Legislature(2003 - 2004)

04/03/2003 09:07 AM House FIN

Audio Topic
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
      HOUSE BILL NO. 75                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
     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. 76                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
     An Act making appropriations for the operating expenses                                                                    
     of the  state's integrated comprehensive mental  health                                                                    
     program; and providing for an effective date.                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
LOG SPEAKER                DISCUSSION                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
                           TAPE HFC 03 - 44, SIDE A                                                                        
000 Co-Chair Harris        Convened the House Finance statewide                                                                 
                           teleconference meeting at 9:27 A.M.                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                           JUNEAU                                                                                           
54    Martin Atrops,       Voiced support for the Mental Creek                                                                  
      Mental Creek         Correctional Center, Sex Offender                                                                    
     Correctional Center, Assessment and Treatment Program. He                                                                  
      Sex Offender         stressed that the program saves state                                                                
      Treatment Program    funding through early release and                                                                    
                           provides protection to the state.                                                                  
528 Calib Krepps,          Spoke in support of funding for K-12                                                                 
      Student, North Pole education programs.                                                                                 
712 Tony Mach, Student, Spoke in support of funding for K-12                                                                    
      Kake                 education programs. He noted that music                                                              
                           and other programs have been cut.                                                                  
827 Britni Swindler,       Voiced support for education funding and                                                             
      North Pole           extra curricular activities.                                                                       
940 Chelsey Rand,          Spoke in support of funding for K-12                                                                 
      Student, North Pole education programs.                                                                                 
1140 Co-Chair Harris       Expressed his gratitude to the students                                                              
                           that testified before the Committee.                                                               
1213 Doug Veit, Rural      Voiced support for treatment programs for                                                            
     Mental Health        chronic mental illness. Testified in                                                                  
      Association of       support of funding for alcohol treatment                                                             
      Alaska               programs.                                                                                          
1502 Deborah Marshall,     Spoke in support of continued state                                                                  
      Juneau               funding for the Alaska Science and                                                                   
                           Technology Foundation. She emphasized the                                                            
                           economic benefits from the Endowment.                                                              
1712 Nicholas Grasskurth Testified in support of Independent                                                                    
                           Living Grants. He spoke about his                                                                    
                           personal experiences in the program.                                                               
1953 Paul Douglas, Juneau Testified in support of full funding for                                                              
                           Independent Living Grants.                                                                         
2338 Co-Chair Harris       Observed that the Committee continues to                                                             
                           deliberate on the Independent Living                                                               
                            Grants component.                                                                                 
 2411 David Arnsdorf,       Spoke in support of continued state                                                                 
     President, Alaska     funding for the Alaska Science and                                                                   
      Manufacturers'        Technology Foundation.                                                                            
      Association                                                                                                               
 2659 Sandra LeClair,       Voiced support for the Human Services                                                               
      Abused Women's Aid    Matching Grants.                                                                                  
      in Crisis, Juneau                                                                                                         
 2822 Christina O'Dell,     Voiced support for full funding for the                                                             
      Alaska Women's        Human Services Matching Grants.                                                                   
      Resource Center,                                                                                                          
      Juneau                                                                                                                    
 3014 Earl Clark,           Testified in support of Independent                                                                 
      Southeast Alaska      Living Grants and the SAIL program. He                                                              
      Independent Living, noted his personal experiences with the                                                               
      (SAIL) Juneau         services.                                                                                         
 3838 Rosalee Walker,       Testified in support of continued funding                                                           
      Older Persons Action for the Longevity Bonus Program. She                                                                 
     Group and American    provided the Committee with written                                                                  
      Association of        testimony (copy on file).                                                                         
      Retired Persons                                                                                                           
 4128 Mary Francis,         Spoke in support of funding for education                                                           
      Executive Director, programs. Testified in support of full                                                                
      Alaska Council of     funding for pupil transportation, debt                                                              
     School                retirement and learning disability                                                                   
     Administrators,       grants. She warned that many school                                                                  
     Juneau                districts are laying teachers off.                                                                 
 4644 Jennifer Loesch,      Spoke in support of the Governor's                                                                  
      Student, University increments for the University.                                                                      
      of Alaska Southeast,                                                                                                      
      Juneau                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                            TAPE HFC 03 - 44, Side B                                                                        
 4452 Sean Smith, Student, Spoke in support of the Governor's                                                                   
      University of Alaska increments for the University.                                                                     
      Southeast, Juneau                                                                                                         
 4415 Mark Graves,          Spoke in support of full funding for the                                                            
      Student, University University. He noted that enrollments are                                                             
      of Alaska Southeast, up and programs have been added to                                                                   
      Juneau                respond to Alaska's needs. He stressed                                                              
                            that it is a critical time in the roll                                                              
                            that the University will play in the                                                                
                            student's life.                                                                                   
 4124 Eric Morrison, Mark Spoke in support of the Governor's                                                                    
      Graves, Student,      increments for the University and                                                                   
      University of Alaska stressed the opportunities available                                                                 
      Southeast, Juneau     through the university education.                                                                 
 3745 John Hargesheimeir, Voiced support for the Alaska Science and                                                             
      Vice Chair, Alaska    Technology Fund.                                                                                  
      Science and                                                                                                               
      Technology                                                                                                                
      Foundation                                                                                                                
3552 Tracy Barbee, Juneau Voiced support for greater funding for                                                                
                           mental health and community based                                                                    
                           services.  She warned that without                                                                   
                           inclusion of these items in the budget,                                                              
                           there will be statewide crisis.                                                                    
3326 Jonalyn Najera,       Voiced support for greater funding for                                                               
      Juneau               mental health and community based                                                                    
                           services.  She reiterated the importance                                                             
                           of the SEAL grants for that portion of                                                               
                           the State's population and urged further                                                             
                           support for all mental health services.                                                            
3127 Representative Croft  Requested clarification regarding the                                                                
                           SEAL grants.                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
3007 Ms. Barbee            Explained that they act as a support,                                                                
                           education and advocacy for the person and                                                            
                           their family.  SEAL is an advocacy                                                                   
                           program for other family members with                                                                
                           mental health issues.                                                                              
2937 Daniel Peterson,      Voiced support for greater funding for                                                               
      Juneau Board of      education in the school districts and                                                                
      Education, Juneau    transportation funding.  He added his                                                                
                           support for a 10% bond debt                                                                          
                          reimbursement.                                                                                      
2716 Chadley McVeigh,      Noted that he was advocating for                                                                     
      Bridges Campaign,    community based health care.  He                                                                     
      Juneau               referenced his personal challenges                                                                   
                           regarding his own mental illness.  Mental                                                            
                           health community grants help people with                                                             
                           these disabilities to live near their                                                                
                           family.  He added that the management of                                                             
                           treatment is essential.                                                                            
2433 Rodger Painter,       Voiced support for Alaska Science and                                                                
      Alaska Shell Fish    Technology Foundation, which has helped                                                              
      Growers, Juneau      the Alaska Shell Fish Growers throughout                                                             
                           the State of Alaska.                                                                               
2249 Caren Smolin,         Voiced support for further funding for                                                               
      President, Alaska    Adult Education programs throughout the                                                              
      Adult Education      State and the General Education Diploma                                                              
      Program, Juneau      (GED) program.  The reductions will have                                                             
                           a direct effect on services available.                                                               
                           She encouraged reconsideration of these                                                              
                           funding cuts.                                                                                      
2026 Sandra Tagaban,       Testified in opposition to funding cuts                                                              
      Adult Education,     to Adult Education.                                                                                
      Juneau                                                                                                                    
1731 McKai Campbell,       Spoke in support of the Alaska Science                                                               
      Juneau               and Technology Foundation.  He commended                                                             
                           the work being done in technical                                                                     
                           research, provides support for the mining                                                            
                           industry. He credited ASTF funding and                                                               
                           research for valuable assistance                                                                   
                            statewide.                                                                                        
 1338 Jennifer Walker,      Testified in opposition to cuts in Adult                                                            
      Juneau                Education.                                                                                        
 1151 Genia Garcia, Juneau Testified in opposition to cuts in Adult                                                             
                            Education.                                                                                        
 1030 Tim Morgan, Bus       Testified in opposition to cuts in                                                                  
      Driver, Anchorage     Education, specifically transportation                                                              
      School District       cuts.  He maintained that safe                                                                      
                            transportation was essential to all                                                                 
                            children's well being.                                                                            
 0816 Zak Young, Student, Testified in opposition to cuts in                                                                    
      Eagle River           Education and student transportation.                                                               
                                                                                                                              
 0435 Paula Arts, Bus       Testified in support of full funding for                                                            
     Driver, Anchorage     pupil transportation.  She reminded                                                                  
      School District       members of the Governor's commitment to                                                             
                            full funding for Education.                                                                       
 0229 Joe Coutrel,          Testified in support of full funding for                                                            
      Student, Anchorage    pupil transportation.  He suggested that                                                            
                            cuts in this essential area would                                                                   
                            ultimately impact classroom services.                                                               
                                                                                                                              
 0058 Dave Jones, Director Spoke in support of funding for K-12                                                                 
      of Finance, Kodiak    education programs.  He emphasized that                                                             
      Island Borough        funding was needed to address fixed cost                                                            
      School District,      increases such as property insurance and                                                            
      Kodiak                fuel.  He emphasized that his district                                                              
                            had a $1.4 million deficit, and that he                                                             
                            as a parent was willing to pay for                                                                  
                            education costs through an income tax.                                                            
                                                                                                                                
                             TAPE HFC 03 - 45, Side A                                                                      
 0442 Suzanne Price,        Testified in support of full funding for                                                            
      Executive Director, Mental Health Services.  She noted the                                                                
      Fairbanks Community success of replacing some granting                                                                    
      Mental Health Center programs with Medicaid funding.  Ms.                                                                 
                            Price emphasized the huge burden of                                                                 
                            regulatory mechanisms and suggested                                                                 
                            greater efficiencies.                                                                             
 0917 Eleanor Rose Oyagak, Testified in support of continued funding                                                            
      National Alliance     for the Longevity Bonus Program.                                                                    
      for the Mentally Ill Recounted family history, respect and                                                                
      (NAMI), Barrow        need. She spoke in support of funding for                                                           
                            Mental Health Services.                                                                           
 1422 Edward Hotch,         Spoke in support of the Governor's                                                                  
      Student, University increments for the University.  He noted                                                              
      of Alaska, Klukwan    the University's ten percent increase in                                                            
                            tuition as a means of meeting budget.                                                             
 1642 Peggy Cowan,          Spoke in support of funding for K-12                                                                
      Superintendent of     education programs.  She stated that                                                                
      Schools, Juneau       funding cuts would result in program                                                                
      School District       reductions, such as support for homeless                                                            
                            and disabled students.  She noted the                                                             
                           need for school debt reimbursement as                                                                
                           well as municipal revenue sharing.                                                                 
2050 Douglas Moore,        Spoke in support of funding for the                                                                  
      Bridges and NAMI,    National Alliance for the Mentally Ill                                                               
      Wasilla              (NAMI) and funding for the SAIL grants.                                                            
2340 Carl Royborn, Case    Spoke in support of full funding for                                                                 
      Manager, Fairbanks   Community Based Support programs, such as                                                            
      Community Mental     the Bridge Program.  She maintained that                                                             
      Health               these programs are an investment in the                                                              
                           community.                                                                                         
2634 William Toyer,        Spoke in support of full funding for                                                                 
      Anchorage School     Education and student transportation.                                                                
      District             Maintained that the service contributes                                                              
                           to pupil safety and family cohesion.                                                               
2843 Derek Fyten,          Testified in support of full funding for                                                             
      Fairbanks Community Mental Health services, such as the                                                                   
      Mental Center        Bridge Program.                                                                                    
3030                                                                                                                            
                           MATSU, DELTA JUNCTION, TOK, GLENNALLEN                                                           
3150 Noel Arakelian,       Voiced support for further funding for                                                               
      Access Alaska, Mat-independent living centers throughout the                                                              
      Su                   State (SAIL).                                                                                      
3439 Bob Doyle, Chief      Voiced support to the Committee for                                                                  
      School               restoration funding for pupil                                                                        
      Administrator,       transportation.  He noted that the school                                                            
      Matanuska School     board is attempting to help reduce the                                                               
      District, Mat-Su     costs but noted that they continue to                                                                
                           need 100% reimbursement for costs.  He                                                               
                           noted opposition of the area wide cost                                                               
                           differential.                                                                                      
3639 Co-Chair Harris       Voiced appreciation for the comments of                                                              
                           Mr. Doyle.                                                                                         
3654 Mike Chmiclewski,     Commented on the purpose of education in                                                             
      President, Mat-Su    the State of Alaska.  The interest is to                                                             
      School District      provide an educational system that meets                                                             
                           the needs of the students.  He indicated                                                             
                           the district is lean in their operations.                                                          
3850 Dan Beck, School      Voiced concern about reducing any funding                                                            
      District             for schools.  He spoke to the 'everyday'                                                             
      Superintendent,      costs of doing business for the school                                                               
      Delta-Greeley School districts.  Flat funding will create a                                                               
      District, Delta      'dangerous' gap for the school districts.                                                            
      Junction             He noted that they could not survive any                                                             
                           more under funding cuts.                                                                           
4052 Kevin Curtis, Self, Testified in opposition to cuts to the                                                                 
      Mat-Su               Alaska Science and Technology Foundation.                                                            
                           Mr. Curtis added his continued support                                                               
                           for the forest products industry.  He                                                                
                           urged funding initiatives that all                                                                   
                           Alaskans participate in.                                                                           
4351 Linda Minard, Self, Spoke in support of funding for K-12                                                                   
      Mat-Su               education programs and noted requests for                                                            
                           full funding for pupil transportation.                                                             
 4525 Jeff Lansing, School Spoke in continued funding support for                                                               
      Counselor, Copper     school counseling issues very prevalent                                                             
     River School          and present within statewide school                                                                  
      District, Glennallen districts.  He noted that many children                                                              
                            are at risk from problems related to                                                                
                            fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
                            TAPE HFC 03 - 45, Side B                                                                        
 4634 Mr. Lansing           Urged that the Legislature look more                                                                
                            closely at mental health services and                                                               
                            professional counseling issues.                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
 4457 Debra Dickey, Self, Voiced support for further funding for                                                                
      Mat-Su                the University.  She urged that                                                                     
                            accreditation concerns be addressed.                                                              
 4245 Co-Chair Harris       Stated that testimony would be closed in                                                            
                            the areas of Mat-Su, Delta Junction, Tok,                                                           
                            and Glennallen.                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
                            Lunch break 11:55 A.M.                                                                            
                            Reconvened:   1:35 P.M.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
                            KODIAK, BETHEL, KOTZEBUE, BARROW                                                                
 4207 Co-Chair Harris       Indicated that testimony would now be                                                               
                            taken from Kodiak, Bethel, Kotzebue and                                                             
                            Barrow.                                                                                           
 4132 Don Roberts, Kodiak Testified in support of full funding for                                                              
                            Independent Living Grants.                                                                        
 3933 Pat Carlson,          Testified in opposition to cuts for                                                                 
      Manager, Kodiak       municipal revenue sharing.  He expressed                                                            
      Island Borough        concern for how that will impact the                                                                
                            small villages.  He requested better                                                                
                            communication between local and state                                                               
                            government.                                                                                       
 3718 Dianne Shaeffer,      Testified in support of continued funding                                                           
      Kotzebue              for the Longevity Bonus Program.  She                                                               
                            also testified in support for full                                                                  
                            funding for Adult Education.                                                                      
 3530 Valerie Romane,       Testified in support of continued funding                                                           
      Kotzebue              for the Longevity Bonus Program.                                                                  
 3417 Hannah Loon,          Testified in support of continued funding                                                           
      Kotzebue              for the Longevity Bonus Program.  She                                                               
                            noted that the funding provides for basic                                                           
                            needs for the elders in her community                                                               
                            especially during the colder months of                                                              
                            the year.  She also testified in                                                                    
                            opposition to cuts in the Department of                                                             
                            Labor and Workforce Development to the                                                              
                            Adult Education and all education cuts.                                                           
 3204 George Olemaun,       Testified in opposition to cuts in                                                                  
      Barrow                municipal revenue sharing.  Also                                                                    
                            testified in support of continued funding                                                           
                            for the Longevity Bonus Program.                                                                  
 3102 Jim Vorderstrasse,    Testified in opposition to reducing                                                                 
      Barrow                funding for road enhancement and revenue                                                          
      Barrow               funding for road enhancement and revenue                                                             
                           sharing.                                                                                           
2943 Phil Gutleben,        Spoke in support of funding for K-12                                                                 
      Bethel               education programs.  He noted that flat                                                              
                           funding is not and will not be effective.                                                          
2656 Joanna Williams,      Testified in opposition to reducing                                                                  
      Bethel Community     services for children and adults with                                                                
      Services, Bethel     disabilities.                                                                                      
2456 Walter Sampson,       Testified regarding the effects on rural                                                             
      Kotzebue             communities of budget reductions.  He                                                                
                           noted the high cost of heating fuel and                                                              
                           gasoline in some areas.  He testified in                                                             
                           support of the PCE program and discussed                                                             
                           its' great value to rural Alaskan                                                                    
                           residents.                                                                                         
2212 Lincoln Saito,        Spoke in support of the Governor's                                                                   
      Chukchi, Kotzebue    increments for the University.  He                                                                   
                           discussed the benefits of the rural                                                                  
                           service program provided by the                                                                      
                           University, and he particularly commended                                                            
                           the Tech Support Center.                                                                           
2014 Roger Wright, Jr.,    Testified in support of Independent                                                                  
      Kotzebue             Living Grants.  He noted that cuts in                                                                
                           that program would close access to                                                                   
                           services for many rural Alaskans.                                                                  
1837 Annette Richards,     Testified in opposition to cuts in                                                                   
      Kotzebue             Maniilaq and programs that serve                                                                     
                           individuals with disabilities.  She                                                                  
                           mentioned that she was a mother of a                                                                 
                           child with disabilities.                                                                           
1627 Mark Buckley, Kodiak Spoke in support of continued state                                                                   
                           funding for the Alaska Science and                                                                   
                           Technology Foundation.  He pointed out                                                               
                           that the foundation has earned $125                                                                  
                           million dollars over fourteen years.  He                                                             
                           commended ASTF on its assistance for the                                                             
                           seafood industry as well as non-profit                                                               
                          organizations.                                                                                      
1417 Betty Walters,        Spoke in support of funding for K-12                                                                 
      Kodiak Island School education programs.  Ms. Walters                                                                     
      Superintendent       testified in support of full funding for                                                             
                           pupil transportation.  She noted the                                                                 
                           impact of cuts in revenue sharing on the                                                             
                           borough's ability to pay for education                                                               
                           costs.                                                                                             
1222 Larry LeDoux,         Spoke in support of continued state                                                                  
      Administrator,       funding for the Alaska Science and                                                                   
      Kodiak Island School Technology Foundation and the impact it                                                              
      District, Kodiak     has on the quality of education making                                                               
                           technology available.                                                                              
0952 Nancy Kemp,           Testified in support of continued funding                                                            
      Executive Director, for the Community Schools Program.  She                                                               
      Kodiak Arts Council noted that the $10 thousand dollars                                                                 
                            funding made available to the schools for                                                           
                            the arts.                                                                                         
 0901 Betty Odell, Kodiak Noted that she would send in her written                                                              
                            testimony.                                                                                        
 0837 Mike Milligan,        Testified in support of enhanced revenue                                                            
     Kodiak                production for the state, including                                                                  
                            increased taxation.                                                                               
 0610 Jerry Babbitt,        Spoke in support of continued state                                                                 
     Kodiak                funding for the Alaska Science and                                                                   
                            Technology Foundation, referencing the                                                              
                            benefit to the seafood industry.                                                                  
 0232 Patricia Gibbs,       Spoke in support of funding for K-12                                                                
     Kodiak                education programs.  She encouraged                                                                  
                            funding of not only the foundation levels                                                           
                            but other programs, such as debt                                                                    
                            reimbursement.  She requested increases                                                             
                            to the foundation formula.                                                                        
 0123 Co-Chair Harris       Stated that testimony had concluded in                                                              
                            Kodiak, Bethel, Kotzebue and Barrow.  The                                                           
                            Committee recessed at 2:20 p.m.                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
                            RECESS:         2:20 P.M.                                                                         
                            RECONVENE:      2:45 P.M.                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
                            OFFNETS                                                                                         
 111 Carla Sheive,          Spoke in support of funding for education                                                           
      Superintendent        programs. She emphasized the need to fund                                                           
      Yakutat School        for inflation.                                                                                    
      District                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                            TAPE HFC 03 - 46, Side A                                                                        
 215 Frank Kelty, Dutch     Voiced support for public safety                                                                    
      Harbor                programs. He emphasized the importance of                                                           
                            the fishing industry to that area of the                                                            
                            State.                                                                                            
 530 John Napoka,           Voiced support for water conservation. He                                                           
      Tuluksak              pointed out that new roads are needed in                                                            
                            that area.                                                                                        
 851 Jerri Nagaruk, Elim Spoke in support of the Governor's                                                                     
                            increments for the University. Spoke in                                                             
                            support of funding for education                                                                    
                            programs.                                                                                         
 1337 Tim Bourcy, Mayor,    Spoke in support of funding for education                                                           
      Skaqway               programs. Voiced support for funding to                                                             
                            support the tourism industry and                                                                    
                            expressed concern with proposed taxes                                                               
                            that would affect the tourism industry.                                                           
 1539 Chris, Haldick,       Voiced support for funding to support                                                               
      Unalaska              fisheries.                                                                                        
 1743 Ken Langton, School Voiced support for the restoration of                                                                 
      Superintendent,       learning grants and pupil transportation.                                                           
      Aniak                 He pointed out that the proposed full                                                               
                            funding is actually flat funding, since                                                             
                            inflation has not been included into the                                                            
                            foundation formula.                                                                               
2118 Paula Williams,       Spoke in support of continued funding for                                                            
      Mount Susitna        the Alyeska Correspondence School.                                                                 
2350 Arthur Heckman,       Voiced support for funding to support                                                                
      Pilot Station        rural communities and programs such as                                                               
                           the village public safety officers.                                                                
2706 Linda Voorhees,       Spoke in support of funding for K-12                                                                 
      Prince of Wales      education programs.  She reminded                                                                    
                           legislators of the remote populations                                                                
                           that do not have access to traditional                                                               
                           schools.  She stressed that Alyeska                                                                  
                           Central School provided services                                                                     
                           unavailable anywhere else in the state,                                                              
                           and urged full funding of the program.                                                             
2900 Co-Chair Harris       Asked if any other schools could provide                                                             
                           those services.  Ms. Voorhees responded                                                              
                           that no one else could offer them.                                                                 
3042 Ed Lynch, Palmer      Testified in support of continued funding                                                            
     Pioneer Home         for the Longevity Bonus Program.  He                                                                  
                           recounted his long history in the state                                                              
                           of Alaska.  He emphasized that the money                                                             
                           was needed to meet his living expenses.                                                            
3314 Connie Newman,        Spoke in support of funding for K-12                                                                 
      Chatham School       education programs.  She discussed severe                                                            
      District, Angoon     personnel losses already experienced in                                                              
                           her school district and subsequent loss                                                              
                           of service.  She supports funding for                                                                
                           Alaska Teacher Placement services, as                                                                
                           well as special education services, and                                                              
                           updated textbooks.                                                                                 
3718 Thane Humphrey,       Spoke in support of continued state                                                                  
      Wasilla              funding for the Alaska Science and                                                                   
                           Technology Foundation.  He noted the                                                                 
                           great number of jobs created by the                                                                  
                           Foundation and its enhancement of the                                                                
                           State's natural resources.                                                                         
4026 Co-Chair Harris       Clarified a statement made by Mr.                                                                    
                           Humphrey indicating that the Governor had                                                            
                           promised not to cut ASTF.                                                                          
4114 Co-Chair Harris       Stated that the Committee would recess                                                               
                           from 3:40 until 4:00 p.m.                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
                           RECESS:      3:40 P.M.                                                                             
                           RECONVENE:   4:05 P.M.                                                                           
4116 Pam Fitch, Mayor,     Testified in support of keeping the                                                                  
      Unalaska             Control Vessel Simpson in their community                                                            
                           and also noted their fisheries and search                                                            
                           and rescue service need enhanced funding.                                                          
4451 Rick Kniaziowski,     Spoke in support of funding for K-12                                                                 
      School Board,        education programs.  He referenced the                                                               
      Unalaska             financial needs of federal mandates and                                                              
                           standardized testing.  He encouraged an                                                              
                           increase in foundation funding.  He noted                                                            
                           support for a statewide income tax.                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                            TAPE HFC 03 - 46, Side B                                                                        
 4706 June Haas, Haines     Testified in support of continued funding                                                           
                            for the Longevity Bonus Program.  She                                                               
                            noted that seniors use the bonus to pay                                                             
                            for needed utilities.  She proposed to                                                              
                            cap the Permanent Fund dividend at                                                                  
                            $1,000.                                                                                           
 4351 Representative Joule Noted that written testimony had also                                                                
                            been provided from some citizens in                                                                 
                            Kotzebue.                                                                                         
 4152 Ayaire Voorhees,      Spoke in support of continued funding for                                                           
      Alyeska Central       the Alyeska Correspondence School.  She                                                             
      School Student,       contended that cutting the program would                                                            
      Prince of Wales       increase costs rather than save funding.                                                            
                            She noted that ACS provided unique                                                                  
                            services not offered elsewhere in the                                                               
                            state.                                                                                            
 3852 Kenneth Eggleston,    Spoke in support of funding for K-12                                                                
      Nenana City Schools, education programs.  He noted that                                                                   
      Nenana                increased costs had caused a drop in                                                                
                            student enrollment and a loss of teaching                                                           
                            personnel as well as program elimination.                                                           
                            He also spoke in opposition to cuts in                                                              
                            municipal revenue sharing as well as cuts                                                           
                            in debt reimbursement.                                                                            
 3348 Dorothy Hill, Palmer Testified in support of continued funding                                                            
      Pioneer Home          for the Longevity Bonus Program.  She                                                               
                            noted that seniors need the bonus to pay                                                            
                            basic needs like rent, personal care and                                                            
                            medical expenses.  She stated that                                                                  
                            seniors were not eligible for Medicaid.                                                           
 2950 Co-Chair Harris       Indicated that the Committee would recess                                                           
                           until 5 P.M.                                                                                       
      Co-Chair Harris       Concluded off net testimony.  Stated that                                                           
                            the Committee would remain in recess                                                                
                            until 6:30 P.M.                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
                            Recess:        4:55 P.M.                                                                          
                            Reconvene:     6:35 P.M.                                                                        
 2832                                                                                                                           
                            Valdez, Ketchikan, Nome                                                                         
 2800 Graham Storey, Nome Voiced support for the University and                                                               
      Chamber of Commerce, that support system.  He stressed that it                                                            
      Nome                  is an important outreach service and                                                                
                            connects rural Alaska with the rest of                                                              
                            the State.                                                                                        
 2539 Karen Polley,         Spoke in support of funding for K-12                                                                
     Ketchikan             education programs.  Ketchikan has                                                                   
                            dramatic need for nurses, teachers,                                                                 
                            technicians and managers.  She voiced                                                               
                            support for full funding for the                                                                    
                            University system, urging full funding                                                              
                            support for all statewide education                                                                 
                            systems.                                                                                          
2209 Doug Decorcie,        Voiced support for the University budget                                                             
     Valdez               and the K-12 educational system.  He                                                                  
                           urged full support for all education                                                                 
                           systems throughout the State.                                                                      
2107 Dorothy Moore,        Spoke in support of funding for K-12                                                                 
      Valdez               education programs and full funding for                                                              
                           the University request.                                                                            
1938 Steve Cathers,        Spoke in support of funding for K-12                                                                 
      Superintendent of    education programs. He emphasized that                                                               
     Schools, Valdez      education in Alaska had already been                                                                  
                           trimmed to the bone.  He requested that                                                              
                           all cuts to education be restored.  He                                                               
                           maintained that every dollar cut in                                                                  
                           education equals money taken from each                                                               
                           child in the system.  Economic growth                                                                
                           requires strong educations skills; he                                                                
                           noted that economic growth was the key to                                                            
                           the Republican platform.  Mr. Cathers                                                                
                           urged the Committee to please keep the                                                               
                           campaign promises.                                                                                 
1625 Harry Martin,         Spoke in support of funding for K-12                                                                 
      Superintendent,      education programs and the University.                                                               
      Ketchikan Gateway    He added support for full funding for                                                                
      School District,     student transportation.  He addressed the                                                            
      Ketchikan            high school qualification tests.                                                                   
1433 Mike Harpold,         Spoke in support of funding for K-12                                                                 
      Ketchikan Chair      education programs.  Spoke in support of                                                             
      Advisory Committee   the Governor's increments for the                                                                    
      for the University, University.                                                                                         
      Ketchikan                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
1030 Michael Naab,         Stressed the importance for fully funding                                                            
      Ketchikan            both the University and K-12.  He warned                                                             
                           about the indications of 'trading off'                                                               
                           funding for one of those entities for the                                                            
                           other.  Additionally, he addressed                                                                   
                           funding cuts occurring to the State                                                                  
                           museums and State libraries.  He claimed                                                             
                           that cuts would cut back public access to                                                            
                           museums, libraries and archives.                                                                   
750 Forrest Dobson,        Commented on the tuition increase to the                                                             
      Valdez               students at the University of Alaska.  He                                                            
                           urged full funding for the University.                                                             
651 Amber Clark, Valdez Spoke in support of the Governor's                                                                      
                           increments for the University.                                                                     
558 Regina Chappell,       Spoke in support of the Governor's                                                                   
      Valdez               increments for the University and K-12                                                               
                           education concerns.                                                                                
518 Nancy Mendenhall,      Spoke in support of the Governor's                                                                   
      Former Educator,     increments for the University.  Spoke in                                                             
      Nome                 support of funding for K-12 education                                                                
                           programs.                                                                                          
346 Stan Lujan,            Spoke in support of funding for K-12                                                                 
      Superintendent       education programs and University full                                                             
      Superintendent        education programs and University full                                                              
      Public Schools, Nome funding.                                                                                           
 117 Jack Shay, Alaska      Requested greater support for local                                                                 
      Municipal League,     governments and revenue municipal                                                                   
      Ketchikan Gateway     sharing.                                                                                          
      Borough, Ketchikan                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
                            TAPE HFC 03 - 47, Side A                                                                        
 51   Mr. Shay              Voiced support for an increase to gas                                                               
                            tax.                                                                                              
 116 Ebony Blas, Student, Spoke in support of funding for K-12                                                                  
      Valdez                education programs.                                                                               
 213 Michael Holcombe,      Spoke in support of funding for K-12                                                                
      Valdez                education programs.                                                                               
 419 Sharon Sherk,          Spoke in support of the Governor's                                                                  
      Northwest Campus,     increments for the University. She urged                                                            
      Nome                  continued computer technology services                                                              
                            for the rural communities.                                                                        
 526 Phillip Penetac,       Spoke in support of the Governor's                                                                  
      Self, Student, Nome increments for the University.  He                                                                    
                            stressed how essential education is for                                                             
                            the people that want alternatives to                                                                
                            alcohol that live in the village areas.                                                           
 826                                                                                                                            
                            At Ease:      7:13 P.M.                                                                           
                            Reconvened:   7:28 P.M.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
                            KENAI, DILLINGHAM, SEWARD, CORDOVA                                                             
 042 Rose Mary Reeder,      Spoke in support of funding for K-12                                                                
      Kenai                 education programs.  Testified in support                                                           
                            of continued funding for the Community                                                              
                            Schools Program.                                                                                  
 218 Dr. Donna Peterson, Spoke in support of funding for education                                                              
      Superintendent,       programs. She pointed out that Kenai has                                                            
      Kenai Peninsula       reached its cap in local contribution.                                                            
      Borough School                                                                                                            
      District                                                                                                                  
 501 Margaret Gilman,       Spoke in support of funding for K-12                                                                
      Kenai Peninsula       education programs.                                                                               
      Borough School                                                                                                            
      District                                                                                                                  
 616 John Pothast,          Spoke in support of funding education                                                               
      Principle, Soldotna programs. He pointed out that his high                                                                
      High School, Kenai    school has lost a number of teachers due                                                            
      Peninsula Borough     to a lack of funding.                                                                             
      School District                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
 838 Megan O'Neill, PTA, Spoke in support of funding for K-12                                                                   
      Mountain         View education programs. She pointed out that                                                            
      Elementary    School, there is a direct correlation between the                                                           
      Kenai                 teacher/pupil ratio and the success of                                                              
                           the student.                                                                                       
 1015 Wayne Young,          Spoke in support of funding for K-12                                                                
      Principle, Spring     education programs. He noted that he was                                                            
      Creek High School,    facing a 50 percent cut in certificated                                                           
      Seward               staff for the upcoming year.                                                                       
1112 Candy Norman, Seward Testified in support of Independent                                                                   
                           Living Grants. She shared her personal                                                               
                           experiences with these services.                                                                   
1256 Kris Harris, Seward Testified in support of Independent                                                                    
                          Living Grants.                                                                                      
1459 Jon Agosti, Seward    Spoke in support of continued state                                                                  
                           funding for the Alaska Science and                                                                   
                           Technology Foundation.                                                                             
1824 Don Ford, Dillingham Testified in support of full funding for                                                              
                           pupil transportation and educational                                                                 
                           programs. Testified in support of                                                                    
                           Independent Living Grants.                                                                         
2328 John Wensley, Kenai Testified in opposition to reductions in                                                               
                           education.                                                                                         
2641 Dave Knudsen, Kenai Spoke in support of funding for education                                                              
                           programs.                                                                                          
2601 Joel Ribbens,         Spoke in support of funding for K-12                                                                 
      Student, Kenai       education programs.                                                                                
2920 Ginny Espenshade,     Spoke in support of funding for K-12                                                                 
      Kenai                education programs. She stressed that the                                                            
                           quality of education is being degraded.                                                            
3207 Dr. Peterson          In response to a question by Co-Chair                                                                
                           Harris, she advised that language is not                                                             
                           part of the required curriculum. She                                                                 
                           explained that the districts were lucky                                                              
                           to be able to offer one language and that                                                            
                           each school district had to choose which                                                             
                           one to offer.                                                                                      
3323 Nora Ribbens, Kenai voiced support of fully funding for K-12                                                               
                           education programs.                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                           ADJOURNMENT                                                                                      
                           The meeting was adjourned at 8:06 P.M.                                                             

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