Legislature(2013 - 2014)HOUSE FINANCE 519
03/04/2014 01:30 PM House FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB266 || HB267 | |
| Public Testimony: Juneau | |
| Public Testimony: Bethel, Cordova, Kotzebue, Nome, Valdez, Wrangell, Offnet | |
| Public Testimony: Anchorage | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 266 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 267 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HOUSE BILL NO. 266
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and
loan program expenses of state government and for
certain programs, capitalizing funds, and making
reappropriations; making appropriations under art. IX,
sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska, from
the constitutional budget reserve fund."
HOUSE BILL NO. 267
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and
capital expenses of the state's integrated
comprehensive mental health program."
1:33:53 PM
Co-Chair Austerman discussed the agenda for the afternoon.
^PUBLIC TESTIMONY: JUNEAU
MARIANNE MILLS, PRESIDENT, ALASKA GERIATRIC EXCHANGE
NETWORK, JUNEAU testified on behalf of vulnerable and aging
adults. She joined the Alaska Commission on Aging in asking
the committee to invest in the family caregiver support
program and the nutrition transportation and support (NTS)
grants, which prevented or delayed costly institutional
care for older Alaskans. She shared that family members
most frequently provided long-term care for older Alaskans;
the goal was to provide support to those family members.
She noted the neglect of caregiver's own health. The
caregiver support program offered training on caregiver
skills, respite care, and minor home modifications. She
explained $325 thousand for the program would go to non-
profit agencies around the state. She noted $545 thousand
was requested for the NTS program. The NTS grant program
served an increasing amount of seniors. She cited research
showing that states that invested in home delivered meal
programs saw greater reductions in nursing home placements.
She explained the benefits of the grants program including
the financial savings to the state.
1:39:00 PM
JERRY DZUGAN, DIRECTOR, ALASKA MARINE SAFETY EDUCATION
ASSOCIATION (AMSEA), JUNEAU, testified in support of
funding base funding totaling $196,900 and for the $48,000
increase in the FY 15 budget to help meet required and
desired training demands for commercial fishermen. He asked
that the funding remain in the operating budget. He stated
a proposal of 25 percent reduction in a prior committee
with the goal of eliminating the program. He spoke to the
benefits of the program including and decrease of fishing
fatalities. He noted that some communities depended on the
training. A loss of funds would mean Alaskans would need to
travel out of state to take the one or two-day training
course.
1:42:16 PM
KRISTI SMITH, CAREER GUIDE, ALASKA YOUTH FIRST, JUNEAU,
stated that she served approximately 150 students per year.
She noted that the funding allowed for dual enrollment with
the University of Alaska Southeast. She stated that the
funding for the grant allowed career opportunities.
1:44:03 PM
SARIAH WILSON, STUDENT, ALASKA YOUTH FIRST, JUNEAU,
benefited from the Alaska Youth First Grant. She stated
that the grant allowed her to learn how to write a resume
and cover letter.
1:44:52 PM
DALTON WELLS, STUDENT, ALASKA YOUTH FIRST, JUNEAU,
testified in support of the Alaska Youth First Grant. He
stated that he benefitted directly from the program.
1:46:24 PM
CHRIS BRENNEN, SELF, JUNEAU, testified that he was an
advocate for people with disabilities. He stated that he
benefitted from the funding. He believed that funding for
behavioral health was important.
1:47:54 PM
CARIN SMOLIN, JUNEAU SCHOOLS, JUNEAU, testified on behalf
of the Alaska Youth First Grant program. She noted the
elimination of councilors in the high schools, which left a
part-time career specialist to serve over 1600 students.
She felt that the Youth First program was critical to
providing the career guidance and planning for high-risk
high schools.
1:49:02 PM
DOV GARTANBERG, NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR THE MENTALLY ILL,
JUNEAU, testified with concern regarding the $2 million cut
to the residential substance abuse treatment programs. He
stated that people with mental illness tended toward
problems with substance abuse. He stated that the overall
treatment was undermined by the cut. He hoped to maintain
the support services. He discussed the substance abuse
treatment center in Juneau.
1:51:13 PM
PAMELA WATTS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, JUNEAU ALLIANCE FOR
MENTAL HEALTH INC., JUNEAU, testified on behalf of funding
for the SHARP II loan repayment program and residential
substance use disorder treatment. As the director of JAMI,
she was responsible for providing services with flat
funding. The SHARP II loan repayment program was helpful in
recruiting staff.
1:54:45 PM
LILLY KILLBEAR, RAINFOREST RECOVERY CENTER, JUNEAU,
testified on behalf of reinstating funds for residential
substance abuse treatment programs. She spoke about her
personal benefit from such services.
1:56:10 PM
LEONA HAAKANSON-CROW, RAINFOREST RECOVERY CENTER, JUNEAU,
testified that she benefitted from her time at the
Rainforest Recover center. She stated that she waited two
months for residential substance abuse treatment. She urged
an increase in funding for such treatment centers.
1:58:34 PM
TONY SEE, SELF, JUNEAU, testified that he resided at the
Rainforest Recovery Center and benefitted immensely from
the service. He urged the committee to reinstate funding
for residential substance abuse treatment programs.
1:59:28 PM
JESSICA DOMINY, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA SOUTHEAST, JUNEAU,
testified on behalf of her academic advisor at the
University of Alaska Southeast. She spoke to the benefit of
the advisor services. The academic advisor programs
directly affected her and other students' ability to
continue their higher education.
2:02:09 PM
VICTORIA DANIELS, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA SOUTHEAST, JUNEAU,
testified on behalf of the university's advisors. She
stated that could provide a comparison as she attended
school in the Lower 48 prior to her time at the University
of Alaska. She appreciated the work of the university
subcommittee.
2:03:52 PM
CALLIE CONERTON, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA SOUTHEAST, JUNEAU,
testified in support of the university and the advisor
program. She stated that she was a member of student
government. She urged committee members to view students as
Alaska's future. She recommended consideration of the
subcommittee recommendations.
2:05:58 PM
LILLIAN WORL, SELF, JUNEAU, spoke in support of base
funding for the school district. She stressed that the cuts
to the state's operating budget affected students. She
spoke to the benefits of the Homebridge program. She
discussed the variety of education options in the state.
She discussed the successes of the district.
2:09:40 PM
DOUGLAS PEGUES, JR. JOBX AND ALASKA YOUTH FIRST, JUNEAU,
testified in support of the JobX program, which helped him
learn to compose a resume and apply for a job. He stated
that the funding allowed him to find a job that he enjoys.
2:11:17 PM
GARY MILLER, RETIRED PUBLIC EMPLOYEES OF ALASKA, JUNEAU,
testified on behalf of Retired Public Employees of Alaska.
He noted that he had worked for the state for many years.
He expressed concern about the state's unfunded liability.
2:13:43 PM
EMILY COATE, PARENTS AS TEACHERS, JUNEAU, testified on
behalf of Parents as Teachers.
2:14:26 PM
KATE PRUSSING, ALASKA YOUTH FIRST, JUNEAU, testified on
behalf of the JobX grant. She stated that the program
provided individualized services. The program allowed youth
to achieve the employable skills necessary to gain
employment.
SCOTT FUNK, ALASKA YOUTH FIRST, JUNEAU, testified on behalf
of Alaska Youth First program. He stated that the program
was beneficial to him in the process of achieving both a
job and a career. He agreed that Alaska youth was Alaska's
future. He stated that he achieved a job with the help of
the program. He implored reconsideration of the cuts.
2:18:32 PM
RON LITTLE, REACH INC., JUNEAU, testified on behalf of
autism funding. He read a letter about a family suffering
from autism and benefitting from the employees at REACH. He
spoke in favor of funding for the complex behavior
collaborative program.
KELLY TOUSLEY, REACH, INC., JUNEAU, testified on behalf of
funding for the complex behavioral collaborative program.
She noted the improvements with an autistic client as a
result of the program. She urged the committee to continue
funding the program.
2:24:45 PM
JOHN PAPPENHEIM, NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR THE MENTALLY ILL,
JUNEAU, testified in support of residential substance abuse
treatment. He noted that the funding was an investment in
Alaska. He stressed that money saved on cuts for the
substance abuse treatment would be spent otherwise.
2:26:20 PM
ALYSON CURREY, PUBLIC AFFAIRS FIELD ORGANIZER, PLANNED
PARENTHOOD VOTES NORTHWEST, JUNEAU, thanked the Department
of Health and Social Services subcommittee for extending
the council on domestic violence and sexual assault and for
increased funding for expanding shelter programs for
children exposed to violence. She testified in opposition
to the removal of funding for abortion services from the
Department of Health and Social Services budget. She noted
that the Alaska Supreme Court ordered the department and
the state to pay for the services. She spoke in support of
a Medicaid women's health program.
2:28:30 PM
TOM CHARD, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALASKA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
ASSOCIATION, JUNEAU, testified in opposition to reductions
for behavioral health. He urged the committee to reinstate
funding for residential substance abuse treatment programs.
2:32:02 PM
WALTER MAJOROS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, JUNEAU YOUTH SERVICES,
JUNEAU, spoke in support of funds for residential services
and outpatient services for youths. He spoke to the Raven's
Way program in Sitka and programs in other locations. He
communicated that residential and substance abuse treatment
helped to prevent suicide. He stated that the cuts might
eliminate some of the strides made by the Bring the Kids
Home Program. He urged restoration of the funding.
2:35:42 PM
ANDI STORY, JUNEAU SCHOOL BOARD, JUNEAU, testified in
support of funding for education. She stated that
graduation rates had risen for multiple years in a row. She
added that the Alaska Youth First Grant was valuable to
youth in the state.
2:38:20 PM
JOY LYON, PARENTS AS TEACHERS AND IMAGINATION LIBRARY,
JUNEAU, thanked the committee for the investment in early
learning. She spoke in favor of increased funding for the
Imagination Library. She noted that the reading allowed
young children to come into kindergarten with great skills.
2:40:27 PM
GAYLE TRIVETTE, SELF, JUNEAU, testified in support of
increasing the Base Student Allocation (BSA). She valued
the public education that she benefitted from.
2:41:23 PM
DENISE DANIELLO, ALASKA COMMISSION ON AGING, JUNEAU,
testified in support of funding for the senior community
based grant services. She believed that the funding allowed
for the reduction of Medicaid growth. She stated that the
services helped a caregiver to provide quality care. She
spoke in support of funding for the NTS program. The
services benefitted senior citizens. She mentioned that the
services were important to seniors.
2:44:53 PM
MILLIE RYAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, REACH INC., JUNEAU,
Testified in support of the Complex Behavior Collaborative.
She shared a story where the behavior of an autistic child
prevented the child from flourishing.
2:46:29 PM
HEATHER SCHIMANSKI, JUNEAU REENTRY COALITION, JUNEAU,
testified on behalf of funding for residential substance
abuse treatment programs. She stated that she benefitted
greatly from the program. She believed that the service was
essential.
2:47:58 PM
PENN LAMB, JOBX, JUNEAU, testified on behalf of Alaska
Youth First Grant. She stated that she found means of
employment with the help of the program. She explained that
she was able to live on her own and owned a car as a result
of her employment. She stressed the importance of the
grant.
2:49:38 PM
MARY GRAHAM, SELF, JUNEAU, expressed distress that the
governor's request for $3 billion infusion into the PERS
and TRS funds was removed from the operating budget.
Co-Chair Austerman stated that the issue regarding PERS,
TRS and the unfunded liability was part of a separate bill.
Ms. Graham stated that the needs of retirees were important
for the state. She stated that the payments for the states
and municipalities were taken care of.
2:51:20 PM
JENNIFER BROWN, DIRECTOR, RAINFOREST RECOVERY CENTER,
JUNEAU testified on behalf of the substance use treatment.
She testified in support of the reinstatement of funding
for residential substance abuse treatment programs. She
stated that individuals seeking help were evaluated by the
addiction guidelines. She stated that FY 13 Rainforest
Recovery served many with inpatient services. She spoke to
the shortage of available treatment beds.
2:54:18 PM
KARA NELSON, CO-DIRECTOR, HAVEN HOUSE, JUNEAU, testified on
behalf of a full restoration of funding for residential
substance abuse treatment programs. She stated that
addiction was a disease in the same way that cancer and
diabetes were. She stated that her life was normal prior to
drug addiction.
2:56:45 PM
JEANETTE LACEY DUNN, SOCIAL WORK CASE MANAGER, BARTLETT
REGIONAL HOSPITAL, JUNEAU, testified on behalf of funding
for the residential substance abuse treatment programs. She
stated that Bartlett Regional Hospital developed an
outpatient case management program to serve patients who
were frequently in the emergency room. She noted that
patients must have visited the emergency room 10 or more
times in the last year to be considered for the program.
2:59:44 PM
BRIAN HOLST, JUNEAU ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, JUNEAU,
testified on behalf of early childhood education. He stated
that education was an investment that provided for the
future. He stated that the educated workforce allowed for a
healthy economy. He stated that schools help to attract
talent to the state. He stated that budget cuts could lead
to a loss of 32 positions.
Co-Chair Austerman stated that the Base Student Allocation
(BSA) was not included.
3:03:10 PM
JENNIFER LINDLEY, JUNEAU SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET COMMITTEE,
JUNEAU, testified in support of education funding. She
informed the committee that she was the mother of three
teenage children in the Juneau School District. She spoke
in support of the Common Core. She urged an increase in
education funding. She stated that the district required
new curriculum and teacher retention, neither of which
could be provided with budget cuts.
3:05:20 PM
BOB BARTHOLOMEW, CITY AND BOROUGH OF JUNEAU, JUNEAU
testified in favor of funding for community revenue
sharing. He understood the need to reduce budgets, but he
encouraged a look at priorities. He noted that the loss for
Juneau affected deferred road maintenance. He added his
concerns with the unfunded liability program. He pointed
out that an infusion to the PERS and TRS unfunded liability
would help to reduce the liability and control the future.
He pointed out that the liability affected both the state
and the municipalities.
Co-Chair Austerman noted that a bill regarding the unfunded
liability would be heard in the near future.
3:09:54 PM
AT EASE
3:12:51 PM
RECONVENED
^PUBLIC TESTIMONY: BETHEL, CORDOVA, KOTZEBUE, NOME, VALDEZ,
WRANGELL, OFFNET
DENNIS RAINES, SELF, BETHEL (via teleconference), spoke
against budget cuts for residential treatment programs. He
worked in a substance abuse treatment center where he
witness lives that were transformed due to treatment. He
spoke to the successes of the program and the benefits
offered to individuals and families. He stressed that the
cuts would impact lives. He pointed to federal government
statistics related to alcohol and drug abuse and violent
crimes. He read that 34 percent of all crimes involved drug
and/or alcohol abuse. He shared that 12 percent of all
Alaskans reported drug use; the national average was 8
percent. He stated that Alaska was ranked number one in
suicide.
3:16:04 PM
BONNIE WOLDSTAD, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
requested additional funds for the Department of Public
Safety budget related to the retrofit of the Woldstad
patrol vessel. She believed it was imperative that the
state fund the additional $1.3 million to $1.6 million for
the vessel. She spoke to additional pressures on coastal
villages and natural resources and stressed the importance
of maintaining the state's two high-endurance patrol
vessels. The state's fisheries would continue to evolve and
enforcement had changed, but it was important to prepare
for any enforcement needs. She urged enforcement needs
related to Arctic fisheries. She discussed the patrolling
of waters in the region. She asked for funding of the
position for the Woldstad captain.
RAY WATSON, SELF, BETHEL (via teleconference), testified in
support of funds for alcohol treatment programs. He shared
a personal story related to his former alcohol abuse; he
had been sober for a lengthy time period. He would not have
survived an outpatient program due to alcohol cravings. He
advocated for the health and wellbeing of other Alaskans.
He stressed that the cuts would present a step backwards in
successes related to alcohol treatment.
3:21:51 PM
MARTHA SENUNGETUK, SELF, BETHEL (via teleconference),
voiced opposition to $2 million in cuts for residential
treatment programs. She discussed negative impacts facing
Alaskan villages due to loss of land and resources. She
observed direct results that pathologies mentioned by prior
testifier Dennis Raines [drugs and alcohol] had on
individuals. She believed money needed to be funded to keep
the programs going. She stressed the importance of
listening to Alaskan residents.
3:24:30 PM
JEREMY OSBOURNE, YUUT ELITNAURVIAT, BETHEL (via
teleconference), testified against cuts to the Alaska Youth
First program. He shared that the school employed two
career guides through the program; the guides had traveled
to 17 different villages in the current fiscal year to work
with youths. The guides raised career and opportunity
awareness, provided driver training, and proctored the
Division of Motor Vehicles written test. The guides had
served 347 individuals in FY 14. He discussed the successes
of the program and impacts on village residents. He urged
the committee to reconsider the cuts.
3:25:36 PM
ELLEN HODGES, YUKON-KUSKOKWIM HEALTH CORPORATION, BETHEL
(via teleconference), spoke in support of the $1.2 million
for the SHARP loan repayment program. She communicated that
the program assisted in the recruitment and retention of
rural healthcare professionals; the location of rural
Alaskan villages made recruitment challenging. Bethel was
currently experiencing a severe shortage of physicians and
other healthcare providers. She spoke to the importance of
attracting qualified medical professionals.
3:26:37 PM
BARBARA JACOBSON, YUKON-KUSKOKWIM HEALTH CORPORATION,
BETHEL (via teleconference), spoke against cuts to the
trauma center funding and SHARP loan repayment program. She
spoke to a shortage of nurses and relayed that the SHARP
program could be used as an incentive to attract qualified
nurses. She shared information about the facility. The
trauma funds allowed the facility to increase education and
allowed for the purchase of equipment. Funds had enabled
the center to comply with the trauma registry.
3:28:20 PM
JEFF CLARK, YUKON-KUSKOKWIM HEALTH CORPORATION, BETHEL (via
teleconference), spoke in support of the trauma registry.
The funds would enable providers to get into advanced
trauma life-support to improve the quality of care. Funds
also helped nurses access educational programs locally. The
funds would help with quality assurance in the emergency
room and would enable for the implementation of injury
prevention plans. The plans and actions were needed in the
community. He stated that the Department of Health and
Social Services used the trauma registry data to improve
quality throughout the state.
3:30:24 PM
MARK SPRINGER, SELF, BETHEL (via teleconference), testified
in support of community revenue sharing and for Public
Employees' Retirement System (PERS) funds.
Co-Chair Austerman informed the testifier that the PERS and
Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) funding was not on
schedule for the day. Mr. Springer understood that there
may have been a $10 million reduction to revenue sharing.
Co-Chair Austerman affirmed that the revenue sharing would
be paid in full for FY 15, but would be decreased by $10
million per year following FY 15. Mr. Springer expressed
concerns about the decreases in the future budgets related
to revenue sharing. He pointed out that the funding was
extremely important to small areas in the state.
3:33:17 PM
ALEXIS COOPER, CORDOVA DISTRICT FISHERMEN UNITED, CORDOVA
(via teleconference), testified against proposed budget
cuts to the Alaska Marine Safety Education Association
(AMSEA) program. She relayed that the commercial fleet used
Cordova as a home port to access various fishing grounds.
The fleet depended on access to local training for safety
courses provided by AMSEA. She spoke to her personal
training experience provided by the program.
3:35:08 PM
PAUL SWARTZBART, SELF, CORDOVA (via teleconference),
encouraged funding for the Alaska Marine Safety Education
Association program at the requested level. He shared that
when he had begun commercial fishing in the 1970s that
fatalities had been commonplace. The program had
significantly reduced fatality number.
3:36:07 PM
JEANNE GERHARDT-CYRUS, SELF, KIANA (via teleconference),
spoke in support of $500,025 for the Complex Behavior
Collaborative. She shared a personal story related to
challenges her daughter had experienced at home and in
school. She wanted her daughter to be at home. She shared
that her family had been involved in the CBC program since
the prior April. Her daughter was currently enrolled in
high school and was experiencing success. She stressed the
importance of access to the program in rural communities.
She discussed costs with comparative services that did not
meet her daughter's needs.
3:39:22 PM
ANTHONY CRAVALHO, SELF, KOTZEBUE (via teleconference),
testified in support of the Complex Behavior Collaborative.
He stressed that the program brought training to villages
and provided children and adults with needed services. He
asked for support for residential substance abuse treatment
programs. He stressed that people needing treatment already
struggled to get into programs in the region; cuts to the
programs would make access to treatment more challenging.
3:41:34 PM
TODD LANGLEY, NORTON SOUND HEALTH CORPORATION, NOME (via
teleconference), spoke in support of the trauma care fund.
The funds had been instrumental in preventing deaths from
trauma; without the funding lives would be lost. He shared
that patients had a 25 percent reduced risk of death when
treated at a designated trauma facility. He stated that
without the funding facilities currently in pursuit of the
trauma designation would not continue towards the
designation. He pointed to hazmat training provided to
employees. He urged the committee to reconsider funding the
program.
3:44:20 PM
HOLLYN ASHE, NORTON SOUND HEALTH CORPORATION, NOME (via
teleconference), testified in support of the trauma care
fund. Due to the funds the corporation had brought in
health aides from all 15 nearby villages for training in
trauma care. She stated that additional trauma care centers
were needed. The corporation had trained its own
instructors for hospital support in order to better care
for trauma patients. There was a great deal more to be
taught and much more equipment needed to care for patients.
She stressed that people deserved access to care.
3:46:22 PM
GAIL SHEFFIELD, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS, MARINE
ADVISORY PROGRAM, NOME (via teleconference), spoke in
support of the Alaska Marine Safety Education Association
program in the Department of Commerce, Community and
Economic Development operating budget. She spoke against
moving funding to the capital budget. She stated that the
program was revenue neutral; a percentage of boating
registration fees and crew member licenses contributed to
the state's general fund. She stressed that access to
safety training was essential. The program had a positive
track record and was a good use of state funds.
3:48:04 PM
PAULINE DOUCET, ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR, PROVIDENCE VALDEZ
MEDICAL CENTER, VALDEZ (via teleconference), spoke in
support of trauma care funds. The funding for the trauma
level 4 program had allowed the center to fund its trauma
coordinator position; the position had enabled the center
to enhance its level of care, improve protocol, and to
acquire the best practice equipment. The funding had also
helped significantly with education training for staff. The
training enabled the staff to provide care to trauma
patients.
3:50:11 PM
RUTHIE KNIGHT, SELF, VALDEZ (via teleconference), testified
in support for $3 billion for Public Employees' Retirement
System (PERS) and Teachers' Retirement System (TRS).
3:51:18 PM
KRISTIE CRANOR, SELF, VALDEZ (via teleconference), spoke in
support for $3 billion for Public Employees' Retirement
System (PERS) and Teachers' Retirement System (TRS).
3:51:45 PM
CYNTHIA KLEMMENS, SELF, PROVIDENCE VALDEZ MEDICAL CENTER,
VALDEZ (via teleconference), encouraged support for trauma
care funds. She shared that Alaska had the third highest
injury rate in the nation. She spoke to the importance of
an increased level of patient care. Increasing the level of
care meant there was a need for increased training and
equipment. Without the funding the goals would be
unattainable and resources would be lacking.
3:54:53 PM
MARILYN MORK, SELF, WRANGELL (via teleconference), spoke in
favor of restored funding for the trauma care fund. She
pointed to Wrangell's remote location. The funds were
needed to enable the local medical center to work towards
the level 4 trauma designation.
3:55:45 PM
LAURA SALARD, SELF, WRANGELL (via teleconference), asked
for the reinstatement of the trauma care funding. She is a
registered nurse and trauma coordinator. The fund went
towards education and equipment needed to care for trauma
patients. She stressed that providing patients with a
higher level of care required medevac services. The funds
were needed to maintain staff education and equipment. She
wanted to keep hospitals and staff in state.
3:58:06 PM
PATRICK CLEVELAND, CITY OF QUINHAGAK, QUINHAGAK (via
teleconference), testified in support of community revenue
sharing. He stated that the elimination of funds would be
detrimental to the city's ability to provide essential
services to residents; the funds accounted for 39 percent
of the city's operating budget. The elimination of funding
would mean job cuts in the city. He shared that commercial
fishery opportunities had been reduced in recent years and
would decrease local income.
4:00:18 PM
RALPH MACKIE, SELF, CRAIG (via teleconference), spoke
against cuts to the behavioral health budget. He spoke to
devastating results of the pervasive nature of behavioral
health issues. He stated that behavioral health issues were
chronically unattended and underfunded. He wondered why. He
stated that the largest priority in life was the well-being
of a person's loved ones. He stressed that energy and
resources should be poured into the behavioral health
epidemic. He urged a restoration of full funding to
behavioral health programs.
4:02:31 PM
JAMES BERLIN, MAYOR OF NUNATITCHUCK (via teleconference),
spoke in support of community revenue sharing and thanked
the legislature for its past support. He relayed that the
services were very important to the city's budget. The city
depended on the funds for life and daily jobs.
4:04:44 PM
CATHY BISHOP, NUGEN'S RANCH, WASILLA (via teleconference),
spoke against cuts to funds for residential treatment
programs. [Testimony was cut off and heard in full at
4:17:09 p.m.]
4:05:38 PM
DOUG EDGAR, JOBX, JUNEAU (via teleconference), spoke
against cutting funds for Alaska Youth First programs. He
shared his personal experience with JobX; the program had
helped him find a job and subsequently he had been able to
remain in Juneau. He stressed that cutting the funding
would force youths to move out of state to look for jobs.
He emphasized the importance of keeping youths in Juneau to
live and work in Alaska.
4:07:16 PM
HILARY STRAYER, ALASKA NATIVE TRIBAL HEALTH CONSORTIUM,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in support of funding
for trauma care. She stated that injury was the leading
cause of death for Natives. She stated that the Alaska
Trauma Registry was the only statewide injury data source
in the state; the registry provided vital data to
individuals working in risk reduction and injury
prevention. The data allowed the determination of baseline
rates for injury comparisons, identified disparities, and
helped determine if prevention efforts were cost-effective.
She shared that 23 of the 24 hospitals in Alaska would be
designated as trauma centers in the future; however,
without the funds the designation would not occur. She
stated that without the funds Alaska's rural hospitals
would lack the support to provide the data needed. A loss
of funds would limit services for rural populations with
higher risk of injury.
4:10:31 PM
AT EASE
4:17:09 PM
RECONVENED
^PUBLIC TESTIMONY: ANCHORAGE
CATHY BISHOP, NUGEN'S RANCH, WASILLA (via teleconference),
testified on behalf of Nugen's Ranch and residential
treatment programs. The program provided treatment services
for individuals statewide. She believed residential
programs in Alaska were already severely underfunded;
removing additional funds would increase hardship on
Alaskan residents. She regularly received calls from
families seeking residential beds and treatment.
4:18:48 PM
SOPHIA JONES, NUGEN'S RANCH, WASILLA (via teleconference),
testified in support for residential treatment programs.
She herself benefitted from the program. She stated that
the efforts allowed for a reduced chance of relapse. She
stated that she was learning to be accountable for her
behavior. She noted that addiction affected the entire
family.
4:20:21 PM
WAYNE BARRAS, NUGEN'S RANCH, WASILLA (via teleconference),
testified in support for the residential treatment
programs. He was a beneficiary of Nugen's Ranch. He stated
that budget cuts to treatment programs would mean increased
recidivism rates. He stated that he required long-term
treatment for alcoholism; long-term treatment allowed
residents to move through withdrawal symptoms and to learn
necessary tools to live productively in society. He
requested additional funding for the programs.
4:21:36 PM
BRIDGET ACKERLEY, NUGEN'S RANCH, WASILLA (via
teleconference), testified in support for the residential
treatment programs. She herself was living in a treatment
facility. The program had provided her with skills
necessary to succeed in a life of recovery. She stated that
she had frequently been a part of the legal system; the
program had taken her out of that cycle. The facility had
eight beds for women. She wished others could have the same
opportunity.
4:22:50 PM
XAVIOR LOVE, BEGICH MIDDLE SCHOOL, ANCHORAGE, testified for
support in education funding. He had gathered a petition
that was presented to the committee. He stated that the
program Destination 2020 helped students make various sets
of goals for his generation. He stated the proficiency
guidelines that were compromised by the lack of funding. He
stated that students cared about the public funding. He
expressed passion for his cause. He stated that the current
students deserved the best education possible and were the
future of the country.
4:26:35 PM
LUCINDA MAHONEY, CFO, CITY OF ANCHORAGE, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), supported the $3 billion contribution from
the Constitutional Budget Reserve to the PERS and TRS. She
pointed to the importance of dealing with the unfunded
liability. She stated that the increased schedule would
address the significant liability. She mentioned the
contribution levels for Anchorage, which had been reduced
significantly. She appreciated funding above 22 percent.
She noted the efficiencies found in the recent past
regarding revenue sharing.
4:30:24 PM
Co-Chair Austerman stated that without revenue, it was
difficult to share. He recognized Representative Andy
Josephson.
4:30:55 PM
RIC NELSON, GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL ON DISABILITIES, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), testified on behalf of the council's
complex behavioral collaborative. The collaborative
provided intensive support for disabled individuals at risk
of being institutionalized. He stated that the CBC services
included assistance with behavior and its function,
training for family and providers, development and
implementation of the behavior intervention plan, data
collection, ongoing consultation, and results-based
evaluation. He stated that he had data that 76 percent of
participants avoid institutional care and many remain in
their own communities. He stated that the state saves
substantially every day that individuals are not in API.
4:34:53 PM
JULIE RABEAU, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of reinstatement of the trauma care
fund. She shared that trauma was the number one cause of
death and disability in Alaska for ages 1 to 44. She stated
that the number of trauma centers had tripled in the state
since the inception of the fund. She discussed disaster
preparedness. She predicted that several thousand people
could be treated in higher level trauma centers. She
mentioned the Division of Public Health strategic plan and
the dependence on services in the all trauma centers
throughout the state. She requested the reinstatement to
the fund in the operation budget.
4:38:00 PM
AMBROSIA ROMIG, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of reinstatement of the trauma care
fund. She relayed that the fund supported personnel,
education, equipment, and the Alaska Trauma Registry. The
fund supported evaluation and prevention of injury and
allowed for quality improvement statewide. She noted that
unintentional injury was the highest cause of death in the
state. Currently only 55 percent of the state was within 60
minutes of a level 2 trauma center. She noted that serious
injury prevention programs required continued funding.
4:39:18 PM
BARBARA BROWN, BEST BEGINNINGS, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of the Imagination
Library. She highlighted the advantages of reading and
noted the number of children receiving their books in the
mail. She stated that the program got the community excited
about providing books to the children. She shared that
research showed children receiving books were more prepared
for Kindergarten. Currently the program was not able to
admit all interested children/families. She encouraged an
increase in funding.
4:41:48 PM
DEENA MITCHELL, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified on behalf of funding for early childhood
education and Best Beginnings. She believed that the
earlier children were started on the path to academic
success the better off the state would be. She stated
strongly that children were the state's most valuable
natural resource. Continued cuts to counselors, teachers,
libraries, and support staff would decrease recent gains.
She stressed that education should be the state's top
priority.
4:43:31 PM
ALISON ARIANS, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified on behalf of increased funding for education. She
shared information about her daughter's classroom. She
estimated that 5th grade classrooms would contain 35
children. She provided data regarding education funding and
increased graduation rates. She implored the committee to
increase funds for education.
4:45:28 PM
LAUREEN YOUNG, SOUTHCENTRAL FOUNDATION, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of residential
treatment programs including Dena A Coy. She relayed that
Dena A Coy had been established in 1992 and was the first
residential program in the U.S. to allow pregnant women to
receive treatment before and after giving birth. She stated
that the facilities required state funds for continued
survival. She stated that children were born with a reduced
risk of living a life compromised by Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Disorder (FASD) because they spent time in treatment. She
shared statistics related to FASD.
4:48:30 PM
THERESA OWENS, ANCHORAGE SCHOOL DISTRICT, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), urged continued funding for Kids Core Head
Start and Anchorage School district partnership. She noted
an increase in readiness if a student participated in the
collaborative preschool. Families without the necessary
foundation to build healthy relationships with public
schools were provided the opportunity to develop the skills
within the preschool setting. She noted that additional
skills require funding. She noted that the Base Student
Allocation (BSA) required an increase.
4:50:23 PM
KARIN HALPIN, ANCHORAGE SCHOOL DISTRICT, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of Pre-K education
funding. She stressed that children and parents had
benefitted greatly by the state funded Pre-K program. She
noted that the programs provided many advantages for the
young children involved. She urged continued funding.
4:51:49 PM
KAITLYN MCLELLAND, AKEELA, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified against budget cuts for residential treatment
facilities. She stressed that clients using the treatment
facilities were often homeless, had Office of Children
Services involvement, came from broken homes, experienced
untreated mental health disorders, and were dealing with
significant amounts of trauma. She noted that a person's
independence was promoted by the programs and facilities.
She stated that budget cuts would cost some Alaskans the
opportunity to live a healthy life with their family.
4:53:32 PM
ASHLEY SCOTT, STEPPING STONES AND AKEELA, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified as a resident of Stepping Stones
treatment center. She stated that the program offered her
an option to be a successful mother in recovery. She hoped
that the opportunity would be available to other women. She
stressed that without the program she would either be using
or in jail.
4:54:45 PM
STACY CHUITT, STEPPING STONES AND AKEELA, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in favor of residential
treatment center funding. She noted that the courage to be
independent was available to her with the help of the
treatment facility. She stated that parenting classes were
available in the program. She stated that without the
opportunity she and her daughter would not have a future.
4:56:19 PM
JULIA LOUIE, AKEELA, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified that the Akeela residential recovery center had
made a very large difference in her situation. She
discussed prior failed attempts at outpatient recovery. She
stated that she was able to build a commitment to a life in
recovery after six months in the treatment center. She was
taught to make amends to people she affected in her
addiction process. She relayed that choosing to enroll in
the Akeela center was the best decision she had ever made.
4:59:58 PM
KEVIN CROSBY, AKEELA, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified on behalf of reinstatement of funding for
residential recovery centers. He shared a personal story
about his struggle with substance abuse. He stated that he
benefitted from the center and was in a transitional
housing option. He stressed that people were literally
dying while waiting to get into the facilities. He
mentioned the delays faced by beneficiaries in need of
treatment. He emphasized that budget cuts would make the
situation worse.
5:02:47 PM
ZACH JOHNSON, AKEELA, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding for residential recovery
centers. He believed the general public's view was to
incarcerate rather than rehabilitate. He stressed the
importance of teaching individuals how to live, not how to
be better criminals. He stated that his use of hard drugs
for over 25 years had ended with his treatment. He stated
that cutting funds to treatment centers could be a death
sentence to many people.
5:04:01 PM
LOU PANDOLFINO, KING CAREER CENTER, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding the Youth
First grant and for Youth Job Center career guides. He
relayed that if the program was decimated it would
negatively impact youths and industry leaders in Alaska.
Career guides served over 1,000 high school seniors per
year at the King Career Center; guides served over 4,000
students statewide. Guides assisted with resumes, cover
letters, interviewing skills, and other. He mentioned other
program benefits including assistance with post-secondary
education training. The guides helped students focus on
life after high school. He noted the budgetary constraints
and the shrinking public education workforce. The
partnership with the Department of Labor and Workforce
Development career guides was essential.
5:05:40 PM
MORGAN CHRISTIANSEN, KING CAREER CENTER, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for the
Youth Job Center. He stressed the usefulness of the
program; it gave students hope and encouragement for their
future. He stated that he opted for a career that was
encouraged by the center.
5:06:53 PM
CHRISTOPHER BARE, KING CAREER CENTER, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of the Youth Job
Center. He shared that the center helped students access
certifications to get into the workforce. He noted that the
centers helped students compose resumes and cover letters
in an effort to help them gain employment. He emphasized
that he would be lost without the help he had received from
the center. He hoped the program would be available to help
students going forward. He urged continued funding.
5:08:03 PM
JENNY DIGRAPPA, ALASKA BRAIN INJURY NETWORK, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of the Brain Injury
Network and the Alaska Trauma Registry. She pointed to
3,353 hospitalizations due to brain injury between 2007 and
2011; 66 percent had been discharged due to the network.
She relayed that without the trauma registry the statistics
would be unavailable. Funding the trauma registry was
necessary in order to maintain the current information
database. She urged the committee to reinstate the Trauma
Care Fund.
5:09:12 PM
JULIE VINCEK, KING CAREER CENTER, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for the
Department of Labor and Workforce Development Youth Job
Center career guides funded by the Youth First grant. She
stated that a double message was sent with the increase of
students. She noted that 1000 students received instruction
from the career guide. She noted that the job market was
accessed more easily because of the program.
5:12:01 PM
ROGER HAMACHER, NINE STAR ALASKA, EAGLE RIVER (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for the
Alaska Youth First program. He mentioned the internship and
work component of the program.
5:13:53 PM
BRENDA BOGOWITH, ALASKA BRAIN INJURY NETWORK, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference) testified for funding for the Alaska
trauma registry. The funding would support ongoing training
and staffing in facilities serving the most seriously
injured patients in Alaska. The existing services required
the funding to survive.
5:16:20 PM
MELISSA BASSHAM, NINE STAR ALASKA, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for Alaska
Youth First program. She noted that the program allowed
services for youth who have graduated from high school.
Small businesses benefitted from the program's free
internship component.
5:17:27 PM
DAVID ALEXANDER, NINE STAR ALASKA, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of the Alaska Youth
First program. He stated that the program helped to support
small business in Anchorage and Wasilla.
5:18:20 PM
ADAN ACUNA, YOUTH JOB CENTER AND YOUTH FIRST, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), testified in support of funding for
the Youth First program. He stated that the employment he
sought would help him to collect money for college. He
communicated that the youth career center allowed him the
opportunity to obtain employment.
5:19:57 PM
JAVIER ACUNA, YOUTH JOB CENTER AND YOUTH FIRST, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), testified in support of funding for
the Alaska Youth First program.
5:20:46 PM
STEVE AND BREEANN DAVIS, SELVES, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of the Complex Behavioral
Center funding. He shared a personal story about his son.
He discussed the challenges they had with their son at
school and at home. They had been faced with placing their
son in a facility; however, the CBC program saved their son
and family. The program transformed their child's life.
They urged the committee to fund the program.
5:24:04 PM
ROSALIE NADEAU, CEO, AKEELA, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), encouraged funding for residential
programs. She emphasized that the programs saved costs. She
discussed how programs helped mothers to recover and care
for their children. She shared that AKEELA had three
residential treatment facilities. The organization treated
many former inmates. She stressed that keeping individuals
out of prison saved the state money. She asked the
committee to not target behavioral health funds.
5:27:37 PM
JULIAN WALKER, AKEELA, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
spoke in favor of residential treatment center funds. He
stated that he had been in and out of jail prior to his
time at AKEELA house. He spoke highly of his experience in
the residential treatment center. He believed that a cut to
the program would compromise the safety of the streets in
Anchorage.
5:29:01 PM
CHELSEA BOARDMAN, HEAD START AND ANCHORAGE SCHOOL DISTRICT,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in support of
early childhood education. She stated that both children
and their parents benefitted greatly from early childhood
education.
5:30:56 PM
ELAINE DAHLGREN, VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of residential
treatment center funds. She stated that evidence based
treatment showed that individuals benefitted immensely from
the service. She mentioned the Bring the Kids Home program
that helped people remain stable in the community.
5:33:19 PM
FRANCINE HARBOUR, NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR THE MENTALLY ILL,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in favor of
restoring funding for the residential substance abuse
treatment programs.
5:34:52 PM
HEATHER ANDERSON, VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA ALASKA, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), testified on behalf of residential
treatment center funds. She stated that Eagle River had 24
beds in their treatment center. The environment allowed
people to effectively return to their communities.
5:36:41 PM
KURT PARKAN, DONLIN GOLD, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in favor of retaining the governor's funding
level for Alaska Youth First program and the Teacher
Industry Externship program. He stated that the two
programs helped prepare Alaska youth for employment.
5:37:47 PM
JIM VORDERSTRASSE, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference)
testified in favor of funding for the Complex Behavior
Health Collaborative. He expressed gratitude for the
services that allowed people to recover while living
independently. He noted that adult onset mental illness was
seen as shameful.
5:40:07 PM
MICHAEL OWENS, NORTON SOUND HEALTH CORPORATION, NOME (via
teleconference) testified for funding for trauma care. He
stated that the system would save both lives and funds. He
stated that a loss of funds would end in a degradation of
the services.
5:41:07 PM
NILA FANKHAUSER, THE SALVATION ARMY, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference) testified for the reinstatement of
residential treatment center funds. She stated that the
current funding levels were not adequate to meet the needs
of the people.
5:43:31 PM
AMANDA MERICK, FACING FOSTER CARE IN ALASKA, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference) testified for funding for support staff for
foster care in the Office of Children's Services. She noted
that the state commissioned a recent study and she urged
legislators to view it.
5:45:11 PM
KATHLEEN BUGBEE, AATCA, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
spoke in support of the Alaska Youth First Grant. She noted
interest in an annual event called the Palmer Construction
Career Days that was historically successful in the Mat-Su
valley.
5:46:38 PM
TOMARA CHILDS, THE SALVATION ARMY, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of residential
treatment center funds. She stated that cuts to the program
would affect people in compromised positions.
5:47:51 PM
KELLY WYLIE, THE SALVATION ARMY, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of residential
treatment center funds. She stated that she was now able to
manage her life in a sober way as a result of her time in a
residential treatment center. She stated that her life was
hopeless until an opportunity became available for
treatment in the local residential center.
5:50:13 PM
BRYAN GOERISU, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference)
testified in support of the restoration of residential
treatment center funds. He stated that he chose a
residential treatment center during a very difficult time
in his life. He highlighted that the funding allowed a new
start for him after treatment.
5:52:35 PM
JULIA JACKSON, VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA ADOLESCENT RESIDENTIAL
CENTER, EAGLE RIVER (via teleconference), testified in
support of residential treatment center funding. She stated
that the reality of the need for treatment centers should
not be ignored. She believed that residential treatment was
essential to families and the economy. She believed that
the residential method was the most effective treatment
option available.
5:54:54 PM
MARY NANUWAK, SELF, CHEVAK (via teleconference), testified
that she sued the state for Mental Health Trust land. She
spoke about the injustices to minority groups. She wished
for people with alcohol addiction to be included with other
mental health patients. She spoke to the needs of many
different people.
5:57:19 PM
YOUNGER OLIVER, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified on behalf of funding for the
University of Alaska. She spoke to the benefit of the
university's advisors and advocated for the reinstatement
of state funding.
5:59:13 PM
STACEY LUCASON, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of high-demand
programs in the university budget. She advocated for those
programs related to health care.
6:00:13 PM
ANDREW SMITH, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of the university. He
spoke to the benefit of a university budget including
mandatory advising. He stated that the university system
was committed to building Alaska's future. The high-demand
programs benefitted the university system and Alaska at
every level.
6:01:02 PM
BETH SNYDER, ALASKA SCHOOL DISTRICT, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of early education
funding. She stated that pre-K benefitted many children
with their educations. She stated that pre-school students
transitioned to kindergarten easily when they had access to
programs with pre-K funding.
6:02:36 PM
POLLY SMITH, SUCCESS BY SIX, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), appreciated the lack of cuts to the
funding for early childhood education. She discussed the
benefits of the Imagination Library.
6:03:28 PM
CAMAI CASSEY, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference)
testified in favor of the Alaska Youth First Grant. She
stated that the youth job center benefitted her daughter
immensely. She noted that the program's career guides
helped students to understand the costs associated with
life.
6:05:15 PM
JANEL WALTON, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified on in support of education and behalf of at risk
youths. She spoke to a program for at risk youths at Benny
Benson Secondary School. She told a story related to at
risk youths. She testified that there were no programs
available for the specific youth. She spoke to the trickle-
down effect of a lack of education funding. At risk youths
would end up on the street. She stressed the importance of
providing funding for the school budget.
6:07:33 PM
BRUCE LINGUIST, ALASKA COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in support of mental
health and substance abuse treatment programs. He rejected
the notion that higher levels of treatment were a waste of
time and money. He discussed that addiction often involved
cycles of relapse and remission. He emphasized that without
treatment people could die prematurely; providing treatment
services could curtail the problem. He opined that it would
be unethical to deny treatment to individuals requiring
more than outpatient services.
6:10:16 PM
MELANIE BARTOFF, MENTAL HEALTH TRUST, GIRDWOOD (via
teleconference), spoke in favor of traumatic brain injury
funding. She told a personal story related to her
experience with a traumatic brain injury. The Brain Injury
Network had helped her get back on track with her life. She
was a productive member of society and ran her own
business. Without the support of the programs the recovery
of people with brain injuries would be hindered.
6:12:16 PM
JENNIFER KOTYK, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
voiced support for traumatic brain injury funding. She
shared a story about a friend. She spoke about her personal
faith.
6:14:11 PM
RANDI SWEET, SHARP ADVISORY COUNCIL, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke against a budget decrement of $1.2
million for the SHARP program. She stressed the cuts could
cause vulnerable Alaskans to lose their healthcare
providers. She stated that 39 recently selected providers
would not receive service agreements; other providers may
lose some of their support. The decrement would cause
contracts to be 41 percent underfunded. The program had
provided healthcare to 156,000 Alaskans. She stressed the
importance of continuing care for the individuals. She
communicated that organizations had success in stabilizing
turnover and creating sustainability.
6:16:21 PM
MARGE STONEKING, AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified against a $1.6 million decrement
to the Tobacco Prevention and Control Program. She believed
the decrement had been proposed in the governor's budget in
error. She shared that there had been a lack of clarity
about the level of funding in the Tobacco-Use Education and
Cessation Fund; the issue had been clarified. The payments
from the tobacco master settlement agreement would continue
in perpetuity to the state. She discussed that given the
current numbers there would not be a cash flow issue until
FY 19 if funding was maintained. The program was highly
effective; there were 35,000 Alaskans alive today because
of the program.
6:18:12 PM
ALEESHA TOWNS BAIN, ANCHORAGE IMAGINATION LIBRARY,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), thanked the committee for
Best Beginnings and statewide Imagination Library funding.
There were 8,600 children enrolled in Anchorage; every
child received one book per month along with ideas to
engage in increased literacy. She stressed that exposure to
books equated to Kindergarten readiness; this was a
predictor of on-time high school graduation. She encouraged
increased funding for Best Beginnings to increase the
number of those helped by the program.
6:19:31 PM
CHRIS TURLETES, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of the university operating budget.
She relayed that the new university sports facility was
scheduled to open in August; the annual maintenance and
operating costs would be approximately $2.72 million. She
stated that the governor's budget reduced the amount to
$1.6 million; the reduction meant that necessary
maintenance would not be made. The facility would be used
by the campus and the community. She discussed various
amenities in the facility. She stated that the size and
complexity of the facility made it important to not
underfund. She thanked the committee for its support.
6:21:56 PM
DEMETRIUS WILLIAMS, YOUTH FIRST, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of the Youth First
program. He is currently a student at the University of
Alaska Anchorage. The youth job center in Anchorage had
helped him to find employment. He shared his personal story
about employment. He was grateful to the program that
helped him find what he wanted to do.
6:22:55 PM
KEN MILLER, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in
favor of funding for substance abuse treatment programs. He
spoke about victims of substance abuse. He shared that he
had been clean and sober for 10 years. He relayed that
inpatient substance abuse treatment had turned his life
around. He asked for the continuation of funding for
substance abuse treatment.
HB 266 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
HB 267 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
6:24:55 PM
Co-Chair Austerman thanked the public for its testimony. He
discussed the agenda for the following day.
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