Legislature(2023 - 2024)SENATE FINANCE 532
04/18/2023 01:30 PM Senate FINANCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB74 | |
| SB75 | |
| Public Testimony | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 74 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 75 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | SB 52 | TELECONFERENCED | |
SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE
April 18, 2023
1:37 p.m.
1:37:20 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Olson called the Senate Finance Committee meeting
to order at 1:37 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Lyman Hoffman, Co-Chair
Senator Donny Olson, Co-Chair
Senator Bert Stedman, Co-Chair
Senator Click Bishop
Senator Jesse Kiehl
Senator Kelly Merrick
Senator David Wilson (via teleconference)
MEMBERS ABSENT
None
ALSO PRESENT
Jasmine Martin, Staff, Senator David Wilson; Senator Loki
Tobin, Sponsor; Bill Hill, Superintendent, Bristol Bay
Borough School District, Juneau; Rebecca Hamon, Bristol Bay
Borough School District, Juneau; Carole Triem, Self,
Juneau; Amy Brower, Superintendent, Dillingham City School
District, Juneau; Paul R. Kelly, Self, Juneau; Bridget
Weiss, Superintendent, Juneau School District, Juneau;
Shannon Johnson, Member, Lake and Peninsula School Board;
Laura Norton-Cruz, Growing Alaskan Leaders, Juneau; Kasie
Luke, Superintendent, Lake and Peninsula School District.
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE
Bert Houghtaling, Self, Big Lake; Brandy Harty, Self,
Fairbanks; Megan Redmond, Self, Homer; Scott Ballard,
Yupiit School District, Akiachak; Jenna Fabian,
Administrator, Kenai Peninsula School District, Nikiski;
Melissa Johnson, Assistant Superintendent, Ketchikan School
District, Ketchikan; Pete Hoepfner, Self, Cordova; Marcus
Geissler, Self, Atmautluak; Crystal Howard, Self, Wasilla;
Beth Short-Rhoads, Self, Sitka; Heather Swanson, Self,
Koyuk; Santiago Hubahbib, Self, Diomede; Sebastian Santos,
Self, Sivuqaq; Tom Klaameyer, President, NEA-AK, Anchorage;
Alex Russin, Superintendent, Cordova School District,
Cordova; Louise Donhauser, Self, Anchorage; Clayton
Holland, Superintendent, Kenai School District, Soldotna;
Scott Macmanus, Alaska Gateway School District, Tok; Margo
Bellamy, President, Anchorage School Board, Anchorage;
David Schass, Self, Anchorage; Jennifer Boyle, Self, Moose
Pass; Joseph Boyle, Self, Moose Pass; Leslie Jacoby, Seward
Tsunami Swim Club, Seward LIO; Will Muldoon, Self, Juneau;
Carl Jacobs, Vice President, Anchorage School Board,
Anchorage; Lynae Benjamin, Self, Anchorage; Amber O'brien,
Self, Wasilla; Dr. Susan Hunter-Joernes, Self, Juneau;
Herman Morgan, Self, Aniak; Denmer Wells, Self,
Anchorage; Nils Andreassen, Executive Director, Alaska
Municipal League, Juneau; Alicia Hughes-Skandijs, Self,
Juneau.
SUMMARY
SB 52 INCREASE BASE STUDENT ALLOCATION
SB 52 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
SB 74 PHYSICAL THERAPY LICENSURE COMPACT
CSSB 74(FIN) REPORTED OUT of committee with four
"no recommendations", one "do pass"
recommendation, and one previously published
fiscal note: FN 1(CED)
SB 75 AUD. and SPEECH-LANG INTERSTATE COMPACT
CSSB 75(FIN) REPORTED OUT of committee with four
"no recommendations", one "do pass"
recommendation, and one previously published
fiscal note: FN 1(CED)
SENATE BILL NO. 74
"An Act relating to an interstate physical therapy
licensure compact; relating to the licensure of
physical therapists, physical therapist assistants,
occupational therapists, and occupational therapy
assistants; and providing for an effective date."
1:37:38 PM
Senator Kiehl MOVED to ADOPT the committee substitute for
SB 74, Work Draft 33-LS0138\U (Bergerud, 4/11/23).
Co-Chair Olson OBJECTED for discussion.
JASMINE MARTIN, STAFF, SENATOR DAVID WILSON, explained the
legislation.
1:38:37 PM
AT EASE
1:40:09 PM
RECONVENED
Co-Chair Olson REMOVED his OBJECTION. There being NO
further OBJECTION, the proposed committee substitute was
adopted.
Senator Kiehl surmised that the bill addressed the people
that worked for the commission, and not the providers. He
remarked that the language was written to work in multiple
states. He recalled that his concern was about the several
strict liabilities in Alaska. He wondered how the
commission would be held accountable for harm. He assumed
that the commission would be held accountable, but the
indemnification provision would require that the commission
or insurance would pay the damages.
Ms. Martin agreed.
Senator Kiehl MOVED to REPORT CSSB 74(FIN) from committee
with individual recommendations and attached fiscal note.
There being NO further OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
CSSB 74(FIN) REPORTED OUT of committee with four "no
recommendations", one "do pass" recommendation, and one
previously published fiscal note: FN 1(CED).
1:44:06 PM
AT EASE
1:44:22 PM
RECONVENED
SENATE BILL NO. 75
"An Act relating to an audiology and speech-language
interstate compact; relating to the practice of
audiology and the practice of speech-language
pathology; and providing for an effective date."
1:44:47 PM
Senator Kiehl MOVED to ADOPT the committee substitute for
SB 74, Work Draft 33-LS0138\S (Bergerud, 4/11/23).
Co-Chair Olson OBJECTED for discussion.
1:45:20 PM
JASMINE MARTIN, STAFF, SENATOR DAVID WILSON, stated that
the bill exempted audiologists and speech pathologists from
the criminal license check, and was not a requirement of
the commission.
Co-Chair Olson REMOVED his OBJECTION. There being NO
further OBJECTION, the proposed committee substitute was
adopted.
Senator Wilson thanked the committee for hearing the bill.
Senator Kiehl MOVED to REPORT CSSB 75(FIN) from committee
with individual recommendations and attached fiscal note.
There being NO further OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
CSSB 75(FIN) REPORTED OUT of committee with four "no
recommendations", one "do pass" recommendation, and one
previously published fiscal note: FN 1(CED).
1:47:08 PM
AT EASE
1:49:07 PM
RECONVENED
SENATE BILL NO. 52
"An Act relating to education; increasing the base
student allocation; and providing for an effective
date."
^PUBLIC TESTIMONY
1:49:55 PM
SENATOR LOKI TOBIN, SPONSOR, explained that the bill sought
to increase the Base Student Allocation (BSA) by $1000,
$348 the following year, and inflation proofing for FY 26.
Co-Chair Stedman requested an evaluation of the fund
balances in all the districts to provide advice on the
findings.
Senator Tobin agreed to provide that information.
1:53:34 PM
Co-Chair Olson OPENED public testimony.
1:53:49 PM
BERT HOUGHTALING, SELF, BIG LAKE (via teleconference),
spoke in opposition to the bill.
1:56:12 PM
BRANDY HARTY, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke
in support.
1:58:53 PM
MEGAN REDMOND, SELF, HOMER (via teleconference), spoke in
support of the legislation.
2:01:35 PM
SCOTT BALLARD, YUPIIT SCHOOL DISTRICT, AKIACHAK (via
teleconference), spoke in support of the bill.
2:03:08 PM
JENNA FABIAN, ADMINISTRATOR, KENAI PENINSULA SCHOOL
DISTRICT, NIKISKI (via teleconference), spoke in support of
the legislation.
2:05:14 PM
AT EASE
2:05:20 PM
RECONVENED
2:05:54 PM
BILL HILL, SUPERINTENDENT, BRISTOL BAY BOROUGH SCHOOL
DISTRICT, JUNEAU, spoke in support of the bill.
Senator Kiehl wondered whether the fund balance in the
general fund had "strings attached."
Mr. Hill replied that there were different funds that had
specific requirements.
Co-Chair Stedman asked about the remaining COVID relief
fund balance.
Mr. Hill replied that most of those funds were incumbered,
and there was approximately $23,000 remaining.
Co-Chair Stedman wondered whether those funds could be
redirected to supplant the BSA shortfall.
Mr. Hill responded that the COVID funding was to make up
for learning loss and COVID-related expenditures.
Co-Chair Olson wondered whether those funds could be used
to make up the shortfalls in the school's budget.
Mr. Hill replied that $23,000 would not be enough to cover
the shortfall.
2:10:25 PM
REBECCA HAMON, BRISTOL BAY BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT, JUNEAU,
spoke in support of the legislation .
2:13:23 PM
CAROLE TRIEM, SELF, JUNEAU, spoke in support of the bill.
2:15:40 PM
AMY BROWER, SUPERINTENDENT, DILLINGHAM CITY SCHOOL
DISTRICT, JUNEAU, spoke in support of the bill.
2:17:54 PM
PAUL R. KELLY, SELF, JUNEAU, testified in support of the
legislation.
2:19:29 PM
BRIDGET WEISS, SUPERINTENDENT, JUNEAU SCHOOL DISTRICT,
JUNEAU, spoke in support of the bill.
Co-Chair Stedman wondered how much of the remaining COVID
relief funding was incumbered had how much could be used to
redirect to supplement a BSA increase.
Dr. Weiss replied that the district will have expended all
but $1.6 million of those funds by the end of the school
year, and was incumbered for learning programs and reading
specialists.
2:26:11 PM
SHANNON JOHNSON, MEMBER, LAKE AND PENINSULA SCHOOL BOARD,
spoke in support of the bill.
2:29:34 PM
LAURA NORTON-CRUZ, GROWING ALASKAN LEADERS, JUNEAU,
testified in support of the legislation.
2:31:39 PM
MELISSA JOHNSON, ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT, KETCHIKAN SCHOOL
DISTRICT, KETCHIKAN (via teleconference), testified in
support.
Co-Chair Stedman queried the budget number that made the
district function.
Ms. Johnson responded that currently they would desire a
$200 BSA increase.
Co-Chair Stedman recalled that the previous year had $56.8
million outside the formula. He wondered whether the
request was in addition to that amount.
Ms. Johnson replied that the request used the base number.
2:35:09 PM
KASIE LUKE, SUPERINTENDENT, LAKE AND PENINSULA SCHOOL
DISTRICT, spoke in support of the bill.
Co-Chair Stedman asked about the use of the COVID funding.
Ms. Luke responded that the money would be spent.
Co-Chair Olson asked how much the school board funded for
BSA.
Ms. Luke replied that the budget had a $30 increase to the
BSA.
Co-Chair Stedman surmised that $500 would be required to
function.
Ms. Luke agreed.
2:40:32 PM
PETE HOEPFNER, SELF, CORDOVA (via teleconference), spoke in
support of the bill.
2:42:24 PM
MARCUS GEISSLER, SELF, ATMAUTLUAK (via teleconference),
testified in support of the bill.
Co-Chair Stedman asked about the COVID relief funding.
Mr. Geissler replied that the COVID funds were no longer
available.
2:45:51 PM
CRYSTAL HOWARD, SELF, WASILLA (via teleconference),
testified in support of the bill.
2:46:47 PM
BETH SHORT-RHOADS, SELF, SITKA (via teleconference), spoke
in support of the bill.
2:48:17 PM
HEATHER SWANSON, SELF, KOYUK (via teleconference),
testified in support of the bill.
Senator Merrick wondered about the international hiring
agency.
Ms. Swanson stated that she did not know about the agency,
but noted that teachers were being recruited from the
Philippines.
Senator Merrick wondered whether the hire of a teacher from
abroad was more, less, or equal to a local hire.
Ms. Swanson stated that she did not know.
2:52:11 PM
SANTIAGO HUBAHBIB, SELF, DIOMEDE (via teleconference),
testified in support of the legislation.
2:53:42 PM
SEBASTIAN SANTOS, SELF, SIVUQAQ (via teleconference), spoke
in support of the legislation.
2:55:28 PM
TOM KLAAMEYER, PRESIDENT, NEA-AK, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of the bill.
Co-Chair Stedman recalled that the department had stated
that the COVID relief funds could not be used for
transportation, but could be used otherwise. He queried the
BSA number required to make the schools function.
Mr. Klaameyer replied that there were few guardrails about
the COVID money, but was discouraged to use for permanent
expenditures. He stressed that it was a supplement.
3:01:14 PM
Co-Chair Stedman hoped to get a range of the needs of all
schools.
Mr. Klaameyer agreed to provide that information.
3:03:04 PM
ALEX RUSSIN, SUPERINTENDENT, CORDOVA SCHOOL DISTRICT,
CORDOVA (via teleconference), testified in support of the
bill.
3:06:16 PM
LOUISE DONHAUSER, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
spoke in support of the bill.
3:08:04 PM
CLAYTON HOLLAND, SUPERINTENDENT, KENAI SCHOOL DISTRICT,
SOLDOTNA (via teleconference), testified in support of the
legislation.
3:11:13 PM
SCOTT MACMANUS, ALASKA GATEWAY SCHOOL DISTRICT, TOK (via
teleconference), testified in support of the bill.
3:13:37 PM
MARGO BELLAMY, PRESIDENT, ANCHORAGE SCHOOL BOARD, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), spoke in support of the bill.
3:16:03 PM
DAVID SCHASS, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in support of the legislation.
3:17:57 PM
JENNIFER BOYLE, SELF, MOOSE PASS (via teleconference),
spoke in support of the bill.
3:20:42 PM
JOSEPH BOYLE, SELF, MOOSE PASS (via teleconference), hoped
to be a parent voice in support of an increase in the BSA.
He discussed the economic benefits to attracting families
to Alaska.
3:22:28 PM
LESLIE JACOBY, SEWARD TSUNAMI SWIM CLUB, SEWARD LIO (via
teleconference), testified in support of SB 52. She listed
the myriad of ways that long-term stability in education
funding would be helpful, particularly funding of the
school public pool. She discussed the various benefits of
introducing swimming to students.
3:24:53 PM
WILL MULDOON, SELF, JUNEAU (via teleconference), testified
in support of SB 52. She echoed the testimony of Sr. Weiss
and Carol Triem. He listed his various titles. He spoke
briefly about the education he received as a legislative
intern under Senator Kiehl.
3:26:50 PM
CARL JACOBS, VICE PRESIDENT, ANCHORAGE SCHOOL BOARD,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in support of SB
52. He spoke of the urgent need to an increase in the BSA.
He lamented that static funding had left school districts
in a position of being uncompetitive in the national
market.
3:29:41 PM
LYNAE BENJAMIN, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of SB 52. She noted that she had
witnessed a decline in her children's education over the
last 5 years, which she attributed to the lack of increased
BSA funding.
3:32:10 PM
AMBER O'BRIEN, SELF, WASILLA (via teleconference),
testified in support of the bill.
3:33:12 PM
DR. SUSAN HUNTER-JOERNES, SELF, JUNEAU (via
teleconference), spoke in support of the bill.
3:34:52 PM
HERMAN MORGAN, SELF, ANIAK (via teleconference), spoke
against the legislation.
3:37:44 PM
DENMER WELLS, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in support of the bill.
3:40:07 PM
NILS ANDREASSEN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA MUNICIPAL
LEAGUE, JUNEAU (via teleconference), testified in support
of the legislation.
3:42:51 PM
ALICIA HUGHES-SKANDIJS, SELF, JUNEAU (via teleconference),
testified in support of the bill.
Senator Merrick CLOSED public testimony. She discussed
committee business.
SB 52 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
ADJOURNMENT
3:45:32 PM
The meeting was adjourned at 3:45 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| SB 52 Public Testimony rec'd 041823.pdf |
SFIN 4/18/2023 1:30:00 PM |
SB 52 |
| SB 52 Research - Evidence from Project Star Report 04.18.2023.pdf |
SFIN 4/18/2023 1:30:00 PM |
SB 52 |
| SB 75 work draft version S.pdf |
SFIN 4/18/2023 1:30:00 PM |
SB 75 |
| SB 74 work draft version U.pdf |
SFIN 4/18/2023 1:30:00 PM |
SB 74 |
| SB 52 Public Testimony rec'd 041823 2.pdf |
SFIN 4/18/2023 1:30:00 PM |
SB 52 |
| SB 52 Public Testimony rec'd 041923.pdf |
SFIN 4/18/2023 1:30:00 PM |
SB 52 |