Legislature(1997 - 1998)
04/16/1998 08:37 AM House FIN
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HOUSE BILL NO. 325
An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan
program expenses of state government, for certain
programs, and to capitalize funds; 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. 326
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.
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Co-Chair Therriault MOVED to ADOPT Amendment Labor-1 (copy
on file). He explained that the Department of Labor
Subcommittee reduced excess general fund match used in the
Alaska Work Program. The Amendment would authorize
additional interagency receipts to the Alaska Work Program
from the Department of Health and Social Services.
Representative Grussendorf spoke in support of the
amendment.
There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Representative Grussendorf MOVED to ADOPT Amendment Labor-2
(copy on file). Co-Chair Hanley OBJECTED for the purpose of
discussion. Amendment Labor-2 would add $4.8 thousand
dollars for Employment Security Services and $1.6 thousand
dollars for Employment Security unemployment insurance.
Representative Grussendorf spoke in support of the
amendment. He observed that the federal government
reimburses the Department of Labor for the use of its
vehicle fleet for on the job inspections. The Department of
Labor receives reimbursement based on a 15-year
depreciation. The amendment reflects that the actual
depreciation time is less than 15 years.
Co-Chair Therriault emphasized that the department could
absorb the amount.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Davies, Grussendorf, Moses, Foster
OPPOSED: Davis, Kelly, Kohring, Martin, Mulder, Therriault,
Hanley
The MOTION FAILED (4-7).
Representative Grussendorf WITHDREW Amendment Labor-3.
MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS
Co-Chair Therriault MOVED to ADOPT Amendment MVA-1 (copy on
file). Amendment MVA-1 would delete $50 thousand dollars
from Disaster Planning and Control and add $50 thousand
general fund dollars, $50 thousand agriculture revolving
loan fund dollars and $25 thousand dollars in statutory
designated receipts to the Department of Natural Resources,
Agricultural Development. He explained that the
appropriation would allow field certification and assist in
marketing seed potatoes in Taiwan. He observed that money
has, earmarked for Red Cross assistance, was lapsed from the
Disaster Planning and Control Account during the last two
years. He observed that the intent is that the Department
of Commerce and Economic Development develop a business plan
for continuation of the project. Alaska is the only state
that has broken into the Taiwanese market.
Representative Grussendorf pointed out that approximately
$500 thousand dollars has been appropriated toward the
project. He questioned when the project would start to pay
for itself. Co-Chair Therriault stated that, based on
increased purchases, the project should begin to pay for
itself. He noted that the farmers would contribute $25
thousand dollars toward the project.
There being NO OBJECTION, Amendment MVA-1 was adopted.
In response to a question by Representative Foster, Co-Chair
Hanley observed that the Committee previously adopted intent
language.
ALASKA COURT SYSTEM
Representative Davies MOVED to ADOPT Amendment Court-1 (copy
on file). Co-Chair Hanley OBJECTED. Amendment Court-1 would
appropriate $1,417.0 million dollars to the Alaska Court
System for administration and support. Representative
Davies explained that the appropriation would provide
security for out-of-custody hearings. He stressed that the
Courts are concerned with the lack of security.
Co-Chair Therriault pointed out that the Alaska Court System
had a $600 - $700 thousand-dollar savings in personnel cost.
Of this amount, $380 thousand dollars is committed to
covering costs related to adoptions under the Smart Start
Program. He observed that the remaining savings could be
used to fund increased courtroom security.
Representative Grussendorf spoke in support of the
amendment.
Representative Davies MOVED to amend Amendment Court-1 to
$708.5 thousand dollars. He observed that the amendment
would provide 11 court officers. He stressed that court
security officers have been diverted to prisoner transport
due to a high caseload.
There being NO OBJECTION, the amendment to Amendment Court-1
was adopted.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Davies, Grussendorf, Moses
OPPOSED: Davis, Foster, Kohring, Martin, Mulder,
Therriault, Hanley
Representative Kelly was absent from the vote.
The MOTION FAILED (3-7).
DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
Representative Grussendorf MOVED to ADOPT Amendment Rev-1
(copy on file). Amendment Rev-1 would replace a federal
appropriation of $110 thousand dollars with general funds to
the Division Child Support Enforcement.
GINGER PATTON, FISCAL ANALYST, LEGISLATIVE FINANCE DIVISION
testified that the amendment had be previously adopted.
Representative Grussendorf WITHDREW the amendment.
Representative Grussendorf MOVED to ADOPT Amendment Rev-2
(copy on file). Representative Mulder OBJECTED. Amendment
Rev-1 would authorize an additional $4,494.0 million dollars
in fund receipts to the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation.
He observed that the amendment would bring their FY 99
appropriation, in this area, equal to the FY 98 authorized
and supplemental appropriations.
Representative Martin spoke against the amendment. He
argued that savings could be obtained and pointed out that
the FY 98 request was greater than the actual appropriation,
with the addition of the supplemental.
Representative Grussendorf observed that the FY 99
appropriation is less than the combined FY 98 appropriation.
Co-Chair Hanley spoke against the amendment.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Davies, Grussendorf, Moses
OPPOSED: Davis, Foster, Kelly, Kohring, Martin, Mulder,
Therriault, Hanley
The MOTION FAILED (3-8).
Representative Grussendorf MOVED to ADOPT Amendment Rev-3
(copy on file). Representative Mulder OBJECTED. Amendment
Rev-3 adds $76 thousand dollars in program receipts to the
Alcohol Beverage Control Board. Representative Grussendorf
explained that the amendment restores an increment for an
investigator in Southeast Alaska.
Representative Martin spoke against the amendment.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Davies, Grussendorf, Moses, Foster
OPPOSED: Davis, Kelly, Kohring, Martin, Mulder, Therriault,
Hanley
The MOTION FAILED (4-8).
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Representative Kelly WITHDREW Amendment DNR-1 (copy on
file).
Representative Kelly MOVED to ADOPT Amendment DNR-2 (copy on
file). Amendment DNR-2 would delete a $35.4 thousand dollar
appropriation from the Agriculture Revolving Loan Fund
(ARLF), which would have increased to full-time a special
assistant position. It would add $63.0 thousand ARLF
dollars for an additional agricultural inspector position in
Fairbanks and add $55.4 thousand ARLF dollars to
contractual. Under the contractual amount $15.4 thousand
dollars would authorize increased warrants and $40 thousand
dollars would be used for the Alaska Grown Promotion
program.
SENATOR LYDA GREEN explained that the agricultural inspector
I position would be used in the Mat-Su area. She spoke in
support of the amendment.
(Tape Change, HFC 98 - 106, Side 2)
Co-Chair Hanley questioned if the private sector compliments
the Alaska Grown Promotion program. Senator Green noted
that there is some private contribution.
Representative Grussendorf asked if the amendment is
contained in the Senate version. Senator Green observed
that it is in the senate version.
In response to a question by Representative Davies, Senator
Green explained that additional staff is needed to cover
inspections while the existing positions are in training.
There would be four full-time inspectors.
Representative Kelly MOVED to amend Amendment DNR-2, delete
"Fairbanks" and insert "Mat-Su". There being NO OBJECTION,
it was so ordered. There being NO OBJECTION, Amendment DNR-
2 was adopted as amended.
Representative Davies MOVED to ADOPT Amendment DNR-3 (copy
on file). Co-Chair Hanley OBJECTED. Amendment DNR-3 would
delete $50 thousand dollars from Fire Suppression and add
$50 thousand dollars to the Commissioner's Officer.
Representative Davies spoke in support of the amendment.
Co-Chair Therriault spoke in opposition to the amendment.
He objected to the funding source.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Davies, Grussendorf, Moses
OPPOSED: Davis, Foster, Kelly, Martin, Mulder, Therriault,
Hanley
Representative Kohring was absent from the vote.
The MOTION FAILED (3-7).
Amendments DNR-4 and DNR-5 were not offered.
Representative Davies MOVED to ADOPT Amendment DNR-6.
Amendment DNR-6 contained intent language to clarified that
the department would request through the Legislative Budget
and Audit Committee statutory designated program receipt
authority in the amount of $150 thousand dollars for
specific land use plans.
Co-Chair Hanley pointed out that the department already has
the authority to request authorization for statutory
designated program receipts.
ANNALEE MCCONNELL, DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND
BUDGET, OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR emphasized that it is helpful
to have a clarification on record since the Legislative
Budget and Audit Committee has been concerned that it not
authorize expenditures that were not intended in the
operating budget.
There being NO OBJECTION, Amendment DNR-6 was adopted.
DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
Representative Mulder MOVED to ADOPT Amendment F&G-1 (copy
on file). Co-Chair Hanley OBJECTED for the purpose of
discussion. Amendment F&G-1 would delete $100.0 thousand
dollars from the Commissioner's Office. Representative
Mulder observed that fish and game funds, derived from
hunting and sport fish licenses are being used to fund a
position in the Commissioner's Office. He pointed out that
fish and game funds are to be used to promote opportunities
for recreational hunters and fishermen.
Representative Grussendorf spoke against the amendment. He
stressed that activities in the Commissioner's Office are
tied to sport fishing and hunting.
Representative Davies spoke against the amendment. He
stressed that the position could provide a basis for people
to expect and demand representation at the commissioner's
level for sport fishing and hunting issues.
FRED FISHER, FISCAL ANALYST, LEGISLATIVE FINANCE DIVISION
clarified, in response to a question by, Co-Chair Hanley
that the funds could come from either sport fish or game
licenses.
Representative Mulder noted that he would not object to
other use of Fish and Game funds.
FRANK RUE, COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
observed that fish and game funds are used in other states'
commissioner's offices. He emphasized that the
Commissioner's Office handles game and sport fishing issues.
The appropriation is only 10 or 15 percent of the
Commissioner's Office's overall budget. He acknowledged
concerns that there is not adequate representation for sport
fishing and game issues on the North Pacific Council or
Board of Fish. He stressed the need to be active on
endangered species issues. He assured the Committee that
the funds would be used to support the opportunity for sport
hunting and fishing.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Foster, Kelly, Kohring, Martin, Mulder, Therriault
OPPOSED: Davies, Grussendorf, Moses, Davis, Hanley
The MOTION PASSED (6-5).
Representative Mulder MOVED to ADOPT Amendment F&G-2 (copy
on file). Representative Davies OBJECTED. Amendment F&G-2
would move $75 thousand dollars from the Soldotna office of
the Central Regional Fisheries Management to the Kenai River
Center, Habitat Permitting/Title 16. He observed that the
department indicated that, at the current level, the $75
thousand dollars in general funds would be used for Title 16
permitting, not the Kenai River Center.
Representative Grussendorf expressed concern with the
funding source.
Representative Davis acknowledged the need for funding to
the Kenai River Center, but expressed concern with the
funding source. He MOVED to amend Amendment F&G-2 by
deleting the deletion and reducing the addition from $75
thousand dollars to $52 thousand dollars.
KEVIN BROOKS, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES,
DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME agreed with Representative
Mulder's assessment that the current level of funding would
be used for permitting. He observed that the Governor
requested an increment of $175 thousand dollars to allow the
Habitat Division to deal with increased workload. The
workload has increased about 38 percent, while the
division's general funds have been reduced approximately 47
percent. This is the last year that capital improvement
funds are available. The current budget would not cover the
Kenai River Center.
Representative Davis noted that the Kenai Borough has
received a request for assistance in covering operational
and maintenance expenses. He questioned if "Title 16"
should be deleted from the amendment to assure that the
funds go to the Kenai River Center. Mr. Rue explained that
the Center issues permits.
Representative Mulder spoke against reducing the addition to
$52 thousand dollars.
Co-Chair Hanley spoke against the amendment. He noted that
the Department of Fish and Game is at its spending cap.
Representative Davis clarified that the $52 thousand dollars
in state funds was built into the Kenai River Center's
budget.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion to amend Amendment
F&G-2.
IN FAVOR: Davies, Davis, Grussendorf, Moses
OPPOSED: Foster, Kelly, Kohring, Martin, Mulder,
Therriault, Hanley
The MOTION FAILED (4-7).
Representative Davies MOVED to divide the question. Co-
Chair Hanley OBJECTED. A roll call vote was taken on the
motion.
IN FAVOR: Davies, Davis, Grussendorf, Moses
OPPOSED: Foster, Kelly, Kohring, Martin, Mulder,
Therriault, Hanley
The MOTION FAILED (4-7).
A roll call vote was taken on the motion to adopt Amendment
F&G-2.
IN FAVOR: Mulder, Foster, Kelly, Kohring, Martin, Therriault
OPPOSED: Davies, Davis, Grussendorf, Moses, Hanley
The MOTION PASSED (6-5).
Representative Grussendorf MOVED to ADOPT Amendment F&G-3
(copy on file). Amendment F&G-3 would add a $75 thousand
dollar increment to the Division of Habitat for oil and gas
leasing. Representative Grussendorf emphasized that the
appropriation would be used to assure that the state's fish
and wildlife resources are protected.
Co-Chair Hanley spoke in opposition to the amendment. He
pointed out that the Subcommittee did not delete the savings
the division anticipates from early retirements. He
stressed that these savings should offset reductions made in
the FY 98 budget.
(Tape Change, HFC 98 - 107, Side 1)
Representative Davies asked the anticipated amount that
would be saved from early retirements.
Co-Chair Hanley stated that there is a potential savings of
approximately $30 thousand dollars.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Davies, Grussendorf, Moses
OPPOSED: Davis, Foster, Kelly, Kohring, Martin, Mulder,
Therriault, Hanley
The MOTION FAILED (3-8).
Representative Grussendorf MOVED to ADOPT Amendment F&G-4
(copy on file). He noted that the amendment would be an
addition of $100 thousand dollars for Habitat
Permitting/Title 16. The amendment would allow for
permitting increases in Mat-Su and Southeast Alaska.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Davies, Grussendorf, Moses
OPPOSED: Davis, Foster, Kelly, Kohring, Martin, Mulder,
Therriault, Hanley
The MOTION FAILED (3-8).
Representative Grussendorf MOVED to ADOPT Amendment F&G-5
(copy on file). The amendment would add $150 thousand
dollars for Subsistence Field Offices. He stressed the need
for data regarding harvest levels.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Davies, Grussendorf, Moses
OPPOSED: Davis, Foster, Kelly, Kohring, Martin, Therriault,
Hanley
Representative Mulder was absent from the vote.
The MOTION FAILED (3-7).
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC FACILITIES
Representative Foster MOVED to ADOPT Amendment DOT-1 (copy
on file). He explained that the amendment would correct a
technical problem, which occurred with the closeout.
NANCY SLAGLE, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES,
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION explained that the subcommittee
requested that the unallocated reduction for the Department
of Transportation and Public Facilities be taken in the same
manner as in FY 98. The unallocated reduction in FY 98 was
divided between the statewide programs and the Alaska Marine
Highway System. The Alaska Marine Highway System is a front
section appropriation. The amendment moves $800 thousand
dollars of the unallocated reduction to the Alaska Marine
Stabilization Fund to offset an increment that was requested
for assistance. The level of service would not be reduced.
There being NO OBJECTION, Amendment DOT-1 was adopted.
Representative Foster MOVED to ADOPT Amendment DOT-2 (copy
on file). Ms. Slagle explained that the amendment moves the
BRU and component budget structure for the Alaska Marine
Highway System. There would be no impact to the Alaska
Marine Highway System.
Co-Chair Hanley noted that it is a technical amendment.
There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
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