SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE March 25, 2009 9:06 a.m. 9:06:39 AM CALL TO ORDER Co-Chair Hoffman called the Senate Finance Committee meeting to order at 9:06 a.m. MEMBERS PRESENT Senator Lyman Hoffman, Co-Chair Senator Bert Stedman, Co-Chair Senator Charlie Huggins, Vice-Chair Senator Johnny Ellis Senator Donny Olson Senator Joe Thomas MEMBERS ABSENT None ALSO PRESENT   JUNEAU:    Jill Dumesnil, University of Alaska; David Means, Director of Administration, Juneau School ; Jim King, University of Alaska Alumni Association, Board Member; Andi Story, Juneau School District Board Member; Connie Munro, advocate for the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI); Joy Lyon, Association for Education of Young Children; Candace Winhler, CEO. Alaska Child Care Resource and Refferal Network; Kathie Wasserman, Executive Director, Alaska Municipal League; Saralyn Tabachnick, Executive Director of AWARE; Stephanie Burglund, Program Manager Childcare Connection; Patricia Dobbins, volunteer, National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI); Judy Klein, Secretary, UAF Cooperative Council; Louise Galvin, Polaris House; Darrel Wilkerson, member of the Polaris House; Tina Young, employee of Polaris House. PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE KENAI, VALDEZ, KETCHIKAN, KODIAK, SEWARD, MATSU,  GLENNALLEN, TOK:    Michael Jenkins, Fire Chief, Gakona Volunteer Fire Department, Gakona; Megan Hanifen, Women In Safe Homes, Ketchikan; Mimi Eddy, Ruralcap, Women In Safe Homes, Ketchikan; Jerry Kiffer, Ketchikan; Cathy Lecompte, Campus Director, Ua Ketchikan; Hannah Martin, Student, Ua Ketchikan; Karen Eakes, Advisory Board Member, Ketchikan; Wendy Gierard, Assistant Director, Workforce Development, Ua Southeast, Ketchikan; Laurie Booyse, Allen Marine Tours, Ketchikan; Patti Mackey, Executive Director, Ketchikan Visitor's Bureau; Roberta Mccreary, Ua Community Advisory Board, Ketchikan Youth Initiative, Ketchikan; Ed Zastrow, President, AARP, Ketchikan; Elizabeth Dunn, Seaview Community Services, Seward; Lauren Jones, Seward; Dennis Brodigan, Director, Emergency Services, Matsu; Vern Rupright, Mayor, Wasilla; Dan Stearns, Communications, City Of Wasilla, Matsu; Jean Woods, Self, Matsu; Noel Woods, Self, Matsu; Jeremy Pike, Alaska Addiction Rehabilitation Services, Matsu; Elizabeth Kershner, Alaska Addiction Rehabilitation Services, Matsu; Adrian Day, Alaska Addiction Rehabilitation Services, Matsu; Denise Oliver, Alaska Addiction Rehabilitation Services, Matsu; Teddy Von Scheele, Alaska Addiction Rehabilitation Services, Matsu; Shelley Edwards, Alaska Addiction Rehabilitation Services, Matsu; Marion Elliot, Self, Matsu; Linda Conover, President, Matsu School Foundation, Matsu; Sadie Updike, Child Care Connection, Kenai. FAIRBANKS:    Paul W Maki, President Alaska Interior Marksmanship Committee; Tim Beck, Assembly member, Fairbanks Northstar Borough, past President, Alaska Municipal League (AML); Karen Purdue, University of Alaska; Paloma Harbour, University of Alaska; Brenda Stanfill, Interior Alaska Center for Non- Violent Living; Amelia Topkok, University of Alaska; Nancy Wagner, Superintendent Fairbanks Northstar Borough School District FNSB; Scott Reisland, Denali Grizzly Bear resort; Jack Wilbur, President, Design Alaska; Jeff Werner, Director, UAF Future Farmers; Luke Hopkins, Assembly member for Fairbanks North Star Borough (FNSB); Lillian Ruedrich, Director of the Area Health Education Center (AHEC) for the Fairbanks Memorial Hospital(FMH); Jeannette Grast, President, National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI); Taber Rehbaum, Representative for Arctic Alliance for people; Diane Shoemaker, Alaska Travel Industry; Cheryl Kilgore, Executive Director, Interior Community Health Center (ICHC); Jim Lynch, Chief Financial Officer for Fairbanks Memorial Hospital (FMH); Lenetta Colbert, adjunct professor University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), Director, Open Arms Childcare Center; Jeff Tucker, Alaska Land Mobile Radio System Executive Council; Cheryl Keepers, FNSB Early Childhood Commission. ANCHORAGE:  John Riley Coordinator, Physicians Assistant Program, UAA; Charlene Spadafore Vassar, Executive Director, Anchorage Project Access; Evan Evanson, Student, Physician Assistant Program, UAA; Beth Landon, Director, Alaska Center for Rural Health, UAA; Thomas Wood, MD, Anchorage Project Access; Tom Morgan, Community in Schools, Eagle River; Judy Cordell, AWAIC, Self; Kim Peterson, UAA; Grant Baker, School of Engineering, UAA; Allen Bailey, President, AWAIC; Marsha Barton, Self, Tourism Industry; Patty Ginsburg, Chief of Staff to Mayor of Anchorage; Sheila Wright, Board Member, Alaska Public Health Association; Beth Sirles, Director, School of Social Work, UAA; Jessica Weller, Advocate, STAR; Barbara Brown, Best Beginnings; Terrie Chang, Librarian, Anchorage Public Library Ready to Read Resource Center; Abbie Hensley, Executive Director, Best Beginnings; Lori Zaumseil, CANWIN; Robyn Henry, Rural Human Services, UAF; Arliss Sturgulewski; Karl Wing, Student Body President, UAA. SITKA, WRANGELL, PETERSBURG, HOMER, DILLINGHAM, CORDOVA:  Peter Hoepfner, Board President, Cordova Family Resource Center, Cordova; Barbara Smith, Vice President, Cordova Family Resource Center, Cordova; Krissy Smith, Krissy's Playland/ ECE, Wrangell; Andy Taylor, Parent, Wrangell; Angela Allen, Parent, Wrangell; Jeremy Maxand, Wrangell Assembly, Wrangell; Toni Carrington, Resident, Sitka; Debbie Reeder, Sitka; Deb Miller, Small Business Owner, Nursing Student, Sitka; Erika Parker, Resident, Sitka; Ellen Trimble, Nurse, Sitka; Chris Bauman, Sitka; Susanne Howey, Sitka; Cornelia Huebsotten, Sitka; Michael Biggers, Petersburg; Kim Kilkenny, Petersburg; John A. Yarbrough, Petersburg; Jennifer A. Ray, Petersburg; Deanna Hardin, Dillingham. BETHEL, KOTZEBUE, BARROW, NOME, DELTA JUNCTION, OFFNETS:  Jacqueline Hardy, Anchorage; Jordan Nigro, Juneau Youth Services, Juneau; Martha Flores, Physicians Assistance, Bethel; Larry Elarton, Chief of Police, Bethel; Lauri O'Brien, Bethel; Diane McEachern, Rural Human Services Program, UAF, Bethel; Maureen Nolan, Early Learning and Learning Program, Kotzebue; Sarah Saxton, Youth Services Librarian, Barrow; Richard Beneville, Nome; Joy Hewitt, Nome; Janet Ahmasuk, Rural Victims Service Program, Nome; Samaria Ross, Nome; John Bockman, Nome; Lisa Riley, Barrow; Wanda Baltazar, Nikaitchaut; Michelle Dewitt, TWC, Bethel; Dan Leinburger, City of Bethel; Michelle Dakai, Kotzebue; Ginny Walsh, AWIC, Barrow; Eleanor Oyagak, AWIC, Barrow; Mary Pete, Bethel; Michael Paschall, Rural Deltana Volunteer Fire Department, Delta Junction; Barbara Pardee, Haines School District; Julie Folta, Haines School District Michelle Byer, Haines School District; Sandy June Degen, Haines School District; Kim Phillips, Self; Amanda Metivier, Foster Care Alaska, Anchorage; Yvonne Chase, CEO, Denali Family Services, Anchorage; Carl Ekstrom, Change Point; Mary Sullivan, Self; Margaret Bauer, Best Beginnings, Anchorage; Doug White, ACS, Director, Community Programs; Rebecca Carlson, Self; Jennifer Yoeman, Foster Parent, Haines; Vide Van Velzor, Foster Parent, Haines; John Warek, Pharmacist, Haines; Judith Renwick, Self; Meg Loomis, Student, UAA; Brad Alexander, Foster Parent; Summer Lefevre, Chair National Association of Social Workers; Unknown, Bethel. GENERAL SUBJECT(S): The following overview was taken in log note format. Handouts will be on file with the House Finance Committee through the 26th Legislative Session, contact 465-6814. After the 26th Legislative Session they will be available through the Legislative Library at 465-3808. HB 81-APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUNDS HB 83-APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET Statewide Public Testimony   TIME SPEAKER DISCUSSION  JUNEAU  9:10:16 AM Testified in support of the University JILL DUMESNIL, of Alaska. She spoke in support of  PROFFESOR, program.  UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA 9:12:10 AM Testified in support of funding for K- DAVID MEANS, 12 education programs. He spoke in DIRECTOR OF support of the acceptance of federal ADMINISTRATION stimulus funds.  , JUNEAU SCHOOL DISTRICT 9:13:55 AM CO-CHAIR Stated that a decision determining HOFFMAN which stimulus funds would be accepted had not yet been made. He noted that a resolution was introduced to allow acceptance of funds.  9:14:48 AM Urged support for the Regent's request JIM KING, for full funding for the University of UNIVERSITY OF Alaska.  ALASKA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, BOARD MEMBER 9:18:23 AM Testified in support of funding for the ANDREA STORY, K-12 education outreach program. She JUNEAU SCHOOL urged support for funding for K-12 DISTRICT BOARD education programs.  MEMBER 9:21:41 AM Spoke in support of funding for mental CONNIE MUNRO, health programs. She stated that she ADVOCATE FOR was available to help with issues THE NATIONAL concerning the mentally ill.  ALLIANCE FOR THE MENTALLY ILL (NAMI) 9:25:36 AM SENATOR Stated that he would appreciate Ms. HUGGINS Munro's contact information.   9:26:08 AM Testified in support of funding for the JOY LYON, Infant Learning Program. She expressed EXECUTIVE support for continued funding for child DIRECTOR, advocacy centers.  ASSOCIATION FOR EDUCATION OF YOUNG CHILDREN. 9:29:01 AM Spoke in support of funding for the CANDACE Infant Learning Program. She expressed WINHLER, CEO. support for continued funding for child ALASKA CHILD advocacy centers. She requested $400 CARE RESOURCE thousand for Best Beginnings. She AND REFERRAL expressed appreciation for the NETWORK acceptance of the economic stimulus funds. She requested reappropriation of $3 million for childcare assistance  Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual TABACHNICK, Assault. She expressed her appreciation EXECUTIVE for the funding. DIRECTOR OF   ARMING WOMEN AGAINST RAPE AND ENDANGERMENT (AWARE) 9:38:15 AM Expressed support for continued funding STEPHANIE for child advocacy centers.  BURGLUND, PROGRAM MANAGER CHILDCARE CONNECTION 9:39:58 AM Testified in support of funding for PATRICIA mental health programs. She shared a DOBBINS, personal story about her mother who VOLUNTEER, suffered from mental illness. She spoke NATIONAL in favor of funding to improve school ALLIANCE FOR based mental health services.  THE MENTALLY ILL (NAMI) 9:43:40 AM Spoke in support of the Governor's JUDY KLEIN, increments for the University. She SECRETARY, testified in support of the Regent's  UNIVERSITY OF University of Alaska.  FAIRBANKS (UAF) COOPERATIVE COUNCIL 9:46:48 AM Spoke in support of funding for mental LOUISE GALVIN, health programs.  POLARIS HOUSE 9:48:06 AM Urged support for funding for mental DARREL health programs. He stated that the WILKERSON, program was responsible for additional MEMBER OF THE services that provided him great POLARIS HOUSE benefit. The program helped him to find permanent employment and housing.  9:49:09 AM Testified in support of funding for TINA YOUNG, mental health programs.  EMPLOYEE OF POLARIS HOUSE 9:50:08 AM Thanked the city of Juneau for the CO-CHAIR testimonies.  HOFFMAN 9:50:37 AM  AT EASE KENAI, VALDEZ, KETCHIKAN, KODIAK,  SEWARD, MATSU, GLENNALLEN, TOK  10:08:24 AM RECONVENED  10:09:12 AM MICHAEL Urged support of funds for Alaska Land JENKINS, FIRE Mobile Radio (ALMR) program. He CHIEF, GAKONA described the importance of VOLUNTEER FIRE communications for emergency services DEPARTMENT, for volunteer.  GAKONA 10:11:36 AM Spoke in support of full funding for MEGAN HANIFEN, the Council on Domestic Violence and WOMEN IN SAFE Sexual Assault. HOMES,   KETCHIKAN 10:12:32 AM Testified in support of full funding MIMI EDDY, for the Council on Domestic Violence RURALCAP, and Sexual Assault. WOMEN IN SAFE   HOMES, KETCHIKAN 10:13:02 AM Urged support for ALMR program.  JERRY KIFFER, KETCHIKAN 10:14:59 AM Spoke in support of the Regent's CATHY request for full funding for the LECOMPTE, University of Alaska.  CAMPUS DIRECTOR, UA KETCHIKAN 10:16:46 AM Urged support for the Regent's request HANNAH MARTIN, for full funding for the University of  and especially the Pioneer Homes and PRESIDENT, Veterans' Homes, and Meals on Wheels. Alaska He pointed out that those on a fixed Association of income, especially seniors, are Retired affected by the economic downturn.  Persons (AARP), KETCHIKAN 10:27:07 AM Pointed to stimulus funding for senior Co-Chair meals for Alaskan seniors.  Stedman 10:28:07 AM Has a child in the individual learning ELIZABETH program and spoke in support of DUNN, SEAVIEW education and services for children  COMMUNITY SERVICES, SEWARD 10:30:15 AM Testified in support for early learning LAUREN JONES, programs, especially the infant SEWARD learning program, and for programs for children with special needs. She discussed challenges for parents of special needs children in rural areas.  10:31:47 AM Opposed the garnishment of revenue DENNIS sharing funds. He supported the ALMR BRODIGAN, system. He described emergency services DIRECTOR, in his area. He was concerned about EMERGENCY cutting the number of radios.  SERVICES, MATSU 10:34:58 AM Urged support for the ALMR program.  VERN RUPRIGHT, MAYOR, WASILLA 10:35:51 AM Spoke in support of the ALMR program. DAN STEARNS, Assessing a fee would force local and COMMUNICATIONS municipal communities off the ALMR , CITY OF system.  WASILLA, MATSU 10:37:26 AM Testified in support of a gas tax to JEAN WOODS, raise funds. She urged making SELF, MATSU reductions.  10:38:50 AM Stated concerns with the size of the NOEL WOODS, budget. He suggested an efficiency SELF, MATSU study on state operations.  10:39:40 AM Advocated for funding for substance JEREMY PIKE, abuse grants and treatment programs.  ALASKA ADDICTION REHABILITATION SERVICES, MATSU 10:41:52 AM Advocated for funding for substance ELIZABETH abuse grants and treatment programs. KERSHNER, She was concerned about the effect of ALASKA cutting the funding on individuals with ADDICTION addictions.  REHABILITATION SERVICES, MATSU 10:43:06 AM Advocated for funding for substance ADRIAN DAY, abuse grants and treatment programs.  ALASKA ADDICTION REHABILITATION SERVICES, MATSU 10:43:41 AM Advocated for funding for substance DENISE OLIVER, abuse grants and treatment programs.  ADDICTION not live near a treatment center.  REHABILITATION SERVICES, MATSU 10:45:11 AM Advocated for funding for substance TEDDY VON abuse grants and treatment programs. He SCHEELE, described the Pathways program for ALASKA homeless and addicted individuals.  ADDICTION REHABILITATION SERVICES, MATSU 10:46:10 AM Advocated for funding for substance SHELLEY abuse grants and treatment programs. EDWARDS, She described changes in her life.  ALASKA ADDICTION REHABILITATION SERVICES, MATSU 10:47:08 AM Spoke in support of a natural refuge in MARION ELLIOT, Southcentral Region, especially a need SELF, MATSU for a refuge manager. She advocated for funding for substance abuse grants and treatment programs.  10:50:48 AM Urged support of early childhood LINDA CONOVER, education program. She spoke of the PRESIDENT, Imagination Library and described MATSU SCHOOL impacts for young children.  FOUNDATION, MATSU 10:53:00 AM Testified in support of early childhood SADIE UPDIKE, education programs, especially Best CHILD CARE Beginnings.  CONNECTION, KENAI 10:54:50 AM  RECESS 1:34:38 PM  RECONVENED FAIRBANKS  1:34:46 PM Spoke in regard to HB 81 and a cut in PAUL W MAKI, the Department of Fish and Game's PRESIDENT budget. The Interior Marksman Committee ALASKA provides hunter education, bear INTERIOR protection, firearm safety, and the MARKSMANSHIP honor education courses required by COMMITTEE state regulation. He asked for restoration of the federal funding for the three shooting ranges used for education purposes.  1:39:09 PM Testified in favor of revenue sharing TIM BECK, for municipalities.  FAIRBANKS NORTHSTAR BOROUGH, PAST PRESIDENT, ALASKA MUNICIPAL LEAGUE (AML)  1:40:25 PM Urged support for the Regent's request KAREN PURDUE, for full funding for the University of UNIVERSITY OF Alaska. She spoke in support of funding ALASKA a physician assistant program.  1:42:56 PM Testified in support of funding for the PALOMA University of Alaska. She spoke in HARBOUR, support of the Governor's increments UNIVERSITY OF for the University.  ALASKA 1:44:46 PM Testified in support of full funding BRENDA for the Council on Domestic Violence STANFILL, and Sexual Assault. INTERIOR   ALASKA CENTER FOR NON- VIOLENT LIVING 1:46:13 PM Urged support for the Regent's request AMELIA TOPKOK, for full funding for the University of UNIVERSITY OF Alaska. She spoke in support of the ALASKA Governor's increments for the University. She spoke in favor of funding for culturally appropriate training programs.  1:48:29 PM Testified in support of funding for the NANCY WAGNER, Infant Learning Program. She spoke in SUPERINTENDENT favor of books in the home to FAIRBANKS accelerate and promote early reading NORTHSTAR for children. She spoke on behalf of BOROUGH SCHOOL Best Beginnings.  DISTRICT 1:51:55 PM Stated that a $2 million increment over CO-CHAIR the funding for Head Start last year is HOFFMAN included in the budget. He stated that the legislature had also included $1.6 million for Pre-K. He asked if Best Beginnings is a better program. He wondered if the legislature should consider Best Beginnings over the Head Start and Pre-K programs.  1:52:37 PM Suggested that a combination of the MS. WAGNER existing programs and Best Beginnings is the ideal solution. She stated that most Head Start programs begin at age three. She informed that Best Beginnings program would allow parents and guardians to have resources  request for full funding for the RUEDRICH, University of Alaska. She Urged support DIRECTOR OF for the Governor's increments for the THE AREA University. The AHEC program receives HEALTH the bulk of its funding from a federal EDUCATION grant that runs through the UAA school CENTER (AHEC) of nursing.  FOR THE FAIRBANKS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (FMH) 2:05:37 PM Testified in support of funding for JEANNETTE mental health programs. She testified GRAST, in support of funding for alcohol PRESIDENT, treatment programs. She shared NATIONAL professional stories about the mentally ALLIANCE FOR ill. She urged continued support for  Infant Learning Program. She expressed COLBERT, support for continued funding for child ADJUNCT advocacy centers. She suggested using PROFESSOR the economic stimulus money to benefit UNIVERSITY OF children.  ALASKA FAIRBANKS (UAF), DIRECTOR, OPEN ARMS CHILDCARE CENTER 2:22:32 PM Testified in favor of full funding for JEFF TUCKER, local municipal users as submitted in ALASKA LAND the budget on behalf of the Department MOBILE RADIO of Administrations (DOA) budget. He SYSTEM stated that this funding will allow  COUNCIL work with the DOA to determine the local share of the operations of maintenance.  2:23:41 PM Expressed support for continued funding CHERYL for child advocacy centers. She spoke KEEPERS, FNSB in support of funding for the Infant EARLY Learning Program. She stated that the CHILDHOOD best use of the economic stimulus COMMISSION dollars is not for childcare assistance.  2:26:17 PM Expressed appreciation for the Senator Thomas testimony.  2:31:04 PM  RECONVENED ANCHORAGE  2:32:03 PM Supports full funding of health care JOHN RILEY learning for the University of Alaska. COORDINATOR, He described a new program with a PHYSICIANS mission to train Physicians Assistants ASSISTANT to work with the underserved in rural PROGRAM, UAA areas.  2:35:24 PM Supported increments for health care CHARLENE and described needs for primary care. SPADAFORE Anchorage Project Access would like to VASSAR, be reinstated in the current budget.  EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ANCHORAGE PROJECT ACCESS 2:38:26 PM Supports funding for health care EVAN EVANSON, education programs. He does not want to STUDENT, leave the state to be educated. He PHYSICIAN urged supporting quality healthcare.  ASSISTANT PROGRAM, UAA 2:39:56 PM Supports full funding for the BETH LANDON, university health care learning DIRECTOR, program. She emphasized that there is a ALASKA CENTER large Alaskan workforce in healthcare.  FOR RURAL HEALTH, UAA 2:43:32 PM Expressed concerns about $250,000 THOMAS WOOD, budget decrease for the project. He MD, ANCHORAGE described needs for people without PROJECT ACCESS health insurance. Anchorage Project Access serves many that are not eligible for Medicare or Medicaid.  2:44:25 PM Urged support for funding for K-12 TOM MORGAN, education programs. He described COMMUNITY IN programs that are effective and need SCHOOLS, EAGLE funding.  RIVER 2:46:04 PM Testified in support of full funding  JUDY CORDELL, AWAIC, SELF and Sexual Assault. She spoke in support of the amendment to add $30,000 general fund for foster homes services.  2:49:18 PM Spoke in support of the Governor's KIM PETERSON, request for funding of the Integrated UAA Science Building. He noted that operating costs would be required for the facility.  2:51:50 PM Testified in support of the Governor's GRANT BAKER, request for funding of the Integrated SCHOOL OF Science Building. He reported that ENGINEERING, enrollment is high and the program UAA prepares many Alaskans from all over the state for jobs. He referred to a $750,000 cut to the program's budget.  2:54:32 PM Reported that the petitions had been SENATOR ELLIS received.  2:54:54 PM Urged support for full funding for the ALLEN BAILEY, Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual PRESIDENT, Assault. The shelter is the largest in ABUSED WOMEN'S Alaska but has been up to over 50 AID IN CRISIS percent over capacity for past months.  (AWAIC) 2:56:23 PM Spoke in support for tourism funding. MARSHA BARTON, She pointed out that other states were SELF, TOURISM competing for limited business.  INDUSTRY 2:57:37 PM Testified in support of the Governor's PATTY request for funding of the Integrated GINSBURG, Science Building. The facility will be CHIEF OF STAFF the background for education at UAA. TO MAYOR OF She also supports funding to expand ANCHORAGE health programs state-wide.  2:59:39 PM Spoke in support of the Regent's SHEILA WRIGHT, request for full funding for the BOARD MEMBER, University of Alaska, especially the ALASKA PUBLIC Physicians Assistant program. She HEALTH emphasized the importance of health ASSOCIATION care workforce training in the state.  3:01:32 PM Spoke in support of the Regent's BETH SIRLES, request for full funding for the DIRECTOR, University of Alaska, particularly SCHOOL OF health care training program. She SOCIAL WORK, stated that Masters of Social Work UAA degree is important in Alaska for health care.  3:03:54 PM Testified in support of full funding JESSICA for the Council on Domestic Violence WELLER, and Sexual Assault.  ADVOCATE, STAR 3:04:38 PM Urged support for funding for the BARBARA BROWN, libraries and the Infant Learning BEST Program. She stressed the importance of  reading to young children. She asked for the full funding of $400,000.  3:07:20 PM Supported full funding of $400,000 for TERRIE CHANG, Best Beginnings and early learning LIBRARIAN, programs. She described experiences ANCHORAGE with success with reading programs and PUBLIC LIBRARY early childhood programs. She READY TO READ encouraged a coordination of efforts.  RESOURCE CENTER 3:09:16 PM Testified in support of early learning ABBIE HENSLEY, education. She supported funding for EXECUTIVE Head Start and other programs. She DIRECTOR, BEST requested the full funding of $400,000 BEGINNINGS and matching funds for an early childhood program.  3:14:35 PM Spoke in support of the Regent's LORI ZAUMSEIL, request for full funding for the CANWIN University of Alaska. She described experience with support from the university cooperative extension in addressing invasive plants issues.  3:17:05 PM Testified in support of the Regent's ROBYN HENRY, request for full funding for the RURAL HUMAN University of Alaska. Urged support for SERVICES, UAF funding for mental health programs, especially programs for training counselors.  3:19:35 PM Supported the legislature's approach to ARLISS the economic stimulus funds. She spoke STURGULEWSKI in support of the Regent's request for full funding for the University of Alaska, especially health care training. She spoke in support of the Governor's request for funding of the Integrated Science Building.  3:21:08 PM Testified in support of the Regent's KARL WING, request for full funding for the STUDENT BODY University of Alaska. He spoke in PRESIDENT, UAA support of the Governor's request for funding of the Integrated Science Building. He also supported the incentive program to give students alternative ways to fund education.  3:28:09 PM  RECESS 4:05:06 PM  RECONVENED SITKA, WRANGELL, PETERSBURG, HOMER,  DILLINGHAM, CORDOVA  4:06:11 PM Testified in support of full funding PETER for the Council on Domestic Violence HOEPFNER, and Sexual Assault. BOARD   CORDOVA FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER, CORDOVA  4:07:21 PM Urged support for full funding for the BARBARA SMITH, Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual VICE Assault. PRESIDENT,   CORDOVA FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER, CORDOVA 4:08:10 PM Spoke in support of funding for the KRISSY SMITH, Infant Learning Program. She cited KRISSY'S specifically Best Beginnings. She also PLAYLAND/ ECE, mentioned examining the childcare co- WRANGELL pay guidelines. She felt the currents guidelines are too high.  4:10:14 PM ANDY TAYLOR, Testified in favor of lowering PARENT, qualification guidelines for childcare WRANGELL co-pay.  4:11:30 PM ANGELA ALLEN, Shared concern for Denali Kid Care PARENT, eligibility requirements. She stressed WRANGELL that expenses paid out by her family should not be considered as income when filling out the Denali Kid Care application. She urged further examination of Denali Kid Care guidelines.  4:13:32 PM JEREMY MAXAND, Spoke in favor examining guidelines for WRANGELL Denali Kid Care. He also mentioned the ASSEMBLY, importance of energy conservation WRANGELL within the state.  4:15:06 PM CO-CHAIR Stated that the issues were being STEDMAN discussed.  4:15:32 PM TONI Asked for support of full funding for CARRINGTON, the University of Alaska, Sitka. Spoke in support of the Regent's request for RESIDENT, full funding for the University of SITKA Alaska.  4:16:33 PM DEBBIE REEDER Testified in support for tourism funding.  4:17:34 PM Urged support for the Regent's request DEB MILLER, for full funding for the University of SMALL BUSINESS Alaska.  OWNER, NURSING STUDENT, SITKA 4:18:32 PM Spoke in support of the Regent's ERIKA PARKER, request for full funding for the  SITKA encouraged full funding for healthcare programs.  4:19:43 PM Testified in support of the Regent's ELLEN TRIMBLE, request for full funding for the NURSE, SITKA University of Alaska.  4:20:40 PM Spoke in support of full funding for CHRIS BAUMAN, the Council on Domestic Violence and SITKA Sexual Assault.   4:21:19 PM Urged support for the Regent's request SUSANNE HOWEY, for full funding for the University of SITKA Alaska. Testified in support of the Governor's increments for the University.  4:23:08 PM Spoke in support of funding for mental CORNELIA health programs. Spoke in support of HUEBSOTTEN, full funding for the Council on SITKA Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.  4:25:03 PM Testified in favor of HB 83. Urged MICHAEL support for funding for mental health BIGGERS, programs. Urged support for the PETERSBURG Governor's increment for behavioral health services grants.  4:27:07 PM Urged support for the Governor's KIM KILKENNY, increment for behavioral health PETERSBURG services grants. Testified in support of funding for mental health programs. Spoke of the great expense in health care.  4:28:50 PM Urged support for the Governor's JOHN A. increment for behavioral health YARBROUGH, services grants. Spoke in support of PETERSBURG funding for mental health programs.  4:30:04 PM Testified in support of funding for JENNIFER A. mental health programs. Urged support RAY, for the Governor's increment for PETERSBURG behavioral health services grants.  4:31:01 PM Spoke in support of the Governor's DEANNA HARDIN, increments for the University. Urged DILLINGHAM support for the distance program degree.  4:35:32 PM  RECESS   5:02:57 PM RECONVENED Bethel, Kotzebue, Barrow, Nome, Delta Junction, Offnets  Testified in support of funding for 5:04:11 PM JACQUELINE foster care.  HARDY, ANCHORAGE Supports funding for youth programs.  SERVICES, JUNEAU  Asked for restoration of health 5:06:24 PM MARTHA FLORES, education funding, especially the PHYSICIANS Physicians Assistance program. She ASSISTANCE, reported the difficulty of getting BETHEL medical personnel.  Supported a civilian service patrol 5:07:46 PM LARRY ELARTON, program. He supported a sleep-off CHIEF OF center.  POLICE, BETHEL Spoke in support of the Regent's 5:09:25 PM LAURI O'BRIEN, request for full funding for the BETHEL University of Alaska. She supported UAA health professional development programs. She also Urged support for the Governor's increment for behavioral health services grants.  Spoke in support of the Regent's 5:11:12 PM DIANE request for full funding for the MCEACHERN, University of Alaska, especially for RURAL HUMAN educational services in rural areas. SERVICES She noted there are over 100 students PROGRAM, UAF, currently enrolled. Retention and BETHEL graduation are at 95 percent.  Testified in support of Child Care 5:14:11 PM MAUREEN NOLAN, Assistance Funding, and early learning EARLY LEARNING programs.  AND LEARNING PROGRAM, KOTZEBUE Supported the Best Beginnings in the 5:15:32 PM SARAH SAXTON, Department of Education and Early YOUTH SERVICES Development's early development LIBRARIAN, program. She described the results from BARROW early reading.  Urged support of state tourism. He 5:17:40 PM RICHARD pointed out how important the industry BENEVILLE, is in the state.  NOME Testified in support of Best 5:18:18 PM JOY HEWITT, Beginnings. She talked about the NOME Imagination Library which distributes books to children under five.  Testified in support of full funding 5:19:18 PM JANET AHMASUK, for the Council on Domestic Violence RURAL VICTIMS and Sexual Assault. SERVICE PROGRAM, NOME   Urged support for full funding for the 5:20:19 PM SAMARIA ROSS, Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual NOME Assault.    Testified in support of the Regent's 5:20:50 PM JOHN BOCKMAN, request for full funding for the NOME University of Alaska.   Spoke in support of full funding for 5:21:33 PM LISA RILEY, the Council on Domestic Violence and BARROW Sexual Assault. She expressed her gratitude for the committees support in the matter.   Spoke in full support of the Best 5:22:40 PM WANDA Beginnings program. Testified in BALTAZAR, support of funding for the Infant NIKAITCHAUT Learning Program.  Urged support for the Rural Community 5:24:05 PM MICHELLE Services Program.  DEWITT, TWC, BETHEL Voiced concern regarding troubling 5:25:29 PM DAN intent language concerning cuts in the LEINBURGER, ALMR program.  CITY OF BETHEL Testified in support of full funding 5:26:36 PM MICHELLE for the Council on Domestic Violence DAKAI, and Sexual Assault. Spoke in support of KOTZEBUE funding for the Infant Learning Program. She cited Best Beginnings. She supported the amendment of HB126 for foster parent recruitment PSAs, specifically for native children.  Testified in support of full funding 5:28:24 PM GINNY WALSH, for the Council on Domestic Violence AWIC, BARROW and Sexual Assault.  Spoke in support of full funding for 5:29:15 PM ELEANOR the Council on Domestic Violence and OYAGAK, AWIC, Sexual Assault.  BARROW Testified in support of the Regent's 5:29:41 PM MARY PETE, request for full funding for the BETHEL University of Alaska.  Urged support for the ALMR program.  5:31:07 PM MICHAEL PASCHALL, RURAL DELTANA VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, DELTA JUNCTION Testified in support of the Best 5:32:14 PM BARBARA Beginnings program and the Imagination PARDEE, HAINES Library.  SCHOOL DISTRICT Spoke in support of the Best Beginnings  HAINES SCHOOL DISTRICT Spoke in support of the Bright 5:34:08 PM MICHELLE BYER, Beginnings program and the Imagination HAINES SCHOOL Library.  DISTRICT Testified in support of the Best 5:34:43 PM SANDY JUNE Beginnings program and the Imagination DEGEN, HAINES Library.  SCHOOL DISTRICT Urged support for funding for the 5:35:42 PM KIM PHILLIPS, Infant Learning Program. She SELF specifically cited the importance of the Best Beginnings Program.  Spoke in support of $30,000 for foster 5:37:40 PM AMANDA parents and children.  METIVIER, FOSTER CARE ALASKA, ANCHORAGE Testified in support of HB126 which 5:38:32 PM YVONNE CHASE, pertains to advertisements for foster CEO, DENALI care program PSAs. Spoke in support of FAMILY the Regent's request for full funding SERVICES, for the University of Alaska.  ANCHORAGE Testified in support of $30,000 for 5:40:25 PM CARL EKSTROM, Office of Children's Services.  CHANGE POINT Urged support for $30,000 for the 5:41:26 PM MARY SULLIVAN, Office of Children's Services.  SELF Spoke in support for Best Beginnings 5:42:20 PM MARGARET and Early Childhood Education. She BAUER, BEST requested that the $30,000 no come for BEGINNINGS, the stimulus funds.  ANCHORAGE Testified in support of funding of 5:43:43 PM DOUG WHITE, $30,000 for foster care program ACS, DIRECTOR, advertising.  COMMUNITY PROGRAMS Spoke in support of funding for foster 5:45:21 PM REBECCA care programs. She stressed that more CARLSON, SELF foster parents need to be recruited.  Spoke in support or $30,000 in funding 5:46:50 PM JENNIFER for foster parent PSAs.  YOEMAN, FOSTER PARENT, HAINES Testified in support of $30,000 in 5:47:50 PM VIDE VAN funding for foster care PSAs.  VELZOR, FOSTER PARENT, HAINES Spoke in support of the Regent's 5:48:35 PM JOHN WAREK, request for full funding for the PHARMACIST, University of Alaska. He stressed HAINES support for pharmacist programs. He  felt that Alaska has special needs and would benefit from training pharmacists in-state.  Urged support for $30,000 in funding 5:50:27 PM JUDITH for foster care PSAs or foster parent RENWICK, SELF recruitment ads.  Testified in support of the $30,000 in 5:51:40 PM MEG LOOMIS, funding for statewide foster parent STUDENT, UAA recruitment ads.  Spoke in support for the $30,000 in 5:52:27 PM BRAD funding for statewide foster parent ALEXANDER, recruitment ads.  FOSTER PARENT Spoke in support of $30,000 in funding 5:54:10 PM SUMMER for statewide foster parent recruitment LEFEVRE, CHAIR ads.  NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS Testified in support of full funding 5:56:06 PM UNKNOWN, for the Council on Domestic Violence BETHEL and Sexual Assault. She said the additional of funds are greatly appreciated.   The meeting was adjourned at 5:56 PM.  # ADJOURNMENT