HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE March 08, 2001 1:41 PM TAPE HFC 01 - 36, Side A TAPE HFC 01 - 36, Side B TAPE HFC 01 - 37, Side A TAPE HFC 01 - 37, Side B TAPE HFC 01 - 38, Side A TAPE HFC 01 - 38, Side B CALL TO ORDER Co-Chair Mulder called the House Finance Committee meeting to order at 1:41 PM. MEMBERS PRESENT Representative Eldon Mulder, Co-Chair Representative Bill Williams, Co-Chair Representative Con Bunde, Vice-Chair Representative Eric Croft Representative Carl Moses Representative Richard Foster Representative John Harris Representative Bill Hudson Representative Ken Lancaster Representative Jim Whitaker MEMBERS ABSENT Representative John Davies ALSO PRESENT Representative Ethan Berkowitz; Representative Peggy Wilson PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE: CORDOVA: No testifiers DILLINGHAM: Brad Angasan; Ward Jones; Cathy Flavin; Greg Donewar; Cristy Tilden; Fred Nishiumra; Blanche Murphy HOMER: Karen Willows; Colleen James; Susan Kernes; Elaine Olson; Hal Smith; Diane McBride; Cindy Quijada KENAI: Jan Henry; Joan Bennett Schrader; Patrick Hickey; Karen Roger; Len Malmquist; Lotte Bogard; James Fisher; Virginia Espenhorde; Shirley Henley KODIAK: Dave Perkins; Don Roberts; Dave Jones; Mike Milligan SEWARD: No testifiers VALDEZ: Bill Comer; Bob Benda BARROW: Bruce Culver; Lucienne Harger; Paul Carr BETHEL: Caroline Renner; Andrew Garrison; Carrie Enoch; Cheryl Thompson; Paula Albert; Les Daenzer; Bill Ferguson DELTA JUNCTION: Dan Beck, Superintendent GLENNALLEN: No testifiers KOTZEBUE: Ross Schaeffer; Greg Russell; John Creed NOME: Julie Serstad; Josie Stiles; LaVerne Smith; Ric Schmidt; Liz Gill; Marsha Maroelli; Taffy Fox; Wesley Perkins; Tom Okleasik; Jane Franks; Lavern Smith; Ric Schmidt; Liz Gill; Marsha Maroelli; Taffy Fox; Wesley Perkins; Tom Okleasik; Jane Franks TOK: Mary Wright OFFNETS: Chief Jim Hasenohrl, Unalaska; Teresa Socpelaluk, Shaktoolik; Dallas Lee Dexter, Northslope; Neal George, North Slope; Robert Brown, Ekwok; Reuben Mixsooke, Unalaska; Stanley Active Jr. Togiak; Henry Anelon Jr., Levelock; Eric Beghart, Kake; Gust Tunauing, Kalibnik; Lucy Eningowuk, Shismaraff; Mina Nayokpuk, Shismaraff; Katrina Church, Prince William Sound Community College; Doug Zeit, Craig; Margaret O'Neil, Craig; Suzanne Falvoni, Prince William Sound College HAINES: No testifiers KETCHIKAN: Bill Hardy; Patty Green; Rebecca Kleinschmidt; Mike Wisnewski; Penny Dillard; David Deal; Bob Weinstein PETERSBURG: Ted Smith; Linda Quarles; Mary Francis; Dave Carlson; Barry Bracken; Tiffany Borges; Dale Stone SITKA: Thomas Conley; Fred Reeder; Marlys Tedin; Mollie Kabler; Jean Frank; Alice Johnstone WRANGELL: Janelle Privett; Pamella McCloskey; David Galla; Tonnie Barlow; Woody Wilson; Pam Rope FAIRBANKS: Ruthamae Karr; Jim Knoske; Marta Mueller; Vera Becker; David Jacobson; Ruth L'Hommedieu; Colleen Chinn; Jean Becker; Tim Doran; Jeff Walters; Joe Hardenbrook; John Ashcraft; Jeri Lanier; GENERAL SUBJECT(S):  STATEWIDE TELECONFERENCE  HB 103-APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET  HB 104-APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET  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 - 36  SIDE A  000 CO-CHAIR MULDER Opened the House Finance Committee meeting on statewide teleconferencing, noting that each testifier would be given a time-limited opportunity to testify in support or against proposed budget changes.  158 DAVE PERKINS - Testified in support continued funding KODIAK for the Kodiak radio broadcasting and the current satellite system.  323 DON ROBERTS - KODIAK Requested continued and greater funding for people suffering from disabilities. He noted his request for continued funding for the State's independent Living Council.  437 DAVE JONES - KODIAK Requested transportation costs for the Alaska Marine Highway be funded at 100%  510 MIKE MILLIGAN - Referenced Section 7 & Section 15 and the KODIAK motor fuel tax. Mr. Milligan spoke in support of paying an income tax rather than taking money from the Constitutional Budget Reserve (CBR). He recommended raising the State fuel tax.  700 Co-Chair Mulder Noted that the State would receive an additional $40 million federal dollars this year.  741 KAREN WILLOWS - Voiced concern with the proposed funding HOMER for fish and wildlife concerns throughout the State. She noted that problems have been increasing. She recommended more dollars for the laws passed over the past few years for greater public safety.  830 Co-Chair Mulder Pointed out that there was funding provided for one general fund supported trooper and five federal funded troopers.  857 SUSAN KERNES - HOMER Testified in support of full funding for public broadcasting.  998 ELAINE OLSON - HOMER Testified in further support for alcohol treatment programs.  1116 HAL SMITH - HOMER Testified in support of full funding for public broadcasting, specifically public radio.  1187 JAN HENRY - KENAI Testified in greater financial support for the Department of Military & Veterans Affairs budget and specifically regarding the local emergency planning committee proposed move from Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to the Department of Environmental Conservation. He stressed that funds need to be appropriated to keep local emergency committees afloat. Mr. Henry requested further support for the Alaska State Troopers.  1329 JOAN BENNETT Requested increased funding for mental SCHRADER - KENAI health concerns and additionally for the Alaska State troopers.  1425 PATRICK HICKEY - Testified in support of additional KENAI funding for education.  1525 KARN ROGER - KENAI Spoke in support of greater funding for the juvenile probation officers in the Kenai area.  1580 BILL COMER - VALDEZ Spoke in support for increased funding for the local jails and the Department of Corrections.  1653 Co-Chair Mulder Commented on the concerns voiced regarding the Valdez jail.  1665 DIANE MCBRIDE - Testified in support of full funding for HOMER public broadcasting and the Alaska connection project.  1797 LEN MALMQUIST - Voiced support for greater funding for KENAI the local emergency planning committees. He noted that he had provided written testimony regarding Emergency Medical Services (EMS) services on the Kenai Peninsula.  1893 Representative Croft Asked if guaranteeing funding for fire suppression could keep the fires smaller.  1910 Mr. Malmquist Replied that it would, adding that it would be money well spent. He offered to provide researched data.  1946 Co-Chair Mulder Asked how this could differ from the current "hot shots".  1959 Mr. Malmquist Replied that currently fire-fighting crews are assigned and are on mobile stand-by. The funding could change that delegation.  1980 Representative Noted that appeal had been indicated in  Hudson Subcommittee. He understood that the placement would be throughout the State. He asked for further ideas for operational prevention of fires.  2025 Co-Chair Mulder Advised the Legislature's reluctance to start new programs.  2039 LOTTE BOGARD - KENAI Spoke in support of the Governor's Back to Basic's Health initiative, which would help the State deal with the tuberculosis (TB) outbreaks throughout the State. She noted the need for additional funding for public health nurses.  2149 JAMES FISHER - KENAI Spoke to legislation that would provide protection and treatment for women that are not covered on Medicaid or Medicare, which could improve their chances for survival from cervical and breast cancer.  2209 Co-Chair Mulder Advised that those funds had been attached as a fiscal note to the Governor's bill.  2228 BRAD ANGASAN - Testified in support of the 15 percent DILLINGHAM increase in VPSO salaries.  2311 WARD JONES - Spoke in support of greater funding for DILLINGHAM the Department of Environmental Conservation's budget component.    TAPE HFC 01 - 36,  Side B  046 CATHY FLAVIN - Voiced support for full effective funding DILLINGHAM for the Tobacco Prevention and Control Program.  176 GREG DONEWAR - Requested full restoration of funding for DILLINGHAM contact jails and the utilization of community jails.  351 Co-Chair Mulder Acknowledged that Dillingham does have the most problems with the contact jails and overcrowding.  379 PAUL SHADURA - KENAI Voiced support for full funding for the Department of Fish and Game's budget. He noted that his testimony would be faxed in.  612 SHIRLEY HENLEY - Stated that public health nurses need KENAI greater support. She indicated support for Governor Knowle's Back to Basics program.  686 CRISTY WILLER TILDEN Spoke in support of increased funding for - DILLINGHAM the Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse.  819 Representative Croft Asked how the 5% on prevention was playing-out in other states.  834 Ms. Tilden Commented on a recent budget analyzed for each State in the Union. She noted that Alaska was a third down that list.  883 FRED NISHIMURA - Testified in support for an additional  DILLINGHAM ranger for State Parks.  1030 Representative Croft Asked if the State had made specific commitments for park ranger funding.  1050 Mr. Nishimura Replied that the agreement was signed in 1985 and noted that there were no provisions within the agreement.  1166 BLANCH MURPHY - Testified in support for additional DILLINGHAM funding for Head Start programs. Testified in support for increased funding for State VPSO's. Ms. Murphy noted her support for additional funding for education and testified in support for the Governor's request for increased funding for alcohol treatment systems.  1361 CINDY QUIJADA - Testified in support of full funding for HOMER the University of Alaska.  1424 BOB BENDA - VALDEZ Testified in support of full funding for the University of Alaska.  1581 CAROLINE RENNER - Stressed the need to fund tobacco BETHEL cessation programs and pointed to tobacco settlement funds as a funding source.  1776 Co-Chair Mulder Questioned the findings that indicate that 74 percent of Alaskan's use snuff.  1813 Vice-Chair Bunde Observed that children as young as five chew tobacco.  1895 ANDREW GARRISON - Stressed the need to fund tobacco BETHEL cessation programs and pointed to tobacco settlement funds as a funding source.  1941 Vice-Chair Bunde Questioned the number of the patients that had quit.  1963 Mr. Garrison Noted that 55 patients had quit for up to a year.  1975 CARRIE ENOCH - Stressed the need to fund tobacco BETHEL cessation programs and pointed to tobacco settlement funds as a funding source.  2006 CHERYL THOMPSON - Stressed the need to fund tobacco BETHEL cessation programs and pointed to tobacco settlement funds as a funding source.  2067 PAULA ALBERT - Stressed the need to fund tobacco BETHEL cessation programs and pointed to tobacco settlement funds as a funding source.  2143 DAN BECK - DELTA Testified in support of additional JUNCTION funding for education. Testified in support of inflation proofing the education foundation formula. Testified in support of full funding for pupil transportation.  2238 Mr. Beck Responded to questions by Co-Chair Mulder.  2250 JULIE SERSTAD - NOME Testified in support of the governor's request for Back to Basic health services.    TAPE HFC 01 - 37,  Side A  069 Ms. Serstad Continued her testimony.  159 Vice-Chair Bunde Questioned if the rate of TB was tenfold in their area.  183 Ms. Serstad Affirmed and stated that the cold arctic environment and close spaces along with transportation to and from Russia has increased the incidents of TB.  249 Vice-Chair Bunde Noted his concern with the rate of TB in Nome.  281 Representative Croft Agreed that TB is a problem in other areas of the State. He noted that the Governor's request for Back to Basics was $1.5 million dollars. He questioned what steps would be taken to combat TB.  345 Ms. Serstad Stated that none of the funding was slated to come to their program at this time. She indicated that a team of nurses had been sent to areas afflicted with TB.  472 Representative Croft Questioned the rate of epidemic and the cost of treatment.  489 Ms. Serstad Thought that 25 or 30 people inflicted would be considered an epidemic. She did not know the cost of treatment. She commented on the cost in administering the medicines. TB is a terminal disease if it is not treated.  663 JOSIE STILES - NOME Testified in support of state support for the 15 percent increase in VPSO salaries.  792 TOM BOLEN - KOTZEBUE Testified in support of Local Emergency Planning Commission grants.  1172 ROSS SCHAEFFER - Testified in support of State support for KOTZEBUE the 15 percent increase in VPSO salaries and the addition of 20 troopers. Testified in support of the Governor's request for increased funding for alcohol and drug abuse programs and added his support for additional funding for Head Start programs.  1343 GREG RUSSELL - Requested full restoration of funding for KOTZEBUE contact jails and the utilization of community jails.  1511 JOHN WARD - KOTZEBUE Requested full restoration of funding for contact jails and the utilization of community jails.  1601 BRUCE CULVER - Spoke in greater funding for the natural BARROW disaster and oil hazards.  1685 LUCIENNE HARGER - Testified in support of additional BARROW funding for education.  1899 Co-Chair Mulder Indicated that it would be more efficient to block grant education funds.  1922 PAUL CARR - BETHEL Requested full restoration of funding for contact jails and the utilization of community jails. He added support for further funding for the VPSO's and the Department of Public Safety budget.  1995 LAVERN SMITH - NOME Stressed the need to fund tobacco cessation programs and pointed to tobacco settlement funds as a funding source.  2059 Co-Chair Mulder Advised that there is a misunderstanding where those funds are directed.  2090 RIC SCHMIDT - NOME Testified in support of full funding for public broadcasting.  2198 LIZ GILL - NOME Testified in support of additional funding for education and substance abuse programs.  2294 MARSHA MAROELLI - Testified for greater funding for NOME substance abuse and the tobacco abuse funding. She noted that tobacco funding has not been available to the Nome area.  2350 TAFFY FOX - NOME Stressed the need to fund tobacco cessation programs and pointed to tobacco settlement funds as a funding source.    TAPE HFC 01 - 37,  Side B  069 Testified in support of State support for WESLEY PERKINS -  the 15 percent increase in VPSO salaries.  NOME  148 TOM OKLEASIK - NOME Testified in support of State support for the 15 percent increase in VPSO salaries and the Department of Public Safety budget.  350 Representative Asked about the Alaska Federation of Hudson Natives (AFN) funds source.  367 Co-Chair Mulder Explained that Senator Stevens had put $15 million dollars in through the Department of Education.  403 Mr. Okleasik Understood that to be true. He noted that those would be a one-time fund appropriation.  441 JANE FRANKS - NOME Spoke to the problems with alcohol, which goes hand in hand with the VPSO's and the substance abuse programs throughout the State and the Department of Public Safety's budget.  530 LES DAENZER - BETHEL Testified in support of additional funding for education and for Head Start and other preschool programs. Mr. Daenzer requested greater funding for the Department of Public Safety and indicated how that would provide safety for the children and the village areas.  790 BILL FERGUSON - Testified in support of additional BETHEL funding for education and drug and  alcohol abuse counseling funding. He recommended that the problems be looked at holistically.  1008 JIM HASENOHRL - Requested full restoration of funding for UNALASKA contact jails and the utilization of community jails. Testified in support of State support for the 15 percent increase in VPSO salaries.  1090 TERESA SOCPELALUK - Spoke against reduced funding for SHAKTOOLIK substance abuse and mental health services. She encouraged full funding for the rural human services programs.  1166 DALLAS LEE DEXTER - Spoke in support for the North Slope NORTHSLOPE Institute of Learning. She reiterated her support for the infant learning program, which provides for the needed early intervention.  1421 NEIL GEORGE - NORTH Testified in support of additional SLOPE funding for education. Testified in support of the Governor's request for increased funding for alcohol and drug abuse programs.  1527 JOHN CREED - Testified in support of full funding for KOTZEBUE the University of Alaska.  1589 ROBERT BROWN - EKWOK Testified in support of State support for the 15 percent increase in VPSO salaries.  1641 Representative Croft Asked about the AFN grant. He asked how many villages have banned the use of alcohol.  1669 Mr. Brown Replied that in Bristol Bay, there are three communities that have voted to go dry. He added that there are 10 villages in that area with VPSO's.  1715 REUBEN MIXSOOKE - Requested funding for a children's home UNALASKA bed for children that are abandoned because of alcohol abuse. He noted that there are 15 villages in that area.  1786 Representative Asked where most of the people go for Hudson treatment.  1797 Mr. Mixsooke Replied it would be depend on where they were "caught". It would be either Kotzebue or Anchorage. The Nome outlet is outpatient only.  1832 Representative Questioned the concept of a multi- Hudson generational home.  1843 Mr. Mixsooke Voiced his support of that the idea and that it stays in the village area.  1866 STANLEY ACTIVE JR. - Testified in support of state support for TOGIAK the 15 percent increase in VPSO salaries.  1953 HENRY ANELON JR. - Testified in support of state support for LEVELOCK the 15 percent increase in VPSO salaries.  2010 ERIC GEBHART - KAKE Testified in support of additional  funding for education.  2069 GUST TUNGUING - Testified in support of State support for KALIBNIK the 15 percent increase in VPSO salaries.  2123 LUCY ENINGOWUK - Testified in support of the Governor's SHISMARAFF request for increased funding for alcohol and drug abuse programs.  2192 MINA NAYOKPUK - Testified in support of the Governor's SHISMARAFF request for increased funding for alcohol and drug abuse programs.  2280 KATRINA CHURCH - Testified in support of full funding for PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND the University of Alaska.  COMMUNITY COLLEGE 2298 DOUG ZEIT - CRAIG Spoke in support of an income tax or use of the permanent fund for mental health programs.  2345 MARGARET O'NEIL - Testified in support of the mental health CRAIG budget. Testified in support of the Governor's request for increased funding for alcohol and drug abuse programs. Testified in support of State support for the 15 percent increase in VPSO salaries and social workers.  184 Representative Observed that only three persons had Foster testified on behalf of paying taxes to raise revenues.  252 SUZANNE FALVONI - Testified in support of full funding for PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND the University of Alaska and community COLLEGE colleges.  361 VICE-CHAIR BUNDE Asked if there are allowances for special needs students that want to take a GED test.  430 Ms. Falvoni Stated that additional resources are needed for special education students such as material on tape. The Committee took an "at ease" for a dinner break at 5:00 p.m.  889 Co-Chair Williams Reconvened the Committee at 6:05 p.m.  933 BILL HARDY - Stressed the need to fund tobacco KETCHIKAN cessation programs and pointed to tobacco settlement funds as a funding source.  1040 PATTY GREEN - Stressed the need to fund tobacco KETCHIKAN cessation programs and pointed to tobacco settlement funds as a funding source.  1159 REBECCA KLEINSCHMIDT Stressed the need to fund tobacco - KETCHIKAN cessation programs and pointed to tobacco settlement funds as a funding source.  1226 MIKE WISNEWSKI - Voiced support for $160 thousand dollars KETCHIKAN funding to the State Parks budget.  1275 TED SMITH, MAYOR - Spoke in support of increased funding for PETERSBURG the Alaska Marine Highway system.  1365 LINDA QUARLES - Requested greater funding for the Highway PETERSBURG Stabilization fund.  1396 MARY FRANCIS - Testified in support of additional PETERSBURG funding for education.  1511 DAVE CARLSON - Requested fully funding the Alaska Marine PETERSBURG Highway stabilization fund.  1547 BARRY BRACKEN - Requested fully funding the Alaska Marine PETERSBURG Highway stabilization fund.  1611 THOMAS CONLEY - Testified in support of additional SITKA funding for education.  1735 Representative Asked to what extend would the economic Hudson decline would have on funding for educational needs.  1817 Mr. Conley Acknowledged that there had been a substantial effect and changes noted toward that in the past year. He stated that it had not affected real estate costs in Sitka.  1847 FRED REEDER - SITKA Testified in support of additional funding for education. He noted that $18 million dollars was going to grants. He asked where the money promised by the legislators was. He stressed the need to fully fund education. Testified in support of full funding for pupil transportation. Mr. Reeder recommended adding $200 dollars on the ATM. He stressed that students cannot pass the exit exam with the current allocated funding.  2000 Co-Chair Mulder Stated that the State was fully funding the education formula according to statute. Noted that the amount that was going into pupil transportation was at the last level for the past three-years.  2056 Mr. Reeder Recommended changing the statute.  2078 Representative Croft Noted that the Legislature wrote the statute and stressed that the Legislature has the responsibility to change that statute.  2111 MARYLS TEDIN - SITKA Requested further funding for the State Parks system.  2169 MOLLIE KABLER - Testified in support of additional SITKA funding for education.  2200 JANELLE PRIVETT - Testified in support of additional WRANGELL funding for education.  2248 PAMELLA MCCLOSKEY - Testified in support of additional WRANGELL funding for education.  2284 DAVID GALLA - Testified in support of additional WRANGELL funding for education.    TAPE HFC 01 - 38,  Side A  007 TONNIE BARLOW - Testified in support of additional WRANGELL funding for education.  129 PENNY DILLARD - Stressed the need to fund tobacco KETCHIKAN cessation programs and pointed to tobacco settlement funds as a funding source.  225 DAVID DEAL - Requested greater funding for trooper KETCHIKAN coverage to help prevent burglaries. He noted further concern with drunk drivers.  302 BOB WEINSTEIN, MAYOR Testified in support of additional - KETCHIKAN funding for education. Mayor Weinstein voiced concern with the current funding proposed for the Alaska Marine Highway System. He believed that would exasperate the economic harm already experienced throughout Southeast Alaska.  469 WOODY WILSON - Testified in support of additional WRANGELL funding for education.  553 PAM ROOPE - WRANGELL Testified in support of additional funding for education.  635 Representative Croft Noted that the recommendation for the 1st year was a 4% increase to the foundation formula. He questioned if that was what was needed.  677 Ms. Roope Explained that could keep the community even. It would not allow for any growth.  700 TIFFANY BORGES - Testified in support of the Governor's PETERSBURG request for increased funding for alcohol and drug abuse programs.  746 JEAN FRANK - SITKA Stressed the need to fund tobacco cessation programs and pointed to tobacco settlement funds as a funding source.  838 ALICE JOHNSTONE - Stressed the need to fund tobacco SITKA cessation programs and pointed to tobacco settlement funds as a funding source. Ms. Johnstone spoke in support of the Governor's request for increased funding for alcohol and drug abuse programs.  971 DALE STONE - Spoke in support for full funding for the PETERSBURG Department of Public Safety and all the Village Public Officers funding.  1130 At-Ease 6:55 p.m.   End of recess: 7:15 p.m.  1151 RUTHAMAE KARR - Stressed the need to fund tobacco FAIRBANKS cessation programs and pointed to tobacco settlement funds as a funding source. Alaskans are over 38% tobacco users.  1334 Representative Asked what programs would be effective. Hudson He asked for her to submit that information.  1376 Ms. Karr Explained that there would need to be a comprehensive program. She offered to provide that information.  1401 JIM KNOSKE - Voiced support for full funding for the FAIRBANKS Department of Public Safety and the VPSO  15% increases.  1522 MARTA MUELLER - Testified in support of full funding for FAIRBANKS the University of Alaska and support the budget provided by the Governor. She recommended capping the Permanent Fund Dividend and also adds a personal property tax.  1658 VERA BECKER - Stressed the need to fund tobacco FAIRBANKS cessation programs and pointed to tobacco settlement funds as a funding source.  1780 RUTH L'HOMMEDIEU - Encouraged further funding for FAIRBANKS Independent Living Centers throughout the State.  1901 DAVID JACOBSON - Encouraged further funding for FAIRBANKS Independent Living Centers throughout the State.  2032 COLLEEN CHINN - Noted support for greater funding for the FAIRBANKS infant learning program.  2165 TIM DORAN - Expressed support for the recommendations FAIRBANKS of the Education Task Force Report. Testified in support of additional funding for education.  2341 Representative Questioned if enrollment is down in the Hudson Fairbanks North Star Borough  2356 Mr. Doran Acknowledged that enrollment is down, however, emphasized that the needs of the kids is great. He noted that kids today are not prepared for school.    TAPE HFC 01 - 38,  Side B  28 Vice-Chair Bunde Questioned if Fairbanks had taken advantage of school quality school grants.  62 Mr. Doran Stated that they had taken advantage of some of the quality school programs and gave examples.  129 Vice-Chair Bunde Noted that schools needed to align with the elementary benchmark and asked what information was provided.  161 Mr. Doran Responded that goals and objectives were aligned with State standards. He was confident that the majority of their students would pass.  467 BETTY DUPEE - Testified in support of full funding for FAIRBANKS the University of Alaska.  524 BRIAN BRUBAKER - Testified in support of full funding for FAIRBANKS the University of Alaska.  604 JEFF WALTERS - Testified in support of additional FAIRBANKS funding for education. He noted the need to protect art in school.  836 JOE HARDENBROOK - Testified in support of full funding for FAIRBANKS the University of Alaska.  976 JOHN ASHCRAFT Testified in support of full funding for the University of Alaska.  1048 JERI LANIER - Testified in support of the mental health FAIRBANKS budget. Testified in support of the Governor's request for increased funding for alcohol and drug abuse programs.  ADJOURNMENT  The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.