Legislature(1997 - 1998)
04/16/1998 03:00 PM House FIN
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
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+ 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 TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC FACILITIES
Representative Foster MOVED to adopt DOT #3. [Copy on
File]. He explained that it would provide a technical
correction. There being NO OBJECTION, it was adopted.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL AFFAIRS
Representative Kohring noted that as Chair of the DCRA
Subcommittee, the Committee recommended no spending beyond
the cap and that the entire Subcommittee supported the
final version as proposed.
Representative Kohring MOVED to adopt CRA #1. [Copy on
File]. He stated that the amendment would delete federal
funding from the Rural Cap program and employment training
for rural development. He believed that the program was
deviating from its mission regarding expenditures. These
funds are a grant program, although, he remarked that the
money was being spent in a political way. This amendment
would delete all money from that program.
Representative Grussendorf OBJECTED. He pointed out that
the Subcommittee had agreed that the Community and
Development Assistance program should be held harmless.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Kelly, Kohring, Martin, Mulder, Therriault
OPPOSED: Grussendorf, Moses, J. Davies, G. Davis,
Foster, Therriault
The MOTION FAILED (5-6).
Representative Grussendorf MOVED to adopt CRA #2. [Copy on
File]. Representative Mulder OBJECTED. Representative
Grussendorf noted that the amendment would restore $2.5
million dollars in funding for the State's revenue sharing
program to the level proposed in the Governor's FY 99
budget. Last year the programs were reduced by 6% and this
year it is proposed that they be reduced an additional 5%.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Moses, J. Davies, Grussendorf
OPPOSED: Kelly, Kohring, Martin, Mulder, G. Davis,
Foster, Hanley, Therriault
The MOTION FAILED (3-8).
Representative Grussendorf MOVED to adopt CRA #3. [Copy on
File]. Representative Kohring OBJECTED. Representative
Grussendorf explained that the amendment would restore the
increment for the program as proposed in the Governor's
FY99 budget. Right now the State only provides for 22% of
the eligible children. The proposed increase would raise
that amount to 25%; 12% of those children have some type of
disability.
Representative J. Davies spoke to the long success track
record of that program. He stressed that this was an
important piece of the long-range prevention goal.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Moses, J. Davies, Grussendorf
OPPOSED: Kohring, Martin, Mulder, G. Davis, Foster,
Kelly, Therriault, Hanley
The MOTION FAILED (3-8).
Representative Grussendorf MOVED to adopt CRA #4. [Copy on
File]. He explained that this amendment would address
local government assistance. It would restore the funding
level for that component to the Governor's proposed FY99
level. Representative Grussendorf pointed out that the
Subcommittee had specifically intended to hold the program
harmless from any reduction.
Co-Chair Hanley noted that last year when the revision was
passed to the municipal assistance and revenue sharing
bill, the smallest communities received an increase.
Representative Kohring OBJECTED, noting that originally the
Subcommittee wanted to cut $300 thousand dollars from that
program and that the $50 thousand dollar reduction was
small. He pointed out that Division was heavily staffed.
Representative Kohring believed that twenty staff people is
more than adequate to perform the required functions.
Representative Grussendorf disagreed with Representative
Kohring that the Subcommittee had recommended a $300
thousand dollar cut, advising that the Minority members had
disagreed with all the proposed cuts in that Subcommittee.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Moses, J. Davies, Grussendorf
OPPOSED: Martin, Mulder, G. Davis, Foster, Kelly,
Kohring, Hanley, Therriault
The MOTION FAILED (3-8).
Representative Grussendorf MOVED to adopt CRA #5. [Copy on
File]. Representative Kohring OBJECTED. Representative
Grussendorf stated that the amendment would restore the
funding for the Special Assistant position to the
Commissioner. The Department deals with many small
communities throughout the State and must participate in
many different organizations and boards. He commented that
the above mentioned position could serve as the
Commissioner's designee. Representative J. Davies pointed
out that there is an increasing need for interfacing Title
29 into rural Alaska.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Moses, J. Davies, Grussendorf, Kelly
OPPOSED: Mulder, G. Davis, Foster, Kohring, Martin,
Therriault, Hanley
The MOTION FAILED (4-7).
Representative Grussendorf MOVED to adopt CRA #6. [Copy on
File]. Representative Kohring OBJECTED. Representative
Grussendorf explained that the amendment would restore the
funding level for the program to the Governor's proposed FY
99 level. He stated that the program is responsible for
$19 million dollars worth of childcare programs
administered throughout the State.
Representative Kohring noted that the requested position is
for a grant administrator, and that that there currently
are 10 grant administrator positions held in DCRA.
Representative Kohring believed that the program could be
run efficiently with that number of staff.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: J. Davies, Grussendorf, Moses
OPPOSED: Mulder, G. Davis, Foster, Kelly, Kohring,
Martin, Hanley, Therriault
The MOTION FAILED (3-8).
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES
Representative J. Davies MOVED to adopt HESS #1. [Copy on
File]. Representative Martin OBJECTED.
Representative J. Davies explained that the amendment would
restore the general relief medical (GRM) funding designated
for low income Alaskans to provide specific types of
medical services including terminal illness, chemotherapy,
diabetes, seizure disorders, mental illness, and
hypertension. The GRM program has over 1600 persons
currently utilizing that service.
Representative Martin spoke to the number of situations in
which GRM supported funding for abortions. He added that
the "safety net" referenced by Representative J. Davies
could be covered by Medicare and Medicaid. Representative
Martin suggested that GRM was "hiding" under illegal
medical guises. Representative J. Davies noted that in
1997, there were 857 people who received GRM for emergency
and/or chronic health care needs. Typically, 89% of these
services are for prescriptions and drugs. Representative
J. Davies stressed that often times GRM services are a
bridge to the federal programs referenced by Representative
Martin, and that those programs have to be applied for, in
which many times there is a several month delay.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion to adopt HESS #1.
IN FAVOR: J. Davies, G. Davis, Grussendorf, Moses
OPPOSED: Foster, Kelly, Kohring, Martin, Mulder,
Therriault, Hanley
The MOTION FAILED (4-7).
Representative Martin MOVED to adopt HESS Intent Language.
Representative Grussendorf stated that the philosophy
proposed in the Letter of Intent was unacceptable by
denying those people in dire need of medical attention. He
OBJECTED to the Letter of the Intent.
Representative Kelly pointed out that over the past years,
the Legislature has encouraged the Administration to
separate the abortion dollars from GRM, which has put the
Legislature in an awkward position. He stated that the
Administration has flatly refused. Representative
Grussendorf explained that the Administration could not
make that separation as a result of a Supreme Court ruling.
(Tape Change HFC 98- 108, Side 2).
Representative J. Davies cited that language written in the
intent language was not true. Representative Martin
offered to provide Committee members significant back up
for every statement made in the attachment.
JANET CLARKE, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES, advised
that she was not aware of any available factual statements
regarding the referenced material. Representative Martin
reiterated that there had been extensive claims which came
from the Department. Representative Grussendorf commented
that there was more information than necessary contained in
the Letter of Intent.
Representative J. Davies noted that the language contained
in the Letter of Intent was insulting. He quoted the
letter: "The State has a policy of terminating children of
those on welfare with the expressed purpose of keeping down
the purpose of social funded programs". He stressed that
there is no evidence that is the State's policy.
Representative Martin pointed out that the Department has
clearly referenced the economic value of spending money on
abortion. Representative J. Davies claimed that
Representative Martin had taken information out of context
and misinterpreted it.
Representative J. Davies continued, the Letter of Intent
states that in a 1974 settlement agreement that DHSS agreed
to ignore its own abortion regulations. He asked if Ms.
Weller was familiar with that settlement agreement.
NANCY WELLER, DIVISION OF MEDICAL ASSISTANCE, DEPARTMENT OF
HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVCIES, replied that the agreement had
been based on not requiring a position statement be
submitted with the abortion claims.
Representative Martin temporarily WITHDREW the MOTION to
adopt the Letter of Intent. There being NO OBJECTION, it
was withdrawn.
DEPARTMENT OF LAW
Representative Grussendorf MOVED to adopt LAW #1. [Copy on
File]. Representative Mulder OBJECTED. Representative
Grussendorf commented that the amendment would fund a part-
time prosecutor to handle the Bristol Bay fishery cases and
assist public safety by prosecuting cases in other
fisheries.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Grussendorf, Moses, J. Davies, Hanley
OPPOSED: G. Davis, Foster, Kelly, Kohring, Martin,
Mulder, Therriault
The MOTION FAILED (4-7).
DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION
Representative G. Davis MOVED to adopt ADMIN #1. [Copy on
File]. Co-Chair Hanley OBJECTED for the purpose of
discussion. He asked if the leases would be short funded.
Representative G. Davis noted that the leases had been
renegotiated, providing a FY98 savings. He stated that the
amendment would bring the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
$50 thousand dollars short of their initial request.
Co-Chair Hanley accounted a speech made by Governor Knowles
which suggested that by making drivers license renewal user
friendly, would eliminate approximately 220 thousand
transactions, saving the State money. He requested a
schedule of the length of time referenced by the Governor
indicating that information.
ALISON ELGEE, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF
ADMINISTRATION, replied that one of the problems with the
quoted calculation was that a most expensive transaction
was being compared to the least expensive transaction
change to the web environment. A number of people use the
mailing system which continues to be more expensive than
the web technology.
Co-Chair Hanley suggested the Governor's speech was
misleading the public. Ms. Elgee acknowledged that the
representation of that many people coming into the DMV
office is inaccurate, however, those offices are extremely
crowded. Co-Chair Hanley noted his frustration with the
Governor's speech and requested information be provided
indicating the estimated savings. Ms. Elgee responded that
an individual breakdown could be provided, however, it will
be more difficult to predict timing, as the Division is
attempting to change people's behavior by using the web
based environment.
JUANITA HENSLEY, DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLES, DEPARTMENT OF
ADMINISTRATION, noted that the population of people in
Alaska purchasing cars has risen and unfortunately, those
individuals do not have any other option but to come into
the DMV office. She pointed out that the Division has not
requested any increase for a number of years.
ANNALEE MCCONNELL, DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF MANAGMENT AND
BUDGET, OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, advised that current
service at the DMV offices has been unacceptable to the
public. The Governor did say that we could improve service
while achieving savings. Co-Chair Hanley WITHDREW his
OBJECTION, and ADMIN #1 was adopted.
Representative Kohring MOVED to adopt ADMIN #2. [Copy on
File]. Representative G. Davis OBJECTED. Representative
Kohring explained that the amendment would delete a portion
of public broadcasting. He emphasized that government
should not be funding public television because in doing
so, it is competing with the private sector and that it is
not an essential service.
Representative G. Davis pointed out that the Subcommittee
did not support this amendment.
(Tape Change HFC 98- 109, Side 1).
Representative G. Davis explained that the cut would wipe
out services to Juneau, Fairbanks and Bethel; Anchorage
would be seriously impacted, where corporate donations are
located. Representative G. Davis reiterated that this was
too drastic of a cut and that as Chair of the Subcommittee
he did not support the amendment.
Representative J. Davies pointed out that public television
offers the advantages of distant learning for children. It
is an appropriate public expense and is supported by the
general public. Representative Moses recommended doubling
the amount currently given to public television. He stated
that it is a very good educational tool and should be
utilized more.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Kohring, Martin, Mulder
OPPOSED: Foster, Grussendorf, Kelly, Moses, J.
Davies, G. Davis, Hanley, Therriault
The MOTION FAILED (3-8).
Representative Grussendorf WITHDREW ADMIN #3. [Copy on
File]. There being NO OBJECTION, it was withdrawn.
HB 325 and HB 326 were HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
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