Legislature(2005 - 2006)HOUSE FINANCE 519
03/17/2006 01:30 PM House FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB366 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 365 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 366 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
GENERAL SUBJECT(S):
The following overview was taken in log note format. Tapes
and handouts will be on file with the House Finance
Committee through the 24th Legislative Session, contact 465-
6814. After the 24th Legislative Session they will be
available through the Legislative Library at 465-3808.
Statewide Testimony:
JUNEAU & FAIRBANKS
HB 365-APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUNDS
HB 366-APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET
TIME SPEAKER DISCUSSION
1:34:52 PM Co-Chair Co-Chair Chenault called the House
Chenault Finance Committee meeting to order to
take testimony on HB 365 & HB 366.
JUNEAU
1:36:09 PM ERIN WILLIS Spoke in support of funding for K-12
education programs. She stated that
she was the vice president of the
Parent Teacher Association (PTA) at her
school and expressed concern for
adequate funding to provide good
teacher/student ratios.
1:38:28 PM VIRGINIA Advocated for flexible long-term care
PALMER, programs. She relayed difficult
CAREGIVER circumstances in her life related to
Alzheimer's disease, and the support
provided by caregiver programs.
1:41:17 PM PEGGY BROWN, Testified in support of funding for
EXECUTIVE programs serving victims of domestic
DIRECTOR, violence and sexual assault. She
ALASKA NETWORK emphasized the amount of need for these
ON DOMESTIC services in the state and urged
VIOLENCE & funding. She noted that additional
SEXUAL ASSAULT funding would help to meet these needs.
1:43:50 PM MAX MIELKE, Testified in opposition to the wage
UNITED setting practices. He noted the amount
ASSOCIATION OF of public projects, as compared to the
PIPEFITTERS personnel available and urged adequate
wages and hiring practices.
1:46:08 PM TIM BURCH, Spoke in support of the Governor's
STUDENT, increments for the University. He
UNIVERSITY OF commended the legislature for its
ALASKA consistent support of the University.
1:48:42 PM LINDSEY FOREST Emphasized the importance of the
FOR SOPHIE University and urged support. She
STRADLEY, stated that all campuses need the
STUDENTS, funding in order to provide excellent
UNIVERSITY OF education.
ALASKA-
SOUTHEAST
(UAS)
1:49:30 PM BOB DOLL, CITY Testified in support of funding for the
COUNCIL & Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS).
BETTER FERRIES He spoke to the significance of the
FOR ALASKA service to Alaskans and its potential
earnings of $15 million for the State.
He noted that more remote communities
would suffer from any reduction in
funds and proposed recapitalization of
the program.
1:52:55 PM KEAN D. Advocated in support of the Governor's
NUTTALL, BIG proposed Youth Success Initiative. He
BROTHERS, BIG introduced his little brother and
SISTERS discussed the benefits of the Big
Brothers/Big Sisters program, which
serves 1700 youth statewide. He also
emphasized the importance of the
University and urged support.
1:55:12 PM DENALI WENTZ, Advocated support for the Governor's
BIG BROTHERS, proposed Youth Success Initiative. He
BIG SISTERS spoke about the ways in which the Big
Brothers/Big Sisters programs supported
him and other youth throughout the
State.
1:55:53 PM NANCY DAVIS, Testified in support of funding for the
REGISTERED nurses salary increase, as well as
NURSE (RN) & including nurses in the Department of
PUBLIC HEALTH Corrections budget. She stated that
(PH) adequate funding was necessary to
PROFESSIONAL recruit the number of nurses needed to
meet the needs in the State. She also
advocated for increased funding for
specific segments of the public health
system.
1:59:01 PM ANGELA Testified in support of the Bring the
SOLERNO, Kids Home Initiative. She explained
MENTAL HEALTH the benefit of the program in providing
ADVISORY BOARD home care for youth with emotional
ON ALCOHOL conditions. She asked that the entire
$2.5 million for community behavioral
health funding be fully met.
2:02:01 PM MARIANNE Advocated for flexible long-term care
MILLS, ALASKA programs. She emphasized the benefits
GERIATRIC of the program for vulnerable, elderly
EXCHANGE Alaskans in need of home care. She gave
NETWORK figures of how many elderly Alaskans
(AGENET) required home care and stated that
program prevents costs for more
expensive long-term care.
2:04:56 PM JOANNE Advocated for flexible long-term care
SCHMIDT, programs and expressed its importance
ALASKAN to Alaskans with Alzheimer's disease
COMMISSION ON and/or dementia. She noted that the
AGING program offsets the cost of more
expensive long-term care.
2:06:30 PM EMILY FERRY, Testified in support of full funding
ALASKA for the Alaska ferry system. She
TRANSPORTATION emphasized that the cost reflected in
PRIORITIES the budget would be repaid by fifty
PROJECT percent by revenue generated through
the program. She proposed that
increased funding would increase
revenue, and proposed that the funding
from the Juneau road extension be used
for the ferry system. She noted a
study that demonstrated that a road out
of Juneau would actually increase the
operating costs for the ferry system.
2:09:45 PM MARY HAKALA, Spoke in support of funding for K-12
ALASKA KIDS education programs. She requested an
COUNT NETWORK increase in funding, since the proposed
foundation funding would actually
result in cuts to school districts.
She advocated specifically for Juneau
schools.
2:13:00 PM LAURIE HEAGY, Spoke in support of funding for K-12
GLACIER VALLEY education programs. She spoke about
TEACHER specific school programs supported by
grants and private funding, noting the
importance of art education for young
children.
2:16:20 PM BART WATSON Testified in support of full funding
for the Alaska Marine Highway system.
He expressed concern over recent
service management declines and
emphasized the importance to Southeast
Alaskans. He pointed to the services
in Norway as a good example of better
management.
2:20:10 PM BARBE MCCLUNG, Advocated for flexible long-term care
SELF programs. She expressed the importance
of the program in providing support
that helped her family deal with a
long-term illness for an elder. She
emphasized the cost savings of those
services
2:23:54 PM ANDREA DOLL, Testified in support of funding for Big
SELF Brothers/Big Sisters through the Youth
Success Initiative. She expressed the
importance of the program to
communities and individuals.
2:26:01 PM HARRIET MILKS, Testified in support of funding for
JUNEAU CHARTER charter schools. She stated her
SCHOOL (JCS) appreciation for past funding for her
school and emphasized that charter
schools are important to the
educational community.
2:28:02 PM JERRY CUNE, Testified in support of full funding
UNITED for the Department of Fish and Game
FISHERMAN OF budget. He also proposed restored
ALASKA (UFA) funding for the Commissioner's office
in anticipation of federal initiatives.
He noted that if salary adjustments
were not funded, funding would be taken
from programs.
2:30:43 PM CARL ROSE, Spoke in support of full funding for K-
EXECUTIVE 12 education programs. He noted that
DIRECTOR, although, they support the $90 million
ALASKA increase, they also wish to address the
ASSOCIATION OF cost differential that exists. He
SCHOOL BOARDS added concern regarding adequate
(AASB) funding for the Governor's proposed
Youth Success Initiative. He emphasized
the importance of that program for
prevention of youth problems.
2:34:48 PM CANDY Advocated support for the Governor's
WIERZELEWSKI, proposed Youth Success Initiative. She
BIG BROTHERS, noted that the program would like to
BIG SISTERS continue building on its 30-year
history. She relayed her personal
experience in the success of that
program.
2:37:34 PM FRANKIE Spoke in support of funding for K-12
PILLIFANT education programs. She emphasized the
need for improvements in classrooms
possible through adequate funding. She
also expressed support of funding for
the Marine Highway System.
2:40:12 PM BEN GOLDRICH, Testified in favor of continued funding
MARINE for the Alaska Marine Highway System.
ENGINEERS Public transportation must be fully
ASSOCIATION funded. He added that the challenge
faced is to provide essential public
transportation in a cost effective
manner. He requested that experiments
be stopped and that the State should
not spend money on new roads that end
at dead ends. He pointed out the mess
of the road proposal out of Juneau and
stated that the Lynn Canal road is
politically motivated.
2:45:29 PM LARISSA ROOP, Requested the $1 million dollar funding
ADULT allocation for the Adult Education
EDUCATION Center. She spoke to the General
Education Diploma (GED) funding and
benefits that she received from being a
high school drop out.
2:47:13 PM CARIN SMOLIN, Encouraged the $1 million dollar
ADULT increase for the Adult Education
EDUCATION program. GED graduates account for 20%
ASSOCIAITON of the Alaska High School graduates.
Adult basic education students retain
their jobs. Those students go on to
further education. Funding prepares
Alaskans for employment in the State.
2:49:22 PM MIKE PAVELL, Encouraged funding for the $1 million
ADULT dollar increase for Adult Education
EDUCATION Program.
2:51:08 PM CACHET Emphasized the importance of the
GARRETT, University and urged support.
STUDENT,
UNIVERSITY OF
ALASKA
SOUTHEAST
2:54:54 PM DARRELLENO Advocated in support of the Governor's
VIOLET proposed Youth Success Initiative. She
KARTSON, BIG expressed the personal support she
BROTHERS, BIG received through the program.
SISTERS
2:56:51 PM BARBARA Spoke in support of funding for K-12
THURSTON, education programs. She noted that the
JUNEAU proposed funding would result in cuts
COMMUNITY in schools and urged increased funding.
CHARTER SCHOOL She also requested that the Committee
add a small charter school grant to the
budget, and suggested that the current
funding formula did not function
properly.
3:00:55 PM KEVIN GADSEY, Testified in support of funding for the
SAIL Youth in Transition and the Interpreter
program. He expressed his belief in
the success of the program and
requested that the State provide
funding to supplant cuts in the federal
budget.
3:04:37 PM PAMELA Testified in support of Home and
MUELLER-GUY, Community based waiver services for
SAIL persons with disabilities. As a deaf
person, she expressed the benefit of
Interpreter Referral services and
encouraged passage of the $200 thousand
increment included in the budget.
3:08:32 PM CHRISTOPHER Spoke in support of the Governor's
COX, increments for the University. He noted
UNIVERSITY OF his positive educational experience at
ALASK STUDENT UAS and urged full funding.
3:10:41 PM MARTHA Testified in support of full funding
PENROSE, BOARD for the Pioneer Homes of Alaska. She
MEMBER, noted her experience on the advisory
PIONEER HOMES board for the organization and spoke of
OF ALASKA the excellent care provided to seniors
through the homes. She emphasized the
need for adequate funding to continue
that care.
3:14:39 PM JAMES WASTE, Encouraged support for public
EXECUTIVE broadcasting. He noted that local
DIRECTOR, involvement was critical to the public
ALASKA PUBLIC broadcasting services in Alaska,
BROADCASTING particularly in rural areas.
3:18:07 PM SIOUX DOUGLAS, Testified in support of full funding
ALASKA PUBLIC for Public Broadcasting. She noted her
BROADCASTING past experience in child development
work and the importance of public
communications services. She emphasized
the importance of services in rural
areas.
3:20:24 PM DARRYL TSEU, Testified in support of funding for
INLANBOATMEN'S charter schools, requesting a special
UNION appropriation. He also testified in
support of full funding for the Alaska
Marine Highway System.
3:22:57 PM LINDA FRAME, Spoke in support of funding for K-12
ARTS FOR KIDS education programs. She recounted her
experience in implementing the new art
curriculum in for K-5. She expressed
the importance of creativity within the
school system and emphasized the
difficulties of cutting art programs
due to cost differentials.
3:27:41 PM WALTER Testified in support of funding for
MAJOROS, behavioral health services, including
EXECUTIVE the Bring the Kids Home initiative. He
DIRECTOR, emphasized the importance to add full
JUNEAU YOUTH funding to the initiative. He also
SERVICES urged funding for programs supporting
treatment of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
(FAS).
3:30:51 PM SUZANNE COHEN, Testified in support of funding grants
COMMUNITY to charter schools and expressed her
CHARTER appreciation for past funding. She
SCHOOLS also spoke in support of funding for K-
12 education programs.
3:32:19 PM ANDI STORY, Testified for increased funding above
JUNEAU SCHOOL the $90 million for public education.
BOARD She noted the impact on adequate public
education on the Alaskan workforce and
expressed her experience as a member of
her local school board. She stated
that the current funding would lead to
$2 million dollars in cuts for her
district, creating even a larger
student/teacher ratio.
3:35:20 PM ROSEMARY Testified in support of funding for the
HAGEVIG, Phoenix Program, providing early
EXECUTIVE intervention for at risk families. She
DIRECTOR, noted support-reinstating funding for
CATHOLIC the Healthy Marriage programs.
COMMUNITY
SERVICES
3:38:47 PM WILLIAM JUDY, Testified in support of a supplemental
COMMUNITY appropriation for small charter school
CHARTER grants. He noted the high level of
SCHOOLS parent involvement and fund raising in
those schools.
3:41:20 PM BRENDA TAYLOR Spoke in support of funding for K-12
education programs. She expressed her
concern that the $5 million had been
cut from the mentoring project, a
project started with federal funds. She
noted that teachers often spent their
own funds in order to purchase
supplies, making prospects for new
teachers more difficult.
3:46:59 PM MARK JOHNSON, Testified in support of increases in
EMERGENCY funding for public health services, as
MEDICAL well as for emergency health services.
SERVICES (EMS) He noted that the majority of EMS
workers were currently volunteers.
3:48:39 PM LORI HOOVER, Testified in support of restoring
ALASKA funding for the Mentoring Program. She
STATEWIDE emphasized that the program provided
MENTOR PROGRAM support statewide to nurture quality
teachers and would help retain new
teachers.
FAIRBANKS
4:07:06 PM Co-Chair Pointed out that testimony would be
Chenault taken from Fairbanks.
4:07:28 PM TOM HASKINS Testified in support of increased
funding for the Pioneer Home in
Fairbanks with a larger facility.
4:09:30 PM BOB JOHNSTON, Spoke in favor of funding GED programs.
ADULT LEARNING
PROGRAMS OF
ALASKA
4:10:37 PM RICHARD Testified in favor of funding for
KACSUR, ACCESS ACCESS Alaska.
ALASKA
4:11:01 PM JEAN WILLIAMS, Testified in support of ACCESS Alaska.
ACCESS ALASKA
4:11:49 PM DAVID JACOBSON Spoke in support of Representative
Weyhrauch's amendment, which would add
more funds into interpretive services.
4:13:40 PM BOBBY FITHIAN, Encouraged support for wildlife
ALASKA conservation. (Faxed comments.)
PROFESSIONAL
HUNTER
4:15:49 PM BRYON HALEY, Testified in support of full funding
CHITINA for the Department of Fish and Game.
DIPNETTERS
4:16:29 PM MICHAEL Urged support for full funding for
INGHAM, ALASKA Adult Basic Education program and the
ARMY NATIONAL number of recruits that come from that
GUARD program.
4:17:09 PM CHARLIE GREEN, Testified in support of restoring funds
HOSPICE, for Human Services Community Matching
TANANA VALLEY Grant Program to the amount recommended
in the Governor's budget.
TABER REHBAUN, Urged restoration of funds for
ARCTIC Community Matching Block Grant and
ALLIANCE FOR continued support for the Youth Success
PEOPLE; BIG Initiative.
BROTHERS, BIG
SISTER
4:24:17 PM JEANETTE Testified in support of fully funding
GRASO, NAMI the Governor's proposal for Bring the
ALASKA Kids Home program.
4:25:39 PM JOE LETARTE Testified in support of funding for
state park and recreation areas.
4:27:55 PM TORIE FOOTE Spoke in support of full funding for
the University and community matching
grant program.
4:29:16 PM SUZANNE PRICE, Testified in support of funding for
DIRECTOR, children's services in the Bring Kids
FAIRBANKS Home budget.
COMMUNITY
BEHAVIORAL
HEALTH CENTER
4:30:41 PM NANCY KELLY, Spoke in support of funding more staff
PIONEER HOME for all the Pioneer Homes in Alaska.
4:31:46 PM JOE HAYES, Testified in support of maintaining
UNIVERSITY OF funding for the University of Alaska
ALASKA-system.
FAIRBANKS
(UAF)
4:33:03 PM LORI Testified in support of Home and
MARKKANEN, Community based waiver services for
FAIRBANKS persons with disabilities. She also
RESOURCE testified in support of expanding
AGENCY Medicaid support.
4:35:06 PM DAN LABROSSE, Spoke in support of funding sign
ACCESS ALASKA language services.
4:36:35 PM DAN JOHNSON, Testified in support of funding for EMS
INTERIOR services. He noted that funding in the
REGION EMS past has been flat.
4:38:17 PM DRENDA TIGNER, Spoke in favor of funding Youth At Risk
PRESBYTERIAN Initiative.
HOSPITALITY
HOUSE
4:40:53 PM CHERYL Spoke to the shortfalls in their
KEEPERS, NORTH operating budget. Ms. Keepers testified
STAR BOROUGH in support of meeting essential human
service needs.
4:43:28 PM CARRIE Spoke in favor of equal access to
DERSHIN, HSS health care as provided in the human
COMMISSION services grant.
4:46:39 PM JOSEPH Testified in support of funding for
BLANCHARD, University of Alaska - Fairbanks.
PRESIDENT,
STUDENT
GOVERNMENT,
UAF
4:47:53 PM COLLEEN SHIN, Spoke in favor of full funding the
ALASKA CENTER Governor's increment for FASD programs
FOR CHILDREN and for the Community Services matching
AND ADULTS block grants.
(ACCA)
4:52:40 PM JOAN JOHNSON Testified in support for Community
Services matching block grants.
4:52:58 PM MURRAY Testified in support of continued
RICHMOND funding for PBS and NPR.
4:54:25 PM LOU GROSS, Testified in support of funding for the
NORTH STAR Community Matching Grant.
COUNCIL ON
AGING
4:57:49 PM JACKIE Asked that the Community Matching Block
DEBEVEC, Grant be restored.
ARCTIC
ALLIANCE FOR
PEOPLE
5:00:29 PM TERRY STRLE, Testified in support of funding for the
UNITED WAY Community Matching Block Grant. She
explained the grant process.
5:02:19 PM ELRITA Testified in support of funding new
MAGOFFIN positions at the Fairbanks Pioneer
Home.
5:06:17 PM LUKE HOPKINS, Testified in support of the Human
NORTH STAR Services Matching Grant.
BOROUGH
ASSEMBLY
5:10:22 PM TIM SHARP, Testified in favor of funding wage and
BUSINESS hour investigators.
MANAGER,
LABORERS LOCAL
942
5:12:15 PM RON Addressed the Governor's proposal of
SOMMERVILLE, $3.3 million for wild life
VICE CHAIR, conservation. Mr. Sommerville spoke to
BOARD OF GAME the Board's attempt to balance Alaska's
predator/prey relationships. He
stressed that is required by State law.
5:14:51 PM DICK, BURLEY, Discussed surveys needed to implement
BOARD OF GAME the programs needed to balance the
predator/prey ratio. He asked for re-
instatement of departmental money.
5:16:59 PM CLIFF JUDKINS, Spoke of an imbalance in game and a
BOARD OF GAME need for predator control and the money
necessary to support those programs.
5:19:38 PM BEN Discussed the need to meet subsistence
GRUSSENDORF, needs and for the intensive game
BOARD OF GAME management needed for keeping the
balance.
5:22:03 PM Representative Thanked Mr. Grussendorf for his years
Foster of public service.
5:22:23 PM TED SPRAKER, Spoke of the need for predator
BOARD OF GAME management and the need for more
funding for the Department of Fish and
Game.
5:23:26 PM Representative Asked about the change in regulations
Kelly due to a recent court case.
5:23:49 PM Mr. Burley Responded that the regulations are
okay. The Board has submitted more
information to the Courts.
5:24:58 PM Representative Inquired about enforcement information.
Joule
5:25:36 PM Mr. Somerville Replied that the Board is considering
adopting a resolution regarding
enforcement. He added that regulations
mentioned before were adopted by a
previous board and were too stringent.
They are being reviewed.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 5:28 P.M.
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