Legislature(2011 - 2012)BUTROVICH 205
03/28/2012 01:30 PM Senate HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SCR23 | |
| HB224 | |
| Presentation: Neighborworks Anchorage | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| * | SCR 23 | ||
| HB 224 | |||
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES STANDING COMMITTEE
March 28, 2012
1:33 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Bettye Davis, Chair
Senator Dennis Egan
Senator Kevin Meyer
Senator Fred Dyson
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Johnny Ellis
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
PRESENTATION: NEIGHBORWORKS ANCHORAGE
- HEARD
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 23
Designating March 2012 as Congenital Cytomegalovirus Awareness
Month.
- MOVED CSSCR 23(HSS) OUT OF COMMITTEE
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 224(FIN) AM
"An Act prohibiting the sale or gift of a product containing
nicotine to a minor under certain conditions."
- MOVED CSHB 224(FIN) AM OUT OF COMMITTEE
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SCR 23
SHORT TITLE: CONGENITAL CYTOMEGALOVIRUS MONTH
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) MCGUIRE
02/21/12 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/21/12 (S) HSS
03/28/12 (S) HSS AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
BILL: HB 224
SHORT TITLE: SALES OF NICOTINE PRODUCTS TO MINOR
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) SEATON
04/04/11 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/04/11 (H) JUD, FIN
04/11/11 (H) JUD AT 1:00 PM CAPITOL 120
04/11/11 (H) Scheduled But Not Heard
04/13/11 (H) JUD AT 1:00 PM CAPITOL 120
04/13/11 (H) Moved CSHB 224(JUD) Out of Committee
04/13/11 (H) MINUTE(JUD)
04/14/11 (H) JUD RPT CS(JUD) NT 4DP 3NR
04/14/11 (H) DP: HOLMES, THOMPSON, LYNN, GATTO
04/14/11 (H) NR: PRUITT, KELLER, GRUENBERG
02/23/12 (H) FIN AT 1:30 PM HOUSE FINANCE 519
02/23/12 (H) Scheduled But Not Heard
02/27/12 (H) FIN AT 1:30 PM HOUSE FINANCE 519
02/27/12 (H) Moved CSHB 224(FIN) Out of Committee
02/27/12 (H) MINUTE(FIN)
02/29/12 (H) FIN RPT CS(FIN) NT 9DP 1AM
02/29/12 (H) DP: FAIRCLOUGH, T.WILSON, GUTTENBERG,
COSTELLO, EDGMON, DOOGAN, JOULE,
STOLTZE,
02/29/12 (H) THOMAS
02/29/12 (H) AM: GARA
03/12/12 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)
03/12/12 (H) VERSION: CSHB 224(FIN) AM
03/14/12 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/14/12 (S) HSS, JUD
03/28/12 (S) HSS AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
WITNESS REGISTER
AMY SALTZMAN, Staff
Senator Lisle McGuire
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced SCR 23 on behalf of the sponsor.
KAREN GILLIS, speaking on her own behalf
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SCR 23.
REPRESENTATIVE PAUL SEATON
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of HB 224.
MICHAEL COURTNEY, Deputy Director
Anchorage Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc.
NeighborWorks Anchorage (NWA)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided testimony related to NeighborWorks.
DEBE MAHONEY, Executive Director
Anchorage Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc.
NeighborWorks Anchorage
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided testimony related to NeighborWorks.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:33:55 PM
CHAIR BETTYE DAVIS called the Senate Health and Social Services
Standing Committee meeting to order at 1:33 p.m. Present at the
call to order were Senators Meyer, Egan, Dyson, and Chair Davis.
SCR 23-CONGENITAL CYTOMEGALOVIRUS MONTH
1:35:17 PM
CHAIR DAVIS announced that the first bill before the committee
would be SCR 23, which would designate June 2012 as Congenital
Cytomegalovirus Awareness Month.
SENATOR EGAN stated that SCR 23, version A, was the bill before
the committee.
AMY SALTZMAN, staff to Senator Lisle McGuire, presented SCR 23
on behalf of the sponsor. She read from the following sponsor
statement:
The issue of Congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV) was
brought to Senator McGuire by one of her constituents.
CMV is a common and serious congenital infection in
the United States with 1 in every 50 children born
with congenital CMV. Contraction of the disease at
birth can lead to permanent health conditions,
including cerebral palsy, hearing and vision loss,
mental disability, ADHD, autism, and seizures, and in
rare cases, death.
CMV is most dangerous for unborn babies whose mothers
become infected with the disease during pregnancy and
children or adults whose immune systems have been
weakened by disease or drug treatment. With pregnant
woman as the number one population at risk, the
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
recommend that OB/GYN's counsel women on basic
prevention measures to guard against CMV infection. In
a 2008 study, it showed that only 14 percent of women
in the United States have ever heard of CMV.
CMV is 100 percent preventable with behavioral
interventions, such as frequent hand washing with soap
and water after contact with diapers or oral
secretions, not kissing young children on the mouth,
and not sharing food, towels, or utensils with young
children. CMV is found in bodily fluids, including
urine, saliva, blood, mucus, and tears. The incidence
of children born with congenital CMV can be greatly
reduced with public education and awareness.
In 2011, June was designated as National Congenital CMV
Awareness Month. This concurrent resolution would support
that concept and bring awareness to the horrible effect CMV
can have on Alaskan children.
1:37:36 PM
CHAIR DAVIS opened public testimony.
KAREN GILLIS, speaking on her own behalf, testified in support
of SCR 23. She shared a personal experience of having a child
with CMV. She related that many parents do not know about CMV or
how to avoid contracting it during pregnancy. CMV is the leading
cause of birth defects in the United States. She shared
statistics about the numbers of children affected by CMV.
MS. GILLIS spoke of the expense of raising CMV children. She
spoke of her role as an advocate of Stop CMV. She continued to
share facts related to CMV and suggested solutions, such as a
vaccine. She concluded that her goal was to reduce the cost and
suffering from CMV and prevent CMV in others.
1:48:14 PM
SENATOR DYSON thanked Ms. Gillis for her work. He asked if there
was any way to detect if a would-be mother is carrying CMV
before she becomes pregnant.
MS. GILLIS replied that a woman can be tested for CMV antibodies
before and during pregnancy. She explained that CMV is similar
to chickenpox, except that there are four strains or levels of
CMV. If a person has ever had CMV, there are antibodies present
in their system. If a person has contracted one strain of CMV,
there is still a risk of contracting the other strains. She
related that there are in utero treatments, as well as
treatments after birth, both of which can reduce the amount of
virus in the baby's system.
1:51:11 PM
SENATOR DYSON asked if a pre-pregnant woman is tested and is
found to have the virus, whether there is a treatment which
would rid of her of the virus.
MS. GILLIS replied that after a woman builds up antibodies to
the virus, she will always have those antibodies in her system.
If she contracts the most common strain of CMV during her
pregnancy, she already has antibodies to protect the unborn
child. She related that, in her case, she did not have the
antibodies because she had not contracted CMV prior to
pregnancy. She said she contracted CMV during her first
trimester, which is a very critical time of brain development
for the child. She shared that her child shows a lot of damage
as a result.
SENATOR DYSON restated the question to ask if a would-be mother
identified with CMV, with or without the antibodies, can be
cured of the virus.
MS. GILLIS replied if the woman has active CMV, and her tests
show she carries antibodies, her child will not be affected by
the virus; however, the child will be born with CMV.
SENATOR DYSON asked if a woman's immunity can be increased
before or during pregnancy.
MS. GILLIS noted that her organization does not want to see all
women tested for CMV. She explained that it is most important to
understand if there is an active infection.
SENATOR DYSON said he was surprised at the suggestion that women
not be tested. He asked for data about how the virus is
contracted.
MS. GILLIS replied that the highest risk group for CMV is
pregnant women who have not previously contracted the virus and
who work in day care centers or have children who are in day
care.
1:56:17 PM
CHAIR DAVIS closed public testimony.
CHAIR DAVIS moved to adopt Amendment 1.
A M E N D M E N T 1
27-LS1334\A.2
OFFERED IN THE SENATE BY SENATOR MCGUIRE
TO: SCR 23
Page 1, line 1:
Delete "March"
Insert "June"
Page 2, line 8
Delete "March"
Insert "June"
CHAIR DAVIS announced that without objection, Amendment 1 was
adopted.
SENATOR DYSON suggested having the Division of Public Health
answer questions about CMV and what Alaska should be doing for
prevention and publishing that information. He also suggested
finding out what other states do.
CHAIR DAVIS agreed.
SENATOR EGAN moved to report SCR 23, version A as amended, with
individual recommendations and no fiscal note. There being no
objection, CSSCR 23(HSS) was reported from the Senate Health and
Social Services Committee.
HB 224-SALES OF NICOTINE PRODUCTS TO MINOR
CHAIR DAVIS announced the consideration of HB 224.
1:59:31 PM
SENATOR EGAN noted that CSHB 224(FIN)am was before the
committee.
2:00:38 PM
REPRESENTATIVE PAUL SEATON, sponsor of HB 224, introduced the
bill. He related that HB 224 addresses the problem that it is
not illegal to sell or give nicotine to minors in Alaska. If a
tobacco product is regulated by the Food and Drug
Administration, it would be illegal to sell or give it to a
minor; however, nicotine, itself is not a regulated product. He
showed examples of homeopathic nicotine medicines and various
tobacco cessation products that can be purchased by, or given
to, minors. He stated that these products can cause nicotine
addiction.
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON explained that the bill states that it is
illegal for a person to give or sell nicotine to a minor, unless
the person is a health care professional, a parent, or a legal
guardian. The bill is crafted so that it does not impact
business licenses. The attempt is to keep these products from
being introduced to, and used in, Alaska. An added provision in
the bill is that employers must advise their employees not to
sell or give nicotine products to a minor, otherwise employers
could be liable, as well.
2:05:03 PM
SENATOR MEYER opined that HB 224 was a good bill. He voiced a
concern about holding employers responsible for informing their
employees not to sell these products to minors.
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON replied that the Department of Health and
Social Services would include instructions to employers in
tobacco regulations. He added that the bill is written that
employers must "advise" their employees. There is no training of
employees required. He said Legislative Legal suggested
incorporating the information into hiring documents.
SENATOR MEYER asked if the nicotine products Representative
Seaton showed were currently sold in Alaska.
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON said they were not available in Alaska. He
noted that he obtained the products in Washington or Oregon.
SENATOR MEYER inquired what would happen if a person bought one
of the products on-line.
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON said the bill does not address on-line
purchases.
SENATOR DAVIS asked if the bill was referred to another
committee. She noted it had a zero fiscal note.
SENATOR MEYER said the bill goes to the Senate Judiciary
Committee next.
2:10:17 PM
CHAIR DAVIS stated her intent to move the bill.
SENATOR EGAN moved to report CSHB 224(FIN)am, version X.A from
committee with individual recommendations and the attached
fiscal notes. There being no objection, CSHB 224(FIN)am was
reported from the Senate Health and Social Services Standing
Committee.
^Presentation: NeighborWorks Anchorage
Presentation: NeighborWorks Anchorage
CHAIR DAVIS announced the committee would hear a presentation by
NeighborWorks of Anchorage.
2:12:57 PM
MICHAEL COURTNEY, Deputy Director, Anchorage Neighborhood
Housing Services, Inc. dba NeighborWorks Anchorage (NWA),
provided testimony related to NeighborWorks. He explained that
NWA develops and provides housing opportunities to families of
modest means. NWA owns 950 units of affordable apartments at
nine locations throughout Anchorage, and manages a number of
special needs properties for other not-for-profit organizations.
He noted that NWA has a reputation for quality management and
customer service. NWA offers first-time homebuyer and down
payment assistance programs in partnership with the Municipality
of Anchorage and AHFC, and provided opportunities to more than
1,100 moderate income homebuyers since 1997.
He reported that NWA's delinquency rate on mortgages is lower
than the national rate of 7.97 percent, and slightly less than
the state's delinquency rate of 4.5 percent. NWA offers
leadership development classes, which are well attended. He
listed leadership development subjects that are offered by NWA.
He said NWA also administers minor repair grant programs for
Anchorage and the state, which help to allow seniors to remain
in their homes as they age by providing accessibility
improvements. NWA also offers a minor repair program to assist
families of modest means.
He spoke of two development projects, the Roosevelt and Connolly
Square apartments. The Roosevelt is designed to serve
individuals with disabilities and Connolly Square is a 20-unit
complex for seniors over 62 years of age. Both complexes are
funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
and feature rental assistance.
He discussed a three-pronged approach to addressing
homelessness. NWA is a member of Beyond Shelter Group, a
consortium of housing and service providers that work closely
together to assist homeless and hard-to-house families. Partners
include the United Way, Anchorage School District, Catholic
Social Services, The Brother Francis Shelter, Salvation Army,
AWAKE, and Christian Health Associates. He shared statistics
about how many receive housing assistance and listed programs
that work together on affordable housing.
MR. CORTNEY discussed Lousac Sogn, a housing complex for
homeless persons. He emphasized that the message to the
community is that "home matters". He called affordable housing
an economic engine that creates jobs, and he described the
number of jobs created by NWA. He explained how affordable
housing leads to healthier families and he shared statistics
about children's health. He concluded that affordable housing is
in short supply and NWA is dedicated to providing safe, quality
affordable housing.
2:19:02 PM
SENATOR DYSON provided a real estate report regarding Anchorage.
He said there are about one-third as many houses on the market
compared to previous years, indicating that people are buying
again. He noted that $250,000 is the threshold for affordable
housing. There is a significant problem with obtaining
financing. People are less likely to commute into Anchorage due
to higher fuel costs. He reported that it would be 14 to 16
months before new construction would increase.
SENATOR DYSON suggested that there is a movement to herd people
into smaller, highly condensed areas, rather than providing
space around individuals. He asked if NWA has that political
agenda.
DEBE MAHONEY, Executive Director, Anchorage Neighborhood Housing
Services, Inc. dba NeighborWorks Anchorage, provided testimony
related to NeighborWorks. She addressed Senator Dyson's
question. She referred to a study by the Municipality of
Anchorage which looked at housing density. She related that when
NWA goes into a neighborhood to look at a potential project,
they find that the neighbors don't want density. However,
financially, density makes more sense. She opined that there has
to be a compromise between those two issues.
She spoke of a piece of property where NWA decided to develop
fewer units than the land use allows in order to provide a
transition between single family houses and the condominium
unit. The Roosevelt has 10 units and Connolly Square has 20
units; both are small projects designed for the use of a car.
NWA attempts to balance cost with what the neighborhoods want.
2:24:14 PM
SENATOR DYSON saw a correlation between subsidized housing and
social problems. He applauded the tact NeighborWorks was taking.
CHAIR DAVIS thanked the presenters. She asked about future
projects.
MS. MAHONEY replied that NWA has received Neighborhood
Stabilization Funds and has purchased property for future
development of affordable housing for apartment-style family
housing or senior housing.
CHAIR DAVIS voiced appreciation for NWA's collaboration with
other entities. She said she has heard good things about NWA
with a few exceptions.
MS. MAHONEY requested that any problems be reported to NWA.
2:28:46 PM
SENATOR EGAN noted a budget request for about $1.7 million. He
asked if it was in the Department of Administration's budget
request.
MS. MAHONEY said the request was made through the Senate side.
She explained that it was costly due to complicated roofing
repairs, the need for a new elevator, and the downtown location.
SENATOR EGAN clarified that he just wanted to be sure the
request was included the budget.
SENATOR DYSON asked if the request was included.
MS. MAHONEY replied that they had been told the request was in
the budget.
2:30:58 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Davis adjourned the Senate Health and Social Services
Standing Committee at 2:30 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB 224 Finance CS.pdf |
SHSS 3/28/2012 1:30:00 PM |
HB 224 |
| HB 224 Fiscal Note.pdf |
SHSS 3/28/2012 1:30:00 PM |
HB 224 |
| HB 224 Sponsor's Statment.pdf |
SHSS 3/28/2012 1:30:00 PM |
HB 224 |
| HB 224 Brandweek Article.pdf |
SHSS 3/28/2012 1:30:00 PM |
HB 224 |
| HB 224 (FIN)am.pdf |
SHSS 3/28/2012 1:30:00 PM |
HB 224 |
| HB 224 Harvard School of Public Health Press Release.pdf |
SHSS 3/28/2012 1:30:00 PM |
HB 224 |
| SCR 23.pdf |
SHSS 3/28/2012 1:30:00 PM |
SCR 23 |
| SCR 23 Sponsor Statement.pdf |
SHSS 3/28/2012 1:30:00 PM |
SCR 23 |