Legislature(1997 - 1998)
02/04/1998 09:00 AM Senate HES
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
SENATE HEALTH, EDUCATION AND SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE
February 4, 1998
9:00 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Gary Wilken, Chairman
Senator Loren Leman, Vice-Chairman
Senator Lyda Green
Senator Johnny Ellis
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Jerry Ward
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 19
Relating to the use of prototype designs in public school
construction projects.
MOVED CSSCR 19(HES)am OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 19
Relating to the Alaska Council of Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and
Deaf/Blind.
MOVED SCSHCR 19(HES) OUT OF COMMITTEE
SENATE BILL NO. 241
"An Act relating to a tax credit program for postsecondary colleges
or universities; and providing for an effective date."
HEARD AND HELD
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 170(HES)
"An Act relating to interference with the rights of physically and
mentally challenged persons; and relating to service animals during
their pre-training and training period."
MOVED SCSCSHB 170(HES) OUT OF COMMITTEE
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 14
Establishing the Alaska Task Force on Parity for Mental Health.
HEARD AND HELD
PREVIOUS SENATE COMMITTEE ACTION
SCR 14 - See HESS minutes dated 4/30/97 and 1/30/98.
SCR 19 - See HESS minutes dated 1/28/98.
SB 241 - No previous action.
HB 170 - See Senate HESS minutes dated 1/23/98.
HCR 19 - No previous action.
WITNESS REGISTER
Mike Morgan
Facilities Section
Department of Education
801 W 10th St., Suite 200
Juneau, Alaska 99801-1894
POSITION STATEMENT: Supports SCR 19
Elmer Rasmussen
POSITION STATEMENT: Supports SB 241
Loralei Meier
Staff to Senator Leman
Alaska State Capitol
Juneau, Alaska 99801-1182
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions about SB 241
Bob Bartholomew
Income and Excise Audit Division
Department of Revenue
P.O. Box 110420
Juneau, Alaska 99811-0420
POSITION STATEMENT: Commented on SB 241
Joe Hayes
Staff to Representative Brice
Alaska State Capitol
Juneau, Alaska 99801-1182
POSITION STATEMENT: Commented on HB 170
Darrell Campbell
Center for Deaf Adults
731 Gambell, #200
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
POSITION STATEMENT: Supports HCR 19 and HB 170
Suzanne Price
Leader Dog
Box 84951
Fairbanks, Alaska 99708
POSITION STATEMENT: Commented on HB 170
Roger Hansen
4-H Club
1887 Southern
Fairbanks, Alaska 99709
POSITION STATEMENT: Supports SCSHB 170(HES)
Ruby Schmidtbauer
Box 306
Ninilchik, Alaska 99639
POSITION STATEMENT: Supports SCSHB 170(HES)
Linda Athons
P.O. Box 3521
Soldotna, Alaska 99669
POSITION STATEMENT: Supports SCSHB 170(HES)
Rae Baggen
Southeast Alaska Independent Living
5311 Halibut Point Road
Sitka, Alaska 99835
POSITION STATEMENT: Supports SCSHB 170(HES)
Becky Rawson
Southeast Alaska Independent Living
P.O. Box 35097
Juneau, Alaska 99803
POSITION STATEMENT: Supports SCSHB 170(HES) and HCR 19
Cheryl Hull
Southeast Alaska Independent Living
P.O. Box 35097
Juneau, Alaska 99803
POSITION STATEMENT: Supports SCSHB 170(HES)
Dan Saddler
Staff to Representative Bunde
Alaska State Capitol
Juneau, Alaska 99801-1182
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on HCR 19 for the sponsor
Dwayne French
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Department of Education
1016 West 6th Ave., #205
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
POSITION STATEMENT: Supports HCR 19
Nan Truitt
405 West 36th, #102
Anchorage, Alaska 99503
POSITION STATEMENT: Supports HCR 19
Richard Kibby
405 West 36th, #102
Anchorage, Alaska 99503
POSITION STATEMENT: Supports HCR 19
Duane Mays
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Department of Education
1016 West 6th Ave., #205
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
POSITION STATEMENT: Supports HCR 19
Suellen Bahleda
17450 Rachel Ave.
Anchorage, Alaska 99577
POSITION STATEMENT: Supports HCR 19
Kaya Kaya
122 1st Avenue
Fairbanks, Alaska 99701
POSITION STATEMENT: Supports HCR 19
ACTION NARRATIVE
TAPE 98-8, SIDE A
Number 001
CHAIRMAN WILKEN called the Senate Health, Education and Social
Services (HESS) Committee to order at 9:07 a.m. and recognized the
presence of Senators Leman, Ward and Ellis. He announced the order
of business would be SCR 19, SCR 14, HB 170, SB 241 and HCR 19 but
stated the committee substitute for SCR 14 had only arrived ten
minutes prior to the meeting, so although it will be discussed, he
did not plan to take action on that measure today.
SCR 19 - PROTOTYPE SCHOOL DESIGN
SENATOR LEMAN moved to adopt CSSCR 19(HES), version B, as the
working document of the committee. There being no objection, the
motion carried.
CHAIRMAN WILKEN explained the changes made in the committee
substitute as follows.
-On page 1, line 6, the word "critical" was changed to
"crucial," and lines 14 and 15 contain some style changes for
names.
-On page 2, lines 1 through 6 contain suggestions submitted by
Mr. Mackler, and line 7 addresses subarctic and arctic
environments.
-On page 2, lines 13 through 16 specify that the resolution is
limited to K-6 schools and requires that engineering and
design professionals who reside within the State are consulted
on the prototype designs.
-On line 19, language was added to require that the Bond
Reimbursement and Grant Review Committee be consulted, and
language on lines 23 through 26 allows for the use of
prototype components in designs when complete prototype
designs are unsuitable.
SENATOR LEMAN stated he would prefer the resolve clause, on page 2,
lines 13 - 17, to request the Governor to direct the Department of
Education (DOE) to evaluate the advisability of the use of
prototype school designs, because DOE has concluded, from past
experience, that a statewide application may be inappropriate. He
believed it is totally appropriate for individual school districts
to develop prototype designs for their own use. He suggested the
following language changes:
- on line 15, insert the word "architecture" before "design
professionals;
- on line 16, change "climate and conditions" to "climatic
conditions".
Number 140
SENATOR ELLIS said he supports the last change suggested by Senator
Leman because that language covers a concern raised in previous
testimony about seismic conditions. He questioned whether other
types of design professionals will be excluded if the term
"engineering and architect design professionals" is used. SENATOR
LEMAN said he was not aware of any, but asked participants to let
him know.
MIKE MORGAN, Facilities Manager for DOE, thought Senator Leman's
language covers the full spectrum of engineering and architectural
services. SENATOR LEMAN said specialties, such as corrosion and
acoustics, would be covered within that language.
SENATOR ELLIS suggested using the phrase "statewide association of
design professionals" instead to guarantee that DOE gets a wider
geographical perspective. Otherwise, DOE could meet the
requirement by consulting with one engineer and one architect.
SENATOR ELLIS also questioned why the resolution specifies that
prototypical designs be developed for K-6 schools only.
CHAIRMAN WILKEN answered that junior highs and high schools are
programmatically much more difficult to build and much more
demanding. Most elementary schools offer the same core programs.
If this effort is successful, it can be expanded to junior and high
schools.
MR. MORGAN agreed that K-6 school programs are more uniform and
explained there is no state or national definition of the middle
school format. Grades can range from 5-7, 6-8, or 7-9. As the
grade levels change, program needs change. At the high school
level, programs are structured in a variety of ways, which affects
designs. One factor that made the Fairbanks prototype design a
success is that the school district applied a uniform educational
specification to all of the schools.
Number 207
SENATOR ELLIS questioned whether the phrase "core school functions"
is in the committee substitute. SHEILA PETERSON, committee aide,
answered that phrase was replaced by K-6.
SENATOR ELLIS asked Senator Leman his opinion on whether to go with
his original suggestion or to include the phrase "association of
design professionals." SENATOR LEMAN said it did not make a
difference to him; his intent was to incorporate the community of
architects and engineers involved in the consultation, when design
information is solicited.
MR. MORGAN said DOE would want to gather a full range of input on
this subject, not just information from one or two professionals.
DOE would need input from design professionals in at least the
three major areas of the State: Southeast, Anchorage, and
Fairbanks, where there are concentrations of those professionals.
CHAIRMAN WILKEN asked if anyone would be excluded if the resolution
references the statewide association. SENATOR LEMAN said he did
not think so. The American Society of Civil Engineers has a
statewide association which is broken down into different regions.
He assumed DOE would consult by region.
CHAIRMAN WILKEN said that concept would be developed and
incorporated into a new committee substitute.
SENATOR ELLIS noted his suggested language would be "for grades K-6
in consultation with statewide associations for engineering and
architecture design professionals." CHAIRMAN WILKEN asked if
Senator Ellis was making a motion. SENATOR ELLIS said not
necessarily, but requested the committee mull it over. CHAIRMAN
WILKEN asked if there was any objection from the committee to
Senator Ellis' suggested language. MR. MORGAN asked if that
language would limit consultations to associations and prevent
direct queries to firms. He assumed DOE would want to do both.
SENATOR LEMAN agreed with Mr. Morgan's concern. CHAIRMAN WILKEN
said that language will be cleaned up and incorporated into a new
committee substitute.
SENATOR GREEN thought the phrase "who reside in the State" might
have unintended consequences if a firm, operating in the State of
Alaska, had an employee residing outside of the State. She felt
the goal is to find a person who resides in the State and is
familiar with local conditions. CHAIRMAN WILKEN said that will be
taken into consideration in the new committee substitute.
MR. MORGAN said he had no further testimony and that DOE supports
the bill.
SCR 14 - PARITY FOR MENTAL HEALTH TASK FORCE
CHAIRMAN WILKEN noted no teleconference participants were available
to testify on SCR 14 at this time.
SENATOR ELLIS asked committee members to read written testimony, in
their files, from a family in Kodiak that puts a human face on the
issue of parity.
SENATOR GREEN said she read an article in a recent issue of
Newsweek about the growing definition of mental illness and how
that definition may become ever broader. She asked committee
members to consider requiring the task force to focus on a
description of illnesses covered by this resolution.
SENATOR LEMAN added he would like the task force to address the
issue of quantification.
Number 328
CHAIRMAN WILKEN said a component of the committee substitute
addresses that issue. He announced SCR 14 would be held in
committee at this time.
SB 241 - POSTSECONDARY SCHOOL TAX CREDIT
SENATOR LEMAN, sponsor of SB 241, explained the legislation
establishes equity between regionally accredited and nationally
accredited institutions. He thought the lack of equity was
probably an oversight by the Legislature when the issue was last
addressed in 1991. There are nationally accredited institutions
within the State of Alaska that do not meet the letter of the law
for regional accreditation; the Department of Revenue will not
grant the same tax benefits provided to regionally accredited
institutions unless the law is changed.
ELMER RASMUSSEN testified via teleconference from California and
agreed with Senator Leman's testimony. He stated he has been a
supporter of the Alaska Bible College for many years; his last
donation was $100,000 over three years to build dormitories. The
Alaska Bible College recently learned it is not a qualified
institution to receive tax deductible donations under the higher
education act because it is not regionally accredited. Mr.
Rasmussen said he spoke with Bill Sheffield about the distinction,
because the original bill was enacted during his administration.
Mr. Sheffield did not recall any reason for the distinction. Mr.
Rasmussen supports the bill because he would like to see the Alaska
Bible College be eligible for tax deductible donations.
SENATOR LEMAN noted this particular change of law will not affect
Mr. Rasmussen personally but will affect other taxpayers in the
State, such as oil companies and banks. MR. RASMUSSEN said
individuals do not pay State income tax, but corporations do; this
legislation will help the Alaska Bible College receive support from
others.
Number 389
LORALEI MEIER, staff to Senator Leman, explained in 1987 a tax
credit program was established to encourage funding for direct
instruction, research, education support purposes, etc. In 1991,
two amendments were made: one expanded the available credits; the
second restricted participation to regionally accredited schools.
SB 241 allows nationally accredited schools to participate in this
tax credit program as well. The intent of the amendments was to
restrict participating institutions to those with regional
accreditation to establish a standard for participating
institutions. Accreditation between regionally and nationally
recognized institutions is very comparable. The Alaska Commission
on Postsecondary Education does not make any distinction when
administering student loans.
SENATOR ELLIS asked why the Alaska Bible College does not apply for
regional accreditation. MS. MEIER replied it prefers the national
accrediting association because it has like mindedness regarding
the direction this institution wants to take.
SENATOR ELLIS asked which national accrediting association the
Alaska Bible College belongs to. MS. MEIER answered it belongs to
the Accrediting Association of Bible Colleges. SENATOR ELLIS asked
if there is a regional version of that organization. MS. MEIER
said not to her knowledge, but said she would find out.
SENATOR ELLIS noted the institutions referred to in the bill are
New Concepts Beauty School, Charter College, Career Academy and the
Alaska Bible College. He asked Ms. Meier to find out the national
accrediting organizations for those institutions as well.
SENATOR ELLIS thought the Legislature made that decision in 1991
based on discussions about constitutional concerns, religious
affiliations, and private versus public institutions.
Number 431
SENATOR LEMAN said the decision to restrict was not made
inadvertently and it was probably well known that three
institutions were qualifying under regional accreditation: Alaska
Pacific University, Sheldon Jackson College, and the University of
Alaska. He recalled that the discussion revolved around setting
standards for institutions to be eligible for the tax credit
program. It may have been the intent of representatives of those
institutions that it be limited, but he did not believe it was
based on arguments of constitutionality because two of those
institutions have religious affiliations. At the time he had not
explored the different mechanisms involved in regional and national
accreditation but has since learned that they accomplish
essentially the same thing as long as they use comparable
standards.
SENATOR ELLIS asked which accreditation program is more rigorous.
MS. MEIER said the difference between the two is not based on
difficulty, but on different ways of going about it. Regional
accrediting associations base their accreditation on regional
issues while national accrediting associations are more focussed on
general issues.
SENATOR LEMAN stated the standards required by the Accrediting
Association of Bible Colleges are comparable to those of the
regional accreditation associations. He thought the Alaska Bible
College might not have regional accreditation due to the cost.
Number 476
BOB BARTHOLOMEW, Assistant Director of the Income and Excise Tax
Division, Department of Revenue, offered to answer questions
related to the fiscal note. He noted page 4 of the fiscal note
contains a range from zero to $130,000 in loss of revenue. The
division had to make assumptions to come up with an estimate, so
used that range. Projecting whether new corporations would add to
the pool of contributions to colleges or whether current corporate
donors would shift their contributions was difficult.
MR. BARTHOLOMEW informed committee members a second tax bill, SB
140, deals with the current tax credit program and raises the
$200,000 limit in the amount that can be contributed to individual
colleges. It also allows a tax credit for contributions to K-12
public schools. The intent was to expand the dollar amounts that
can be contributed to higher education, and to expand the pool of
eligible schools to include K-12 public schools.
CHAIRMAN WILKEN asked Mr. Bartholomew about the amount of the
fiscal note for SB 140. MR. BARTHOLOMEW said it was based on the
growth of donations experienced by educational institutions when
the two-tier system was established. SB 140 establishes a third
tier so the Department of Revenue projected $2 million would go to
education instead of the general fund. The total contributions
made would be $4 million, since only 50 percent of the contribution
can be taken as a tax credit.
SENATOR LEMAN believed a tax credit program is a good approach
because it encourages contributions to educational institutions
from those who might not otherwise contribute.
SENATOR ELLIS encouraged Chairman Wilken to schedule SB 140 so that
these issues can be addressed comprehensively. He asked Senator
Leman if he had considered using a graduated tier for these kinds
of contributions. SENATOR ELLIS believed there is a higher
compelling state interest to encourage tax credits by private
individuals to the University of Alaska, Alaska Pacific University
and Sheldon Jackson College, than there is to the New Concepts
Beauty School. He said he is sure it is a fine school but there is
probably a greater public benefit to encouraging tax credits to the
other institutions of higher learning. He thought it unwise to put
all of those institutions on equal footing in terms of the tax
credit, when a loss of state revenues will result. He asked that
the issue be discussed more comprehensively and that SB 140 be
discussed in the committee because the Legislature is the body to
make the tough decisions on the public purpose of tax credits.
SENATOR LEMAN stated he would welcome broadening this program to
include K-12 education, if that would enhance the chance of getting
legislative support and support from the Administration. Regarding
which institutions should get the tax benefit, he thought large
taxpayers evaluate the broad support in their organization, and
make contributions accordingly, so it becomes a self-policing
mechanism. For example, ARCO probably tries to determine what
institution its employees support the most and then contributes to
that institution.
SENATOR ELLIS asked CHAIRMAN WILKEN what his intentions were
regarding SB 241. CHAIRMAN WILKEN answered he intends to hold SB
241 and re-read SB 140. He recalled two concerns he originally had
with SB 140; the first was the fiscal note, the second was that
donors wanted to specify which public school their donation went
to, and that created problems.
HB 170 - SERVICE ANIMALS FOR PHYS/MENT. CHALLENGED
SENATOR LEMAN moved to adopt SCSCSHB 170(HES), version P, as the
working document before the committee. There being no objection,
the motion carried.
TAPE 98-8, SIDE B
CHAIRMAN WILKEN explained the changes made in version P as follows.
- On page 2, line 21, language was added requiring that the
animal be identified as a training animal.
- On page 2, lines 22, 23 and 25 limit the activity to public
facilities only, so this bill will not apply to private
enterprises.
- On page 2, lines 30 and 31, and page 3, lines 1 through 5,
lists justifiable reasons to ask a service animal to leave, as
well as two qualifications to defend that action.
- On page 3, lines 9, 10, and 16 through 19, contain
definitions. Line 20 reduces the penalty from a misdemeanor
to a violation.
SENATOR ELLIS asked why the change to eliminate private facilities.
CHAIRMAN WILKEN answered he agreed with the argument that private
industry should be allowed to choose whether to comply, and not be
required to do so. The effort behind the bill is to train guide
dogs, and State facilities can be used to provide the same types of
experiences found in private facilities.
JOE HAYES, staff to Representative Brice, sponsor of HB 170, agreed
with the Chairman's description of the changes made to the bill,
and the reasons for those changes.
CHAIRMAN WILKEN took teleconference testimony.
Number 555
DARRELL CAMPBELL, Interim Director of the Center for Deaf Adults in
Anchorage, stated support for HB 170 and urged the committee to
move the bill out of committee.
SUZANNE PRICE, a mental health professional, stated she is
affiliated with Leader Dogs, an organization based in Michigan, and
the 4-H Club. As a trainer of service animals, she is concerned
about the elimination of private facilities because these
facilities amount to about 95 percent of the places trainers need
to take animals. The State of Nevada has similar legislation that
regulates what people can do in private industry every day all day
along. Many of the stores that currently allow access in Alaska,
such as Fred Meyer, could change their policy. She asked that the
phrase "place of public accommodation, or other place to which the
general public is invited," be reinserted in the bill.
CHAIRMAN WILKEN advised Ms. Price that he has received a lot of
comment on this issue, and that the important thing is that a bill
be passed that allow some training to take place. If the private
industry requirement is kept in the bill, it will not advance
through this Legislature. He suggested it is better to take "half
a loaf" rather than none.
ROGER HANSEN, a 4-H Club Leader, agreed with Chairman Wilken that
it is important to get a bill passed this session.
RUBY SCHMIDTBAUER, representing Guide Dogs, stated she owns a guide
dog and submitted information about guide dogs for committee files.
She agreed half a loaf is better than nothing, and urged passage of
the bill.
LINDA ATHONS, Coordinator of the Alaska Guide Dog Puppy Project,
noted her disappointment about eliminating the private sector but
appreciated the committee's effort to move the legislation.
RAE BAGGEN, representing Southeast Alaska Independent Living,
agreed that passage of this bill is better than no legislation, and
thanked the committee for its effort.
CHAIRMAN WILKEN announced a packet of faxes received by his office
over the last few days regarding this legislation was placed in
committee members' packets. He noted Senators Leman, Taylor, and
Wilken signed on as cross sponsors of this bill in the Senate.
BECKY RAWSEN, Southeast Alaska Independent Living Center (SAIL)
testified, and informed committee members she is deaf. She spoke
in support of HB 170, and shared the following story with members
to demonstrate the need to pass this bill. As a person with
multiple disabilities, deafness and agoraphobia, it has been a
struggle to be independent because she relies on family members to
accompany her everywhere. Her family decided it would be a good
investment to get a service animal but she could get no guarantees
from trainers that a dog would be suitable for her disabilities and
that she could get a dog in less than two to three years. Her
family, residing in Idaho at the time, decided to work with a
local trainer and a puppy. When traveling on the ferry from
Bellingham to Juneau, she was not allowed to bring her dog on the
ferry as a service animal although she had documentation. She
urged the committee to support the bill so that people can keep
their service dogs in training with them.
CHAIRMAN WILKEN asked Ms. Rawsen what sorts of things guide dogs do
for one who is deaf. MS. RAWSEN replied a hearing ear dog will
alert the deaf person if someone knocks on the door or when the
telephone rings. The dog actually comes to the person, and then
goes to the source of the sound. In an agoraphobic situation, the
dog is a companion to help alleviate some of the fears of being in
public.
Number 430
CHERYL HULL, SAIL, encouraged committee members to pass HB 170.
She too was disappointed with some of the changes made, but is
grateful this bill might pass the Legislature this session. She
believed once State facilities allow dogs in training onto their
premises, the private sector will follow suit. While in a
wheelchair for the last 36 hours, she has realized how helpful it
would be to have a service animal to retrieve items for her.
There being no further testimony or discussion, SENATOR LEMAN moved
SCSCSHB 170(HES), version P, from committee with individual
recommendations and its zero fiscal note. There being no
objection, the motion carried.
HCR 19 - COUNCIL OF DEAF/HARD OF HEARING/DEAF/BLIN
DAN SADDLER, staff to Representative Bunde, sponsor of HCR 19, read
the sponsor's statement into the record. In summary, HCR 19 offers
recognition and encouragement to a volunteer non-profit
organization dedicated to improving the quality of services
available to Alaska's deaf, hard-of-hearing, and deafblind
citizens. The Alaska Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and Deafblind Council
(ADC) has been operating for three years; its membership consists
of several non-profit organizations operating in Southeast,
Southcentral, and Interior Alaska. The council acts as a library
and forum where information about services is available for
consumers and providers. The resolution does not create a new
council, and will not cost the State a penny. Also, it does not
establish the Council as the sole voice of this population, and
does not bar any other organization from providing any services it
might want to.
SENATOR LEMAN moved to adopt SCSHCR 19(HES), version F, as the
working document of the committee. There being no objection, the
motion carried.
Number 365
DWAYNE FRENCH, Director of the Division of Vocational
Rehabilitation, Department of Education (DOE), testified in full
support of HCR 19, version F. DOE has recognized the ADC as one of
the significant members of the Deaf Services Committee of the
Governor's Committee on Employment and Rehabilitation of People
with Disabilities. He commended Representative Bunde and his staff
for putting the resolution forward and he urged passage of it.
SENATOR GREEN noted there was more disagreement among the groups
related to services for the deaf than any other group when she sat
on the Governor's Council on Disabilities and Special Education.
She asked if any group has opposed or has questions about this
Council. MR. FRENCH said he has not heard any opposition to this
group at all.
NAN TRUITT stated she is a paralegal for Attorney Richard Kibby,
the owner of a restaurant with a large deaf clientele, and a board
member of Caption Alaska, a non-profit organization that started
bringing captioned movies to Alaska for the deaf and hard-of-
hearing. She expressed concern about the isolation experienced by
deaf people and believes one way to decrease isolation is to
increase communication. She stated her support for HCR 19.
RICHARD KIBBY, an attorney who has represented a number of deaf
individuals, and a member of Caption Alaska, testified. He stated
through contact with the ADC, Caption Alaska was able to establish
captioned movies in Fairbanks. Also, through that Council he has
the contact necessary to properly represent his deaf clients. He
recommended the Legislature pass this legislation as he believes
the Council has done an admirable job.
DUANE MAYS, State Coordinator for the Deaf, Division of Vocational
Rehabilitation, stated support for SCSHCR 19(HES). Approximately
60,000 Alaskans experience hearing loss, many experience
communication problems personally, socially, and in their jobs.
Many Alaskans who experience hearing loss are not employed or are
underemployed and remain on welfare because they are not able to
overcome their hearing loss. The ADC will address the above issues
by educating the State. It will function as a clearinghouse and
referral center; resources will be shared and services will
improve.
Number 265
SUELLEN BAHLEDA, a certified interpreter through the National
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, a member of the Alaska
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, and a member of the Alaska
Mentor Project, which is developing a protocol for working
interpreters to improve their skills, testified. Communication
issues are vital for the State's deaf, hard-of-hearing, and
deafblind citizens. She has been a participant on the ADC since
its inception. It is vital for interpreters and deaf, hard-of-
hearing and deafblind persons to work together to make
communication access a possibility in this State. She strongly
supports passage of SCSHCR 19(HES).
KAYA KAYA, treasurer of the ADC, made the following comments. The
clause on page 2, line 12 states ADC is in the process of obtaining
501(c)(3) status. She informed the committee ADC recently received
that status, therefore it is officially non-profit. She works for
Fairbanks Community Mental Health as its deaf and hard-of-hearing
counselor. Many mental health issues are derived from being deaf,
hard-of-hearing, or deafblind. The Council has enabled other
counselors in the same field to meet and they have developed a
mental health committee. She stated her support for SCSHCR 19(HES)
and thanked the committee for its time.
DARRELL CAMPBELL, Governor's Council on Disabilities and Special
Education, spoke in support of SCSHCR19(HES). The ADC has
accomplished a lot of things in different areas of the State in its
three years. The ADC has attracted representatives from the Alaska
Deaf School, interpreter organizations, UAA, and others, who have
come together to work on projects and help each other.
CHAIRMAN WILKEN noted it is the committee's intent to pass the bill
out with the deletion of the language on page 2, line 12, that
refers to the application of 501(c)(3) status.
BECKY RAWSEN testified for SAIL in support of SCSHCR 19(HES) and
stated the Council has established a unified approach for the deaf,
and offers a place to get information, training, qualified
interpreters, and help with mental health and employment issues,
and other things important to independent living.
CHAIRMAN WILKEN asked Ms. Rawsen how long she has been deaf. MS.
RAWSEN replied she became totally deaf at the age of 20. CHAIRMAN
WILKEN thought Ms. Rawsen spoke very well, and asked her to
introduce her assistant. MS. RAWSEN introduced her husband and
interpreter, Gene Rawsen.
Number 145
SENATOR GREEN repeated her concern about the deaf community being
the most divided of all groups involved in the Governor's Council
on Disabilities and Special Education. She asked for assurance
that no one group be disenfranchised by legislative endorsement of
ADC later on, even though the membership of the Council is not
under the Legislature's purview.
MR. SADDLER said he could not speak for the Alaska Association for
the Deaf, who was not represented at this hearing, but he believes
that organization has expressed support of this resolution through
Mr. Albert Burke. The ADC has tried to serve as an umbrella
organization and has not tried to present itself as a sole voice.
He did not believe any one organization will ever speak for the
entire deaf community, just as no one group speaks for the able
bodied.
SENATOR GREEN said she does not want the Legislature to be a party
to something that sets one group apart, or empowers one group
against another. CHAIRMAN WILKEN did not think any committee
members want to be a party to that kind of activity.
SENATOR LEMAN moved to amend SCSHCR 19(HES), on page 2 and 3, lines
12 by deleting the phrase, "is working to obtain tax-exempt status
in the State of Alaska and to achieve" to reflect the current non-
profit status of the ADC. There being no objection, the motion
carried.
SENATOR LEMAN moved to pass SCSHCR 19(HES)am from committee. There
being no objection, the motion carried.
There being no further business before the committee, CHAIRMAN
WILKEN adjourned the meeting at 10:40 a.m.
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