Legislature(2021 - 2022)SENATE FINANCE 532
04/08/2022 01:00 PM Senate FINANCE
Note: the audio ![]()
and video ![]()
recordings are distinct records and are obtained from different sources. As such there may be key differences between the two. The audio recordings are captured by our records offices as the official record of the meeting and will have more accurate timestamps. Use the icons to switch between them.
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB162 || SB163 || SB164 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | SB 162 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 163 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 164 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
SENATE BILL NO. 162
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and
loan program expenses of state government and for
certain programs; capitalizing funds; amending
appropriations; making reappropriations; making
supplemental appropriations; 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."
SENATE BILL NO. 163
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and
capital expenses of the state's integrated
comprehensive mental health program; making capital
appropriations and supplemental appropriations; and
providing for an effective date."
SENATE BILL NO. 164
"An Act making appropriations, including capital
appropriations, reappropriations, and other
appropriations; making supplemental appropriations;
and providing for an effective date."
1:02:43 PM
IAN PITZMAN, NORTH PACIFIC FISHERIES ASSOCIATION, HOMER
(via teleconference), spoke in support of funding for the
state's match of the Homer Large Vessel Harbor project. He
stated that the harbor assists many aspects of the
community and its economy.
1:05:33 PM
CAROLYN VENUTI, HOMER CITY COUNCIL, HOMER (via
teleconference), spoke in support of the community
assistance program, and community jails. She spoke in
support of full funding of the harbor grants program. She
also testified in support of funding for the Homer Large
Vessel Harbor project.
1:07:30 PM
BRYAN HAWKINS, AK ASSOC. OF HARBOR MASTERS AND PORT ADMIN.,
HOMER (via teleconference), spoke in support of funding for
the Homer Large Vessel Harbor project. He also spoke in
support of the harbor grants program. He shared that many
communities in the state had submitted projects with
approval from the Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities (DOT).
1:09:47 PM
BAL DREYFUS, CEO, MATSON, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
spoke in support of funding for the Port of Alaska. He felt
that the port was the cornerstone of industry in the state.
He stressed that many communities in the region relied on
the port to meet their needs.
1:11:52 PM
COREY AIST, PRESIDENT, ANCHORAGE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in support of funding
for schools, specifically with a focus on teacher
retention. He testified in support of funding for forward
funding education. He spoke in support of creating a more
secure retirement for educators.
1:14:35 PM
PAM VENTAGEN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA STATE MEDICAL
ASSOCIATION, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in
support of funding for Washington, Wyoming, Alaska,
Montana, and Idaho (WWAMI).
1:15:39 PM
CARA DURR, FOOD BANK OF ALASKA, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of funding for the Food
Bank of Alaska. She testified in support to fund efforts
for local food sources.
1:17:12 PM
DELMONICA WILLIAMS, PRESIDENT CEO, SHILOH COMMUNITY
HOUSING, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in support
of funding for Shiloh Community Housing.
1:19:11 PM
RON MEEHAN, MANAGER, ALASKA FOOD COALITION, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of funding for food
security.
1:20:12 PM
BOB SCANLON, CEO, BLOOD BANK OF ALASKA, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of funding for the Blood
Bank of Alaska. He shared that currently donor testing that
took place outside of Alaska was currently an unnecessary
bottleneck. He stressed that there were many issues that
caused an issue, so it was important for the Blood Bank of
Alaska to have self-sufficiency.
1:22:33 PM
DR. FELICIA WILSON, BLOOD BANK OF ALASKA, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of funding for the Blood
Bank of Alaska. She stated that the money would be used to
complete the donor testing lab. She gave some of her work
history.
1:24:50 PM
ERIC ENGEBRESTEN, OWNER, BAYWELD BOATS, HOMER (via
teleconference), spoke in support of funding for the Homer
Large Vessel Harbor expansion project. He shared that the
state funding would be matched by both municipal and
federal funds. He remarked that the money would be used for
an engineering examination, which was required to begin
building the project.
1:26:53 PM
SHANNON MARTIN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, KENAI RIVER SPORT
FISHING ASSOCIATION, SOLDOTNA (via teleconference), spoke
in support of funding for the Sport Fish Division. She
stressed that the lack of funding would result in the
inability to conduct in season monitoring, which would
impact fisheries across the state.
1:28:46 PM
KEELEY OLSON, STANDING TOGETHER AGAINST RAPE (STAR),
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in support of funding
for crisis lines for those experiencing domestic violence,
sexual assault, and stalking.
1:30:35 PM
MIKE COONS, SELF, PALMER (via teleconference), spoke
against the budget. He expressed that he would like a full
Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD).
1:32:36 PM
GREG MEYER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, KENAI PENINSULA FOOD BANK,
SOLDOTNA (via teleconference), spoke in support of funding
for food security in the state, and the Alaska Food Bank.
1:34:20 PM
ROSA FOSTER, SHALLOW COMMUNITY RESOURCE PROJECT, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), spoke in support of funding for the
Shallow Community Resource Project. She shared that she was
a retired teacher and principal. She stated that the
project provided housing, employment support, and a
learning center.
1:36:12 PM
ANN RAPPOPORT, CO-CHAIR, COMMUNITY COUNCIL RABBIT CREEK,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in support of
increased funding the Chugach State Park Access Project. //
She spoke in support of funding for disaster evacuation
routes in Anchorage.
1:38:40 PM
JACQUELINE CUNNINGHAM, SELF, PALMER (via teleconference),
spoke in support of forward funding education. She stressed
that the forward funding enhances teacher retention and
planning. She remarked that she was a teacher.
1:40:03 PM
CAPTAIN RONALD WARD, CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF ALASKA PORT
COMMISSION, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in
support of funding for the Port of Alaska modernization. He
shared that he had seen the structural decline of the
infrastructure of the port. He shared that the port handled
thousands of tons of cargo and oil. He stressed that the
port was essential to many communities in the state.
1:43:23 PM
ALEX HOFELING, TOTE MARITIME ALASKA, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for the
Port of Alaska modernization.
1:45:19 PM
CHERYL NUGENT, SELF, KODIAK (via teleconference), testified
in support for additional funding for care providers.
1:47:29 PM
SARA CHENEY, ACCESS ALASKA, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support for care provider services.
1:48:45 PM
CATHY GIESSEL, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of behavioral health treatment and
recovery grants. She lamented the increase in fentanyl
overdoses in the state. She stressed that the need for the
grants was important to the state.
1:50:38 PM
BARBARA WATERS, EDUCATION AND TRAINING COORDINATOR, THE LEE
SHORE CENTER, KENAI (via teleconference), testified in
support for funding services and emergency shelters for
domestic violence and sexual assault.
1:52:39 PM
JOELLE HALL, AK AFL CIO, PRESIDENT, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of a larger capital
budget to rebuild infrastructure in her community and the
state. She supported the work at the Port of Alaska.
1:55:00 PM
MEGHAN DEAVER, SELF, HOMER (via teleconference), spoke in
support of funding for hazard pay for care providers.
1:56:27 PM
BERT MATTINGLY, AFSC, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in support of funding for the Port of Alaska modernization
program.
1:58:30 PM
BRANDI RATHBURN, MOOSE A'LA MODE, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for the
Restaurant and Hunger Relief Partnership.
2:00:00 PM
DONNA ADERHOLD, HOMER CITY COUNCIL, HOMER (via
teleconference), testified in support of the community
assistance program and community jails. She supported funds
for the municipal grant program. She spoke in support of
funding for the study for the Homer Large Vessel Harbor
Project.
2:02:11 PM
MIKE BROWN, MANAGER, MATSU BOROUGH, PALMER (via
teleconference), spoke in support of school bond debt
reimbursement. He testified in support of funding for
various transportation projects in the Matsu Borough. He
spoke in support of funding for the Arctic Winter Games.
Co-Chair Bishop wondered whether the $10 million
appropriation from the year prior for roads and paving had
been spent.
Mr. Brown replied in the affirmative.
Senator Wielechowski recalled that the year prior had seen
significant requests from the Matsu, and wondered whether
the current request was fair to the other communities in
the state.
Mr. Brown replied that the requests had been coupled with a
local match.
2:05:07 PM
BRUCE BUSTAMANTE, PRESIDENT AND CEO, ANCHORAGE CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in support
of funding for the Port of Alaska Modernization Project. He
remarked that port repairs had been conducted over the
years, but modernization was essential to safety of the
port. He echoed the comments of the earlier testifiers
regarding the importance of the port to the entire state.
2:08:56 PM
ERIC GURLEY, EXEC DIRECTOR, ACCESS ALASKA INC., ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), spoke in support of funding for the
Center for Independent Living. He recalled the funding for
the program that had been appropriated in prior years.
2:10:49 PM
RIC NELSON, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in
support of drawing down the waitlist for the Intellectual
and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Waiver. He advocated
for a 20-person drawdown increase.
2:13:34 PM
DEAN PAUL, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in
support of more work to drawdown the IDD Waiver waitlist.
He echoed the comments of Mr. Nelson.
2:15:06 PM
MAYOR DAVE BRONSON, MAYOR OF ANCHORAGE, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of the Port of Alaska
Modernization Project. He pointed out the essential nature
of the port. He remarked that there was extreme corrosion
on the port, and was currently seismically unstable.
2:16:56 PM
DAN BROWN, SELF, SOLDOTNA (via teleconference), testified
in support of forward funding for education. He stressed
that the funding would enhance planning and retention in
schools. He relayed that he had a daughter who was
currently in college, and the idea of forward funding
education would encourage her to return to Alaska after
college.
2:17:58 PM
VARED MARES, OWNER, WRITERS BLOCK, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of the Restaurant and
Hunger Relief Program. She stated that the program allowed
for many restaurants to provide meals to people in need.
She stressed that the program allowed for staff retention
and connection to the community. She stressed that the
program allowed for her business to stay in business during
the pandemic.
2:21:00 PM
CRYSTAL NYGARD, CITY OF WASILLA, WASILLA (via
teleconference), spoke in support of the Wasilla Airport
Expansion. She shared that Wasilla was the fastest growing
city in the state. She stressed that the airport enhanced
food security and safety in the area. She remarked that
Wasilla was a vital piece of commerce. She shared that the
City of Wasilla would also support the airport.
2:22:52 PM
JOHN MONROE, PROGRAM DIRECTOR, ANCHORAGE SKATE CLUB,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in support of funding
for Alaska Community Foundation Midtown Park Chalet Fund
for a warming facility.
2:25:07 PM
VIVICA CARR, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding for the Shadow Community
Resource Center. She felt that the community would be
necessary for everyone statewide.
2:26:34 PM
NATHAN ERFURTH, PRESIDENT, KENAI PENINSULA EDUCATION
ASSOCIATION, KENAI (via teleconference), spoke in support
of forward funding for education and increasing the Base
Student Allocation (BSA).
2:28:47 PM
KATHERINE BACON, SELF, PALMER (via teleconference), spoke
in support of funding for hazard pay wage increases for
home care providers. She shared that she was the sole
provider for her grandson. She stressed that providing care
for someone was a very rewarding job, but it was also
stressful.
2:30:42 PM
BRIAN ULZ, MEMBER, ALASKA MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS
ASSOCIATION, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), remarked that
there was a severe workforce shortage. He spoke in support
of workforce development in order to fill the required jobs
for the proposed projects. He testified in support of
funding for deferred maintenance.
2:33:45 PM
TOMMY BAXTER, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke
in support of funding for education. He stressed that the
funding for education would enhance teacher retention and
planning in schools.
2:35:17 PM
BETH NORDLUND, ANCHORAGE PARK FOUNDATION, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of funding for Anchorage
park requests. She stated that the projects included the
Alaska Long Trail Project. She testified in support of the
Anchorage Moose Loop.
2:37:15 PM
CHELSEA FOSTER, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in support of funding for hazard pay wage increases for
caregivers. She stressed that her pay had recently
decreased, and her family was also affected by inflation.
2:37:59 PM
DAN KENNEDY, SELF, WASILLA (via teleconference), spoke in
support of funding for the expansion of the Wasilla
Regional Airport. He stated that the airport would help
with the supply line for the state. He remarked that there
was a large demand to diversify the economy in the state.
He remarked that the Matsu has several thousand more people
than Fairbanks, but no airport passenger service.
2:39:32 PM
ROBIN LYDECKER, SELF, ANCHOR POINT (via teleconference),
spoke in support of hazard pay wage increases for home care
providers. She remarked that she loved her job, because she
was able to provide dignity to a person living in her own
home. She stressed that there had not been any wage
increases for five years.
2:40:37 PM
SUZI PEARSON, ABUSED WOMEN'S AID IN CRISIS, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for
victims services through the State Council on Domestic
Violence and Sexual Assault.
2:41:47 PM
TIM POTTER, ANCHORAGE SKATES, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of funding for the
warming facility in the midtown Anchorage Skating Oval.
2:45:12 PM
MARNI HARTILL, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in support of funding for K-12 public education. She shared
that she had been a teacher for fifteen years, and felt
that there needed to be a permanent increase in education
funding. She pointed out that teacher retention and
education burnout were major issues in schools.
2:48:07 PM
NATHAN JOHNSON, CHAIR ANCHORAGE COALITION TO END
HOMELESSNESS, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in
support of funding for the establishment of a statewide
housing trust. He noted that Alaska was one of only three
states without a statewide housing trust.
2:50:50 PM
EDNA DEVRIES, MAYOR, MATSU BOROUGH, PALMER (via
teleconference), spoke in support of funding for Arctic
Winter Games.
2:52:44 PM
DR. KURT BUCHHOLZ, BLOOD BANK OF ALASKA, SOLDOTNA (via
teleconference), spoke in support of funding for the donor
testing lab for the Blood Bank of Alaska.
2:55:31 PM
GREG SCHOMAKER, STATE DIRECTOR, CONSUMER DIRECT CARE
NETWORK ALASKA, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in
support of funding for hazard pay wage increases for
caregivers.
Senator von Imhof handed the gavel to Senator Wielechowski.
2:57:47 PM
ABBE HENSLEY, BEST BEGINNINGS, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of funding for Best
Beginnings, Imagination Library, and other early education
programs.
2:59:53 PM
EMILY ANDERSON, WILD SALMON CENTER, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in opposition of the $4.9 million to
advance the state's takeover of the Clean Water Act 404
permitting program.
3:01:50 PM
ASHLYN LUCKHURST, UNITES STATES TRIBES BRISTOL BAY,
DILLINGHAM (via teleconference), testified in opposition of
the $4.9 million to advance the state's takeover of the
Clean Water Act 404 permitting program.
3:02:32 PM
BRIDGET MARYOTT, SELF, HOMER (via teleconference), spoke in
opposition of the $4.9 million to advance the state's
takeover of the Clean Water Act 404 permitting program.
3:03:32 PM
MARGE STONEKING, AARP ALASKA, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of funding for senior
centers, public assistance, and assisted living centers.
She also requested additional funds to adjust wage
reimbursement rates for home care providers. She also spoke
in support of funding for deferred maintenance for the
Pioneer Homes.
3:05:39 PM
PATRICK FITZGERALD, TEAMSTERS 959, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of funding for the Port
of Alaska Modernization Project.
3:07:17 PM
ELISABETH MERING, SELF, HOMER (via teleconference), spoke
against the 404 permitting funding.
3:09:16 PM
SUE MAUGER, SELF, HOMER (via teleconference), spoke against
the 404 permitting funding of $4.9 million for Clean Water
Act permitting.
3:10:52 PM
TREVOR STORRS, PRESIDENT AND CEO, ALASKA CHILDREN'S TRUST
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in support of funding
for workforce retention bonuses for the Office of
Children's Services (OCS). He also spoke in support of the
Tribal Child Welfare Compact.
3:12:16 PM
DARILYN YEAGER, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding for increased wages for
caregivers.
3:13:47 PM
LESLIE ROHR, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, LOVE INC. OF THE KENAI
PENINSULA, SOLDOTNA (via teleconference), testified in
support of funding for a statewide housing trust. She
shared that there was a major housing crisis in the state.
3:15:57 PM
MARIE GOMEZ, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in
support of funding for hazard pay and higher wages for
caregivers.
3:17:24 PM
JUDITH JESSEN, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in support of funding for hazard pay and higher wages for
caregivers.
3:19:50 PM
BERT HOUGHTALING, SELF, BIG LAKE (via teleconference),
testified in opposition all three budgets.
3:21:59 PM
SATCHEL PONDOLFINO, SELF, HOMER (via teleconference), spoke
against the 404 permitting funding of $4.9 million for
Clean Water Act permitting.
3:23:39 PM
MARY DOOHER, SELF, WASILLA (via teleconference), spoke in
support of funding for education. She stressed that forward
funding and reliable funding was critical for teacher
retention and school planning.
3:25:15 PM
MICHAEL O'MEARA, SELF, ANCHOR POINT (via teleconference),
spoke in opposition to the 404 permitting state primacy.
3:26:25 PM
NANCY PEAFE, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in
support of the Chugach State Park Access; the Alaska Long
Trail; and the South Potter Marsh pullout.
3:28:31 PM
KOURTNEY BOST, SELF, PALMER (via teleconference), testified
in support of increased wages and hazard pay for
caregivers. She noted that she had not had any pay
increases since 2015.
3:30:44 PM
GEORGE PIERCE, SELF, KASILOF (via teleconference), spoke
against the spending in the budget.
3:33:26 PM
KIM HAYS, CHAIR, ANCHORAGE LIBRARY FOUNDATION, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), spoke in support of the Anchorage
Downtown Library Project.
3:35:01 PM
WILLIAM REINER, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in support of funding for caregivers. He relayed his
personal story about caring for his mother.
3:37:31 PM
DIANE FIELDEN, SELF, SOLDOTNA (via teleconference),
testified in support of the recovery aspects of mental
health funding. She shared that she had personal experience
with her son losing his life to addiction.
3:39:55 PM
KELLY LESSENS, ANCHORAGE SCHOOL BOARD, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of increasing and
inflation-proofing the BSA. She also spoke in favor of
school bond debt reimbursement.
3:42:37 PM
SK SON, OWNER, ANCHOR HOUSE, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of funding for Anchor
House.
3:44:37 PM
NICHOLAS PAPACOSTAS, ALASKA CHAPTER ACEP, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of funding for WWAMI.
3:46:11 PM
Senator Wielechowski noted Senator Wilson's presence via
teleconference.
SB 162 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
SB 163 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
SB 164 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| SB 162 Public Testimony Packet 1.pdf |
SFIN 4/8/2022 1:00:00 PM |
SB 162 |
| SB 164 Public Testimony Packet 1.pdf |
SFIN 4/8/2022 1:00:00 PM |
SB 164 |
| SB 164 Public Testimony Packet 2.pdf |
SFIN 4/8/2022 1:00:00 PM |
SB 164 |
| SB 164 Public Testimony Packet 3.pdf |
SFIN 4/8/2022 1:00:00 PM |
SB 164 |
| SB 162 Public Testimony Packet 2.pdf |
SFIN 4/8/2022 1:00:00 PM |
SB 162 |