Legislature(2025 - 2026)ADAMS 519
03/12/2025 04:30 PM House FINANCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB53 || HB55 | |
| Public Testimony | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 53 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 55 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HOUSE BILL NO. 53
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and
loan program expenses of state government and for
certain programs; capitalizing funds; amending
appropriations; making supplemental appropriations;
making reappropriations; 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. 55
"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."
4:40:16 PM
^PUBLIC TESTIMONY
4:40:21 PM
SARAH LEWIS, SELF, FAIRBANKS, advocated for education
funding. She emphasized that investing in education funding
was economic development. She shared that it had been very
difficult in the education community in Fairbanks. She
implored the committee to remember it was an important
investment in the infrastructure of the state.
Representative Johnson asked for the testifier's name.
Ms. Lewis replied with her name and community.
4:43:36 PM
MICHELE GIRAULT, CEO, HOPE COMMUNITY RESOURCES, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), advocated for funding for HOPE
community resources and the deaf navigator program
Co-Chair Josephson asked about the deaf navigator.
Ms. Girault replied asking for $75,000.
Representative Galvin asked if the $75,000 was not funded
in the budget.
Ms. Girault responded that the request was for an
additional $75,000 to keep up with inflation.
4:46:36 PM
KAROLINA ROJAS, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of education funding.
4:48:09 PM
JON SCUDDER, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
supported $3 million for the senior center, and shared that
he was the sole caregiver for his wife who had cancer. He
stressed the importance of eating more vegetables and
salads and less fried foods. He thanked the committee for
funding the program in the Anchorage Senior Center. He
urged the continued funding of the services.
4:51:09 PM
DR. HERB SCHROEDER, ALASKA NATIVE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in support of the
Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP). He
stated that it would save millions of dollars and transform
the workforce.
4:52:51 PM
PAMELA GEBERT, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in support for ANSEP funding. it was currently working in
Alaska and had worked with some of the state's largest
industries like oil and gas and tourism. Everyone wanted to
employ people who were from Alaska and who were committed
to remaining in AK. She supported investing in Alaskans and
education. She thanked the committee for supporting
Alaskans' future.
4:56:08 PM
JESSE L BOOTHE, ALASKA SENIOR CENTER, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of $3 million for
Meals on Wheels for the Anchorage Senior Center. He spoke
to the attributes of the program.
4:57:57 PM
FELICIA CARPENTER, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
shared that she was currently almost living at the
courthouse. She stated her children were suffering from
mental illness and were undergoing counseling. She
appreciated funding for the homeless community.
5:00:09 PM
AMANDA KLEIN, SELF, WASILLA (via teleconference), testified
in support of funding for ANSEP. She stated that it was a
highly successful program and students graduated high
school with an average of many high school credits.
5:02:02 PM
BETHANY OCHS, SELF, NUNAPITCHUK (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding for the Special Education
Support Agency. She stated that she had two nonverbal
students in her class that had made incredible strides in
communication skills.
5:04:27 PM
MEGAN CARY, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), asked for
full funding for ANSEP. She felt that the program was
essential from preventing brain drain from Alaska. She
stated the program offered a supportive environment.
5:06:01 PM
LYNETTE SMITH, SELF, ANCHORAGE, supported funding for meals
on wheels for the Anchorage Senior Center.
Co-Chair Josephson noted there was $3.1 million in the
budget.
5:07:55 PM
MARGARET BAUER, MEMBER, ALASKA EARLY CHILDHOOD ADVOCACY
GROUP, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), asked for critical
funding support for childcare and early education. She
stated that childcare was essential in the state's economy,
and children need a healthy start for young lives to be
prepared for kindergarten.
5:10:10 PM
GORDON GLASER, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in support of funding for healthcare and assisted living.
5:13:27 PM
BRENDA BOWLER, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in support of funding for meals for seniors in Anchorage.
She encouraged continued support for the program.
5:14:52 PM
JACK MCCASLIN, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of ANSEP funding and supported
education funding.
5:17:25 PM
TAMI TODD, SELF, WASILLA (via teleconference), testified in
support of ANSEP funding. She urged the committee to
reconsider a cut by the subcommittee to ANSEP. She stressed
they were worth the investment. She also spoke in support
of health care funding.
5:19:40 PM
MARI MUKAI, ALASKA CHILDREN'S ALLIANCE, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for the
programs within the Alaska Children's Alliance. The
programs had been in jeopardy due to loss of federal funds,
which accounted for over half the budget.
5:21:30 PM
TREVOR STORRS, PRESIDENT AND CEO, ALASKA CHILDREN'S TRUST,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), stated that Alaska had the
highest number of child maltreatment cases and the state
should prevent child abuse and neglect. He supported a 20
percent match in the budget for Head Start and funding for
infant learning, Parents as Teachers, child advocacy
center, and Medicaid behavioral health services. He
requested a permanent increase to the Base Student
Allocation (BSA).
Co-Chair Josephson asked Mr. Storrs to repeat his items.
Representative Galvin asked for a repeat of the specific
line item.
Mr. Storrs responded that it was line item 1676 for chronic
disease prevention.
Co-Chair Josephson asked about the recruitment and
retention piece. He asked if it was different from the UA
board of regents request.
Mr. Storrs responded that he believed that it was a
different request.
5:25:08 PM
DANIEL JOHNSON, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of ANSEP funding. He shared that he
had a son and daughter and the investment could save
millions in costs and helped attract skilled professionals
to Alaska.
5:26:20 PM
STEPHEN SPANGLER, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
shared that he is 18 and is an ANSEP student. He spoke in
support of funding for ANSEP. It reduced the cost for
college and it helped Alaskans succeed in the workforce.
5:27:27 PM
AMY SIMPSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PROGRAMS FOR INFANTS AND
CHILDREN, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in support
of an increment for the early childhood education budget.
She stated that it would allow the program to expand
eligibility. She shared that many children would be able to
have access to very important services. Alaska had the most
restrictive criteria for and nearly half the children
receiving early intervention services would not require
later special education services. An investment would save
Alaska $34 million per year in the future in special
education costs.
5:30:45 PM
TOM KRON, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified
in support of the original ANSEP budget request. He stated
that the reduction would have significant impacts to
opportunities for thousands of Alaskan students.
5:32:24 PM
REBECCA PARKER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ANCHORAGE SENIOR
ACTIVITIES CENTER, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in
support of funding for the Anchorage Senior Center and meal
program. She highlighted examples from seniors appreciating
the meals allowing some individuals to remain at home.
5:34:44 PM
ADRIENNE ACTIVE, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of ANSEP funding. She appreciated
continued support and it was not merely academic, but gave
young people confidence and skills to thrive in society.
5:37:49 PM
KATRINA STANLEY, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of ANSEP funding. She noted the
committee proposed reducing the funding for the program.
She shared that her son was currently in the ANSEP program
and he was excelling with a 4.0 GPA. Her son was now
considering a career in medicine. She had another son who
wanted to enroll in ANSEP the following year. She asked the
committee to consider restoring full funding for the
program.
5:40:05 PM
MICHAEL KUTSCHEID, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding for ANSEP. He stated that
the ANSEP staff were dedicated and passionate. He believed
it was one of the best education programs in Alaska. He
asked the committee to restore full funding
5:42:01 PM
PATRICK STANLEY, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
spoke in support of full funding for the ANSEP program. He
shared that he was in need of qualified Alaskans to work in
his business including geoscientists and other to deliver
low cost energy in Alaska.
Co-Chair Josephson thought it sounded like a family
project, which he appreciated.
5:45:02 PM
ELIZABETH SPANGLER, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in favor of full funding for ANSEP. She stated
that staff helped teach students how to study and manage
time. Her kids spent time exploring careers and were
learning about careers they did not know about previously.
5:48:27 PM
PAM KELLEY, SELF, EAGLE RIVER (via teleconference), called
in support of a $3 million increase for senior centers and
other senior service providers to continue to provide
meals, transportation, and other services. She had
firsthand knowledge of the benefit of funding senior
programs. She thanked the committee.
5:50:39 PM
SAMUEL LASHLE, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in support of funding for ANSEP. He was a staff member at
the program. He discussed the benefits of the program. He
noted that the program also provided social and emotional
skills that were not part of regular high school. He was a
former ANSEP student and without the program he would not
be where he was today. He had not been in the best
situation in the past year with the diagnosis of type 1
diabetes. He hoped the legislature continued to fully fund
the program.
5:52:38 PM
CARL BERGER, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of the $3 million to the senior
community grants budget added in the subcommittee. He had
always been impressed with the level of care and dedication
by senior center employees around the state. He believed it
was important that services were a blessing to have meals
once a day during the week. He urged members to support the
program.
Representative Galvin thanked Mr. Berger for testifying.
She shared that he had introduced her to what the meal plan
was like in Fairbanks. She thanked him for his years of
work he brought to science at UAF.
5:55:45 PM
RHODA JAL, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified
in support of ANSEP. She asked the committee to reconsider
cuts to the program. She shared that thanks to the programs
her son had the opportunity were crucial and offered
resources and guidance. She asked the committee to consider
the long-term consequences. She urged the committee to
protect the program.
5:57:35 PM
MATT SHASBY, MEN'S ICE HOCKEY COACH, UA ATHLETICS,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), shared that he had
graduated from the University of Alaska. He was grateful
for the support for the sports program. He asked for
continued support.
5:59:14 PM
ETHAN JOHNSON, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified against the proposed reduction in funding to
ANSEP. He is 17 and a junior in high school. By the end of
the school year, he would have 140 credits towards a
degree. He would enter the workforce in Alaska with a
bachelor's degree at the age of 18. He noted that ANSEP had
already lost $1 million in federal funding.
6:01:22 PM
BISHOP TOSI, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding for funding at the
university.
6:02:50 PM
JANELLE SHARP, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in favor of full funding for ANSEP. She spoke to
the impact on the current students who had already
fulfilled the credit requirements for the program.
6:06:24 PM
JAMES BAILEY, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in support of funding for senior services in Anchorage. He
supported the $3 million increase to the senior grant
budget to continue to maintain nutrition and support
services. He stated that senior grant services were the
least costly to help seniors continue to age in their
homes. He thanked the committee.
6:08:14 PM
KUACH DAK, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified
in support of ANSEP. He shared that his son was the first
family member to go to college.
6:11:10 PM
SAMUEL GEBERT, STUDENT SUCCESS LIAISON, ANSEP, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), spoke in favor of ANSEP.
6:14:13 PM
CHRISTINA EUBANKS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HILLCREST CHILDREN'S
CENTER, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in
support for childcare funding. She thanked the committee
for its previous support for childcare funding.
6:16:33 PM
JENNY STUCKY, COO, CAMPFIRE ALASKA, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), thanked the committee for the $7.7 million
added for the childcare grants. She thanked the committee
for its leadership and commitment to Alaska's future.
6:18:35 PM
RACHAEL MILLER, CHIEF ADVOCACY OFFICER, FOODBANK OF ALASKA,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), thanked the committee for
its time. She testified in support of funding for the
Foodbank of Alaska and its partners. She advocated for
continued work on the issue. She asked the committee to
continue funding food bank funds in Department of Health
and food funding in the Department of Commerce, Community
and Economic Development (DCCED). She asked for funding for
programs that feed kids, including free school meals.
School was often the only place some students received a
hot meal.
Co-Chair Josephson asked Ms. Miller to repeat the two
buckets of $1.5 million. He asked if they were different.
Ms. Miller replied that the governor had originally
proposed $4 million through DCCED was administered
differently than the funding through DOH, and that the
state did not partake in the DCCED increment.
Co-Chair Josephson stated they were just told they received
$1.6 million a month ago. He asked if it was sufficient.
Ms. Miller answered that they could spend a lot more on
direct food purchasing.
6:24:23 PM
AURORA COURTNEY, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of ANSEP funding. She shared that
ANSEP had been a huge part of her life at UAA. Her daughter
was now an ANSEP student enrolled in courses at UAA.
6:26:42 PM
JUDY MILLER, SELF, DEAD HORSE (via teleconference), she
shared that she was testifying from Dead Horse but she
lived in Anchorage and Homer. She testified in support for
public education. She felt that funding brick and mortar
schools should be the highest priority. She shared that her
family had homeschooled their daughter and had not expected
the state to pay for it. Her parents sent her and her 8
siblings to a Catholic high school.
6:29:34 PM
JENNIFER ARNONE, PARENT OF STUDENT, ANSEP, MAT-SU (via
teleconference), spoke in support of full funding for
ANSEP. She shared that her son had struggled to make
friends. The program had helped him both academically and
socially.
6:30:48 PM
ZACKARY TODD, ANSEP, MAT-SU (via teleconference), testified
in support of full funding for ANSEP. He shared that he is
a high school student using the ANSEP program.
6:32:13 PM
ASHLI MACKEY, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of childcare funding. The funding
would help childcare programs stay open. She shared that
she is the adoptive parent of two and funding childcare for
children in OCS paid on average $998 per child which made
it nearly impossible for foster families to afford
childcare. She would not be able to work full time without
childcare.
6:34:06 PM
LANCE JOHNSON, ALASKA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION,
TALKEETNA (via teleconference), shared that he had been
advocating for behavioral health funding for the past 15
years. He thanked the committee for including a $13 million
grant for behavioral health. He shared there would be more
people trying to access care through emergency rooms, which
cost the state much more money.
Co-Chair Josephson asked if Mr. Johnson had stated the
state office of rate review, and whether programs were
underserved by 15 percent.
Mr. Johnson replied that the rate did not meet the cost of
delivering services partly due to the upper payment limit
imposed by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
(CMS).
Co-Chair Josephson asked if it was something informal or in
writing.
Mr. Johnson replied that it was in a presentation to
providers.
6:38:36 PM
RYNE O'RIELLY, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in favor of full funding for ANSEP. He is a staff
member at ANSEP. He shared that he had been rewarded by a
wonderful experience and was surrounded by bright and
brilliant students. He highlighted math classes offered
that were not offered in many schools in Alaska. The
program had a summer residential program catering to
courses that were not available in rural Alaska. He thanked
the committee for its time. He hoped the committee would
reconsider the cut.
6:41:16 PM
JENNIFER WINGARD, PARENT OF STUDENT, ANSEP, GIRDWOOD (via
teleconference), testified in support of full funding for
ANSEP.
6:43:43 PM
RODNEY DIAL, KETCHIKAN MAYOR AND SOUTHEAST COMMANDER,
ALASKA STATE DEFENSIVE FORCE, KETCHIKAN (via
teleconference), spoke in support of funding for the Alaska
State Defense Force. He discussed the services provided by
the organization. The individuals volunteered their time
due to their love of Alaska.
Representative Bynum thanked Mayor Dial for his service as
mayor and with the Alaska State Defense Force. He thanked
the team for its work in the Ketchikan landslide
Mr. Dial thanked him.
6:46:45 PM
ERIC GURLEY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ACCESS ALASKA, INC.,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in support of funding
for ACCESS Alaska. He spoke about the services provided to
Alaskans with disabilities and seniors to enable them to
remain in their own homes. He supported funds for the
Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority (AMHTA) recommendation
for home modifications. He thanked the committee for
including funds for meals for seniors.
6:49:10 PM
TIERRA COLBERG, EMPLOYEE OF ALASKA NATIVE SCIENCE AND
ENGINEERING PROGRAM, MAT-SU (via teleconference), testified
in support of funding for ANSEP.
6:50:37 PM
SYLVIA MAIELLARO, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
called on behalf of AARP. She supported the $3 million for
senior center funding including services provided in
Anchorage and throughout Alaska.
6:53:02 PM
JACOB RICHEY, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of full funding for the ANSEP program.
He noted that the program taught some of the highest
performing students in the country. The program offered his
daughter the opportunity to pursue a Ph.D. one day.
6:54:19 PM
NICK MOE, PUBLIC POLICY MANAGER, THREAD, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for
childcare grant funding. He discussed the Retaining Our
Outstanding Teachers (ROOTS) program, and its benefits.
Co-Chair Josephson asked about a lawsuit lawsuit over
corporate income tax funding, and federal COVID dollars
disappearing.
Mr. Moe did not know where the COVID dollars were
currently. He was happy to follow up with Co-Chair
Josephson.
Co-Chair Josephson thanked testifiers.
HB 53 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
HB 55 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
Co-Chair Josephson discussed the schedule for the following
day.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB 53 Public Testimony Rec'd by 031225.pdf |
HFIN 3/12/2025 4:30:00 PM |
HB 53 |