Legislature(2023 - 2024)SENATE FINANCE 532
05/01/2024 09:00 AM Senate FINANCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Presentation: Integrated Railbelt Transmission Systems | |
| HB219 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | HB 219 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HOUSE BILL NO. 219
"An Act repealing the assistive technology loan guarantee
and interest subsidy program; and providing for an
effective date."
10:07:59 AM
Co-Chair Olson announced that the was the first hearing for
HB 219.
10:08:17 AM
REPRESENTATIVE DAN SADDLER, SPONSOR, explained that in
1995, when the state sought and received a federal grant to
be utilized to back loans, through a financial institution,
for individuals with disabilities, so they could buy
assistive technology that could help them to get or keep a
job, or to live more independently in our state. He shared
that assistive technology included wheelchairs, computers,
prosthetics, hearing aids, communication devices or
software. The Alaska Legislature chose to use the funding
to establish the "assistive technology loan guarantee
fund." This fund was intended to guarantee the principal
amount or subsidize the interest rate of loans to
Alaskans so they could buy assistive technology. However,
despite the Legislature's good intentions, few people have
taken advantage of this program since its inception. HB 219
seeks to fulfill the grant's original aim by repealing this
moribund grant program and directing the fund's $450,000
balance to Assistive Technology of Alaska, the non-profit
empowered to administer such grants. Repeal of the
underlying statute will be contingent on the Legislature's
reappropriation of these funds, through separate budget
legislation.
10:11:08 AM
MELODIE WILTERDINK, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE DAN SADDLER,
addressed a Sectional Analysis (copy on file):
House Bill 219, Version B
"An Act repealing the assistive technology loan
guarantee and interest subsidy program; and providing
for an effective date."
Section 1 Page 1, Line 4
Section 1 repeals AS 23.15.125 the assistive
technology loan guarantee and interest subsidy program
which established the "assistive technology loan
guarantee fund." The fund can be used to guarantee the
principal amount or subsidize the interest rate of a
loan for purchasing assistive technology that enables
an individual to obtain or maintain employment or live
more independently.
Section 2 Page 1, Lines 5-9
Section 2 adds conditional language to Alaska's
uncodified law stipulating that this act only takes
effect if the Legislature reappropriates the balance
of the assistive technology loan fund for the purpose
of improving access to assistive technology.
Section 3 Page 1, Line 10
Section 3 provides for an immediate effective date.
10:13:09 AM
Senator Kiehl asked what assurances could be had that the
grantee would use the fund as a revolving grant fund rather
than a one-time grant.
Representative Saddler deferred to Mr. Kirstien from the
Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
10:13:49 AM
DAVID KIRSTIEN, ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS MANAGER, DIVISION
OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, responded that the original intent
was for loans to be given for the purpose of purchasing
assistive technology. He did not see it as a revolving fund
but as a large grant that would be used to fund assistive
technologies.
Senator Kiehl asked whether the potential grantee was
online for questions.
Representative Saddler noted that the executive director of
Assistive Technology of Alaska was online for questions.
10:15:39 AM
AT EASE
10:16:11 AM
RECONVENED
Senator Merrick asked whether there would be administrative
costs to administer the program.
10:16:28 AM
MYSTIE RAIL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY OF
ALASKA (ATLA) (via teleconference), explained that the
purpose of the funds once they came to ATLA was to support
the activities that ATLA had provided for 30 years. The
funds would not be a loan for clients, or a grant, the
funds would support the activities ATLA provided under the
Federal Assistive Technology Act which would include
administrative activities.
Senator Kiehl recalled that the sponsor had mentioned
hearing aids and other assistive technology. He noted that
Ms. Rail had mentioned "activities" and expressed confusion
as to how the money would be used.
Ms. Rail noted that ATLA did not provide durable medical
equipment or anything prescribed. She clarified that
assistive technology was defined as any item, piece of
equipment, software program, or product system that was
used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional
capabilities of a person with a disability. She offered
examples.
10:20:57 AM
Ms. Rail continued her description of assistive
technologies. She said that the equipment could be a
solution that was designed and created by ATLA or another
manufacturer, or an item off the shelf. She stressed that
assistive technology was not a one-size-fits-all solution
but was crafted to the specific individual.
Ms. Rail noted that ATLA was also tasked with loaning
equipment and devices so the client could determine whether
it fit their needs before purchasing. The intent of the
bill would be to support the activities that ATLA was
already providing. She noted that technology was rapidly
changing and ATLA supported the refurbishing and
redistribution of equipment. She relayed that ATLA provide
outreach and awareness as well as collaboration with
partner agencies across the state. She reiterated that the
legislation would support work already done by ATLA under
the current Assisted Technology Act. She said that as
technology evolved, so did the needs of Alaskans served,
and the bill would ensure that ATLA had the funds to meet
the increasing needs of clients in the state.
10:25:16 AM
Senator Kiehl thanked Ms. Rail for ATLA's tremendous
mission. He asked about the specific uses of the grant
funds as proposed in the bill. He asked whether the grant
would cover most activities of ATLA or specific things
within the mission.
Ms. Rail said it would be used across the board to fund all
activities.
10:27:25 AM
Senator Bishop asked for Ms. Rail to provide a list of what
was and what was not funded by ATLA.
Ms. Rail agreed to provide the information.
Senator Bishop ruminated on the matter. He recognized that
ATLA was not tasked with helping to provide wheelchairs but
felt compelled to relay a personal experience of the
difficulty of getting a repair part for a wheelchair. He
lamented that many of the chairs and replacement parts were
made in China.
10:30:16 AM
Representative Saddler riffed on Co-Chair Bishops comment
and the difficulty of finding spare parts.
10:30:54 AM
Senator Merrick asked about the requirements for ATLA
applicants.
Ms. Rail relayed that there were no real requirements. She
said that any person in Alaska who needed assistive
technology and was living could receive support.
Senator Merrick asked whether applicants needed to provide
any kind of medical documentation.
Ms. Rail explained that the process was based on the honor
system. She estimated that there had been a 99 percent
return rate for borrowed equipment.
Representative Saddler thought ATLA provided proof of
concept and loaned equipment, they did not provide grants.
He stressed that they had served numerus Alaskans.
10:33:41 AM
JAMIE KOKOSZKA, PROGRAM COORDINATOR, GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL ON
DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL EDUATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
(via teleconference), read from prepared testimony. She
stressed that assistive technology was critical for
Alaskans with disabilities to live healthy, productive,
independent, and dignified lives and to participate in
education, the labor market, and civic life. She shared
that the council believed ATLA was the best organization to
take over the remaining funds of the unrestricted Title 1
funding. She added that ATLA had a proven track record of
managing funds and aiding Alaskans. She referred to the
position paper sent by the council (copy on file).
10:35:50 AM
Co-Chair Olson OPENED public testimony.
10:36:00 AM
Co-Chair Olson CLOSED public testimony.
10:36:12 AM
Representative Saddler lamented that he had to get down to
the House Chambers.
HB 219 was heard and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
Co-Chair Olson discussed housekeeping.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB 219 Sponsor Statement 2.6.24.pdf |
HFIN 3/22/2024 1:30:00 PM SFIN 5/1/2024 9:00:00 AM |
HB 219 |
| HB 219 Sectional Analysis ver B 2.6.24.pdf |
HFIN 3/22/2024 1:30:00 PM SFIN 5/1/2024 9:00:00 AM |
HB 219 |
| HB 219 Public Testimony Rec'd by 040424.pdf |
HFIN 4/12/2024 1:30:00 PM SFIN 5/1/2024 9:00:00 AM |
HB 219 |
| SB 217 (2024-05-01) RRC Presentation to Senate Finance.pdf |
SFIN 5/1/2024 9:00:00 AM |
SB 217 |