Legislature(1997 - 1998)
04/16/1998 07:20 PM 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 ADMINISTRATION
Representative Grussendorf MOVED to ADOPT Amendment DOA-4.
Co-Chair Hanley OBJECTED. Amendment DOA-4 would add $310
thousand dollars for labor union contract negotiations.
Representative Grussendorf spoke in support of the
amendment.
Representative Davis stated that the department indicated
that the appropriation could be handled through a
reappropriation.
Representative Grussendorf stressed that the contract
negotiations have to take place.
ALISON ELGEE, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF
ADMINISTRATION explained that all of the state's labor
contracts have been put into a cyclical environment so that
they can all be negotiated at the same point in time. This
was done to allow staff to be reduced on an ongoing basis,
to the level necessary for contract administration. The
amendment would be used to hire temporary contractors or
employees to work on contract negotiations. The department
identified additional longevity bonus funding that would be
available to fund this item. It would require a
reappropriation and an extended lapse date. The funding is
still available.
Representative Grussendorf WITHDREW the amendment.
Representative Grussendorf MOVED to ADOPT Amendment DOA-5
(copy on file). Amendment DOA-5 would add $167.3 to the
Alaska Public Officers Commission. He observed that the
agency would incur more expenses in regards to upcoming
elections. He pointed out that it would be a one-time
increment.
Representative Davis 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).
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Co-Chair Hanley MOVED to ADOPT Amendment DOE-1 (copy on
file). Amendment DOE-1 adds $660,931.3 million dollars to
the K-12 Support BRU. It allows for enrollment increases in
the existing foundation formula. He observed that if SB 36
is passed that additional funding could be contained in a
fiscal note.
Representative Martin expressed concern that students are
being double counted. Co-Chair Hanley stressed that the
department would be requested to revise the numbers based on
actual enrollments.
There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Representative Kelly MOVED to ADOPT Amendment DOE-2A (copy
on file). Amendment DOE-2A would transfer $410 thousand
dollars from Tuition Students to Quality Schools. He
explained that the increase would fund contractual costs
association with mandated exit exams.
There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Representative Kohring MOVED to ADOPT Amendment DOE-3 (copy
on file). Co-Chair Hanley OBJECTED. Amendment DOE-3 would
add $500 thousand dollars to the Department of Education for
the Alyeska Central School and add legislative intent that
additional general fund support be used to augment funding
that the School receives through the Foundation Formula. He
maintained that savings in the Department of Commerce and
Economic Development and the Department of Environmental
Conservation could cover the appropriation. He stressed
that education is an essential main function of government.
Representative Kohring MOVED to reduce "$500" to "$300".
There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Representative Kelly spoke against the amendment. He
acknowledged that the Alyeska Central School does a good
job.
Representative Grussendorf spoke against the amendment. He
observed that augmenting leads to problems with the
foundation formula.
Representative Martin spoke in support of the amendment.
Representative Davies pointed out that the school is fully
funded.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Kohring, Martin
OPPOSED: Kelly, Moses, Davies, Davis, Grussendorf, Foster,
Hanley, Therriault
Representative Mulder was absent from the vote.
The MOTION FAILED (2-8).
Representative Kohring MOVED to ADOPT Amendment DOE-4 (copy
on file). Amendment DOE-4 would delete funding from the
Alaska State Council on the Arts. He maintained that the
arts are not an essential component of state government. He
asserted that the private sector could support art
expenditures.
Representative Kelly observed that the arts have been cut to
a level that only allows them to attract federal funds. Any
further reductions would result in the loss of federal
funds. He pointed out that the program has been cut by
millions of dollars.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Kohring
OPPOSED: Davies, Davis, Foster, Grussendorf, Kelly,
Kohring, Martin, Moses, Mulder, Therriault, Hanley
The MOTION FAILED (1-10).
Representative Grussendorf MOVED to ADOPT Amendment DOE-6
(copy on file). Representative Kelly OBJECTED. Amendment
DOE-6 would add $300 thousand dollars to Quality Schools.
Representative Grussendorf explained that the amendment
would allow for assistance to low-performing schools.
Representative Kelly observed that the exit exam was funded.
Representative Grussendorf questioned what good an exit exam
would bring if students were not brought up to a level that
they can pass.
Representative Kelly noted the level of existing state
support. He asked "when is enough, enough".
Representative Davies noted that his wife is a teacher in
Fairbanks. He observed frustrations by teachers that
students are not prepared due to family circumstances. He
stressed that teachers need to have the tools to identify
children that have deficiencies and provide extra help. He
noted that teachers spend a lot of their own time and money
to get materials ready for classes.
Representative Martin noted that schools receive money for
counselors and teaching aides. Representative Davies did
not recall aides in classrooms he had visited.
Representative Grussendorf pointed out that schools in
bilingual districts have more difficulty.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Moses, Davies, Grussendorf, Foster
OPPOSED: Martin, Mulder, Davis, Kelly, Kohring, Hanley,
Therriault
The MOTION FAILED (4-7).
Representative Grussendorf MOVED to ADOPT Amendment DOE-7
(copy on file). Representative Kelly OBJECTED. Amendment
DOE-7 would add $250 thousand dollars to Quality Schools for
statewide reading improvement. Representative Grussendorf
emphasized the importance of reading skills.
(Tape Change, HFC 98 -110, Side 1)
Representative Kelly spoke in opposition to 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 DOE-8
(copy on file). Amendment DOE-8 would restore funding for
preschool certification and on-site inspections.
Representative Kelly maintained that it is reasonable for
providers to pay for the cost of certification.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Davies, Grussendorf, Moses
OPPOSED: Davis, Foster, Kelly, Kohring, Martin, Mulder,
Hanley
Co-Chair Therriault was absent from the vote.
The MOTION FAILED (3-7).
Representative Grussendorf MOVED to ADOPT Amendment DOE-9
(copy on file). Amendment DOE-9 would change $121.3
thousand dollars in program receipts to statutory designated
program receipts.
Co-Chair Hanley clarified that the Legislative Finance
Division did not feel that the funds would fall under the
definition of statutory designated program receipts.
KAREN REHFELD, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION explained that the
department feels that the funds fit the definition of
statutory designated program receipts because of the
contractual relationship with subscribers to the Alaska
Career Information System. The Governor also asked for an
increment of $70 thousand dollars in non-general funds. The
current funding level does not support the cost of the
program. The Department of Education is dependent on the
Department of Labor for Alaska specific career information.
The Department of Labor does not have funding available for
the program.
Representative Kelly questioned if the program was
identified for phasing out. Mr. Rehfeld replied that there
is no target date to phase out the information system. The
Department of Education intends to make the information
available through a web site.
Representative Kelly stressed that the program was not given
a high priority from the Department of Education or the
Department of Labor.
Representative Davies emphasized that approximately 60,000 a
year use the program.
MIKE GREANY, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF LEGISLATIVE FINANCE
provided information on statutory designated program
receipts. He observed that there is a constitutional
prohibition on the dedication of funds. One of the
requirements for categorizing funds as statutory designated
program receipts is that there is a contract in place. In
addition, the contract must lead the department to produce
materials that would not otherwise be produced. He observed
that the department has prepared the materials.
Representative Martin spoke against the use of statutory
designated program receipts.
Ms. Rehfeld reiterated that the proposed level of funding is
not sufficient for the department to develop and offer the
Career Information System in the next fiscal year. She
stressed that the information will not be prepared without
additional funding.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Davies, Grussendorf, Moses
OPPOSED: Davis, Foster, Kelly, Kohring, Martin, Mulder,
Hanley
Co-Chair Therriault was absent from the vote.
The MOTION FAILED (3-7).
Representative Grussendorf MOVED to ADOPT Amendment DOE-10
(copy on file). Amendment DOE-10 would add $70 thousand
dollars in statutory designated program receipts to the
Alaska Career Information System (AKCIS). He spoke in
support of the amendment. He emphasized that the system is
used by schools of all levels as well as in adult education
programs.
Representative Davies MOVED to amend the amendment to delete
"general funds" and add statutory designated program
receipts. He spoke in support of the amendment to the
amendment. He noted that people are willing to pay to
support the program. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so
ordered.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion to adopt Amendment
DOE-10 as amended.
IN FAVOR: Davies, Grussendorf, Kohring, Moses
OPPOSED: Davis, Foster, Kelly, Martin, Mulder, Hanley
The MOTION FAILED (4-7).
Amendment DOE-11 was not offered.
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Representative Grussendorf MOVED to ADOPT Amendment PS-1
(copy on file). Representative Davis OBJECTED. Amendment
PS-1 would add $312 thousand dollars for Fish and Wildlife
Protection. Representative Grussendorf spoke in support of
the amendment.
Representative Davis noted that the amendment was a
requested increment.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Grussendorf, Kohring, Davies, Therriault
OPPOSED: Foster, Kelly, Mulder, Davis, Hanley
Representative Moses and Martin were absent from the vote.
The MOTION FAILED (4-5).
Representative Grussendorf MOVED to ADOPT Amendment PS-2
(copy on file). Representative Davis OBJECTED. Amendment
PS-2 would delete an unallocated reduction of $150 thousand
dollars for Fish and Wildlife Protection.
Representative Davis noted that the appropriation would not
fit under the department's cap.
Representative Grussendorf emphasized that the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service will be scrutinizing the state's
operations.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Grussendorf, Davies
OPPOSED: Davis, Foster, Kelly, Kohring, Martin, Mulder,
Therriault, Hanley
Representative Moses was absent from the vote.
The MOTION FAILED (2-8).
Representative Grussendorf MOVED to ADOPT Amendment PS-3
(copy on file). Representative Davis OBJECTED. Amendment
PS-3 would add $60.9 thousand dollars for Rural Trooper
Housing. Representative Grussendorf emphasized that the
lack of housing in Dutch Harbor would result in diminished
vessel inspection time.
Representative Davis noted that there is disagreement on the
use of statutory designated program receipts to fund this
appropriation. He maintained that housing would be provided
from another area in the budget.
KENNETH BISCHOFF, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION provided information
on the amendment. He clarified that employees would pay
rent if housing were provided in Dutch Harbor. He noted
that funding for housing would have to come from the
department's base budget. Crews will have to be flown to
and from the site if housing is not available.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Davies, Grussendorf, Foster
OPPOSED: Davis, Foster, Kelly, Kohring, Martin, Mulder,
Therriault, Hanley
Representative Moses was absent from the vote.
The MOTION FAILED (3-7).
Representative Grussendorf MOVED to ADOPT Amendment PS-4.
Amendment PS-4 would give the Department of Public Safety
authorization for $1,417 million dollars in interagency
receipts.
Co-Chair Therriault observed that the Alaska Court System
has indicated that they would take any extra money to first
fund Smart Start. Any remaining funding could be used to
fill their priorities. He emphasized that the authorization
level is beyond what they would receive.
There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Representative Grussendorf MOVED to ADOPT Amendment PS-5
(copy on file). Representative Davis OBJECTED. Amendment
PS-5 would add $691.3 thousand dollars to Alaska State
Troopers for eight existing but unfunded state trooper
recruits.
Representative Davis observed that the subcommittee added
$280 thousand dollars to fund 3 additional troopers.
Representative Kohring spoke in support of the amendment.
Co-Chair Therriault reiterated that funding was added for 3
troopers.
Representative Davies stressed that even if the amendment
were funded the department would be below the level of
trooper support that the state experienced 4 or 5 years ago.
He maintained that troopers have decreased as population has
increased. He maintained that public safety is a baseline
cost of government.
Representative Grussendorf spoke in support of the
amendment.
Representative Martin suggested that the Mat-Su valley may
consider providing their own police service.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Kohring, Davies, Grussendorf
OPPOSED: Davis, Foster, Kelly, Martin, Mulder, Therriault,
Hanley
Representative Moses was absent from the vote.
The MOTION FAILED (3-7).
Representative Grussendorf MOVED to ADOPT Amendment PS-6
(copy on file). Amendment PS-6 would add $428 thousand
dollars for the Village Public Safety program.
Representative Davis stated that the subcommittee felt that
turnover problems should be addressed before additional
positions are added. The Governor's request was fully
funded.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Davies, Grussendorf, Foster
OPPOSED: Davis, Kelly, Kohring, Martin, Mulder, Therriault,
Hanley
Representative Moses was absent from the vote.
The MOTION FAILED (3-7).
Representative Foster observed that VPSO officers are tired
of working for $11.24 dollars an hour. He stressed that an
increase in pay is needed in order to bring in new recruits.
Representative Davis MOVED to ADOPT Amendment PS-7 (copy on
file). Amendment PS-7 would retain funding for the Alaska
State Troopers Detachment in the Alaska State Troopers BRU.
The subcommittee had placed it into a separate BRU.
There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
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