Legislature(2015 - 2016)SENATE FINANCE 532
03/31/2015 01:30 PM Senate FINANCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Public Testimony: Fairbanks, Mat-su | |
| Public Testimony: Kenai, Kodiak, Dillingham | |
| Statewide Teleconference-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 | ||
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 72(FIN)
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and
loan program expenses of state government and for
certain programs and capitalizing funds; and providing
for an effective date."
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 73(FIN)
"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."
^PUBLIC TESTIMONY: FAIRBANKS, MAT-SU
2:11:38 PM
Co-Chair Kelly opened public testimony.
2:12:17 PM
SUNNI HILTS, SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER, KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH
SCHOOL DISTRICT, SELDOVIA, testified in support of
increased funding for education. She spoke in favor of
early childhood education and told personal anecdotes about
her grandchildren and their educational experiences. She
discussed large class sizes and the detrimental effect on
learning. She related that the school district had a very
"lean administration" and spoke of recent position
reductions. She discussed the value of early education and
the relationship between early childhood education and
lowered prison populations. She described the proposed cuts
in education funding as "almost insupportable." She
specified that her district would be $5 million through $8
million in deficit in the current year after being as cost-
efficient as they could be. She asked the committee to make
the children of Alaska their top priority.
2:15:18 PM
DANNY FRAZIER, SUPERINTENDENT, DILLINGHAM CITY SCHOOL
DISTRICT, DILLINGHAM, spoke in favor of education funding.
He referred to the promised funding from the previous
legislative session. He discussed additional requirements
for school districts in concert with less funding. He
related that in the previous year, Dillingham City School
district had spent $11,000 on restraint and seclusion
training. He remarked that in the current year, unforeseen
expenses would include Erin's Law, additional teacher
evaluation, AMP testing, and implementing common core
educational standards. He wondered how districts could
improve education or be innovative without the support of
the legislature. He encouraged the committee to think of
education when considering the budget.
2:16:45 PM
Vice-Chair Micciche asked Mr. Frazier if he could email the
committee to elaborate on what he considered unfunded
mandates to the school district. He wondered what the state
could do to reduce the burden of the requests.
Senator Dunleavy commented that the committee had been
working with school districts to identify a list of
responsibilities that could be reduced to mitigate the
effects of less funding/greater responsibility over time.
2:18:05 PM
SUE SHERIF, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified
in favor of the Online with Libraries (OWL) program. She
described OWL, elucidating that it was one of three funding
streams that combined to provide a "modest amount" of
broadband bandwidth for rural and remote public libraries.
She listed the three components of funding: local payments,
OWL subsidies, and federal E-rate funds. She noted that E-
rate funds paid the bulk of the bandwidth cost (60 to 90
percent for 67 communities); and furthered that in rural
communities, the library may be the only location where
broadband is available to the general public. She explained
that without the OWL subsidy to combine with the community
contribution, libraries would not be able to leverage
nearly $2 million of E-rate funding. She stated that she
had written to committee members outlining the potential
impacts on communities. She remarked on potential state
travel savings through use of the OWL bandwidth
videoconference capabilities to mitigate the need for off-
road travel. She opined that the current proposed budget
cuts, in all departments, would have the greatest impact on
rural areas. She spoke to diversity of revenues, long-term
planning for allowable use of savings, and discussion of
taxes as avenues to consider before implementing the
"drastic" proposed budget cuts.
2:21:20 PM
WILL PUTMAN, FORESTRY DIRECTOR, TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE,
FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke against cuts to the
Division of Forestry timber program. He explained that he
worked with member tribes on forest and natural resource
management issues as well as wildland firefighting. He
clarified that Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) was a tribal
organization that served native tribes across Interior
Alaska, including those found in the Upper Kuskokwim area
(within the Division of Forestry's Southwest area) that
relied on the wildfire protection services provided by the
Division of Forestry. He discussed the proposed cuts to the
Division of Forestry, including the "drastic" reduction of
wildland fire resources in McGrath, and the elimination of
the Wildland Firefighting Academy; and related that they
were "very alarming" to the villages in the region. He
furthered that TCC's Board of Directors had passed a
resolution to address the issue, and stated he would be
submitting copies of the resolution for the committee's
review. He spoke about the resolution, noting that the
proposed cuts would have consequences to rural villages
including economic and employment effects and increased
fire threat to communities.
KIM SWISHER, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), urged
the committee to reinstate funds for domestic violence and
sexual assault prevention programs. She expressed
frustration with Alaska's high rates of domestic violence,
sexual assault, and child abuse. She related her personal
experience having participated in a violence prevention
program hosted by the Council on Domestic Violence and
Sexual Assault (CDVSA), at which she gained important
information on how to participate in prevention efforts.
She discussed the importance of public awareness and
training. She discussed violence prevention, and asked the
committee to fund prevention efforts for CDVSA.
Senator Hoffman noted that there was $16,743,000 in the
budget for the CDVSA, and the funds were not in jeopardy.
2:26:11 PM
SUE HULL, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in
support of reinstating funds for Best Beginnings. She
discussed the importance of mental stimulation and
development of children under the age of two. She mentioned
"low cost - high impact" programs such as Imagination
Library and Babies on Track and correlated them to success
in school as well as life. She spoke to the cost-
effectiveness of early childhood education and asked the
committee to consider increased funding to Best Beginnings.
2:27:56 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.
She thanked the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health and
Social Services for leaving intact the Human Service
Community Matching Grant at the governor's proposed level,
but remarked that it reflected a 20 percent budget decrease
which would result in at least 2 agencies (and perhaps as
many as 8) not receiving critical funding. She opined that
the member agencies were addressing essential human
services more effectively and efficiently than could be
accomplished by state agencies.
2:29:33 PM
SARAH OBED, VICE PRESIDENT OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, DOYON
LIMITED, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in
support of funding for the Southwest Area fire camp and
Wildland Fire Academy. She added, on behalf of landowners
and Doyon, that there were concerns regarding response time
for fires.
2:30:26 PM
DOUG TOELLE, ADVOCACY DIRECTOR, ACCESS ALASKA, FAIRBANKS
(via teleconference), spoke in favor of restoring funding
to the sign language Interpreters Referral Line (IRL). He
related that the program provided interpreters (required by
the Americans with Disability Act (ADA)) for over 300
(mostly medical) appointments for individuals who were deaf
in Fairbanks and Juneau. He related that the grant funding
for IRL also funded an oversight body for interpreter
credentialing, as well as outreach and education to
understand ADA requirements. He mentioned a letter authored
by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development,
stating that it suggested that for-profit businesses could
replace the current IRL. He expressed disagreement and
cited his personal business experience. He related that
Access Alaska had contributed over $10,000 to the IRL to
keep it running. He cautioned that if interpreter services
were eliminated; the failed business model would become an
ADA, civil rights, and liability issue. He clarified that
interpreters were employees of Access Alaska when they were
interpreting, and furthered that Access Alaska provided
worker's compensation and other employer requirements. He
spoke about the workload of interpreters. He described
scenarios in which a deaf person would be at a great
disadvantage without an interpreter, and asserted that
cutting IRL would leave some of the committee members
constituents in that situation.
2:32:49 PM
PATTY MERITT, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding for the University of
Alaska (UA) and early childhood education. She described
the proposed cuts to UA as "devastating," especially for
the workforce development group. She discussed cuts to K-12
education, and cuts to teachers. She spoke in support of
reinstating funds for Best Beginnings, and discussed
Imagination Library. She spoke in support of full funding
for Pre-K programs. She testified in favor of restoring
funds for the Parents as Teachers program. She stated that
reducing funds for early preschool programs was
shortsighted and would hurt the state in the future as well
as realize greater expense as a result of increased need of
remedial services for underprepared students. She described
the Parents as Teachers program and characterized the
funding as "infinitesimal" in comparison to the benefits to
families served.
2:34:41 PM
JOHN DAVID RAGAN, MEMBER, LOCAL LABORERS UNION 942, ESTER
(via teleconference), spoke in favor of Medicaid expansion
and discussed federal matching funds. He spoke against cuts
to UA, and noted that it was the second largest employer in
Fairbanks. He discussed the federal funding returns after
investing in UA research. He spoke against cuts to public
broadcasting. He supported funding for the Department of
Labor and Workforce Development and the importance of
training for the gas pipeline. He expressed his support for
a state income tax. He expressed concern that Alaska would
an "economic backwater."
2:37:06 PM
THERESA WILLIAMS, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
related that she was a McGrath Tribal Member and spoke in
favor of restoring funding to the Department of Natural
Resources (DNR) budget for the McGrath fire camp and
Wildland Fire Academy. She discussed the jobs that would be
affected and wondered how the state would fund the fire
camp in the future. She referred to the Alaska State
Statute that discussed the role and responsibility of the
state in fire suppression on state, municipal, and private
lands. She referred to a study that referenced workforce
needs for fire suppression in the McGrath area. She warned
of a potential lawsuit and discussed negligence with regard
to fire suppression.
2:39:41 PM
TERESA HANSON, CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMISSION ON FEDERAL
AREAS (CACFA), FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in
support of funding for CACFA. She discussed diversification
of Alaska's economy and federal policy. She remarked on the
role of CACFA, the importance of its activities, and the
small amount of budget necessary for the program.
2:41:21 PM
RANDY ZARNKE, PRESIDENT, ALASKA TRAPPERS ASSOCIATION (ATA);
FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in favor of funding
for CACFA in the DNR budget. He related that many members
of ATA used state and federal lands for traditional harvest
of renewable natural resources. He discussed the Alaska
National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) and the
provision for access to cabins that full-time trappers
required for shelter. He shared that federal agencies had
become increasingly difficult to work with and related a
story about trapping permits to illustrate what he
considered "federal overreach." He furthered that CACFA had
played an important role in maintaining rights for
trapping. He encouraged the committee to maintain full
funding for CACFA in order for Alaskan outdoor users to
maintain rights guaranteed under ANILCA.
Senator Bishop noted that funding for CACFA was added back
in to the budget by the Senate Finance Subcommittee on DNR.
2:43:26 PM
STAN LEAPHART, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding in the DNR budget. He
specified support for CACFA, the state ANILCA Coordination
Program, and the Public Access Assertion and Defense (PAAD)
unit. He asserted that funding of the programs was critical
for the future of the State of Alaska. He disclosed that he
had worked for CACFA for approximately 23 years, starting
on the original commission created by former Senator Betty
Fahrenkamp. He discussed the passing of ANILCA, and
asserted that management of federal public lands had become
increasingly more complicated and restrictive. He discussed
the extensive and diverse land use by Alaskans, and
stressed the importance of how the lands were regulated by
federal agencies. He related that CACFA intended to work as
a bridge between citizens of the state and federal
agencies, and enumerated some of the activities that CAFCA
engaged in. He spoke to the ANILCA program and the PAAD
unit and highlighted the importance of their activities. He
reminded the committee that he had submitted a short letter
for their review.
2:46:31 PM
CHRISTINA DAVIS, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
urged the committee to reinstate funds for domestic
violence and sexual assault prevention programs.
Specifically, she mentioned programs such as Green Dot,
Girls on the Run, Boys Run, Talk Now Talk Often, Compass,
Stand up Speak up, Coaching Boys into Men, and mini grants
for youth leadership work. She discussed the various
programs and their importance to the community.
2:48:01 PM
AT EASE
2:48:58 PM
RECONVENED
CAROLYN GRAY, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke
in favor of increased education funding. She discussed her
family history in mining, engineering and geology; and
correlated the importance of education in industry. She
discussed the economic importance of an educated workforce,
and asserted that state revenue must be increased in order
for the state to aid Alaskans in reaching their goals. She
spoke in favor of income tax. She spoke in favor of
Medicaid expansion, and discussed federal matching dollars.
She remarked on school research and spoke in support of
funding for public broadcasting.
2:51:19 PM
CHARLES LEMKE, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), urged
the committee to restore funding for public broadcasting.
He related that he was a small business owner, and was
familiar with the budgetary challenge faced by the state.
He supported funding for KUAC, and discussed its importance
to Alaskan communities. He spoke in support of full funding
for Pre-K programs. He spoke in favor of restoring funding
to UA.
2:53:52 PM
STEVE HECKMAN, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke
in support for funding for the helicopter program for the
Alaska State Troopers. He related that he was a retired
Alaska State trooper, and as a rural unit supervisor in
Fairbanks he had operational control of two aircraft. He
stated that both aircraft were used extensively to serve
rural communities in the Interior as well as Fairbanks. He
recounted the pursuit and capture of a mass murderer using
a state-operated helicopter. He related that state
helicopters were routinely used for search and rescue
missions that were not able to be performed by fixed-wing
aircrafts due to weather and visibility conditions. He
discussed past use of helicopters in search and rescue
scenarios, and stressed the importance of maintenance of
the aircraft.
2:57:25 PM
DON GRAY, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in
favor of education funding. He discussed priorities of the
state and stressed the importance of education, health, and
public safety. He spoke in favor of using funds from
reserve accounts such as the Constitutional Budget Reserve
Fund (CBR) and the Statutory Budget Reserve Fund (SBR) as
well as tax revenue from personal income taxes. He
described K-12 education as "vital to our future" and
testified in support of funding for the UA system. He asked
the committee to reverse the cuts to public radio. He
stated that the independent information available via
public radio was healthy for democracy. He urged the
committee to restore funding for public broadcasting.
2:59:58 PM
CHERYL KILGORE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, INTERIOR NEIGHBORHOOD
HEALTH CENTER (IHC), FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke
in support of funding for behavioral health services and
Medicaid expansion. She related that IHC delivered medical
integrative behavioral health and dental services on a
sliding fee scale based on household size and income. The
discussed vulnerable members of the community and specified
that in 2015, IHC saw 6,205 people, 34 percent of which
were uninsured and 71 percent whom lived at or below 200
percent of the federal poverty level. She discussed the
challenges of obtaining specialized health care services
without insurance. She spoke in favor of the Health and
Human Services matching block grant.
3:02:12 PM
Co-Chair Kelly handed the gavel to Senator Dunleavy.
MARK WAYSON, SELF, MAT-SU (via teleconference), testified
in support of funding for CACFA. He stated that he was an
in-holder in Denali National Park, and related that the
federal government had denied access to his property. He
discussed the importance of economic diversity in Alaska
and suggested that funds from oil production had caused
complacency in state government. He discussed "federal
overreach" and described CACFA as a "citizens agency" that
was essential in bridging the gap between Alaskans and the
federal government.
3:04:28 PM
JIM STOCKER, SELF, MAT-SU (via teleconference), spoke in
support of funding for trooper helicopter maintenance
within the Department of Public Safety budget. He related
that he was a 40-year Alaska resident, private business
person, and pilot. He discussed the essential services
provided by the helicopters in emergency situations, and
recounted a personal experience to illustrate his point.
3:06:27 PM
LINDA CONOVER, MEMBER, IMAGINATION LIBRARY BOARD; MAT-SU
(via teleconference), spoke in support of reinstating funds
for the Best Beginnings program in aid of funding the
Imagination Library program. She discussed child
development and the importance of readiness for
kindergarten. She spoke in support of funding for the
Imagination Library. She referenced studies and polls that
show the success of the program.
3:08:57 PM
Ms. Conover read a prepared statement from Tari Patinka, a
resident of Knik, Alaska. Ms. Patinka supported funding for
the Imagination Library funded through Best Beginnings. She
recounted her personal experience with the program and
discussed sponsored activities related to the program.
3:11:34 PM
ROBIN MINARD, MAT-SU HEALTH FOUNDATION, MAT-SU (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for
Medicaid expansion. She discussed the role of the Mat-Su
Health Foundation, and described it as being "at the apex
of health reform." She related that it utilized data
analysis to provide better care for lower cost. She related
that the Mat-Su Regional Hospital's Emergency department
saw five times the number of individuals with behavioral
health issues than the community mental health center. She
discussed population growth in Mat-Su and reported that the
community public health grant (from the Department of
Public Health) had not grown in proportion. She discussed
the need for meaningful Medicaid reform measures to
accompany Medicaid expansion. She discussed the reduced
cost of care associated with improved access by preventing
costly emergency room visits.
3:14:02 PM
BONNIE QUILL, MAT-SU CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU (MCVB),
MAT-SU (via teleconference), spoke in support of funding
for tourism marketing. She related that MCVB relied heavily
on the marketing as well as the cooperative programs
organized by the state, including international missions,
media events, and sponsorship opportunities in the travel
trade. She discussed how defunding tourism marketing would
affect private business. She pointed out that tourism
generated revenue for the state.
3:15:43 PM
PENNY VADLA, BOARD MEMBER, KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH SCHOOL
DISTRICT, KENAI, spoke in favor of increased education
funding. She stated that she was a 30-year teacher in the
Kenai School District. She discussed the correlation
between education and a prosperous state economy. She
discussed one-time education funding from the previous
year. She related how her school district had streamlined
operations to lower costs while still offering cutting-edge
educational experiences for students, digital-technical
initiatives, and student growth maps. She spoke in support
of full funding for Pre-K programs. She discussed the
parental opt-out choice for AMP testing. She referred to
research regarding the success of children who had access
to early childhood education.
3:19:10 PM
CRISTY FRY, SELF, HOMER (via teleconference), urged the
committee to restore funding for public broadcasting. She
discussed the genesis of public radio in Alaska, and
related that she had been a volunteer DJ since 1980 as well
as a financial supporter of public radio. She discussed
services provided by public radio and remarked on how the
cuts would affect communities in Alaska.
3:21:16 PM
RACHEL ROMBERG, SELF, HOMER (via teleconference), urged the
committee to reinstate funds for domestic violence and
sexual assault prevention programs. She recounted a
relevant incident in Homer which ended in a court case and
increased community awareness. She divulged that she was
the Prevention Coordinator for Haven House, funded by
CDVSA; and discussed the programs they had been offering in
Homer. She spoke in support of programs including Green Dot
and Girls on the Run. She referenced abuse statistics in
the state. She remarked on the correlation between
prevention activities and adverse childhood experiences,
adult wellness, and associated healthcare costs.
^PUBLIC TESTIMONY: KENAI, KODIAK, DILLINGHAM
3:24:03 PM
DAN PASCUCI, SELF, SOLDOTNA (via teleconference), urged the
committee to restore funding for public broadcasting. He
related that he was a guest DJ on KDLL radio. [Mr. Pascuci
offered his testimony in poetry form from here]:
Alaska is a special land that's full of different
places. Different landscapes, different towns, and
lots of different faces. Different folks that
celebrate lots of different occasions. Different
families and singles too, different political
persuasions. But one thing that ties us all together,
is our need for information. Whether it's the price of
oil, or beluga populations. Or info on our safety, or
school, or of road closures. Or tsunami, volcano
warnings, or public service disclosures. Now I know
that lots of different groups have asked you for the
cash. But please consider one big thing, before you
make the slash. It's broadcasting all across our state
that send messages for all groups. Whether they're
trying to fight hunger, or fix honey bucket poops.
Everyone can find support, through open public
broadcasting. It's information that connects us, not
political commercial lambasting. And don't forget the
federal funds that will surely to be lost. A $4.2
million dollar cut, with a $7 million loss. Now me,
I'm no Dave Ramsey, but I know that he'd agree. Losing
7 when you cut 4.2 seems a tad silly. Now I'm just a
small Alaskan, I'm no super radio star. But it's the
open broadcast networks that keeps us in touch who we
are. So you're the ones that make the calls, on what
gets cut and what can stay. I do not envy this hard
task that faces you these days. So thank you for your
work, and thank you for your time, and thanks to
public broadcasting, but sorry for the rhyme.
3:26:27 PM
ALEXIS KAFERSTIN, SELF, SEWARD (via teleconference), spoke
in support of reinstating funds for Pre-K programs
including Best Beginnings. She discussed early childhood
education and referenced statistics that ranked Alaska 44th
in the country for 4th grade reading skills and 51st in
post-secondary attainment. She discussed funding recipients
of the Best Beginnings program, specifically the
Imagination Library. She discussed the importance of early
literacy and heralded its positive effects on families. She
correlated early learning with a strong economy; and
suggested that it reduced crime, teen pregnancy, and
welfare dependency.
3:29:14 PM
NICKOLE LYON, CO-CHAIR, IMAGINATION LIBRARY, SEWARD (via
teleconference), spoke in support of full funding for Pre-K
programs. She related that she was a special education
teacher and shared her personal experience with Imagination
Library. She discussed the positive effects of early
childhood education.
3:30:01 PM
JANICE CHUMLEY, SELF, KENAI (via teleconference), spoke in
favor of restoring funding to the Division of Agriculture.
She discussed food security and its importance to the
state. She spoke about the Phytosanitary Program and the
Potato Certification Program, and mentioned that potatoes
were the largest agricultural crop in the state.
3:31:16 PM
MARY JO JOINER, DIRECTOR, KENAI COMMUNITY LIBRARY, KENAI
(via teleconference), testified in favor of the OWL
program. She related that she was a member of the Alaska
Library Association Board. She discussed the benefits of
the OWL program and the federal funds that it leveraged.
She discussed the Homework Help program; and related that
there were 5,073 sessions of the program logged in 2008;
and 29,279 sessions in 2014. She explained that the program
was available 7 days a week. She discussed community use of
library bandwidth.
3:34:02 PM
DAVE JONES, ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT, KENAI PENINSULA
BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT (KPBSD), SOLDOTNA (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for K-12
education. He related that the Kenai School District had
been holding public budget meetings across the district,
and had examined budget solutions that included scrutiny of
revenue and a willingness of consumers to pay for valuable
programs. He discussed educational programs such as the
Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP), the
Coaches Mentor Program, as well as multiple early childhood
and literacy programs. He expressed concern regarding
proposed cuts to the Department of Education and Early
Development.
3:36:00 PM
Vice-Chair Micciche referred to an earlier discussion
regarding state unfunded mandates, and asked Mr. Jones to
comment via email on what he may regard as "state funding
burden" [unfunded mandates] that could be reduced in the
future. Mr. Jones asserted that KPBSD would submit some
ideas.
3:36:48 PM
JON LILLEVIK, SELF, KENAI (via teleconference), urged the
committee to restore funding for public broadcasting. He
stated that he had been involved with his local public
station for many years. There were some issues that the
radio was able to cover that did not get the same kind of
attention from other broadcasting venues. He stated that
the communities with small populations were at a
disadvantage, because they would not be able to sustain
continued high contributions. He discussed federal matching
funds that would not be received if the proposed cuts were
to go through. He discussed other ramifications of the
proposed cuts to public broadcasting.
3:39:15 PM
CHERYL TUTTLE, STUDENT GOVERNMENT OFFICE, KENAI PENINSULA
COLLEGE, KENAI (via teleconference), voiced support for UA
funding. She expressed concern that the proposed cuts would
result in the loss of faculty and future students at UA,
and such losses would jeopardize the viability of UA in the
future.
3:40:29 PM
MARSEA HANSEN, STUDENT ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR, KENAI
PENINSULA COLLEGE, KENAI (via teleconference), voiced
support for UA funding. She discussed e-learning and the
reduction of programs due to budget cuts. She referred to
written testimony she had gathered from students and
community members.
3:42:04 PM
PEPPER POND, CHAIRMAN, IMAGINATION LIBRARY, KENAI (via
teleconference), testified in support of reinstating funds
for Best Beginnings. She related that Best Beginnings was
the primary funding source for the Imagination Library. She
referenced studies that illustrated the impact of the
program on kindergarten preparedness. She discussed facets
of the Imagination Library, including local parent
engagement activities at community locations. She
highlighted the access to the program by low-income
families, and discussed the number of program recipients.
She specified that the Imagination Library in Kenai was
funded through 50 percent local support, and 50 percent
from Best Beginnings.
3:44:34 PM
JOE GALLAGHER, SELF, SOLDOTNA (via teleconference), urged
the committee to restore funding for public broadcasting.
3:45:26 PM
FRED STURMAN, SELF, SOLDOTNA (via teleconference),
encouraged the committee to reduce the budget further. He
discussed the budget shortfall, and oil price and
production. He stated that the Division of Motor Vehicles
could be eliminated. He stated that road maintenance in the
state should be contracted or reduced.
3:47:36 PM
ROGER BOYD, SELF, KENAI (via teleconference), urged the
committee to restore funding for public broadcasting. He
remarked that public radio was one of the few sources of
locally produced news and public service announcements
available to Alaskans. He described funding for public
broadcasting as a successful public-private partnership. He
voiced that he would be willing to pay an income tax in
order to fund a healthy, prosperous, and well-informed
state. He added that expanding Medicaid, funding education,
and funding public broadcasting would aid in doing so.
3:50:07 PM
LADAWN DRUCE, SELF, STERLING (via teleconference), urged
the committee to restore funding for public broadcasting.
She stated that she was a supporter of her local radio
station. She also spoke in support of full funding for Pre-
K programs, and testified in favor of the OWL program. She
discussed the importance of early childhood education. She
referred to HB 80, sponsored by Representative Lynn Gattis,
and suggested its passage would save the state money by not
requiring students to take a college career readiness
assessment (ACT, SAT, WorkKeys) in order to graduate.
Vice-Chair Micciche noted that he had spoken with Senator
Dunleavy, who would be carrying a companion bill to HB 80.
3:52:34 PM
JESSIE BJORKMAN, TEACHER, NIKISKI (via teleconference),
testified in support of fully funding education programs.
He discussed special teaching activities that provided
students with experiences in and out of the classroom.
3:54:49 PM
KAITLIN VADLA, SELF, SOLDOTNA (via teleconference), spoke
in support of funding for education. She encouraged the
committee to restore the one-time funding for education.
She expressed a desire to hear dialogue on a fiscal plan;
and referenced a recent presentation by David Teal,
Director, Legislative Finance Division.
3:56:57 PM
AT EASE
3:57:30 PM
RECONVENED
Vice-Chair Micciche handed the gavel to Senator Hoffman.
JODY SEITZ, CITY PLANNER, DILLINGHAM (via teleconference),
urged the committee to fund community jails and spoke in
support of revenue sharing.
4:00:05 PM
DAN DUNAWAY, FRIENDS OF KDLG, DILLINGHAM (via
teleconference), urged the committee to restore funding for
public broadcasting. He asserted that public radio in the
Dillingham area was not merely for entertainment; but was
for emergency services that many people depended upon.
4:01:39 PM
SONJA MARX, LIBRARIAN, DILLINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY,
DILLINGHAM (via teleconference), testified in favor of the
OWL program. She discussed how the community used the
program.
4:02:42 PM
MICHAEL HARDER, SELF, DILLINGHAM (via teleconference),
urged the committee to restore funding for public
broadcasting, revenue sharing, and community jails. He
suggested that many proposed budget cuts would
disproportionately affect rural Alaska. He asked the
committee to consider the impact of extreme austerity
budget cuts and also consider sources of state income. He
related that he would be willing to pay an income tax.
4:04:49 PM
DAN PASQUARILLO, CHIEF OF POLICE, DILLINGHAM (via
teleconference), spoke in support of funding for community
jails. He discussed the role of the Dillingham Community
jail in the Bristol Bay area criminal justice system, and
suggested there would be greater expense to the state (in
transport, employee, and administrative costs) if the
Dillingham Community jail was not fully funded.
4:07:49 PM
TERRY HAINES, SELF, KODIAK (via teleconference), urged the
committee to restore funding for public broadcasting, and
voiced opposition to funding cuts to the Alaska Marine
Highway System (AMHS). He discussed the importance of
public broadcasting and the marine highway to Southwest
Alaska. He discussed marine transportation use by business
owners. He asserted that public broadcasting gave Southwest
Alaskans access to critical information through Gavel to
Gavel, local and statewide news reporting, and emergency
information services.
4:09:17 PM
COLLEEN FORD, SELF, KODIAK (via teleconference), urged the
committee to restore funding for public broadcasting. She
discussed how public broadcasting can provide early
childhood education through educational television
programming.
4:10:27 PM
PAT BRANSON, CITY MAYOR, KODIAK (via teleconference),
voiced opposition to funding cuts to AMHS, and urged the
committee to restore funding for public broadcasting. She
spoke to the need for the marine highway to operate with
greater efficiency. She spoke about the vital emergency
services provided by public broadcasting, and denied that
it was budgetary "low hanging fruit" used merely for
entertainment.
4:12:23 PM
ROY MADSEN, SELF, KODIAK (via teleconference), urged the
committee to restore funding for public broadcasting. He
related that he was a 77-year resident of Alaska, and
discussed the services that public broadcasting provided
for isolated parts of the state.
4:14:29 PM
PENNY LAMPL, SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION COORDINATOR, KODIAK
WOMEN'S RESOURCE AND CRISIS CENTER (KWRCC), KODIAK (via
teleconference), urged the committee to reinstate funds for
domestic violence and sexual assault prevention programs.
She discussed prevention and awareness programs and their
importance to the community.
4:15:43 PM
LAUREN HUMPHREY, OUTREACH COORDINATOR, KWRCC, KODIAK (via
teleconference), urged the committee to reinstate funds for
domestic violence and sexual assault prevention programs.
4:16:27 PM
SANDRA WILKINS, OUTREACH COORDINATOR, KWRCC, KODIAK (via
teleconference), urged the committee to reinstate funds for
domestic violence and sexual assault prevention programs.
She discussed her work with the Kodiak community and the
importance of domestic violence education.
4:17:45 PM
DAVE KUBIAK, SELF, KODIAK (via teleconference), urged the
committee to restore funding for public broadcasting. He
discussed the former state income tax and the importance of
critical state services, including public broadcasting,
which he described as "vital."
4:20:12 PM
NATASHA HAYDEN, SELF, KODIAK (via teleconference), urged
the committee to restore funding for public broadcasting,
and voiced opposition to funding cuts to AMHS. She echoed
the comments of the previous testifiers regarding public
broadcasting. She discussed the marine highway, and
remarked on the challenges of transportation from Kodiak
Island. She discussed the use of the marine highway for
business owners and commercial fishers.
4:23:21 PM
PAT HOLMES, SELF, KODIAK (via teleconference), urged the
committee to fund the Legislative Information Offices. He
urged the committee to restore funding for public
broadcasting, and voiced opposition to funding cuts to
AMHS. He also spoke in support of funding for state parks
and the Department of Fish and Game, specifically the
Divisions of Commercial Fishing and Subsistence. He
expressed willingness to pay a state income tax, and
encouraged the legislature to make cuts in its per diem and
use of state services.
Senator Hoffman handed the gavel to Senator Bishop.
^STATEWIDE TELECONFERENCE-OFFNET SITES
4:27:49 PM
Co-Chair MacKinnon announced that there would be no
testifier names accepted after 4:30pm.
4:28:08 PM
ROBERT VENABLES, ENERGY AND TRANSPORTATION COORDINATOR,
SOUTHEAST CONFERENCE, HAINES, voiced opposition to funding
cuts to AMHS. He related that he was the chair for the
Alaska Marine Transportation Advisory Board. He discussed
the M/V Malaspina and her operation as a day boat in the
summer as a good return on the state's investment. He
related that the advisory board would meet in the following
week to look at fiscal and strategic planning.
4:30:18 PM
AUDREY HUDSON, MAYOR AND CITY MANAGER, METLAKATLA (via
teleconference), voiced opposition to funding cuts to AMHS.
She discussed the ongoing and varied use of the marine
highway by residents of Metlakatla. She strongly objected
to any cuts to AMHS.
4:34:09 PM
CATHLEEN THERRIEN, SELF, EAGLE RIVER (via teleconference),
urged the committee to restore funding for public
broadcasting. Additionally, she advocated for funding for
Pre-K programs and the Public Defender's Office.
4:35:26 PM
AMY MARSHALL, SELF, CRAIG (via teleconference), testified
in favor of OWL and Live Homework Help programs. She
related that she was the director of the Craig Public
Library and a member of the Craig City School District
Board. She discussed the various ways in which the OWL
program was utilized by the Craig Public Library. She
related that OWL funding leveraged federal E-rate funds.
She remarked on how Live Homework Help was widely used.
4:38:02 PM
TYLER ROSE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND
STRATEGIC PLANNING, WHITE PASS AND YUKON RAILROAD, SKAGWAY
(via teleconference), voiced opposition to funding cuts to
AMHS. He discussed the economic effect that the funding
cuts would have on the railroad and on the Southeast area.
4:39:45 PM
BETH SMITH, OWNER, SKAGWAY PIZZA STATION, SKAGWAY (via
teleconference), voiced opposition to funding cuts to AMHS.
She discussed regional transportation needs and expressed
concern regarding adverse effects on her business if ferry
service was reduced.
4:42:38 PM
JAN WRENTMORE, SKAGWAY AD HOC MARINE HIGHWAY COMMITTEE,
SKAGWAY (via teleconference), voiced opposition to funding
cuts to AMHS. She also stated that the Mayor of Whitehorse,
Yukon urged the committee to fund the ferry system. She
discussed transportation in the Skagway area and the
possible adverse effects of reduced ferry service.
4:45:08 PM
RICHARD BISHOP, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding for CACFA. He discussed
CACFA's functions and its benefit to Alaskans.
Acting Chair Bishop related that the Senate Finance
Subcommittee for DNR had reinstated the funding for CACFA.
4:47:27 PM
BECKY LONG, SELF, TALKEETNA (via teleconference), made a
financial suggestion. She discussed the Alaska Energy
Authority and proposed that the legislature could recoup
funds from the Susitna Dam project for reappropriation.
4:49:34 PM
DEBRA SCHNABLE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HAINES CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE, HAINES (via teleconference), voiced opposition to
funding cuts to AMHS, the Division of Forestry timber
program, and public broadcasting. She suggested the Senate
Finance Committee consider reallocating $14 million in the
budget from the Juneau Access Road project design to AMHS.
She discussed proposed cuts to the forestry offices in
Haines, and expressed support for locating a regional
forestry office in Haines. She suggested implementation of
an income tax to fund public broadcasting.
4:53:11 PM
LYNN BATEMAN, DIRECTOR, COFFMAN COVE COMMUNITY LIBRARY,
COFFMAN COVE (via teleconference), testified in favor of
the OWL program. She related that many library users
depended upon the technical resources provided via the
program and its accompanying bandwidth. She described the
expanded computing capabilities that came with the
establishment of OWL.
4:55:17 PM
BOB SCHUMAKER, PRESIDENT, ALASKA FARMER'S ASSOCIATION,
PALMER (via teleconference), spoke against the reductions
to the Division of Agriculture. He asserted that
agriculture programs were vital to the wellbeing of the
state. He discussed agricultural programs and how they
benefitted the people of Alaska.
4:58:26 PM
KEVIN SHIPLEY, SUPERINTENDENT, KAKE CITY SCHOOLS, KAKE (via
teleconference), spoke in favor of increased education
funding. He voiced opposition to funding cuts to AMHS. He
discussed alternatives to the cuts to AMHS.
5:00:33 PM
ROBERT FITHIAN, SELF, LOWER TONSINA (via teleconference),
spoke against the budget reductions in the Division of
Agriculture. He related that he and his family operated a
ranch and raised Himalayan yaks.
5:03:43 PM
MATT KOOKESH, SELF, ANGOON (via teleconference), voiced
opposition to funding cuts to AMHS. He remarked that Angoon
was already operating at a minimum with regard to state
facilities and infrastructure; noting that that there was
no airport, barge landing, or maintained AMHS facility in
Angoon.
5:07:16 PM
BRENDA JOSEPHSON, SELF, HAINES (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding for the Haines Forestry
Office. She commented on the unemployment rate in Haines.
She pointed out that the Haines State Forest had 46 miles
of road that were actively used by the community, and
discussed deterioration and diminished access to the roads
in the absence of management by a local forestry office.
5:09:06 PM
SARA CHAPELL, SELF, HAINES (via teleconference), spoke in
support of full funding for Pre-K programs. She testified
in favor of the OWL program, Parents as Teachers, and Best
Beginnings. She also urged the committee to restore funding
for public broadcasting. She asserted that the proposed
budget cuts disproportionately affected smaller towns in
Alaska. She discussed the potential for losing federal
matching funds for the local radio station.
5:11:33 PM
RAND ROSECRANS, SELF, GALENA (via teleconference), urged
the committee to restore funding for public broadcasting.
He highlighted the importance of public radio in rural
Alaska, and expressed concern for the potential loss of
federal matching funds.
5:13:48 PM
MARGUERITE LARIVIERE, DIRECTOR, KEGOAYAH PUBLIC LIBRARY,
NOME (via teleconference), testified in favor of the OWL
program, and spoke in favor of full funding for broadband
in schools. She discussed the patronage of the library and
OWL program use by Nome residents. She discussed training
and education opportunities made available by broadband
internet access through OWL, and suggested its utilization
would save the state money.
5:15:56 PM
ROCKY SEWARD, SELF, HAINES (via teleconference), voiced
opposition to funding cuts to the Haines Forestry Office.
5:18: 29 PM
ELLIE HENKE, SELF, TALKEETNA (via teleconference), urged
the committee to restore funding for public broadcasting.
She discussed the importance of public radio to rural
Alaska. She discussed the budget of the Alaska Energy
Authority for the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric project, and
suggested it would be better spent elsewhere.
5:21:07 PM
SCOTT ROSSMAN, OWNER, STUMP COMPANY, HAINES (via
teleconference), testified against the elimination of the
Haines Forestry Office. He related that he operated a small
logging company in Haines. He worried how the closure of
the forestry office would result in the closure of his
business. He related that the Haines State Forest was
created by an act of the legislature in 1982, and suggested
that the state had an obligation to manage it.
5:22:58 PM
BETSY CONNELL, SELF, GIRDWOOD (via teleconference), urged
the committee to restore funding for the Girdwood Alaska
State Trooper post. She discussed public safety coverage by
the Anchorage Police Department.
5:25:09 PM
STAINSLAUS AFSCAN, SELF, ST. MARYS (via teleconference),
urged the committee to restore funding for public
broadcasting, and testified in support of public education
programs. He pointed out that St. Mary's was the only
single-site school district in the Lower Yukon area and
discussed the advantages of a good education.
5:28:30 PM
AT EASE
5:29:46 PM
RECONVENED
Senator Bishop handed the gavel to Vice-Chair Micciche.
5:30:09 PM
ELLEN WOLF, SELF, TALKEETNA (via teleconference), stated
that monies from the Alaska Energy Authority budget should
be reappropriated to fund some of the proposed reduced
programs. She discussed the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric
Project.
5:32:19 PM
STEVEN ANGASAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SOUTHWEST ALASKA
VOCATIONAL EDUCATION CENTER (SAVEC), KING SALMON (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for SAVEC.
He discussed program growth and projects at at SAVEC.
5:34:52 PM
JOAN KAUTZER, SELF, KUPREANOF (via teleconference), urged
the committee to restore funding for public broadcasting.
She asserted that public broadcasting in Alaska had the
highest per capita community financial support in the
country. She shared her budget experience as a public radio
board member. She discussed the use of public radio in
rural areas. She mentioned a proposed road in Kake and
opined that the funding should be reappropriated to AMHS.
5:37:45 PM
PAUL DAUPHINAS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA PUBLIC OFFICES
COMMISSION, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in
support of funding for the Alaska Public Offices
Commission. He discussed the impact of the proposed budget
cuts.
5:40:08 PM
VICKI OTTE, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, MTNT CORPORATION,
MCGRATH (via teleconference), testified in support of
funding for the Southwest Alaska Fire Protection Center in
McGrath. She expressed a desire to see a fire protection
plan for the Southwest area.
5:42:22 PM
DUSTIN PARKER, MAYOR, CITY OF MCGRATH (via teleconference),
spoke in support of funding for the Southwest Alaska Fire
Protection Camp in McGrath. He expressed great concern for
the economic impact of the proposed cuts.
5:44:32 PM
FRANK MILLER, PRESIDENT, MTNT CORPORATION, MCGRATH (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for the
Wildland Fire Station in McGrath. He discussed the dearth
of employment in the Interior.
5:46:15 PM
DOUG SMITH, SELF, TALKEETNA (via teleconference), urged the
committee to restore funding for public broadcasting. He
discussed the need for the legislature to find additional
sources of funding government beyond oil. He discussed
proposed cuts to education and expressed opposition to the
Susita-Watana Hydroelectric project. He spoke in favor of
Medicaid expansion.
5:48:15 PM
SHARON STRICK, SELF, MCGRATH (via teleconference), urged
the committee to restore funding for public broadcasting.
She related that she was a retired administrative clerk
from DNR, and expressed support for funding for the fire
camp in McGrath. She read from a resolution by the Tanana
Chiefs Conference that supported funding for fire
suppression in the Southwest area.
5:52:31 PM
WHITNEY WOLFF, SELF, TALKEETNA (via teleconference),
encouraged the committee to reappropriate the funds
previously set aside for the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric
project.
5:54:58 PM
ANNE-MARIE PAULMIERI, SELF, HAINES (via teleconference),
urged the committee to restore funding for the Haines area
Forestry Office. She referenced a resolution to the same
effect from the Haines Borough Assembly. She referenced a
letter of support for Forestry Office funding from the
Haines Chamber of Commerce. She opined that the two-person
Haines Forestry Office supported effectively supported
industry and jobs in Haines and fulfills a statutory
obligation to manage the Haines State Forest. She also
encouraged the committee to uphold education funding
commitments from the previous year.
5:57:19 PM
GEORGE PIERCE, SELF, KASILOF (via teleconference), spoke in
support of full funding for Pre-K programs, K-12 education,
and urged the committee to restore funding for public
broadcasting. He suggested that the legislature needed to
look at the state's tax structure.
Vice-Chair Micciche closed public testimony.
CSHB 72(FIN) was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
CSHB 73(FIN) was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.