04/21/1995 01:40 PM House FIN

  HOUSE BILL NO. 78                                                            
                                                                               
       An Act  relating to  the maximum  amount of  assistance                 
       that may be  granted under the adult  public assistance                 
       program  and  the  program  of  aid  to  families  with                 
       dependent children; proposing  a special  demonstration                 
       project  within  the program  of  aid to  families with                 
       dependent children  and  directing  the  Department  of                 
       Health and  Social Services  to seek  waivers from  the                 
       federal government to implement the project.                            
                                                                               
  DIANA  ANDREW, FAIRBANKS  testified  via the  teleconference                 
  network.  She emphasized the need for job training.                          
                                                                               
  LOUISE CHARLES,  FAIRBANKS testified via  the teleconference                 
  network.    She  expressed concern  that  mandates  would be                 
  placed on families  receiving AFDC without inclusion  in the                 
  job  program.    She  emphasized  the  need  for  employment                 
  training.  She questioned funding for the jobs program.                      
                                                                               
  BERTHA  STRONG, ANCHORAGE  testified via  the teleconference                 
  network.  She noted that she is disabled.  She observed that                 
                                                                               
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  her children will not be covered by the legislation.                         
                                                                               
  THEA  ZUMWALT, ANCHORAGE  testified  via the  teleconference                 
  network.    She expressed  concern  with the  effect  of the                 
  legislation on the disabled and elderly.                                     
                                                                               
  KATHLEEN MULLER, ANCHORAGE testified  via the teleconference                 
  network.    She  stated  that  without  the  assistance  she                 
  receives from the State that she would be totally helpless.                  
                                                                               
  LOUISE  WEB,  ANCHORAGE  testified  via  the  teleconference                 
  network.    She noted  that she  is  the care-giver  for Ms.                 
  Muller.  She stated that Ms. Muller  would have to go into a                 
  nursing home without the assistance provided by the State.                   
                                                                               
  DEBORAH  MCINTOSH,  KENAI testified  via  the teleconference                 
  network.  She stated that the disabled should  be considered                 
  separately.    She  expressed  concern  in  regards  to  the                 
  waivers.                                                                     
                                                                               
  PERRY  CANNON,   KENAI  testified  via   the  teleconference                 
  network.   He  expressed concern  that  handicapped children                 
  would be adversely affected.                                                 
                                                                               
  ARTHUR  WALTERS,  GOVERNOR'S  COUNSEL  ON  DISABILITIES  AND                 
  EDUCATION KENAI  testified via  the teleconference  network.                 
  He  stated that the reduction in benefits will drive persons                 
  back into nursing homes.                                                     
                                                                               
  Co-Chair  Hanley clarified that  the adult public assistance                 
  rateable reduction has been eliminated from HB 78.                           
                                                                               
  CARMELLEE  SCALPH, HOMER  testified  via the  teleconference                 
  network.  She testified in opposition to HB 78.                              
                                                                               
  JOSHANA  LEE,  JUNEAU  spoke   in  opposition  to   benefits                 
  reductions to  AFDC  recipients.   She  noted  that  she  is                 
  disabled.  She emphasized that  welfare reform is necessary.                 
  She observed that reductions to AFDC benefits will return to                 
  the General Fund.                                                            
                                                                               
  Co-Chair Hanley noted that there is  not enough money in the                 
  General Fund to cover State expenditures.                                    
                                                                               
  Ms.  Lee stressed that  even a $15  dollar benefit reduction                 
  can have a severe impact.  She emphasized the  need for work                 
  programs.                                                                    
                                                                               
  Representative Therriault emphasized  that the savings  from                 
  the ratable reductions covers the  cost of the demonstration                 
  project.                                                                     
                                                                               
                                                                               
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  Ms. Lee urged  members to fund  services that will build  up                 
  recipients.                                                                  
                                                                               
  DEBBIE  BROWN,  ANCHORAGE testified  via  the teleconference                 
  network.  She questioned  if a AFDC parent attending  school                 
  full-time would be required to perform 21 hours of community                 
  service.                                                                     
                                                                               
  Co-Chair Hanley noted that the  current version does require                 
  full-time students on AFDC to perform community service.  He                 
  noted that concern  has been expressed that  an exemption be                 
  allowed for full-time students.                                              
                                                                               
  MARTHA CHARLES,  ANCHORAGE testified via  the teleconference                 
  network.  She  emphasized the responsibility of  the fathers                 
  of children on AFDC.