Legislature(2015 - 2016)HOUSE FINANCE 519
03/04/2015 01:00 PM House FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB72 || HB73 | |
| Public Testimony: Barrow, Dillingham, and Fairbanks | |
| Public Testimony: Bethel, Cordova, Kotzebue, Nome, Valdez, Wrangell and "offnet" Sites | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 72 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 73 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HOUSE BILL NO. 72
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and
loan program expenses of state government and for
certain programs, capitalizing funds, making
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. 73
"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."
1:12:57 PM
Co-Chair Neuman discussed the meeting agenda. He asked
testifiers to limit their comments to two minutes. He
discussed the meeting agenda for the following day. He
recognized Representative Adam Wool in the committee room.
^PUBLIC TESTIMONY: BARROW, DILLINGHAM, AND FAIRBANKS
1:14:44 PM
TOM SAXTON, KBRW RADIO, BARROW (via teleconference), spoke
against the proposed 60 percent cut to public broadcasting.
He emphasized the draconian nature of the proposed cuts. He
relayed that rural communities relied solely on the single
radio stations serving hub communities as the only source
of major information for news, public affairs, emergency
communication and other. He stressed that the substantial
cuts would be very difficult to handle; budgets were
already stretched tightly.
Co-Chair Neuman noted testifiers that staff was doing its
best to take notes on testimony that came in.
1:17:08 PM
PEGGY COWAN, SUPERINTENDENT, NORTH SLOPE BOROUGH SCHOOL
DISTRICT, BARROW (via teleconference), testified in support
of funds for education. She thanked the committee for
providing education funding the prior year. She understood
the legislature had difficult decisions to make related to
finances. She testified in support of broadband; the
internet and modern technology were critical for rural
schools. She pointed to matching federal funds that would
have more than doubled an increment for the community. She
asked for the restoration of one-time funds.
1:19:22 PM
MARY SAGE, NORTH SLOPE BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT, BARROW (via
teleconference), spoke in favor of funding for broadband
internet services. She stated that the students with the
smallest schools and the least number of course offerings
also had [slow] internet access that challenged the
students' ability to take advantage of distance education.
The recent increase in bandwidth speed was not extravagant.
She feared that the slow internet service would be the next
educational divide. She encouraged the committee to restore
the budget to 2015 levels.
1:20:39 PM
ALYS OSBORN, KBRW RADIO, BARROW (via teleconference), spoke
against cuts to public broadcasting. She communicated that
the cuts could potentially eliminate the Alaska Public
Radio Network (APRN). She stressed that the community had
no daily newspaper or other means to receive state, local,
or world news; it depended heavily on the radio
programming. She detailed that major outages due to weather
were reported on the radio; the radio also provided
emergency broadcasting for missing individuals and other.
She noted that there would be no way to inform villages of
meetings and of sporting events. The health department
informed communities on many issues on a weekly basis. She
stressed the critical nature of the programming.
1:22:59 PM
GEOFF CARROL, KBRW RADIO, BARROW (via teleconference),
testified in favor of restored funding for public
broadcasting. He stated that the significant cut would
result in workforce and services reductions. He relayed
that KBRW was a vital link to the North Slope. He detailed
the importance of the broadcasting to notify communities of
weather, local events, meetings, sports, and other. He
believed the broadcasting was particularly critical for
rural communities. He understood that cuts needed to be
made, but he believed a cut of the proposed size was
drastic.
1:25:25 PM
CYD HANNS, KBRW RADIO, BARROW (via teleconference), spoke
against cuts to public broadcasting. She agreed with prior
testimony in favor of KBRW. She relayed that the radio
station acted as a vital element for communication within
communities. She stressed that the radio acted as essential
backup for emergency communications. She relayed that there
were public fundraisers, but there was only so much local
support that could be provided. She stated that it would be
drastic for the community to lose APRN.
1:27:06 PM
ETHEL PATKOTAK, KBRW RADIO, BARROW (via teleconference),
testified in favor of the restoration of funds to public
broadcasting. She stressed that the 59 percent cut was
drastic; the cut equated to a loss of $80,000 for KBRW. She
detailed that the station already operated on a bare-bones
budget. She shared that the station pooled resources with
other non-profit stations related to reporting. The station
relied heavily on friendly commercial operators whose
employees traveled to villages to lend technical employees
to trouble shoot problems that may arise in the villages.
People depended on the station as a news source and other.
She stressed that the public broadcasting was a critical
communications link in rural Alaska.
1:30:54 PM
LESTER E. PARKS, SOUTHWEST REGION SCHOOLS, DILLINGHAM (via
teleconference), spoke in support of the Alaska Broadband
Assistance Grant. He had additionally submitted written
testimony. He discussed that the grant's intent was to
reach a speed of 10 megabits per second per school; the
increase was not extravagant (the Federal Communications
Commission considered 25 megabits as high speed broadband).
He provided further detail about the schools' past internet
speeds. He discussed the schools' reliance on increased
internet speed especially in light of new state online
testing. He noted that for $1.00 spent the district
received $9.00 through the e-Rate program. He stressed that
the district could not afford to offer increased broadband
without assistance.
1:33:34 PM
SUSIE JENKINS-BRITO, SELF, DILLINGHAM (via teleconference),
spoke in favor of public radio and Best Beginnings. She
discussed that the community relied heavily on the radio
station to provide up to date fisheries reports (especially
during commercial fishing season when the Department of
Fish and Game commercial fishing openers were announced).
She emphasized that services provided by the radio station
were imperative to the Bristol Bay region. She did not know
what the community would do without the radio. She stated
that a 59 percent cut was disproportionate and excessive.
She asked the committee to consider a more realistic cut of
10 percent. She spoke against cuts to the Imagination
Library and Best Beginnings. She provided information about
the program that provided books to children via mail. She
stressed that early literacy was imperative.
1:35:34 PM
STEVE NOONKESSER, ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT, SOUTHWEST
REGION SCHOOLS, DILLINGHAM (via teleconference), asked for
a reinstatement of funding for the Alaska Learning Network
(AKLN). He disputed reports that the program was a failure;
it was far from the truth. He shared that AKLN was the
result of over 20 years of efforts by Alaskan educators to
provide a program that offered varied and high quality
offerings to all students regardless of location or
individual circumstances. He detailed that over 100 courses
were currently offered; the majority of which addressed the
Alaska Performance Scholarship requirements. Students in 47
of Alaska's school districts took courses through AKLN. He
stressed that the program was worthy of continued funding.
1:37:47 PM
DAVID PIAZZA, SOUTHWEST REGION SCHOOLS, DILLINGHAM (via
teleconference), testified in support of the reinstatement
of $32 million in one-time education funds that had been
approved the prior session as part of a three-year funding
package. He elaborated that districts understood that the
one-time funds would be reduced each year, subsequently,
the district had been working on its long-range plan to
keep instructional programs intact. The currently proposed
cut meant an immediate $388,000 funding cliff. He relayed
that the district's students had already lost music, fine
arts, and many of the career and technical pathways. The
significant reduction in funding would mean cuts to core
academic instruction.
1:39:19 PM
DANNY FRAZIER, DILLINGHAM SCHOOL DISTRICT, DILLINGHAM (via
teleconference), spoke in support of the restoration of $32
million in one-time education funds. He was in favor of
increased broadband access. He urged the committee to
restore the funds, which were vital to rural Alaskan school
districts. He stressed that students deserved the same
opportunities in rural Alaska as they would receive in
urban areas. He expounded that the one-time funds were
often provided in place of an increase to the Base Student
Allocation (BSA); the money was used to maintain
facilities, pay utility bills, and to supplement the cost
of food service. He stressed that a loss of the funds could
delay major maintenance projects.
1:41:08 PM
REBEKAH FONKERT, IMAGINATION LIBRARY, DILLINGHAM (via
teleconference), testified in favor of the Imagination
Library and the Best Beginnings program. She shared
information about the program. She relayed that children's
brain development was enhanced by early learning and
education. She relayed that 60 percent of American prison
inmates were illiterate and 85 percent of juvenile
offenders had reading problems. She discussed benefits of
early learning; there was a direct correlation between
reading to children and success in later life. She stated
that investing in young children made good economic sense;
every $1.00 invested yielded back many dollars in societal
savings.
1:42:59 PM
JENNY BENNIS, IMAGINATION LIBRARY, DILLINGHAM (via
teleconference), strongly encouraged the committee to
maintain funding for the Best Beginnings program. She
stressed that the program helped rural Alaska. She provided
information about the program that supported early
childhood development. She noted that the program may
provide the only access to books for children in some
villages. She asked the committee to keep making a
difference in children's lives.
1:43:53 PM
ROBYN CHANEY, IMAGINATION LIBRARY, DILLINGHAM (via
teleconference), spoke in favor of a restoration of funds
to the Best Beginnings program. She communicated that she
was an adoptive and foster parent to five school-aged
children. The Dillingham Imagination Library currently
served over 205 children in Dillingham, Koliganek, and
Aleknagik. She elaborated that every child aged zero to
five in both Koliganek and Aleknagik were enrolled in the
program; the program provided the sole source of reading
material. She stressed that the program was affordable. She
relayed that kindergarten readiness was in crisis in rural
Alaska. She shared that the books provided to foster
children in the region was often one of the only
possessions the children had with their name on them.
1:45:25 PM
KAREN CARPENTER, SERVICES COORDINATOR, SAFE, DILLINGHAM
(via teleconference), spoke against cuts to Alaska Legal
Services that provided legal services to victims of
violence. She highlighted that there was only one
practicing private attorney in Bristol Bay. There was a
single Alaska Legal Services attorney funded cooperatively
through a state grant and the Bristol Bay Native
Association. The majority of the clientele were low income
and had no other legal representation. She spoke to the
high caseload of the public defender's office. She stated
that the service was the only one available; a reduction in
funding for Alaska Legal Services would result in a loss of
the attorney's position, which would threaten the health
and safety of individuals.
1:47:44 PM
JOHN MARX, LIBRARY, DILLINGHAM (via teleconference), spoke
in support of funding for broadband access. He relayed that
video conferencing enabled the library to connect to a
multitude of other libraries and training opportunities.
The service provided internet access to local individuals
who would not have access otherwise. He elaborated that the
service gave residents the ability to fill out job
applications, do research, and communicate with loved ones.
He relayed that the service provided a tremendous resource
to rural Alaska. He spoke in support of the Online with
Libraries program.
1:49:29 PM
KIM WILLIAMS, PARENT, DILLINGHAM (via teleconference),
spoke in support of funding for education. She communicated
that one of the state's constitutional requirements was to
provide education for its children. She spoke to the high
cost of education for children in rural Alaska. She asked
the committee to reinstate one-time funding that had passed
the prior year. She asked the committee to fund education
to the maximum extent possible.
1:50:51 PM
JODI SYKES, SELF, DILLINGHAM (via teleconference),
requested that proposed cuts to public broadcasting be
reduced. She discussed three stations that served all of
Western and Southwest Alaska; the stations provide news to
the regions. She stressed that the proposed 59 percent cut
would be drastic and damaging; it would mean staff cuts.
She thanked the legislature for funding in prior years for
water and sewer projects. She spoke in support of $7
million in funds for the community jail.
1:52:45 PM
VICTOR MARTIN, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke
in support of funds for interpreter services. He provided
information on his life as a deaf person in Fairbanks. He
stressed that as a deaf person it was important to have an
interpreter help communicate at doctor appointments and
other. He added that it was difficult to make it around
without an interpreter.
1:54:23 PM
MARY SEGRETI, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke
through an interpreter. She stressed the importance of
interpreters for deaf people. She elaborated that deaf
people needed interpreters in hospitals, police stations,
and many other locations. She encouraged the committee to
not stop listening to deaf people. She implored the
committee to keep funding interpreters. She stated that
many deaf people were present to convey their frustration
at the possibility of not having interpreters. She thanked
the committee for its time.
1:56:01 PM
MAX HONFT, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in
support of public broadcasting and Best Beginnings. He
relayed that public broadcasting played a very significant
role in Fairbanks. The stations in Fairbanks provided
access to a wide demographic of individuals including
children and adults. He stated that news was crucial to the
Interior; maintaining a strong ability to produce local
news was vitally important for the community. He remarked
on the fundraising success for the station; despite the
efforts the station was still facing staffing cuts. He
reiterated his support of Best Beginnings.
1:58:21 PM
WARREN CHRISTIAN, DOYON ASSOCIATED, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), asked for the restoration of funds to the
Construction Education Foundation in the Department of
Labor and Workforce Development. He relayed that it was
important to provide training to Alaskans for jobs in
state. He spoke to a specialized 4.5 month accelerated pipe
welding program. He shared that the company employed over
500 people on the North Slope and prided itself on hiring
Alaskans. He stressed that the program was great and asked
the committee to keep it alive.
1:59:43 PM
SCOTT EICKHOLT, LOCAL 942 LABORERS, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), spoke in support education programs in the
Department of Labor and Workforce Development. He stated
that the administrative branch was charged with determining
how to best use funds to run an effective and efficient
government service; therefore, targeting specific positions
was inappropriate. He elaborated that the Department of
Education and Early Development was responsible for core
learning curriculum to prepare children to become
knowledgeable; however, the education did not teach people
how to enter into the workforce with the expectations and
demands of safe and responsible workers. He spoke against
pitting programs against each other and observed that the
programs were designed to help people enter the workforce
safely. He remarked on the legislature only cutting 0.001
percent of its own budget. He supported a restoration of
funds to the governor's proposed level.
2:01:52 PM
LANCE ROBERTS, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke
in favor of cuts to spending to provide a sustainable
budget. He was against use of the Permanent Fund or a
statewide income tax. He believed the budget should be
brought below $4.5 billion in three years to be
sustainable. He urged the committee to keep looking for
cuts. He had heard the Senate was aiming for cuts of $700
million, which he believed was a good place to start. He
remarked on deleted funding for the Administrative
Regulation Review Committee. He strongly believed it was
critical to cut regulation to increase economic diversity.
He stated that regulation clogged up business and
economies.
2:04:07 PM
BRYAN IMUS, LOCAL 942, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
testified against cuts to the Department of Labor and
Workforce Development. He worked on a daily basis to ensure
that employers followed the law including wage, local-hire
and per diem, safety and workers' compensation, and other
laws. He stressed that the laws were enforced by the
Department of Labor and Workforce Development. He stated
that eliminating the positions was an attack on all Alaskan
workers. He spoke in support of public broadcasting. He
supported the governor's proposed budget.
2:05:21 PM
JOHN PLUTT, LOCAL 375, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
spoke in opposition to cuts to the Department of Labor and
Workforce Development. He stated that the elimination of
training programs would position employers to import
employees from out-of-state, which was an ongoing problem.
He encouraged the committee to restore funding to current
training program levels. The training would enable Alaskans
to seek good paying jobs and careers in order to better
provide for themselves and their families.
2:06:16 PM
JEREMY HOLAN, LOCAL 959, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
asked for the restoration of cuts to the Department of
Labor and Workforce Development. He stressed that the
elimination of training funding would increase the number
of out of state workers in the construction field in
Alaska. He elaborated that when the problem worsened it
would mean more Alaskans would leave the state in search of
work and more affordable living conditions. He emphasized
the importance of increasing or maintaining the funding for
training for local Alaskans, which would prepare Alaskans
to build the state's infrastructure. He was against cuts to
OSHA, which would increase the numbers of injuries to
workers. He reiterated his opposition to the cuts.
2:07:42 PM
ALONZO YOUNG, LOCAL 375, NORTH POLE (via teleconference),
asked for full funding of the Construction Education
Foundation in the Department of Labor and Workforce
Development budget. He spoke to his experience in a welding
program funded by the state; without the program he would
not be employed on the North Slope.
2:08:29 PM
ALBERT PAGH, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
discussed his former ownership of a logging and sawmill
business in Fairbanks. He spoke in support of Fairbanks and
Delta foresters, who had done an excellent job
administrating the Tanana Valley State Forest. He
communicated that the Delta and Tok areas had a significant
amount of downed timber that would be lost if it was not
salvaged. He stressed that it took many hours and hard work
to put up sales to salvage wood that had no value. He
relayed that if the wood was not salvaged there would be
lost value to the state, lost jobs in the private sector,
and a loss of cheaper heating fuel. He discussed firewood
operations in the Fairbanks area that were creating many
jobs in the private sector.
2:11:00 PM
DIANE PRESTON, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
recalled a recent statement the state's budget was
experiencing "terrible times." She contended that terrible
times meant people were losing their jobs and that there
was no money in savings. She remarked that the state had
$66 billion in the bank including $13 billion in reserves.
She spoke against cuts to education, senior services,
public broadcasting, arts, and music. She suggested looking
at using the budget reserves to provide time to determine
what to do about the budget. She testified in support of
Medicaid funds. She spoke in favor of capping the PFD and
for statewide income tax.
2:13:43 PM
PAUL REICHART, FORMER EDUCATOR, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), testified in support of higher education
for the University of Alaska system. He believed there were
no state supported programs that were more important than
public education. He discussed that instructional research
and public service programs provided by the University of
Alaska were incredibly valuable to the state. He spoke to
the contributions of university graduates. He provided a
personal example about the success of his children who had
graduated from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He
highlighted different ways University of Alaska students
positively impacted the state. He commented on the Alaskan
Grown brand. He was concerned about the magnitude of the
proposed cuts and about legislative mandates designating
where cuts would be taken. He asked the committee to
consider spreading the cuts over several years.
2:16:20 PM
DAVID WITHOFF, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
testified in support of the university. He urged the
legislature to exercise oversight to encourage the
university to make cuts that minimized impacts on students.
He communicated that the university was planning to
eliminate term staff, adjunct faculty, and programs that
had no politically savvy advocates; the university had
selected the areas to cut not because they were the best
place to cut, but because they were easy places to cut. He
stated that the chosen positions tended to be at the low
end of the pay scale; therefore more positions needed to be
cut to obtain much savings. He stated that the cuts tended
to have a disproportionate impact on students. He noted
that there may be higher paid employees that were more
difficult to get rid of; however, he believed it was not
impossible. He reasoned that if the university could make
the cuts at a higher level they could achieve the requested
budget reductions with less impact on students.
2:17:56 PM
SUE SHERIF, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), urged the
restoration of the Online with Libraries program. She
stated that the broadband subsidies for 67 rural public
libraries combined with local funding to leverage over $2
million in federal e-rate funding. She relayed that the
small and remote libraries operated on modest budgets that
were often less than $50,000 per year. She emphasized that
the high bandwidth costs were unaffordable without state
and federal assistance. She highlighted that OWL funds had
supported a videoconference network for all 97 public
libraries in the state. She provided examples related to
the importance of the services.
2:20:10 PM
TOM LAMAL, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
recommended changes to the way the Department of Fish and
Game generated revenue. He stated that the guide
requirement for non-resident hunters needed to be
eliminated, which mean the hunter would pay the state more
for non-resident tags. He reasoned that if the guide
requirement for sheep, goat, and bear hunting was removed,
an increased number of non-residents would apply for
permits and the state would generate revenue by selling
more tags. Additionally, the state could sell preference
points, which increased a hunter's chances of being drawn
in subsequent years. He relayed that in other states the
preference points were generally $30 to $50 per species per
year. He provided information about the costs of tags in
other states. He stressed that license fees for non-
residents needed to be aligned with what out-of-state
hunters were charged in other states. He opined that
resident Alaskans needed to contribute financially by
paying for the tags they used. He further discussed the
cost of tag fees.
2:22:24 PM
WENDY DOMINIQUE, FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR SCHOOL DISTRICT,
FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke against cuts to
education. She supported a reinstatement of the $32.2
million one-time education funds passed the previous
legislative session. She shared that the FY 16 proposed
budget anticipated a shortfall of $7.5 million, which
included the supplemental revenue promised the previous
session. The district would be facing a shortfall of over
$11 million if the one-time funds were eliminated. She
communicated that 88 percent of the district's budget went
to salary and benefits. She stressed that cuts would result
in increased class sizes and cuts to counselors,
administrative support, arts, and other important areas.
2:24:42 PM
THERESA WILLIAMS, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
requested the reinstatement of funding for the McGrath
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) camp. She detailed
that the Southwest region encompassed 88 million acres of
land. She elaborated that statute and DNR's master
agreement made the state responsible for covering fire
suppression in the region. She relayed that the cut had
been proposed, but there was no plan on how to provide
coverage. She stressed that the cuts would increase costs
and danger for the region. She communicated that smoke
jumpers only covered the first one to two days of a fire.
She stated that the reduction would negatively impact rural
areas and would make fire suppression difficult.
2:27:17
JENNIFER JOLIS, BREADLINE INC., FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), testified in support of the human service
community match grant program. She stated that governments
at all levels took care of services that individuals could
not. For example, the volunteer fire department could put
out a residential fire when a resident could not; the fire
department in turn depended on funding from another area.
She stressed the importance of supporting the most
vulnerable neighbors (e.g. seniors, youths, and other). She
relayed that in the current year there were 15 applicants
for funds provided through community service match grants.
She stressed the importance of providing individuals with
three essential things including food, shelter, and
education. She implored the committee to refrain from
cutting the grant program.
2:29:28 PM
SANDRA KAWALSKI, ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT, FAIRBANKS SCHOOL
DISTRICT, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in
support of public education funding. She explained that the
funding would decrease the already very large class sizes.
Smaller class sizes are proven to be more beneficial for
education, and students in smaller classes were more
successful than those in large classes.
2:31:30 PM
LAURA VOLMERT, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), urged
support of public school funding. Teacher sustainability
was at risk, if the funding was reduced. She shared that
she was a parent of elementary age children. She stressed
that the students would not be given a second chance. She
felt that an income tax, the permanent fund, and other
taxes should be considered as other forms of revenue. She
felt that recognizing that children were the most important
investment.
2:33:21 PM
ALYSHA CHILDS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NORTH STAR YOUTH COURT,
FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in favor of funding
for therapeutic courts. She shared that 409 cases were
heard in 2014. She felt that the funding would save money
that would be used in public safety. Those that graduate
from youth court often complete high school and college.
She shared that she was one of the first teachers for a
drug and alcohol class. One of her former students was able
to use the knowledge that he learned in her class, and
shared a story with her.
2:35:35 PM
ALLISON BALDOCK, BOARD PRESIDENT NORTH STAR YOUTH COURT,
FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in favor of funding
for therapeutic courts. She felt that the members should
examine the programs more closely. She remarked that
students who participate in the youth court program were
more successful citizens. Removing the youth court would
result in a higher recidivism rate and put more of a
financial burden on public safety. She stressed that the
youth court would reduce the cost of other aspects of
government. She stated that the youth court provided a
greater savings to the state across other agencies and
organizations.
2:37:51 PM
JOHN FERREE, ASSISTANT BUSINESS MANAGER, IBEW, FAIRBANKS
(via teleconference), testified in support of Department of
Labor and Workforce Development programs including the
Alaska Construction Academy. He felt that the programs
acted as transitioning assistance for those leaving the
military. The programs provided the opportunity for
building and developing a strong infrastructure. The
academy provided free, entry-level construction training
for adults who want to work in construction in Alaska. The
program depended entirely on grant funding from the
Department of Labor and Workforce Development to train
Alaskans, and teach necessary skills for construction
careers. It was the only program in the state that gave
adults access to high quality construction training at a
reasonable cost. Training was offered in a variety of
fields to meet the current and future demands of Alaska's
construction industry.
2:39:50 PM
KIRSTEN MCGRAW, SELF/DEAF INDIVIDUAL, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for
interpreters for deaf individuals in order to communicate
accurately. She stressed that the deaf individuals would be
faced with greater challenges, and it was important for her
to participate in her community.
2:41:43 PM
TABER REHBAUM, ARCTIC ALLIANCE, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), urged support of funding for the Human
Services Community Matching Grants. She stressed that the
funding provided essential human services across the state.
The program saved $900,000 per year is youth incarceration
costs. She felt that the program should be funded at the
governor's proposed level.
2:43:03 PM
WENDELL WHISTLER, TRAINING COORDINATOR, KORNFIELD TRAINING,
FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in support of
funding for labor standards training. He also testified in
support of the business partnerships, to enhance vocational
training in schools. He felt that skilled tradespeople must
be trained by providing a funding source. He also spoke in
support of the Alaska Construction Academy.
2:45:39 PM
MAGGIE MATOS, SELF/DEAF INDIVIDUAL, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for
interpreter programs. She shared that she had worked with
many interpreters and remarked that interpreters were
essential to communication in society. Interpreters were
needed for technology expansion, and enhancing a quality of
life. She remarked that deaf people were capable.
2:47:50 PM
VARNELL ALLEN, INTERPRETER, HANDS HELPING HEARTS, FAIRBANKS
(via teleconference), spoke in support of funding for deaf
interpreters. He shared that he often donated his
interpreter services for individuals who could not afford
the services. He almost did not interpret the deaf
individuals, in order to put the members in an empathetic
position. Interpreters were necessary for communication
among the deaf individuals. He stressed that deaf
individuals were members of society, and should be allowed
to communicate effectively.
2:50:18 PM
JOE HARDENBROOK, OFFICE OF THE MAYOR, FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR
BOROUGH, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in
support of funding for Best Beginnings; Parents as
Teachers; education broadband access; Medicaid expansion;
the Alaska Construction Academy; youth courts; Wildfire
Academy; public broadcasting; Adult Day Services and
respite care; family preservation grants; literacy
projects; and Pre-K programs. He felt that budget
reductions increased competition among strong programs. He
felt that the reductions in these services and programs
prevented advancement within the state.
2:52:00 PM
DON GRAY, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in
support of funding education including early childhood
education and public K-12 schools. He specifically voiced
support of the per capita student funding allocation, or
base student allocation (BSA). He also voiced support of
the addition of the one-time funding from the previous
session HB 278. He urged support of the University of
Alaska system budget and the post-secondary workforce
development programs. He also testified in support of
public broadcasting.
2:54:36 PM
DOUG TANSY, PRESIDENT, FAIRBANKS CENTRAL LABOR COUNCIL,
FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in support of the
Alaska Construction Academy. The academy served all types
of Alaskans. He shared that the academy provided an
opportunity for military veterans to enter the Alaska
workforce. The reductions in the program would undercut the
veterans and their efforts.
2:56:40 PM
WALTER ROBINSON, IBEW 1547, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding for the Alaska Construction
Academy. He stressed that the program was essential for
individuals who hoped to work in the construction industry.
The academy provided job training for thousands of
individuals. He remarked that the large construction
projects in the state increased the demand for the academy.
He stressed that the academy filled the void of vocational
training throughout the state. He shared some recent
statistics related to the program.
2:58:59 PM
SUE HULL, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in
support of funding for early childhood education,
specifically Best Beginnings. She shared that the fourth
grade test scores in Alaska were the lowest in the nation.
She urged the committee to maintain its promise of funding
from the previous session.
3:00:33 PM
KELVIN LEE, PRESIDENT, NO LIMITS, INC., FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), testified in support of the Human Services
Community Matching Grants at the governor's proposed
funding level. He believed that it was vital component to
provide services for residents returning to society after
incarceration.
3:01:44 PM
JUDI MORACK, REGISTERED NURSE, NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL
ILLNESS, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in support
of funding for Medicaid expansion; a double tiered system
in rural Alaska; and the Human Services Matching Grant
Program. Single males in Alaska were greatly underserved in
Medicaid. She stressed that mental illnesses can lead to
substance abuse, medical emergencies, and homelessness.
3:03:39 PM
MIKE PRAX, SELF, NORTH POLE (via teleconference), testified
in support of the budget reductions. He felt that the
committee was making the essential reductions, because the
oil revenue was very low. He did not believe that public
broadcasting was an essential service. He felt that the
funds could be found in other areas like private entities.
3:05:49 PM
JANET COBB, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT,
FAIRBANKS SCHOOL DISTRICT, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
testified in support of reinstating the previous $3 billion
from the bill in a previous session. The reductions would
result in limited vocational training.
3:07:08 PM
ANDY HARRINGTON, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
spoke in support of enacting an income tax in order to
maintain programs. He urged support of funding for the
Human Services Community Matching Grants. He also testified
in support of Alaska Legal Services Centers. He remarked
that the centers provided legal aid for Alaskans who were
not accused of a crime. He also testified in support of the
University of Alaska.
3:09:40 PM
BRENDA STANHIL, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke
in support of funding for recidivism reduction, like
Parents as Teachers and the Alaska Construction Academy.
She felt that the programs were aligned with the state's
proposed recidivism-reduction plan. She remarked that the
reductions in the programs did not match the efforts that
she felt that the legislature should consider priorities.
She felt that all programs could work together to reduce
recidivism in the entire state.
3:11:48 PM
ROGER BURGGRAF, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke
in support of funding for positions in the Department of
Natural Resources Division of Geological and Geophysical
Survey: the Divisions Operations Manager and the
Publications Specialist. He explained that the division's
responsibility was to identify the areas of high mineral
and oil potential; and to conduct geological and
geophysical studies in hazardous areas that pose a threat
to Alaskans from earthquakes and volcanic activities. The
employees were highly skilled people in their respective
fields, and have assisted the state in final land
selections under the Statehood Act.
3:14:36 PM
JAZZANNE GORDON-FRETWELL, NORTH STAR YOUTH COURT, FAIRBANKS
(via teleconference), testified in support of youth courts.
She shared that the program had a positive impact on the
state. The program resulted in lower recidivism rates,
therefore saving money that would be spent on incarceration
and corrections. She offered that every one of the cases
saved money for the state in a number of ways. Youth court
has impacted recidivism rates and saved thousands of future
dollars otherwise spent on the traditional criminal justice
system. She asked the committee to fully restore the youth
court funding that was cut in the budget.
3:16:29 PM
AFUAT DEMOLA, ALASKA LEGAL SERVICES, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding Alaska
Legal Services Center. She explained that she had used the
Alaska Legal Services Center, and felt that they provided a
great service.
3:17:30 PM
CHERYL KILGORE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, INTERIOR COMMUNITY
HEALTH CENTERS, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified
in support of funding for the Human Services Community
Matching Grants. She explained that the community centers
often served as safety net providers for primary care
services in communities. The centers provided medical,
preventive, integrated behavioral health, and dental
services to Alaska's most vulnerable residents. She stated
that, in 2014, her health center saw 6,205 people, and
4,356 had incomes at or below 200 percent of the federal
poverty level. She shared that some individuals had
insurance, but stressed that they even needed help using
the sliding fee with deductibles, copays, and other
uncovered services.
3:19:33 PM
WILL PUTMAN, FORESTRY DIRECTOR, TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE,
FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in support of
funding for Department of Natural Resources Division of
Forestry Firefighting Training Academy. He stated that the
program provided a very productive opportunity to elevate
firefighters to a career wild land fire. He felt that the
reductions impeded the Division of Forestry's ability to
provide adequate fire protection. He felt that the
reductions to the resource management staff throughout the
division would have significant negative impacts to the
local economies and private sector jobs, through the
reduced ability to provide raw materials for forest
products from state lands.
3:21:52 PM
CHARLES MASON, TEACHER, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS,
FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in support of
funding for youth courts. He stated that the youth courts
saved the state $1.312 million per year, if those cases
were conducted in the regular state juvenile justice
system. The savings was due to the youth court's mostly
volunteer staff. The proposed budget elimination of
$530,900, which paid for 409 cases in the year prior at an
average cost of $1300 per case. The youth court elimination
would result in an additional cost to the state of
$771,000.
3:23:35 PM
GAIL GALLOU, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in
support of funding for Alaska Legal Services Corporation.
She shared that the reductions would reduce the Alaska Pro
Bono program, which cut the ability for low income people
to get the legal services. She felt that there was no
convenient way to provide necessary services.
3:25:25 PM
STEVE MASTERMAN, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding for necessary services. He
urged the members to consider the budget in terms of the
ability to affect the state's future revenue. He remarked
that there should be a greater focus on diversifying the
economy and revenue stream to state government.
3:27:41 PM
DARLENE SUPPLEE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FAIRBANKS SENIOR
CENTER, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in
support of funding for senior programs and the Human
Services Community Matching grant. She felt that the
proposed cuts would create a negative effect on other
public programs. She shared that the Fairbanks community
continued to struggle with aging issues. The Fairbanks
Senior Center was targeted to provide 48,000 meals through
the Meals-on-Wheels program to homebound seniors in FY 15,
and was projected to deliver over 50,000 meals in FY 16.
3:30:08 PM
BARRY DONNELLAN, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
testified in support of the funding for the Fairbanks
Office of the Bureau of Vital Statistics. He shared that
many people that attended the office were military
personnel. The office was necessary for many people who did
not have proper, essential paperwork for various
requirements.
3:32:08 PM
JOHN O'BRIEN, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
testified against the budget reductions for the Department
of Natural Resources Division of Geological and Geophysical
Survey; and the Division of Forestry. He stated that he and
his associates were biologists and foresters that worked in
the industry and state agencies that regulate those
industries. He shared that there were eight positions that
had been eliminated, and had adverse effect on the timber
industry.
3:34:57 PM
AT EASE
4:01:43 PM
RECONVENED
^PUBLIC TESTIMONY: BETHEL, CORDOVA, KOTZEBUE, NOME, VALDEZ,
WRANGELL and "OFFNET" SITES
Co-Chair Thompson invited the one person from the audience
to come forward to testify.
4:02:01 PM
DOREEN SCHENKENBERGER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PARTNERS FOR
PROGRESS, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in
favor of funding for therapeutic courts. She discussed the
benefits of the program. She named the locations of the
courts and explained that the Partners Reentry Center was
opened in FY 14 with a legislative grant of $600 thousand,
the first of three years of funding. The second year's
funding went to the Department of Health and Social
Services. She reported increased attendance. She indicated
that to keep the doors open an additional $600 was
necessary. She summarized that investing in cost saving
recidivism programs was what she emphasized. She reiterated
her request for support of the program.
4:05:05 PM
DOUG WALRATH, DIRECTOR, NORTHWESTERN ALASKA CAREER AND
TECHNICAL CENTER (NACTEC), NOME (via teleconference), spoke
in favor of funding for the training center. He provided
information about the regional training center. He relayed
that at the core of NACTEC training was the mission of
workforce development. He included statistics marking the
training center's ongoing growth and success. The center
had support from industry, school districts, and state
support. The center had two primary funding sources;
general funds and TVEP funding. He requested gradual
funding reductions over multiple years in order to secure
replacement funds and to be able to continue operating.
4:07:21 PM
MARGUERITE LARIVIERE, LIBRARY DIRECTOR, KEOGOYAH KOGZA
LIBRARY, NOME (via teleconference), testified in favor of
the Online with Libraries program. She explained the
benefits of the program to the community. She also noted
the role that the program played in video conferencing. She
asked that funding for the OWL program be restored.
4:09:03 PM
ALANA TOUSIGNANT, CHINIAK PUBLIC LIBRARY, CHINIAK (via
teleconference), testified in favor of the Online with
Libraries program. She relayed the benefits the OWL project
in her community. Since high speed internet service was put
in place the library has seen a 600 percent increase in
patron usage. She also used the program to catalog books.
She urged the committee to restore funding for the project.
4:11:15 PM
SUE BAKER, CHINIAK PUBLIC LIBRARY, CHINIAK (via
teleconference), testified in favor of the Online with
Libraries program and broadband in schools. She elaborated
that the services are used widely by the community. She
used the program for cataloging purposes. She urged
continued funding of the OWL program.
Co-Chair Thompson reminded callers on the off-net lines to
make sure to hang-up after giving testimony to allow for
lines to be available for other callers.
4:13:03 PM
GEORGE PIERCE, SELF, KASILOF (via teleconference),
testified in favor of reduced spending and opposed funding
non-profit organizations and special interest groups. He
expounded on the deficit the state was facing. He expressed
concerns with the possibility of the state going bankrupt.
He opined that non-profits needed to be self-supporting. He
mentioned other potential means of support for non-profit
entities. He referenced the City of Kenai giving away
monies to a non-profit. He reiterated his opposition to
funding non-profits.
4:14:20 PM
KATHY HANSON, KYUK, BETHEL (via teleconference), spoke in
support of funding public broadcasting and KYUK, the public
radio station for the Y-K Delta. She discussed the role
KYUK played in spreading safety information and warning
notifications to the region. She also offered that KYUK
listeners informed. She stated that a 59 percent budget cut
would be devastating to KYUK. She emphasized that KYUK was
a critical part of infrastructure in the region.
4:16:21 PM
RICK ROBB, MAYOR, BETHEL (via teleconference), testified in
support of funding for Medicaid expansion. He understood
that budget cuts were necessary. He opined that the
expansion would save Alaskans money, bring in federal
revenue, create job, and reduce the dependence on state
grants. He provided some statistics about Medicaid
expansion. He felt that the program was a good deal for
Alaska. He referenced Obamacare and stated that it was
unpopular in many circles. He encouraged the legislature to
do what was best for Alaskans and to support Medicaid
expansion.
4:18:30 PM
MICHELLE DEWITT, KYUK, BETHEL (via teleconference), urged
the committee to restore funding for public broadcasting.
She outlined KYUK's role in providing news and information
as well as emergency alerts. She indicated that and
stressed that the radio station in Bethel operated on a
shoestring budget. She encouraged the committee to identify
a way to mitigate the proposed cuts to public broadcasting.
4:19:33 PM
NICHOLAS HOOVER, SOCIAL SERVICES DIRECTOR FOR ASSOCIATION
OF VILLAGE COUNCIL PRESIDENTS (AVCP), BETHEL (via
teleconference), spoke in support of the Alaska Affordable
Heating Program which supplemented the Low Income Home
Energy Assistance Program. He explained that the
association administered the energy assistance program for
37 villages. He continued to provide information about
AVCP's role and discussed the high cost of living in rural
Alaska. He relayed some examples of prices for items in the
villages. He stated the importance of assisting low income
families and objected to budget cuts to the Alaska
Affordable Heating Program.
4:21:31 PM
JOHN MCINTYRE, TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES
(TANF) DIRECTOR, AVCP, BETHEL (via teleconference), spoke
in opposition of any budget cuts related to TANF. He
provided information on the program and reported the
expansive service area it served. He explained that some
TANF recipients have no other income available to them.
Each year AVCP has received state funding to operate the
TANF program. He mentioned the buying power of the dollar
in the region versus in higher populated areas on the road
system. He asserted that AVCP TANF did not have room to
decrease its services as it was gearing up to serve more
clients in FY 15.
4:23:53 PM
SUSAN MURPHY, KYUK, BETHEL (via teleconference), urged the
committee to restore funding for public broadcasting. She
discussed the importance of KYUK radio station and how it
served the region by disseminating information including
information on domestic violence and suicide prevention.
She stressed that the radio station provided a link between
villages and Bethel. She appreciated having time to
testify.
4:26:17 PM
AMY MARSHALL, DIRECTOR CRAIG PUBLIC LIBRARY, CRAIG (via
teleconference), spoke in favor of the OWL program. She
outlined the advantages of the program. She relayed that
OWL was the sole source of broadband internet to the
community of Craig. She conveyed all of the activities that
came from having access to OWL. She continued to read a
list of the programs accessed due to the Owl program. She
relayed the library's moto, "You can see the world from
here." The owl connection made it possible.
4:28:27 PM
JOHN HOLST, SUPERINTENDENT, DENALI SCHOOL DISTRICT, HEALY
(via teleconference), spoke in favor of full funding for
Pre-K programs including Best Beginnings, Parents As
Teachers, and Pre-K grants. The three programs made up 25
percent of the total cuts to education. He recommended
limiting the cuts to areas of the state where other
programs were available such as Anchorage, Mat-Su, and
Juneau. He also spoke in favor of protecting the AKLN
program and the Teacher Mentoring program. He also wanted
the one-time funding restored for school districts. He
thanked the committee for hearing his testimony.
4:30:44 PM
ROB GOLDBERG, CHAIR, HAINES BOROUGH PLANNING COMMISSION,
HAINES (via teleconference), voiced opposition to funding
cuts to the Alaska Marine Highway System. He discussed the
impact on the small communities in Southeast Alaska would
be tremendous. He equated it to closing the Glenn Highway
between Palmer and Anchorage three days a week. He provided
a number of negative effects of the proposed budget
reduction that were possible. He thanked the committed for
taking his testimony.
4:32:01 PM
JENNIFER GIBBINS, CORDOVA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, CORDOVA (via
teleconference), voiced opposition to funding cuts to the
Alaska Marine Highway System. She acknowledged that budget
reductions were a reality. However she was concerned about
the implications of funding decreases to the AMHS. On
behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, she urged committee
members to avoid or minimize making cuts in areas that
generate income and jobs. She listed a number of businesses
dependent on the ferry system. She asked the committee to
consider the effects of the cuts to the AMHS.
4:33:56 PM
STEVE GRAVES, NICHOLAS BACKDOOR COMPANY, CORDOVA (via
teleconference), voiced opposition to funding cuts to the
Alaska Marine Highway System. He explained the nature of
his business and how the AMHS was essential to his
business. He stated that his business used the ferry at
least two times per week year-round buying from Alaskan
farmers and the box stores in Anchorage. He suggested with
the ferry cuts he would likely have to do business with
vendors outside of the state and would potentially have to
raise prices. He urged the committee to consider restoring
the AMHS funding.
4:35:36 PM
KENDRA APODACA, CORDOVA IMAGINATION LIBRARY, CORDOVA (via
teleconference), spoke in favor of full funding for Pre-K
programs especially Best Beginnings. She discussed the
benefits of the program and informed members that there
were over 100 children enrolled in Cordova. She pointed out
that Best Beginnings as made early learning possible. She
shared some of her personal experience teaching music and
the contribution of the Best Beginnings program to her
class. She urged the support for the program and early
education.
4:37:31 PM
DAVID GLASEN, COACH, CORDOVA ICEWORM SWIM TEAM, CORDOVA
(via teleconference), voiced opposition to funding cuts to
the Alaska Marine Highway System. He shared that the ferry
was the only method of travel for Cordova's swim team. He
shared that the team raised all of its own money for
travel. He opined that if teams had to depend only on the
airlines, the swim team's travel would be drastically
reduced. He reiterated that the AMHS was crucial to the
community.
4:38:45 PM
CURT HERSCHLEB, SELF, CORDOVA (via teleconference), spoke
in general about appropriate cuts to the budget and proper
investments to return to sustainability. He encouraged
members to trim fairly and across the board without
slashing to the point of crippling rural economies. He also
mentioned the importance of the legislative information
offices and expressed his appreciation for Cordova's
branch.
4:40:50 PM
BARCLAY KOPCHAK, SELF, CORDOVA (via teleconference), spoke
in favor of restoring funding Best Beginnings and the AMHS.
She encouraged maintaining programs that fuel Alaska's
economy. She expressed her concern with limiting the ferry
system schedule. She urged the legislature to restore
funding for the AMHS, a lifeline for Cordova.
4:42:49 PM
DAVID OTNESS, SELF, CORDOVA (via teleconference), conveyed
his appreciation for the legislative information office in
Cordova. He complimented its staff. He thanked the
committee for its time.
4:44:18 PM
RANDY ROBERTSON, CITY MANAGER, CITY OF CORDOVA, CORDOVA
(via teleconference), voiced opposition to funding cuts to
the Alaska Marine Highway System. He told a story about a
visit with Representative Austerman in which he asked his
department heads to pull their Costco cards out of their
wallets. There were 13 people with cards. He relayed the
narrative to emphasize that the economies of Anchorage and
the Mat-Su Valley were supported by constituents of
Cordova. He requested that lawmakers keep his story in mind
when considering budget cuts.
4:46:52 PM
DEBORAH ECKLEY, SELF, CORDOVA (via teleconference), spoke
in favor of the AMHS. She believed that the ferry system
was a lifeline to Cordova. She shared some her personal
experience in using the ferry system. She thanked the
committee for listening to her testimony.
4:48:24 PM
STEVEN ANGASAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SOUTHWEST ALASKA
VOCATIONAL EDUCATION CENTER (SAVEC), KING SALMON (via
teleconference), spoke in favor of restoring its Technical
and Vocational Education Program (TVEP) funding. He
explained the value of the vocational training center in
the region and detailed some of the programs the center
offered. He emphasized training for fishermen and that in
Bristol Bay fishing was the region's economic engine. He
reported that SAVEC worked in partnership with the
University of Alaska and with Bristol Bay Native
Association and other regional corporations. He continued
to provide additional information about classes offered. He
thanked the committee for hearing his testimony.
4:50:46 PM
ANNETTE SKARHUS, TECHNICAL DIRECTOR OF THE BERING STRAIT
SCHOOL DISTRICT, UNALAKLEET (via teleconference), spoke in
favor of full funding for broadband in schools. She talked
about education's reliance on the internet. She stressed
the difficulty for a small school district to keep pace
with expensive technology. Her school district turn to
vendors to post items on the internet which saved on IT
costs. She provided other services her school district uses
to save on technology costs. She expressed her appreciation
for the broadband assistance grant reporting increased
student engagement. She emphasized that the impact on the
classrooms has been significant. She thanked the committee
members for their time and consideration.
4:52:41 PM
PHYLLIS SWETZOF, ACTING CITY MANAGER, ST. PAUL ISLAND (via
teleconference), urged the committee to restore funding for
public broadcasting and the ARCS program. She reported that
the radio was one of the most reliable source of
communication. She relayed the types of communications
transmitted. She urged the legislature to keep rural radio
broadcasting in place and to avoid the substantial proposed
cuts. She also spoke on behalf of funding for the Alaska
Rural Communications System (ARCS). She asked that the
legislature please reconsider the proposed cuts affecting
Rural Alaska.
4:55:57 PM
JOHN STRASENBURGH, SELF, TALKEETNA (via teleconference),
spoke in opposition to funding the Susitna-Wantana
Hydroelectric Project. He did not any addition money wasted
on the project. He suggested that the remaining funds in
the amount of $33 million should be used elsewhere. He also
spoke in favor of public broadcasting. He felt that a cut
of 59 percent would be devastating to his local radio
station, KTNA. He reviewed the value of public radio and
urged proper funding.
4:58:03 PM
RUTH WOOD, SELF, TALKEETNA (via teleconference), testified
in support of funding for Medicaid expansion and public
broadcasting. She also mentioned the funds that AEA had for
the Susitna-Wantana Hydroelectric Project and how they
could be better spent in the current fiscal crisis.
4:59:53 PM
PEARL BROWER, PRESIDENT, ILLISAGVIK COLLEGE, BARROW (via
teleconference), spoke in favor of its TVEP funding. She
cited some of the success statistics related to the
college. She indicated the college had been receiving more
and more request for courses supporting workforce
development. She urged the committee to restore the
proposed budget cut for its funding.
5:01:38 PM
KATHY LEARY, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT TRAINING MANAGER,
ILLISAGVIK COLLEGE, BARROW (via teleconference), spoke in
opposition to the TVEP funding budget cut. She shared that
the TVEP allocation of $300 thousand for workforce
development training was only a part of the college's
needed funding. She informed the committee about the
workforce trainings. She asserted that the college's
request was less than 2 percent of the college's overall
budget. She asked the legislature to restore its funding.
5:04:17 PM
BEN GLOVER, DEAN OF COMMUNITY AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT,
ILLISAGVIK COLLEGE, BARROW (via teleconference), spoke in
support of reinstating the $300 thousand TVEP funding that
was removed from the budget. He talked about the importance
of building local talent in vocational and technical
careers. He reported some statistics on the classes offered
at the college. He believed that the TVEP funds had been
used wisely in the past. He asked that the state funding be
restored. He thanked members for their time.
5:06:53 PM
SALLY DYBDAHL, SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER, HOONAH CITY SCHOOL
DISTRICT, HOONAH (via teleconference), spoke in favor of
supporting the AKLN program. She appreciated the wide range
of courses available to students through AKLN. She also
voiced opposition to funding cuts to the Alaska Marine
Highway System. She encouraged lawmakers to "think rural."
She thanked the committee for listening to her testimony.
5:07:44 PM
BILL HILL, SUPERINTENDENT, BRISTOL BAY BOROUGH SCHOOL
DISTRICT (via teleconference), spoke in favor of education
funding. He outlined the changes to the district's
education program in order to maintain a balanced budget.
He mentioned doing cutting as well as implementing creative
programing. He mention the district's strong partnership
with Lake and Peninsula School District which resulted in
the development of a career and technical education program
and joint staff training. He relayed that in the school
district's approach it has managed to leverage bandwidth
and technology and he cited some specific examples. He
appreciated the forward funding approach implemented in the
previous year. He appreciated every effort made by the
legislature to maintain what was included in HB 278, the
omnibus education bill passed in 2014.
5:10:09 PM
JAMES SQUYERS, SELF, DELTA JUCTION (via teleconference),
supported the proposed cuts and encouraged additional cuts.
He encouraged the use of the Institute of Social and
Economic Research (ISER) model. He criticized the
legislature for leverage spending and claimed that it had
raised the baseline dependency of Alaskans. He discouraged
betting on future oil pricing, as it was extremely risky
and not conservative. He advised members to embrace the
ISER model. He stated that the legislature was still $1
billion short without a plan.
5:12:39 PM
PAMELA GOODE, SELF, DELTA JUNCTION (via teleconference),
recommended additional cuts to the budget. She opined that
the fiscal crisis had been avoidable. She encouraged
leaders to make additional cuts and to make a strong stand.
She mentioned a target level of $4.5 billion and to make
the cuts now rather than later. She expounded that deficit
spending was wrong as was Medicaid expansion. She advised
members to let the tough leaders lead and to make
appropriate cuts.
5:15:00 PM
MISTY FITZPATRICK, CITY ADMINISTRATOR, COFFMAN COVE (via
teleconference), testified in favor of the Online with
Libraries program. She conveyed that the community did not
otherwise have internet service or cellular service. She
relayed the services offered by the library and described
it as the hub of the community. She added that the library
was operated by volunteers. She urged continued support of
the OWL program and broadband support. She relayed her own
experience using the public library and made it clear the
importance of restoring funding to the OWL program.
5:19:16 PM
BRIAN OKONEK, SELF, TALKEETNA (via teleconference), spoke
in opposition to funding the Susitna-Wantana Hydroelectric
Project. He encouraged the use of the $33 million to be
used for other funding items. He did not support the
project or the effects it would potentially have on the
environment. He also was concerned with the real cost of
the project. He felt that there were less invasive energy
alternatives. He wanted the legislature to put money
towards projects that were sure to be a benefit to the
economy of Alaska and environmentally sound. He thanked the
committee for its hard work.
5:21:15 PM
ROBIN GRAY, SUPERINTENDENT, YAKUTAT SCHOOL DISTRICT (via
teleconference), spoke in favor of restoring the one-time
broadband funding and the funding for AKLN. She detailed
some of the effects of recent funding reductions for the
school district. She asked that the one-time funding for
broadband assistance and for AKLN be restored. She
continued to outline recent program losses and spoke about
the district's technology needs and challenges. She talked
about the requirements for the new state assessments were
an issue because of the quality of the district's
equipment. She appreciated being able to testify.
5:23:54 PM
SCOTT HAHN, CITY MANAGER, SKAGWAY (via teleconference),
voiced opposition to funding cuts to the Alaska Marine
Highway System. He referenced the benefits that the ferry
system provided. He talked about the potential consequences
of the proposed reductions to the ferry system. He felt
that it did not show good ethics to dishonor already-made
reservations. He asked about the cost to health and social
services for Alaskans. He mentioned many other
repercussions from the planned reductions. He advocated
good investments that create capital. He urged the
committee to save the remaining economy.
5:26:02 PM
JOHN TRONRUD, OWNER, WHITEHOUSE BED AND BREAKFAST, SKAGWAY
(via teleconference), voiced opposition to funding cuts to
the Alaska Marine Highway System. He detailed the value of
the ferry system and conveyed his experience as a lodging
owner. He opined that the ferry system was a vital link to
the entire state. He anticipated that the reduced capacity
would create a bottleneck. He discussed his bookings for
the following summer season and maintained that the state
should consider at least maintaining funding through the
upcoming Labor Day to honor the commitments the state has
made. He also brought up a concern about the priority of
freight shipments in the winter time.
5:28:56 PM
TYLER ROSE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTIVE, WHITE PASS AND YUKON ROUTE
RAILROAD, SKAGWAY (via teleconference), voiced opposition
to funding cuts to the Alaska Marine Highway System. He
outlined the potential catastrophic results of the proposed
cuts to the budget. The railroad system would be impacted
due to the transportation of railroad patrons traveling on
the ferry system. Many of the railroad's tour partners and
suppliers utilized the services of the AMHS. Interruptions
to the movement of people and goods could have a
detrimental effect to businesses and families. He asked for
a reconsideration on the funding for Alaska's ferry system.
5:30:17 PM
WENDY ANDERSON, SKAGWAY CONVENTION AND VISITOR'S BUREAU
(via teleconference), spoke in favor of restored funding
for AMHS. She discussed the significance of the cuts to the
system and the economic impacts to the community of
Skagway. She talked about the current schedule being
honored through restored finding. She cited some of the
significant impacts of the decreases. She opined that the
cuts to the budget needed to be applied to a different
program. She asked again that the appropriation for the
AMHS be restored.
5:31:49 PM
JACQUI TAYLOR, PRESIDENT, GOLDEN CIRCLE CHAPTER, AK TOURISM
INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION, SKAGWAY (via teleconference), voiced
opposition to funding cuts to the Alaska Marine Highway
System. She discussed the economic impact of the proposed
cuts to Skagway and other communities. She also described
the uniqueness of traveling via Alaska's ferry system. She
expressed concerns on behalf of the chapter and urged
members to restore funding for the published schedule. She
also asked that the extreme cuts that were proposed would
be reconsidered.
5:33:44 PM
CHRIS VALENTINE, OWNER, SERGEANT PRESTON'S LODGE, SKAGWAY
(via teleconference), voiced opposition to funding cuts to
the Alaska Marine Highway System. As a lodge owner he
reported that he had already taken hundreds of reservations
for the current year and continued to do so. He spoke about
the difficulties imposed on small business due to the
budget cut. He thanked the committee members for their
time.
5:34:25 PM
PAUL REICHERT, TEMPSCO HELICOPTER, INC., SKAGWAY (via
teleconference), requested restored funding to the AMHS for
this year. He explained the benefit of the ferry system to
many places in Alaska. He believed there would be a
reverberating effect and anticipated severe damage to
commerce in Alaska. He referred to Skagway and Haines as
corridors into and out of the state. He was concerned with
previous bookings not being honored. He urged continued
funding for at least through the next fiscal cycle.
5:36:47 PM
MARK SCHAFFER, MAYOR, SKAGWAY (via teleconference), voiced
opposition to funding cuts to the Alaska Marine Highway
System. He referred to the ferry system as am economic
engine to the region. He feared that the proposed cuts had
the potential to devastate economies and small businesses
throughout the state and the Yukon. He urged the
legislature to avoid dismantling the infrastructure already
in place. He also read a letter from Dan Curtis, the mayor
of White Horse. The letter outline the city's concerns
regarding the proposed budget cuts to the AMHS. Tourism
made up much of the economy of the city. The letter
furthered that White Horse and Skagway shared a very
economic link. It cited statistics from 2014. The letter
also urged the House Finance Committee to carefully
consider all of the effects, intended or unintended, of the
proposed budget reductions.
5:38:39 PM
KATIE FRY, SELF, ANAKTUVUK PASS (via teleconference), spoke
in support of the Healthy Futures Program, part of the
Obesity Prevention and Wellness grant. She reviewed the
value of the program and its function. It was a successful
program in the village that encouraged school-aged kids to
look for healthy activities to participate in. It also
helped to support physical activity after school. The
Obesity Prevention and Wellness grant helped in purchasing
various equipment that promoted a healthier community. She
reiterated her support for the Healthy Futures program.
5:41:53 PM
PJ FORD SLACK, INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT, HOONAH SCHOOL
DISTRICT, HOONAH (via teleconference), spoke in favor of
early childhood education and in particular the Parents as
Teachers program. She opined that any cuts to early
childhood programs was a step backwards. She asked that
committee members support broadband services as well as the
OWL program. She emphasized prioritizing early childhood
education.
5:44:52 PM
Co-Chair Neuman recognized Representative Sam Kito III and
Representative Dan Ortiz in the audience.
5:45:13 PM
JOE PLESHA, TRIDENT SEAFOODS, SEATTLE (via teleconference),
testified in support of the Alaska Seafood Marketing
Institute (ASMI). He explained that Trident Seafoods had
processing facilities throughout the State of Alaska. He
reported the seafood industry currently suffered from very
bad exchange rates and difficult markets. He commended ASMI
for the job it has done in promoting Alaska seafood,
helping to increase the value of the harvest, and helping
to raise the raw fish tax revenues that coastal communities
receive. He asked that ASMI's cuts were more in line with
the general cuts to the general fund.
5:46:17 PM
CAROLYN SAYER, SELF, TALKEETNA (via teleconference), spoke
in opposition to funding the Susitna-Wantana Hydroelectric
Project. She did not want any additional funds spent on the
project and wanted the monies that were held by Alaska
Energy Authority to be used for other pressing needs. She
expressed her support of education and health care. She
also spoke in favor of supporting public broadcasting. She
reiterated her wish for the legislature to stop funding the
Susitna-Wantana Hydroelectric Project. She appreciated the
committee's time.
5:48:07 PM
ELLEN WOOLF, SELF, TALKEETNA (via teleconference), spoke in
opposition to funding the Susitna-Wantana Hydroelectric
Project. She suggested using the $33 million the Alaska
Energy Authority was holding to help fund school, public
radio, home weatherization and other deserving programs and
projects. She urged the legislature to stop the dam project
and to use its funds for other projects.
5:49:43 PM
MOLLY WOOD, SELF, CHASE (via teleconference), spoke in
opposition to funding the Susitna-Wantana Hydroelectric
Project. She urged halting the Susitna Dam project and
using the monies for other programs and to help resolve the
state's fiscal crisis. She also spoke in favor of continued
funding for public broadcasting and the AMHS. She thanked
the committee for considering her testimony.
5:51:39 PM
SARAH HANUSKE-HAMILTON, INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT, IDITAROD
SCHOOL DISTRICT, GRAYLING (via teleconference), spoke in
favor of full funding for broadband in schools. She
indicated that the district had purchased an online
curriculum covering four subject areas for grades K-12. A
six-year lease was signed by the school district because of
increased bandwidth for its schools. She continued to
outline the importance of broadband support. She cited the
significance of leveraging the eRate from the federal
government increasing the state grant from $209 thousand to
almost $1 million. She thanked the committee for listening
to her testimony.
5:53:55 PM
DOUG SMITH, SELF, TALKEETNA (via teleconference), spoke in
opposition to funding the Susitna-Wantana Hydroelectric
Project and in favor of cutting unessential items from the
state budget. He supported funding education, public radio,
and the ferry system. He stated financial statistics
concerning the spending of the Susitna Dam project. He
expressed concern with interfering with the salmon
resource. He opined that the project was no longer needed
and urged that the project be shut down.
5:56:16 PM
MARK VINK, BUSINESS MANAGER, BERING STRAIT SCHOOL DISTRICT,
UNALAKLEET (via teleconference), spoke in support of the
broadband assistance grant. He expressed that the program
has been of great help to the school district. He mentioned
being able to leverage state dollars to gain additional
federal dollars. Many of the required testing were
accessible online. He reported that his school district
needed the extra bandwidth to carry out the assessments.
Her thanked committee members for their time.
5:57:24 PM
STEVE ATWATER, VICE PRESIDENT, K-12 OUTREACH, UNIVERSITY OF
ALASKA, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in favor of
the restoration of $750 thousand of general funds that were
reduced for the statewide mentoring program. He expressed
his concern about recruitment challenges. He provided
statistics concerning the supply of teachers in the United
States. The Alaska Statewide Mentoring Program was
essential in retaining teachers. He understood the need for
the state to reduce expenditures but the reduction to the
particular program would have long-term implications that
would lead to increased expenses by school districts. He
prompted the legislature to reinstate the $750 thousand for
the statewide mentoring program. He thanked members for
their consideration of his testimony and for their work for
the citizens of Alaska.
5:59:16 PM
NORMA HOLMGAARD, SUPERINTENDENT, YUPIIT SCHOOL DISTRICT,
AKIACHAK (via teleconference), spoke in favor of restoring
funding for the broadband assistance program and the $32
million in one-time funding for education. The one-time
funding would allow the school district to expand and
upgrade the career and technical education program as well
as to make needed to improvements to teacher housing. She
referred to the issues in Tuluksak which cost the school
district tens of thousands of dollars in repairs of frozen
pipes and outdated infrastructure. She asked that the
committee reconsider funding for the programs she
mentioned.
6:00:33 PM
MATHEW ALLEN, SELF, MCGRATH (via teleconference), voiced
his concerns with the cuts to the McGrath Department of
Natural Resources fire camp. He told the committee about
his twenty five years of experience in fire-fighting. He
stated that the plan called for smoke jumper use to
suppress fires in the area. He was concerned with getting
smoke jumper response to the Southwest area and provided
some examples of the challenges faced with the proposed
cut. He thanked the committee members for their time.
6:02:58 PM
ANTHONY CRAVALHO, MANIILAQ GOVERNMENT COUNCIL, KOTZEBUE
(via teleconference), relayed that Mayor Maija Lukin had to
leave but supported fully funding the jail in Kotzebue. He
spoke in support of behavioral health funding and complex
behavior funding. He asserted that cutting these programs
and services would not save the state money in the long
term, surmising that a lack of these services would cause
an influx of consumers of emergency services and jail. He
spoke to a high rate of suicide. He added that the highest
demand on the services was from young Alaska Native men who
are not eligible for Medicaid, and make up a
disproportionately high percentage of those incarcerated.
He urged the committee to not make it more difficult for
rural communities to access behavioral health services.
6:05:32 PM
CLARA HENRY, KOTZEBUE PUBLIC RADIO, KOTZEBUE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of public broadcasting.
She relayed that KPR provided important search and rescue
information; as well as news, weather, and important
information for 11 villages. She asked for continued
funding.
6:06:36 PM
WILLI PRITTIE, SELF, SUNSHINE (via teleconference), spoke
in support of funding for public broadcasting. He urged the
committee to go about making cuts in a careful and
thoughtful way. He spoke against a proposed 59 percent cut
to public broadcasting. He did not want rural Alaska to go
by the wayside. He suggested taking money from the Alaska
Energy Authority (AEA); and specifically referred to a
$33.5 million increment for a mega-dam on the Susitna
River. He opined that this proposal was unwanted, ill-
advised, economically unfeasible, and was dangerous to
salmon habitat.
ELENOR HENKE, SELF, SUNSHINE (via teleconference),
supported funding for public broadcasting. She echoed
comments about funding for public radio. She stressed that
the 59 percent cut could be fatal for the local radio
station. She spoke to the community's reliance on radio for
emergency announcements, news, and other. She stated that
AEA was sitting on $33 million to pursue a license for the
ill-advised Susitna Dam, and suggested it be redirected to
more important programs.
6:10:29 PM
DIANE BROWN, SELF, DENALI NATIONAL PARK (via
teleconference), testified in support of ANSWER 2.0, a STEM
education program. She provided information about the
program, which focused on middle school students in rural
areas across Alaska. She urged the committee to invest in
the program and students who were Alaska's future.
6:11:33 PM
BENJAMIN BROWN, SELF, DENALI NATIONAL PARK (via
teleconference), spoke in support of a STEM education
program. He related that he had been looking forward to
participating in the program for quite some time. He
highlighted the importance of investing in future
generations.
6:12:02 PM
BILL THOMAS, SELF, HAINES (via teleconference), was
concerned about cuts to the Alaska Seafood Marketing
Institute (ASMI), Tourism and Marketing, and the Department
of Natural Resources Division of Forestry. He expressed
concerned about the lack in timber sales. He stated that
without a forester there would be cutting without permits
and a subsequent increase in violations. He spoke about
past legislative bodies working to improve the salmon
industry through supporting agency budgets, including ASMI.
He was concerned that the impacts would hurt Southeast
Alaska, as well as impact other agency budgets with an
increase in drug and alcohol abuse. He spoke to the
Department of Fish and Game and a recent king salmon
release in Haines, which he considered to be unsuccessful.
He supported intent language in the DFG that would stop the
department from cutting the budgets for state-owned fish
streams on state land. He stressed the Constitution's
protection of state fisheries. He noted that the Chilkat
and Chilkoot systems were the only river systems in Alaska
that are not under the purview of Canada or the federal
government.
6:15:58 PM
NAOMI NORVACK, SELF, MCGRATH (via teleconference),
testified against the cut to the Division of Forestry. She
elaborated that the southwest are covered millions of acres
with villages and remote cabins scattered throughout. She
noted that smoke jumpers get deployed to area fires, and
without a base in McGrath support could be greatly delayed.
She elaborated that the McGrath Bell 212 helicopter is a
shared resource and cannot cuts would diminish the use of
the helicopter due to acceptable flight time and distance.
She mentioned annual training of emergency personnel. She
discussed that eliminating six positions from McGrath was
not the only option. She noted that the absence of
personnel in the area would mean other people would have to
cover the service. She discussed her job duties. She
specified that most fires were near villages and response
time was critical. She hoped there would not be increased
disasters due to a slow response time.
6:18:23 PM
NORM CARSON, PELICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, PELICAN (via
teleconference), requested full funding of the Alaska
Marine Highway System (AMHS). He declared that the AMHS was
a necessity for Pelican rather than a convenience. He asked
the committee to give AMHS a chance to provide service. He
shared that the community was not on the road system. He
stated that tourism, fisheries, and other business were all
dependent on the marine highway schedule. He proposed
consideration of a dedicated stream of revenue for AMHS
through an additional tax on fuel, including marine fuel.
He thanked the committee for its time.
6:19:57 PM
JACKIE RAY, SELF, SOLDOTNA (via teleconference), spoke in
support of education funding and public broadcasting. He
stated that the Alaska Highway was strategically important;
money had been invested over many years and it was not okay
to just drop the ball. He stated that more investment was
needed. He believed there would be increased tourism in the
state caused by reality television shows. He discussed that
the highway could support Cordova, Whittier, Kodiak, Homer,
and Dutch Harbor. He mentioned independent travelers and
their use of the highways. He supported public broadcasting
and education. He characterized the Susitna Dam as a
tremendous waste of money, which was not good for the
ecosystem.
6:22:48 PM
RANDALL JOHN ROSENCRANS, SELF, GALENA (via teleconference),
spoke in strong support for public broadcasting. He
emphasized that the radio provided news and information to
the community, and was a critical service to the region. He
understood that it was difficult to make cuts and that they
had to be made, but he asked the committee to consider the
impact it would have.
6:24:23 PM
ROB BROWN, SELF, RUBY (via teleconference), testified in
support of public broadcasting. He spoke to the services
the radio provided and described it as a lifeline. He noted
that it has saved lives and it was a worthy investment.
6:25:22 PM
MARLA HOWARD, SELF, KAKE (via teleconference), testified
against cuts to the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS).
She discussed that schools used the AMHS for sports trips.
She noted that there would be an increase in small plane
crashes as well as smaller boat traffic if the AMHS was
cut. She discussed the high costs for perishable goods in
the community. She asked the committee to cut out
extravagances and take care of rural Alaska.
6:27:58 PM
BARBARA MANNIX, SELF, TALKEETNA (via teleconference), asked
the committee to withdraw funds for the proposed Susitna
dam project, which totaled over $30 million. She stated
that the project made no fiscal sense and characterized it
as an "environmental travesty." She believed the funds
should be freed up for use on needed public services such
as early childhood education, broadband access, AMHS, and
public broadcasting.
6:29:20 PM
GRETE PERKINS, SELF, TALKEETNA (via teleconference),
testified against cuts to AMHS, broadband internet,
education, and public broadcasting. She stressed that
public broadcasting provided a lifeline for her community;
they depended on radio for information on emergencies. She
asked the committee to release the funds intended for the
Susitna River dam. She stressed that the dam was bad news.
6:31:01 PM
JACK WALSH, SUPERINTENDENT, CRAIG SCHOOL DISTRICT, CRAIG
(via teleconference), spoke against cuts to education. He
testified in support for broadband internet access and
early childhood programs. He stated that he hoped the
legislature would find solutions that would not devastate
education and the future of the state.
6:31:57 PM
WHITNEY WOLFF, CHAIR, TALKEETNA COMMUNITY COUNCIL,
TALKEETNA (via teleconference), spoke against the Susitna-
Watana Hydroelectric Project. She noted that she had been a
licensing participant in the process since 2011. She stated
that it was troubling to hear the information on the
projected licensing plans from the AEA. She stated that
AEA's timeline was overoptimistic and simplistic. She did
not believe $100 million in 2008. She alluded to the
escalating construction costs, and opined that the project
and its associated costs were out of Alaska's financial
reach during the current difficult budget climate. She
discussed the importance of cleaning up the river, and
suggested that the appropriated funds should she
reallocated for that as well as other essential services
mentioned by previous testifiers. Additionally, she
supported investment in the gas pipeline.
6:34:39 PM
HEATHER LEBA, SELF, TALKEETNA (via teleconference), spoke
in opposition of any continued funding for the Susitna Dam
project. She noted that she was a fisheries biologist, and
urged the committee to discontinue funding any further
studies on this poorly designed project. She pointed out
the recreational activities that took place on the river,
which was also robust salmon habitat. She opined that
education, AMHS, public radio, and health care, were all
better investments.
6:36:14 PM
JANET BALICE, NOME PUBLIC SCHOOLS, NOME (via
teleconference), spoke in favor of funding Pre-K programs.
She relayed the successes of students in her school
district due to Head Start and other Pre-K programs. She
talked about the cost per student in Pre-K versus
elementary school and the money saved by combining Pre-K
and K-12. She pointed out that there was less money spent
on remedial education and other services when Pre-K is
utilized. She mentioned that the state had not applied for
federal grants for Pre-K in the amount of $10 million, and
mentioned the program Race to the Top as an example. She
encouraged looking into the future and to support funding.
6:38:55 PM
LUISA MACHUCA, NORTHWESTERN ALASKA CAREER AND TECHNICAL
CENTER (NACTEC), NOME (via teleconference), spoke in favor
of funding for vocational education. She spoke of the
opportunities that NACTEC has offered for youth in the
region, and referred to a correlation with increased high
school graduation rates. She expressed concern regarding
increased drug and alcohol use, dropouts, increased at-risk
behaviors, and suicide without important vocational
programs for youth. She thanked the committee for its time.
6:41:04 PM
ANGIE GORN, PRESIDENT AND CEO, NORTON SOUND HEALTH
CORPORATION (NSHC), NOME (via teleconference), spoke in
support of NACTEC and funding for vocational education. She
related that NSHC is the largest employer in the Bering
Strait region, and has a partnership with NACTEC through
which high school students received training for healthcare
careers. She relayed the training center provided training
for over 90 certified nursing assistants in the past 12
years, which are the backbone of the tribal nursing home in
the region. She pointed out that the nursing home is among
the top 40 best nursing homes in the nation, which would
not have been possible without locally trained staff
produced by the NACTEC program. She mentioned that the
partnership had developed a local nursing program and had
celebrated 5 graduates from the program, which is
affiliated with the University of Alaska Anchorage and the
University of Alaska Fairbanks.
6:43:42 PM
MATHEW MICHELS, NOME ESKIMO COMMUNITY, NOME (via
teleconference), spoke in favor of education and youth
services. He stated he was a new tribal council member. He
related that education is a fundamental right and should be
the last thing that is ever cut. He noted youth services
programs such as Lego Robotics, Guys Read, and afterschool
programs for students. He emphasized the importance of Pre-
K funding as well. He felt that Pre-K provided a
fundamental foundation for education. He stressed the
importance of fully funding education to invest in future
generations of productive citizens that can earn a living
wage and were not dependent upon social programs.
6:45:39 PM
DEBI BALDWIN, CHILD DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR, RURAL CAP, NOME
(via teleconference), spoke against cuts to Pre-K funding,
Parents as Teachers, and Best Beginnings. She opined that
it was short-sighted to defund needed early childhood
programs in rural areas, and would not result in short or
long term savings to the state. She spoke of anticipated
higher short-term costs in remedial education, and higher
long-term costs in health care and adult supportive
services.
6:46:42 PM
BRIAN MERRITT, WRANGELL FISH AND GAME ADVISORY COMMITTEE,
WRANGELL (via teleconference), spoke in favor of funding
the Alaska State Trooper position. He noted that he is a
current elementary teacher with 25 years of experience, and
spoke in favor of restoring funding for the OWL program
(Online with Libraries). He added that the program helps
with the summer reading program and greatly enhances his
student's ability to retain what they learned during the
school year. He proposed that the committee imagine the
state closed down the Alaska-Canada for four days a week
each summer, as analogy to cuts to AMHS. He supported fully
funding the AMHS. He suggested cutting positions by half
rather than fully cutting state positions as proposed.
6:48:34 PM
JEFF JABUSCH, BOROUGH MANAGER, CITY AND BOROUGH OF
WRANGELL, WRANGELL (via teleconference), urged support for
community jails and revenue sharing. He noted that the
combination of these two reductions might necessitate
closing the Wrangell jail and transferring prisoners,
thereby costing the state. He also advocated funding for
the AMHS. He expressed the benefits of the highway and
highlighted its importance to economic development. He
favored support of the public broadcasting and highlighted
the importance of the local radio station. He was in favor
of funding for the six LIO offices proposed to be cut.
6:51:02 PM
RUTH STOUGH, SELF, WRANGELL (via teleconference), spoke in
favor of funding the AMHS. She also expressed her support
of the Wrangell LIO.
6:52:15 PM
PATRICK MAYER, SUPERINTENDENT, WRANGELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS,
WRANGELL (via teleconference), spoke in favor of
reinstating the $32 million in one-time funding for
education. He relayed some of the effects of the proposed
cuts, including the potential loss of one certified teacher
and several aids.
6:53:37 PM
MICHELLE GALLA, SELF, WRANGELL (via teleconference), spoke
in favor of funding for AKLN. She related that the program
served several hundred students from 47 school districts
across the state. She discussed the courses offered,
including credit recovery, dual credit, honors classes,
college prep, career training, and a variety of electives.
She indicated that distance learning allowed them to
successfully serve students in large and small schools
across the entire state.
6:55:39 PM
ZACH FANSLER, COUNCILMAN, CITY OF BETHEL, BETHEL (via
teleconference), supported continued revenue sharing and
opposed the $57 million proposed cut. He noted that the
funds were vital to the local communities, and cited
several examples from Bethel. He spoke against the 59
percent cut to public broadcasting, which would be
devastating. He characterized the local station, KYUK, as a
lifeline. He supported a state income tax to alleviate the
dire budget situation.
6:58:13 PM
KARA JOHNSON, SELF, CORDOVA (via teleconference), advocated
for funding of the AMHS. She indicated that she was
affiliated with the Cordova Arts and Pageants Board and the
Parks and Recreation Commission; both of which would be
affected drastically. She referred to negative impacts on
tourism and fisheries, as well as the increased burden of
higher prices of goods and services. She referred to the
ferry system as a life line, and noted that the AMHS
provides basic needs to the residents of Prince William
Sound. She appreciated being heard.
HB 72 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
HB 73 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
Co-Chair Neuman reviewed the schedule for the following
day.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB 72 Public Testimony Pkt 2.pdf |
HFIN 3/4/2015 1:00:00 PM |
HB 72 |