Legislature(2011 - 2012)SENATE FINANCE 532
03/23/2011 08:30 AM Senate FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB108 || HB109 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 108 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 109 | TELECONFERENCED | |
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 108(FIN)
"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."
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 109(FIN)
"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."
8:34: 47 AM
Co-Chair Stedman MOVED to ADOPT SCS CSHB 108 (FIN), Work
Draft 27-GH1737\O, Bailey, as a working document before the
committee. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Co-Chair Stedman MOVED to ADOPT SCS CSHB 109 (FIN), Work
Draft 27-GH1738\O, Bailey, as a working document before the
committee. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
8:35:40 AM
TIM GRUSSENDORF, STAFF, SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE, presented
a spreadsheet produced by the Legislative Finance Division,
"2011 Operating Budget Transaction Detail-Senate
Structure." He noted that the items included were technical
and conforming language approved by the committee the day
before; nearly all were net-zero, fund-source changes.
Mr. Grussendorf detailed that the first item would
consolidate all the Permanent Fund Dividend criminal funds
into the Department of Corrections (DOC) for inmate health
care. The second item would consolidate funds to the
Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DLWD), which
would be replaced with general funds.
Mr. Grussendorf pointed to executive operations on page 2,
an item changing numbers to language; the Senate had put
the $3 million for the governor's domestic violence
initiative into the language section.
Mr. Grussendorf continued that page 3 contained a net-zero
transaction consolidating funds into DLWD. Page 4 pertained
to parks management and was a net-zero transfer of the
fuel-trigger funding to reflect a structure change. Page 5
was a net-zero transaction to consolidate the permanent
funds into DOC inmate health care. Page 6 replaced cruise
ship funding with vehicle rental tax for the Whittier
access tunnel. For the Marine Highway System, surplus FY 11
distribution $4 million of fuel trigger was removed from
the FY 12 base; partial FY 11 distribution fuel trigger was
incorporated in the FY 12 base. The trigger start point
moved from $50 to $64 and the remaining would be funded
with the vehicle rental tax (designated general funds).
Mr. Grussendorf added that there was one more change that
was not listed in the transaction report; the item was a
structure change with no money attached. The House put the
management fees in language, but the Senate subcommittee
saw little point in a language transaction, as it would not
provide the open-ended appropriation of the governor's
request. The language served two purposes: separating
management and operation of appropriations, and making the
management appropriation open-ended. Although the Senate
did not want an open-ended appropriation, it now wanted a
separate appropriation. The item was subject to Conference
Committee because of the numbers-language issue and because
the Senate appropriated $5 million less for management fees
(in the permanent fund appropriation).
Co-Chair Hoffman OPENED public testimony and reminded
testifiers to adhere to the two-minute timeline. He
reviewed the testimony schedule and described protocol.
8:41:24 AM
AT EASE
8:41:58 AM
RECONVENED
STATEWIDE PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Juneau
8:42:14 AM
Senator Egan welcomed Juneau testifiers.
8:43:05 AM
MARK CHOATE, JUNEAU SCHOOL BOARD, spoke in favor of the
community-in-schools funding; the program would bring
community volunteers into schools to work one-on-one with
students who needed assistance. He believed communities
needed strong families for student success, and backup
support when families could not provide the support. He
advocated for forward funding and additional funds for K-12
education.
8:45:30 AM
PETER FRUCHLICH, DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, JUNEAU, testified in
support of community-in-schools funding. He reported that
during his 16 years as a judge, he had dealt with thousands
of truant students and drop-outs. He reviewed challenges
related to the high school dropout problem in Juneau. He
emphasized that the dropout rate for Native Alaskan
students was as high as 60 percent; the rate for non-
Natives was about 40 percent. He pointed out that high
school dropouts ended up costing the public many times more
than the amount requested for the program, including the
costs of higher criminal involvement.
8:48:23 AM
CHARLES WAINWRIGHT, CLINICAL DIRECTOR, CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
SERVICES, JUNEAU, spoke in favor of substance abuse
treatment for parents of children in state custody. He
underlined that the majority of the parents had substance
abuse issues. He asked for an additional $125,000 to the
substance abuse treatment budget. He acknowledged the
success of the Bring the Kids Home project, but noted the
need to help parents.
8:49:54 AM
MARIANNE MILLS, DIRECTOR, SOUTHEAST SENIOR SERVICES,
JUNEAU, spoke in favor of the increment for the elderly.
She described services in Southeast Alaska. She asked for
an additional grant for the Meals-on-Wheels programs. She
stated that often the person delivering meal was the only
person that a senior might see each the day. She stressed
that keeping seniors at home saved money by helping them
stay healthy and independent.
8:51:52 AM
ANDI STORY, VICE-PRESIDENT, JUNEAU SCHOOL BOARD, spoke in
favor of the operating fund support for K-12 education and
the contributions towards the retirement obligations for
teachers and public employees. She highlighted results,
including improved student learning and higher scores. She
described the connection between education and economic
growth. She noted a local funding shortfall of $5 million.
She supported funding for pre-school.
8:54:37 AM
IAN FISK, CITY AND BOROUGH OF YAKUTAT, JUNEAU RESIDENT,
spoke in support of the renewable energy developments
through the University of Alaska. He described the ocean
energy development project in Yakutat.
8:55:56 AM
ALEX REID, STUDENT, JUNEAU, spoke on behalf of the
governor's scholarship funding. He hoped the committee
would replace the scholarship funding that had been
removed. He stressed that there should be a scholarship
based on merit, rather than based on need.
8:57:17 AM
DEBORAH KASBERG, STUDENT, JUNEAU, spoke in favor of Alaska
Performance Scholarship Program funding. She described
personal experience and thought the program would encourage
students to study in-state.
8:58:47 AM
PEGGY BROWN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA NETWORK ON DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT, JUNEAU, testified in support
of the increase to the governor's budget for the rural
pilot projects. She stressed that the projects were
collaborative with many different partners. She thanked the
committee for public awareness programs and pro-bono
attorneys.
9:01:36 AM
JOY LYON, ASSOCIATION FOR THE EDUCATION OF YOUNG CHILDREN,
JUNEAU, testified in support of the governor's request for
early learning and Best Beginnings. She stressed the
importance of Kindergarten readiness. She requested
reinstatement of base funding and an increase to $10 per
child in pre-Kindergarten education.
9:03:28 AM
LAURY SCANDLING, ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT, JUNEAU SCHOOL
DISTRICT, spoke in favor of education funding. She stressed
that schools were a good investment and described increased
costs and community partnerships.
9:05:54 AM
GEORGE REIFENSTEIN, MANAGER, MT. ROBERTS TRAMWAY, JUNEAU,
testified in support of the reduction of the Alaska Travel
Industry Association (ATIA) required match. He encouraged a
budget of $20 million for travel marketing to make Alaska
competitive on the world market.
9:08:22 AM
MARY SULLIVAN, STATE AFFAIRS COORDINATOR, ALASKA PRIMARY
CARE ASSOCIATION, JUNEAU, spoke in support of uninsured
individuals and community health care center funding. She
described the functions of community health care centers.
She stressed that many of the community health centers were
less expensive than hospitals.
9:10:18 AM
MARIA OFFER, LITERACY SPECIALIST, testified in support of
the governor's request for early learning and Best
Beginnings. She described experience as an educator and
stressed the importance of language development in the
preschool years.
9:12:43 AM
MATT FELIX, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NATIONAL COUNCIL ON
ALCOHOLISM and DRUG DEPENDENCE, JUNEAU, encouraged full
funding for addiction treatment for parents of children in
custody. He stressed that addiction was generational and
the cycle had to be broken.
9:15:51 AM
ERIC PETER AND JOANNE MASON, PARENTS, JUNEAU, spoke in
favor of funding for services for children with behavioral
challenges. He discussed the challenges of children
returning to Alaska after being treated out of state. He
encouraged support of the Alaska Complex Behavior
Collaborative. She described their difficult experience
with their son.
9:16:53 AM
SAM KURLAND, YOUTH ADVOCATE, JUNEAU YOUTH COURTS AND
TREASURER, UNITED YOUTH COURTS OF ALASKA, spoke in support
of funding for youth courts. He reviewed statistics related
to youth court. He asked for an additional $250,000 funding
increment for the program, which was facing grant fund
losses.
9:18:28 AM
MICHELLE ZENGER, ALASKA WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD, spoke
in support of the governor's Alaska Performance Scholarship
Program. She noted that the percentage of Alaskans entering
post-secondary education was among the lowest. The board
felt the program would help.
9:20:38 AM
PAT LUBY, ADVOCACY DIRECTOR, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF
RETIRED PERSONS, spoke in favor of community health center
funding. He noted that many older Alaskans were fired by
their physicians when they turned 65 because of low
Medicare reimbursement, but the community health centers
would see them in spite of financial losses. He also spoke
in favor of the Senior Nutrition Program as an "essential
lifeline."
9:22:22 AM
JOHN MCCONOCHIE, OWNER, CYCLE ALASKA, JUNEAU, testified in
support of reduction of the Alaska Travel Industry
Association required match. He listed challenges because of
the lower numbers of visitors to the state. He voiced
support of travel marketing funding.
9:24:15 AM
LEANNE DAPCEVICH, NURSING STUDENT, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA
ANCHORAGE, spoke in favor of the Recruitment and Retention
of Alaska Natives in Nursing Program. The program aimed to
assure that the nursing workforce reflected the state's
population, which was 14 percent Alaska Native. She
provided history and statistics related to the program,
highlighting that over 125 students had graduated and were
practicing as registered nurses. She noted that the federal
funding that had almost exclusively supported the program
was ending.
9:26:42 AM
DENISE DANIELLO, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA COMMISSION ON
AGING, JUNEAU, spoke in support of the community-based
grants for senior meal funding. She described the benefits
of the program. She requested support for the Alaska
Complex Behavioral Health Collaborative, noting that
seniors were living longer and had mental health issues
with few services available. She testified in support of
community health centers, which she believed were necessary
for seniors.
9:28:51 AM
SARALYN TABACHNICK, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AIDING WOMEN IN
ABUSE AND RAPE EMERGENCIES, JUNEAU testified in support of
the governor's request for the Council on Domestic Violence
and Sexual Abuse. She noted the cost of transporting
affected individuals from rural areas to hubs for emergency
safe shelter and transporting personnel to those
communities.
9:30:37 AM
SEAN SMITH, GLACIER GARDENS RAINFOREST ADVENTURES, JUNEAU,
testified in support of reduction of the Alaska Travel
Industry Association required match and increased funding
for travel marketing. He noted statistics about lower
numbers of visitors and its effect on his family's
business.
9:32:55 AM
TINA GREEN, ALASKA VICTIM ASSISTANCE ACADEMY, ANCHORAGE,
spoke in support of victim advocacy programs. She noted
that Alaska ranked number eight in violent crimes. She
stressed that there were many different types of victims
and that the academy offered training to law enforcement
personnel, court officials, clergy, nursing homes, and
others for victim advocacy, rights, and resources.
9:35:07 AM
GEORGE DANNER, CITIZEN, JUNEAU, requested restoration of
the $99,000 increment to implement the designated duty
engineer program at the Seward Alaska Vocational Technical
Center (AVTEC). He described experience with the Coast
Guard and believed the AVTEC program was a good opportunity
for Alaskans.
9:37:33 AM
AT EASE
9:44:51 AM
RECONVENED
Co-Chair Hoffman discussed protocol.
Kenai, Valdez, Kodiak, Seward, Mat-Su, Glennallen, and Tok
9:46:12 AM
MARK LACKEY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CCS EARLY LEARNING, MAT-SU
(via teleconference), testified in opposition to Head Start
reductions. He informed the committee that census data from
2000 demonstrated that the population in the Matanuska-
Susitna Borough (Mat-Su) was around 60,000; the population
in 2010 was 90,000. In 2000, CCS Early Learning provided
252 children with Head Start services; in 2010, 260
children were serviced. The population had increased by 50
percent, but the number of children served had increased by
only 3 percent. He felt that the level of need was similar
across the state. He described the upcoming federal
reductions in funding and the adverse effects that the cuts
would have on the program.
9:48:51 AM
IVY SPENCER, PARENT, MAT-SU (via teleconference), testified
in opposition to Head Start reductions. She described
personal experience and spoke about the value that Head
Start provided to families.
9:50:01 AM
HANNAH DENNY, ATTORNEY, MAT-SU YOUTH COURT (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for the
youth court. She commented as a young person who wanted a
career as an attorney and spoke to the many benefits she
received as a result of the program. For example, Youth
Courts of Alaska had saved the state approximately $10,000
per defendant, generated $98,930 worth of community work-
service annually, and had reduced crime rates by 11.1
percent overall.
9:51:44 AM
ERIN SERAFIN, PRESIDING JUDGE, MAT-SU YOUTH COURT (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for youth
court. She noted the benefits of the program in the lives
of Alaskan youth. She had chosen to get a criminal justice
degree because of experience in youth court, which had
changed her life.
9:52:48 AM
ISAAC SERAFIN, VICE-PRESIDENT and PRESIDING JUDGE, MAT-SU
YOUTH COURT (via teleconference), testified in support of
funding for youth court. He spoke to the many benefits
provided by youth court. He mentioned improvement in his
abilities to write and to speak publicly as a result of his
experiences with the youth court. He noted that he intended
to pursue a degree in criminal justice.
9:54:01 AM
SHANNON NICHOLLS, ADVOCATE, ALASKA FAMILY SERVICES, PALMER
(via teleconference), testified in support of the
governor's increase for the Council on Domestic Violence
and Sexual Abuse. She requested that the $25,000 grant for
scholarships be included for the victim assistance academy.
She reported that she and her co-workers had been able to
attend the academy only because of the scholarship. She
described things learned at the academy to help victims in
the state.
9:55:55 AM
DICK ZOBEL, MAT-SU (via teleconference), testified in
support of the reinsertion of funding for the Soil and
Water Conservation Districts. He commented on the value of
conservation districts, including helping the schools teach
young people about resources. He referred to materials
submitted to the committee.
9:59:13 AM
PARK KRINER, OWNER, AMERICAN VILLAGE OF ALASKA, GLENNALLEN
(via teleconference), testified in support of reducing the
Alaska Travel Industry Association required match. He spoke
in favor of funding for tourism, especially marketing.
10:03:10 AM
TONJA UPDIKE, PARENT, SOLDOTNA (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding for the Alaska Autism
Resource Center. She described benefits her family had
received for her son who was diagnosed with autism. She
pointed to statistics showing that one in every 110
children would have autism, so it was a growing problem in
the state.
10:05:03 AM
FRED STURMAN, SOLDOTNA (via teleconference), recommended
that the legislature cut the budget. He stated that the
budget was growing at a steady rate and would not match
income from oil.
Co-Chair Hoffman countered that the budget being considered
was $15 million less than the governor's proposed budget.
10:07:06 AM
MIKE HORTON, STUDENT, SOLDOTNA (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding for the Alaska Performance
Scholarship Program. He shared a story about his own goals
and the opportunities that the performance scholarship
could provide for Alaskan students.
10:08:54 AM
JILL LEITER, GUIDANCE COUNSELOR, COOK INLET ACADEMY,
SOLDOTNA (via teleconference), testified in support of the
Alaska Performance Scholarship Program. She spoke about her
experience at the Soldotna Academy with students who work
harder in school with the goal of getting the scholarship.
She felt that the scholarship programs would benefit the
entire state.
10:11:10 AM
VIRGINIA GLASHEEN, KODIAK (via teleconference), testified
in support of the Hub component of the Alaska Complex
Behavioral Collaborative. She asserted that the $325,000
initiative had been endorsed by the Governor's Council on
Disabilities and Special Education and other programs under
the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS).
10:12:40 AM
SUSAN KILLARY, KODIAK (via teleconference), testified in
support of the $25,000 increment for the Alaska Victim
Assistance Academy. She described participation in the
academy and services provided for professionals. She spoke
of challenges in the state, including the high rate of
violent crime and the high cost of travel in the state. She
relayed personal experience with the training, including
learning victim rights, resources and Alaska Native
families and historical trauma, and issues related to
domestic and child violence.
10:15:14 AM
DON DUMM, KODIAK (via teleconference), testified in support
of increased aid for the Department of Fish and Game's
(DFG) Westward Regions Fisheries research and management of
Kodiak salmon stocks. He mentioned efforts by various
senators who had worked to keep the funding in the budget.
He spoke to the value of the fishing industry in comparison
with funding to tourism and the oil industry.
Co-Chair Hoffman noted the addition of $1.7 million to the
DFG budget earmarked for fisheries and over $1 million for
game. He maintained that the legislature had been listening
to the public and moving in the direction.
10:18:39 AM
PAT BRANSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SENIOR CITIZENS OF KODIAK
(via teleconference), testified in support of the $300,000
increase in funding for senior meals. She appreciated the
efforts of Senator Olson. She addressed the increased cost
of food and support services for meal service for seniors;
the average cost per meal was about $20, with grants only
covering about one-third of the cost. She lists the other
costs that affected the total, including fuel and staffing
expenses.
10:20:12 AM
AL MCCARTY, LEGISLATIVE CHAIR, ALASKA PTA, SEWARD (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for the
governor's performance scholarship plan. He noted that
Alaska PTA represented 9,000 members in the state. Members
were polled and had responded that the issue was a top
priority.
10:21:35 AM
WILLARD DUNHAM, MAYOR, CITY OF SEWARD (via teleconference),
testified in support of reinstating the nursing program
funds for the Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC).
He emphasized the need for the program, which created good
jobs. He spoke in support of passing SB 37 and the Coastal
Villages Region Fund.
10:23:40 AM
KIM WOODBURY, BOARD MEMBER, BIG LAKE COMMUNITY COUNCIL, BIG
LAKE (via teleconference), testified in support of funding
for the Goose Creek Correctional Facility. She described
progress that had been made on the facility. She spoke
about the 315 local-hire construction jobs that had been
created by the building of the project and the 350
permanent long-term jobs that would be sustained by the
operations of the facility, with a payroll of approximately
$28 million.
10:25:47 AM
DIANE FIELDEN, BOARD MEMBER, PENINSULA COMMUNITY HEALTH
SERVICES OF ALASKA, SOLDOTNA (via teleconference), spoke in
support of funding the $3 million direct patient care
request. She believed the money would allow the
organization to keep its door open and deliver much-needed
care in the region.
10:26:59 AM
LINDA CONOVER, IMAGINATION LIBRARY, MAT-SU BOROUGH (via
teleconference), testified in support of the governor's
request for early learning and Best Beginnings. She added
that the Imagination Library enrolled over 25,000 children
who receive one book per month from birth until their fifth
birthday. The books encourage reading for young children
and families. She described impacts and goals of the
program.
10:29:45 AM
DIANA STRAUB AND DENNIE JAQUES, WASILLA SENIOR CENTER (via
teleconference), testified in support of the inclusion of
$825 thousand for the support of senior citizen support
services. She described economic difficulties in the
Wasilla area. She listed the expenses and incomes of many
senior citizens in the Mat-Su; 55 out of 100 seniors had an
income below $20,000, with an average monthly income of
$1,731.88, while average rent was $800. She added that the
senior meal service program also required additional
funding. She pointed out that many seniors were too proud
to ask for help.
10:34:40 AM
MICHAEL MILLER, MAT-SU (via teleconference), testified in
support of the Alaska Scholarship Performance funding. He
spoke about experience and the benefits of the program for
all students in Alaska. He felt it would help retain people
in the state.
10:36:40 AM
LAURIE BOOYSE, KENAI CONVENTION AND VISITORS BOROUGH (via
teleconference), testified in support of reduction of the
Alaska Travel Industry Association required match. She
described experience in the travel industry. She felt ATIA
would use the funding wisely and help the visitor industry
to grow.
10:37:53 AM
NATASHA ALA, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, KENAI CONVENTION AND
VISITORS BOROUGH (via teleconference), testified in support
of reduction of the Alaska Travel Industry Association
required match. She described businesses in the area and
felt ATIA marketing affected every corner of the state.
10:39:08 AM
STEPHANIE SMOTHER, MAT-SU (via teleconference), testified
in support of reduction of the Alaska Travel Industry
Association required match. She spoke about the increases
to her business as a result of the prior year's tourism
marketing funding.
10:40:08 AM
CINDY BETTINI, MEMBER, MATANUSKA-SUSITNA BOROUGH ASSEMBLY
(via teleconference), testified in support of funding for
the Goose Creek Correctional Facility. She supported
conducting the audit. She stated concerns about losing the
warranty on the building. She noted her involvement in the
project over the years and described history.
10:42:26 AM
RECESSED
1:02:36 PM
RECONVENED
Co-Chair Hoffman described the process for continued public
testimony.
Anchorage
1:04:17 PM
Senator Ellis welcomed testimony from the community of
Anchorage.
1:04:44 PM
DAVE REES, PRIVATE SECTOR MEMBER, ALASKA WORKFORCE
INVESTMENT BOARD AND CHAIR, ALASKA COMMISSION ON
POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of technical education. He assured the
committee that young Alaskans had to be trained properly
for the needs of the state. He spoke in favor of funding
for the governor's performance scholarship. He provided
statistics.
1:07:42 PM
PENNY VASILEFF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified
in support of the governor's proposal for the nursing
program. She spoke about the value of nurses and the hard
work that they do.
1:10:38 PM
HARRY MCDONALD, CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF TRUSTEES, UNIVERSITY OF
ALASKA, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in
support of restoration of the $8 million for the governor's
performance scholarship program. He spoke in support of the
governor's proposal for AVTEC.
1:11:31 PM
RYAN BUCHHOLDT, STUDENT, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), testified in support of the
university budget.
1:13:10 PM
SUSAN ANDERSON, CHAIR, EARLY LEARNING COUNCIL, BEST
BEGINNINGS, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in
support of the governor's request for early learning and
Best Beginnings.
1:13:44 PM
AT EASE
1:14:33 PM
RECONVENED
1:14:47 PM
KIRK HOESSLE, PRESIDENT, ALASKA WILDLAND ADVENTURES,
GIRDWOOD, testified in support of reduction of the Alaska
Travel Industry Association required match. He stated that
the marketing presented by ATIA helped with the cost of
advertising. He described ways that ATIA helped businesses
in the state through travel marketing.
1:17:13 PM
JILLIAN SIMPSON, DIRECTOR, TRAVEL TRADE AND INTERNATIONAL
MARKETING, ALASKA TRAVEL INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION, ANCHORAGE,
testified in support of reduction of the Alaska Travel
Industry Association required match and in support of
marketing funding. She spoke about the experience of
incorporating funding into the marketing strategy.
1:18:46 PM
JULIE SAUPE, PRESIDENT AND CEO, ANCHORAGE CONVENTION AND
VISITORS BUREAU, testified in support of reduction of the
Alaska Travel Industry Association required match. She
requested support for tourism marketing. She described the
services of the bureau and pointed to materials with
statistics. She commented on the benefits of the funding
received the previous year.
1:20:53 PM
DEBORAH HANSEN, MARKETING SALES, RUST'S FLYING SERVICE & K2
AVIATION, ANCHORAGE, testified in support of reduction of
the Alaska Travel Industry Association required match. She
shared a personal story about the effect of decreased
tourism on her family's employment opportunities. She
referred to experience marketing Alaska in Europe. She
reported that there was a lot of competition; she believed
the marketing funding was important.
1:23:08 PM
DALE FOX, PRESIDENT AND CEO, ALASKA CABARET HOTEL AND
RESTAURANT RETAIL ASSOCIATION (CHARR), ANCHORAGE, spoke in
support of increased funding for alcohol detoxification and
rehabilitation facilities. He noted that the alcohol
industry was taxed heavily with the understanding that the
services would be funded, but that has not happened.
1:24:42 PM
ETHAN TYLER, OWNER, ALASKA TOURISM SOLUTIONS, GIRDWOOD,
testified in support of reduction of the Alaska Travel
Industry Association required match. He thought the
increase in the previous year's budget had been effective;
numbers of visitors were significantly up. He reported that
statistics confirmed the success of the ATIA website and
programs.
1:26:19 PM
JESSE CARLSTROM, MANAGER, TRAVEL TRADE AND INTERNATIONAL
MARKETING, ALASKA TRAVEL INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION, ANCHORAGE,
testified in support of reduction of the Alaska Travel
Industry Association required match. He described
experience traveling in other locations and his hopes for
tourism careers in Alaska.
1:27:55 PM
SUSAN ANDERSON, CHAIR, EARLY LEARNING COUNCIL, BEST
BEGINNINGS, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in
support of the governor's request for early learning and
Best Beginnings. She commented on the needs for early
learning for Alaskans, especially Native Alaskans. She
discussed the possible results of a lack of early childhood
education. She expressed concern about the shortage of
funding for early childhood education.
1:30:40 PM
CRYSTALYN LEMIEU, HAINES (via teleconference), testified in
support of the governor's proposal for AVTEC-Cook Inlet
Tribal Council nursing program. She spoke about the
shortage of nurses in Alaska. She testified in support of
the UA recruitment and the importance of retention of
Alaska Native nurses program. She provided statistics.
1:32:49 PM
KATE PERONTO, EAGLE RIVER (via teleconference), testified
in support of the governor's proposal for AVTEC-Cook Inlet
Tribal Council nursing program. She testified in support of
the UA recruitment and retention of Alaska Native nurses
program. She described personal experience with the
program.
1:34:06 PM
DOUG JOHNSON, ALASKA PROJECTS DIRECTOR, OCEAN RENEWABLE
POWER COMPANY, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in
support of University of Alaska funding for tidal and river
power development.
1:34:56 PM
CHRIS SAUER, PRESIDENT & CEO, OCEAN RENEWABLE POWER
COMPANY, PORTLAND, MAINE (via teleconference), spoke in
support of the program at the University of Alaska for the
Alaska Center for Energy and Power. He emphasized the
importance of the relationship between Alaska and Maine for
creating sustainable jobs in a new industry.
1:35:50 PM
SUMMER HULCHINS, STUDENT, WASILLA (via teleconference),
testified in support of the governor's proposal for AVTEC-
Cook Inlet Tribal Council nursing program. She discussed
economics and freedom of choice. She described personal
experience with the program.
1:38:50 PM
AT EASE
1:49:32 PM
RECONVENED
DENNIS MURRAY, PROGRAM MANAGER, ALASKA STATE HOSPITAL AND
NURSING HOME ASSOCIATION, SOLDOTNA (via teleconference),
testified in support of the governor's proposal for AVTEC-
Cook Inlet Tribal Council nursing program. He reported that
the program's primary funding source had recently changed
its criteria. He noted that the program filled a need for
students from all over the state. In 1998, only 1.5 percent
of Alaskan nurses were Alaska Native or American Indian,
even though the population of indigenous people was 16
percent. He reported that there has been a small
improvement since then; he felt that more was needed.
1:51:39 PM
SHARON GAGNON, CHAIR, HONORS COLLEGE ADVISORY BOARD,
UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of the $100,000 requested by the Board
of Regents for the honors college at the University of
Alaska. She quoted statements supporting the program that
had been given by various honors students.
1:54:47 PM
PEGGY ANDERSON, OWNER, ALASKA VISITOR'S CENTER, AND BOARD
MEMBER, VICTIMS FOR JUSTICE, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of $225,000 for the
organization Victims for Justice. She provided personal
history about her son, who had been murdered in Anchorage.
She detailed how services from Victims for Justice were
extremely helpful to her, including providing legal advice,
financial help for counseling, and support to the family.
1:57:24 PM
MIKE ANDERSON, OWNER, ALASKA VISITOR'S CENTER, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), testified in support of the reduction
of the Alaska Travel Industry Association required match.
He described challenges with his business and the need for
marketing. He maintained that the travel industry
contributed significantly to the state's treasury and that
the funding to ATIA would grow contributions.
1:59:06 PM
SHELLEY HOUSTON, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in
favor of funding for the Alaska Youth Court. She commented
on her children's experiences and successes with the youth
court program.
2:01:28 PM
SHARON LEON, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in favor
of funding for the Anchorage Youth Court. She requested
fully funding $300,000 the youth court. She described
experience and program needs.
2:02:36 PM
JOANNE MOLLOY, MUSICIAN, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of reduction of the Alaska Travel
Industry Association required match. She believed marketing
was a key factor in running any business. She thought ATIA
provided exceptional financial return and job support to
Alaska.
2:04:12 PM
MARLA CLARK, GEORGE MUNDY, REBECCA MCKINLEY, AUTUMN LAUDER,
COURTNEY MARTIN, MARIE WHITE, AND ANN BAXTER, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), testified in support of the
governor's proposal for AVTEC-Cook Inlet Tribal Council
nursing program. She described the program.
2:05:32 PM
PATTI FAIRBANKS, EAGLE RIVER for CAPTAIN MARGARET REASONER,
MANAGING DIRECTOR, MARINE PERSONNEL, CROWLEY MARITIME
CORPORATION (via teleconference), testified in support of
the governor's request for career and education grants. She
read Captain Reasoner's letter in support of AVTEC's
designated duty engineer program. She pointed out that she
was responsible for the recruitment, retention, and
personnel requirements of 126 Crowley owned or managed
vessels; positions included 1,563 permanent mariners and
annual hire of an additional 1,173 temporary mariners.
Crowley employed approximately hundreds of mariners in
Anchorage, Valdez, and Prince William Sound. She described
the Ocean Rangers and the importance of AVTEC's program.
2:08:51 PM
RAY CLEMENTS, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke on
behalf of funding for community health centers. He
described the program and emphasized the growing population
of seniors in the state. He reported personal experience of
excellent care at a health center.
2:10:31 PM
COLLEEN CHERRIER, SYLVIA ESCHBACHER, JULIE MCNUTTY, AND
JILL MONTAGUE, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in
support of the governor's proposal for AVTEC-Cook Inlet
Tribal Council nursing program. She described experience
and emphasized the importance of the training for health
care of Alaska Natives.
2:12:35 PM
JEFF JESSEE, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, ALASKA MENTAL HEALTH
TRUST AUTHORITY, DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE (via
teleconference), testified in support of the House funding
number for substance abuse treatment for parents of
children in the custody of the Office of Children's
Services. He voiced support for the governor's increase for
the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse. He
supported adding $200,000 to the governor's $3 million
proposal to fully fund the annualization of the rural pilot
projects.
2:13:38 PM
ROBERT GOTTSTEIN, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified
in support of the governor's performance scholarship
program. He felt there were fewer opportunities for young
people and thought that everyone should have a free
education until they were 22 years of age. He urged support
for merit-based scholarships. He also voiced support for
the Susitna dam, which he felt would be the most important
investment with long-term results that the state could
make.
2:14:44 PM
SUZI PEARSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ABUSED WOMEN'S AID IN
CRISIS, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in
support of the governor's increase for the Council on
Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse, the Department of
Public Safety's budget for victim's services and funding
for legal advocates, and the proposed increase in the human
services matching grant for DHSS. She stated that the legal
advocacy program benefited Alaskan citizens. She relayed a
story about an abused woman's successes getting help for
herself and her children as a result of the legal advocacy
program.
2:16:39 PM
SALLY MEAD, DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF HEALTH PROGRAMS
DEVELOPMENT, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), thanked the legislature for funding of the
Health Sciences building in Anchorage. She requested
further support for the Board of Regent's requested funding
for staffing needs for the building. She stated that the
funding would make interdisciplinary education possible and
that training in teams was essential for good
communication. She testified in support of the university
budget.
2:17:57 PM
AMANDA HOLSTEIN, NURSING STUDENT, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in support of
funding for staffing for labs in the new Allied Health
Sciences Building being constructed. She pointed out that
in 1999, the Institute of Medicine had calculated that the
average cost of medical errors in hospitals amounted to
between $17 billion and $29 billion per year. She noted
that the leading contributing factor to medical errors was
the lack of communication. She described positive
experience with medical simulation used in training, which
had helped shape her practice.
2:19:42 PM
ROSALIE NADEAU, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AKEELA, INC., ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), supported additional funding for
substance abuse. She saw substance abuse as the leading
cause of many social ills. She spoke about additional
legislation to increase treatment options for those
suffering from substance abuse. She testified in support of
the governor's increase for the Council on Domestic
Violence and Sexual Abuse.
2:22:14 PM
PATRICE GRIFFIN, DIRECTOR, HEAD START, RURAL ALASKA
COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of the $300,000 House increment for
Head Start and asked for a $600,000 increase to current
Head Start Funding. She commented that nationwide, Head
Start programs would receive federal funding cuts of around
15 percent, which would result in the loss of 94 children
from the program in rural Alaska. She maintained that the
cuts would be devastating to the rural communities.
2:23:39 PM
JILL HODGES, DIRECTOR, ALASKA BRAIN INJURY NETWORK,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in support of the
Mental Health Trust request for acquired brain injury
services. She discussed the number of brain injuries that
were occurring in the state and the lack of services in
Alaska.
2:24:36 PM
DIRK SHUMAKER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, KIDS' CORPS, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), testified in opposition to Head Start
reductions. He endorsed testimony given by Patrice Griffin
about the $300,000 and $600,000 increments.
2:25:10 PM
CAROLYN BETTES, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified
in support of a reduction to the ATIA required match. She
stressed the importance of the travel industry's
contribution to the state. She emphasized that the travel
industry contributed about $180 million in state and
municipal taxes and fees.
2:26:31 PM
LISA RIEGER, COOK INLET TRIBAL COUNCIL, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of the governor's
performance scholarship program because the program would
provide incentive for higher academic achievement, make it
easier for graduating students to afford college, and keep
young people in the state for college. She emphasized that
the program would work best if coupled with strategies that
would ensure that all school districts (especially those in
rural areas) would have resources in place to provide
advanced curricula that would allow students to qualify for
the scholarships.
2:27:19 PM
ANGELA ZIGARLICK, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified
in support of the governor's proposal for AVTEC-Cook Inlet
Tribal Council nursing program.
2:28:00 PM
NATALIA SCHOLICK, STUDENT, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of the governor's proposal for AVTEC
and the Cook Inlet Tribal Council nursing program.
Co-Chair Hoffman noted that the committee would receive
written testimony from anyone who did not get to testify in
person.
2:30:08 PM
Fairbanks
Senator Thomas reviewed the protocol for public testimony
from Fairbanks.
SUE HULL, FAIRBANKS, (via teleconference), testified in
support of the governor's request for early learning and
Best Beginnings. She spoke in support of funding education
at the community level and without an inflation-area
adjustment.
2:32:25 PM
NINA HARUN, FAIRBANKS COUNCIL OF PTAS, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), urged the committee to raise the base
student allocation to $100 in order to keep up with
inflation. She recounted experience in the schools and
believed some children were falling behind and would
benefit from help.
2:33:51 PM
KORY EBERHARDT, OWNER, A TASTE OF ALASKA LODGE, FAIRBANKS
(via teleconference), testified in support of reduction of
the Alaska Travel Industry Association required match. He
pointed out that his business supported many other
community operations. He supported the Alaska Visitor
Industry Investment Fund in HB 160 in the current session,
and the Tourism Cooperative Tax Credit proposal in SB 138
from the previous session. He asked that the current
marketing budget be approved.
2:35:22 PM
CHARLES DEER, MEMBER, AVTEC ADVISORY BOARD, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), spoke against cutting the nursing program
funding. He pointed out that the proposed cut would allow a
one-year registered nurse program to be added to current
successful nursing programs. He noted that many rural
students were better served by the program and that
training a local person often resulted in a long-term
employee. He provided statistics about non-resident hire.
2:37:17 PM
CORRINE BEDERMAN, PARENT, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
testified in support of the governor's request for early
learning and Best Beginnings. She recounted experience with
the program and pointed out unique needs in Fairbanks for
low-income citizens.
2:39:24 PM
CHARLES FOSTER III, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke
in support of developing long-term solutions to energy
needs in the Interior, which he believed would take a long
time. In the shorter term, he wanted natural gas trucked in
from the North Slope and used for energy production.
2:40:17 PM
YULANDA SYKES, VICTIMS FOR JUSTICE, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), supported Victims for Justice and the
Victims Assistance Academy funding. She described personal
experience. She pointed out that the Victims for Justice
program was the only full-service victims agency with a
presence in both rural and urban communities in Alaska. She
listed the services provided by the program.
2:43:23 PM
TABER REHBAUM, ARCTIC ALLIANCE FOR PEOPLE, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), testified in support of the increment to
the human services matching community grants. She
encouraged an increase of $2 million to the program. She
stressed the savings to the state because of state programs
eligible for the grant funding, including hospice and
senior programs and neighborhood health clinics that saved
hundreds of thousands of Medicaid dollars each year. She
noted that the grant program emphasized prevention and
estimated that an average of 21 young people were kept out
of jail each year, saving the state over $2.9 million. She
listed other savings.
2:45:55 PM
EDWARD KING, JOEL'S PLACE, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
voiced support for funding for the community services
matching grant and urged an increase in the funding.
2:46:32 PM
LENETTA COLBERT, MEMBER, EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT
COMMISSION and DIRECTOR, OPEN ARMS, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), testified in support of the governor's
request for early learning and Best Beginnings. She noted
that two other commission members were with her. She
described services to Fairbanks families through Best
Beginnings, including a frequently-used website with
information and service listings. She described a survey
and how it had been used to provide services to families.
2:49:38 PM
SMOKEY DON DUNCAN, MASTER GUIDE, ALASKA PRIVATE GUIDE
SERVICES, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke against
funding the Department of Natural Resources to further the
Guide Concession Program. He noted that 70 percent of the
industry did not support the plan and that it would lead to
50 percent of the guides being put out of business. He
listed past controversies over the program. He believed
existing boards had the tools needed to solve problems. He
described history and pointed to comments by industry on
the department website.
2:51:34 PM
KEVIN ILLINGWORTH, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, TRIBAL MANAGEMENT
PROGRAM, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), testified in support of Victims for
Justice and the Alaska Victims Assistance Academy. He
described experience with the academy. He noted that he
taught courses related to community responses to domestic
violence; one of the largest challenges in rural
communities was the lack of service providers with
appropriate training. He felt the academy educated rural
providers efficiently.
2:53:18 PM
DENISE BAKEWELL, Director, NORTH STAR YOUTH COURT,
FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in support of
Alaska Youth Court funding. She also supported funding to
the community grants.
ARIANE GOLD, NORTH STAR YOUTH COURT, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), spoke in support of Alaska Youth Court
funding. She described experience with the program and
benefits it had given her and other youth. She pointed out
that youth courts saved the state about $10,686 per
defendant, handled an average of 1,000 cases per year, and
realized a repeat-offense rate of 10 percent (as opposed to
23 percent in the regular juvenile court system). She
listed services provided in Fairbanks and other
communities.
2:55:38 PM
JIM LYNCH, FINANCE OFFICER, FAIRBANKS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL and
CHAIR, ALASKA WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), spoke in support of the Alaska Performance
Scholarship Program. He spoke against subcommittee
recommendations for a needs-based program and stated that
he preferred the original scholarship structure to help
elevate all students in math and science.
2:57:15 PM
MARILYN RUSSELL, PRESIDENT, LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS ALASKA,
FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in support of the
governor's request for early learning and Best Beginnings.
She stated that the league supported early childhood
education.
2:57:53 PM
KATHLEEN BUNGART, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in
support of performance and merit-based scholarship funding.
She spoke to experience as a former teacher and parent.
3:00:28 PM
DANA THOMAS, PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS AND
STATISTICS and VICE-PROVOST, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA,
FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in support of
performance-based scholarship funding. He spoke in support
of honors-program education funding. He noted that Alaska
had one of the lowest rates for providing the funding in
the nation. He described funding history.
Mr. Thomas testified in support of funding for individual-
technology-based math and summer-bridge programs. He argued
that improving math success was the key element to raising
baccalaureate completion rates.
3:02:21 PM
TIMOTHY WORKER, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in
support of the Alaska Performance Scholarship funding. He
believed Alaska's richest resource was its young people,
and he wanted to keep them in the state. He described
experience with young people and programs.
3:04:04 PM
TOM HEWITT, STUDENT, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), spoke in support of the Alaska Advantage
Program. He noted that tuition had doubled over the past
ten years and that students were having a hard time making
ends meet.
3:05:24 PM
SASHA ERICKSEN, PSYCHIATRY DIRECTOR, TANANA CHIEFS
CONFERENCE, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in
support of the psychiatry residency proposal and mental
health funding. She described the work of psychiatrists and
noted the shortage both in the state and nationwide. She
believed the residency program would address the shortage
and serve the people of Alaska. She pointed out that
research had shown that most psychiatrists stay near their
training area. She pointed out that Alaska had high
suicide, depression, and substance-abuse rates, and that
Native Alaskans had the highest suicide rates in the
nation. She described the consequences of lack of services.
3:07:01 PM
MIKE MATHERS, FIREFIGHTER, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
spoke in support of the Alaska Performance Scholarship
Program. He described experience with his son and the
program. He wanted to grow the state's economic workforce
and keep Alaskan young people in the state, as well as
their families.
BRENDA STANFILL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, INTERIOR ALASKA CENTER
FOR NON-VIOLENT LIVING, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
spoke in support of full funding for the governor's budget
for personnel services and travel for domestic violence
workers. She spoke in support of the legal advocacy
program.
NICK GASCA, SUPERVISING ATTORNEY, ALASKA LEGAL SERVICES,
FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in support of
funding human services community matching grant. He
described conditions in Fairbanks, including the high cost
of living and the poverty rate. He noted that the matching
grant would increase savings to the state. He told a story
of a person who had benefited from the program.
GAIL MCCANN, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in
support of the Alaska Performance Scholarship Program. She
described personal experience.
3:14:35 PM
KATHY HEDGES, NORTHERN ALASKA TOUR COMPANY, FAIRBANKS,
testified in support of reduction of the Alaska Travel
Industry Association required match. She described
contributions the travel industry made to Alaskan
communities. She mentioned several other testifiers who had
had to leave who were also in support of the visitor
industry.
3:15:47 PM
TERESE KAPTUR, DIRECTOR, FAIRBANKS SUMMER ARTS FESTIVAL,
testified in support of reduction of the Alaska Travel
Industry Association required match. She also spoke in
support of the funding for the arts and described the
contribution of the arts towards economic development. She
noted that the arts offered services for both visitors and
local Alaskans. She pointed out that research showed that
community members active in the arts were better citizens
with healthier lives.
3:18:05 PM
BUZZY CHIU, MANAGER, BRIDGEWATER HOTEL, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), testified in support of reduction of the
Alaska Travel Industry Association required match and in
support of marketing funding. She asked that some of the
money made by the travel industry for the state be
reinvested back into the industry.
3:19:18 PM
LLOYD HUSKY, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND ADVANCEMENT,
UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA MUSEUM OF THE NORTH, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), testified in support of reduction of the
Alaska Travel Industry Association required match. He
described the success of previous levels of funding and
hoped for continued support.
3:20:31 PM
PETER LEWIS, SUPERINTENDENT, FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR BOROUGH
SCHOOL DISTRICT (via teleconference), encouraged an
increase in the base student allocation to $100 in order to
meet contractual obligations and keep up with inflation. He
noted that the increase would also allow continuation and
growth of career and technical education to provide
workforce opportunities. He encouraged the committee to
increase funding for energy and transportation costs. He
described cost increases that the district faced.
3:22:22 PM
ARTHUR ROBSON, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in
support of improving the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System. He
recounted history.
3:24:18 PM
DUSTIN ADAMS, MANAGER, REGENCY FAIRBANKS HOTEL (via
teleconference), testified in support of reduction of the
Alaska Travel Industry Association required match. He noted
the amount of money the industry contributed to the state.
3:25:32 PM
RANDY BOWELL, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in
support of the Mental Health Trust request for traumatic
brain injury services. He relayed personal experience and
services that were still needed in the state.
3:27:22 PM
CORINNE BOWELL, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified
in support of the Mental Health Trust request for traumatic
brain injury services. She recounted experience and
described the process families go through and the services
needed, including education, respite care, and community
support so that brain-injured people could get employment.
3:28:57 PM
AT EASE
3:29:11 PM
RECONVENED
Ketchikan, Sitka, Wrangell, Petersburg, Homer, Dillingham,
and Cordova
Co-Chair Stedman welcomed testimony.
3:33:25 PM
ZACK TAPPAR, HOMER AIR, testified in support of reduction
of the Alaska Travel Industry Association required match.
He urged support of HB 160. He commented that the airline
sustained village operations as well as tourism operations.
He spoke to work that ATIA had done.
3:35:51 PM
BETTY KEEGAN, ALASKA COMMISSION ON AGING and SENIOR
SERVICES, WRANGELL (via teleconference), testified in
support of community-based grants for senior programs,
particularly the senior food programs. She stated that the
past funding of $850,000 given to the commission would only
provide one meal a week and that $300,000 would do less.
She reported that the year prior, about 30 people received
federal food commodities; as many people as 200 each month
received the commodities. She maintained that good
nutrition was necessary for good health and longevity,
particularly for seniors. She detailed that the $300,000
would provide only one additional meal per week at best; it
might only maintain current levels because of additional
expenses.
3:38:41 PM
DWIGHT KEEGAN, WRANGELL (via teleconference), testified in
support of funding for senior programs. He supported
remarks made by Betty Keegan.
3:39:15 PM
DOUG WARD, DIRECTOR OF SHIPYARD DEVELOPMENT, ALASKA SHIP
AND DRY DOCK and CHAIR, WORKFORCE READINESS AND EMPLOYMENT
& PLACEMENT COMMITTEE, ALASKA WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD,
KETCHIKAN (via teleconference), testified in support of
continued and increased funding for the Alaska Performance
Scholarship Program. He reported that the board had debated
the program the prior month and had unanimously decided to
support it. As an employer, he believed Alaskans would
access Alaskan higher education and vocational education
training institutions to begin doing the needed jobs. He
noted that currently, outside consultants were being paid a
lot of money to design and inspect ships being built and
maintained by the state of Alaska. He pointed out that
numbers showed that 80 percent of university graduates
spend their career within 100 miles of their alma maters.
3:41:29 PM
ROSANNE ROPPEL, TEACHER, KETCHIKAN (via teleconference),
testified in support for continued and additional funding
for the Alaska Performance Scholarship Program. She
believed the program would encourage scholars to stay in
the state. She pointed out that in the past, higher-end
students left the state to be educated and did not come
back. She reported experience.
3:43:51 PM
SHAUNA LEE, GENERAL MANAGER, GREAT ALASKAN LUMBERJACK SHOW,
KETCHIKAN (via teleconference), testified in support of
reduction of the Alaska Travel Industry Association
required match. She described experience. She opined that
the loss of revenue to her business was due to minimal
funding for ATIA.
3:45:44 PM
TRACY PRICE, AMERICORPS VOLUNTEER, SITKA YOUTH COURT, SITKA
(via teleconference), testified in support for additional
funding for the Alaska Youth Court. She listed the
communities that youth court volunteers were from at the
Sitka Youth Court, which had saved the state more than
$100,000 for the FY increment of only $10,000. She
described financial challenges for all Alaska youth courts.
She cited statistics about the success of youth courts.
3:47:47 PM
DON FORD, SELF, DILLINGHAM (via teleconference), urged
support for the HUB program for triage services and
testified in opposition to reductions for therapeutic
courts.
3:49:27 PM
ROSE LOERA, DIRECTOR, COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES, BRISTOL
BAY AREA HEALTH CORPORATION, DILLINGHAM (via
teleconference), testified in support for additional
funding for direct care at community health centers,
specifically in rural areas. She reviewed the ten
communities with community health centers in Bristol Bay
and described services and history. She noted that there
had been an increase in preventative care since becoming a
community hospital. She described rising costs.
3:52:05 PM
TINA REIGH, VOLUNTEER, S.A.F.E. and ATTORNEY, DILLINGHAM
(via teleconference), testified in support of the $550,000
increment for shelters for victims of domestic violence.
She voiced support for the continuation of funding for
statewide legal advocacy program for victims of crime. She
testified in support of funding for the Civil Legal
Services Fund for Alaska Legal Services.
3:54:18 PM
PAGE O'CONNELL, SELF, DILLINGHAM (via teleconference),
testified in support for continued funding for the Civil
Legal Services Fund. She described services provided and
experience as an employee for an adult behavioral health
program.
3:55:12 PM
GINGER BAUM, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, S.A.F.E, DILLINGHAM (via
teleconference), testified in support for continued funding
for support programs for victims of domestic violence and
sexual assault. She described services and the need for
funds to keep components of the current programs working.
She specified the $550,000 increase in the Department of
Public Safety budget to help meet the increased cost of
health insurance, emergency transportation to the shelter,
and training to remote villages. She asked the committee to
adopt DPS recommendations to replace an expiring one-year
federal grant for the legal advocacy program. She described
the work of the legal advocate at the shelter, who provided
direct services to over 100 people. She referred to rural
pilot project capacity-building grants and requested an
additional $200,000 to fully fund all four projects.
3:57:26 PM
NINA ALLEN, THE CENTER AND MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE
ABUSE BOARD, HOMER (via teleconference), testified in
support of substance abuse treatment for at-risk parents,
care for victims of domestic violence, and early childhood
education increments.
3:58:13 PM
LOLITA BRACHE, FAMILIES FIRST, BEST BEGINNINGS, HOMER (via
teleconference), testified in support of the governor's
request for early learning and Best Beginnings. She
believed collaboration between educators and families was
invaluable.
4:00:15 PM
SHARON WHYTAL, PROJECT COORDINATOR, SOUTHERN KENAI
PENINSULA COMMUNITIES PROJECT, HOMER (via teleconference),
testified in support of the governor's request for early
learning and Best Beginnings. She noted that the goal of
the Southern Kenai Peninsula Communities Project was to
assess community needs and devise an action plan. She
listed priorities of the community of Homer that matched
budget items: Best Beginnings, public health nurses, care
for victims of domestic violence, obesity funding, and
substance-abuse treatment for at-risk parents. She pointed
out that all of the increments fostered a shift towards
prevention.
4:01:48 PM
BONNIE BETLEY, SOUTHERN KENAI PENINSULA COMMUNITIES PROJECT
and FAMILIES FIRST, HOMER (via teleconference), testified
in support of the governor's request for early learning and
Best Beginnings. She spoke in support of funding for the
Alaska Obesity Prevention and Control program, the
substance-abuse treatment for at-risk parents, trauma
informed care for domestic violence, and early childhood
screening.
4:03:01 PM
KAREN SHEMET, BIRTH 2 THREE, HOMER (via teleconference),
testified in support of the governor's request for early
learning and Best Beginnings. She described progress made
in the community related to early learning.
4:04:14 PM
GINNY EPENSHADE, DIRECTOR, KENAI PENINSULA YOUTH COURT,
HOMER (via teleconference), testified in support for
continued funding for the Alaska Youth Court. She wanted to
see resources spent on prevention, intervention, and early
childhood programs.
4:05:12 PM
JERRY SCHOLAND, OWNER, KIANA LODGING, HOMER (via
teleconference), testified in support of reduction of the
Alaska Travel Industry Association required match. He
described experience and felt ATIA had done a good job. He
did not want to return to an obsolete funding model.
4:06:03 PM
AMY FETTERHOFF, BUSINESS OWNER, HOMER (via teleconference),
testified in support of reduction of the Alaska Travel
Industry Association required match. She spoke in support
of increased funding for the Alaska Performance Scholarship
Program. She described experiences and needs of her home-
school family.
4:08:12 PM
KEN BERGMAN, FAMILIES FIRST, HOMER (via teleconference),
testified in support of the governor's request for early
learning and Best Beginnings. He urged increased funding
for programs for all early childhood programs in Alaska. He
stressed that investment in Alaska's children was critical
for the development of Alaskans that would not be
criminals. He listed the costs of funding a penal system,
as opposed to the costs of infrastructure for early
childhood; underlining that every dollar invested in early
childhood would save seven dollars later in penal costs.
4:10:15 PM
JILLIAN LUSH, DIRECTOR, BIRTH 2 THREE, HOMER (via
teleconference), testified in support of the governor's
request for early learning and Best Beginnings. She urged
continued and increased support for early childhood
programs and listed the benefits.
4:11:19 PM
MORGAN SICILIA, SELF, HOMER (via teleconference), testified
in support of funding for all programs supporting young
children and families throughout the state. She testified
in support of the governor's request for early learning and
Best Beginnings.
4:12:13 PM
MIRANDA WEISS, SELF, HOMER (via teleconference), testified
in support of the governor's request for early learning and
Best Beginnings. She urged support for all early childhood
programs throughout the state. She described experience as
a parent.
4:14:39 PM
ARDEN JEFFRIES, OWNER, SPYGLASS INN, HOMER (via
teleconference), testified in support of reduction of the
Alaska Travel Industry Association required match. He
described the savings from investing in tourism and
recounted experience.
4:15:45 PM
BEN FETTERHOFF, SELF, HOMER (via teleconference), testified
in support for continued and increased funding for the
Alaska Performance Scholarship Program. He stressed that
the scholarship would keep graduated young Alaskans in the
state.
4:18:11 PM
RENEE SCHOFIELD, BUSINESS OWNER and CHAIR, ADVISORY BOARD
ON ALCOHOLISM & DRUG ABUSE (ABADA), KETCHIKAN (via
teleconference), testified in support for the priorities
put forward by the Alaska Mental Health Board, including
substance-abuse treatment for at-risk parents, trauma-
informed care for victims of domestic violence, and early
childhood screening. She agreed that money spent on the
early side of life was smart.
4:19:12 PM
GINNY CLAY, PRESIDENT, KETCHIKAN GATEWAY BOROUGH SCHOOL
BOARD, KETCHIKAN (via teleconference), testified in support
for the priorities put forward by the Alaska Mental Health
Board and ABADA.
4:19:50 PM
WOODY WILSON, SUPERINTENDENT, WRANGELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS,
WRANGELL (via teleconference), testified in favor of
continued and increased support for the Alaska Performance
Scholarship Program. He viewed the scholarship program as a
"jobs program." He pointed out that 90 percent of Wrangell
students went to either college or post-secondary training
of some type; however, most of them went out-of-state. He
hoped to keep students in Alaska and allow more to go. In
addition, Alaskans would be trained for Alaska jobs. He
maintained that Wrangell had been providing the education
required for the program for over 15 years.
4:22:37 PM
LESLIE RANDALL, SELF, KETCHIKAN (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding for the early childhood
screening package, substance-abuse treatment for at-risk
parents, trauma-informed care for victims of domestic
violence, and the rural peer support services. She noted
that early intervention and diagnostic screening provided
the best outcome for children with specific disorders,
including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
4:24:28 PM
AT EASE
4:24:28 PM
RECONVENED
STEVE RANDALL, SELF, KETCHIKAN (via teleconference),
testified in support of the priorities put forward by the
Alaska Mental Health Board. He urged support for funding
programs that provided support for families with children
suffering from mental health problems. He stressed the
importance of diagnosing mental health issues in children
at a young age. He recounted experience as a foster parent.
4:31:40 PM
MARINA ANDERSON, DISTINGUISHED YOUNG WOMEN SCHOLARSHIP,
KETCHIKAN (via teleconference), testified on behalf of
herself and nine others in support of continued and
increased funding for the Alaska Performance Scholarship
Program. She thought the program would encourage young
people to go to college, and to stay in Alaska. She noted
success with similar programs in other places.
4:32:22 PM
CHRIS BAUMAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SITKANS AGAINST FAMILY
VIOLENCE, SITKA (via teleconference), testified in support
of full funding of the $500,000 increment for personnel
costs for domestic violence and sexual assault programs in
the state. She noted that her organization served the
villages of Kake and Angoon as well as Sitka; a rural
outreach coordinator traveled to the village to provide
training and coordinate responses to domestic violence and
sexual assault. In addition, transportation was provided to
victims from the villages that needed shelter. She pointed
out that the cost of a one-way trip had gone up from $40 to
$150.
4:34:01 PM
GRETCHEN CLARKE, BOARD MEMBER, ALASKA PUBLIC HEALTH
ASSOCIATION, SITKA (via teleconference), testified in
support of obesity prevention efforts. She highlighted the
current obesity situation in Alaska, noting that the state
spent $477 million annually to treat medical conditions
associated with overweight and obesity.
4:36:23 PM
AT EASE
4:49:25 PM
RECONVENED
Bethel, Kotzebue, Barrow, Nome, Delta Junction, Unalaska,
and Offnets
Senator Olson thanked the testifiers and reviewed the
issue.
4:51:05 PM
LISA SUSUNAGA, PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE, NOME (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for public
health nurses. She described the variety of services
provided by public health nurses and described the
significant health challenges in rural Alaska. She noted
that Nome-based nurses traveled to and serviced 15 villages
in the region and participated in regional events,
including education, women's shelters, and senior and youth
centers.
4:53:07 PM
CHRISTINA KILBY, DIRECTOR, PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING, NORTON
SOUND HEALTH CORPORATION, NOME (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding for public health nurses.
She emphasized that not approving the increment requested
by the Department of Health and Social Services for the
Division of Public Health for public health nurses in the
region would affect public health nurses all over the
state. She pointed out that the state constitution
stipulates that the legislature provide for the promotion
and protection of public health. Since Norton Sound Health
Corporation had decided not to be a grantee of public
health nursing services, the state was obligated to provide
the services in the region.
Senator Olson asked how long she had been in Nome. Ms.
Kilby replied that she had been there four years.
4:56:01 PM
LILY FAWN WHITE, COORDINATOR, YOUTH COURT, NOME (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for the
youth court. She described the youth court program in Nome
and detailed that additional funding would allow for
increased staff for Nome youth court.
4:57:34 PM
GINA APPOLLONI, DIRECTOR, VILLAGE PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER
(VPSO) PROGRAM, KAWERAK, INC., NOME (via teleconference),
spoke in favor of additional funding for the VPSO program.
She detailed that there had been an increase to 12 local
VPSO positions; the result had been better recruitment,
retention, and overall improved public safety in each of
the Bering Strait Region communities.
4:58:56 PM
ROY AGLOINGA, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, NORTON SOUND HEALTH
CORPORATION, NOME (via teleconference), spoke in favor of
funding for community health nurses. He pointed out that
the community health aide program struggled to train and
retrain aides without adequate public health nurse
services. He noted that the region had many families
receiving Medicaid services and that public health nurses
provided prevention services that kept Medicaid costs low,
such as well-child exams. He described services of the
nurses, including addressing sexually-transmitted diseases
and screening for domestic violence, substance abuse, and
behavioral health problems.
Mr. Agloinga pointed to high regional rates of sexual
assault and domestic violence and listed services by the
health corporation. He echoed support for the VPSO program,
noting that some communities did not have VPSOs and that
BPSOs helped the health aides.
5:01:59 PM
SAM SCHMIDT, YOUTH COURT, NOME (via teleconference), spoke
in support of Nome's youth court. He described the services
of the youth court and positive outcomes for individuals
and communities.
5:03:33 PM
DEB TRAWGRIDGE, EDUCATION DISABILITY SPECIALIST, HEAD START
AND EARLY HEAD START, KAWERAK, INC., NOME (via
teleconference), testified in opposition to Head Start
reductions. She listed the services provided to 12 Bering
Strait communities. She spoke about the federal cuts, which
would greatly reduce state services; 58 children (21
percent) of children in Head Start would be denied
services. Statewide, 697 children would be denied services
and 158 staff positions would be eliminated. She described
the program services for families.
5:06:34 PM
MALINDA BESSETT, PROGRAM DIRECTOR, HEAD START AND EARLY
HEAD START, KAWERAK, INC., NOME (via teleconference),
testified in opposition to Head Start reductions and
requested an increase in funding for early education. She
spoke about her region's Head Start and Early Head Start
programs and its many benefits to the communities and the
state. She detailed the amounts money saved as a result of
an investment in Head Start, including medical costs, and
the federal amounts that would be cut. She spoke to parent
involvement in the program.
5:09:20 PM
JOHN BOCKMAN, NOME (via teleconference), testified in
support of funding for the University of Alaska for the
rural human services and behavioral health programs. He
described the use of the funds. He testified in support of
the governor's request for early learning, including for
Head Start and Best Beginnings.
5:12:06 PM
WILLIAM BROWN, OWNER, NOME LIQUOR AND GROCERY STORE,
testified in support of the Alaska Cabaret Hotel and
Restaurant Association (CHARR) legislative priorities and
funding for projects helping victims of fetal alcohol
syndrome.
5:13:21 PM
MARY WEISS, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA
SCHOOL OF NURSING and OUTREACH COORDINATOR, BETHEL NURSING
PROGRAM, BETHEL (via teleconference), testified in support
of the UA Recruitment and Retention of Alaska Native Nurses
(RRANN) program. She emphasized that the program reached
beyond Anchorage. She described the need for nurses in
rural areas with local knowledge and values that reflected
the patients served. She believed a locally-grown nursing
workforce benefitted the students, the communities, and the
quality of patient care, and that the RRANN program was a
fundamental and indispensable part of the effort. She
mentioned ten other nursing school outreach sites using the
RRANN resource, including Sitka, Valdez, Nome, Dillingham,
and Fairbanks.
5:14:55 PM
CHRISTINE MOSES, BETHEL (via teleconference), testified in
support of the UA RRANN program. She described the program
and the importance of the stipends for students and other
support services.
5:16:44 PM
NIKKI POLLOCK, BETHEL (via teleconference), testified in
support of the RRANN nursing program. She shared research
that had shown that Alaska Natives made up 1.5 percent of
the nursing workforce in 1996, while Alaska Natives made up
16 percent of the general population. She maintained that
Native nurses understood verbal and non-verbal
communication and provided better patient care. She
described her experience with the program.
5:18:23 PM
LATESIA GUINN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BETHEL FAMILY CLINIC
(via teleconference), spoke on behalf of the Alaska Primary
Care Association in favor of funding for community health
centers in Alaska. She detailed that Bethel had one of 25
health centers and described work done in the communities.
5:19:17 PM
JENNIFER SCHIEDLER, BOARD MEMBER, BETHEL FAMILY CLINIC (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for
Alaska's community health centers.
5:19:53 PM
CLARK DAVIS, BETHEL (via teleconference), testified in
support of funding for legal services. He spoke in support
of SB 62, advocating for release of funds from the civil
legal fund. He described the need for Alaska Legal
Services.
5:20:38 PM
VICKI MALONE, BETHEL (via teleconference), testified in
support of funding for the RRANN program. She noted the
nursing shortage in Bethel; the cost to support a temporary
duty (TDY) nurse was over $6,000 per month. She guessed
that millions of dollars had been spent for housing and
travel for TDY nurses. She testified in support of the
RRANN program.
5:21:46 PM
MICHELLE DEWITT, DIRECTOR, TUNDRA WOMEN'S COALITION, BETHEL
(via teleconference), testified in support of the
governor's increase for the Council on Domestic Violence
and Sexual Abuse.
5:22:59 PM
AT EASE
5:23:22 PM
RECONVENED
Ms. DeWitt continued that she supported funding for travel
for victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse. She
spoke in favor of funding for legal advocacy, which she
described as the second busiest program at the women's
coalition; there were over 100 protective orders in the
past calendar year. She voiced support the Rural Pilot
Prevention Project and the Alaska Legal Services.
5:25:12 PM
CAROL PAVIAN, BETHEL (via teleconference), spoke in support
of funding for legal advocacy services. She spoke about the
need for legal help for rural families.
5:26:44 PM
HELEN SIMMONDS, MEMBER, KEY COALITION OF ALASKA, BARROW
(via teleconference), spoke in support of the behavioral
health services, especially the brief stabilization
services and the intensive intermediate intervention
services.
5:28:33 PM
GINNY WALSH, PROGRAM COORDINATOR, ARCTIC WOMEN IN CRISIS,
BARROW (via teleconference), testified in support of the
governor's increase for the Council on Domestic Violence
and Sexual Abuse. She spoke especially about emergency
funding for transportation necessary for those women
requiring the help in villages. She spoke in support of the
legal advocacy program, which she believed was critically
needed.
5:29:30 PM
ELAINE RITTGERS, ADVOCATE, ARCTIC WOMEN IN CRISIS, BARROW
(via teleconference), testified in support of the
governor's increase for the Council on Domestic Violence
and Sexual Abuse. She noted that the funding was necessary
to provide services in the outlying villages.
5:30:08 PM
DAWNDEE IPALOOK, MEMBER, ARCTIC WOMEN IN CRISIS ADVISORY
BOARD, BARROW (via teleconference), testified in support of
the governor's increase for the Council on Domestic
Violence and Sexual Abuse.
5:30:59 PM
CAROLYN SHOLLEY, ADVOCATE, ARCTIC WOMEN IN CRISIS, BARROW
(via teleconference), testified in support of the
governor's increase for the Council on Domestic Violence
and Sexual Abuse. She stressed the need for funding for
transporting people from Barrow to emergency shelters. She
voices support for funding for needed legal advocacy
services.
5:32:48 PM
BROOKE GONDARA, PRESIDENT, ILISAGVIK COLLEGE, BARROW (via
teleconference), testified in support of full funding for
the college workforce development proposal. She described
the college as a non-profit public institution that had
served students from throughout Alaska with on-site
training and apprentice-level courses in building trades
and heavy equipment, as well as degrees in health- and
business-related fields. She stressed the need for
increased funding for training. She cited statistics about
services delivered.
5:34:59 PM
CHERYL HUMME, ADVOCATE AND OUTREACH COORDINATOR, ARCTIC
WOMEN IN CRISIS, BARROW (via teleconference), testified in
support of the governor's increase for the Council on
Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse. She described her work
traveling around and educating people about services
available. She spoke in support of funding for the legal
advocacy program.
5:36:12 PM
SANDY SOLENBURGER, NORTH SLOPE IMAGINATION LIBRARY (via
teleconference), testified in support of the governor's
request for early learning and Best Beginnings. She
described the Imagination Library Program, which provided a
free book each month to each child under the age of five
years of age. She spoke about the vast benefits of having
books in the homes of young children.
5:38:07 PM
PAM KYLE, UNALASKA (via teleconference), testified in
opposition to Head Start reductions. She commented on the
benefits of early childhood education.
5:39:17 PM
MARIE SCHLIEBE, HEAD START COORDINATOR, ALEUTIAN PRIBILOF
ISLANDS ASSOCIATION, UNALASKA (via teleconference),
testified in opposition to Head Start reductions. She
stated that Head Start benefited children and families and
improved social and emotional skills, with life-long
effect. She described services offered, including
addressing health needs.
5:41:02 PM
RICHARD PECK, BOARD PRESIDENT, ILIULIUK FAMILY AND HEALTH
SERVICES CLINIC, UNALASKA (via teleconference), testified
in support of the Iliuliuk Family and Health Services
Clinic and especially community health centers. He
described the program and services offered to fishermen and
others.
5:41:51 PM
SONIA HANDFORTH, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ILIULIUK FAMILY AND
HEALTH SERVICES CLINIC and PRESIDENT, ALASKA PRIMARY CARE
ASSOCIATION, NOME (via teleconference), testified in favor
of the inclusion of $3 million funding for Community Health
Centers. She noted that the health center served the
workers who caught and processed fish and that the industry
generated millions of dollars for the state. The health
center also partnered with Head Start, supported the local
domestic violence center, and hosted medical students and
residents. She pointed to federal cuts in funding and
argued that clinics cut costs overall.
5:43:57 PM
DIANE SCHULTZ, DELTA JUNCTION (via teleconference),
testified in support of the governor's performance
scholarship program. She related personal family
experience.
5:46:21 PM
TRACEY SCHAEFFER, Early Learning and Family Program,
Northwest Arctic Borough School District, KOTZEBUE (via
teleconference), testified in support of the governor's
request for early learning and Best Beginnings. She
testified in opposition to Head Start reductions. She
voiced support for funding for public health nursing.
5:47:53 PM
ANTHONY CRAVALHO, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, PLANNING AND
DEVELOPMENT, MANIILAQ ASSOCIATION, KOTZEBUE (via
teleconference), spoke in favor of funding for the Alaska
Complex Behavior Collaborative, which provided services to
those with disabilities in rural areas. He listed the
benefits to families and the state.
5:49:25 PM
ROB MASSENGILL, YUKON RIVER DRAINAGE FISHERIES ASSOCIATION,
LOWER YUKON (via teleconference), testified in support of
increased aid for Department of Fish and Game for the
fisheries research and monitoring programs. He noted that
the programs were useful in getting information and data
out to those who were fishing on the river.
5:50:46 PM
RACHEL DODD (via teleconference), testified in support of
the governor's performance scholarship program. She shared
personal experience related to her son, relaying that it
would be less expensive for him to attend college out-of-
state without help from the performance scholarship
program.
5:52:12 PM
ANNA SAPPAH, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA ADDICTION
PROFESSIONALS ASSOCIATION and MEMBER, ADVISORY BOARD ON
ALCOHOLISM AND DRUG ABUSE, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
supported funding for treatment for substance abuse
treatment for at-risk parents and trauma-informed
substance-abuse treatment for victims of domestic violence.
She urged funds to be directed to the Division of
Behavioral Health. She spoke to the revenue brought into
the state by alcohol taxes. Currently, half of the money
collected went to substance abuse treatment and prevention,
and she hoped that amount would increase.
5:53:22 PM
JEANNE GERHARDT-CYRUS (via teleconference), testified in
support of funding for the complex behavioral health
collaborative, substance abuse treatment for at-risk
parents, the early-childhood screening package, trauma-
informed care for victims of domestic violence, and rural
care support services. She spoke to experience with family
members in out-of-state facilities.
5:54:50 PM
BARRY SCHIMMACH, EAGLE RIVER (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding for the governor's
performance scholarship program. He spoke to the state's
"brain drain" and about the value of retaining Alaskans
with the scholarship.
5:56:26 PM
LYNETTE HART, EARLY CHILDHOOD COALITION, GUSTAVUS (via
teleconference), testified in support of the governor's
request for early learning and Best Beginnings. She
believed support to early learning was crucial and reported
on services in Gustavus.
5:57:39 PM
BEVERLEE TYNER, SERVICE COORDINATOR, TLINGIT AND HAIDA
SENIOR HOUSING, KLAWOCK (via teleconference), testified in
support of the Alaska Legal Services program. She requested
funding for the Public Health system and for behavioral
health programs.
5:59:26 PM
SUSAN DENISON, MEMBER, AVTEC BOARD, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of the governor's
proposal for the AVTEC registered nursing program in
Anchorage. She provided information about the program,
which she felt was excellent and needed.
6:00:41 PM
HERB SCHROEDER, VICE-PROVOST and FOUNDER, ALASKA NATIVE
SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING PROGRAM, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in support of the
UA science, math, and engineering program in high school.
He spoke in favor of funding for the governor's performance
scholarship program. He described the program and informed
the committee that there were 700 students involved from 95
communities statewide. He noted the amount of scholarship
funds needed.
6:02:18 PM
SHELLEY HUGHES, GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS DIRECTOR, ALASKA PRIMARY
CARE ASSOCIATION, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in
support of $3 million funding for direct-patient care for
Community Health Centers in Alaska. She pointed out that
there were 25 health center organizations running 142
clinics around the state; each clinic would receive only
$21,000 on average, which would make a difference to
clinics that had an average shortfall of $335,000 per year.
She noted that without the funding, 25 providers would be
cut.
6:04:23 PM
ELLEN ADLAM, BOARD MEMBER, PENINSULA COMMUNITY HEALTH
SERVICES OF ALASKA, KENAI PENINSULA (via teleconference),
spoke in support of $3 million funding for Community Health
Centers in Alaska. She spoke to the need.
6:04:59 PM
LYNN OSHEIM, DIRECTOR, PARENTS AS TEACHERS PROGRAM, HOONAH
(via teleconference), testified in support of the
governor's request for early learning and Best Beginnings.
6:06:33 PM
PATTY LINDUSKA, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CAMAI COMMUNITY HEALTH
CENTER, NAKNEK (via teleconference), spoke in support of
funding for Community Health Centers for direct-patient
care. She stated that her center provided many vital
services in the community and was operating on a tight
budget.
6:07:28 PM
PAUL KENDALL, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), expressed
concern about the testimony on the operating budget. He
thought that using children to receive funding was wrong.
6:08:50 PM
PAUL IVANOFF, COMMUNITY BENEFITS DIRECTOR, NORTON SOUND
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for the
Alaska Center for Power and Energy $250,000 budget requests
for renewable energy.
6:09:47 PM
DERRICK MARTIN, ACTING CITY MANAGER, CITY of KOTZEBUE (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for the
regional jail in Kotzebue. He spoke about support for the
airport major resurfacing project and the Shore Avenue road
rehabilitation.
6:11:10 PM
CLARENCE GOULD, EASTERN ALEUTIAN TRIBES, INC. (via
teleconference), spoke in favor of funding for community
health care clinics. He reported the need in small and
distant communities.
6:12:57 PM
BRAD REICH, MAYOR, KIANA (via teleconference), testified in
support of the governor's request for early learning and
Best Beginnings. He advocated for the Alaska Performance
Scholarship Program funding. He spoke in favor of the VPSO
program.
6:14:36 PM
LONNIE WALTERS, MEMBER, ADVISORY BOARD ON ALCOHOL AND DRUG
ABUSE, CRAIG (via teleconference), spoke in favor of
substance abuse treatment funding. He relayed personal
experience related to treatment. He spoke in favor of
funding for treatment for at-risk parents, trauma-informed
care for victims of domestic violence, and early childhood
screening.
6:15:47 PM
NANA KALMAKOFF, BRISTOL BAY AREA HEALTH CORPORATION,
CHIGNIK LAKE (via teleconference), testified in support of
Community Health Center funding. She described health
center services in the area and emphasized the need for
funding, especially for those who did not have health
insurance. She noted the cost of health care in the
villages.
6:17:11 PM
JUANITA SMITH, NORTH SLOPE BOROUGH HEALTH DEPARTMENT,
BARROW (via teleconference), spoke in favor of funding for
the rural care support services for those with mental
health issues and drug or alcohol problems. She described
services provided, including a day program called Gathering
Place Clubhouse.
6:18:17 PM
DAVID SMITH, LICENSED SOCIAL WORKER, KETCHIKAN GENERAL
HOSPITAL, KETCHIKAN (via teleconference), spoke in favor of
funding for civil legal services. He believed the services
were essential, from a hospital perspective. He reported
good experience with the legal needs of patients and with a
professional paralegal with Alaska Legal Services.
6:19:49 PM
JANET BALICE, EARLY CHILDHOOD SPECIALIST, NOME PUBLIC
SCHOOLS (via teleconference), testified in opposition to
Head Start reductions. She spoke about the benefits of
early childhood education. She quoted various statistics,
including documentation that Northwest Arctic Region
children were low in language and other areas when they
entered preschool. She pointed out that Head Start educated
the parents and teachers as well as the children.
6:22:05 PM
Co-Chair Hoffman thanked testifiers for taking time to
express their concerns.
Senator Olson echoed the appreciation expressed by Co-Chair
Hoffman.
CSHB 108 (FIN) was HEARD and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
CSHB 109 (FIN) was HEARD and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB 108 SCS FIN Version O.pdf |
SFIN 3/23/2011 8:30:00 AM |
HB 108 |
| HB 109 SCS FIN Version E.pdf |
SFIN 3/23/2011 8:30:00 AM |
HB 109 |
| SCS for CSHB 108 version U.pdf |
SFIN 3/23/2011 8:30:00 AM |
HB 108 |
| SCS for CSHB 109 version X.pdf |
SFIN 3/23/2011 8:30:00 AM |
HB 109 |
| HB 108 Written public testimony.pdf |
SFIN 3/23/2011 8:30:00 AM |
HB 108 |