GENERAL SUBJECT(S): STATEWIDE TELECONFERENCE  HB 103-APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET  HB 104-APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET  Juneau, Mat-Su & Anchorage The following overview was taken in log note format. Tapes and handouts will be on file with the House Finance Committee through the 22nd Legislative Session, contact 465- 2156. After the 22nd Legislative Session they will be available through the Legislative Library at 465-3808.   LOG SPEAKER DISCUSSION    TAPE HFC 00 - 40  SIDE A  000 Co-Chair Mulder Opened the House Finance Committee meeting on the statewide teleconferencing, noting that each testifier was requested to limit their testimony to two minutes. He added that each person could direct their comments in support or opposition to the proposed changes to the operating budget bill.  21 KEN DEAN - JUNEAU Testified in support of the $90 thousand dollar increment for the Independent Living component.  404 LARRY DUFFY, CHAIR, Testified in support of full funding for FACULTY ALLIANCE - the University of Alaska.  JUNEAU 510 MARLA LIPPARD, Testified in support of the Governor's CLINICAL DIRECTOR, request for increased funding for alcohol GASTINEAU HUMAN abuse programs. Jail does not work.  SERVICES - JUNEAU 750 MIKE WENTZ - JUNEAU Testified in support of the Governor's  request for increased funding for alcohol abuse programs.  1000 ELVA BONTRAGER, Spoke in support of funding for historic CARETAKER, HOUSE OF buildings in the Division of Parks.  WICKERSHAM - JUNEAU 1116 MARY LOU SPARTZ - Testified in support of funding for the JUNEAU deferred maintenance budget in the Division of Parks.  1259 DANNY MARTIN - Testified in support of the Governor's JUNEAU request for increased funding for alcohol abuse programs.  1561 BILL LEGERE - JUNEAU Testified in support of full funding for the public broadcasting satellite system.  1639 Representative Questioned the affects of the proposed Hudson funding cuts.  1689 Representative Noted the $1 million dollars it would Hudson cost to lease the transponder. He asked if without funding, would the services could be discontinued.  1697 VENIETIA SANTANA - Testified in support of full funding for JUNEAU the University of Alaska.  1758 Vice-Chair Bunde Suggested that students would still leave the state.  1815 MS. SANTANA Felt that the university would be more competitive if programs were improved.  1871 JANET FORBES - Testified in support of the Governor's JUNEAU request for increased funding for alcohol and drug abuse programs.  2068 Representative Clarified that the funding for alcohol Harris treatment had not been reduced. He stated that the Subcommittee had not approved the requested increments.  2132 Representative Croft Observed that the speaker was referring to the $2 million in alcohol and drug abuse grants that were recommended by the Governor and were not funded.  2152 Co-Chair Mulder Suggested that funds may be available through a bill with a fiscal note.  2187 MS. SANTANA Maintained that the program has been reduced.  2204 Representative Spoke in support of the program. He Hudson thought that the program has grown. He suggested that Ms. Santana provide information on the program's successes.  2271 SUSAN BRYSON - Testified in support of full funding for JUNEAU the University of Alaska. She responded to comments regarding the loss of students in Alaska. She maintained that the major reason for the loss of students were the lack of classes in their field.    TAPE HFC 01 - 40,  SIDE B  24 TIA ANDERSON - Testified in support of full funding for JUNEAU the University of Alaska.  187 DEAN LUMMIS - JUNEAU Testified in support of the Governor's request for increased funding for alcohol and drug abuse programs.  420 BROWNE WILLARD - Testified in support of the Governor's JUNEAU request for increased funding for alcohol and drug abuse programs.  691 Representative Pointed out that the State spends a great Harris deal of funds on drug and alcohol programs ($37 million dollars).  741 JODIE RUMPH - JUNEAU Testified in support of the Infant Learning Program.  1019 Representative Croft Asked if the program had requested $700 thousand dollar.  1038 Ms. Rumph Advised that was correct and that the therapy would educate the parents.  1154 TOM BOUTIN - JUNEAU Voiced appreciation for the Committee "holding" the line over the previous years. He commented on the missions and measures and suggested that perhaps it was time for an independent review. He addressed debt service and the general fund authorization.  1369 SOLVEIG PEDERSEN - Testified in support of full funding for JUNEAU the University of Alaska.  1390 KIM PERRY - JUNEAU Testified in support of full funding for the University of Alaska.  1408 CINDY CASHEN - Spoke in support of further funding for JUNEAU addressing drunk driving offenders. She added the need for full funding for all concerns dealing with alcohol abuse.  1643 SHERRY THOMPSON - Testified in support of full funding for JUNEAU the University of Alaska.  1689 LISSA ROBERTSON - Testified in support of full funding for JUNEAU the University of Alaska.  1733 KATHRYN CURRIT - Testified in support of full funding for JUNEAU the University of Alaska.  1764 CARL ROSE - JUNEAU Testified in support of additional funding for education. He addressed the recommendations made by the Task Force. Mr. Rose stated that the numbers determined by the task force were responsible numbers. He stressed that the State has been at flat funding for 15 years. Mr. Rose stressed that the standards based system needs extra funding. He asked for full funding for education as it does not currently meet the adequacy standard. In the budget this year, the general fund is being reduced. In cutting the general fund  spending, the costs are being passed on to the local communities. The money will come from responsible long-range fiscal plan. He concluded that responsibility needs to happen in the Committee.  1983 Representative Croft Commented that this is the most important issue that this legislature is facing. He stated that the process achieved by the task force should receive the dollars requested.  2039 Mr. Rose Replied that the study was based on areas of needs. He commented that school districts are struggling to buy textbooks. The special needs students are being ignored. The largest number amount is the teacher's salaries, which need to be increased if the State is going to meet the competitive edge. Mr. Rose addressed the need for student intervention. He added that all of the information is recorded in the study. Testified in support of full funding for pupil transportation rather than displacement. He emphasized that these are critical issues.  2173 Representative Asked why there has been no discussion to Lancaster date.  2183 Mr. Rose Understood that the bill was "dead on arrival". He stated that the principles employed were quality including performance. He added that the money should come from the State. If quality is what the State is after, we will have to provide for that.  2228 KATHY HANSEN - Requested further and enhanced funding JUNEAU for the Department of Fish and Game.  2269 DARROLL HARGRAVES - Testified in support of additional JUNEAU funding for education. He addressed foundation funding and the transportation issues.    TAPE HFC 01 - 41,  Side A  110 Mr. Hargraves Continued discussion on the concerns with full funding for education.  198 TONIA KENSINGER - Spoke in support for further and greater JUNEAU funding for the Infant Learning service.  400 VERNUM MACDRELL - Testified in support of additional JUNEAU funding for education. He commended the Committee for the Learning Opportunity Grants. He requested Committee support for the education bills. He testified in support of full funding for pupil transportation. [Referenced the NEA  handout - Copy on File].  875 KEAN NUTTALL - Testified in support of full funding for JUNEAU the University of Alaska.  925 LYNDA OLSEN - JUNEAU Testified in support of the Governor's request for increased funding for alcohol and drug abuse programs. She added the need for recovery houses within the State of Alaska. Testified in support of full funding for the University of Alaska.  1012 MATT FELIX - JUNEAU Testified in support of the Governor's request for increased funding for alcohol and drug abuse programs. He commented that alcohol is the greatest social service problem in the State. Treatment is the only thing that works for prevention of drunk driving. He warned that alcohol is cheaper than soda pop and milk in this State.  1183 LOREN GERHARD - Asked for full restoration to the Alaska JUNEAU Marine Highway transportation proposed cuts. He noted that the Southeast Plan would help the State's financial situation. He emphasized that the people of Southeast Alaska depend on the system.  1346 LISA VILLANO - Testified in support of full funding for JUNEAU the University of Alaska.  1538 Representative Asked about the improved morale amongst Whitaker the student body and if it was related to the "Alaskan can do spirit".  1595 PAMELA WATTS - Testified in support of the Governor's JUNEAU request for increased funding for alcohol and drug abuse programs.  1715 Representative Asked if the board tried to get involved Hudson in recommendations.  1728 Ms. Watts Noted that they do get involved and the development of community commitment. Prevention is the target.  1754 GARY BADER - JUNEAU Testified in support of additional funding for education and testified in support of full funding for pupil transportation. He provided the figures of State foundation funding since 1993. He noted the decrease. There has been a reduction in the amount of $485 dollars per student.  1853 Co-Chair Mulder Asked the pupil count in 1993.  1865 Mr. Bader Replied that there were 5,112 students in 1993; in 2000, the number of students was 5,631.  1897 SCOTT MCCREA - Testified in support of full funding for JUNEAU the University of Alaska.  2004 JOYANNE BLOOM - Stressed the need to fund tobacco  JUNEAU cessation programs and pointed to tobacco settlement funds as a funding source.   Recess: 3:55 p.m.  2141 Reconvened: 4:05  2175 ADENE AUTHUR - MATSU Testified in support of funding for avalanche prevention within the Department of Public Safety.    TAPE HFC 01 - 41,  SIDE B  022 SALLY ELLIOTT - Stressed the need to fund tobacco MATSU cessation programs and pointed to tobacco settlement funds as a funding source.  153 DON SAVAGE - MATSU Expressed concern with diminishing funds for local emergency planning committees.  409 MISTY JENSEN - MATSU Testified in support of full funding for the Infant Learning Program. Testified in support of additional funding for education.  608 Co-Chair Mulder Noted that there had been no cuts to the Head Start program. The increment for a federal match was not included, but local communities can opt to make up the match.  668 JAMES POSEY - MATSU Testified in support of the Governor's request for increased funding for alcohol and drug abuse programs in the amount of $17 million dollars.  786 DELISA CULPEPPER - Testified in support of the public health ANCHORAGE budget and disease control. Stressed the need to fund tobacco cessation programs and pointed to tobacco settlement funds as a funding source.  917 JENNY MURRAY - Stressed the need to fund tobacco ANCHORAGE cessation programs and pointed to tobacco settlement funds as a funding source.  1053 DAVID GEESIN - Testified in support of full funding for ANCHORAGE the public broadcasting satellite system.  1235 ISABELLE GAYLE BORAN Testified in support of the Governor's - ANCHORAGE request for increased funding for alcohol and drug abuse programs.  1347 MICHELE BERNS Testified in support of the Governor's request for increased funding for alcohol and drug abuse programs.  1392 JOSEPH BURNS - MATSU Testified in support of the Governor's request for increased funding for alcohol and drug abuse programs.  1488 DENISE BOWEN - MATSU Testified in support of the Governor's request for increased funding for alcohol and drug abuse programs.  1548 LYLE OKINEKO - MATSU Testified in support of the Governor's request for increased funding for alcohol and drug abuse programs.  1614 THOMAS MCELWAIN - Testified in support of the Governor's  MATSU request for increased funding for alcohol and drug abuse programs.  1695 KELLY MCKITTRICK - Testified in support of the Governor's MATSU request for increased funding for alcohol and drug abuse programs.  1788 KELIAN YOUNG - Testified in support of the Governor's ANCHORAGE request for increased funding for alcohol and drug abuse programs.  1842 GARY CURNEY - Testified in support of the Governor's ANCHORAGE request for increased funding for alcohol and drug abuse programs.  1906 JOHN MAYO - Testified in support of the Governor's ANCHORAGE request for increased funding for alcohol and drug abuse programs.  1953 DEBBIE OSSIANDER - Testified in support of additional ANCHORAGE funding for education. Testified in support of full funding for pupil transportation.  2059 Representative Croft Asked how much their pupil transportation cost was reduced.  2072 Ms. Ossiander Noted that costs were not reduced but were held to a minimum.  2096 Co-Chair Mulder Observed that Anchorage's growth was only 2 percent, while other areas have increased up to 20 percent.  2115 PAUL STANKAVICH - Testified in support of full funding for ANCHORAGE the public broadcasting satellite system.  2214 PATRICIA COYNE - Testified in support of funding for MATSU avalanche prevention in the Department of Public Safety.  2262 BILL O'HARA - MATSU Expressed support for funding for state troopers in the Department of Public Safety.  2356 STEVE KEPPEL - MATSU Testified in support of the governor's request for increased funding for alcohol and drug abuse programs.    TAPE HFC 01 - 42,  SIDE A  100 Co-Chair Mulder Suggested that additional funding will be available for alcohol treatment.  182 TAMARA AHUMADA - Stressed the need to fund tobacco ANCHORAGE cessation programs and pointed to tobacco settlement funds as a funding source.  360 RICH SEWELL - Testified in support of full funding for ANCHORAGE the University of Alaska.  506 MORRY HOLLOWELL - Expressed concern that there is not ANCHORAGE sufficient funding for juvenile justice services.  670 TOM WILLIAMS - Testified in support of full funding for ANCHORAGE the public broadcasting satellite system.  829 Co-Chair Mulder Noted that the Committee would take a look at the satellite funding.  854 MARY ROSENZWEIG - Testified in support of the governor's ANCHORAGE request for increased funding for alcohol and drug abuse programs.  984 Representative Croft Noted that there are potential savings through treatment.  1021 IRENE PERSSON GAMBLE Stressed the need to fund tobacco - ANCHORAGE cessation programs and pointed to tobacco settlement funds as a funding source. Testified in support for additional funding for Head Start programs.  1187 SALLYE WERNER - Expressed support for funding to the ANCHORAGE child protection services - Office of Public Advocacy, Division of Family and Youth Services and Denali Kid Care. Testified in support of the Governor's request for increased funding for alcohol and drug abuse programs.  1362 ROSALIE NADEAU - Testified in support of the Governor's ANCHORAGE request for increased funding for alcohol and drug abuse programs. Akeela contracts with the Department of Corrections (Inmate Substance Abuse Services).  1528 PAUL JANOWIE - Testified in support of funding for ANCHORAGE juvenile justice programs.  1674 Dinner recess at 5:30 p.m.   Resumed session at 6:45 p.m.    TAPE HFC 01 - 42,  SIDE B  000 GREG WILSON - Requested further funding for the ANCHORAGE Division of Oil and Gas and salary increases to the Department of Transportation & Public Facilities employees.  145 SALLY MEAD - Spoke in support for further and greater ANCHORAGE funding for Public Health services within the Department of Health and Social Services budget.  321 SARAH PLOTNICK-Stressed the need to fund tobacco EPSTEIN - ANCHORAGE cessation programs and pointed to tobacco settlement funds as a funding source.  412 BILL BOUWENS - Stressed the need to fund tobacco ANCHORAGE cessation programs and pointed to tobacco settlement funds as a funding source.  507 MARGARET LANIER - Stressed the need to fund tobacco ANCHORAGE cessation programs and pointed to tobacco settlement funds as a funding source.  617 Representative Asked how the State could reach all the Hudson people that need tobacco counseling.  660 Ms. Lanier Replied that the State needs a comprehensive tobacco control program. Counter marketing media and enforcement and evaluation of current programs. She  stated that youth would be specifically targeted.  730 KATHLEEN WALL - Testified in support of the mental health ANCHORAGE budget.  801 GAIL IGO - ANCHORAGE Spoke in support of further funding for Division of Family and Youth Services and the Foster Care component.  925 Representative Stated that front line social workers Hudson would be receiving $1 million dollars more this year.  969 DAVID ALEXANDER - Requested that the proposed cut to the ANCHORAGE Ameri-Corp not be made. He stated that the federal match is approximately $2 million dollars for a small State match. The services are for children between 2-8 years old.  1088 CHRIS HUDSON - Testified in support of the mental health ANCHORAGE budget.  1197 DEBBIE HUDSON - Testified in support of the mental health ANCHORAGE budget. She added her support for Volunteers of America.  1256 JULIANNE DYE - Testified in support of full funding for ANCHORAGE the public broadcasting satellite system.  1333 Co-Chair Mulder Noted that there have been discussions regarding the satellite system. He noted that Representative Lancaster was frustrated with where the State currently is. He noted that there is an amendment forthcoming to address some of that frustration. He stated that one consideration is that technology is changing so much; the State is hesitant to make a commitment to AT&T. He noted that it is the intent to address services as proposed.  1452 Ms. Dye Voiced appreciation for the work done to date. She agreed with the fast pace of the technological changes.  1512 KIRK KAMLEEZ - Asked about the increase for the front ANCHORAGE line social workers. He asked the number of workers that would fund.  1557 Representative Explained that budget has ballooned since Harris last year.  1579 Co-Chair Mulder Understood that it would increase between 20-25 new positions including the bubble positions.  1631 At ease: 7:15 p.m.   Reconvene: 7:28 p.m.  1637 Mr. Kamleez Asked if there was a projection regarding the amount of federal money lost because the State did not keep up with the mandate.  1690 Representative Replied that the State has lost money Harris because we have sold tobacco to minors. That grant lost a few million dollars. He did not know of any loss in the Division of Family and Youth Services (DFYS).  1722 Representative Croft Added that there have been threats of loosing money in the Child Support Enforcement Division (CSED).  1735 Vice-Chair Bunde Noted that some years back, the State lost money in bringing to trial, youth as adults.  1792 Mr. Kamleez Asked how to track that kind of information.  1801 Representative Replied that he should call the Harris Department. There has been every attempt to secure Federal match money.  1823 Co-Chair Mulder Interjected that the numbers for new social workers are speculative at this time.  1876 Co-Chair Mulder ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m.