Legislature(2023 - 2024)ADAMS 519
03/28/2023 01:30 PM House FINANCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Amendments | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 39 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 41 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HOUSE BILL NO. 39
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and
loan program expenses of state government and for
certain programs; capitalizing funds; amending
appropriations; making reappropriations; making
supplemental appropriations; making appropriations
under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State
of Alaska, from the constitutional budget reserve
fund; and providing for an effective date."
HOUSE BILL NO. 41
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and
capital expenses of the state's integrated
comprehensive mental health program; and providing for
an effective date."
^AMENDMENTS
1:37:51 PM
Representative Cronk rescinded conceptual Amendment 1 to
Amendment N 64 [see minutes dated 3/28/23 9:00 a.m. for
details on the underlying and conceptual amendments].
Representative Coulombe MOVED to ADOPT conceptual Amendment
2 to Amendment N 64. The conceptual amendment would reduce
the $50,000 funding request to $10,000 [identical to the
rescinded conceptual Amendment 1].
Representative Stapp OBJECTED for discussion.
Representative Stapp stated that he did not see any issue
but wanted to know how much a sign from the Department of
Natural Resources (DNR) would cost.
Representative Coulombe replied that she did not know the
signage cost, but the official DNR signage needed was
minimal. She suggested the municipality [of Anchorage]
could contribute the remainder of the funding if $10,000
was inadequate.
Representative Stapp WITHDREW the OBJECTION.
Co-Chair Foster OBJECTED for discussion. He found the
$10,000 funding request to be much better than the $50,000
request. He expressed his intent that any remaining funds
lapse to the general fund. He WITHDREW the OBJECTION.
There being NO further OBJECTION, conceptual Amendment 1 to
Amendment N 64 was ADOPTED.
1:40:37 PM
Co-Chair Johnson noted that a motion to adopt Amendment N
64 had been made and spoken to. [Note: Representative
Josephson moved and explained the amendment in the 3/28/23
9:00 a.m. meeting. See separate minutes for detail.]
Representative Cronk agreed with the amendment but shared
that he had recently voted no on some things that were
important to him and many Alaskans; therefore, he could not
support the amendment.
Representative Stapp echoed comments by Representative
Cronk. He relayed that if it was the will of the members
from Anchorage he would vote yes, but he did not really
have a say in the argument. He would be happy to hear from
committee members from Anchorage on the matter.
Representative Coulombe replied that the issue included
state lands, which made it complex. She explained it was a
public lake [Campbell Lake], which had been viewed as a
private lake for a long time. She detailed that once people
learned it was a public lake, they started accessing it and
the situation had become dangerous in some cases. She
elaborated that people were fighting with each other and
homeowners were yelling at people. She supported clear
signage showing where the easement was located and where
the public could go. She reiterated that the amendment was
before the committee because state land was involved.
Representative Galvin shared that an Alaskan who lived on
the lake had provided written comment indicating the
problem had been going on for a long time. The individual
explained that the public paid twice for the dam
construction of Campbell Creek for the exclusive benefit of
private landowners and float plane owners. She communicated
the need for a legal, publicized public easement to access
the public waters.
Representative Tomaszewski shared that he had been
following the issue for numerous years. He viewed it as
public access for the general purpose. He stated that the
problems caused were a safety issue that needed to be
addressed. He remarked there were four homeowners who were
more involved than others. He could not imagine the
easements had not been clearly represented when homeowners
bought their houses. He wanted to see a resolution and felt
the amendment was the beginning of a resolution to the
problem.
Co-Chair Johnson commented that Big Lake also had a similar
problem. She knew there were a number of other lakes where
easements may not be clearly marked. She stated that
Campbell Lake seemed to have gotten substantial traction
because it involved a blogger and former state senator in a
dispute (more than a public outcry). She thought there was
much more time spent on the dispute than there needed to
be. She thought there were other locations that also
warranted easement signs, perhaps more than the one under
discussion. She remarked she knew the man who had built the
lake and some knowledge about the lake. She found it almost
embarrassing that the legislature was dealing with $10,000
on the issue because it had been repeatedly brought up in a
blog when there was a deficit of close to $1 billion. She
was slightly disturbed that the committee was spending time
on the topic when there were many more important issues.
She did not think it should be a priority issue. She would
vote against the amendment.
1:47:05 PM
Co-Chair Edgmon echoed Co-Chair Johnson comments. He
believed there was merit in the proposal. He had not been
aware of the issue previously and had not followed it on
the Landmine blog. He considered other amendments the
committee had spent substantial time on that had been
defeated including funding for seniors and disability
services due to a budget crunch. He stated that $10,000 was
small in the grand scheme of billions, but it was symbolic.
He could think of a couple of places where his district
could use signage. He remarked that there was merit, and it
was a public use issue. He asked if the legislature was to
fund one and not the others, which he found to be the big
issue. He would oppose the amendment.
Co-Chair Foster WITHDREW the OBJECTION.
Representative Cronk OBJECTED.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion to adopt Amendment
N 64.
IN FAVOR: Tomaszewski, Galvin, Hannan, Josephson, Ortiz,
Coulombe, Foster
OPPOSED: Cronk, Stapp, Edgmon, Johnson
The MOTION PASSED (7/4). There being NO further OBJECTION,
Amendment N 64 was ADOPTED.
1:49:06 PM
Representative Coulombe MOVED to ADOPT Amendment N 65 (copy
on file):
Agency: Natural Resources
Appropriation: Fire, Land & Water Resources
Allocation: Fire Suppression Activity
Transaction Details
Title: Additional Fire Suppression Funding to Reduce
Potential Supplemental Budget Requests
Section: Section 1
Type: Inc
Funding 1004 Gen Fund 31,359.0
Explanation
To fund fire suppression activity to the approximate
10-year average of actual costs ($45,000.0) so the
Department does not have to return for such large
supplemental request after the fire season. Unspent
funds will lapse into the general fund.
Co-Chair Foster OBJECTED.
Representative Coulombe stated the amendment was an attempt
to capitalize the fire suppression fund. She explained the
fund was intended to help with wildfire costs, but it had
been fairly inactive for a long time. She referenced a
presentation [to the committee] from the fire suppression
division reporting that costs were increasing. The
amendment was an attempt to get ahead of the issue before
being hit with a large supplemental request; however, in
light of the spring revenue forecast she WITHDREW the
amendment.
1:50:30 PM
Representative Coulombe MOVED to ADOPT Amendment N 66 (copy
on file):
Agency: Natural Resources
Appropriation: Parks & Outdoor Recreation
Allocation: Parks Management & Access
Transaction Details
Title: Add and Reclassify Positions for Chugach State
Park Improvements
Section: Section 1
Type: Inc
Line Items
Personal Services: 254.0
Services: 42.0
Commodities: 15.0
Grants: 25.0
Positions
Permanent Full-Time: 2
Permanent Part-Time: -1
Temporary: 4
Funding 336.0
Explanation
There has been a 47% increase in public use of Chugach
State Park since 2019, which has increased the need
for more frequent maintenance and upkeep of all the
park's facilities, but mostly outhouses, parking areas
and trailheads, including snow plowing in winter
months.
The funding is also for management of the park's Eagle
River campground. The state took over management of
the campground in 2022 after the facility had been
under private management for years, but no additional
operating funds or personnel were allocated to the
park even though the campground is fully occupied
throughout the summer.
This funding includes a reclassification of a Natural
Resource Technician 2 from PPT to PFT, a PFT Park
Specialist, and 4 temporary positions for a trail
crew.
Co-Chair Foster OBJECTED.
Representative Coulombe explained the amendment would add
positions and services to the Chugach State Park. She
relayed that there had been a 47 percent increase in public
use of the park since 2019, which had increased the need
for more frequent maintenance and upkeep of the park's
facilities, primarily outhouses, parking areas, and
trailheads (including snow plowing). She stated that the
issue was important to her district. She had visited the
several trailheads in her district and they were in need of
help. The general fund receipts had grown 78 percent
between 2018 and 2022, but the budget had remained flat.
She elaborated that $1.68 million in general fund receipts
had been generated, but the operating budget was $1.3
million. The amendment was an attempt to make up the
difference. The amount reflected what the park was bringing
in. She explained that the additional maintenance would
help the trailheads. She added there were also camp hosts
at the Eagle River campground that the parks could not
afford to pay. She remarked that there were not many access
points to the park, which caused numerous road problems in
residential neighborhoods because access was located in the
middle of neighborhoods. She reported there was a municipal
proposition to create the ability to bond for some of the
road improvements, but the funding in the amendment would
help the access points. She urged support for the
amendment.
1:52:32 PM
Representative Galvin spoke in support of the amendment.
She understood how critical Chugach State Park was to all
of Alaska. She stated it meant a lot that the 47 percent
use increase was helping to pay for the work. She wondered
if the sponsor had been given any numbers to know how it
balanced out. She stated her understanding that the funding
in the amendment would not necessarily be a decrement if
the receipts were enough to pay for the maintenance.
Co-Chair Johnson noted that the question would be addressed
during wrap up on the amendment.
Representative Hannan was supportive of the amendment but
had a couple of questions about the proposed vehicle rental
tax funding source. She recalled that the legislature had
attempted to pass legislation the prior year to add a
category of cars that were rented but were not subject to
the vehicle rental tax. She referred to the legislation as
the "Turo tax bill." She stated that the vehicle rental tax
fund had been used for several years for funding parks and
the Alaska Travel Industry (ATI). She wondered whether the
fund was growing or being depleted annually. She clarified
her support for the amendment and was interested in more
detail on the stability and growth of the fund source. She
wished Turo taxes were going into the fund; it was her
understanding Turo was a growing segment of rental cars.
She asked if the Legislative Finance Division (LFD) knew
the status of the fund.
1:54:52 PM
Co-Chair Johnson asked if there was any additional
discussion on the amendment prior to answering questions.
Representative Ortiz commented that he generally supported
state funding for state parks; however, the amendment was
$336,000. He noted he may very well vote in support of the
amendment; however, he considered other funding requests
the committee had not approved that would benefit elders
and disabled individuals, which caused him slight
hesitation on the amendment at hand.
1:55:49 PM
AT EASE
2:02:47 PM
RECONVENED
Representative Coulombe requested to hear from LFD.
ROB CARPENTER, DEPUTY DIRECTOR, LEGISLATIVE FINANCE
DIVISION, responded that given projections for vehicle
rental tax ending in FY 24, the balance of the fund would
be about $1.8 million.
Co-Chair Johnson asked Representative Coulombe if she would
like to add anything additional.
Representative Coulombe reiterated that the park was
generating receipts and bringing money into the state. The
amendment was intended to help the park keep up with the 47
percent increase since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Representative Cronk added that he would support the
amendment because when the pandemic hit, people had been
encouraged to get outside and exercise. He believed more
people were getting outside and exercising, which was good
for physical and mental health.
Co-Chair Foster WITHDREW the OBJECTION.
There being NO further OBJECTION, Amendment N 66 was
ADOPTED.
2:05:51 PM
Representative Josephson WITHDREW Amendment N 67 (copy on
file).
Representative Josephson MOVED to ADOPT Amendment N 68
(copy on file):
Agency: Public Safety
Appropriation: Fire and Life Safety
Allocation: AK Fire Standards Council
Transaction Details
Title: Add a Fire Training Specialist II and a Fire
Training Administrator
Section: Section 1
Type: Inc
Line Items
Personal Services: 287.8
Commodities: 62.2
Positions
Permanent Full-Time: 2
Funding
1004 Gen Fund 350.0
Explanation
In 2017, the Alaska Fire Standards Council asked for
an additional position (Fire Training Specialist II).
Instead, the Governor cut one of their positions (Fire
Training Administrator) leaving them with only one
position. This amendment would restore the previous
position and add the position asked for at the time.
Co-Chair Foster OBJECTED.
Representative Josephson relayed that the amendment had
originated from a visit to his office by the Alaska Fire
Standards Council director. He believed the council was
only staffed by the one individual. The director had told
him that the council tried to increase its staff to three
in 2017 because the council was overworked. He reported
that instead, former Governor Bill Walker had cut one
position. He explained that the council was essentially a
volunteer organization. He stated that the director, Mr.
[Daniel] Grimes shared that he worked in fire management
during the day and then went home and served the people of
Alaska [via the council]. He listed duties the council was
supposed to fulfill: establish minimum training and
performance standards for certification of fire services
personnel; establish minimum fire training curriculum
requirements for certification; govern the procedure for
certification of fire services training programs, govern
the procedure for certification of individuals who met the
established standards; govern the procedure for revocation
of a certificate of a person or program; consult and
cooperate with municipalities, state agencies, and other
governmental agencies and universities; and employ an
administrator and other persons necessary to carry out its
duties.
Representative Josephson continued to explain the
amendment. He shared that Mr. Grimes noted the council's
workload included maintaining a regular review process of
the over 25 different professional certifications that the
council was supposed to oversee. A full-time administrator
position was eliminated in 2017 and duties were absorbed by
the head of state fire services training. He relayed that
Mr. Grimes reported that since 2017, the council's ability
to meet its mission had been severely compromised. The
council had lost third-party accreditation on numerous
standards to the inability to keep revision work within the
established timelines. The council had lost the trust of
its fire service through delayed certification; it had also
lost council members who felt they were no longer able to
accomplish the goals. He stated it was an example of what
happened when budgets were cut resulting in an agency (of
one) trying to function in a significant way. The council
was meant to consider who should be a firefighter, whether
standards should change, who should write and adopt the
standards, etcetera.
Representative Josephson shared that he had zero reason not
to offer the amendment and every reason to offer it. He
asked for members' support.
2:10:01 PM
Co-Chair Foster MAINTAINED the OBJECTION.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Galvin, Hannan, Josephson, Ortiz
OPPOSED: Stapp, Tomaszewski, Coulombe, Cronk, Foster,
Johnson
Co-Chair Edgmon was absent from the vote.
The MOTION to adopt Amendment N 68 FAILED (4/6).
2:11:05 PM
Representative Josephson MOVED to ADOPT Amendment N 69
(copy on file):
Agency: Public Safety
Appropriation: Domestic Viol/Sexual Assault
Allocation: Domestic Viol/Sexual Assault
Transaction Details:
Title: Add Funding to the Base Budget to Support
Victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Section: Section 1
Type: Inc
Line Items
Grants: 3,000.0
Funding: 1004 Gen Fund 3,000.0
Agency: Public Safety
Appropriation: Domestic Viol/Sexual Assault
Allocation: Domestic Viol/Sexual Assault
Transaction Details:
Title: Delete One-Time Funding Intended to
Supplant VOCA Shortfall
Section: Section 1
Type: Dec
Line Items
Grants: -$3,000.0
Funding: 1004 Gen Fund -3,000.0
Co-Chair Foster OBJECTED.
Representative Josephson remarked that Amendments N 69 and
N 70 were on a similar subject. He highlighted that the
state had the Alaska Network of Domestic Violence and
Sexual Assault (ANDVSA) and the Commission [Council] on
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (CDVSA). He elaborated
that the state partially funded domestic violence shelters.
He recalled touring a shelter in Unalaska when he had
worked as a prosecutor. He relayed that the agencies had,
for a time, received funding assistance through the Victims
of Crime Act (VOCA). He noted he knew little about VOCA but
understood its funding source related to white collar crime
(and possibly restitution). He remarked that apparently
there had not been a lot of that. He relayed that the
funding had been backfilled by $3 million from the state
and $3.5 million of federal funding. He noted the federal
funding had been described as "courtesy from Senator
Murkowski."
Representative Josephson explained that the amendment would
provide some stability for domestic violence shelters by
moving the $3 million into the base budget. He detailed
that adding the funds into the base budget would eliminate
the annual funding battle. He added there were around 120
callers [during public testimony] the previous week and he
suspected at least 15 of the total supported the concept in
the amendment and/or the upcoming amendment. He elaborated
that the testifiers had spoken about the critical nature of
CDVSA funds on a broad basis. He asked for members'
support. He noted that the amendment did not propose
spending more, it proposed giving Alaskans the comfort of
knowing the legislature was serious about protecting women
and children from domestic violence.
2:14:32 PM
Representative Galvin supported the amendment. She shared
that she had met with many individuals working with abused
women in Bethel, Anchorage, Kodiak, Juneau, and Dillingham.
She detailed that the individuals were grateful for any
federal and state support. She elaborated that the
individuals had communicated that one of the main things
that could be done to help with their work was providing
stability.
Representative Coulombe asked for verification that the
funding was already in the budget and the amendment would
change it from a one-time increment to a base increment.
Representative Josephson replied affirmatively.
Representative Coulombe relayed that she had a bill to try
to get more money to CDVSA in the restorative justice fund.
She suggested that if the amendment and the bill both
passed, they could switch the funding source so it would
not have to come from undesignated general funds (UGF).
Representative Stapp commented and clarified that the
funding was already in the FY 24 budget. He thought it was
unwise to consider adding liabilities in perpetuity. He
would be happy to hear Representative Coulombe's bill when
it came to the committee. He opposed the amendment.
Co-Chair Foster MAINTAINED the OBJECTION.
2:17:01 PM
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Galvin, Hannan, Josephson, Ortiz, Coulombe
OPPOSED: Tomaszewski, Cronk, Stapp, Edgmon, Foster, Johnson
The MOTION to adopt Amendment N 69 FAILED (5/6).
2:17:54 PM
Representative Josephson MOVED to ADOPT Amendment N 70
(copy on file):
Agency: Public Safety
Appropriation: Domestic Viol/Sexual Assault
Allocation: Domestic Viol/Sexual Assault
Transaction Details
Title: Restore Funding for Costs Related to
Utilities
Section: Section 1
Type: IncM
Line Items
Grants: 300.0
Funding
1004 Gen Fund 300.0
Explanation
In FY23, a One-Time Increment of $300,000 was provided
to support utility costs increases for grantees who
provide support for victims of domestic violence or
sexual assault. This amendment restores that funding.
Co-Chair Foster OBJECTED.
Representative Josephson explained that ANDVSA director Ms.
[Brenda] Stanfill requested $3 million moved to the base
budget and $300,000 for increased utility costs and related
costs. He noted that ANDVSA had received an increment of
$300,000, which he believed may have been COVID funding.
The amendment would provide an additional one-time
increment of $300,000 to pay for utility costs and
increases for grantees.
Co-Chair Edgmon clarified that Ms. Stanfill's first name is
Brenda.
Representative Josephson agreed.
Co-Chair Foster MAINTAINED the OBJECTION.
2:19:51 PM
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Galvin, Hannan, Josephson, Ortiz
OPPOSED: Coulombe, Cronk, Stapp, Tomaszewski, Foster,
Edgmon, Johnson
The MOTION to adopt Amendment N 70 FAILED (4/7).
2:20:48 PM
Co-Chair Johnson noted that Amendments N 71 and N 72
dealing with vacant positions would be rolled to the bottom
of the list.
2:21:25 PM
Representative Josephson WITHDREW Amendment N 73 (copy on
file).
2:21:32 PM
AT EASE
2:23:51 PM
RECONVENED
Co-Chair Johnson MOVED to ADOPT Amendment N 74 (copy on
file):
Bundle Description
These amendments replace a $620,000 increment to
maintain and operate the Silvertip Maintenance Station
with a one-time increment. The Silvertip Station was
closed in 2019. It was reopened in FY22 using one-time
COVID Funding and was included in last year's budget
as a one-time increment (IncOTI). Given the State's
current revenue forecast, this item should remain as
an IncOTI in the current year's budget.
Agency: Transportation
Appropriation: Highways/Aviation & Facilities
Allocation: Central Highways and Aviation
Transaction Details
Title: Delete Increment to Maintain and Operate
Silvertip Maintenance Station
Section: Section 1
Type: Dec
Line Items
Personal Services: -500.0
Services: -120.0
Funding 1004 Gen Fund -620.0
Agency: Transportation
Appropriation: Highways/Aviation & Facilities
Allocation: Central Highways and Aviation
Transaction Details
Title: Add Funding to Maintain and Operate
Silvertip Maintenance Station
Section: Section 1
Type: IncOTI
Line Items
Personal Services: 500.0
Services: 120.0
Funding 1004 Gen Fund 620.0
Co-Chair Foster OBJECTED.
Co-Chair Johnson explained that the amendment did not
change the funding or close the [Silvertip maintenance]
station. She explained that it changed the funding to a
one-time increment to enable the legislature to revisit the
issue given the state's current revenue forecast. She
clarified that the amendment was not an attempt to stop the
maintenance. She wanted to keep an eye on things as the
legislature went through the process. Additionally, she
wanted to receive reports detailing what was happening with
the maintenance stations.
2:25:14 PM
Representative Josephson opposed the amendment because for
the first time in years, there was a new road being built
near the Silvertip station. He reasoned there would be more
road to plow and maintain. He recalled that a state
representative from the northern peninsula had voiced real
concern about the closure of the Silvertip station.
Co-Chair Johnson reminded members that the amendment would
not take away funding; it continued to make the funding a
one-time increment. She continued that if there were
additional roads built and additional funding was needed
the following year, it would be another reminder of the
need to look at the item. She underscored it was not an
attempt to close the station and served as a reminder to
take a second look the following year to ensure they were
following along on the maintenance station. She noted that
the funding had been withdrawn under the former Walker
administration. She reiterated that the amendment provided
an opportunity to take another look to determine the
station was not something it wanted to shut down.
Co-Chair Foster WITHDREW the OBJECTION.
Representative Josephson OBJECTED.
2:27:16 PM
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Hannan, Ortiz, Coulombe, Cronk, Stapp,
Tomaszewski, Galvin, Edgmon, Foster, Johnson
OPPOSED: Josephson
The MOTION PASSED (10/1). There being NO further OBJECTION,
Amendment N 74 was ADOPTED.
2:28:30 PM
Co-Chair Johnson WITHDREW Amendment N 75 (copy on file).
2:28:49 PM
Representative Josephson MOVED to ADOPT Amendment N 76
(copy on file):
Agency: Transportation
Appropriation: Highways/Aviation & Facilities
Allocation: Central Highways and Aviation
Transaction Details
Title: Contractual Plowing Assistance for Snow Removal
Section: Section 1
Type: Inc
Line Items
Services: 100.0
Funding 1004 Gen Fund 100.0
Explanation
The costs for response and repairs are often
additional unbudgeted costs exceeding the department's
ability to absorb within annual operating budgets.
These funds would provide the department with a vital
tool in responding to natural disasters, extreme
weather incidents, and repairing state's assets due to
catastrophic events. DOT&PF, like the rest of the
State Department's, has seen significant vacancy
issues in recent years. This necessitates a need for
the department to outsource snow removal through
contracts.
Co-Chair Foster OBJECTED.
Representative Josephson shared that he grew up in Alaska
and was used to snow; however, he had been told the current
year was exceptional. He detailed that there had been three
significant snow events [in Anchorage] in the current year
and the school district had shut down for six consecutive
business days. He detailed that the old Seward Highway that
ran through his district was unmanageable, and people had
been unable to get safely in and out of businesses. He
elaborated that two lanes had been reduced to one and
people blamed the city and/or the state. He explained that
the city plowed only a portion of Fireweed Lane because the
state owned a portion of the road. He had asked the
[Department of Transportation and Public Facilities]
commissioner in committee whether extra money could have
been helpful and the commissioner had responded
affirmatively. He underscored the events were real and
highlighted that a former mayor of New York had lost his
job when he could not plow the streets. He remarked that
the amendment pertained to moving people and merchandise.
The amendment would allow the department to contract out
additional resources in the event of substantial snow
events in the coming fall and winter.
2:31:39 PM
Representative Ortiz asked what would happen to the money
if it was not needed. For example, he wondered if the funds
would be put into an account to build up over time or if
there was a way to ensure the funding would not be spent in
other ways. He asked if the department could use the funds
in other ways if they were not needed to remove snow.
Additionally, he wondered whether it would become part of
the budget moving forward.
Representative Josephson responded that he intended for the
funds to lapse to the general fund but could not confirm
whether it was the case.
Representative Tomaszewski offered that the topic was part
of his subcommittee and there had been discussions on major
snow events. The commissioners had discussed that although
the events happened, it was not something to be budgeted
for every year with the contingency of it possibly
happening. He shared that the department had not asked for
the funding during subcommittee; therefore, he would
respectively oppose the amendment.
Representative Galvin noted that her district included
Fireweed Lane where a state road backed up to a local road
that did not get plowed and businesses had been at a
standstill. She had heard from more businesspeople than
parents who could not get their kids to school, but they
were both relevant. She was interested to know the answer
to Representative Ortiz's question about whether the
funding would lapse back [into the general fund]. She
believed there had been another amendment where funds could
not be spent on other things. She thought if it was the
case, the amendment made sense. She reasoned that DOT could
not quickly hire additional people and did not have the
equipment to handle an emergency situation in urban Alaska.
She remarked that the department had stated that it would
have been able to contract some of the work out if it had
access to the funding. She supported the amendment.
2:35:23 PM
AT EASE
2:36:23 PM
RECONVENED
Co-Chair Johnson noted that LFD would weigh in on the
amendment.
Mr. Carpenter responded to the question by Representative
Ortiz and Representative Galvin about whether the funding
would lapse at the end of the year. He explained that the
proposed funding was an increment to the department's base
budget and would be commingled with the other "M&L money."
The funding would not necessarily be set aside specifically
for the intended purpose the way the amendment was
structured; however, there was currently $12 million in the
governor's capital budget for DOT reappropriations for the
precise purpose: emergency weather and catastrophic events.
He stated it was a substantial amount of money, but DOT
went through a great fast in previous years with
approximate funding of $3 million.
2:37:46 PM
Co-Chair Foster provided a scenario where capital funds did
not come to fruition and the department was short on
funding to cover a large snow event. He asked for
verification that DOT could ask for a supplemental
appropriation rather than putting the funding in the base
budget.
Mr. Carpenter agreed. He explained that DOT had expenditure
authority to use for emergency services, which would be
backfilled later by the legislature.
Representative Josephson stated he was more intrigued by
the reappropriation than the question of supplemental
funding. He noted there was a supplemental budget that had
not left the House. He understood the legislature could
backfill and then pay other departmental functions for may
and June. He characterized the concept as robbing Peter to
pay Paul. He asked Mr. Carpenter for verification that
there was a substantial amount of money for emergency
transportation needs in the capital budget that would be
helpful in circumstances considered by the amendment.
Mr. Carpenter replied affirmatively. He elaborated that DOT
had worked to dig up reappropriation funding in the past
few years because emergency weather events had been an
issue for the department. He stated it was a number one
priority for the agency to come up with the funding and set
it aside for the same purpose outlined in the amendment. He
relayed that the funding was currently $12 million in the
proposed capital budget.
Representative Josephson referenced Mr. Carpenter's
statement about the comingling of funds. He asked if it
would be true even though the title of the amendment was
"contractual plowing assistance for snow removal."
Mr. Carpenter replied affirmatively. He added that the
agency could set the funding aside as a courtesy; however,
generally when adding money to the base budget the funding
was commingled in a giant pot with line items that could be
moved around as the agency managed its budget.
Representative Josephson noted that his hometown had been
paralyzed by storms, one person in his district had died
from snow load, and three buildings had collapsed. He had
viewed the situation as something that could be fixed with
enough resources. He understood based on Mr. Carpenter's
testimony that the funding was spent quickly, but there was
some coverage in the coming winter if the reappropriation
[in the proposed capital budget] was passed.
Mr. Carpenter agreed.
Representative Josephson WITHDREW Amendment N 76.
2:41:23 PM
Co-Chair Johnson MOVED to ADOPT Amendment N 77 (copy on
file):
Bundle Description
These Amendments clarify the collective bargaining
agreement monetary terms included in the AMHS
Operating increases proposed by the Governor.
Agency: Transportation
Appropriation: Marine Highway System
Allocation: Marine Vessel Operations
Transaction Details
Title: Reverse Governor's Alaska Marine Highway
System Calendar Year 2024 Increase
Section: Section 1
Type: Dec
Line Items
Personal Services: -7,377.6
Travel: -563.5
Commodities: -2,590.0
Funding 1076 Marine Hwy -10,531.1
Agency: Transportation
Appropriation: Marine Highway System
Allocation: Marine Vessel Operations
Transaction Details
Title: Alaska Marine Highway System Calendar Year
2024 Non-Salary Operations Increase
Section: Section 1
Type: Inc
Line Items
Travel: 563.5
Commodities: 2,590.0
Funding 1076 Marine Hwy 3,153.5
Agency: Transportation
Appropriation: Marine Highway System
Allocation: Marine Vessel Operations
Transaction Details
Title: Add Authority for Collective Bargaining
Agreement Salary Increase for Marine Engineer's
Beneficial Association
Section: Section 1
Type: SalAdj
Line Items Personal
Services: 1,475.5
Funding 1076 Marine Hwy 1,475.5
Agency: Transportation
Appropriation: Marine Highway System
Allocation: Marine Vessel Operations
Transaction Details
Title: Add Authority for Collective Bargaining
Agreement Salary Increases for lnlandBoatmen's
Union Bargaining Unit
Section: Section 1
Type: SalAdj
Line Items
Personal Services: 4,205.2
Funding 1076 Marine Hwy 4,205.2
Agency: Transportation
Appropriation: Marine Highway System
Allocation: Marine Vessel Operations
Transaction Details
Title: Add Collective Bargaining Agreement Salary
Increase for Masters, Mates, and Pilots
Bargaining Unit
Section: Section 1
Type: SalAdj
Line Items
Personal Services: 1,696.9
Funding 1076 Marine Hwy 1,696.9
Representative Ortiz OBJECTED.
Co-Chair Johnson asked her staff to explain the amendment
that made some changes as requested by the department.
2:41:57 PM
REMOND HENDERSON, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE DELENA JOHNSON,
explained that the amendment corrected and properly
classified where the salary adjustments should be placed.
The amendment took money out of personal services and moved
it into personal services in the various categories they
should be in based on the bargaining unit. He explained the
amendment was a net zero with no reduction.
Representative Ortiz WITHDREW the OBJECTION.
2:42:56 PM
Representative Hannan OBJECTED. She asked about the
commodities line item. She understood the three bargaining
units had their own allocations in the budget. She asked if
the commodities of $2.5 million were related to
implementation of the bargaining unit agreements.
Alternatively, she asked if it was a commodities increase
for the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) that was put in
the wrong place. She noted it was under the heading "AMHS
salaries."
Mr. Carpenter believed the $10 million increment proposed
by the governor in one lump sum was broken up into three
bargaining unit increases in addition to the cost increase
for the system. He did not know the precise number, but it
included a significant amount of fuel for the commodities
line.
Representative Hannan WITHDREW the OBJECTION.
There being NO further OBJECTION, Amendment N 77 was
ADOPTED.
2:44:40 PM
Co-Chair Johnson rolled Amendments 78 and 79 (pertaining to
vacant positions) to the bottom of the list.
Representative Josephson MOVED to ADOPT Amendment N 80
(copy on file):
Agency: University of Alaska
Appropriation: University of Alaska
Allocation: Systemwide Reduction/Additions
Transaction Details
Title: Increase Funding for Fixed Costs to Maintain
Status Quo
Section: Section 1
Type: Inc
Line Items
Services: 4,820.0
Funding 1004 Gen Fund 4,820.0
Explanation
Financial stability is an essential requirement for
our universities to focus on key state workforce needs
and address student demand in areas including resource
development, teacher education, business/accounting,
engineering, and health. UA requires additional state
support to help cover unavoidable costs. This
amendment would help the UA system maintain status quo
in these areas.
Co-Chair Foster OBJECTED.
Representative Josephson stated that the committee had seen
the amendment several weeks earlier in a meeting of the
University of Alaska committee of the whole. He shared that
the amendment had failed, but he would take "a second bite
at the apple" to see if the appetite had changed. He
explained that early in the session the committee had seen
a presentation showing that the University Board of Regents
wanted $90 million to $100 million more than the governor
recommended. He detailed that the amendment contained fixed
costs. He summarized his understanding of the University's
pitch related to the funding. He stated the University was
grateful for the funding in the budget, but there were
unavoidable costs that could not be stopped, and the
University was asking repeatedly for assistance. The first
component was cyber security for $1.3 million. There had
been a significant increase in cyberattacks targeting
higher education and threatening data privacy and security
requirements. The funds would go towards expansion of the
multifactor authentication. He detailed the University
would add staff to support new research related data
security requirements, advance threat hunting and
additional detection and response capabilities.
Additionally, the University would platform security and
access management and establish a formal IT risk management
program system wide.
Representative Josephson relayed that the second component
was insurance premiums. He viewed it as the type of thing a
university could not anticipate would change, but the
University noted that 2022 was the second worst lost year
in history nationwide. He stated that the property carriers
were finding that many insurers have underreported
replacement values. The University cited a $700,000
increase in insurance premiums. The amendment also included
$500,000 for student library digital access. The University
had seen reductions in the past in its libraries, staffing
was down 30 to 40 percent, and research databases and
scholarly journals were down. The University reported
inflationary fixed costs of 20 percent from 2017 to 2021,
which has resulted in a reduced ability to access current
research information with a negative impact on university
research and grant proposals. The University needed more
diverse and inclusive materials. Additionally, there was
increased risk from weak collections that would impact
institutional and program accreditation. There was reduced
availability due to limited hours of operation and a
growing backlog of unprocessed materials including archival
of historical materials.
Representative Josephson highlighted the third component
related to increased faculty dissatisfaction. There was a
$520,000 element for shared services for human resources
and procurement. The University reported the need to
improve public safety at the University of Alaska Anchorage
by increasing campus security from 13 to 15. The campus
police covered three medical facilities, a large juvenile
justice treatment center, a private university, federal
government facilities, and several K-12 facilities. He
concluded the summary of the fixed items in Amendment N 80.
He stated the items reflected inflation and other increases
in technology and insurance. He asked for members' support.
Co-Chair Johnson recognized that Representative Louise
Stutes had previously been in the room.
2:50:07 PM
Representative Stapp highlighted that all of the items had
been discussed in the University budget subcommittee
process. He was happy with the subcommittee budget that
ensured the collective bargaining agreement through United
Academics was funded. He reported that the University
budget was increasing compared to the prior year. He
thought the legislature may want to explore other ways to
mitigate some of the costs. He referenced increased
commercial risk insurance costs mentioned by Representative
Josephson. He noted that somewhat recently the state self-
insured its own buildings and found there was a cost
savings. He thought the idea was something the legislature
should explore. He reminded the committee that the
University's critical needs were on the capital side. His
biggest concern was to ensure the heating system for the
University of Alaska Anchorage had the needed funding. He
opposed the amendment to ensure there was sufficient
capital funding to fix the University system's critical
needs, especially in Anchorage.
Representative Ortiz spoke in support of the amendment. He
appreciated Representative Stapp's comments that the
University had received a bump in funding in the current
year. He reminded committee members that several years
earlier a "grand bargain" had been made and the University
had taken some drastic cuts. He remarked that even though
the [FY 24] budget may have been increased, the University
budget was still not close to what it had been in the past.
He elaborated that in the past there had been increases in
enrollment and opportunities for students across the state
to find education paths that met their needs, making it
more likely for students to remain in Alaska. He thought it
was a significant ask, but it was an investment in the
university system and the state's ability to retain
students and train its own workforce. He stated the
amendment was another step in helping the University crawl
back to its former state five to eight years back.
Representative Galvin highlighted that the current dollars
invested in the university system students was 20 percent
less than it had been in 2019. She stated that the
university system produced roughly 60 percent of the
state's workforce. She agreed it was critical to have
heating systems. She suggested thinking three to ten years
into the future about how much the state needed the
workforce out of the university system (in conjunction with
other workforce development taking place elsewhere). She
opined that if there was a responsible sized dividend the
legislature would not be having "these discussions." She
thought the University budget was a place to support the
school system from cradle to career, especially given
inflation costs. She strongly supported the amendment.
Co-Chair Foster MAINTAINED the OBJECTION.
2:55:43 PM
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Josephson, Ortiz, Galvin, Hannan
OPPOSED: Coulombe, Cronk, Stapp, Tomaszewski, Edgmon,
Foster, Johnson
The MOTION to adopt Amendment N 80 FAILED (4/7).
2:56:39 PM
Representative Josephson MOVED to ADOPT Amendment N 81
(copy on file):
Agency: University of Alaska
Appropriation: University of Alaska
Allocation: Systemwide Reduction/Additions
Transaction Details
Title: Developing Alaska's Workforce
Section: Section 1
Type: Inc
Line Items
Services: 5,200.0
Funding 1004 Gen Fund 5,200.0
Explanation
This amendment would appropriate funding for programs
to build capacity for Alaska's workforce, including a
focus on specific program capacity, supporting Alaska
Native success initiatives, reducing student
indebtedness, and increasing student enrollment and
retention.
Co-Chair Foster OBJECTED.
Representative Josephson explained the items in the
amendment all fell under the FY 24 budget request by the
University Board of Regents. He believed the items had been
highlighted by the University president as being of
particular concern. The $5.2 million in the amendment began
with $3 million for student support and recruitment and
retention efforts. The funding would go towards increasing
financial aid, additional student advising, and more dual
credit opportunities. The amendment also addressed program
capacity including $600,000 for a master's in healthcare
management and leadership, maritime training, and stable
funding for the Preparing Indigenous Teachers and
Administrators for Alaska Schools (PITAAS) program. The
University of Alaska Southeast would receive $247,000 of
the total. He detailed that the PITAAS program was a highly
successful statewide scholarship program for education
degree seeking junior through graduate level students. The
program supported culturally related coursework in arts and
humanities for undergraduate students and favorable data
related to the Counsel for the Accreditation of Educator
Preparation. The regents specified that the request for
funding would ensure the long-term stability of the highly
successful program and would address a teacher shortage,
while adding to the number of indigenous teachers and
administrators in Alaska and supporting culturally
responsive programming.
Representative Josephson continued to explain the
amendment. The regents and the president sought $1.6
million in faculty capacity. He elaborated that the
University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) College of Rural and
Community Development (CRCD) would receive $500,000 for the
Alaska Native Success Initiative (ANSI) faculty hires and
student support. The funding was also designed to increase
the number of tenure track Alaska Native indigenous faculty
and staff to support ANSI. The funding was UAF dollars
designed to meet its strategic goal of solidifying global
leadership in Alaska Native and indigenous programs. He
explained that the investment would result in an increased
number of tenure track Alaska Native and indigenous faculty
and staff that would support the ANSI goal of achieving a
workforce that reflected the state demographically. He
stated the amendment included a fraction of the things the
Board of Regents wanted. He understood the items had been
brought before the [University] subcommittee and he knew
the temperature in the [capitol] building remained the
same. He asked for members' support.
3:01:11 PM
Co-Chair Foster observed that the allocation in the
amendment was system wide. He asked if there was anything
that would prevent the University from putting the funding
towards other items that it may deem more pressing later on
(e.g., insurance).
Representative Josephson responded that the only way to
guarantee funds would be spent as the legislature intended
was with an appropriation. He detailed that funds could be
moved in an allocation. He thought the University would pay
an enormous penalty if the legislature learned it did not
spend the money as intended.
Co-Chair Foster MAINTAINED the OBJECTION.
3:02:39 PM
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Ortiz, Galvin, Hannan, Josephson
OPPOSED: Coulombe, Cronk, Stapp, Tomaszewski, Foster,
Edgmon, Johnson
The MOTION to adopt Amendment N 81 FAILED (4/7).
3:03:33 PM
Representative Ortiz MOVED to ADOPT Amendment N 82 (copy on
file):
Agency: University of Alaska
Appropriation: University of Alaska
Allocation: Systemwide Services
Transaction Details
Title: Add Funding for Library Catalog Statewide
Library Electronic Doorway and Alaska
Section: Section 1
Type: Inc
Line Items
Services: 635.9
Funding 1004 Gen Fund 635.9
Explanation
This amendment provides full funding for the
Consortium Library Support, which includes two core
statewide library programs, the Statewide Library
Electronic Doorway (SLED) and the Alaska Library
Catalog (ALC).
Approximately 92% of Alaska's population is served by
the Alaska Library Catalog (ALC). ALC includes UA
libraries, public libraries, school libraries,
museums, and special libraries and totals more than 90
libraries across the state. Last year, the ALC
recorded 2,326,791 check outs and 142,270 online
requests for materials.
SLED provides access to over 50 databases of articles
and full-text periodicals, including EBSCO's (Elton B.
Stephens Company of Information Services) databases
and Live Homework Help. In FY2021, there were
11,480,376 sessions through SLED.
Co-Chair Foster OBJECTED.
Representative Ortiz explained that the amendment provided
full funding for the Consortium Library support, which
includes two core statewide library programs: Statewide
Library Electronic Doorway (SLED) and the Alaska Library
Catalog (ALC). He read from the amendment explanation
above. He noted the amendment pertained to some of the
libraries included in an amendment the previous day. He
relayed that fully funding the ALC would save money into
the future. The ALC would use the funding to offset current
mailing cost increases and to license more e-books, which
could be delivered online. Additionally, ALC would upgrade
the system software to be more efficient and responsive.
The improvements would result in lower mailing and shipping
costs going forward. He explained that SLED was a statewide
web-based service that provided access to hundreds of
millions of vetted journal articles and e-books, online
research guides, historical information, access for
students to live homework help, Alaska digital archives,
BrainPOP, and more. He highlighted the EBSCO [Elton B.
Stephens Company of Information Services] document base
where students could access information to help with debate
cases, historical papers, and more. He clarified that the
information in the database was vetted for accuracy. The
$635,000 request would go to support the statewide library
system.
Co-Chair Foster MAINTAINED the OBJECTION.
3:07:15 PM
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Galvin, Hannan, Josephson, Ortiz
OPPOSED: Coulombe, Cronk, Stapp, Tomaszewski, Edgmon,
Foster, Johnson
The MOTION to adopt Amendment N 82 FAILED (4/7).
Co-Chair Johnson noted that the committee would hear
Amendment N 83 and after a break the committee would
address amendments that had been rolled to the bottom of
the list.
3:08:56 PM
Representative Galvin MOVED to ADOPT Amendment N 83 (copy
on file):
Agency: University of Alaska
Appropriation: University of Alaska
Allocation: Systemwide Services
Transaction Details
Title: Increase Capacity Teacher Practicum Program
Section: Section 1
Type: Inc
Line Items
Grants: 1,000.0
Funding
1004 Gen Fund 1,000.0
Explanation
Teacher Practicum program was piloted in 2023 to
incentives students to choose UA for their teaching
program. During the pilot year 30 students were able
to use the program, this additional funding would
increase the capacity to serve another 50 students.
Co-Chair Foster OBJECTED.
Representative Galvin explained the amendment addressed one
of the most important goals at the University, to grow the
workforce, particularly where there are needs in Alaska.
She noted there had been some efforts made, certainly in
healthcare and education. The amendment was intended to
ensure educators who had chosen to become teachers had the
needed support during their practicum by providing
individuals with $10,000 for housing and $20,000 for
tuition. She highlighted that the individuals could not
work as teachers during their practicums. She stressed the
importance of the program, which she hoped would grow by
leaps and bounds. She viewed it as one of the most
important things the university system could do within
Alaska. She relayed that in 2019, 54 school districts were
regularly spending between $19 million and $21 million to
recruit from outside Alaska. She stated there was nothing
more important in her mind than growing teachers in Alaska.
She stated she would withdraw the amendment because she
believed it was the right thing to do given "where we're
at."
Representative Galvin WITHDREW the amendment.
3:11:09 PM
AT EASE
3:48:53 PM
RECONVENED
Co-Chair Johnson relayed that the committee would consider
16 amendments that had been rolled to the bottom of the
list.
3:49:39 PM
Representative Tomaszewski MOVED to ADOPT Amendment N 10
(copy on file):
Agency: Corrections
Appropriation: Population Management
Allocation: Institution Director's Office
Transaction Details
Title: Delete Vacant Division Operations Manager
Position
Section: Section 1
Type: Dec
Line Items
Personal Services: -168.0
Positions
Permanent Full-Time: -1
Funding 1004 Gen Fund -168.0
Explanation
DOC Division Operations Manager position has been
vacant for three years. Associated general fund amount
should be removed.
Representative Foster OBJECTED.
Representative Tomaszewski relayed the amendment was the
second one he had brought forward that would delete a
position. He stated he had received the information from
the Legislative Finance Division (LFD) [note: Mr. Henderson
makes a correction to this statement below]. The position
had been vacant for over three years. He remarked that
somewhere the wires had been crossed and he did not get
proper information. He was told by the Institution
Director's Office that the position was filled with an
acting incumbent. He stated that on one side the
legislature was getting information from departments that
they had high vacancy rates and that they needed more money
to recruit to fill the vacancies. He elaborated that when
the legislature identified vacancies that had existed
within departments for years, the departments said the
positions were filled. He believed it was an issue of
accounting in some way that really needed to be addressed.
He would make it a point to get to the bottom of the issue.
He WITHDREW Amendment N 10.
Representative Ortiz asked what happened to the $168,000
when a position was vacant. He wondered if it went to the
general fund or other operations within the Department of
Corrections (DOC).
Representative Tomaszewski responded that he thought the
funding could be moved to fund temporary or other positions
or travel expenses. He believed it was very difficult to
determine where the money had gone. He stated in the
current case, it was $503,000 over the past three years
that he could not account for. He surmised that the
department could account for the funds as the position was
currently filled. He did not know the answer and stated it
was a problem the legislature needed to figure out.
Co-Chair Johnson highlighted the breadth of experience her
staff Mr. Henderson had on the topic. She asked him to
speak about the vacancies.
3:53:52 PM
Mr. Henderson clarified that the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) provided the list of vacancies (not LFD). He
relayed that OMB had looked at all of the vacant positions
during the interim and had asked all departments to justify
keeping any position that had been vacant for six months to
a year. He did not know the result of the work, but he knew
that the report showing positions vacant for three to five
years was not accurate. He clarified that the report
indicated that the deputy commissioner and division
operations manager positions had been vacant for three to
five years. In reality, the positions had been filled for
two years in acting status. He explained that when a person
was in acting status it showed up in the report as vacant
because the department had not really filled the PCN
[position control number].
Mr. Henderson addressed the question about how departments
used money [intended for specific positions] when vacancies
existed. He explained that much of the funding in DOC was
used for overtime when positions were not filled because
other workers were having to cover by working overtime. He
elaborated that paying overtime cost more than the
department would have to pay if the position was filled.
There were also situations where the department used the
money to contract out for the services when it could not
fill the position.
Mr. Henderson highlighted he found it problematic when
departments took the funding intended for personal services
and used it for other purposes. He shared that the
legislature required OMB report on any money moved in or
out of personal services and what the money was used for.
For example, if a department moved $100,000 from personal
services to contractual services, it had to explain what
the funding was used for. He noted the report was available
and had been submitted to the legislature by OMB. He shared
that OMB had been gathering information from the
departments on the status of vacant positions and had
prepared and provided a report to Co-Chair Johnson's office
in the past hour. He noted that Co-Chair Johnson's office
had met with some of the committee members to provide them
with the report to learn the status of the positions.
3:57:16 PM
Co-Chair Johnson invited committee members to ask
questions.
Representative Galvin appreciated Mr. Henderson's synopsis
on the topic. She requested to receive the report that had
been viewed by other committee members. Also, it sounded as
though Mr. Henderson was referring to good audit work when
funding was moved from one location to another. She thought
it was common and recalled hearing about the topic during
budget and audit work at the school district level. She
thought it was a good and reasonable ask and she
appreciated the work.
Mr. Henderson replied that a copy of the report would be
provided immediately. He did not believe the information
gathered by OMB from departments was done prior to the
legislature's request. He noted it was a good request by
the legislature.
Representative Josephson referenced Mr. Henderson's
statement that the agencies could use personal services
[funding] to contract out work. He stated it struck him as
something that may involve the collective bargaining
agreement. He thought the state's chief negotiator Kate
Sheehan may be a good person to ask.
Mr. Henderson provided a hypothetical situation where a
department could not fill two or three maintenance worker
positions. He explained that the department may use savings
from personal services to contract out for the maintenance
services.
Representative Josephson stated that it seemed reasonable.
Co-Chair Johnson thought the goal was to highlight
something that may have been ongoing for some time. She
appreciated the input and exhaustive work looking into all
of the positions by a number of members and staff.
4:00:48 PM
Representative Coulombe MOVED to ADOPT Amendment N 11 (copy
on file):
Agency: Corrections
Appropriation: Population Management
Allocation: Anchorage Correctional Complex
Transaction Details
Title: Remove Funding for Vacant Maintenance
Specialist, Plumbing, Journey 2 Position
Section: Section 1
Type: Dec
Line Items
Personal Services: -100.3
Positions
Permanent Full-Time: -1
Funding
1002 Fed Rcpts -50.1
1004 Gen Fund -50.2
Explanation
This position is a long-term vacancy (4 years). The
duties of this position have either not been necessary
or have been accomplished by other means. The
department's budget should reflect its actual needs
and how it is accomplishing those.
Co-Chair Foster OBJECTED.
Representative Coulombe explained the amendment. She felt
it was important to look to the vacancy rate, especially
when she had requested an increase (she wanted to look for
areas that could be decreased). She believed looking at
vacancies of four years or more was reasonable. She
clarified that the vacancies on her list were not new. She
shared that she had received responses from some of the
departments. She planned to explain the amendment and the
response from the department. The amendment would remove
funding for a vacant maintenance specialist for the
Anchorage Correctional Complex (ACC). The position had been
vacant for four years and the duties had either not been
necessary or had been accomplished by other means. She
believed that the department's budget should reflect its
actual needs and how it was accomplishing those needs. She
stated that the legislature needed to know where the money
was going and if it was not going to the position. She
highlighted the need for better accounting practices. The
department reported that the positions had been under
continued recruitment and costs associated with the vacancy
were used to support the security and operational
unbudgeted overtime and for emergency contract costs
associated with contracting out for service due to
vacancies. Maintenance positions were being reallocated to
a generalist position to assist in preventative maintenance
for ACC; the positions were generally easier to fill and
appropriate for the maintenance needs within the facility.
She added the amendment pertained to one position.
Co-Chair Johnson thought the amendment highlighted that the
department was using the money but not exactly where it had
been appropriated.
4:03:20 PM
Representative Galvin stated her understanding of
Representative Coulombe's explanation. She asked if the
generalist position was doing the same [maintenance] work
that needed to be done.
Representative Coulombe responded that the general position
assisted in preventative maintenance for ACC, but she did
not believe the work constituted the majority of the
position's work.
Representative Galvin asked if the generalist position paid
more and had been filled more easily. She wondered if
preventative work performed by the generalist position
could make maintenance work unnecessary, which could
perhaps address the problem, albeit at a higher rate of
pay.
Representative Coulombe replied that she did not have those
details.
Co-Chair Foster WITHDREW the OBJECTION.
Representative Josephson OBJECTED.
4:04:50 PM
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Stapp, Coulombe, Foster
OPPOSED: Tomaszewski, Galvin, Hannan, Josephson, Ortiz,
Cronk, Edgmon, Johnson
The MOTION to adopt Amendment N 11 FAILED (3/8).
4:06:19 PM
Representative Coulombe MOVED to ADOPT Amendment N 12 (copy
on file):
Agency: Corrections
Appropriation: Population Management
Allocation: Lemon Creek Correctional Ctr
Transaction Details
Title: Delete Vacant Correctional Officer 1 Position
Section: Section 1
Type: Dec
Line Items
Personal Services: -114.4
Positions
Permanent Full-Time: -1
Funding 1004 Gen Fund -114.4
Explanation
This position is a long-term vacancy (6 years). The
duties of this position have either not been necessary
or have been accomplished by other means. The
department's budget should reflect its actual needs
and how it is accomplishing those.
Co-Chair Foster OBJECTED.
Representative Coulombe explained that the amendment would
delete a vacant correctional officer I position and the
associated $114,000. She stated that the position had been
vacant for six years and the duties of the position had
either not been necessary or had been accomplished by other
means. She had heard from the department that the Lemon
Creek position was filled and the employee was placed in an
incorrect PCN. The department had communicated it would
submit the correction. She did not know what PCN the
current officer was in, but she wondered if the department
switched the officer to the correct PCN whether the initial
PCN would be vacant. She did not know the answer. She
considered withdrawing the amendment but decided against
it.
4:07:48 PM
Representative Hannan spoke in opposition to the amendment.
She shared that she had served on the corrections
subcommittee for all five years of her tenure with the
legislature and at no point had the subcommittee ever
believed corrections institutions in Alaska were
overstaffed. She relayed the positions were tough and
difficult to fill. She stated that if the positions were
not filled the money was used to pay overtime and officers
were frequently required to do overtime, creating burnout.
She highlighted that the DOC budget was complex and she did
not find that there was excess money to do the mandated
work. She believed there needed to be more money serving
people. She opined that corrections officer positions could
not be cut, and the department should work to fill empty
positions with permanent full-time staff in order to avoid
an overworked staff continually on the verge of collapse.
Co-Chair Johnson relayed that Representative Coulombe's
work digging into the budget was not based on an idea there
was waste, fraud, and abuse in the administration. She
interpreted the actions as an attempt to make sure the
legislature knew what it was spending the state's money on.
She thought it was important for the legislature to know if
a position had been filled but it was not obvious it had
been filled or if it had not been filled and funds were
used for overtime. She thought the spirit of Representative
Coulombe's effort was positive and an attempt to make
government better. She thanked Representative Coulombe for
bringing the items forward.
Co-Chair Edgmon thought it was a good exercise, but he
believed the picture was incomplete. He had served as chair
of the DOC subcommittee for quite a few years, and he did
not support deleting the vacancy until it could be
demonstrated it was a true vacancy.
Representative Coulombe stressed that she did not believe
DOC had excess money or correctional officers. She reasoned
that if the position had been open for six years, the
accounting needed to be cleaned up. She stated that for the
legislature to make the best decisions possible, it needed
to know which positions were filled and which were not and
where the money was going.
Co-Chair Foster MAINTAINED the OBJECTION.
4:12:55 PM
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Coulombe, Johnson
OPPOSED: Stapp, Tomaszewski, Galvin, Hannan, Josephson,
Ortiz, Cronk, Edgmon, Foster
The MOTION to adopt Amendment N 12 FAILED (2/9).
4:13:58 PM
Representative Tomaszewski MOVED to ADOPT Amendment N 13
(copy on file):
Agency: Corrections
Appropriation: Population Management
Allocation: Spring Creek Correctional Ctr
Transaction Details
Title: Delete Vacant Correctional Officer 1 Position
Section: Section 1
Type: Dec
Line Items
Personal Services: -112.6
Positions
Permanent Full-Time: -1
Funding 1004 Gen Fund -112.6
Explanation
DOC Correctional Officer 1 position has been vacant
for three years. Associated general fund amount should
be removed.
Co-Chair Foster OBJECTED.
Representative Tomaszewski explained that the amendment was
similar to the previous amendment at a different
corrections facility. He heard from the department in the
past hour that the position was filled, and the employee
had been placed in an incorrect PCN. The department
communicated that the correction would be submitted that
day. He surmised it was a misunderstanding and a problem
with accounting in terms of how the vacancies were being
reported and how the legislature needed to work to get good
information. He WITHDREW Amendment N 13.
4:15:23 PM
Representative Coulombe MOVED to ADOPT Amendment N 28 (copy
on file):
Agency: Family and Community Services
Appropriation: Alaska Pioneer Homes
Allocation: Pioneer Homes
Transaction Details
Title: Delete UGF Funding Associated with Vacant
Certified Nurse Aide 1
Section: Section 1
Type: Dec
Line Items
Personal Services: -5.7
Funding 1004 Gen Fund -5.7
Explanation
This position has been vacant for 4 years. The duties
have either been absorbed by the department, not
necessary, or accomplished by other means. The
department's budget should accurately reflect its
actual needs and how it is accomplishing those. This
amendment only removes the UGF funding.
Co-Chair Foster OBJECTED.
Representative Coulombe explained that the amendment would
delete UGF funding associated with a certified nurse aide
position that had been vacant for four years. She noted
that the amendment had initially pertained to two
vacancies. She relayed that the department had requested to
keep one of the positions that had been filled. She
explained that the department had indicated the second
position could be deleted.
Representative Ortiz asked how $5,700 would pay for a
vacant certified nurse aide position. He could understand
why the position was vacant if the amount covered its cost.
Representative Coulombe corrected her previous explanation.
She explained that the amendment did not delete the
position but took $5,700 from the position. She elaborated
that $5,700 of the position funding came from UGF.
Representative Hannan asked how the rest of the position
was paid for. She wondered if the remainder of the position
was paid with designated receipts from [Pioneer Home]
residents. She referenced an OMB report received by
committee members. She remarked that the amendment did not
address a specific PCN. She wondered if the amendment would
delete $5,000 from a specific PCN.
4:18:22 PM
AT EASE
4:20:23 PM
RECONVENED
Representative Coulombe noted there was a bit of confusion
about the amendment; therefore, she WITHDREW Amendment N
28.
4:20:54 PM
Co-Chair Johnson WITHDREW Amendment N 29 (copy on file).
Representative Coulombe MOVED to ADOPT Amendment N 30 (copy
on file):
Agency: Family and Community Services
Appropriation: Juvenile Justice
Allocation: Probation Services
Transaction Details
Title: Delete Vacant Juvenile Probation Officer 1
Position Section: Section 1
Type: Dec
Line Items
Personal Services: -70.4
Funding 1004 Gen Fund -70.4
Positions
Permanent Full-Time: -1
Explanation
This position has been vacant for 4 years. The duties
of this position have either not been necessary or
have been accomplished by other means. The
department's budget should reflect its actual needs
and how it is accomplishing those.
Representative Stapp OBJECTED.
4:21:33 PM
AT EASE
4:22:16 PM
RECONVENED
Representative Coulombe explained that Amendment N 30 would
delete a juvenile probation officer I position and the
associated funding of $70,000. The position had been vacant
for four years. She had received a response from the
department that the PCN was slated for deletion.
Co-Chair Johnson asked for verification that the position
had been put forward for deletion.
Representative Coulombe replied that the department had
sent an email indicating the position was currently vacant
and slated for deletion.
Representative Stapp spoke from his experience as the
[Department of Family and Community Services] subcommittee
chair. He explained that the juvenile justice officer I
positions had one of the highest vacancy rates he had ever
seen. He elaborated that the reason for the high vacancy
rate was inadequate pay. He indicated the vacancy rate for
the particular job class was over 60 percent. He relayed
that juvenile justice officer IIs were paid better, but not
significantly better. He shared it had been a topic
discussed in subcommittee. He thought the positions should
be paid more. He detailed that the department had slated
the particular position for deletion and had already
removed the associated funding. He offered the comments to
provide some overall context within the department.
4:24:22 PM
Representative Hannan addressed a question to
Representative Stapp. She stated her understanding based on
his comments that the funding had already been deleted. She
asked for verification that the amendment reflected a
second deletion of the same money. If so, she was opposed
to the amendment.
Representative Stapp responded it was his understanding
that the funding had already been removed from the budget
for FY 24 by the department.
Representative Cronk asked if $70,400 included medical and
medical benefits or salary only.
Representative Stapp responded that the increment included
payroll and benefits.
Representative Coulombe WITHDREW Amendment N 30. She had
thought the position was slated for deletion, but that it
had not yet occurred.
Co-Chair Johnson was uncertain how to ensure the funding
had been deleted. She relayed that her office would follow
up on the issue. She noted that if needed the issue could
be addressed on the [House] floor.
4:26:40 PM
Representative Coulombe MOVED to ADOPT Amendment N 33 (copy
on file):
Agency: Fish and Game
Appropriation: Habitat
Allocation: Habitat
Transaction Details
Title: Delete Habitat Biologist 2 Position
Section: Section 1
Type: Dec
Line Items
Personal Services: -98.3
Positions
Permanent Full-Time: -1
Funding 1004 Gen Fund -98.3
Explanation
This position has been vacant for 6 years. The duties
of this position have either not been necessary or
have been accomplished by other means. The
department's budget should reflect its actual needs
and how it is accomplishing those.
Representative Josephson OBJECTED.
Representative Coulombe explained the amendment would
delete a habitat [biologist] II position and the associated
$98,300 in funding. She detailed that the position had been
vacant for six years. She read from an explanation received
by the department:
The Habitat Section is currently looking to fill its
empty positions, this position included given the
increased amount of permit applications that are
anticipated through the funding Congress has recently
appropriated for infrastructure projects. An example
is the dramatic rise in permits needed for broadband
projects that will help connect rural Alaska with
stable highspeed internet. Cutting this position while
the section sees increased permitting demands placed
upon it would only hamper its ability to review permit
applications in a timely manner.
The level of fish habitat permit applications
fluctuate depending on the amount of projects whose
implementation requires work in resident and
anadromous fish streams across the state; therefore,
the Habitat Section keeps a very modest number within
the acceptable amount of PCNs available to react to
such an occurrence. If we do not employ this strategy
and instead waited until legislative session to
request these needed positions, we could find
ourselves months without the needed personnel to
review permit applications. This could only cause
delay in the issuance of permits that are required for
vital projects across Alaska.
Representative Coulombe understood the agency liked its
flexibility but she believed six years was a long time to
keep an open position.
Representative Cronk asked where the position was based out
of.
4:29:08 PM
AT EASE
4:32:16 PM
RECONVENED
Representative Coulombe replied that she did not have the
answer. She WITHDREW Amendment N 33.
4:33:11 PM
Representative Tomaszewski WITHDREW Amendment N 34 (copy on
file).
4:33:41 PM
Representative Coulombe MOVED to ADOPT Amendment N 35 (copy
on file):
Agency: Governor
Appropriation: Executive Operations
Allocation: Governor's House
Transaction Details
Title: Delete Vacant Executive Residence Steward
Position
Section: Section 1
Type: Dec
Line Items
Personal Services: -95.5
Positions
Permanent Full-Time: -1
Funding 1004 Gen Fund -95.5
Explanation
This position has been vacant for 4 years. The duties
of this position have either not been necessary or
have been accomplished by other means. The
department's budget should reflect its actual needs
and how it is accomplishing those.
Co-Chair Foster OBJECTED.
Representative Coulombe explained that the amendment would
delete a position in the governor's house that had been
vacant for four years. She WITHDREW Amendment N 35.
4:34:23 PM
Representative Coulombe MOVED to ADOPT Amendment N 41 (copy
on file):
Agency: Health
Appropriation: Public Health
Allocation: Nursing
Transaction Details
Title: Delete UGF Funding Associated with Vacant
Public Health Nurse 3 Position
Section: Section 1
Type: Dec
Line Items
Personal Services: -168.0
Funding 1004 Gen Fund -168.0
Explanation
This position has been vacant for 4 years. The duties
of this position have either not been necessary or
have been accomplished by other means. The
department's budget should reflect its actual needs
and how it is accomplishing those.
Representative Josephson OBJECTED.
Representative Coulombe explained that the amendment would
delete a public health nurse III position that had been
vacant for four years. She noted it was similar to the next
amendment. She explained that the funds were being used for
nurses to travel because the department could not fill the
vacancies. She stated that because the department was using
the funding to provide nurses, she would withdraw the
amendment. She WITHDREW Amendment N 41.
Co-Chair Johnson appreciated that Representative Coulombe
had found the item and brought it forward.
4:35:44 PM
Representative Tomaszewski MOVED to ADOPT Amendment N 42
(copy on file):
Agency: Health
Appropriation: Public Health
Allocation: Nursing
Transaction Details
Title: Delete Five Vacant Public Health Nurse
Positions
Section: Section 1
Type: Dec
Line Items
Personal Services: -770.9
Positions
Permanent Full-Time: -5
Funding 1004 Gen Fund -770.9
Explanation
This deletes funding for five vacant positions that
have been vacant for three years. These positions are
(Public Health Nurse 3, 2 - Public Health Nurse 2,
Public Health Nurse 1, and a Nurse 2) with
corresponding PCNs (06-1372, 06-1502, 06-1578, 06-
1520, and 06-1574)
Representative Stapp OBJECTED.
Representative Tomaszewski explained that the amendment
would delete five [public health nurse] positions that had
been vacant for more than three years for a total of $2.3
million. He would withdraw the amendment and communicated
that he would be requesting an audit of $2.3 million from
the department and would provide the information to the
committee. He WITHDREW Amendment N 42.
4:36:45 PM
Representative Coulombe MOVED to ADOPT Amendment N 71 (copy
on file):
Agency: Public Safety
Appropriation: Statewide Support
Allocation: AK Public Safety Communication Svcs
Transaction Details
Title: Delete Vacant Communications Engineer 2
Position
Section: Section 1
Type: Dec
Line Items
Personal Services: -159.5
Positions
Permanent Full-Time: -1
Funding 1004 Gen Fund -159.5
Explanation
This position has been vacant for 7 years. The duties
of this position have either not been necessary or
have been accomplished by other means. The
department's budget should reflect its actual needs
and how it is accomplishing those.
Representative Josephson OBJECTED.
Representative Coulombe explained the amendment would
delete a vacant communications engineer II position and the
associated $159,500 in funding. She stated that the
position had been vacant for seven years. She read from a
response by the Department of Public Safety (DPS):
Alaska Public Safety Communications Services
classification has determined the position will be
reclassed to a communications engineer I/II flex with
a modification to adjust classifications to have the
professional license to be desired rather than
required.
Representative Coulombe summarized that the department
planned to reclassify the position to try to fill it. She
reiterated that the position had been vacant for seven
years.
4:38:04 PM
Representative Hannan opposed the amendment because the
department would still need the funding to pay for the
reclassified position. She did not know what the
communications engineer license was, but she concluded from
the lack of being able to fill the position it was a
specialty and reclassifying the position would make it
easier to fill. She assumed the position had to do with
public safety radio communications discussed during
subcommittee.
Representative Stapp asked when the department decided it
would look at reclassing the position. He stated that seven
years was a long time to have a vacancy. He believed it was
common to look at repurposing positions for other
positions. He wondered how long it took someone to notice
that a position should be reclassed.
Representative Coulombe responded that she did not know the
large scale answer, but the department's response to her
inquiry specified it would be reclassifying the position.
She suspected that her inquiry caused DPS to look into
reclassifying the position.
4:39:53 PM
AT EASE
4:40:12 PM
RECONVENED
Co-Chair Johnson shared that she had just been told it took
three years to reclassify a position.
Representative Stapp asked to hear from the OMB director to
explain.
4:40:58 PM
AT EASE
4:42:38 PM
RECONVENED
Representative Galvin expressed her gratitude for the
exercise in looking at long held positions that had not
been filled. She remarked it was a strange way the state
had been doing some of its accounting and auditing. She
shared that she did not sit on the [DPS] subcommittee and
it was difficult for her to vote in favor of the amendment
because as far as she knew the position may be of the
utmost importance. She would oppose the amendment because
she did not have enough information to vote affirmatively.
Representative Coulombe highlighted that the department had
been doing business without the filled position for seven
years.
Representative Josephson MAINTAINED the OBJECTION.
4:44:35 PM
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Tomaszewski, Coulombe, Cronk, Foster
OPPOSED: Galvin, Hannan, Josephson, Ortiz, Stapp, Edgmon,
Johnson
The motion to adopt Amendment N 71 FAILED (4/7).
4:45:47 PM
Representative Coulombe MOVED to ADOPT Amendment N 72 (copy
on file):
Agency: Revenue
Appropriation: Taxation and Treasury
Allocation: Tax Division
Transaction Details
Title: Delete Vacant Corporate Income Tax Auditor 4
Position
Section: Section 1
Type: Dec
Line Items
Personal Services: -146.1
Positions
Permanent Full-Time: -1
Funding 1004 Gen Fund -146.1
Explanation
This position has been vacant for 4 years. The duties
of this position have either not been necessary or
have been accomplished by other means. The
department's budget should reflect its actual needs
and how it is accomplishing those.
Representative Josephson OBJECTED.
Representative Coulombe explained the amendment would
delete a vacant corporate income tax auditor IV position
and the associated $146,100 in funding. She relayed that
the position had been vacant for four years. The response
she had received from the department specified that the
position was needed and the Department of Revenue (DOR) was
actively trying to fill it. The department specified that
the corporate income tax audit manager had 11 direct
employees and adding training for multiple new employees
was a large lift for one person.
Representative Josephson commented that the Department of
Natural Resources (DNR) had been accurately described as
the "engineer room" of the state because it generates
revenue. He recognized the amendment pertained to DOR, but
he characterized it as an engine room kind of job. He
reasoned that an income tax auditor IV suggested there were
three classes beneath the position, meaning the position
required a supremely talented and skilled person who knew
about oil and gas taxes in the most complicated regime in
the country. He stressed the importance of getting it right
because it pertained to the issuance of tens of millions of
dollars. He could see the problem with the situation. He
considered the increment associated with the position and
estimated it could be a $95,000 per year job when taking
out the benefits portion. He explained that BP would pay
the position $200,000. He believed the vacant position was
due to a recruitment and retention issue. He thought the
department needed the capacity to hire the position. For
example, a former BP employee may also be a state tier II
employee and they may want to come back to work for the
state to take advantage of that. He opposed the amendment.
Representative Coulombe stated that the position had been
vacant for four years. She remarked that the vacancy did
not mean the position was not needed, but to Representative
Josephson's point she believed there needed to be a change
in the salary.
Representative Josephson MAINTAINED the OBJECTION.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Coulombe, Cronk, Stapp, Tomaszewski, Johnson
OPPOSED: Galvin, Hannan, Josephson, Ortiz, Foster, Edgmon
The MOTION to adopt Amendment N 72 FAILED (5/6).
4:50:13 PM
Representative Coulombe MOVED to ADOPT Amendment N 78 (copy
on file):
Agency: Transportation
Appropriation: Marine Highway System
Allocation: Marine Engineering
Transaction Details
Title: Delete UGF Funding Associated with Vacant
Vessel Construction Manager 1
Section: Section 1
Type: Dec
Line Items
Personal Services: -44.2
Funding 1004 Gen Fund -44.2
Explanation
This position has been vacant for 8 years. The duties
of this position have either not been necessary or
have been accomplished by other means. The
department's budget should reflect its actual needs
and how it is accomplishing those.
Representative Hannan OBJECTED.
Representative Coulombe explained the amendment would
delete funding for a vacant vessel construction manager.
The position had been open for eight years. She was not
certain what $44,000 was doing there. She stated she had
received more information about the situation, and she
WITHDREW the amendment.
4:51:31 PM
Representative Tomaszewski MOVED to ADOPT Amendment N 79
(copy on file):
Agency: Transportation
Appropriation: Marine Highway System
Allocation: Marine Engineering
Transaction Details
Title: Delete Vacant Port Engineer Position
Section: Section 1
Type: Dec
Line Items
Personal Services: -142.3
Positions
Permanent Full-Time: -1
Funding 1004 Gen Fund -142.3
Explanation
DOT&PF Port Engineer position in the Marine Highway
System has been vacant for three years. Associated
general fund amount should be removed.
Representative Hannan OBJECTED.
Representative Tomaszewski explained that the amendment was
for a port engineer position that had been vacant for more
than three years. However, he had received information from
the department that it was actively recruiting for the
position. The department had communicated the position was
critical for executing grants for the coming construction
within the Alaska Marine Highway System. He WITHDREW the
amendment.
4:52:23 PM
Co-Chair Johnson relayed that the amendment process was
concluded. She thanked committee members for their work and
attention to detail.
4:52:52 PM
AT EASE
4:54:38 PM
RECONVENED
Co-Chair Johnson reviewed the agenda for the following
afternoon's meeting.
HB 39 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
HB 40 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB 39 Amendment 64 Backup 2 Josephson 032823.pdf |
HFIN 3/28/2023 1:30:00 PM |
HB 39 |
| HB 39 HB 41 Amendments w Actions 032823.pdf |
HFIN 3/28/2023 1:30:00 PM |
HB 39 HB 41 |
| HB 39 Amendment Backup vacant PCNs Johnson 032823.pdf |
HFIN 3/28/2023 1:30:00 PM |
HB 39 |