Legislature(2025 - 2026)SENATE FINANCE 532
02/27/2026 01:30 PM Senate FINANCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Public Testimony: Anchorage, Matanuska-susitna Valley, Kenai Peninsula | |
| SB213 || SB214 || SB215 || HB289 | |
| Public Testimony: Anchorage, Matanuska-susitna Valley, Kenai Peninsula | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | SB 213 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 214 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 215 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 289 | TELECONFERENCED | |
SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE
February 27, 2026
1:31 p.m.
1:31:18 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Senator Kiehl called the Senate Finance Committee meeting
to order at 1:31 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Donny Olson, Co-Chair
Senator Mike Cronk
Senator James Kaufman (via teleconference)
Senator Jesse Kiehl
Senator Kelly Merrick
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Lyman Hoffman, Co-Chair
Senator Bert Stedman, Co-Chair
ALSO PRESENT
Trevor Storrs, President and CEO, Alaska Childrens Trust,
Juneau; Tamar Ben-Yosef, Executive Director, All Alaska
Pediatric Partnership, Juneau;
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE
Amy Simpson, Executive Director, Program for Infants and
Children, Anchorage; Rozlyn Grady-Wyche, Alaska Education
Chair, National Association for the Advancement of Colored
People (NAACP), Alaska Oregon Washington State Area
Conference, Anchorage; Kelly Lessens, Member, Anchorage
School Board, Anchorage; Amanda Thompson, Self, Anchorage;
Kelly Bender, Self, Eagle River; Theresa Obermeyer, Self,
Anchorage; Heather Fernstrom, Self, Soldotna; Carolyn
Storm, Executive Director, Coalition for Education Equity,
Anchorage; George Pierce, Self, Board of Game, Kasilof;
Rachel Posey, Self, Anchorage; Keeley Olson, Executive
Director, Standing Together Against Rape (STAR), Anchorage;
Stephanie Berglund, CEO, Thread, Anchorage; Mildred Parker,
Self, Anchorage; Kristen Green, Self, Anchorage; Erica
Monahan, Self, Anchorage;
SUMMARY
SB 213 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET;AMEND;SUPP
SB 213 was HEARD and HELD in committee for
further consideration.
SB 214 APPROP: CAPITAL/FUNDS/SUPP/REAPPROP
SB 214 was HEARD and HELD in committee for
further consideration.
SB 215 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET
SB 215 was HEARD and HELD in committee for
further consideration.
CSHB 289(FIN)(brf sup maj fld)
APPROP: SUPPLEMENTAL
CSHB 289(FIN)(brf sup maj fld) was HEARD and HELD
in committee for further consideration.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY: ANCHORAGE, MATANUSKA-SUSITNA VALLEY,
KENAI PENINSULA
SENATE BILL NO. 213
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and
loan program expenses of state government and for
certain programs; capitalizing funds; amending
appropriations; making supplemental appropriations;
making appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c),
Constitution of the State of Alaska, from the
constitutional budget reserve fund; and providing for
an effective date."
SENATE BILL NO. 214
"An Act making appropriations, including capital
appropriations, supplemental appropriations, and
reappropriations; making appropriations to capitalize
funds; and providing for an effective date."
SENATE BILL NO. 215
"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. 289(FIN)(brf sup maj fld)
"An Act making appropriations, including supplemental
appropriations, capital appropriations,
reappropriations, and other appropriations; amending
appropriations; capitalizing funds; and providing for
an effective date."
1:33:23 PM
^PUBLIC TESTIMONY: ANCHORAGE, MATANUSKA-SUSITNA VALLEY,
KENAI PENINSULA
1:33:20 PM
AMY SIMPSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PROGRAM FOR INFANTS AND
CHILDREN, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in
support of the infant learning program. She stressed that
helping children with early learning with $5.7 million in
the budget saves money later, and sets children on a good
path in school and life. She remarked that there had not
been a funding increase since 2013, but the cost of
business had increased significantly in that time. She
remarked that investing now could save an estimated $35
million later in life.
1:35:27 PM
ROZLYN GRADY-WYCHE, ALASKA EDUCATION CHAIR, NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE (NAACP),
ALASKA OREGON WASHINGTON STATE AREA CONFERENCE, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), urged an increase investment in
schools. She stressed that the current budget level and
formula was not sustainable. She remarked that inflation
had effected schools in recent years. She noted that
investing more in Department of Corrections (DOC) shows the
values of the legislature. She testified in support of
implementing a long-term funding plan for the schools in
Alaska. She wanted the children in the state to feel that
they are a priority.
1:37:51 PM
KELLY LESSENS, MEMBER, ANCHORAGE SCHOOL BOARD, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), shared that she had recently voted to
reduce the personnel in her district, because of
significant budget deficits. She remarked that it was
especially difficult to implement the class size
requirements that were enacted by the legislature in the
year prior. She stressed that students need accurate data-
informed funding for their schools. She urged the committee
to amend the bill to fully fund education.
1:39:37 PM
AMANDA THOMPSON, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
spoke in support of education funding. She shared that it
was important for the public schools to direct the funding
for their own unique needs. She stressed that it was
important for the funding to have accountability attached
to it. She remarked on the importance of arts education
funding in the schools. She remarked that she was also
concerned as a parent, and spoke to the stresses that she
and her child face in the schools.
1:41:50 PM
KELLY BENDER, SELF, EAGLE RIVER (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding for the tourism marketing
budget. She stated that the $10 million was necessary for
her small business to succeed. She remarked on the basic
impacts of tourism on her business. She stated that her
company grew to a year-round business. She felt that the
investment in tourism marketing enhanced her business and
the wellbeing of her community and the state as a whole.
She shared a story about sisters who had moved to the state
after working for a season in tourism. She felt that the
state should have the courage to invest in the state, just
like the courage of the young people that choose to move
here to live and raise their families.
1:44:32 PM
TREVOR STORRS, PRESIDENT AND CEO, ALASKA CHILDRENS TRUST,
JUNEAU, spoke in support of funding for the Infant Learning
Program. He urged an increase of funding by $5.72 million.
He remarked that it would reduce cost and encourage long-
term budget sustainability. He remarked that special
education would save the state in the future. He stated
that the number of children in Alaska experiencing
disability had increased in recent years. He stressed that
the Infant Learning Program supports the most significant
time of a child's life when there is most growth and
development of a brain.
1:47:10 PM
THERESA OBERMEYER, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
felt that the public testimony should be set up where the
committee can see her testify. She stated that she
represented a family of 14 people. She stated that she was
an educator and that her husband worked for the
legislature. She remarked that another testifier had
remarked on the salary of an individual. She recalled some
issues about money and testimony in other committees. She
thanked the committee.
1:50:15 PM
HEATHER FERNSTROM, SELF, SOLDOTNA (via teleconference),
spoke in support of funding for education. She felt that
the issues about the ways to invest in schools happened
year after year. She remarked on her local school that had
experienced another deficit. She stressed the importance of
finding a long-term fiscal solution for funding the schools
at a rate that accounts at least for inflation. She felt
that it should be the number one priority in the budget.
1:51:45 PM
CAROLYN STORM, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, COALITION FOR EDUCATION
EQUITY, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in
support of education funding. She asked for a minimum of an
additional $175 million to the current budget. She felt
that it would keep up with inflation and increase the Base
Student Allocation (BSA). She remarked on the closure of
schools and the increase in budget deficits in school
districts in the state. She felt that accountability and
confidence was necessary when implementing the budget. She
shared some of the high salaries of some employees.
Senator Kiehl stated that the committee would recess until
2:15pm
1:54:26 PM
AT EASE
2:15:10 PM
RECONVENED
2:16:24 PM
GEORGE PIERCE, SELF, BOARD OF GAME, KASILOF (via
teleconference), spoke about oil taxes and increasing oil
taxes to 30 percent which would help to fund government. He
remarked felt that there was erosion in oil tax revenue for
the state. He stated that the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD)
was intended for Alaskans current needs. He demanded an
increase in taxes on the oil companies.
2:18:30 PM
RACHEL POSEY, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in support of funding for public education. She stressed
that schools were the foundation of strong and vibrant
communities. She felt that the lack of school funding
resulted in families moving out of state. She stressed that
every dollar invested in classrooms were dollars well
spent. She stressed that corporate tax rates did not build
communities. She thanked the committee for the recent BSA
increase, but felt that it was not enough.
2:20:19 PM
KEELEY OLSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, STANDING TOGETHER AGAINST
RAPE (STAR), ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in
support of funding for the line item for the Department of
Public Safety (DPS) for domestic violence and sexual
assault programs and legal services statewide. She recalled
that she had spoken with legislators about the need for the
increased funding due to inflation and cost of living
increases. She shared that she could not afford to pay her
staff a living wage. She remarked that crisis intervention
and assisting survivors and their families were public
safety investments.
2:23:17 PM
TAMAR BEN-YOSEF, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALL ALASKA PEDIATRIC
PARTNERSHIP, JUNEAU, testified in support of $500,000 for
the crisis call center line item. She stressed that the
call centers served families and children. She spoke in
support of $750,000 for small in-home group settings. She
pointed out the state was not fulfilling its obligation.
She spoke in support of $5.72 million to respond to
inflation and eligibility to provide comprehensive and
early intervention services.
Senator Kiehl stated that the committee would recess until
2:40pm.
2:26:00 PM
AT EASE
2:40:28 PM
RECONVENED
2:41:41 PM
STEPHANIE BERGLUND, CEO, THREAD, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of funding for early
childhood education. She testified specifically in support
of funding for childcare. She stated that there was a need
for access and workforce. She remarked that there were over
23,000 children that needed access to childcare. She stated
that an investment of $15 million would work toward
maintaining childcare. She remarked that investing in
children early set them up for success later in life.
2:43:54 PM
MILDRED PARKER, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of childcare, which included ongoing
funding to maintain personnel. She remarked that early
educators were leaving because work was not sustainable and
pay was too low. She remarked that the funding would
prevent closures and stabilize classrooms for children. She
felt that strong childcare resulted in a strong economy.
2:45:41 PM
KRISTEN GREEN, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in support of funding for education, and expressed concern
about the school closures and increased class sizes.
2:46:27 PM
ERICA MONAHAN, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding for public education. She
felt that strong public education was necessary for a
strong community. She remarked that there needed to be good
teachers and reasonable class sizes. She also spoke to the
importance of extracurricular activities. She stressed the
importance of education funding in the state.
SB 213 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
SB 214 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
SB 215 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
CSHB 289(FIN)(brf sup maj fld) was HEARD and HELD in
committee for further consideration.
ADJOURNMENT
2:48:14 PM
The meeting was adjourned at 2:48 p.m.
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