Legislature(2011 - 2012)HOUSE FINANCE 519
03/06/2012 01:30 PM House FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB284 || HB285 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 284 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 285 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HOUSE BILL NO. 284
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and
loan program expenses of state government and for
certain programs, capitalizing funds, amending
appropriations, and making reappropriations; and
providing for an effective date."
HOUSE BILL NO. 285
"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."
1:36:47 PM
JUNEAU
LUKE DIHLE, PARENT, JUNEAU, spoke in support of education
funding. He stressed that an investment in education was an
investment in Alaska's future. He discussed the importance
of low teacher-student ratios.
1:39:02 PM
PATRICIA DIHLE, TEACHER, JUNEAU, urged support for
education funding. She felt that arts and low teacher-
student ratios were important. She was one of two co-
teachers, which worked very well and helped students to
flourish. She was worried that some districts were
considering cutting nurses, and special programs. She
stressed the importance of an increase to the current
education increment in order to keep important employees in
schools.
1:40:53 PM
CLARA AMIDON, TEACHER, ALASKA NATIVE CULTURAL CHARTER
SCHOOL, ANCHORAGE, vocalized support for education funding.
She currently taught a classroom of 28 elementary students;
other elementary school teachers would reach the same
classroom size if education funding was frozen for another
year. She expressed that the current year had been the most
difficult year so far; meeting the needs of all 28 children
had been the most challenging aspect of her school year.
She urged a K-12 funding increase.
1:42:20 PM
LISA PARADY, ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT, NORTH SLOPE BOROUGH
SCHOOL DISTRICT, NORTH SLOPE, spoke in strong support of
increased funding for the Base Student Allocation (BSA).
She stressed that it was vital to keep the foundation
current and to prevent erosion from inflation. It took
resources to deliver content to Alaska's students. The
North Slope district was facing budget pressures annually
and had been forced to make deep cuts. Pressures felt were
in health care, energy, utilities, fuel, logistics, food,
and other. There was currently a $3 million shortfall from
service levels. The governor's proposed BSA increase of
$125 million would result in approximately $600,000 in
funding to the North Slope School District; it did not meet
the district's need, but would help it to close the gap.
She voiced support for the Alaska Learning Network. The
network operated as the great equalizer across the state
and used technology to make education more accessible. The
network supported consistency from year to year. She
explained that meeting the Alaska Performance Scholarship
required courses that were not always accessible in rural
schools; the network helped students to have access to the
required classes.
1:47:00 PM
KEVIN BARNETT, TEACHER, LEWIS ANGAPAK MEMORIAL SCHOOL,
TUNTUTULIAK, spoke in favor of a K-12 education funding
increase. He opined that passing a budget reflecting a
decrease in the BSA for FY 13 was irresponsible. Costs
continued to increase dramatically for rural schools in
areas such as heating and computer supplies. The challenges
of providing a quality education in villages did not need
to be further heightened by failing to provide schools with
the necessary resources. Denying students opportunities
because resources were consumed paying the school bills
restricted students from essential experiences that would
allow them to become valuable members of their community.
He wanted students to receive an education that would
enable them to take on a rigorous job.
1:49:29 PM
ANDI STORY, JUNEAU SCHOOL BOARD, JUNEAU, urged support for
an increase to education funding. She reported that
graduation rates at the two high schools in Juneau were 87
percent and 86 percent. The achievement in reading and math
had climbed steadily in the past four years. The graduation
requirements had been increased in line with the Alaska
Performance Scholarship requirements. The schools were
focusing on professional development for principals and on
staff evaluation. The money in the operating budget was
approximately $5.8 million less for Juneau schools. Under
the current funding more than 65 school staff would lose
their jobs. She relayed that the loss in jobs would
negatively impact the Juneau economy. She stressed that
students had complex and varied needs.
Representative Gara wondered whether Juneau school scores
had increased because of increases to the BSA in past
years. He asked how Ms. Story felt about increasing the BSA
versus a one-time BSA funding.
Ms. Story responded that achievement had increased due to
past increases in the BSA. She explained that the school
had been able to implement specific programs that would not
have been possible otherwise. She believed the school
district and the legislature could work together to develop
a timeframe and a plan for school funding that would create
public confidence in schools. When funding was outside of
the formula schools were faced with making cuts annually;
funding received ahead of time would allow the districts to
strategically plan. The Department of Education and Early
Development trained special education mentors and provided
teacher training; cutting teacher position did not help
schools and wasted money spent on training.
1:54:33 PM
BRUCE JOHNSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA COUNCIL OF SCHOOL
ADMINISTRATORS, JUNEAU, spoke in support of education
foundation formula funding. He emphasized that there would
be budget deficits and severe cuts if education remained
flat funded. He emphasized the importance of an increase to
the BSA over multiple years that would provide predictable
revenue and would allow districts to develop budgets and
educational programs in an efficient way. The schools felt
a direct impact when funds were redirected to heating,
utility, and bus contract costs. He pointed to the success
of early learning opportunities for children. He stressed
that state must do better if it was to help all young
people to realize their dreams. He thanked the committee
for its support.
Co-Chair Thomas wondered why schools could not plan for
wage costs if allocations had been forward funded in the
past. He noted that forward funding now meant forward
increment increases to some schools.
Mr. Johnson replied that the legislature had put forward
BSA funds to fund 56/80 under the current scenario. There
was no question that districts could plan on the 56/80 BSA.
The funding was very different from funds provided to other
state agencies that had a set increment they could count
on. The school district had no way of requesting a
supplement. Districts appreciated that money had been set
aside, but it did not prevent the agony that was presented
when employees had to be laid off. Superintendents hoped to
know what the funding increment would be in advance. He
furthered that it would be very helpful if the increment
took into account cost of living experiences.
Co-Chair Thomas believed that Department of Administration
was responsible for negotiating employee contracts. He
thought that if the legislature was responsible for
teaching negotiations it would be more in touch with the
issue.
2:01:40 PM
Mr. Johnson appreciated the forward funding concept. The
56/80 target was not sufficient to meet growing demands.
Co-Chair Thomas commented that when graduation rates were
not at 100 percent that money was lost. He noted that
Southeast Alaska was losing students and that putting more
money into schools would not help if students were lost.
Representative Wilson asked how much of the shortfall was
due to a loss of federal stimulus funding. Mr. Johnson
replied that the seven districts he represented had no
stimulus carry-over or jobs-bill carry-over in any of the
figures he had provided. Schools recognized that they did
not have the right to ask the legislature to continue one-
time federal funding that districts had used in a variety
of ways.
2:03:54 PM
RICHARD MONKMAN, CHAIR, JUNEAU DOUGLAS HIGH SCHOOL SITE
COUNCIL, JUNEAU, vocalized support for an increase to the
BSA. He explained that the process of cutting programs
because of the $6 million education cut was extraordinarily
painful. The types of programs that had been cut were some
of the most valuable in bringing families and students into
the schools. He opined that one of the keys to student
success was an involved family. He listed programs the
district was faced with cutting including, gifted and
talented, music, native cultural paraeducators, nurses and
other. He relayed that there were algebra classes with 38
students and science classes that would have 29 or 30
students the next year. He encouraged the committee to
increase the BSA.
Co-Chair Thomas wondered how much of the rural safe schools
money had impacted the current Juneau school district's
budget. Mr. Monkman did not know and deferred the question
to Andi Story.
Co-Chair Thomas informed the committee that the rural safe
school program provided the Tongass and Chugiak forests
with extra money for timber receipts. He believed it had
been a significant amount of money at one point.
2:07:00 PM
LISA JOHNSON, TEACHER, TUDOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, ANCHORAGE,
spoke against the flat funding of education that would not
address the growing needs of children. She opined that
increased standards at the kindergarten level without pre-
school were counter to student achievement. She urged the
proper funding of schools for all grade levels and stressed
the importance of increasing the BSA.
2:08:15 PM
PEGGY BROWN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA NETWORK ON DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT, spoke in support for victims
service agencies. She thanked the committee for the budget
increment that would help the agencies to cover rising fuel
costs. She spoke in support of the public awareness media
campaigns. The campaigns targeted different groups of
people for different reasons. An increased percentage of
victims were young men and teens. She believed the media
campaign was working to reach people across the state.
Co-Chair Thomas asked whether Ms. Brown had seen the
presentation to the House Finance Committee from multiple
department commissioners on the issue several weeks
earlier. Ms. Brown responded in the affirmative.
2:11:04 PM
DENISE DANIELLO, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA COMMISSION ON
AGING, JUNEAU, thanked the committee for its support of
increments for two senior grant programs. The programs
provided support for caregivers and helped seniors to
remain in their homes and communities for as long as
possible. There was a significant wait list for senior in
home services in Bethel, Dillingham, Fairbanks, Nome,
Valdez, and Cordova; the additional funding would help to
address the needs. She discussed that adult day programs
provided services in a structured setting for seniors
including nutritional support, caregiver support, personal
care support, and other. She reiterated her thanks for the
funding.
2:13:49 PM
SHERYL WEINBERG, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA EDUCATIONAL
RESOURCE CENTER (SERRC), JUNEAU, spoke in support of the
Alaska Transition Outcome Project. She appreciated funding
support for the project. She stressed the importance of
transitional resources for people with disabilities that
were critical helping individuals to succeed as an adult.
Transition plans were required to focus on employment,
education and training, independent living, community
participation, and recreation. A myriad of services were
provided to teachers and students including, on-site
assessments of transition activities, technical assistance,
workshops at the annual education conference, and
transition camps. The camps had been operating for the past
nine years and were currently held in a variety of
locations; students focused on a person-centered plan that
became the roadmap for the remainder of their high school
year. She believed the program had helped many students to
be successful.
Representative Wilson wondered whether SERRC was a non-
profit organization. Ms. Weinberg replied in the
affirmative.
Representative Wilson clarified that there was a $150,000
increment in the budget for the programs. Ms. Weinberg
replied in the affirmative and thanked the committee for
continued support. She added that SERRC had augmented the
allocation throughout its years of operation.
2:19:20 PM
JOHN ALCANTRA, GOVERNMENT RELATIONS DIRECTOR, NATIONAL
EDUCATION ASSOCIATION-ALASKA, MAT-SU, spoke in support of
an increase to the BSA. He thanked the committee for past
education funding. The upcoming fiscal year would be
another year of flat, frozen, or full funding through the
BSA, which represented an actual decrease in real dollars
for K-12 foundation and pupil transportation. He urged
support for K-12 and pre-K funding. He provided a quote by
the philosopher Confucius: "If your plan is for one year
plant rice. If your plan is for ten years plant trees. If
your plan is for one hundred years educate children."
2:20:45 PM
LILLIAN WORL, PARENT, JUNEAU, spoke in support for
increased funds for schools. She explained that most
teachers supplemented their classroom supply budgets with
personal funds. Juneau was looking at a $5.8 million
deficit in the coming year which meant larger classroom
sizes and increased fundraising for students to have the
ability to participate in after school activities. She
referred to the need for technology for students to remain
competitive. She was disheartened at the loss of 66
positions in local schools. Vast improvements could not be
made when cuts were made to basic programs. She thanked the
committee for its time.
2:23:51 PM
MARK VINSEL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, UNITED FISHERMEN OF
ALASKA, supported an increase to the proposed budget
increment for the Alaska Marine Safety Education
Association in the amount of $197,000 under the Department
of Commerce, Community and Economic Development. He relayed
that the program was a critical component for the safety of
commercial fishing fleets; it offered hands on training and
reached hundreds of communities. There were increased
safety training requirements in the commercial fisheries
industry. At least 55 fishermen had vocalized that the
training had been invaluable when they had faced life
threatening circumstances. He explained that a loss of just
one of those lives would be a much higher cost to families,
communities, and the state. He requested an increase to the
governor's proposed increment that flat funded the program
and urged the committee to provide full funding.
2:25:47 PM
NILS DIHLE, PARENT AND RETIRED TEACHER, JUNEAU, advocated
for a K-12 and preschool classroom BSA funding increase. He
had worked as a teacher and professional counselor; he was
also a father and grandfather. He reinforced the idea of
short-term versus long-term; he believed it was important
to spend more up front rather than spending a higher amount
later. He stressed the importance of early education. He
explained that an ounce of prevention was worth a pound of
cure.
Representative Gara queried the impact of increased class
sizes. Mr. Dihle responded that he remembered loving the
flu season in Alaska when his classroom had been smaller;
it had really made a difference in his ability to work with
the students. He added his support for senior services and
adult day care programs.
2:30:57 PM
CARL ROSE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL
BOARDS, JUNEAU, thanked the committee for the $1.2 billion
in the education fund. He supported the $6 million for
Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and Teachers'
Retirement System (TRS) liability. He stressed that student
achievement was on the rise and academic scores were up. He
believed educators were doing a good job. The seven largest
districts of the state with approximately 80 percent of the
student population were facing a serious deficit. He urged
support for an increase to the BSA; rising energy costs,
pupil transportation, health, insurance increases, salaries
and benefits were all paid for with the BSA. He stressed
that education was forward funded if the BSA was considered
to be 56/80; schools did use the money to plan and had
caused them to be in deficit across the state. He supported
HB 284 as amended. He stressed that schools were stretched
very thin.
2:34:35 PM
JENNIFER LAROE, PARENT, JUNEAU, (read into the record by
Andi Story):
My name is Jennifer LaRoe. I live 5134 Glacier
Highway, Juneau, AK with my children, Lila Quigley
(turns 9 this month-third grader at Harborview
Elementary), and Miles Quigley (turns 6 next month-
kindergartner at Harborview Elementary) and their
father, Dylan Quigley.
I moved to Juneau in 1994 after living in Bethel as a
volunteer for one year. I have a strong background in
children and education, having worked in a variety of
non-profit youth programs and educational settings for
over twenty years, including working with children
with special needs. Since my children started
receiving formal education, I have consistently
committed time to volunteer in their classrooms on a
regular basis. I am a current parent representative on
the Harborview Site Council and have been making great
effort to build a school garden this year.
I am concerned with the pupil to teacher ratios being
affected by proposed budget cuts. Special education
positions are being considered to be cut. These staff
members were the key ingredient to making a difference
in my son's Kindergarten. There are currently three
aids that spend time in the classroom daily and help
keep the peace and provide important one-on-one
guidance to identified students who would otherwise
dominate the teacher's time, effort and energy.
Neither of my children demands much attention, but
they still deserve educational attention from their
teachers. Cutting increases to school funding puts my
children's education at risk. I am not willing to
continue supporting the school system if you are not.
It's up to the State Legislature to provide the
financial resources to ensure my children get a great
education here in Alaska. Funding as proposed in the
Governor's budget doesn't get the job done.
2:36:50 PM
AT EASE
2:57:33 PM
RECONVENED
BETHEL, KOTZEBUE, BARROW, NOME, DELTA JUNCTION, OFF-NETS
E. ROBERT MACKEY, SELF, KOTZEBUE (via teleconference),
testified in support of the University of Alaska's budget
request. He pointed out that staff had seen a net decrease
in pay, which could result in staffing challenges.
DEREK MARTIN, CITY OF KOTZEBUE, KOTZEBUE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of Village Public Safety
Officers, the Kotzebue regional community jail and Division
of Motor Vehicle funding.
3:03:03 PM
MARY E. GREEN, LOWER KUSKOKWIN SCHOOL DISTRICT, EARLY
EDUCATION, BETHEL (via teleconference), testified in
support of early education funding. She observed that they
are in the last year of federal pre-school funding, and
maintained that children that attend quality pre-schools
have higher performance rates and were less troubled.
JANET BALICE, HEAD START, NOME (via teleconference), spoke
in support of early education funding. She stressed that
the average of grade proficient students was doubled with
the program. There are 38 students on the waiting list.
3:05:51 PM
Vice-chair Fairclough reiterated that 50 percent of their
students were grade proficient entering kindergarten. Ms.
Balice observed that the average for children not attending
Head Start was 24 percent. There was a 26 percent increase
over the average for children attending Head Start.
LILY RAY, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA, FAIRBANKS, NOME (via
teleconference), spoke in support of the Resilience and
Adaptation program to allow research for local problems by
local students. She provided information on successful land
management techniques that came through information
obtained by the program.
3:09:13 PM
LINDA DIVERS, IMAGINATION LIBRARY, BREVIG MISSION (via
teleconference), testified in support of the Best
Beginnings program. She noted that there were over 50
children enrolled in the program.
POLLY POCTOO, IMAGINATION LIBRARY, BREVIG MISSION (via
teleconference), testified in support of the Best
Beginnings program. She stressed the importance of early
reading skills.
JENNIFER CHARVET, ALASKA BRAIN INJURY NETWORK, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), spoke in support of funding for the
Alaska Behavior Complex Collaborative for training and
consultation. She stressed the need for referral services.
3:14:02 PM
JEANNE GARHART-CYRUS, SELF, KAINA (via teleconference),
spoke in support of funding for the Alaska Behavior Complex
Collaborative. She noted that the complex offered training
for parents as well as treatment and emphasized that the
program helped create competent citizens. She pointed out
that there were not sufficient services in small
communities.
3:16:54 PM
RECESSED
3:31:18 PM
RECONVENED
MICHELLE DEWITT, TANANA WOMEN'S CONFERENCE, BETHEL (via
teleconference), testified in support of domestic violence
and sexual assault funding.
3:33:25 PM
RECESSED
4:09:43 PM
RECONVENED
4:10:10 PM
ANCHORAGE
BRITTANEE PERRY, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
spoke in support of the Alaska Vocational and Technical
Education (AVTEC) funding. She encouraged more funding for
the Registered Nurses program.
4:12:53 PM
JOHN CREWS, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified
in support of AVTEC funding. He spoke against cutting
funding for the Registered Nurses program.
Representative Doogan was grateful for Mr. Crews'
testimony. Co-Chair Thomas stressed that the AVTEC funding
was not cut from the Operating Budget. He stated that it
was not included as an increment in the governor's
proposal.
4:16:36 PM
RIC NELSON, VICE-CHAIR OF THE GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL ON
DISABILITY AND SPECIAL EDUCATION, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of the Alaska Complex
Behavior Collaborative. He stated that the Alaska Complex
Behavior Collaborative was highly successful, and received
referrals from several locations in Alaska. He explained
that the Collaborative had recently expanded to include
children. He stressed that the Collaborative was a much
needed service, and included a team of doctor-level experts
that were available to quickly intervene when an individual
with harmful behaviors could no longer be served in their
home or community. He reported that as of December 2011,
Alaskans with complex behaviors were starting to leave the
state to seek treatment. He explained that emergency rooms,
the Alaska Psychiatric Institute, and the Department of
Corrections were not appropriate placement locations for
individuals with complex behavior issues.
4:24:57 PM
SUZI PEARSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ABUSED WOMEN AID AND
CRISIS, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in support of
domestic violence and sexual assault program funding. She
stated that the Abused Women Aid and Crisis (AWAIC) had
seen an increase in several areas, including health
insurance, which was important to recruit and retain
qualified staff. She added that the cost of food was
rising, and she stressed that the Alaska Food Bank had
limited the number of days that non-profit organizations
could use the food bank. As a result, AWAIC was buying more
food and incurring more cost. She reported that there had
been a slightly reduced cost in utilities, thanks to a
state appropriation in 2011.
4:26:45 PM
Representative Gara wondered if the Abused Women Aid and
Crisis (AWAIC) was over-capacity. Ms. Pearson replied that
AWAIC was over-capacity.
Representative Gara wondered if there was a plan to deal
with the over-capacity issue. Ms. Pearson replied that
there were several plans in place, and hoped for further
funding to enhance AWAIC.
4:29:27 PM
JONATHAN TEETERS, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
vocalized support of Best Beginnings funding and the 25
Imagination Library affiliates. He felt that the funding
would provide the needed resources for community
partnerships and connections with parents.
4:32:53 PM
ALEXANDER VON HOFFMAN, CHAIR, ALASKA PSYCHIATRY RESIDENCY
STEERING COMMITTEE (via teleconference), testified in
support of funding the Alaska Psychiatry Residency. He
stated that the Alaska Psychiatry Residency was the best
long-term solution to increase the supply of psychiatry in
rural and urban Alaska. He stressed that the Alaska
Psychiatry Residency was a top work-force priority for the
Mental Health Trust and the Department of Health and Social
Services. He pointed out that the Alaska Psychiatry
Residency was recommended by the Alaska Health Care
Commission, and the Alaska Health Work-force Investment
Board. He explained that psychiatrists were integral to the
health care system, and stated that psychiatrists are
doctors who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and
treatment of mental, emotional, and addictive disorders. He
announced that psychiatrists provide direct-patient care,
and consult and supervise other health care workers.
4:35:31 PM
PAULA CULLENBERG, DIRECTOR, ALASKA SEA GRANT MARINE
ADVISORY PROGRAM, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified
in support of marine safety funding, and the Alaska Marine
Safety Education Association (AMSEA).
4:37:54 PM
EMILY NENON, AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY CANCER ACTION NETWORK,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in support of
tobacco prevention funding. She stressed that obesity
prevention funding should also be considered.
Vice-chair Fairclough queried the percentage of smokers in
Alaska. Ms. Nenon replied youth smoking was at 16 percent
in 2009. She stated that there had been a drop in smoking
on the national level over the prior fifteen years. She
remarked that there was some success in lowering adult
smoking, and stated that recently the adult smoking level
in Alaska was at 19 percent.
4:41:02 PM
Vice-chair Fairclough wondered if there would be an
intention to maintain the low percentage, or if there was
an intention to continue to drive the numbers down. Ms.
Nenon felt that there needed to be a focus on significant
health disparities related to smoking.
Vice-chair Fairclough wondered if there was a possibility
to reduce the number of smokers even further, or if the
focus should be on maintaining a low number of smokers.
Co-Chair Stoltze wondered if there was feedback regarding
regulating the sale of wine and spirits. Ms. Nenon replied
that there needed to be recognition of the health benefits
of smoke-free businesses, including bars.
Co-Chair Stoltze noted some prior discussions regarding
restricting pull-tabs, and felt that, in the extreme,
alcohol and tobacco could have negative consequences.
Co-Chair Thomas expressed concern that the fund to restrict
tobacco could keep growing, and he feared that there would
be continued requests for money to restrict tobacco use.
4:47:03 PM
KRISTIN ENGLISH, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, COOK INLET TRIBAL
COUNCIL, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in
support of AVTEC Registered Nurse funding. She stated that
there was a Health Professions Opportunity Grant that
targeted Alaska Native and American Indian people that were
in-need and/or low-income individuals. She stated the
grant's intent was to provide an easy-access career ladder
into health professions. She explained that the career
ladder could start with Certified Nurse Assistant or
Certified Medical Assistant training and certification. She
furthered that the ladder could result in Registered Nurse
training certification.
Representative Gara asked if the capacity was increased,
would there be sufficient dorm capacity. Ms. English
replied that most of the RN's were living in their own
homes so dorm capacity was not a huge issue.
4:51:50 PM
DAVID WEAVER, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in support of education funding for the University of
Alaska. He recognized that the university had played a part
in many of the committee members' lives. The university had
helped to prepare him for his experiences and work in the
state. Open-enrollment public institutions leveled the
playing field and allowed people access to education. He
discussed a new retention program at the University of
Alaska-Anchorage.
4:55:33 PM
DIRK SHUMAKER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, KIDS CORPS HEAD START,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in support of
early childhood education funding. He encouraged increased
investment in Head Start funding.
Representative Gara queried the impact of early childhood
education related to crime later in life. Mr. Shumaker
noted a study in the state of Washington related to many
long-term positive impacts related to early childhood
education.
4:58:21 PM
SARAH LEONARD, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of investing in early childhood
education, such as programs like Best Beginnings, the
Imagination Library, and the Parents as Teachers program.
4:59:50 PM
ROBIN BRONEN, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of a graduate programs at the
University of Alaska related to climate change. She shared
a personal experience related to the Resilience and
Adaptation Program.
5:02:03 PM
JENNIFER LINCOLN, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
vocalized support of the increase of funding for AMSEA. She
stressed that the program would support increased demand
for marine safety. She pointed out that a traumatic injury
was the third leading cause of death in Alaska.
5:04:00 PM
PAULINE P. SMITH, PALMER (via teleconference), testified in
support of early childhood education funding. She explained
that she was a member of the Alaska Literacy Program, and
stressed the importance of literacy programs among young
children. She encouraged support of Best Beginnings.
5:06:49 PM
TERRI LYNN DRAEGER, STUDENT, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in support of
addressing the backlog of deferred maintenance at the
University of Alaska.
5:07:41 PM
MATTHEW HOUSER, CORRECTIONS OFFICER, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified against the staffing cuts to
corrections officers. He stressed that the staffing cuts
would cause extremely limited supervision.
5:09:43 PM
TERRI BLOCK, ALASKA BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION, WASILLA (via
teleconference), testified in support of mental health
funding for complex behavior for brain injuries.
5:11:45 PM
PETER FINN, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), expressed
support of the advising component of the University of
Anchorage that was removed from the Operating Budget. He
felt that the general advising for new students was
seriously understaffed. He stated that the three advisors
were trying to advise 500 students per semester. He
strongly encouraged the committee to add the advising
component back into the budget.
Vice-chair Fairclough remarked that she planned to add $2
million to increase graduation rates.
5:16:07 PM
BOB LOHR, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified
in support of the Alaska Psychiatric Residency. He shared a
personal story regarding his experience with depression
while living in Tok, Alaska. He stressed the need for
training for psychiatrists in Alaska.
5:18:37 PM
MARTIN CROWLEY, CORRECTIONAL OFFICER, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified against decreasing the
correctional officers staffing. He felt that the intent
language needed to be stronger in the Operating Budget.
5:20:24 PM
Co-Chair Stoltze wondered if the issue was a labor
negotiation issue. Mr. Crowley felt it was a labor issue,
but the administration thought it was not a labor issue.
Representative Costello noted that there was an earlier
testifier who had communicated with her office that the
change in the correctional officer policy could disrupt
families.
HB 284 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
HB 285 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
Co-Chair Thomas discussed the following day's agenda.
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