Legislature(2017 - 2018)HOUSE FINANCE 519
03/02/2017 01:00 PM House FINANCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB57 || HB59 | |
| Public Testimony: Homer, Kenai, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Mat-su, and Seward | |
| Public Testimony: Barrow, Dillingham, and Fairbanks | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 57 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 59 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
HOUSE BILL NO. 57
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and
loan program expenses of state government and for
certain programs; capitalizing funds; amending
appropriations; repealing appropriations; making
supplemental appropriations and reappropriations, and
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. 59
"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."
1:04:43 PM
^PUBLIC TESTIMONY: HOMER, KENAI, KETCHIKAN, KODIAK, MAT-SU,
and SEWARD
1:05:13 PM
JIM HORNADAY, KENAI, KENAI PENINSULA COLLEGE COUNCIL, KENAI
(via teleconference), spoke in support of the University
Board of Regents funding request of $341 million funding
versus the governor's proposal of $325 million. He shared
information about his professional background as a teacher.
He shared it had been exciting to watch the university
campuses grow in the region over the years. He remarked
that the Senate had proposed reducing the budget request to
$309 million. He talked about the effects of reduced
funding for the university system. He relayed that
additional cuts would have an adverse effects on the
communities. He thanked the committee.
1:08:18 PM
MIKE ILLG, SELF/KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT,
HOMER (via teleconference), spoke in support of fully
funding the BSA and pupil transportation spoke in support
of fully funding the Base Student Allocation (BSA) and
pupil transportation. Additionally, he asked the committee
to consider fully funding bond debt reimbursements that
played a significant role in the investment and commitments
in municipalities and boroughs throughout the state. He
stressed that school districts really needed to know what
the funding scenario would be because the districts could
not keep stringing along employees, teachers, and community
members. He suggested forward funding the formula a few
years out. He urged members to consider the benefits of the
schools and for all Alaskan children. He thanked members.
Co-Chair Seaton noted that Representatives Ortiz, Pruitt,
Kawasaki, and Guttenberg had joined the meeting.
1:10:47 PM
BRYAN ZAK, SELF, HOMER (via teleconference), spoke of the
importance of high school and college education. He shared
that the Homer High School was number one in the state for
performance of the graduating seniors. He discussed the
importance of preparing high school seniors to achieve
scholarships to universities. He also encouraged members to
find new revenue sources, which would help with a portion
of the state's budget deficit. He appreciated the
legislature's efforts. He asked the legislature to develop
a fiscal plan within 90 days. He underscored that it was
not possible to cut the state's way out of the deficit. He
also warned against cost shifting to municipalities.
1:13:06 PM
MEG MITCHELL, SELF, HOMER (via teleconference), spoke in
opposition to the proposal of the cap to community services
for individuals with disabilities to eight hours per week.
She shared that she had worked as a case manager for the
past 26 years. She believed people with disabilities were
wonderful and deserving of having the fullest lives
possible. She stressed that the cap would limit disabled
individuals' time in community settings, meaning the
individuals would not have access to their choice of
community activities for learning, volunteering,
recreating, or socializing. She underscored that the cap
would cut dozens of jobs of direct service providers. She
spoke to the benefits of the services. She emphasized that
the cut would promote program participants to be excluded
from the community.
1:15:50 PM
CHERYL TUTTLE, STUDENT UNION PRESIDENT, KENAI PENINSULA
COLLEGE (KPC), NIKISKI (via teleconference), spoke in
support of full funding the university system at $325
million. She stressed that anything less than the full
amount would be a deficit for the community, students,
staff, and faculty. She asked the committee to keep the
college campuses in mind and to avoid cutting too far. She
thanked the committee.
1:17:01 PM
AUBREY DUNCAN, STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE, KPC, KENAI (via
teleconference), spoke in support of funding the university
system. She shared that she was currently a freshmen in
high school. She represented the next generation of
workers, parents, and leaders. She reinforced the need for
the local colleges. She provided information about her
experience as a student. She asked the committee to keep
students in mind as the future of Alaska. She underscored
that decisions made by the legislature impacted more than
just the college itself; it impacted all of Alaska.
1:18:09 PM
JOCELYN RISKE, KPC, SOLDOTNA (via teleconference), spoke in
support of funding the university system. She shared that
she was currently pursuing a degree in nursing. She enjoyed
her experience at the Kenai Peninsula College. She stressed
that staff were very dedicated to helping students. She
urge members to continue funding.
1:19:15 PM
GEORGE PIERCE, SELF, KASILOF (via teleconference), spoke in
opposition of funding oil tax credits and subsidies. He
thought the committee should limit lobbyist testimony to
two minutes as well in order to make things even. He did
not support state funding for nonprofits and believed the
state needed to tax s corporations and limited liability
companies. He asked the legislature to cut its own per diem
by three-quarters. He did not believe the legislature
should receive any per diem after 90 days if it could not
finish its work within that time. He urged an advisory vote
of the people before taking money from the Permanent Fund
and cutting the dividend. He believed the state's
government was bloated. He spoke to the change in
leadership in the legislature and emphasized the new
leadership could listen to the people. He stressed his
opposition to the use of the Permanent Fund, which he
believed would hurt Alaskans. He thought legislators had
selective hearing. He asked the committee to increase taxes
on the oil industry.
1:21:10 PM
PATRICK MICHELS, KPC, SOLDOTNA (via teleconference), urged
support for funding for the Kenai Peninsula College
funding. He shared that he was currently an 18-year-old
high school senior attending KPC. He stressed the great
learning environment at the college. He urged the committee
to keep the college's budget in mind.
1:22:06 PM
FRED STURMAN, SELF, SOLDOTNA (via teleconference),
suggested that legislators should limit their testimony to
two minutes on the House floor. He thought the Division of
Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the railroad should be eliminated.
He reasoned that in the business world when something got
into financial trouble it was eliminated. He suggested
contracting the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) out and
eliminating the [Alaska Aerospace Corporation] launch pad.
He believed the governor was making too much money. He
recommended discontinuing funding for the gasline and doing
away with heating and oil subsidies for rural Alaskans. He
thought individuals receiving free schools in rural Alaska
should be taxed. He urged members to cut their own pay. He
thought pay for state workers should be cut. He believed
unions should be responsible for collecting their own dues.
1:24:32 PM
DAVE JONES, KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT,
SOLDOTNA (via teleconference), spoke in support of fully
funding the BSA and pupil transportation. He appreciated
that full BSA funding had been restored in the current bill
version. He was concerned about the bond debt reimbursement
cut and supported full funding. He spoke of the loss of
about $1.2 million could hinder the borough's ability to
fully fund the school district. He thanked members for
their support of education.
1:26:08 PM
ROCKY EMERSON, SELF, NIKISKI (via teleconference), spoke in
opposition of using the people's PFD. He depended on his
dividend. He believed there were many other options the
legislature could select to solve the budget problem. He
asked the committee to let seniors have their fair share of
funds. He shared that he had not voted for a legislative
incumbent in recent years and did not plan on doing so in
the next election.
1:27:35 PM
KELLY JOHNSON, SELF, SOLDOTNA (via teleconference), was
opposed cutting the PFD. He discussed that the current U.S.
president and Congress had gotten elected based on their
campaigns to increase the number of jobs and to cut taxes
and regulation. He did not support the bill or tax
increases. He shared that almost all of his dividends in
the past had gone towards his college education at Kenai
Peninsula College. He stressed that young individuals
needed the money to help them get through college as well.
Additionally, he stated that seniors depended on the PFD.
He thought it was important to leave the PFD alone,
increase jobs, and cut some regulation to encourage growth
in the state.
1:29:10 PM
ERIC MUENCH, SELF, KETCHIKAN (via teleconference), spoke in
favor of everyone paying their fair share. He supported
income taxes and shared that when the state had an income
tax in the past it had not hurt the economy. He underscored
that the longer tax was not addressed, the worse the
problem would get. He believed the state needed revenue
independent of oil. He thought it was necessary for the
state to have the ability to raise money from every
thriving economic industry or user of state services. He
talked about the importance of maintaining certain
services. He disagreed with the belief that an income tax
should not be implemented until more cuts were made to the
state budget. He emphasized that existing cuts had already
impacted numerous services that benefit the economy. He
supported maintaining funding for the Department of Fish
and Game, forestry, troopers, and highways.
1:31:05 PM
CYNNA GUBATAYAO, FINANCE DIRECTOR, KETCHIKAN GATEWAY
BOROUGH, KETCHIKAN (via teleconference), supported a
comprehensive fiscal plan and spoke against shifting
additional costs to the municipality. She did not believe
continued cuts to individual programs would solve the
state's financial problems. The borough was particularly
concerned about cuts to bond debt reimbursement. She
underscored that as costs were shifted to municipalities
the burden was placed on the local taxpayers. She detailed
that 100 percent of the borough's property tax and 20
percent of its sales tax went to education. The local tax
payer was already suffering the burden of losing jobs and
positions.
1:32:10 PM
MARY STEPHENSON, SELF, KETCHIKAN (via teleconference),
testified against the bill. She discussed that on January
21, 2017 millions of people had marched worldwide to
express the message that the system is broken. She spoke
against the new federal administration's proposal to
increase defense spending by $54 billion, while cutting the
same amount from non-defense programs such as the
Environmental Protection Agency. She stressed that
Ketchikan's lifestyle was centered on air, land, and sea
environmental programs. She talked about struggling with
household budgets, while social services tried to sustain
itself with the revolving door of dysfunctional
individuals. She believed city officials adjusted fiscal
responsibility back onto taxpayers and local industries.
She continued that legislators had not been held
accountable for the deficit. She spoke against taking the
PF earnings reserves to fund government; however, she was
not opposed to funds being lent from the Permanent Fund in
order for Alaskans to be debt-free in future generations.
She thanked the committee.
1:35:07 PM
RUTH BULLOCK, CLINICAL DIRECTOR, GATEWAY CENTER HUMAN
SERVICES, KETCHIKAN, spoke of the 30 percent in their grant
in the previous year. She thanked the committee and added
that treatment worked. She shared that the center had taken
a cut of approximately 30 percent to its grants the
previous year, which had been startling. The center had
been doing well and was billing Medicaid for most people.
She thanked the committee for continuing to fund community-
based programs. She emphasized that treatment worked.
DAN ROHRER, MAYOR, KODIAK ISLAND BOROUGH, KODIAK (via
teleconference), spoke in opposition to the proposed 42
percent reduction to school bond debt reimbursement. The
cut would be approximately $2.2 million to the Kodiak
Island Borough. He stressed that the legislature had many
tools it could use to deal with the financial crisis.
Kodiak really only had property taxes and fees to deal with
its financial challenges. He looked at options to cover the
cut - it could increase its mill rate by 2 (which was a
significant increase) or it could reduce the allocation to
its school district. The proposed cuts would mean many
municipalities would push off much of the costs to local
schools. He respectfully requested that the legislature
fully fund the school bond debt reimbursement.
1:39:12 PM
SCOTT SMILEY, ASSEMBLY MEMBER, KODIAK ISLAND BOROUGH,
KODIAK (via teleconference), testified against the proposed
reduction to school bond debt reimbursement. The community
could not afford the cut and he hoped the state would stop
passing bills off to municipalities that it could not
solve. He supported the implementation of a sales tax on
online purchases, a state income tax, and using a portion
of the Permanent Fund.
1:40:09 PM
LARRY LEDOUX, DEPUTY MAYOR-KODIAK BOROUGH, KODIAK (via
teleconference), spoke in opposition of the proposed
reduction to school bond debt reimbursement. He spoke to
the state's financial crisis and solutions suggested to
address the situation including an income tax, sales tax,
increase in fisheries tax, and reductions in the PFD and
revenue sharing. He noted that no one really liked the
options, but they were equitable across the state. The debt
reduction would affect some municipalities more than
others, Kodiak in particular. He detailed that Kodiak had
been prudent over the years to request no more money than
it needed. In Kodiak the increase in debt payments amounted
to almost 2 mills. He asked committee members to consider
how the cuts would impact schools. Kodiak was going through
an economic crisis due challenges in the fishing industry.
He thanked the committee for its work for education.
Co-Chair Seaton replied that the legislature was facing bad
choices, which meant either a $300 per student Base Student
Allocation (BSA) decrease or at a similar amount through a
bond debt reimbursement. He asked testifiers to vocalize a
choice between the two if desired.
1:43:00 PM
MARY FORBES, SELF, KODIAK (via teleconference), spoke in
support of using the PFD to fund government. She loved the
quality of life Alaska had to offer and had raised her
family in the state. She viewed the PFD as a gift, not as
an entitlement. She strongly favored a state income tax.
She wanted to see out of state residents making a living in
Alaska paying their fair share. She stressed that the
budget problems could not be solved with cuts alone. She
thanked the committee.
1:44:33 PM
BARB BROWN, SELF, KODIAK (via teleconference), spoke in
support full funding for K-12 education. She was horrified
that school lunches were being considered for reductions
nationally. She discussed that the kids eating the school
lunches were many times having their only hot meal of the
day. She supported funding the University at the level
recommended by the Board of Regents. Further cuts would
negatively impact enrollment and completion rates. She
favored an income tax. She thought it was important to tax
people earning a wage in Alaska. She thanked the committee.
1:46:36 PM
PAT BRANSON, MAYOR, CITY OF KODIAK, KODIAK (via
teleconference), spoke in opposition of reducing the school
bond debt reimbursement. She discussed that the city was
not responsible for its schools, it was part of the
community and any cut to school bond debt would be a
tremendous burden on the whole community. She referred to
three options proposed by Co-Chair Seaton, the governor,
and Senator Bert Stedman and asked the committee to
consider each idea. She stressed it was not possible to cut
the state's way out of the deficit. She talked about having
met with the municipal league regarding the state's fiscal
situation. She relayed that any cuts should be fair
reductions. She thanked members for their service.
1:48:16 PM
RYAN SHARRATT, SELF, KODIAK (via teleconference), supported
the budget of the Department of Military and Veterans
Affairs (DMVA). He provided information regarding his
military background, having been a member of the Alaska
National Guard. He was currently a business owner employing
107 staff. He discussed the attributes of the current DMVA
budget. He thanked members for the opportunity to testify.
1:50:18 PM
DAN MAYFIELD, ASSEMBLY MEMBER, MAT-SU BOROUGH, MAT-SU (via
teleconference), spoke in opposition of the school bond
debt reimbursement reduction of 41.8 percent, which would
mean a loss of approximately $9.5 million to the borough.
He stated it would equate to a 10 percent tax increase to
residents. The borough had already taken a hit of $5.9
million when Governor Walker had vetoed 25 percent of the
reimbursement. He discussed that the cuts broke public
trust. He referred to a prior vote on a school bonding
proposal. He thought it was an inequitable burden for the
Mat-Su Borough. He opposed BSA and pupil transportation
reductions. He urged members to vote no on the amendment.
1:53:38 PM
GEORGE HAYS, DEPUTY MAYOR, MAT-SU BOROUGH, MAT-SU (via
teleconference), urged members to oppose Co-Chair Seaton's
amendment to reduce school bond debt reimbursement. He
explained the amendment would cut state bond debt
reimbursement for prior year capital improvement bonds by
41.8 percent. He stressed that the burden would fall
unequally on specific citizens of Alaska. He underscored
that the reductions would harm borough services and the
public's trust. He listed negative consequences of the
cuts. He explained the results of a similar reduction by
Governor Parnell. Any delay in bond payment would adversely
affect the borough's bond rating. He specified that the
combination of the school bond debt and pupil
transportation reduction placed an unfair burden on school
systems operating in the organized areas of the state. He
suggested that it would cost $100 to citizens within the
borough.
1:56:16 PM
GENE STONE, MAT-SU BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT, MAT-SU (via
teleconference), opposed the amendment to the school bond
debt reimbursement program. He encouraged members to honor
its funding commitment. He supported fully funding pupil
transportation and the BSA. He detailed that failing to
fund pupil transportation would mean a cut to classrooms.
He thanked the committee.
1:58:05 PM
BETH FREAD, SELF, PALMER (via teleconference), urged
members to cut the budget, avoid cutting the PFD, and avoid
imposing new revenues or taxes (until the budget had been
cut further). She stressed that the current budget was not
sustainable. She suggested the only solution in the House
Majority Coalition was to continue its spending. She
opposed automatic merit increases for state employees. She
thanked the committee.
2:00:43 PM
STEVE ST. CLAIRE, SELF, WASILLA (via teleconference),
pointed out that public testimony was being held while most
Alaskan were at work. He suggested comparing apples-to-
apples. He referred to the FY 17 Department of Corrections
budget compared to the FY 18 budget that had been reduced
by $7 million. He wondered what had happened to the $10
million in savings from SB 91. He thought more cuts should
be made. He asked what had happened to the proposal to
close a Palmer facility. He asked members if they were
being truthful about what was occurring with the budget.
2:03:41 PM
ABBY ST. CLAIRE, SELF, WASILLA (via teleconference), urged
the legislature to live within its budget. She supported
additional cuts to the budget. She shared information about
her fixed income and relayed she could not afford
additional taxes. She opposed using the people's PFD. She
believed government was bloated and that Alaskans were
expected to do more with less. She reminded legislators
they represented their constituents and not the governor.
2:05:08 PM
DEBBIE MCCARTHY, SELF, WASILLA (via teleconference),
opposed her PFD being taken away as a civil forfeiture,
which she believed was unlawful. She thought the state
needed to clean up its own house, particularly with
fraudulent practices.
2:06:56 PM
DAVE BRIGHTON, PRESIDENT, KENAI PENINSULA EDUCATION
ASSOCIATION, KENAI (via teleconference), spoke in support
of funding public education. He referred to fiscal plan
legislation under consideration by the legislature and
believed HB 115 was the most balanced approach. He noted
the current status quo budget for education was causing the
districts to cut due to inflation. The district had spent
its fund balance trying to not cut as many teachers and had
cut over $4 million out of its budget in the past three
years. He did not support more cuts to education. He
thanked the committee.
2:08:22 PM
SOPHIANNE SERGIE, PARENTS AS TEACHERS, SEWARD (via
teleconference), supported funding for Parents as Teachers.
She discussed the merits of the program, which helped
children with learning and developing skills. She spoke to
her children's personal experience with the program.
2:09:24 PM
DEBORAH KLEIN, PARENTS AS TEACHERS, SEWARD (via
teleconference), spoke in support of continued funding
Parents as Teachers. She shared that the program had acted
as a lifeline for her family that had connected her to
resources and other parents. She spoke to the merits of the
program.
2:09:46 PM
LYNN HOHL, KENAI PENINSULA SCHOOL DISTRICT, SEWARD (via
teleconference), spoke in support of public school
education. She shared information about her children's
education in Alaska. She had appreciated the forward
funding for education that had occurred in the past. She
supported a comprehensive fiscal plan without shifting
costs to local municipalities that maintained important
governmental services such as education. She stressed the
state could not cut its way out of the deficit. She thanked
the committee.
2:11:02 PM
POLLY-BETH ODOM, ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DAYBREAK,
INC., PALMER, testified in support of behavioral health
grant funds. She provided some background about the purpose
of the agency that provided case management for adults with
long-term mental health issues and other. Due to Medicaid
expansion the program had been able to double the number of
individuals it could provide services to. She spoke to the
merits of the program. She thanked the committee for
looking at the budget.
2:12:42 PM
KRIS HOLDERIED, KACHEMAK BAY ADVISORY BOARD, KENAI
PENINSULA COLLEGE, HOMER (via teleconference), thanked the
committee for its work. She spoke in support of funding the
university system. The Senate numbers would be devastating
to the university on top of the cuts that had already been
made in recent years. She relayed additional cuts would
mean a loss of staff and reduced classes and job training.
As a citizen and Navy veteran she supported an income tax.
She thought the people of the state should pay for
services. She asked for a balanced proposal. She
appreciated members understanding the importance of
education.
2:14:54 PM
GHERET ABBOTT, SELF, KETCHIKAN (via teleconference), spoke
in support of a state income tax. He stated it was clear
the current fiscal crisis stemmed from an over reliance on
oil revenue, which fluctuated constantly. He believed
stabilizing state finances required a broader and less
volatile taxation system. He supported a state income tax
over a state sales tax. He explained that a sales tax was
regressive and would fall most heavily on the poor,
students, small business owners, and other. He urged
members to refuse any fiscal proposal without an income
tax.
2:16:26 PM
RODNEY DIAL, ASSEMBLY MEMBER, KETCHIKAN GATEWAY BOROUGH,
KETCHIKAN (via teleconference), believed the committee was
intent on balancing the budget on the backs of working
Alaskans. He stated that approximately $700 million of the
state's budget went to Medicaid. He did not support the tax
free private ownership of land in rural Alaska. He stressed
that Alaska was the only state that did not impose a five-
year lifetime limit on welfare. He believed the proposed
budget was about making urban areas pay more so rural areas
could continue to pay nothing. He spoke to the give-a-ways
in the state which he suggested was costing the state. He
thought fairness and parity in the fiscal circumstances. He
opposed a state income tax and supported additional cuts to
the budget.
Co-Chair Seaton communicated there were currently no more
testifiers signed up. The committee would reconvene once
additional testifiers were available.
2:18:09 PM
AT EASE
2:46:49 PM
RECONVENED
BOB FASSINO, SELF, WASILLA (via teleconference), spoke in
support of the income tax. He thanked the committee for
dealing with the issues. He believed many individuals were
not looking at the original intent of the Permanent Fund.
He stressed it was not possible to keep kicking the can
down the road.
KEVIN MUNSON, CEO, MAT-SU HEALTH SERVICES, MAT-SU,
testified in support of community treatment health grants.
He stressed that behavioral health was a key element to
helping to solve the cost of healthcare in Alaska. He
thanked the committee for preserving programs. He believed
behavioral health services had the ability to help divert
and lower costs. He discussed that many of the healthcare
costs were driven by social determinants of health. He
explained that the behavioral health and substance abuse
communities could help to treat and resolve the issues.
2:50:06 PM
CAROL SHULER, SELF, HOMER (via teleconference), spoke in
support of a balanced state budget. She applauded continued
efforts to find areas of wasteful spending. She did not
consider waiver services to be wasteful. She spoke in
support of home and community based services and Medicaid
waivers. She underscored that limiting individuals to a
maximum of 8 hours per week to services would essentially
confine them to their homes. She urged the committee to
continue funds at the current level of Medicaid services.
2:52:04 PM
GARVIN BUCERIA, SELF, WASILLA (via teleconference), was not
impressed with the legislature's changes to the budget. He
stated that the primary responsibility for Alaska Permanent
Fund Corporation (APFC) was to protect the corpus of the
Permanent Fund. He believed the commitments could best be
kept under the current system. He believed changes would
handicap the system and would use the funds for government
spending. In order for the fund to serve future generations
in perpetuity it should be preserved in its current form.
He referred to separate legislation and observed there was
no contemplation of an income tax in the operating budget.
He was opposed to an income tax when he believed further
cuts were necessary. He supported a 5 percent reduction in
the state's personnel budget. He spoke to double dipping
related to Medicaid. He did not support the ability for
individuals to travel with Medicaid funds when they did not
meet with medical personnel on the trip.
Co-Chair Seaton provided the email address for individuals
to submit public testimony.
2:56:23 PM
AT EASE
3:16:04 PM
RECONVENED
Co-Chair Seaton noted there were no additional testifiers
signed up from any of the LIOs. He relayed the committee
would break until 3:45 p.m. to hear testimony from a new
set of locations.
3:17:05 PM
AT EASE
3:46:25 PM
RECONVENED
^PUBLIC TESTIMONY: BARROW, DILLINGHAM, and FAIRBANKS
3:46:53 PM
KARL KASSEL, MAYOR, FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR BOROUGH (via
teleconference), spoke in support of fully funding
education. He understood the magnitude of the state's
budget situation, but stressed that he did not understand
the obligation for the municipality to institute taxes in
order to cover the state's budget shortfall. He felt that
there should be a balanced and sustainable state budget. He
felt that there should not be further cost shifting to
local governments.
3:50:12 PM
GAIL WOODALL, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke
in opposition to funding for additional Office of
Children's Services (OCS) personnel. She felt that there
should be reforms in OCS, and create an option for OCS
personnel participate in training to understand the family
and child situations.
3:52:01 PM
ANN WOODALL, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), echoed
the comments of Ms. Gail Woodall. She spoke against funding
for additional OCS personnel.
3:53:11 PM
NICHOLE COLLINSON, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
spoke in opposition of funding for additional OCS workers.
She recalled a situation where a child had been removed
with no proof or investigation. She spoke in support of
funding for behavioral health programs. She felt that the
children learn the negative mental health behaviors from
their parents.
3:55:28 PM
KRISTINA LONG, FAIRBANKS NATIVE ASSOCIATION, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for mental
health and addiction prevention programs. She felt that the
state would pay for jail time should the programs go
unfunded.
3:56:44 PM
FRANK GOLD, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), felt that
the committee did not give adequate warning for public
testimony. He did not feel that there was an interest in
the budget from the legislature or public. He remarked that
the committee was not asking any questions. He encouraged
the committee to consider entrenchment. He shared that he
was formulating a list of budget concerns.
3:59:49 PM
ANDREA MERCHANT, PARTICIPANT, WOMEN'S AND CHILDREN'S CENTER
INNER HEALING, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in
support of funding for behavioral health programs. She
stated that she was able to enter into a treatment program,
with her daughter by her side. She stated that she had been
homeless, and was grateful for the programs that allowed
her a second chance. She remarked that she was suddenly and
active member of her community, because of the behavioral
health programs. She stressed that addiction programs were
imperative to those with addiction problems.
4:02:14 PM
CHERIE FORNESS, PARTICIPANT, WOMEN'S AND CHILDREN'S CENTER
INNER HEALING, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in
support of funding for addiction treatment and behavioral
health programs. She stated that she had used Medicaid and
Denali Kid Care. She remarked that her children were
successful due to the staff at the Women's and Children's
Center Inner Healing.
4:03:45 PM
ANGIE HARMAN, PARTICIPANT, WOMEN'S AND CHILDREN'S CENTER
INNER HEALING, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in
support of funding for addiction treatment and behavioral
health programs. She stated that she had used Medicaid and
Denali Kid Care. She stressed that the programs had changed
her life.
4:04:21 PM
BAILEY ROGERS, PARTICIPANT, WOMEN'S AND CHILDREN'S CENTER
INNER HEALING, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in
support of funding for addiction treatment and behavioral
health programs. She remarked that the state could either
pay for health programs or incarceration.
4:05:01 PM
JESSICA HEDGE, COUNSELOR, WOMEN'S AND CHILDREN'S CENTER
INNER HEALING, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in
support of funding for addiction treatment and behavioral
health programs. She stressed that her family were addicts
and felons. She stated that she had seen firsthand the
issue of addiction. She stated that she had an experience
with addiction, and dealt with many issues. She stressed
that she was now a productive member of society.
4:07:48 PM
SCOTT CALDER, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
testified against the funding for OCS workers. He felt that
parents should provide input to a citizens review panel, in
order to review the cases twice a year.
4:09:57 PM
KAREN TABER, REPRESENTATIVE, FAIRBANKS WELLNESS COALITION,
FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in support of funding
for addiction prevention programs. She shared that she had
a brother who she had lost to suicide. She spoke in support
of funding for behavioral health programs. She remarked
that without mental health programs, issues could lead to
suicide or addiction. She remarked that the treatment and
prevention services were essential to the state's overall
health.
4:12:21 PM
JEFF BENOWITZ, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke
in support of adding a faculty member to the UA Board of
Regents. He felt that the staff and faculty at UA should
have more input about the actions of UA. He stated that
faculty was best suited to direct appropriation and use of
funds.
4:14:42 PM
ROSE LOERA, CITY MANAGER, CITY OF DILLINGHAM (via
teleconference), testified in support of additional revenue
to the state. She did not feel that taxing municipalities
was a proper solution. She remarked that the City of
Dillingham was facing increasing budget deficits. She
remarked that there were efforts to increase the revenue
for Dillingham. She stressed that the cost to run the
landfill was nearly $700,000 per year.
4:17:17 PM
AT EASE
4:46:46 PM
RECONVENED
INGRID S. RAMOS-ANSAKNOK, MARRULUT ENIIT GRANDMA'S HOUSE
ASSISTED LIVING, DILLINGHAM (via teleconference), spoke in
support of funding for assisted living centers. She
remarked that her facility provided services to all of
Bristol Bay. She stated that there was grant that had been
issued to help keep the facility open. She remarked that
there was success in supporting a staff of young women with
children and elders.
4:49:47 PM
DON I. GRAY, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in
support of the committee examining Wall Street's role in
providing money to the state. He noted the large budget
cuts since 2013. He stressed that revenue was essential
such as the Permanent Fund earnings, sales tax, and a
graduated income tax. He felt that there could be an income
tax based on a percentage of the income tax paid to the
federal government. He urged the committee to consider
additional revenue and continued budget cuts.
4:52:42 PM
PERRY AHSOGEAK, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DIRECTOR, FAIRBANKS
NATIVE ASSOCIATION, FAIRBANKS, testified in support of
funding for behavioral health treatment programs. He
stressed that the programs his center provided were
directed at both native and nonnative participants. He
shared that there were currently 50 people on the waitlist,
and remarked that the recent crime bill's passage had
increased the waitlist. He also remarked that there was an
added safety issue, because of the passage of the crime
bill. He urged the committee to continue funding for the
center.
Vice-Chair Gara remarked that DHSS had asserted that
programs were leveraged by federal funds. He wondered if
there was a cut to behavioral health programs. Mr. Ahsogeak
replied that it was based on Medicaid funding. He stressed
that every consumer was provided with the opportunity to
apply for funding resources. He stated that many of the
consumers were transient people, so it was difficult to
follow up with those individuals. He stressed that it was
not viable to assume that Medicaid would offset those
costs.
Vice-Chair Gara noted that the expansion funds were
available, but it was difficult to ensure that the
individuals would receive those funds. Mr. Ahsogeak replied
that the state did not have adequate staff to process those
applications. He added that there was also no way to
contact many of those individuals.
4:57:21 PM
Representative Wilson queried more safety issues that may
not have existed before the crime bill. Mr. Ahsogeak
replied that some individuals were assaulting staff and
bringing drugs into the facilities.
Representative Wilson surmised that the people were
arriving directly from the prison or jail to the treatment
center. Mr. Ahsogeak agreed.
Representative Guttenberg stated that the testifier did a
great job speaking.
4:59:41 PM
AT EASE
5:33:36 PM
RECONVENED
5:34:02 PM
BILL HIBLER, FACULTY, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS,
FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in support of
funding for the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He stressed
that the University of Alaska Fairbanks is a world renowned
polar research center. He stressed that the maintenance of
the facility was essential for success. He remarked that
research facility was tasked with collected its own
revenue.
5:36:31 PM
AT EASE
5:45:01 PM
RECONVENED
5:45:21 PM
ROSALIE REIN, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoked
in support of funding for personnel in OCS. She shared that
there was a remarkably high case load in the local OCS
office. She stressed that workers who could not provide
adequate attention to families resulted in neglected
children. She remarked that staffing was directly tied to
families and one another. She stressed that the small staff
put a strain on the current workers. She remarked that
there was less support of families and children.
HB 57 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
HB 59 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB 57 - Documents in Support 3.2.17.pdf |
HFIN 3/2/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HB 57 |
| HB 57 Documents in Opposition 3.2.17.pdf |
HFIN 3/2/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HB 57 |