Legislature(2023 - 2024)SENATE FINANCE 532
04/20/2023 09:00 AM Senate FINANCE
Note: the audio ![]()
and video ![]()
recordings are distinct records and are obtained from different sources. As such there may be key differences between the two. The audio recordings are captured by our records offices as the official record of the meeting and will have more accurate timestamps. Use the icons to switch between them.
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB39 || HB41 || SB41 | |
| Public Testimony: Juneau, Southeast, Prince William Sound, and Kodiak | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | HB 39 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 41 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 41 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE
April 20, 2023
9:06 a.m.
9:06:59 AM
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Stedman called the Senate Finance Committee
meeting to order at 9:06 a.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
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator David Wilson
ALSO PRESENT
Joe Nelson, President, Alaska Legal Services, Juneau; Jen
Griffis, Public Policy Manager, THREAD, Juneau; Blue
Shibler, Executive Director, AEYC, Juneau; Kati Capozzi,
President and CEO, Alaska Chamber of Commerce, Juneau;
Tamar Ben-Yosef, Executive Director, All Alaska Pediatric
Partnership, Juneau.
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE
Heidi Young, Island Care Services, Prince of Wales; Jeff
Good, City Manager, City and Borough of Wrangell, Wrangell;
Tyler McNeil, Community Connections, Ketchikan; Kathy
Bolling, Self, Ketchikan; Kasey Kinsman, Council Member,
City of Cordova, Cordova; Jamie Loan, Self, Whittier; Nick
Olzenak, Self, Anchorage; Jenee Flanigan, Self, Ketchikan;
John Lamb, Self, Alaska Library Association, Juneau; Elise
Tomlinson, Self, Douglas; Tom Brice, Self, University of
Alaska Alumni Association, Juneau; Jim Ayers, Self, Juneau;
Rita Menzies, Self, Juneau; Gershon Cohen, Self, Haines;
Brenda Stanfill, Executive Director, AK Network on Domestic
Violence and Sexual Assault, Ketchikan; Scott Arndt, Kodiak
Island Borough Assembly, Kodiak; Janis Johnson, Board
Treasurer, Advocates for Victims of Violence, Valdez;
Angela Smith, Advocates for Victims of Violence, Valdez;
Matthew Jackson, Self, Sitka; Cliff Richter, Executive
Director, Baranof Island Housing Authority, Sitka; Kristen
Carpenter, Self, Cordova; Tiffany Mills, Executive
Director, Helping Ourselves Prevent Emergencies, Craig; Jon
Erickson, City Manager, Yakutat; Mindy Pruitt, Executive
Director, Kodiak Island Housing Authority, Kodiak; Penny
Lample, Kodiak Women's Resource and Crisis Center, Kodiak;
April Counceller, Alutiiq Heritage Foundation, Kodiak;
Helen Howarth, City Manager, City of Cordova, Cordova;
Phyllis Clough, Self, Old Harbor; Elizabeth Figus, Self,
Juneau; Aaron Brakel, Self, Juneau.
SUMMARY
SB 41 APPROP: CAPITAL/SUPPLEMENTAL
SB 41 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
CSHB 39(FIN) am(brf sup maj fld)(efd fld)
APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUND; SUPP
CSHB 39(FIN)) was HEARD and HELD in committee for
further consideration.
CSHB 41(FIN) am
APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET
CSHB 41(FIN) am was HEARD and HELD in committee
for further consideration.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY: JUNEAU, SOUTHEAST, PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND,
and KODIAK
Co-Chair Stedman discussed the agenda. He relayed that the
committee would consider public testimony for the three
bills on the agenda simultaneously. He asked testifiers to
limit comments to two minutes in length. He requested that
testifiers confine comments to the subject matter of the
bills.
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 39(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; repealing
appropriations; amending appropriations; making
reappropriations; and making supplemental
appropriations."
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 41(FIN) am
"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."
SENATE BILL NO. 41
"An Act making appropriations, including capital
appropriations and other appropriations; making
supplemental appropriations; making appropriations to
capitalize funds; and providing for an effective
date."
9:09:39 AM
^PUBLIC TESTIMONY: JUNEAU, SOUTHEAST, PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND,
and KODIAK
9:09:39 AM
HEIDI YOUNG, ISLAND CARE SERVICES, PRINCE OF WALES (via
teleconference), relayed that she was the owner of Island
Care Services and that she had been a care coordinator for
fifteen years. She thanked the department for directing the
development of making a five-year to eliminate the waitlist
for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
waivers. She asserted that the services were critical in
supporting families in Alaska, and helped the state saved
money. She asserted that "waivers are savers" and that the
services helped the state save money and got people out of
hospitals and back to home communities. She cited that the
waivers allowed people to remain in their homes and one-
third the cost of hospitalization. She cited that it was
statistically proven that individuals had better physical
and mental outcomes when in their own homes. She discussed
a waitlist of as much as 12 years for families with a child
with a disability.
9:12:03 AM
JEFF GOOD, CITY MANAGER, CITY AND BOROUGH OF WRANGELL,
WRANGELL (via teleconference), mentioned a 401 permit for a
wastewater treatment plant and 301-h waiver that was
associated with the project. He cited that the permit and
project affected 9 communities. He recounted an engineer's
estimate that had gone from $3 million to $5 million up to
$12.5 million, which was unaffordable for rate-payers. He
supported increased school funding and funding for the
Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS). He relayed that AMHS
was vital for Wrangell's economic development.
Co-Chair Stedman commented that the cost escalation for the
water disinfection and thought other cities would be facing
the same problem. He thought an earlier estimate for
Anchorage had been $1 billion. He thought it was a
significant problem.
9:14:10 AM
TYLER MCNEIL, COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS, KETCHIKAN (via
teleconference), spoke in support of funding for the
Division of Senior and Disability Support Services. He
worked in human services for 14 years supporting people
with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He
thanked the legislature for directing the Division of
Senior and Disability Services to develop a five-year plan
to eliminate the IDD Medicaid waitlist. He encouraged
funding for making the plan a reality and making services
accessible. He mentioned the length of the waitlist and the
crisis nature of the program. He supported the elimination
of the waitlist and providing needed support for
individuals. He supported home and community-based services
for individuals to live as independently as possible in
their own communities.
9:16:38 AM
KATHY BOLLING, SELF, KETCHIKAN (via teleconference),
testified in support of a $635,000 request for funding for
the University of Alaska (UA) budget. She discussed meeting
committee members and the members' knowledge of rural
Alaska. She mentioned the importance of access to library
services. She mentioned students, parents, families,
researchers, writers, business owners, and the many people
that used the Alaska Library Catalog and the Statewide
Library Electronic Doorway (SLED). She supported efficient
equitable access to the world of information, and thought
it was vital in a democracy.
Co-Chair Olson thanked Ms. Bolling for her testimony.
9:19:01 AM
KASEY KINSMAN, COUNCIL MEMBER, CITY OF CORDOVA, CORDOVA
(via teleconference), spoke in favor of a funding request
of $165,000 for a pool lining replacement. He discussed the
importance of the pool to the schools and local students,
including water rescue skills.
9:21:02 AM
JAMIE LOAN, SELF, WHITTIER (via teleconference), testified
in favor of funding for the Whittier harbor. She noted that
the city was chosen for a possible municipal harbor
matching grant. She reminded that Whittier saw over 550,000
vehicles entering the area annually including tour buses,
trailered boats and many people utilizing Prince William
Sound. She discussed the aging and disrepair of the harbor.
She mentioned the small tax base in Whittier, which did not
allow for funding the harbor.
9:23:03 AM
NICK OLZENAK, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in support of funding for the harbor matching grant for
Whittier. He was a business owner and berth-holder in
Whittier Harbor. He relayed that he was a part-time
resident of Whittier and chair of the Whittier Port and
Harbor Commission. He urged the committee to fund the
matching grant. He asserted that the harbor floats in
disrepair would likely be decommissioned without repair and
would adversely affect access to Prince William Sound. He
discussed the users of Whittier Harbor. He thought the
harbor grant was funded for $8.2 million, all three
projects would be approved. He commented on the adverse
economic impact if the harbor grant was not funded.
9:24:39 AM
JENEE FLANIGAN, SELF, KETCHIKAN (via teleconference),
supported funding for the IDD waiver waitlist. She
referenced her two children that experienced autism and
received the waiver. There had been a three-year wait for
her family to receive services. She emphasized the
importance of services for individuals with disabilities in
order to participate in the community. She reiterated that
the waiver program saved the state money.
Co-Chair Stedman asked Ms. Flanigan to introduce herself.
Co-Chair Stedman handed the gavel to Senator Kiehl.
9:26:36 AM
JOHN LAMB, SELF, ALASKA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, JUNEAU (via
teleconference), supported $635,000 in funding for the UA
budget for the SLED databases and the Alaska Library
Catalog. He was the parent of two school-age children that
had benefitted from using the systems, including borrowing
materials from library collections across the state. He
emphasized the systems' importance to rural and small
libraries in the state by increasing access and equity. He
cited that absent the funding, school districts and
families could not afford to provide the services.
9:29:08 AM
ELISE TOMLINSON, SELF, DOUGLAS (via teleconference),
supported $635,000 in funding for Alaska statewide
libraries. She shared that she was the Dean of Libraries
for the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) and had also
worked in Alaska libraries since 1988. She mentioned
previous speakers. She had worked closely with other UA
librarians in order to be fiscally responsible and to
expand access while reducing costs. She mentioned previous
budget cuts that had made it increasingly difficult. She
used the example of purchasing licenses at greater cost
when not purchased within the joint catalog system. She
noted that the Juneau public libraries and the UAS library
were the first to join with the University of Alaska
Anchorage consortium at the start of the Alaska Library
Network.
9:32:13 AM
JOE NELSON, PRESIDENT, ALASKA LEGAL SERVICES, JUNEAU, spoke
in support of a one-time request of $500,000 in funding for
Alaska Legal Services (ALS). He relayed that he was an
attorney. He worked with ALS on a volunteer basis as
president of the board. He mentioned the Community Justice
Worker Program, which had national attention. He discussed
the justice gap and mentioned the importance of access to
justice. He described the program as the first of its kind,
and noted that the past summer the Alaska Supreme Court
approved the ability for a layperson to go into a courtroom
as an advocate on specific items under the supervision of
ALS. He thought the program would transform justice in the
state. He cited that 200 people had already received
training in the program.
9:34:32 AM
TOM BRICE, SELF, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION,
JUNEAU (via teleconference), spoke in support of UA
funding, and adequate funding for state highways and
airports. He advocated for an adequate number of equipment
operators to keep roads and airports clear. He thought the
committee was very supportive of UA. He asserted that UA's
academic and research programs were critical to the states
economic recovery. He emphasized the need for meaningful
advancement of UA's deferred maintenance.
9:36:11 AM
JIM AYERS, SELF, JUNEAU (via teleconference), testified in
opposition to $5 million in funding for the Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC) taking over primacy for
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. He recalled that thirty
years ago a few legislators had come to the administration
with a similar idea to take over water quality and
downgrading criteria for some items such as mining mixing
zones. He thought the idea had been to relax standards that
were essential to protecting waterways and fish. He
recalled that former Governor Wally Hickel and former
Speaker of the House Ben Grussendorf had, together with the
Senate, agreed at the time that it was a dangerous move and
not necessary. He asserted that the states well-being was
inextricably linked to the health of its ecosystem, which
included water quality. He emphasized that Alaska's
fisheries, particularly salmon, were dependent upon water
quality. He mentioned the role salmon played in the
habitat. He discussed the importance of water quality in
the economy. He encouraged additional funding for
education.
9:39:14 AM
RITA MENZIES, SELF, JUNEAU (via teleconference), spoke in
support of $15 million in funding for the Division of
Senior and Disability Services to develop a sustainability
plan. She relayed that she had a son that experienced
disabilities and required round-the-clock care. She
emphasized the impact funding would have on lives of those
with disabilities. She discussed the importance of
supporting staff that cared for her son. She thanked the
committee for its work. Her family had waited for six to
eight years on a waitlist for services. She asserted that
the funding would make a difference in the lives of many.
9:41:37 AM
GERSHON COHEN, SELF, HAINES (via teleconference), testified
in opposition of $5 million in funding for the state taking
over the 404 Program from the Army Corps of Engineers. He
was a 40-year resident of Southeast Alaska and had been
working on water quality issues for 30 years. He mentioned
He thought the funding had many far better uses. He
mentioned DEC having taken over the 402 Program, and felt
that the department had never fulfilled the promised
responsibilities. He asserted that implementation of the
404 program would be far more costly than what was proposed
to be allocated, and that the state did not have the staff
or training to implement the program. He suggested the
funding could be better used elsewhere for education or
another use.
9:43:40 AM
BRENDA STANFILL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AK NETWORK ON DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT, KETCHIKAN (via
teleconference), spoke in support of funding for the
Department of Public Safety's Council on Domestic Violence
and Sexual Assault (CDVSA) Victims Services Grant. She
noted that the network was made of 23 regional programs
that provided emergency shelter and other services for
victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
She noted that many programs addressed root causes of
violence and batterers intervention. She asserted that the
victims services programs were a core component of the
justice system. The programs had been flat-funded for five
years, while costs had increased. The programs provided
educational services for families learning new skills.
Ms. Stanfill remarked that the funding in CDVSAs grant
line was a mix including federal funds, one-time General
Fund increments, Covid-19 relief funds, and other sources.
She hoped for a more consistent way to fund victims
services and requested a move of $3 million one-time funds
in the CDVSA grants line to $3 million in general funds in
CDVSAs base line. She also requested a one-time increment
to assist with the increased cost of operating a building.
She referenced a one-time increment of $300,000 from the
previous year. She thanked the governor for the inclusion
of funds for prevention and batterers intervention
programs in the original budget. She mentioned the
importance of working on three critical areas of
prevention, accountability, and direct services.
9:46:30 AM
JEN GRIFFIS, PUBLIC POLICY MANAGER, THREAD, JUNEAU, spoke
in support of the early childhood sector including funding
for Head Start, Best Beginnings, Help Me Grow, and Parents
as Teachers. She explained that THREAD was Alaska's
childcare resource and referral organization, and was a
private non-profit that was statewide and had served the
state for 35 years. She thanked the committee for
supporting post-partem access to expanded Medicaid, which
she thought was important for young children and families.
She asserted that a robust, high-quality childcare system
supported the development of young children. She emphasized
that childcare was also an economic driver and essential
support for working families and businesses. She asserted
that increased investment in childcare was needed, and that
childcare in the state was struggling.
Ms. Griffis discussed the effects of a shortage of
childcare. She mentioned the positive effect of relief
funding in the childcare sector during the Covid-19
pandemic. She asserted that an additional targeted funding
amount of $15 million would increase wages for early
childhood educators during FY 24 and would provide critical
support. Without the bridge funding, she thought the state
would face a continued decline in the number of early
educators and additional closures of childcare programs,
and workforce challenges across multiple sectors.
9:49:01 AM
BLUE SHIBLER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AEYC, JUNEAU, supported
funding for the early education sector. She referenced the
testimony of the previous speaker. She cited that as a 25-
year resident of the state, she would happily give up her
Permanent Fund Dividend and pay an income tax as a trade-
off for a budget that supported children, families,
educators, childcare providers, and other Alaskans that
needed social supports.
Co-Chair Olson asked if Ms. Shibler could emphasize more
about the childcare needs in the state.
Ms. Schibler relayed that in the past several years,
childcare programs in the state had been closing. She cited
that the state had lost 20 percent of its childcare
programs since 2018, previous to which Alaska was
considered a childcare desert. She mentioned pandemic-era
funding that had helped to stabilize programs and helped to
increase wages for providers. The funds were now gone and
wages were starting to drop. She shared a concern that
without action in the current budget to address wages
specifically, more childcare programs would close.
Senator Kiehl handed the gavel back to Co-Chair Stedman.
9:51:21 AM
KATI CAPOZZI, PRESIDENT AND CEO, ALASKA CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE, JUNEAU, testified in support of funding for the
state to assume primacy over Section 404 of the Clean Water
Act. She discussed the Alaska Chamber of Commerce, which
was founded in 1953 and had the mission of promoting a
healthy business environment in Alaska. The chamber had
more than 700 members and represented 58,000 Alaskan
workers with $4.6 billion in wages. She contended that the
chamber had a longstanding position in support of
increasing responsible, natural resource development by
improving the efficiencies of the permitting process and
gaining access to resources.
Ms. Capozzi mentioned a letter from a bipartisan coalition
sent to the states Congressional delegation urging
efficiencies in the federal review process. She asserted
that state primacy of Section 404 would result in timelier
and better coordinated permitting processes without
compromising current regulatory standards and requirements.
She thought assuming primacy would also help allow the
state to tailor policies and procedures to the states
unique conditions. She contended that there had been
significant federal administrative and legislative actions
that had negatively impacted Alaskas businesses and
overall business climate.
9:53:48 AM
SCOTT ARNDT, KODIAK ISLAND BOROUGH ASSEMBLY, KODIAK (via
teleconference), testified in support of the proposed $1000
Base Student Allocation (BSA) increase instead of a one-tie
appropriation. He supported proposed funding for the AMHS.
He supported Community Assistance funding. He referenced
testimony by Mr. Ayers and did not support funding for the
404 Program takeover and clarified that he was not speaking
on behalf of the borough assembly on the matter. He
asserted that DEC could not currently fulfill its
obligations.
9:55:19 AM
JANIS JOHNSON, BOARD TREASURER, ADVOCATES FOR VICTIMS OF
VIOLENCE, VALDEZ (via teleconference), spoke in favor of
funding for CDVSA within DPS. She thought the budget
currently included a $3 million one-time increment of
general funds, and a $3.5 federal appropriation secured by
Senator Lisa Murkowski. She asserted that without the
increments, services for victims would be $6.5 million
below the previous years funding. She supported added
funding for the base funding of CDVSA. She discussed
inflationary impacts on the operation of shelters, due to
increased costs for food, fuel, and utilities. She gave
examples of increased costs.
Ms. Johnson stressed that providing a safe shelter to
victims and survivors was one of the primary services that
her organization provided, and it would not be able to
provide its services without the additional funding. She
reminded that Alaska had the third highest per capita rate
of domestic violence and sexual assault in the country. She
asserted that providing victims services was an integral
part of an appropriate criminal justice response.
9:57:50 AM
ANGELA SMITH, ADVOCATES FOR VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE, VALDEZ
(via teleconference), spoke in support of funding for
domestic violence services. She shared that she was a
survivor of domestic violence and had used the services of
Advocates for Victims of Violence in Valdez (AVV). She
discussed the challenge of finding affordable housing in
Valdez. She mentioned the many supports she had received
from AVV.
9:59:48 AM
MATTHEW JACKSON, SELF, SITKA (via teleconference),
testified in opposition of $5 million in funding for DEC
take over implementation of Section 404 of the Clean Water
Act. He mentioned a group petition he had submitted on
behalf of the Southeast Alaska Conservation Council. He
thought the issue of Section 404 had been considered many
times and that there was no reason to pay for what the
state was already getting for free. He mentioned funding
for education, ferries, and funding for victims of domestic
violence. He supported funding for the Renewable Energy
Fund. He cited savings from renewable energy projects from
the fund. He cited that the budget that came from the other
body had only $1.4 million, which he considered to be
insufficient. The recommended project list for the Alaska
Energy Authority included $25 million in projects that
would save money for communities and the state. He listed
benefits of the projects.
10:02:44 AM
CLIFF RICHTER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BARANOF ISLAND HOUSING
AUTHORITY, SITKA (via teleconference), spoke in favor of
funding for the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC)
Supplemental Housing Grant Program, which was currently not
funded in the capital budget. He explained that the grant
program provided up to 20 percent of development for the
Baranof Island Housing Authoritys HUD-funded affordable
housing project in Sitka. He discussed how the funding of
about $250,000 per year had contributed to single and
multi-family housing in Sitka.
Mr. Richter cited that 40 housing units had been
constructed in the last two decades. He noted that BIHA was
applying for competitive federal grants for a much larger
housing project. He mentioned anticipated population growth
in Sitka. He discussed housing strains, which was more
difficult for lower income families.
10:05:50 AM
KRISTEN CARPENTER, SELF, CORDOVA (via teleconference),
testified in opposition to funding for DEC to assume
Section 404 program primacy. She was a member of the
Cordova City Council. She referenced testimony by Jim
Ayers. She thought clean water was essential for the
states economy and did not think the state had the
capacity to take on the program. She supported increased
BSA funding. She supported critical funding for AMHS, which
was important to Prince William Sounds economy. She
supported funding for a pool liner in Cordova. She
discussed the importance of the pool to the community in
Cordova. She urged the committee to keep in mind that
funding a full statutory PFD would signify sacrificing
things that could be funded in small communities. She
mentioned outmigration due to quality of life and the
expense of living.
10:08:25 AM
TIFFANY MILLS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HELPING OURSELVES
PREVENT EMERGENCIES, CRAIG (via teleconference), spoke in
favor of funding for CDVSA victims services in the
Department of Public Safety (DPS). She mentioned that
Helping Ourselves Prevent Emergencies (HOPE) provided
domestic violence and sexual abuse advocacy, food and legal
assistance, transportation, and other services. She thanked
Co-Chair Stedman for his support of victims services. She
discussed services provided in 2022, which was twice the
amount provided in 2018, with fewer staff. She asserted
that without the one-time increment of $3 million, there
would be a shortage. She discussed higher costs in rural
areas. She mentioned staffing shortages and the expense of
insurance. She hoped for more available funds for victims
services.
10:10:37 AM
JON ERICKSON, CITY MANAGER, YAKUTAT (via teleconference),
spoke in support of construction funding and mentioned
challenges with matching funds. He mentioned a lack of
ferries running. He spoke in support of funding for AMHS.
He discussed funding for the port in Yakutat.
10:12:35 AM
MINDY PRUITT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, KODIAK ISLAND HOUSING
AUTHORITY, KODIAK (via teleconference), supported funding
for AHFC Supplemental Housing Development Program. She
noted that the authority was the tribally designated
housing entity for nine tribes on Kodiak Island. She
mentioned the Senior Housing Development Program. She urged
the committee to fund vital housing programs through AHFC.
10:13:45 AM
PENNY LAMPLE, KODIAK WOMEN'S RESOURCE AND CRISIS CENTER,
KODIAK (via teleconference), testified in support of CDVSA
funding for victims services. She supported a $3 million
one-time increment and the $3.5 million federal funds to be
moved into the CDVSA grant line. She relayed that Kodiak
was a rural island and the center provided services to
seven villages. She mentioned increased cost of food and
other necessities.
10:16:01 AM
APRIL COUNCELLER, ALUTIIQ HERITAGE FOUNDATION, KODIAK (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding a
renovation project for the Alutiiq Museum. She mentioned
increased costs. She cited that the project had been
planned for 15 years. She noted that collections had
reached capacity. The Alutiiq Museum was state certified
and nationally accredited. She discussed the museums
functions.
10:17:35 AM
HELEN HOWARTH, CITY MANAGER, CITY OF CORDOVA, CORDOVA (via
teleconference), spoke in support funding for
infrastructure, the Community Assistance Program, school
bond debt reimbursement, and school district funding. She
asserted that the budget passed by the House, which
included a large dividend and cuts to state services, was
folly. She emphasized that the community of Cordova would
benefit more from investments in capital requests, revenue
sharing, and other funding in the budget.
10:19:26 AM
PHYLLIS CLOUGH, SELF, OLD HARBOR (via teleconference),
spoke in support of an increase to the BSA. She recounted
struggling with cuts to education. She emphasized that
rural education was the heart of the state. She thanked the
committee for its work.
Co-Chair Stedman handled the gavel to Senator Kiehl.
10:20:39 AM
ELIZABETH FIGUS, SELF, JUNEAU (via teleconference),
testified in opposition to funding for DEC to take over
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. She did not think it
made sense for the state to take on the program at
additional expense and lead to negative impacts on water
quality. She supported funding for the AMHS as it was in
previous years. She was frustrated at having to take small
airplanes for her job rather than utilize the ferry. She
stressed the importance of using resources available from
the federal government, such as clean water management. She
supported the Clean Water Act. She was a commercial fisher
and emphasized the need for clean water for salmon
fisheries.
10:23:01 AM
AARON BRAKEL, SELF, JUNEAU (via teleconference), spoke in
opposition of $5 million in funding for the state to take
over Section 404 permitting. He thought other states had
found the program implementation to be more costly than
anticipated, and he believed the funding was needed
elsewhere. He addressed concerns about DECs 402 permitting
and the Niblack mining project on Prince of Wales Island.
He emphasized concerns with waste rock piles that leached
toxic metals. He did not support the decisions made by DEC
and did not believe the agency should receive expanded
decision-making authority.
Senator Kiehl handed the gavel to Co-Chair Stedman.
Co-Chair Stedman relayed that the committee would take a
recess before returning to address more public testimony.
10:25:35 AM
RECESSED
10:43:54 AM
RECONVENED
TAMAR BEN-YOSEF, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALL ALASKA PEDIATRIC
PARTNERSHIP, JUNEAU, spoke in support of funding for
expenses related to health and behavioral health. She
referenced the partnership's Help Me Grow Program, which
provided referral services for families with kids. She
mentioned challenges for families such as new medical
diagnoses and housing. She read an example of the work the
partnership did towards a continuum of care. She mentioned
a call center that helped with services for communities.
She shared a story about a family in a rural area. She
conveyed that the All Alaska Pediatric Partnership
supported funding for childcare, education, and a continuum
of care to address the needs of a child throughout its
life.
CSHB 39(FIN) was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
CSHB 41(FIN) am was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
SB 41 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
Co-Chair Stedman discussed the agenda for the afternoon
meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
10:49:36 AM
The meeting was adjourned at 10:49 a.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB 39 Public Testimony Packet 1.pdf |
SFIN 4/20/2023 9:00:00 AM |
HB 39 |
| HB 39-HB 41-SB41 Public Testimony Packet 1.pdf |
SFIN 4/20/2023 9:00:00 AM |
HB 39 HB 41 SB 41 |