Legislature(2017 - 2018)SENATE FINANCE 532
04/06/2018 01:30 PM Senate FINANCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB285 || HB286 || HB287 | |
| Public Testmiony: Bethel, Nome, Kotzebue, Unalaska | |
| Public Testimony: Sitka, Cordova, Valdez | |
| Public Testimony: Fairbanks, Mat-su | |
| Public Testimony: Glenn Allen, Seward, Homer | |
| Public Testimony: Statewide Testimony | |
| Public Testimony: Anchorage | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | HB 286 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | HB 285 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 287 | TELECONFERENCED | |
SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE
April 6, 2018
1:30 p.m.
1:30:09 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Hoffman called the Senate Finance Committee
meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Lyman Hoffman, Co-Chair
Senator Anna MacKinnon, Co-Chair
Senator Click Bishop, Vice-Chair
Senator Peter Micciche
Senator Gary Stevens
Senator Natasha von Imhof
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Donny Olson
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE
Benjamin Charles, Yupiit Piciryarit Cultural Center,
Bethel; Sophie Kasayulie, Yupiit School District, Bethel;
Jennifer Phillip, Yupiit School District, Bethel; Katie
Charles, Headstart Program, Akiachak; Anthony Carvalho,
Governors Council on Disabilities and Special Education,
Kotzebue; Jennifer McNichol, Chair, Sitka School Board,
Sitka; Terri Walker, Northwest Arctic Borough School
District, Kotzebue; Cheryl Schweigert, Northwest Arctic
Borough School District, Kotzebue; Theresa Weiser, Sitka
Charter Boat Operators Association, Sitka; Maegan Bosak,
City and Borough of Sitka, Sitka; Bryan O'Callahan,
Executive Director, Center For Community, Sitka; Lisa
Busch, Director, Sitka Sound Science Center, Sitka; Cathy
Sherman, Cordova Historical Society, Cordova; Ryan Belknap,
Prince William Sound Community College, Valdez; Bree
Swanson, Maniilaq Association, Kotzebue; Charles Lemke,
Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra, Fairbanks; Kathy Karella,
Self, Fairbanks; Donald Karella, Self, Fairbanks; Mike
Coons, President of Alaska Association of Mature American
Citizens, MatSu; Garvan Bucaria, Self, MatSu; Robin Minard,
Mat-Su Health Foundation, MatSu; Polly-Beth Odom, Daybreak
Inc., Palmer; Beth Fread, Self, MatSu; Mike Alexander,
Self, Big Lake; Frederick Pennington, LINKS-ADRC, MatSu;
Angela Linn, Alaska State Museum, Fairbanks; Leslie Dodge,
Self, Houston; Jim Dodson, Fairbanks Economic Development
Council, Fairbanks; Bert Houghtaling, Self, Big Lake;
Jeffery Benowitz, Self, Fairbanks; Ron Johnson, Self,
Fairbanks; Greg Weaver, Self, Wasilla; Dean Aasichce, Self,
Seward; Caroline Venuti, UAA-Kachemak Bay Campus, Homer;
Zobeida Rudkin, UAA-Kachemak Bay Campus, Homer; Bryan
Baker, Homer Charter Association, Homer; Jim Martin,
Director, Alaska Charter Association, Homer; Donna
Aderhold, City of Homer, Homer; Scott Bartlett, Pratt
Museum, Homer; Walter Partridge, Self, Homer; Bryan Zak,
Mayor of Homer, Homer; Jillian Lush, Executive Director,
Sprout Family Services, Homer; Kyle Depriest, Self, Homer;
George Pierce, Self, Kasilof; John James, Self, Wasilla;
Amy Oney, Mama's Assisted Living, Anchorage; Cory Martin,
Self, Christochina; Ed Martin, Self, Cooper Landing; Joanne
Blackburn, Self, Anchorage; Chris Eichenlaub, Self, Eagle
River; Patty Brown, Self, Haines; Annie Chunak, Self, New
Stuyahok; Jennifer Allen, Self, Haines; Nicole Lorents,
Self, Haines; Valerie Brooks, Self, Ketchikan; Herman
Morgan, Self, Aniak; Mary Nanuwak, Self, Bethel; Robert
Bundy, Self, Anchorage; Deborah Holland, Self, Anchorage;
Stephen Burris, Vice-President, Alaska National Guard
Enlisted Association, Anchorage; Sarra Khlifi, Alaska Food
Coalition, Anchorage; Britta Hamre, Self, Anchorage; Paul
Duclos, Self, Long Island; Indianna Turkisher, SNAP
Outreach manager at Foodbank of Alaska, Anchorage; Peggy
Cowan, Self, Anchorage; Marney Hartill, Self, Anchorage;
Bill Warren, Self, Nikiski; Micheal Chambers, Self,
Anchorage; Margery Mock, Self, Anchorage; Pennelore
Gofarth, Self, Anchorage; Michelle Baker, Southcentral
Foundation, Anchorage; Leslie Fried, Curator, Alaska Jewish
Museum, Anchorage; Brinna Langford, Self, Eagle River;
Susan Rutter, Self, Anchorage; Doug White, Executive
Director, Access Alaska, Anchorage; Verne Boerner, Alaska
Native Health Board, Anchorage; Alec Burris, Self,
Anchorage; Valerie Baalerud, Self, Anchorage; Kristen Bush,
Self, Anchorage; Bob Hooyman, Self, Matsu; Emma Brooks,
Self, Anchorage; Heidi Frost, Self, Anchorage; Terrie
Gottstien, Self, Anchorage; Lisa Sparrow, Self, Anchorage;
Teresa Wrobel, University of Alaska, Anchorage; Stephanie
Berglund, CEO, Thread/AK Early Childhood Advocacy Group,
Anchorage; Bahne Smith, Self, Anchorage; Tom Lakosh, Self,
Anchorage; Rebbeca Senter, Thread/AK Early Childhood
Advocacy Group, Anchorage; Lynda Hellen, Educator,
Anchorage.
SUMMARY
CSHB 285(FIN)
APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET
CSHB 285(FIN) was HEARD and HELD in committee for
further consideration.
CSHB 286(FIN) am(brf sup maj fld)(efd fld)
APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUNDS
CSHB 286(FIN) am(brf sup maj fld)(efd fld) was
HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
HB 287(brf sup maj fld)
APPROP: PUPIL TRANSPORTATION; EDUCATION
HB 287(brf sup maj fld) was HEARD and HELD in
committee for further consideration.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 285(FIN)
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and
capital expenses of the state's integrated
comprehensive mental health program; and providing for
an effective date."
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 286(FIN) am(brf sup maj fld)(efd fld)
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and
loan program expenses of state government and for
certain programs; capitalizing funds; amending
appropriations; and making supplemental
appropriations."
HOUSE BILL NO. 287(brf sup maj fld)
"An Act making appropriations for public education and
transportation of students; and providing for an
effective date."
1:30:49 PM
Co-Chair Hoffman reminded the committee that he expected
proposed amendments in his office by the following Monday,
which he relayed the committee would take up the following
day during the afternoon meeting.
Co-Chair Hoffman discussed the schedule for public
testimony and advised the public how to send the committee
written testimony.
^PUBLIC TESTMIONY: BETHEL, NOME, KOTZEBUE, UNALASKA
1:32:06 PM
BENJAMIN CHARLES, YUPIIT PICIRYARIT CULTURAL CENTER, BETHEL
(via teleconference), testified in support funding for the
Grant-In-Aid Program. He discussed the importance of
museums and the benefits of the museum industry, including
jobs. The cultural center he worked for wanted to become
active in the museum community. The grants provided by the
stated helped maintain financial support to museums and the
people that worked in them. He discussed the educational
benefits of museums, including the understanding of history
and traditional ways of life of the people in the area.
1:34:54 PM
SOPHIE KASAYULIE, YUPIIT SCHOOL DISTRICT, BETHEL (via
teleconference), spoke in support of funding the Headstart
program and literacy programs. She discussed the benefits
that the programs had provided to students. She mentioned
the benefits of literacy support staff.
1:36:33 PM
JENNIFER PHILLIP, YUPIIT SCHOOL DISTRICT, BETHEL (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for a
literacy grant. The grant had helped her child. She
supported the Headstart program.
1:37:15 PM
KATIE CHARLES, HEADSTART PROGRAM, AKIACHAK (via
teleconference), spoke in support of funding for Headstart
programs and early literacy programs. She thought that the
program enriched children in developing language and
literacy. She had observed many children in need of support
and had seen development after participation in the
program. She discussed the positive impacts of the program.
1:39:03 PM
AT EASE
1:47:02 PM
RECONVENED
1:47:14 PM
ANTHONY CARVALHO, GOVERNORS COUNCIL ON DISABILITIES AND
SPECIAL EDUCATION, KOTZEBUE (via teleconference), testified
in support of funding Medicaid expansion. He supported
funding for the Department of Health and Social Services
(DHSS) to process applications and billing. He wanted
funding from billing to support the village behavioral
health aide and community health aide. He stated that lack
of funding for the positions hurt the ability to sustain
vital programs in the villages. He asked the Senate not to
cut behavioral health funding, specifically community
behavioral health treatment and recovery funding, which as
the main source of funding for the behavioral health
services in Kotzebue and the surrounding region. He
asserted that cuts to Medicaid and behavioral health
funding would result in increased costs overall due to
additional emergency room visits and increased
incarceration rates. He detailed that Medicaid expansion
covered almost 500 additional individuals in his region.
1:49:49 PM
JENNIFER MCNICHOL, CHAIR, SITKA SCHOOL BOARD, SITKA (via
teleconference), spoke in support of HB 287. She
appreciated early funding of education and the intention to
avoid teacher pink slips. She commented that the current
funding level did not necessarily allow all districts to
avoid teacher cuts. She spoke of rising costs in utilities,
insurance, and other personnel expenses. She urged the
members to continue to seek ways to address increasing
needs in the budget. She suggested that an increase in the
Base Student Allocation (BSA) would be helpful. She had
concerns about diverting funding from Medicaid, as the
program served Alaska's children.
1:51:03 PM
TERRI WALKER, NORTHWEST ARCTIC BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT,
KOTZEBUE (via teleconference), spoke in support of the Pre-
Elementary Grant Program. She urged the committee to fully
fund the grant program. She stated that the grant monies
had been essential in the district's obligation to provide
high-quality learning opportunities for all students. The
school district had no other early learning choices outside
what was offered by schools. The district (including the
regional school board) made it a priority to maintain an
ongoing commitment to deliver quality pre-elementary
programs in all the villages. She considered the programs
to have long-lasting positive effects in the region.
Through the use of the grant funds, the school district was
able to provide needed supplies and certified early
childhood teachers for the pre-elementary classrooms. The
addition of certified teachers improved the overall impact
of the programs. The outcomes that included greater success
in school and increased social-emotional development were
evident in the district. There was a noticeable drop in
suspension and expulsions. The district wished to provide
and improve upon the current program.
1:53:42 PM
CHERYL SCHWEIGERT, NORTHWEST ARCTIC BOROUGH SCHOOL
DISTRICT, KOTZEBUE (via teleconference), testified in
support of funding for Medicaid services to include
medical, mental health, and parent navigation support for
children with special needs. She supported funding for
hospital behavioral healthcare, to help hospitals serve
young people over the age of 18 that were awaiting
admission to the Alaska Psychiatric Institute. She thought
it was imperative the services of intensive treatment
facilities addressed all the requirements that allowed
minor children to have access to services. She supported
funding for long-term support and interventions for
children and families. She discussed children that were
returned to communities without services available. She
supported funding for substance abuse treatment and
community support program. She supported recidivism
reduction services. She supported funding telehealth. She
supported inclusive and equal support services for all
children in rural areas.
^PUBLIC TESTIMONY: SITKA, CORDOVA, VALDEZ
1:56:35 PM
THERESA WEISER, SITKA CHARTER BOAT OPERATORS ASSOCIATION,
SITKA (via teleconference), testified in support of funding
for Department of Fish and Game, Division of Sportfish. She
mentioned a $3 million appropriation from the Fisherman's
Revolving Loan Fund to DHSS. She thought the appropriation
had been made by Representative Paul Seaton in the House
Finance Committee. She thought monies from the fund should
only be used for purposes directly related to the industry
the fund was created to serve. She supported at least $1
million to be directed to the division for the purpose of
running the Saltwater Logbook Program and providing funds
for the creation of a mobile application for an electronic
logbook.
1:58:05 PM
MAEGAN BOSAK, CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA, SITKA (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for
operations and maintenance of Mount Edgecumbe High School,
the Sitka Pioneers Home, the Public Safety Training
Academy, the Alaska Marine Highway System, and the
University of Alaska - Sitka campus. She emphasized that
the programs were essential to the community of Sitka. She
encouraged the committee to look for additional ways to
provide funding for the programs.
1:58:59 PM
BRYAN O'CALLAHAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CENTER FOR COMMUNITY,
SITKA (via teleconference), testified in support of the
governor's budget request to alleviate the tremendous
backlog of public assistance applications. He relayed that
the center provided personal care assistance via offices in
Sitka, Juneau, and Anchorage. Additionally, the center
provided case management services under contract with the
Division of Public Assistance. He noted that public
assistance applications were taking an average of 45 days
to process. He stated that existing delays in eligibility
determinations and program renewals (caused by a shortage
of trained workers) was hurting the abject poor, the
working poor, and seniors in need of personal care
services. He added that senior care services kept
individuals from institutions and saved the state money. He
discussed public assistance application wait times of 40
days on average, including for food stamps. Approximately
1,700 families with children were included in the category
statewide. He informed that first-time Medicaid
applications had wait times of up to 7 weeks, and around
17,500 individuals were in the category statewide. Medicaid
renewals could take up to 3 months. He strongly urged the
committee to reconsider the governor's request.
2:02:02 PM
AT EASE
2:14:41 PM
RECONVENED
LISA BUSCH, DIRECTOR, SITKA SOUND SCIENCE CENTER, SITKA
(via teleconference), spoke in support of increased funding
for creating new science education standards. She asked the
committee to restore the funding of $100,000. The mission
of the center was science research and science education
for Alaska. She emphasized that science was a critical part
of resource management in Alaska and spoke of the
importance of having a scientifically educated people. She
informed that the state was longer compliant with national
standards. She commented on the low rate of innovation in
the state. She asserted that in-person meetings (for the
purpose of standards development) helped in the formulation
of ideas, especially when considering scientific concepts.
2:16:56 PM
CATHY SHERMAN, CORDOVA HISTORICAL SOCIETY, CORDOVA (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for the
Grant-in-Aid program. She had been director of the museum
for 25 years. She felt that the program had been essential
to the growth and development of the Cordova Museum as well
as other small museums in the state. With the program
funding, the museum had accomplished huge advances in the
conservation and preservation of the region's unique Native
collection, including the restoration and exhibition of an
Alutiiq bear-gut parka, as well as the original 1915 lens
from the Cape St. Elias lighthouse. The funds allowed small
museum with little budgets to work on historical
preservation projects that may have otherwise not been
possible. She discussed the importance of museum
accreditation. She supported a state income tax.
2:19:41 PM
RYAN BELKNAP, PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND COMMUNITY COLLEGE,
VALDEZ (via teleconference), spoke in support of funding
for the University. He worked for the Prince William Sound
Community College. He stated that the college
administration was working closely with the city and
community to address economic diversification. He discussed
a shortage of nurses at the hospital. He discussed the
nursing program that helped with the nursing shortage.
2:21:52 PM
BREE SWANSON, MANIILAQ ASSOCIATION, KOTZEBUE (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for
behavioral health services. She discussed high rates of
mental health issues in rural communities in the state, and
the importance of serving those in their own communities.
She discussed the high rate of suicide in the state. She
asserted that cutting funding for behavioral health would
result in increased cost to the state. She discussed
limited services in her area that did not meet the needs of
people in the state. She discussed a problem with
homelessness, and the lack of services to mitigate the
problem. She strongly advocated for funding for substance
abuse and mental health services. She specified that 79
percent of her association's population was underserved.
2:25:13 PM
AT EASE
2:30:34 PM
RECONVENED
^PUBLIC TESTIMONY: FAIRBANKS, MAT-SU
2:31:10 PM
CHARLES LEMKE, FAIRBANKS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for the
University. He discussed the importance of the University
to the state and used the example of an event co-hosted by
the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the Fairbanks
Symphony Orchestra. The event would be broadcast to over
100 countries. He asked the committee to invest in the
University.
2:32:57 PM
KATHY KARELLA, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
testified in opposition to cuts to programs for behavioral
health and substance abuse programs. She thought many cuts
that had been made primarily affected those with behavioral
health issues. She supported hospital-based behavioral
healthcare. She supported funding for public assistance
field offices to deal with backlogs. She supported funding
for additional public guardians for the Office of Public
Advocacy. She supported full funding for Medicaid services.
She spoke in support of a sales tax. She discussed her
family member that experienced a disability.
2:35:18 PM
DONALD KARELLA, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke
in support of funding for mental health services. He had
lived in Alaska for most of his life. He discussed his
family history with mental illness. He emphasized that many
disabilities were hidden. He discussed the prevalence of
mental illness in the correctional system. He recounted
that the United States Surgeon General had stated that for
every dollar spent on mental health, $17 were saved. He
strongly encouraged the committee to consider individuals
with disabilities and individuals with mental illness when
making budget decisions.
2:37:26 PM
MIKE COONS, PRESIDENT OF ALASKA ASSOCIATION OF MATURE
AMERICAN CITIZENS, MATSU (via teleconference), testified in
opposition to HB 286 and HB 287. His organization supported
a reasonable amount for the mental health budget, but not
an amount he considered "bloated." He considered that the
budget should be subject to additional reductions. He was
concerned about increased spending. He opposed funding for
a Vitamin D study. His group opposed HB 287. He considered
that public safety was in extreme jeopardy. He thought
there had been good amendments proposed on the House floor
that would have reduced the budget. He mentioned an
amendment offered by Representative Lora Reinbold. He
thought the current budget proposal would continue the
recession. He discussed the importance of the PFD to
individuals. He did not support funding for the natural gas
project. He asked the committee to pass a sustainable
budget with a fully funded PFD; that did not require
spending from the ERA or a draw from the CBR.
2:39:56 PM
GARVAN BUCARIA, SELF, MATSU (via teleconference), testified
in favor of additional budget cuts. He suggested an
additional 5 percent cut across the board. He did not
support funding for Alaska's Liquid Natural Gas (AKLNG)
project. He supported reinjecting Alaska's natural gas for
maximum oil recovery. He was in opposition to the proposed
Vitamin D study. He suggested advocating exposure to
sunlight for children and pregnant women. He was concerned
about Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
mega-projects such as the North Glenn overpass. He
suggested the legislature begin meeting in Anchorage.
2:42:02 PM
ROBIN MINARD, MAT-SU HEALTH FOUNDATION, MATSU (via
teleconference), spoke in support of funding to secure
matching federal funds for Disproportionate Share Hospital
Funding (DISH). The funding was needed to address for a
statewide behavioral health crisis. She discussed the 20
percent growth rate of annual visits to the Mat-Su Regional
Medical Center emergency department for patients with a
behavior health diagnosis. From 2014 to 2017, required
behavioral health assessments in the emergency department
grew from 349 to more than 1,000. She discussed patients
waiting in the ER department for in-patient placement at
API. She thought the state was behind on capitalizing on
federal funds to address behavioral health challenges.
2:44:07 PM
POLLY-BETH ODOM, DAYBREAK INC., PALMER (via
teleconference), spoke in support of funding for Medicaid
and behavioral health. Her organization provided
comprehensive case management services for adults with
long-term mental health issues and traumatic brain
injuries. She asked the committee to reconsider its
proposed cuts to Medicaid. She noted that her organization
had taken cuts of 11 percent over the previous years, which
had been problematic. She emphasized how mental health and
substance abuse was affecting the Mat-Su Valley.
2:45:05 PM
BETH FREAD, SELF, MATSU (via teleconference), testified in
opposition to the AK LNG Project. She did not think that
the project would be profitable. She did not think China
would be a good business partner. She advocated for
additional cuts and reduced government.
2:46:35 PM
MIKE ALEXANDER, SELF, BIG LAKE (via teleconference), spoke
in support of additional budget cuts. He supported a full
PFD. He did not support funding for a Vitamin D study. He
supported payments for owed oil and gas tax credits. He
advocated for ending the AK LNG project.
2:48:02 PM
FREDERICK PENNINGTON, LINKS-ADRC, MATSU (via
teleconference), testified in support of increased funding
for the Senior Benefits Program. He stated that he was
project director for the Aging and Disability Resource
Center. He supported funding for substance abuse treatment
and a treatment facility. He supported increased funding
for public assistance field offices to deal with long
processing times for Medicaid coverage.
2:49:49 PM
ANGELA LINN, ALASKA STATE MUSEUM, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), testified in support of the Grant-in-Aid
Program. She discussed visitor statistics and asserted that
museums were economic drivers. She referenced a study that
showed a large percentage of travelers participated in
cultural or heritage activity such as visiting museums. She
discussed museums in Fairbanks, and the importance of
museums.
2:51:59 PM
LESLIE DODGE, SELF, HOUSTON (via teleconference), spoke in
support of increased budget cuts. She did not support
funding for a study on Vitamin D. She did not support the
AK LNG project. She discussed the difficulty of her
personal circumstances.
Co-Chair Hoffman reminded that the aforementioned funding
for a study on Vitamin D was not in the bills being
considered in committee.
2:55:00 PM
JIM DODSON, FAIRBANKS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL,
FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in support of funding
for Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to support
moving the C-17 strategic aircraft from active duty Air
Force to the Alaska Air National Guard. He discussed the
importance of the 8 aircraft. He discussed the military
impact on the state's economy. He discussed safety and
rescue work done by aircraft.
2:56:42 PM
BERT HOUGHTALING, SELF, BIG LAKE (via teleconference),
spoke in opposition to funding for the AK LNG project. He
disagreed with taking funds from the Permanent Fund to fund
the LNG project. He thought the legislature was catering to
the special interests of the state. He thought a cap should
be put on the Medicaid program, or that expansion should be
eliminated. He advocated for smaller government.
2:58:05 PM
JEFFERY BENOWITZ, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding for the University. He
referenced the Senate Finance Subcommittee's report for the
University. He recommended increasing the budget to the
amount requested by the Board of Regents.
2:58:59 PM
RON JOHNSON, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in
support of increased budget cuts. He did not think the
proposed budget was sustainable. He thought there should be
additional consideration of the University budget, and
suggested the University should get less from state general
funds. He supported a $900 dividend and use of the
additional funds to fund the DHSS budget. He was willing to
pay an income tax.
3:01:01 PM
GREG WEAVER, SELF, WASILLA (via teleconference), spoke
against the funding for the University. He supported a full
dividend. He suggested implementing a 5-year residency
provision before people were eligible for the PFD. He spoke
of being a Marine Corp Veteran. He wanted to see more
funding go to brain injury prevention. He thought there was
excess spending going on in Juneau. He wanted to see the
Legislative sessions held in Anchorage. He spoke of changes
in the legislature in the prior decade. He disapproved a
$300 per day per diem. He wanted to see things change. He
opposed cutting the dividend or implementing an income tax.
3:05:11 PM
DEAN AASICHCE, SELF, SEWARD (via teleconference), spoke in
support of a full PFD and additional cuts to the budget.
Co-Chair Hoffman indicated there were no more testifiers
online. The committee would stand at ease for 10 minutes.
3:06:01 PM
AT EASE
3:19:42 PM
RECONVENED
Co-Chair Hoffman indicated that there were no other
testifiers from online. The committee would stand at ease
until 3:30 pm at which time it would hear from the
communities of Glenn Allen, Seward, and Homer.
3:20:10 PM
AT EASE
3:30:59 PM
RECONVENED
^PUBLIC TESTIMONY: GLENN ALLEN, SEWARD, HOMER
3:31:23 PM
CAROLINE VENUTI, UAA-KACHEMAK BAY CAMPUS, HOMER (via
teleconference), urged adequate funding for higher
education. She spoke to the needs of the smaller campuses.
She shared that funding for more vocational-type classes
was necessary. She thought the state was creating children
that felt entitled with the receipt of the PFD. She thought
it was more important to educate the children of Alaska
than funding the PFD. She emphasized her support of proper
funding for higher education.
3:33:43 PM
ZOBEIDA RUDKIN, UAA-KACHEMAK BAY CAMPUS, HOMER (via
teleconference), urged support for the University of Alaska
system. She spoke of her marine biology emphasis in school
and the importance of the University's ability to offer
such programs. She urged the committee to keep the
University in mind in the budget process.
3:34:50 PM
BRYAN BAKER, HOMER CHARTER ASSOCIATION, HOMER (via
teleconference), spoke in support of the revolving loan
fund for potential charter business owners. He thought the
funds were being diverted for use by other government
entities and wanted the committee to rethink that decision.
He opposed use of the funds for anything outside of the
charter business. He supported use of the funds for things
like the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) saltwater
logbook program or help with the creation of a DFG mobile
app to enable electronic log booking.
3:37:00 PM
JIM MARTIN, DIRECTOR, ALASKA CHARTER ASSOCIATION, HOMER
(via teleconference), was concerned that the funds
dedicated to the charter revolving loan funds were being
diverted for things outside of the charter industry. He
provided detail about the association's membership. He
echoed the comments of the previous speaker. He supported
using the funds for electronic log books and other worthy
projects if needed.
3:38:13 PM
DONNA ADERHOLD, CITY OF HOMER, HOMER (via teleconference),
spoke on behalf of the City of Homer. She noted that Homer
had submitted numerous resolutions to the legislature in
the current year pertaining to the state budget. She
mentioned the effects of budget reductions on the city. She
provided an example pertaining to the Homer police who
operated as backup to Alaska State Troopers; when police
were called away to assist troopers it left Homer with few
or no police to respond promptly to municipal calls. She
spoke in support of an adequately funded budget.
3:39:25 PM
SCOTT BARTLETT, PRATT MUSEUM, HOMER (via teleconference),
spoke in support of continued funding for the Alaska State
Museum and Aid grant program. He discussed the remote
locations of many Alaskan museums that had limited budgets
and relied on grant funding for critical projects. The aid
was a key piece of the puzzle and its loss would be
devastating. The modest program had helped many Alaskan
museums preserve their collections for 36 years. The loss
of the grant program would threaten Alaska's heritage
statewide. He listed work the grant had enabled the Pratt
museum to accomplish.
3:41:28 PM
WALTER PARTRIDGE, SELF, HOMER (via teleconference), spoke
in support of funding for the University of Alaska system.
He shared that he is a member of the Kenai Peninsula
College Council. He provided information about his
educational career and underscored the value of continuing
education throughout life. He thanked members for their
work. He wanted to ensure that his grandsons could get a
valuable education. Her asked members to fund the
University at its full amount.
3:42:59 PM
BRYAN ZAK, MAYOR OF HOMER, HOMER (via teleconference),
spoke in support of additional revenue measures to solve
the state's fiscal problem. He asked for funding for the
Kenai Peninsula River and Kachemak Bay Campuses in addition
to Kodiak campuses. He supported funding for the University
of Alaska at the $10 million level. He advocated support
for the young workforce development programs such as the
Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC). He reemphasized
the need for additional revenue.
3:44:54 PM
JILLIAN LUSH, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SPROUT FAMILY SERVICES,
HOMER (via teleconference), spoke in support of early
childhood services. She shared that most of the program's
accomplishments had been due to state support. She detailed
that the program had started with 40 families and currently
had over 400 children enrolled in one or more services. She
thanked the committee for its ongoing support for early
childhood services. She shared that Senator Micciche read
books at story time and Senator Stevens had visited her in
her office. The office had turned into a family room due to
an increase in services to families.
3:45:59 PM
KYLE DEPRIEST, SELF, HOMER (via teleconference), was new to
Alaska. He did not support a reduction to the PFD. He
stated the PFD had been created for residents and he
believed the reduction would result in further issues in
the future.
Co-Chair Hoffman relayed that there were no other
testifiers. The committee would reconvene at 4:00 p.m.
3:47:42 PM
AT EASE
3:59:00 PM
RECONVENED
^PUBLIC TESTIMONY: STATEWIDE TESTIMONY
GEORGE PIERCE, SELF, KASILOF (via teleconference), remarked
that there were extremely low graduation rates. He stressed
that the legislature must address the $3 billion deficit.
He felt that the priorities should be senior benefits,
public safety, oil taxes, and education. He remarked that
the state and local governments were not functioning well.
He urged raising taxes. He spoke in support of reducing
unemployment. He testified in support of fully funding the
PFD.
4:02:44 PM
JOHN JAMES, SELF, WASILLA (via teleconference), urged
reconsideration of the Department of Military and Veterans
Affairs (DMVA) budget. He stated that the previous version
of the budget provided $210,000 for Nome, Kotzebue, and
other communities. He stated that funding would provide
recruitment and training personnel in multiple communities.
He stated that the funding would also provide additional
equipment and supplies.
4:04:08 PM
AMY ONEY, MAMA'S ASSISTED LIVING, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of funding for workers to
process Medicaid claims. She remarked that there were many
clients who were waiting on payments from the state. She
remarked that there was a difficult situation, because of
the lack of staffing. She stated that she was carrying a
balance for the state of $190,000. She restated that the
state needed to hire more people.
4:07:35 PM
CORY MARTIN, SELF, CHRISTOCHINA (via teleconference),
shared that he was legally disabled, and received food
stamps for four years. He recently was unable to receive
his food stamps, but could not make contact with anyone
about his food stamps. He stated that he had made many
attempts to contact people in order to receive his food
stamps. He shared that he eventually made calls to the
state legislature. He remarked that he had been informed
that there were many applications that needed to be
processed, but there was limited staffing. He urged fully
funding for the food stamp program. He stated that they
stated that his case would be closed, because he had been
on vacation.
4:12:01 PM
ED MARTIN, SELF, COOPER LANDING (via teleconference),
stated that he was second generation prior to statehood. He
shared that his father was a supporter of the Permanent
Fund. He urged the committee to fully fund the Permanent
Fund. He felt that the Permanent Fund did not cater to any
special groups, except for all Alaskans. He stressed that
the intent was that half of the Permanent Fund earnings
would go the dividends. He felt that the government was
breaking the law. He quoted a letter from Senator John
Coghill, which stated that reducing the PFD was a violation
to the statutes. He felt that the legislature was breaking
the law. He spoke in support of selling the ferries.
4:16:07 PM
JOANNE BLACKBURN, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
felt that the Department of Ethics did not exist. She felt
that ethics was required to stop government from growing.
She stated that there should be a prioritization of ethics.
She did not believe that there was enough ethics training.
Co-Chair Hoffman handed the gavel to Co-Chair MacKinnon.
4:17:53 PM
CHRIS EICHENLAUB, SELF, EAGLE RIVER (via teleconference),
urged the committee to follow the law and pay the full PFD.
He stated that the legislature should not take the money
from the people of Alaska. He spoke against the $1 billion
for the gas line. He felt that the $1 billion should be
used to fund the dividend.
4:19:47 PM
PATTY BROWN, SELF, HAINES (via teleconference), urged fully
funding of $100,000 for the revision of the STEM standard
for the Department of Education and Early Development. She
remarked that there were outdated pedagogies, and various
new ways of learning. She stated that she had recently
witnessed new ways of learning and teachers. She stressed
that teachers needed a new guide for teaching and district
needed a new framework to help teachers and students check
their work. She felt that new standards would encourage
scientific thinking and innovation. She stressed that
developing the standards would have much volunteer time,
but needed financial support to help with the logistics to
develop the new program.
4:23:09 PM
ANNIE CHUNAK, SELF, NEW STUYAHOK (via teleconference),
spoke in support of fully funding positions for the
Division of Public Assistance. She shared that that her
community's cost of living was extremely high, and
announced that a gallon of gas was almost seven dollars.
She furthered that oil and food was extremely expensive in
her village. She remarked that some members of her
communities were not able to go hunting, so they needed
assistance in obtaining food.
4:25:09 PM
JENNIFER ALLEN, SELF, HAINES (via teleconference), spoke in
support of funding for Parents as Teachers. She stated that
adverse childhood experiences had a great effect on the
life of a person. The Parents as Teachers program provided
tools to reduce adverse childhood experiences.
Co-Chair MacKinnon handed the gavel to Co-Chair Hoffman.
4:26:22 PM
NICOLE LORENTS, SELF, HAINES (via teleconference), spoke in
support of funding for Parents as Teachers. She shared that
she and her child had participated in Parents as Teachers.
She shared that her community did not have a pediatric
dentist, so the program provided good knowledge about
childhood milestones.
4:27:34 PM
VALERIE BROOKS, SELF, KETCHIKAN (via teleconference), spoke
in support of forward funding for education. She spoke
against flat funding for education. She felt that flat
funding may not be available for students, due to lack of
funds. She remarked that flat funding may result in limited
funds for counseling and could result in larger class
sizes. She stressed that a lack of a timely education
budget resulted in lack of planning for future school
years. She urged and increase in education funding.
4:29:42 PM
HERMAN MORGAN, SELF, ANIAK (via teleconference), felt that
some members of the committee were not listening to the
testimony. He remarked that the State of Alaska had many
employees. He spoke in support of a fully funded PFD. He
stressed that many people needed that money to pay their
medical bills.
4:33:27 PM
MARY NANUWAK, SELF, BETHEL (via teleconference), stated
that she did not understand why public testimony was not
taken after the amendments were applied to the bills. She
felt that public testimony should be taken throughout the
legislative session. She felt that there was needless
debate about defining phrases in the legislature.
4:35:49 PM
AT EASE
4:36:40 PM
RECONVENED
^PUBLIC TESTIMONY: ANCHORAGE
4:38:21 PM
ROBERT BUNDY, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in support of funding for the public defenders. He shared
that there was a case of a woman who was shot in the eye,
but her case had not yet gone to trial. He stressed that
the cases could not be heard, if there were not the
resources to take those cases to trial. He stressed that
the public defenders were overworked. He remarked that
everyone was entitled to a lawyer.
4:41:34 PM
DEBORAH HOLLAND, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), felt
that the budget should not be increase. She spoke against a
POMV and a change to the Permanent Fund formula. She spoke
in support of decreasing the budget.
4:42:43 PM
STEPHEN BURRIS, VICE-PRESIDENT, ALASKA NATIONAL GUARD
ENLISTED ASSOCIATION, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in support of reinstating the C-17 funding for DMVA. He
stated that the money was a portion of the money required
to maintain the equipment, and the remaining money was from
the federal government. He stressed that the loss of that
money would cause the loss of the C-17, which could lose
more than 100 jobs for the National Guardsmen.
4:46:03 PM
SARRA KHLIFI, ALASKA FOOD COALITION, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of fully funding the
Division of Public Service. She remarked that many people
were waiting 230 days for their Medicaid and SNAP
applications to be processed. She remarked that those
people would not have access to health care and food. She
stressed that there may be litigation against the state.
4:48:47 PM
BRITTA HAMRE, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in support of funding to address the backlog in SNAP in the
Division of Public Service. She stated that lack of funds
would reduce the federal funding for the program.
4:49:35 PM
PAUL DUCLOS, SELF, LONG ISLAND (via teleconference), spoke
in support of taxes and a fully funded dividend. He felt
that taxing the PFD would force people to see what was
necessary to fund government. He felt that people who stole
vehicles should be tried for a more offensive crime. He
stressed that taxing the dividend would not require a new
tax division.
4:51:47 PM
INDIANNA TURKISHER, SNAP OUTREACH MANAGER AT FOODBANK OF
ALASKA, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), echoed the comments
related to the backlog of SNAP. She stressed that she had
spoken with many people who were not able to receive their
benefits through no fault of their own. She remarked that
SNAP was the only source for food for many people. She
shared that a woman was recently recertified.
PEGGY COWAN, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of education funding. She stressed the
importance of support for school districts and the
university. She requested the reinstatement of funding for
science programs in Alaska's schools. She believed an
educated population was necessary for an effective
workforce.
4:55:36 PM
MARNEY HARTILL, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support for funding for additional education
funding. She hoped that the committee would consider new
funding sources for forward funding of education. She
stated that she hoped that the education funding would find
new revenue and fund the important aspects of education.
BILL WARREN, SELF, NIKISKI (via teleconference), testified
in favor of a progressive income tax. He supported the AGDC
pipeline project.
4:58:23 PM
MICHEAL CHAMBERS, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
voiced concern that public testimony was being taken on
bills that had been so recently introduced. He felt that
the budget was a substantial amount of information for
anyone to fully understand and provide testimony. He
remarked that there was an increase to the budget. He
announced that the state was in deficit spending for many
years. He stated that he had worked to show where the state
could cut the budget through efficiencies and through
focused on getting the value for every dollar spent.
5:02:14 PM
MARGERY MOCK, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in support of and incremental increase in funding for the
Public Defender Agency. She stated that they were facing
the highest caseload that she had seen. She remarked that
there should be a reasonable caseload for attorneys. She
spoke in support of developing trust between an attorney
and a client.
5:05:05 PM
PENNELORE GOFARTH, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
spoke in support of funding for libraries and museums. She
remarked that there were two different floods that affected
the archives and items in museums and libraries.
MICHELLE BAKER, SOUTHCENTRAL FOUNDATION, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of $18 million for
substance use disorder and community support funding. She
stressed that investing in substance use treatment would
save money in the long-term. She felt that lack of funding
would result in a strain on emergency rooms, first
responders, law enforcement, and increased cost associated
with correctional facilities.
5:10:31 PM
LESLIE FRIED, CURATOR, ALASKA JEWISH MUSEUM, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of funding for the Alaska
State Museum. The funding helped to maintain the Alaska
Jewish Museum archives. She stated that there were many
museums that would benefit from the funding, because they
might be the only entities in some areas of the state.
5:11:59 PM
BRINNA LANGFORD, SELF, EAGLE RIVER (via teleconference),
spoke in support of education funding. She shared that she
and her husband would be moving out of the state. She
stated that there was no social security as a teacher in
the state. She shared that other states had smaller class
sizes.
5:14:23 PM
SUSAN RUTTER, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in support of forward funding education. She spoke against
flat funding of education. She stressed that education
funding was important from Pre-K through college. The
impact on the change in staffing meant that there would be
limited access to those teachers who had developed
relationships with students. She shared that teachers were
important to the community and school. She urged an
increase to the BSA by $100, and continued forward funding
for education with increased budgets.
5:16:49 PM
DOUG WHITE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ACCESS ALASKA, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), spoke against the cuts to Medicaid
funding. He stressed that the reductions would reduce the
federal matching grants. He remarked that there was current
bureaucracy that needed to get resolved. He implored the
committee to reinstate the $48 million for FY 18. He stated
that without the additional funding, there would be
significant payment delays for providers and hospitals.
5:19:04 PM
VERNE BOERNER, ALASKA NATIVE HEALTH BOARD, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke against the cuts to Medicaid. She
stressed that the safety of Medicaid was most needed during
the current recession. She remarked that it was imperative
to not equate cost cutting to cost savings. She stressed
that the solutions would not make long-term fiscal
sustainability.
5:22:40 PM
ALEC BURRIS, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in
support of funding for university system. He shared that he
was a first generation college student, and a product of
the Alaska public school system. He shared that he chose to
attend the University of Alaska Anchorage, because of its
pre-medicine program. He hoped that the committee
understood that investments in people resulted in a desire
for those people to give back. He shared that the current
university had taken several steps to make it fiscally
responsible.
5:25:25 PM
VALERIE BAALERUD, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
spoke in support of early funding and fully funding of
education. She stated that the return did not adequately
reflect the investment in education. She shared that she
had three children in the Alaska public school system and a
baby in child care. She felt that Eagle River had one of
the highest performing education results in the state.
5:27:37 PM
KRISTEN BUSH, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
against increases in the budget. She spoke against funding
for a gas pipeline. She felt that the budget was "lining
the pockets of big business." She spoke against reducing
the PFD. She urged the committee to tax out-of-state
workers. She urged the committee to further reduce the
budget.
5:30:18 PM
BOB HOOYMAN, SELF, MATSU (via teleconference), shared that
he was forced into early retirement, because of an illness.
He shared that he was having a difficult time getting help
through Medicare and Medicaid. He stated that he needed the
PFD, because he was facing health problems.
5:32:41 PM
EMMA BROOKS, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in
support of forward funding of education. She stressed that
the misalignment with the education and legislative
calendar was inefficient. She explained that there was a
potential for random re-staffing.
5:34:57 PM
HEIDI FROST, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in
support of increased funding for substance abuse treatment
centers, behavioral health services, the public guardians,
and Medicaid. She felt that increased funding for these
programs would decrease funding overall.
5:36:20 PM
TERRIE GOTTSTIEN, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of forward funding for education. She
stressed that it gave school districts the opportunity to
plan for its needs. She stated that she often urged people
who supported education funding to run for office. She
stressed that public education funding had not kept pace
with inflation. She spoke in support of a $100 increase to
the BSA. She felt that the issue was about the quality of
life in the state.
5:38:26 PM
LISA SPARROW, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in support of HB 287. She remarked that teacher
displacement was a major problem. She spoke against flat-
funding of education. She felt that the legislature was
valuing oil companies over children.
5:39:28 PM
TERESA WROBEL, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of continued for the
University of Alaska. She stated that the university
provided great learning opportunities. She stated that many
of the students were highly involved in the community.
5:40:32 PM
STEPHANIE BERGLUND, CEO, THREAD/AK EARLY CHILDHOOD ADVOCACY
GROUP, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), stated that the
current day was meant to recognize childhood violence. She
spoke in support of funding for early childhood education.
She stated that the early childhood education programs
provided long-lasting benefits to their families,
communities, and the economy. She spoke in support of fully
funding education.
5:42:52 PM
BAHNE SMITH, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in
support of education funding. He stated that he had social
anxiety, and was currently receiving counseling. He spoke
in support of behavioral health funding. He remarked that
he had some adverse childhood experiences, which resulted
in hyper sensitive judgment of his surroundings.
5:45:18 PM
Co-Chair MacKinnon thanked the testifier and all the other
testifiers for sharing their stories
5:45:45 PM
TOM LAKOSH, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), addressed
the PFD issue of the formula versus the appropriation. He
felt that the Permanent Fund Corporation was in charge of
the full PFD formula. He remarked that the production tax
credits showed an impact on the PFD. He suggested a formula
that would allow for a $600 distribution, with a $1000
retroactive distribution from 2016.
5:48:38 PM
REBBECA SENTER, THREAD/AK EARLY CHILDHOOD ADVOCACY GROUP,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in support of the
governor's proposed education funding.
5:49:58 PM
AT EASE
5:50:54 PM
RECONVENED
5:51:15 PM
LYNDA HELLEN, EDUCATOR, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of fully funding for education. She
shared that she was laid off the year prior, and it was
devastating for her family.
5:52:14 PM
Co-Chair MacKinnon thanked the testifiers. She stated that
the current year was an approximately $3 billion revenue
shortfall. She understood that the legislators and citizens
of the state were divided on the issue. She understood that
it was a difficult task to bring the budget before the
legislature for consideration.
Senator Micciche thanked the public who had testified on
the budget bills. He understood that there were diverse
concerns. He stressed that the legislature was working to
meet the needs of all Alaskans. He felt that the Senate had
done a good job. He remarked that he cared very much about
Alaskans' perspectives.
Vice-Chair Bishop stressed that the committee cared very
much about the state's concerns.
Senator Stevens thanked the testifiers.
Co-Chair Hoffman discussed housekeeping.
6:00:20 PM
AT EASE
6:01:02 PM
RECONVENED
Co-Chair Hoffman announced that public testimony could be
sent to the committee.
Co-Chair Hoffman CLOSED public testimony.
Co-Chair MacKinnon cancelled the following day's meeting.
CSHB 285(FIN) was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
CSHB 286(FIN) am(brf sup maj fld)(efd fld) was HEARD and
HELD in committee for further consideration.
HB 287(brf sup maj fld) was HEARD and HELD in committee for
further consideration.
ADJOURNMENT
6:02:07 PM
The meeting was adjourned at 6:02 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB 286 Public Testimony - PFD 2.pdf |
SFIN 4/6/2018 1:30:00 PM |
HB 286 |
| HB 286 Early Childhood and Education Funding Support 2.pdf |
SFIN 4/6/2018 1:30:00 PM |
HB 286 |
| HB 286 Public Testimony Packet 2.pdf |
SFIN 4/6/2018 1:30:00 PM |
HB 286 |
| HB 286 Public Testimony Support University Funding.pdf |
SFIN 4/6/2018 1:30:00 PM |
HB 286 |