Legislature(2009 - 2010)SENATE FINANCE 532
03/31/2010 09:00 AM Senate FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB33 | |
| SB305 | |
| SB139 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 305 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 33 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 139 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 174 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 235 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 236 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 224 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE
March 31, 2010
9:04 a.m.
9:04:33 AM
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Stedman called the Senate Finance Committee
meeting to order at 9:04 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Lyman Hoffman, Co-Chair
Senator Bert Stedman, Co-Chair
Senator Charlie Huggins, Vice-Chair
Senator Johnny Ellis
Senator Dennis Egan
Senator Donny Olson
Senator Joe Thomas
MEMBERS ABSENT
None
ALSO PRESENT
Max Hensley, Staff, Senator Johnny Ellis; Don Bullock,
Attorney, Legislative Legal Services; Roger Marks,
Petroleum Economist, Logsdon & Associates, Legislative
Budget & Audit Committee; Denise Liccioli, Staff, Senator
Olson; Sam Trivette, Juneau; Shelley Hughes, Government
Affairs Director, Alaska Primary Care Association; Nancy
Davis, RN, President, Alaska Nurses Association, Juneau;
Marie Darlin, AARP; Nancy O. Davis, Executive Director,
Alaska Pharmacy Association
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE
Lanetta Lundberg, Director, Human Resources, Ketchikan
General Hospital; Jerry Gronen, Wasilla; Jim Lynch, Chief
Finance Officer, Fairbanks Memorial Hospital; Jim Jordan,
Executive Director, Alaska State Medical Association; Dr.
Don Pathman, Physician, University of North Carolina;
Elizabeth Ripley, MatSu Health Foundation
SUMMARY
SB 33 POSTSECONDARY SCHOLARSHIPS
SB 33 was heard and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
SB 139 INCENTIVES FOR CERTAIN MEDICAL PROVIDERS
SB 139 was heard and HELD in Committee for
further consideration.
SB 174 PROF STUDENT EXCHANGE LOAN FORGIVENESS
SB 174 was SCHEDULED but not HEARD.
SB 235 CHARTER/ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL FUNDING
SB 235 was SCHEDULED but not HEARD.
SB 236 TAX CREDITS FOR EDUCATIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS
SB 236 was SCHEDULED but not HEARD.
SB 305 SEPARATE OIL & GAS PRODUCTION TAX
CSSB 305 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee, as
amended, with a "do pass" recommendation and
with a new fiscal note by the Senate Finance
Committee for the Department of Revenue.
9:05:15 AM
SENATE BILL NO. 33
"An Act creating a postsecondary scholarship grant
program for Alaska residents based on high achievement
and financial need."
9:06:41 AM
Co-Chair Hoffman MOVED to ADOPT CSSB 33 (FIN), labeled 26-
LS0219\W, Mischel, 3/31/10.
Co-Chair Stedman OBJECTED for discussion.
Senator Ellis, sponsor, shared the following information:
I originally introduced Senate Bill 33 in 2006 as the
Alaska Achievers Incentive Program.
o Worked with student leaders
o Gained sponsorships from Senators Thomas,
Paskvan, Stevens, and McGuire
o Endorsed by the Taylor Foundation, Juneau
Assembly, and Fairbanks Assembly
o Original bill created a hybrid need and merit
based scholarship that would have provided at
least $1,000 per year to high achieving students
with financial need.
The governor's introduction of the GPS legislation
this past summer elevated the issue, and I am very
pleased to see the slate of policy options that we
will be discussing today.
o Over the past 8 months, I have been engaged in
many conversations with my legislative
colleagues, financial aid experts from the
University of Alaska and around the country, and
hundreds of students and parents.
o Although I am a strong supporter of the concepts
expressed by the governor in his bill, I am also
very concerned about the implementation of the
bill, as well as the opportunity to get something
passed this year.
o SB 33 addresses those concerns in ways that
reflect the many conversations I have had over my
years of involvement in this issue.
ƒI call this new version of SB 33 the
AlaskAdvantage Grant and Loan Forgiveness
Program.
AlaskAdvantage Grant and Loan Forgiveness Program
o Adds a loan forgiveness component to the existing
AlaskAdvantage Grant Program.
ƒStudents who were eligible for
AlaskAdvantage Grants can receive funds to
forgive loans made through ACPE for up to
four years after graduation if they attend
Alaska institutions and remain in Alaska.
ƒGPS is fully scholarship based, which
rewards students on potential rather than
performance.
o Maintains the emphasis on priority career tracks
(a concern of Senator Huggins)
ƒIncreased grant amounts for students in
preparation for hard-to-fill jobs.
· Currently allied health,
community/social service, teaching, and
natural resources extraction/support
o See article in your packet re:
workforce shortage for pipeline
ƒFor loan forgiveness, graduates must be
employed in those fields for increased
awards.
ƒGPS does not have any emphasis on developing
Alaska's workforce.
o Adds a merit-based priority
ƒIncreased grant amounts for students who are
performing at a high level in college.
ƒFor loan forgiveness, increased award
depends on final GPA.
o Updates the award amounts to reflect today's cost
of higher education.
ƒMinimum annual award of $1,000, maximum
annual award of $5,000.
ƒTotal lifetime cap (whether received in
grants or loan forgiveness) of $20,000 per
student.
ƒStructure allows the Legislature through
appropriations process to manage the cost,
in contrast to GPS which is set up as an
entitlement in which programs drive costs.
o Other GPS concerns addressed by AlaskAdvantage
Grant and Loan Forgiveness
ƒNon-traditional students - continuing
education, workers changing careers, older
first-time students - are ineligible for
GPS, but qualify for this bill.
ƒMany rural students are disqualified for the
GPS by the curriculum requirements that are
not available in 20% of Alaska high schools.
· Those requirements also create an
unfunded mandate of uncertain cost on
local school districts and REAA's.
Senator Ellis listed several options if no bill can pass:
o Fund existing AlaskAdvantage Grant Program -
currently receiving no General Fund.
o Fund existing UA Scholars Program - currently
receiving no General Fund.
o Task force to continue studying the
transformative scholarship concepts in the
Governor's Scholarship Program
9:12:36 AM
MAX HENSLEY, STAFF, SENATOR JOHNNY ELLIS, dispelled the
idea that this legislation was the old loan forgiveness
program. There are several significant differences: it only
includes students who attend college in the state of
Alaska, it has a limited cost, and it is more easily
tracked because it is limited to loans made through the
state's loan programs.
Mr. Hensley reported on the sections of the bill:
· Section one amends the purpose of the
AlaskAdvantage Grant Program to include loan
forgiveness.
· Sections 2, 3, and 9 are conforming amendments to
add 'loan forgiveness' to the title of the
chapter.
· Section 4 defines the size of the program, set at
$10M annually in this draft.
· Section 5 extends the current priority for career
tracks and adds a merit-based priority for
students with a GPA over 3.0, with a higher
priority for students with a GPA over 3.5.
· Section 6 outlines the qualifications for loan
forgiveness - Alaska resident, graduated from
Alaska higher education, in good standing on
their repayment.
· Sections 7 and 8 set the level of awards per
student.
9:16:02 AM
Senator Thomas asked how the allocation for loan
forgiveness and/or grants is made to eligible students. Mr.
Hensley clarified that the decision is left up to the
Commission on Postsecondary Education. The current program
places the highest priority on the students with the most
need. Senator Thomas spoke in support of the changes in the
bill.
Co-Chair Stedman WITHDREW his OBJECTION. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
9:17:08 AM
Senator Olson asked about the fiscal note from the
Department of Revenue for $25,000. Mr. Hensley said that
fiscal note refers to the previous version of the bill and
there wasn't a new note yet.
9:18:03 AM
Co-Chair Stedman noted two old fiscal notes which require
updating.
Senator Ellis thanked the committee for hearing the bill.
SB 33 was heard and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
AT-EASE 9:19:07 AM
RECONVENED 9:22:10 AM
SENATE BILL NO. 305
"An Act relating to the tax on oil and gas production;
and providing for an effective date."
9:22:29 AM
Co-Chair Stedman informed the committee about a new CS for
SB 305 and a new Senate Finance Committee zero fiscal note.
He said there was also a small technical amendment to the
new CS. He noted that public testimony had been previously
taken on the bill.
9:23:04 AM
Co-Chair Hoffman MOVED to ADOPT a CS for SB 305, labeled
26-LS1577\T, Bullock, 3/30/2010, as the version before the
committee.
Co-Chair Stedman OBJECTED.
9:23:34 AM
DON BULLOCK, ATTORNEY, LEGISLATIVE LEGAL SERVICES, reminded
the committee about the definition of production taxes and
lease expenditures. The production tax value of oil and gas
is what the tax is applied to. Starting with PPT and ACES,
the production tax value is basically the gross value at
the point of production minus allowable lease expenditures
under AS 43.55.165 adjusted under AS 43.55.170. Because the
lease expenditures are related to the production tax value,
whenever oil and gas are separated for tax purposes, lease
expenditures must be allocated. They are addressed in the
bill.
Mr. Bullock explained that currently the allocations are
required because of special provisions that relate to oil
and gas produced in Cook Inlet, as well as gas produced
outside of Cook Inlet and used in the state. The tax is
basically "25 percent plus". The 25 percent rate is applied
to the production tax value of all oil and gas. The "plus"
is a progressive tax that increases in rate as the
production tax value rises above $30. The main difference
between Version T and the previous version of the bill is
that the new version provides for a progressive tax on gas,
whereas the previous version just had a progressive tax on
oil.
Mr. Bullock pointed out that the title of the bill has been
amended to reflect the contents of Version T and is
narrowed to address the progressive rates.
9:25:51 AM
Mr. Bullock addressed the first section of the bill, which
amends AS 29.60.850(b), and did not appear previously in
Version P, the earlier version of the bill. It says that
money that is generated by the progressive taxes on oil and
gas is available for appropriation to the Community Revenue
Sharing Fund. The Fund was made for the purpose of making
community revenue sharing payments to municipalities,
reserves, and communities for public purposes. It is not a
dedicated fund, it merely identified money that is
available for appropriation.
Mr. Bullock explained that Section 2 amends AS
43.55.011(e), the main tax provision, to make separate
references to the monthly progressive taxes on oil and gas.
The progressive tax on oil, gas produced in Cook Inlet, and
gas produced elsewhere and used in the state are used to
determine the rate, which is the average amount of those
three values compared to $30. If that amount is greater
than $30, the rate is increased.
Mr. Bullock related that Section 3 Amends AS 43.55.011(g)
to have the tax rate determined using the production tax
values of oil and the production tax values on a BTU
equivalent basis of gas produced in Cook Inlet and gas
produced elsewhere and used in the state. Gas in and
outside of Cook Inlet are subject to caps on the tax. They
are considered "tax-favored production".
Mr. Bullock explained that Section 4 provides for a
progressive tax applicable to gas production that is not
included in AS 43.55.011(g) as amended in Section 3 of the
bill. It provides that the tax rate is applied to the
production tax value of a BTU equivalent of gas. There was
no counterpart to this section in the earlier version of
the bill. For both progressive taxes in (g) and (p), there
is no change in the range from which that tax rate is
determined.
9:28:55 AM
Mr. Bullock stressed that every time there is a change in
the tax scheme, there must be a corresponding change in the
installment payments. Section 5 amends AS 43.55.020(a) to
describe the determination of the amount of a monthly
installment. There is also a makeup payment at the end of
the year. The monthly payments should reflect one-twelfth
of the liability for the tax for the year.
Mr. Bullock said that Section 6 Amends AS 43.55.020(d)
relating to a settlement with the royalty owner, by adding
references to the production tax on gas. He emphasized that
the production tax values are what the tax rates are
applied to.
Mr. Bullock explained that Section 7 amends AS
43.55.160(a), relating to the determination of the
production tax value of oil and gas, by providing the means
for determining the production tax value of oil and the
production tax value of gas separately. It also reorders
some subparagraphs.
9:30:38 AM
Mr. Bullock noted that Section 7 in the prior version
amended the same section. This version provides for
determination of the value with reference to both oil and
gas.
Mr. Bullock informed the committee that Section 8 relates
to the allocation of lease expenditures between oil and
gas. Currently, the Department of Revenue has the authority
to make the allocation under AS 43.55.165(h). Section 8 of
Version T amends that section by requiring that the
Department of Revenue consider allocating lease
expenditures in proportion to the BTU equivalent barrels of
oil and gas produced from each lease or property. The
purpose is to provide a reasonable allocation of
expenditures between oil and gas. He explained how taxes
were on the gross value at the point of production prior to
PPT and ACES, which is now the starting point for
determining the production tax value. Since lease
expenditures are applied to the gross value at the point of
production to determine the production tax value, the
leases for oil and gas need to be allocated separately.
9:32:21 AM
Mr. Bullock spoke of Section 9 as being similar to the
provision in Section 8. This section adds a new subsection,
AS 43.55.170(d), which has to do with adjustments to lease
expenditures. It directs the Department of Revenue to
consider allocating adjustments based on the proportion of
the BTU equivalents of oil and gas produced.
Mr. Bullock turned to Section 11 which makes progressive
tax provisions in the bill retroactive to January 1, 2010.
There was no similar provision in the earlier bill. Because
of the retroactive effect and because installment payments
will be made after December 31 and before the effective
date, Section 10 requires that should there be an
installment payment, that underpayment would be made up at
the first installment payment due after the effective date.
Mr. Bullock concluded with Section 12 which makes the Act
take effect immediately.
9:33:58 AM
Mr. Bullock said there were some sections in the previous
version that don't have corresponding provisions in the
current bill. Sections 3, 4, and 8 in the previous version
are no longer needed.
9:35:08 AM
Senator Thomas asked if Section 4 is specific to producers
with production in both Prudhoe Bay and Cook Inlet. Mr.
Bullock clarified that the tax caps apply after the tax is
determined.
Senator Huggins referred to Section 8 and asked if there
was a separate effective date for the allocation of lease
expenditures for oil and gas. Mr. Bullock said the
department is required to have separate effective dates
now. Section 8 introduces a new provision which suggests
the department should consider allocating on a BTU-
equivalent basis.
ROGER MARKS, PETROLEUM CONSULTANT, LOGSDAN & ASSOCIATES,
LEGISLATIVE BUDGET & AUDIT, explained that the department
had the authority to adopt regulations for a cost
allocation method to implement the tax as it currently
works. The method the department adopted is the method in
Version T.
9:37:48 AM
Senator Egan asked about the sunset date of 2022 in Section
5, page 6, line 21. Mr. Bullock said the special tax breaks
for Cook Inlet gas and gas produced and used within the
state are applicable before 2022. Senator Egan understood
that the tax breaks go away in 2022.
Co-Chair Stedman WITHDREW his OBJECTION to adopting Version
T. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Co-Chair Hoffman MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 1:
Page 9, line 29
Delete "oil produced during a month from"
Co-Chair Stedman OBJECTED.
Mr. Bullock explained that the amendment corrects an
oversight made when drafting the bill. It removes
extraneous language.
Co-Chair Stedman WITHDREW his OBJECTION. There being NO
OBJECTION, Amendment 1 was adopted.
9:40:32 AM
Senator Olson asked about the distinction between Cook
Inlet gas and other gas fields above the 68th parallel. He
wondered if the Nenana gas field was included. Mr. Bullock
responded that the law applies to all gas and oil produced
in the state. The special provisions are narrowly focused
on gas and oil produced in Cook Inlet and gas produced
outside of Cook Inlet and used in the state. Senator Olson
commented that those who live above the 68th parallel "feel
like a stepchild".
9:41:55 AM
Mr. Marks explained the fiscal note by discussing some of
the technical changes made in the bill. He related that two
progressivity buckets have been established. One represents
current oil and gas activity, and the other bucket is
export gas. The progressivity surcharges for oil and Cook
Inlet and in-state gas would be calculated together. If the
two were to be separated, progressivity on oil would
increase and there would be a tax increase, which is not
the intent of the bill. There was a concern about keeping
the bill revenue neutral.
Mr. Marks pointed out that in the previous version of the
bill there was some discussion of a credit for the
difference between the taxes calculated after the bill
passed and before. That was deemed to be cumbersome, so the
two buckets were rated for progressivity. No current
activity would see a tax increase. Export gas would not
dilute the oil progressivity factor. The Department of
Revenue fiscal note is a zero note because of the changed
progressivity structure.
Co-Chair Stedman added that it would simplify the process
so the industry does not have to do two sets of
calculations. Mr. Marks said that was correct.
9:46:24 AM
Senator Huggins asked if progressivity on gas in this bill
is the same as it currently is. Mr. Marks concurred.
9:47:01 AM
Co-Chair Hoffman MOVED to report CSSB 305 (FIN) out of
Committee with individual recommendations and the
accompanying fiscal note.
There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
CSSB 305 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee, as amended,
with a "do pass" recommendation and with a new fiscal note
by the Senate Finance Committee for the Department of
Revenue.
SENATE BILL NO. 139
"An Act establishing a loan repayment program and
employment incentive program for certain health care
professionals employed in the state; and providing for
an effective date."
9:49:01 AM
Co-Chair Hoffman MOVED to ADOPT CSSB 139 (FIN), labeled 26-
LS0503\N, Mischel, 3/29/10.
Co-Chair Stedman OBJECTED.
Senator Olson, sponsor, related that the bill establishes a
loan repayment program and employment incentives for a
number of health care professionals employed throughout the
state. It addresses an immediate need. The bill
distinguishes itself from other scholarship bills by
providing immediate results when filling vacancies. It does
not require waiting for students to "come through the
pipeline" before they can begin their practice. It also
targets experienced providers who are ready to go to work.
The funds will be issued after the work has been performed
and payments will be stopped if the practitioner leaves the
state or designated area. It is not a loan and has no
defaults. There is a preference for Alaskans; however,
graduates from elsewhere can come to Alaska to take
advantage of the loan repayment program.
Senator Olson stressed that one of the focuses is on
recruiting physicians because of their expertise.
9:51:14 AM
DENISE LICCIOLI, STAFF, SENATOR OLSON, explained the
changes in the bill. The first change is on page 1, line 8,
and on page 2, lines 9-10, the words, "by the state" were
added in order to limit loan repayments to loans held by
the state. The second change was made by adding a new
section on page 5, beginning on line 9. The section
provides clarification to the department for the intention
of the legislation to limit the number of participants to
90 per year, regardless of whether the participant was a
new participant or a continuing participant. It would also
provide guidance to ensure that at least three of each
practitioner type was reserved for filling in a very hard-
to-fill location. The intention is to address health care
shortages in various areas of the state.
9:53:58 AM
Senator Thomas wondered if there was an hour requirement
prior to receiving a license for certain participants. Ms.
Liccioli said the bill targets those who are or who would
be licensed by the state to practice their preferred
occupation.
Co-Chair Stedman WITHDREW his OBJECTION. There being NO
OBJECTION, Version N was adopted.
Senator Olson said the bill addresses in a comprehensive
manner, important health care issues.
9:56:12 AM
Ms. Liccioli provided information about the bill:
Alaska is facing a serious shortage of healthcare
practitioners, especially in the rural areas of our
state, and it is projected to worsen significantly in
the next few decades. Senate Bill 139 is intended to
address this issue by establishing a program to
immediately begin filling the vacant healthcare
practitioner positions throughout the state.
This legislation will establish a direct incentive and
loan repayment program, for loans held by the State of
Alaska, in the Department of Health and Social
Services. The program is designed to be competitive
with incentives offered by other states and attract
and retain healthcare practitioners.
SB 139 will provide direct incentives and loan
repayments for 10 different health care occupations,
categorized by "Tier". Tier 1 slots include
physicians, pharmacists and dentists. Tier 2 slots
include dental hygienists, registered nurses,
certified nurse practitioners, physician assistants,
physical therapists, clinical psychologists, and
clinical social workers holding at least a master's
degree in social work.
The slots are also categorized by whether they are in
a "regular" site, which can be located anywhere in the
state; or whether they are in a "very-hard-to-fill"
site, which can be located only in areas designated as
such by the Commissioner of Health and Social
Services. The sites would not be exactly the same as
the federal designations.
The amount of the incentive for each slot varies
according to location and the category, or "Tier", of
healthcare provided. Tier 1 slots have incentives of
up to $35,000 per year at a regular site, or up to
$47,000 per year at a very-hard-to-fill site. Tier 2
slots have incentives of up to $20,000 per year at a
regular site, or up to $27,000 per year at a very-
hard-to-fill site.
The bill provides direct incentives and loan
repayments for 9 slots or positions for each
occupation. The bill requires that at least 3 of the 9
slots for each occupation are reserved for "very-hard-
to-fill" positions; the remaining slots for each
occupation can be anywhere based on applications and
need. The fiscal note allows for funding of 6
positions in "very-hard-to-fill locations. Priority
will be given to sites that treat patients who are
uninsured and who have medical assistance or Medicare
coverage. The maximum slots for which an incentive or
loan payment is made in any given year is capped at
90. She emphasized that it is 90 per year in order to
provide more flexibility.
9:59:28 AM
Eligible individuals are provided their incentive
and/or loan repayment in quarterly installments, only
after working the previous three months, for a
contract term of 3 years. The program allows for a
possible extension up to an additional 3 years, but
has a lifetime maximum of 6 years for any individual
to participate. Individuals would have to apply for an
extension. Payments stop immediately if the
practitioner leaves their position.
There is no risk of loan default since it is not a
loan program and funds are only issued after the work
is performed.
The employer of the participant will be required to
match the amount provided to the participant based on
the employer's ability to pay, as determined by the
Commissioner. The match can range from nothing to 50%
of the total. For purposes of the fiscal note, a 25%
match is assumed, to allow for that range.
SB 139 is an effective way to address the shortage of
healthcare practitioners quickly and targets
experienced practitioners who are ready to work.
Although preference can be given to Alaskans,
practitioners can be from anywhere in the nation. If
passed, this legislation is expected to attract
healthcare practitioners from all areas of the
country, which will give us a bigger pool of
qualified, experienced healthcare professionals from
which to choose; and which will help to assure our
ability to fill the available slots.
The program established by this bill will be an
effective complement -- not a replacement -- to other
programs such as WWAMI and would fill the gap existing
while students are going to school and until they are
able to practice their chosen field. In other words
there will be immediate results for filling vacancies;
no waiting for a student to become a practitioner.
It is critical that we promptly address Alaska's
healthcare shortages in order to ensure that all
Alaskans have adequate access to medical care. SB 139
helps us to save and improve the lives of our
constituents by allowing us to provide for those who
cannot wait until tomorrow to get the care that they
need today.
10:01:57 AM
Senator Thomas referred to page 5 and asked if the person
can receive loan repayments if they are not yet licensed,
but are in the program. Ms. Liccioli pointed to page 5,
line 21, to show that they must become licensed within 90
days of their first day of employment.
10:03:00 AM
Co-Chair Stedman noted two fiscal notes; one zero note from
the Department of Education and Early Development, and one
fiscal note from the Department of Health and Social
Services for $2,882,300 in general funds to cover the
estimated cost of incentive payments and to hire one
additional full-time staff person to administer the
program. Ms. Liccioli believed the two new notes reflect
the new CS.
10:04:15 AM
LANETTA LUNDBERG, DIRECTOR, HUMAN RESOURCES, KETCHIKAN
GENERAL HOSPITAL (via teleconference), spoke in favor of SB
139. She highlighted the benefits of the legislation.
10:06:00 AM
JERRY GRONEN, WASILLA (via teleconference), explained that
he is a student who will accumulate $70,000 in student
loans. He testified in favor of SB 139 and the
reimbursements and incentives it provides.
JIM LYNCH, CHIEF FINANCE OFFICER, FAIRBANKS MEMORIAL
HOSPITAL (via teleconference), spoke in favor of SB 139. He
brought up the problem of retiring health care workers and
the difficulty of trying to fill positions, especially in
rural areas.
JIM JORDAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA STATE MEDICAL
ASSOCIATION (via teleconference), spoke in favor of the
legislation. He said the pool of physicians available for
recruitment from around the country has been reduced by a
growing tendency of a reduction in patient care hours. He
highlighted the results of health care reform in
Massachusetts in 2006.
10:12:15 AM
DR. DON PATHMAN, PHYSICIAN, UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA
(via teleconference), spoke of his experience studying the
outcomes of loan repayment and incentive programs in the
health profession. He referred to handouts provided to the
committee. He agreed with SB 139 and testified about the
effectiveness of the loan repayment incentive.
10:15:35 AM
ELIZABETH RIPLEY, MATSU HEALTH FOUNDATION (via
teleconference), spoke in favor of SB 139. She listed the
benefits of her program. She voiced concern about
understaffing. She referred to a resolution included in the
members' packets. She shared statistics about medical
providers.
10:19:14 AM
SAM TRIVETTE, JUNEAU, spoke in favor of SB 139 because it
would attract health care workers and increase care for
retirees. He spoke of keeping retirees in Alaska and the
necessity to providing health care for them.
SHELLEY HUGHES, GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS DIRECTOR, ALASKA PRIMARY
CARE ASSOCIATION, testified in favor of SB 139. She shared
concerns about the shortage in Alaska of primary care
providers. She urged passage of the bill.
10:24:09 AM
NANCY DAVIS, RN, PRESIDENT, ALASKA NURSES ASSOCIATION,
JUNEAU, added her organization's support for SB 139.
MARIE DARLIN, AARP, testified in support of SB 139. She
reminded the committee that Alaska would lose if seniors
move away due to inadequate health care.
10:26:48 AM
NANCY O. DAVIS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA PHARMACY
ASSOCIATION, spoke in favor of the legislation. She said
the bill will allow health care workers to be recruited.
10:27:52 AM
Senator Olson stressed that Alaska is losing the battle to
keep up with adequate health care providers. He emphasized
that large school debt is forcing medical professionals to
work in major metropolitan areas. This legislation allows
the state to have an incentive program. Alaska is one of
three states that do not currently have such a program. He
requested the committee's support for the bill.
10:28:54 AM
Senator Huggins agreed with Senator Olson about not losing
any battles. He thanked Senator Olson for sponsoring the
legislation.
SB 139 was heard and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
SENATE BILL NO. 174
"An Act relating to professional student exchange
program availability and conditions for loan
forgiveness."
SB 174 was SCHEDULED but not HEARD.
SENATE BILL NO. 235
"An Act relating to charter school approval and
funding."
SB 235 was SCHEDULED but not HEARD.
SENATE BILL NO. 236
"An Act relating to tax credits for cash contributions
by taxpayers that are accepted for certain educational
purposes or for a college facility; and providing for
an effective date."
SB 236 was SCHEDULED but not HEARD.
SENATE BILL NO. 224
"An Act establishing the governor's performance
scholarship program and relating to the program;
establishing the governor's performance scholarship
fund and relating to the fund; relating to student
records; making conforming amendments; and providing
for an effective date."
SB 224 was SCHEDULED but not HEARD.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 10:29 AM.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Explanation of Changes for Senate Bill 33.doc |
SFIN 3/31/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 33 |
| FNSB_SB_33_Resolution.pdf |
SFIN 3/31/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 33 |
| FNSB_SB_33_Resolution.pdf |
SFIN 3/31/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 33 |
| Res2462-support_HB94_SB33_re_scholarships.pdf |
SFIN 3/31/2010 9:00:00 AM |
HB 94 SB 33 |
| SB33 Report Card.pdf |
SFIN 3/31/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 33 |
| SB 33 Letter ACDE.PDF |
SFIN 3/31/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 33 |
| SB 33 Sectional.PDF |
SFIN 3/31/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 33 |
| SB 33 Sponsor Statement.doc |
SFIN 3/31/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 33 |
| Taylor Plan Endorsement.PDF |
SFIN 3/31/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 33 |
| testimony Fabian Philipp.pdf |
SFIN 3/31/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 33 |
| University Memo Senator Ellis SB33 .doc |
SFIN 3/31/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 33 |
| SB 139 Letters of Support 032510.pdf |
SFIN 3/31/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 139 |
| SB 139 Written Testimony Myers.doc |
SFIN 3/31/2010 9:00:00 AM SFIN 4/1/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 139 |
| SB 139 Data Health Care Professions Loan Repayment Program Concept Proposal.PDF |
SFIN 3/31/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 139 |
| SB139 Sponsor Statement.doc |
SFIN 3/31/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 139 |
| SB139 Sectional Analysis.pdf |
SFIN 3/31/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 139 |
| SB139 Paskvan Response 4-1-09.pdf |
SFIN 3/31/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 139 |
| SB139 News Article ADN 121609.PDF |
SFIN 3/31/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 139 |
| SB139 Data 3 AHWV Study.pdf |
SFIN 3/31/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 139 |
| SB139 Data 2 UA_RS14.pdf |
SFIN 3/31/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 139 |
| SB139 Data 1 HPSA_MUA.pdf |
SFIN 3/31/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 139 |
| SB139 ADN Articles.pdf |
SFIN 3/31/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 139 |
| SB139 Data 4 MedCare_2004_StateProgsOutcomes.pdf |
SFIN 3/31/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 139 |
| SB139 Data 6 Chart from Dr Pathman.PDF |
SFIN 3/31/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 139 |
| SB139 Data 7 JAMA_2000_StateServicePrograms.pdf |
SFIN 3/31/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 139 |
| SB 33 Proposed CS Version W SFIN 033110.PDF |
SFIN 3/31/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 33 |
| SB305 Sectional Summary CSSB v. T.pdf |
SFIN 3/31/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 305 |
| SB 305 Proposed CS 033110 Version T.pdf |
SFIN 3/31/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 305 |
| SB 305 2010 03 31 FN CSSB305 SFIN.pdf |
SFIN 3/31/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 305 |
| SB 305 Amendmetn 1 SFIN 033110 T.1.pdf |
SFIN 3/31/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 305 |
| SB 33 Additional backup 033110 SFIN.PDF |
SFIN 3/31/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 33 |
| SB139CS Version N.PDF |
SFIN 3/31/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 139 |
| SB139 Explanation of Changes in the CS Version N.PDF |
SFIN 3/31/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 139 |
| SB139CS(HSS)-DHSS-MAA -03-29-10.pdf |
SFIN 3/31/2010 9:00:00 AM |
SB 139 |