $1.6
million for Pre-K. He asked if Best
Beginnings is a better program. He
wondered if the legislature should
consider Best Beginnings over the Head
Start and Pre-K programs.
1:52:37 PM Suggested that a combination of the
MS. WAGNER
existing programs and Best Beginnings
is the ideal solution. She stated that
most Head Start programs begin at age
three. She informed that Best
Beginnings program would allow parents
and guardians to have resources
request for full funding for the
RUEDRICH,
University of Alaska. She Urged support
DIRECTOR OF
for the Governor's increments for the
THE AREA
University. The AHEC program receives
HEALTH
the bulk of its funding from a federal
EDUCATION
grant that runs through the UAA school
CENTER (AHEC)
of nursing.
FOR THE
FAIRBANKS
MEMORIAL
HOSPITAL (FMH)
2:05:37 PM Testified in support of funding for
JEANNETTE
mental health programs. She testified
GRAST,
in support of funding for alcohol
PRESIDENT,
treatment programs. She shared
NATIONAL
professional stories about the mentally
ALLIANCE FOR
ill. She urged continued support for
Infant Learning Program. She expressed
COLBERT,
support for continued funding for child
ADJUNCT
advocacy centers. She suggested using
PROFESSOR
the economic stimulus money to benefit
UNIVERSITY OF
children.
ALASKA
FAIRBANKS
(UAF),
DIRECTOR, OPEN
ARMS CHILDCARE
CENTER
2:22:32 PM Testified in favor of full funding for
JEFF TUCKER,
local municipal users as submitted in
ALASKA LAND
the budget on behalf of the Department
MOBILE RADIO
of Administrations (DOA) budget. He
SYSTEM
stated that this funding will allow
COUNCIL
work with the DOA to determine the
local share of the operations of
maintenance.
2:23:41 PM Expressed support for continued funding
CHERYL
for child advocacy centers. She spoke
KEEPERS, FNSB
in support of funding for the Infant
EARLY
Learning Program. She stated that the
CHILDHOOD
best use of the economic stimulus
COMMISSION
dollars is not for childcare
assistance.
2:26:17 PM Expressed appreciation for the
Senator Thomas
testimony.
2:31:04 PM
RECONVENED
ANCHORAGE
2:32:03 PM Supports full funding of health care
JOHN RILEY
learning for the University of Alaska.
COORDINATOR,
He described a new program with a
PHYSICIANS
mission to train Physicians Assistants
ASSISTANT
to work with the underserved in rural
PROGRAM, UAA
areas.
2:35:24 PM Supported increments for health care
CHARLENE
and described needs for primary care.
SPADAFORE
Anchorage Project Access would like to
VASSAR,
be reinstated in the current budget.
EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR,
ANCHORAGE
PROJECT ACCESS
2:38:26 PM Supports funding for health care
EVAN EVANSON,
education programs. He does not want to
STUDENT,
leave the state to be educated. He
PHYSICIAN
urged supporting quality healthcare.
ASSISTANT
PROGRAM, UAA
2:39:56 PM Supports full funding for the
BETH LANDON,
university health care learning
DIRECTOR,
program. She emphasized that there is a
ALASKA CENTER
large Alaskan workforce in healthcare.
FOR RURAL
HEALTH, UAA
2:43:32 PM Expressed concerns about $250,000
THOMAS WOOD,
budget decrease for the project. He
MD, ANCHORAGE
described needs for people without
PROJECT ACCESS
health insurance. Anchorage Project
Access serves many that are not
eligible for Medicare or Medicaid.
2:44:25 PM Urged support for funding for K-12
TOM MORGAN,
education programs. He described
COMMUNITY IN
programs that are effective and need
SCHOOLS, EAGLE
funding.
RIVER
2:46:04 PM Testified in support of full funding
JUDY CORDELL,
AWAIC, SELF
and Sexual Assault. She spoke in
support of the amendment to add $30,000
general fund for foster homes services.
2:49:18 PM Spoke in support of the Governor's
KIM PETERSON,
request for funding of the Integrated
UAA
Science Building. He noted that
operating costs would be required for
the facility.
2:51:50 PM Testified in support of the Governor's
GRANT BAKER,
request for funding of the Integrated
SCHOOL OF
Science Building. He reported that
ENGINEERING,
enrollment is high and the program
UAA
prepares many Alaskans from all over
the state for jobs. He referred to a
$750,000 cut to the program's budget.
2:54:32 PM Reported that the petitions had been
SENATOR ELLIS
received.
2:54:54 PM Urged support for full funding for the
ALLEN BAILEY,
Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual
PRESIDENT,
Assault. The shelter is the largest in
ABUSED WOMEN'S
Alaska but has been up to over 50
AID IN CRISIS
percent over capacity for past months.
(AWAIC)
2:56:23 PM Spoke in support for tourism funding.
MARSHA BARTON,
She pointed out that other states were
SELF, TOURISM
competing for limited business.
INDUSTRY
2:57:37 PM Testified in support of the Governor's
PATTY
request for funding of the Integrated
GINSBURG,
Science Building. The facility will be
CHIEF OF STAFF
the background for education at UAA.
TO MAYOR OF
She also supports funding to expand
ANCHORAGE
health programs state-wide.
2:59:39 PM Spoke in support of the Regent's
SHEILA WRIGHT,
request for full funding for the
BOARD MEMBER,
University of Alaska, especially the
ALASKA PUBLIC
Physicians Assistant program. She
HEALTH
emphasized the importance of health
ASSOCIATION
care workforce training in the state.
3:01:32 PM Spoke in support of the Regent's
BETH SIRLES,
request for full funding for the
DIRECTOR,
University of Alaska, particularly
SCHOOL OF
health care training program. She
SOCIAL WORK,
stated that Masters of Social Work
UAA
degree is important in Alaska for
health care.
3:03:54 PM Testified in support of full funding
JESSICA
for the Council on Domestic Violence
WELLER,
and Sexual Assault.
ADVOCATE, STAR
3:04:38 PM Urged support for funding for the
BARBARA BROWN,
libraries and the Infant Learning
BEST
Program. She stressed the importance of
reading to young children. She asked
for the full funding of $400,000.
3:07:20 PM Supported full funding of $400,000 for
TERRIE CHANG,
Best Beginnings and early learning
LIBRARIAN,
programs. She described experiences
ANCHORAGE
with success with reading programs and
PUBLIC LIBRARY
early childhood programs. She
READY TO READ
encouraged a coordination of efforts.
RESOURCE
CENTER
3:09:16 PM Testified in support of early learning
ABBIE HENSLEY,
education. She supported funding for
EXECUTIVE
Head Start and other programs. She
DIRECTOR, BEST
requested the full funding of $400,000
BEGINNINGS
and matching funds for an early
childhood program.
3:14:35 PM Spoke in support of the Regent's
LORI ZAUMSEIL,
request for full funding for the
CANWIN
University of Alaska. She described
experience with support from the
university cooperative extension in
addressing invasive plants issues.
3:17:05 PM Testified in support of the Regent's
ROBYN HENRY,
request for full funding for the
RURAL HUMAN
University of Alaska. Urged support for
SERVICES, UAF
funding for mental health programs,
especially programs for training
counselors.
3:19:35 PM Supported the legislature's approach to
ARLISS
the economic stimulus funds. She spoke
STURGULEWSKI
in support of the Regent's request for
full funding for the University of
Alaska, especially health care
training. She spoke in support of the
Governor's request for funding of the
Integrated Science Building.
3:21:08 PM Testified in support of the Regent's
KARL WING,
request for full funding for the
STUDENT BODY
University of Alaska. He spoke in
PRESIDENT, UAA
support of the Governor's request for
funding of the Integrated Science
Building. He also supported the
incentive program to give students
alternative ways to fund education.
3:28:09 PM
RECESS
4:05:06 PM
RECONVENED
SITKA, WRANGELL, PETERSBURG, HOMER,
DILLINGHAM, CORDOVA
4:06:11 PM Testified in support of full funding
PETER
for the Council on Domestic Violence
HOEPFNER,
and Sexual Assault.
BOARD
CORDOVA FAMILY
RESOURCE
CENTER,
CORDOVA
4:07:21 PM Urged support for full funding for the
BARBARA SMITH,
Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual
VICE
Assault.
PRESIDENT,
CORDOVA FAMILY
RESOURCE
CENTER,
CORDOVA
4:08:10 PM Spoke in support of funding for the
KRISSY SMITH,
Infant Learning Program. She cited
KRISSY'S
specifically Best Beginnings. She also
PLAYLAND/ ECE,
mentioned examining the childcare co-
WRANGELL
pay guidelines. She felt the currents
guidelines are too high.
4:10:14 PM
ANDY TAYLOR, Testified in favor of lowering
PARENT, qualification guidelines for childcare
WRANGELL co-pay.
4:11:30 PM
ANGELA ALLEN, Shared concern for Denali Kid Care
PARENT, eligibility requirements. She stressed
WRANGELL that expenses paid out by her family
should not be considered as income when
filling out the Denali Kid Care
application. She urged further
examination of Denali Kid Care
guidelines.
4:13:32 PM
JEREMY MAXAND, Spoke in favor examining guidelines for
WRANGELL Denali Kid Care. He also mentioned the
ASSEMBLY, importance of energy conservation
WRANGELL within the state.
4:15:06 PM
CO-CHAIR Stated that the issues were being
STEDMAN discussed.
4:15:32 PM
TONI Asked for support of full funding for
CARRINGTON, the University of Alaska, Sitka. Spoke
in support of the Regent's request for
RESIDENT,
full funding for the University of
SITKA
Alaska.
4:16:33 PM
DEBBIE REEDER Testified in support for tourism
funding.
4:17:34 PM Urged support for the Regent's request
DEB MILLER,
for full funding for the University of
SMALL BUSINESS
Alaska.
OWNER, NURSING
STUDENT, SITKA
4:18:32 PM Spoke in support of the Regent's
ERIKA PARKER,
request for full funding for the
SITKA
encouraged full funding for healthcare
programs.
4:19:43 PM Testified in support of the Regent's
ELLEN TRIMBLE,
request for full funding for the
NURSE, SITKA
University of Alaska.
4:20:40 PM Spoke in support of full funding for
CHRIS BAUMAN,
the Council on Domestic Violence and
SITKA
Sexual Assault.
4:21:19 PM Urged support for the Regent's request
SUSANNE HOWEY,
for full funding for the University of
SITKA
Alaska. Testified in support of the
Governor's increments for the
University.
4:23:08 PM Spoke in support of funding for mental
CORNELIA
health programs. Spoke in support of
HUEBSOTTEN,
full funding for the Council on
SITKA
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.
4:25:03 PM Testified in favor of HB 83. Urged
MICHAEL
support for funding for mental health
BIGGERS,
programs. Urged support for the
PETERSBURG
Governor's increment for behavioral
health services grants.
4:27:07 PM Urged support for the Governor's
KIM KILKENNY,
increment for behavioral health
PETERSBURG
services grants. Testified in support
of funding for mental health programs.
Spoke of the great expense in health
care.
4:28:50 PM Urged support for the Governor's
JOHN A.
increment for behavioral health
YARBROUGH,
services grants. Spoke in support of
PETERSBURG
funding for mental health programs.
4:30:04 PM Testified in support of funding for
JENNIFER A.
mental health programs. Urged support
RAY,
for the Governor's increment for
PETERSBURG
behavioral health services grants.
4:31:01 PM Spoke in support of the Governor's
DEANNA HARDIN,
increments for the University. Urged
DILLINGHAM
support for the distance program
degree.
4:35:32 PM
RECESS
5:02:57 PM RECONVENED
Bethel, Kotzebue, Barrow, Nome, Delta
Junction, Offnets
Testified in support of funding for
5:04:11 PM JACQUELINE
foster care.
HARDY,
ANCHORAGE
Supports funding for youth programs.
SERVICES,
JUNEAU
Asked for restoration of health
5:06:24 PM MARTHA FLORES,
education funding, especially the
PHYSICIANS
Physicians Assistance program. She
ASSISTANCE,
reported the difficulty of getting
BETHEL
medical personnel.
Supported a civilian service patrol
5:07:46 PM LARRY ELARTON,
program. He supported a sleep-off
CHIEF OF
center.
POLICE, BETHEL
Spoke in support of the Regent's
5:09:25 PM LAURI O'BRIEN,
request for full funding for the
BETHEL
University of Alaska. She supported UAA
health professional development
programs. She also Urged support for
the Governor's increment for behavioral
health services grants.
Spoke in support of the Regent's
5:11:12 PM DIANE
request for full funding for the
MCEACHERN,
University of Alaska, especially for
RURAL HUMAN
educational services in rural areas.
SERVICES
She noted there are over 100 students
PROGRAM, UAF,
currently enrolled. Retention and
BETHEL
graduation are at 95 percent.
Testified in support of Child Care
5:14:11 PM MAUREEN NOLAN,
Assistance Funding, and early learning
EARLY LEARNING
programs.
AND LEARNING
PROGRAM,
KOTZEBUE
Supported the Best Beginnings in the
5:15:32 PM SARAH SAXTON,
Department of Education and Early
YOUTH SERVICES
Development's early development
LIBRARIAN,
program. She described the results from
BARROW
early reading.
Urged support of state tourism. He
5:17:40 PM RICHARD
pointed out how important the industry
BENEVILLE,
is in the state.
NOME
Testified in support of Best
5:18:18 PM JOY HEWITT,
Beginnings. She talked about the
NOME
Imagination Library which distributes
books to children under five.
Testified in support of full funding
5:19:18 PM JANET AHMASUK,
for the Council on Domestic Violence
RURAL VICTIMS
and Sexual Assault.
SERVICE
PROGRAM, NOME
Urged support for full funding for the
5:20:19 PM SAMARIA ROSS,
Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual
NOME
Assault.
Testified in support of the Regent's
5:20:50 PM JOHN BOCKMAN,
request for full funding for the
NOME
University of Alaska.
Spoke in support of full funding for
5:21:33 PM LISA RILEY,
the Council on Domestic Violence and
BARROW
Sexual Assault. She expressed her
gratitude for the committees support in
the matter.
Spoke in full support of the Best
5:22:40 PM WANDA
Beginnings program. Testified in
BALTAZAR,
support of funding for the Infant
NIKAITCHAUT
Learning Program.
Urged support for the Rural Community
5:24:05 PM MICHELLE
Services Program.
DEWITT, TWC,
BETHEL
Voiced concern regarding troubling
5:25:29 PM DAN
intent language concerning cuts in the
LEINBURGER,
ALMR program.
CITY OF BETHEL
Testified in support of full funding
5:26:36 PM MICHELLE
for the Council on Domestic Violence
DAKAI,
and Sexual Assault. Spoke in support of
KOTZEBUE
funding for the Infant Learning
Program. She cited Best Beginnings.
She supported the amendment of HB126
for foster parent recruitment PSAs,
specifically for native children.
Testified in support of full funding
5:28:24 PM GINNY WALSH,
for the Council on Domestic Violence
AWIC, BARROW
and Sexual Assault.
Spoke in support of full funding for
5:29:15 PM ELEANOR
the Council on Domestic Violence and
OYAGAK, AWIC,
Sexual Assault.
BARROW
Testified in support of the Regent's
5:29:41 PM MARY PETE,
request for full funding for the
BETHEL
University of Alaska.
Urged support for the ALMR program.
5:31:07 PM MICHAEL
PASCHALL,
RURAL DELTANA
VOLUNTEER FIRE
DEPARTMENT,
DELTA JUNCTION
Testified in support of the Best
5:32:14 PM BARBARA
Beginnings program and the Imagination
PARDEE, HAINES
Library.
SCHOOL
DISTRICT
Spoke in support of the Best Beginnings
HAINES SCHOOL
DISTRICT
Spoke in support of the Bright
5:34:08 PM MICHELLE BYER,
Beginnings program and the Imagination
HAINES SCHOOL
Library.
DISTRICT
Testified in support of the Best
5:34:43 PM SANDY JUNE
Beginnings program and the Imagination
DEGEN, HAINES
Library.
SCHOOL
DISTRICT
Urged support for funding for the
5:35:42 PM KIM PHILLIPS,
Infant Learning Program. She
SELF
specifically cited the importance of
the Best Beginnings Program.
Spoke in support of $30,000 for foster
5:37:40 PM AMANDA
parents and children.
METIVIER,
FOSTER CARE
ALASKA,
ANCHORAGE
Testified in support of HB126 which
5:38:32 PM YVONNE CHASE,
pertains to advertisements for foster
CEO, DENALI
care program PSAs. Spoke in support of
FAMILY
the Regent's request for full funding
SERVICES,
for the University of Alaska.
ANCHORAGE
Testified in support of $30,000 for
5:40:25 PM CARL EKSTROM,
Office of Children's Services.
CHANGE POINT
Urged support for $30,000 for the
5:41:26 PM MARY SULLIVAN,
Office of Children's Services.
SELF
Spoke in support for Best Beginnings
5:42:20 PM MARGARET
and Early Childhood Education. She
BAUER, BEST
requested that the $30,000 no come for
BEGINNINGS,
the stimulus funds.
ANCHORAGE
Testified in support of funding of
5:43:43 PM DOUG WHITE,
$30,000 for foster care program
ACS, DIRECTOR,
advertising.
COMMUNITY
PROGRAMS
Spoke in support of funding for foster
5:45:21 PM REBECCA
care programs. She stressed that more
CARLSON, SELF
foster parents need to be recruited.
Spoke in support or $30,000 in funding
5:46:50 PM JENNIFER
for foster parent PSAs.
YOEMAN, FOSTER
PARENT, HAINES
Testified in support of $30,000 in
5:47:50 PM VIDE VAN
funding for foster care PSAs.
VELZOR, FOSTER
PARENT, HAINES
Spoke in support of the Regent's
5:48:35 PM JOHN WAREK,
request for full funding for the
PHARMACIST,
University of Alaska. He stressed
HAINES
support for pharmacist programs. He
felt that Alaska has special needs and
would benefit from training pharmacists
in-state.
Urged support for $30,000 in funding
5:50:27 PM JUDITH
for foster care PSAs or foster parent
RENWICK, SELF
recruitment ads.
Testified in support of the $30,000 in
5:51:40 PM MEG LOOMIS,
funding for statewide foster parent
STUDENT, UAA
recruitment ads.
Spoke in support for the $30,000 in
5:52:27 PM BRAD
funding for statewide foster parent
ALEXANDER,
recruitment ads.
FOSTER PARENT
Spoke in support of $30,000 in funding
5:54:10 PM SUMMER
for statewide foster parent recruitment
LEFEVRE, CHAIR
ads.
NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION OF
SOCIAL WORKERS
Testified in support of full funding
5:56:06 PM UNKNOWN,
for the Council on Domestic Violence
BETHEL
and Sexual Assault. She said the
additional of funds are greatly
appreciated.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:56 PM.
# ADJOURNMENT
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Workdraft SenateCSforCSfor HB83(FIN)Version26-GH1004S 032409.pdf |
SFIN 3/24/2009 9:00:00 AM SFIN 3/25/2009 9:00:00 AM SFIN 3/26/2009 9:00:00 AM |
HB 83 |
| HB81 Testimony.pdf |
SFIN 3/25/2009 9:00:00 AM |
HB 81 |
| WorkdraftSenateCSfor CSforHB81(FIN)Version26-GH1002W 032409.pdf |
SFIN 3/24/2009 9:00:00 AM SFIN 3/25/2009 9:00:00 AM SFIN 3/26/2009 9:00:00 AM |
HB 81 |