Legislature(2013 - 2014)SENATE FINANCE 532
03/20/2014 01:30 PM Senate FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB266 || HB267 | |
| Public Testimony: Fairbanks, Mat-su | |
| Public Testimony: Anchorage, Unalaska | |
| Public Testimony: Glennallen, Seward, Homer | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 266 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 267 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 266(FIN)
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and
loan program expenses of state government and for
certain programs, capitalizing funds, and making
reappropriations; and providing for an effective
date."
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 267(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."
1:41:33 PM
^PUBLIC TESTIMONY: FAIRBANKS, MAT-SU
1:41:33 PM
BRYCE WARD, SELF, CITY OF NORTH POLE (via teleconference),
spoke in support of the restoration of $10 million in
revenue sharing and the governor's proposed $3 billion cash
infusion into the Public Employees Retirement System
(PERS). He announced that a reduction in revenue sharing in
North Pole would be equal to approximately $33,200. He
furthered that an increase in the PERS from 22 percent to
24 percent was $5,800. He stressed that the revenue sharing
and effect on PERS would result in an $81,000 budget
deficit for the City of North Pole, including losing one
full-time employee. He stressed that the City of North Pole
used revenue sharing to offset operational expenses and
taxes that were otherwise paid for by residents and
businesses. He remarked that the revenue sharing in North
Pole equaled approximately 0.5 percent in sales tax.
1:42:34 PM
SUSAN WARNER, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), urged
the committee to halt spending, specifically related to
road development near the Chena Small Tracks Road in
Fairbanks. She encouraged the committee to focus on
savings. She shared that there was a proposed road project
that may be an attractive nuisance to small children in her
community to bodily injury, drowning, and death. She felt
that there was a "shovel ready" alternative already existed
across the street from the project. She stated that
Fairbanks Natural Gas had scheduled to excavate the south
side of Chena Small Tracks Road in the upcoming June. They
had surveyed for the project, and felt that the proposal
should return to its original form as a shoulder expansion.
She felt that combining the proposal with the Fairbanks
Natural Gas project would save the state $1 million.
1:44:53 PM
DARLENE SUPPLEE, MEMBER, NORTH STAR COUNSEL ON AGING,
FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), voiced support for the
Community Health Aide Program (CHAP). She stated that the
program was able to aid an elderly couple, who were each
diagnosed with cancer at the age of 84. The Meals on Wheels
Program assisted the couple with the needed nutrition while
undergoing treatment. She shared that the couple recently
passed away in their home, and due to the daily interaction
of the driver, CHAP was able to notify the family of their
passing. She stressed that the program provided comfort and
peace of mind for both the seniors and the seniors'
families.
1:46:25 PM
ANTONIO SHUMACHER, SELF, CITY OF FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), spoke in support of the restoration of $10
million in revenue sharing and the governor's proposed $3
billion cash infusion into PERS. He echoed the comments of
Mr. Ward from North Pole. He stated that for every $100,000
increase in expenses, there was approximately 1 percent
increase in PERS for the City of Fairbanks for its police
and fire departments. He remarked that the City of
Fairbanks could lose the equivalent of approximately one
full-time position. He stated that an increase from 22 to
24 percent contribution to PERS would result in losing two
full-time positions in Fairbanks' public safety department.
He stressed that there would be a decrease in the services
for the community. He stated that a $10 million reduction
would equate to approximately $85,000 in reductions to the
City of Fairbanks.
1:49:00 PM
WARREN CUMMINGS, CHIEF, FAIRBANKS FIRE DEPARTMENT,
FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in support of the
restoration of $10 million in revenue sharing and the
governor's proposed $3 billion cash infusion into PERS. He
stated that increasing the PERS contribution from 22
percent to 24 percent would equal one fire-fighter position
and one police officer position eliminated. He pointed out
that it would be difficult for the City of Fairbanks to
increase revenue, because of the tax gap. He stated that
the Anchorage Fire Department was approximately eight times
the size of the Fairbanks Fire Department, so the impact on
Anchorage was a reduction of eight beginning fire-fighters.
He felt it was his obligation to support the maintenance of
the 22 percent contribution to PERS.
1:50:51 PM
PATRICK MARSHALL, YOUTH TRAINER, ALASKA YOUTH FOR
ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION, CRAIG, testified in support of the
Farm School Budget Item. He stressed that the Farm School
program provided needed to schools across the state. He
felt that focusing on nutrition lifestyle in schools, would
result in positive effects in the classroom.
1:52:14 PM
AT EASE
1:52:27 PM
RECONVENED
1:52:31 PM
TERRY SOLOMON, VOLUNTEER, CHENA GOLD STREAM FIRE AND
RESCUE, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), urged support of
funding for state wild fire crews. She stated that she
specialized in structure fires, but remarked that the wild
land fire fighters were used as back up support for
structure firefighting. She shared that the local, highly
trained attack crews were essential in preventing damage to
homes and businesses in the community. She shared that
importing crews from the lower 48 was expensive and time-
consuming.
1:54:27 PM
BONNIE WOLDSTAD, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding the Woldstad vessel, by
including the remaining costs for retrofitting the vessel.
She stressed that Alaska was experiencing anticipated
pressures on the Arctic coastal villages, so it was
imperative that Alaska maintain its two high endurance
patrol vessels. She remarked that fisheries were tied to
the existence of the state, and the Alaska's constitution
was about maintaining control of its natural resources. She
felt that there needed to be a clear vision for Alaska's
future for the marine section's high endurance vessels.
Alaska needed to be competitive and ready for Arctic
exploration by being proactive rather than reactive. The
proposed replacement for the Woldstad vessel was not a high
endurance vessel. The Woldstad was specifically designed
and built to provide public safety, and fishery patrol to
all Alaskan waters. The vessel was also capable to conduct
inshore fishery patrols; search and rescue; firefighting;
and resource-user contacts.
1:57:53 PM
MELANIE LINDHOLM, VOLUNTEER, PLANNED PARENTHOOD, FAIRBANKS
(via teleconference), testified in support of funding the
Chlamydia Campaign. She announced that Alaska claimed the
highest chlamydia infections in the U.S. for the seven
years prior. She felt that the program must continue to
ensure public health and long-term savings. She stressed
that the funding was a crucial component to preventing the
spread of an easily treatable disease. She stressed that
testing for and treating chlamydia had a positive public
health impact. She remarked that the high chlamydia rate in
Alaska would not change, unless the funding remained
intact.
1:58:53 PM
GERALD BROWN, PHARMACIST, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
testified in favor of full funding for the SHARP I and
SHARP II loan repayment programs. He stressed that the
funding was vital for the health care services in Alaska's
rural areas. He felt that removing the funding would result
in loss of valuable health care providers in the state.
Co-Chair Kelly announced that there was a letter from the
Health and Social Services subcommittee that recommended
loan repayment for SHARP I and SHARP II in the upcoming
fiscal year.
2:00:45 PM
VIRGIE THOMPSON, MAYOR, CITY OF HOUSTON (via
teleconference), spoke in support of the restoration of $10
million in revenue sharing and the governor's proposed $3
billion cash infusion into PERS. She remarked that the City
of Houston had limited revenue from businesses, yet
provided services for over 2,000 residents. She stated that
the collected property taxes were specifically earmarked
for public safety and transportation, to create a healthy
community. She announced that the City of Houston would be
forced to contribute to the unemployment rate in the state,
if the revenue sharing was eliminated in the budget.
2:02:32 PM
DOUG GRIFFIN, CITY MANAGER, CITY OF PALMER (via
teleconference), spoke in support of the restoration of $10
million in revenue sharing and the governor's proposed $3
billion cash infusion into PERS. He echoed the remarked of
Mayor Thompson from the City of Houston. He stated that the
City of Palmer had a small budget, and provided essential
services included police, fire, and roads. He remarked that
there was focus on value for every tax dollar from every
resident in Palmer. He remarked that the Palmer would also
experience a negative effect, if the PERS contribution was
increased from 22 percent to 24 percent. He expressed
thanks for the partnership with the state, because the
revenue sharing helped Palmer to provide essential services
to Alaskans.
2:04:18 PM
JOHN CANNON, SELF, WASILLA (via teleconference), testified
in support of funding for the Complex Behavior
Collaborative (CBC). He explained that the CBC provided
training for caregivers and providers to serve people with
challenging behavior issues, including violent behavior
that results in harm to others and harm to self. He
recommended fully funding the CBC at $525,000 for the
upcoming fiscal year. He stressed that the CBC was cost-
effective, and helped individuals avoid costly
institutional placement.
2:05:52 PM
RACHEL GREENBERG, DEPUTY DIRECTOR, MAT-SU SENIOR SERVICES,
MAT-SU (via teleconference), spoke in favor of funding for
the Alaska Geriatric Exchange Network (AgeNet). She
stressed that it was important to ensure that the seniors
in Alaska remained in Alaska as healthy and independent
citizens. She announced that a recent report showed that
Alaska seniors contributed $1.46 billion to Alaska's
economy. She remarked that the number was likely to
increase, due to the senior population growth. She
encouraged the lowest cost method to keep Alaska's seniors
in their homes and communities. The low-cost options
included stable funding for a state-wide network of aging
and disability resource centers. She announced that there
were currently some state funds that were directed to the
Juneau, Kenai, Anchorage, and Dillingham aging and
disability resource centers; and a small amount of federal
funds directed to the Mat-Su. She pointed out that there
was currently no aging and disability center in Fairbanks,
North Pole, Barrow, Bethel, Kodiak, and many other areas of
the state. She stated that the funding request would
include two long-standing senior grant programs; the
nutrition transportation support services; and the family
caregiver support program.
2:09:02 PM
ROBIN MINARD, DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS, MAT-SU HEALTH
FOUNDATION, MAT-SU (via teleconference), testified in
support of funding for the Complex Behavior Collaborative
(CBC). She specifically asked for funding for substance
abuse treatment programs. She announced that substance
abuse was the number one health issue in the Mat-Su, and
was identified in a community health needs assessment that
was completed the year prior. She stated that the study
interviewed over 500 people at 24 community meetings and
online. She stressed that substance abuse was linked to the
next four highest ranked problems: childhood trauma;
depression and suicide; access to mental health care; and
domestic violence and sexual assault.
2:10:34 PM
CHUCK FOSTER, ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WASILLA AREA
SENIORS, MAT-SU (via teleconference), spoke in favor of
funding for the Alaska Geriatric Exchange Network (AgeNet).
He echoed the testimony of Ms. Greenburg related to funding
to senior grants programs in the state. He referred to a
study conducted in the lower 48, which stated that for
every additional $25 that state's spent on home delivered
meals each year per person age 55 plus, associated with a
decrease in low-care nursing care by 1 percent. He felt
that it was reasonable to believe that the benefit to the
state was greater than the benefit to the lower 48.
2:12:21 PM
DIANE HUTCHISON, ASSEMBLY MEMBER, FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR
BOROUGH ASSEMBLY, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in
support of the restoration of $10 million in revenue
sharing and the governor's proposed $3 billion cash
infusion into PERS. She felt that funding was important for
long-range budget planning. She stressed that the only
people that paid income taxes in the state were the
individuals. She pointed out that the municipalities would
be forced to increase their already maximum tax caps in
order to keep the essential services.
2:14:11 PM
^PUBLIC TESTIMONY: ANCHORAGE, UNALASKA
2:14:14 PM
JON ZASADA, HEALTH CARE PROVIDER, ANCHORAGE NEIGHBORHOOD
HEALTH CENTER, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in
favor of full funding for the SHARP II loan repayment
program. He stated that the loan program gave the Anchorage
Neighborhood Health Center the ability to provide care for
the uninsured and underserved in Anchorage. Prior to the
SHARP program, it took almost a year to replace providers
in the health center. He announced that the program allowed
for the staff members to receive over $200,000 in loan
repayment. The SHARP program lowered the turnover of
providers, and allowed for the health center to accept new
patients in the community usually within four to six days
of their first appointment request. He stated that the
health center had recently made an agreement with the
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to receive
overflow from their health facility by adding 2,000
patients. The SHARP II program was essential to ensure that
this influx of patients was treated properly.
2:17:00 PM
AT EASE
2:34:06 PM
RECONVENED
2:34:40 PM
MICHELLE BAKER, OPERATIONS DIRECTOR, SOUTH CENTRAL
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH FOUNDATION (via teleconference),
encouraged funding for substance abuse treatment programs.
She also testified in support of funding for the
residential substance abuse treatment programs. She stated
that the South Central Behavioral Health Foundation
provided services to more than 60,000 Alaska Native and
American Indian people across the state. She stated that
the programs gave the foundation the ability to work to
reduce the high rates of alcoholism and substance abuse in
the state. She stated that the foundation provided
customer-owner services and programs for individuals and
families of all ages. The services were integrated with
other services on the Alaska Native Health campus, for a
whole person care with recognition of the emotional and
social dimensions of physical health.
2:38:14 PM
CHRISTOPHER TRUITT, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding for the Anchorage Youth Job
Center. He felt that the Job Center was one of the most
important resources for teens in Anchorage, because the
Anchorage high schools had recently lost their career
counselors.
2:39:07 PM
JOSHUA FRANKS, MANAGER, SOUTH CENTRAL FOUNDATION, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), testified in favor of full funding
for the SHARP I and SHARP II loan repayment programs. He
stated that the SHARP programs were components of the
Alaska care system to provide access to the most vulnerable
citizens of the state. He shared the South Central
Foundation served more than 60,000 Alaska Natives and
American Indians in Alaska. He remarked that the SHARP
program allowed the foundation to recruit and retain many
of the difficult to fill positions to provide needed
services.
2:40:51 PM
LINDA CONOVER, CO-CHAIR, IMAGINATION LIBRARY, WASILLA (via
teleconference), spoke in support of funding for the
Imagination Library and Best Beginnings. She specifically
asked for $150,000 for early learning programs. She shared
a personal story from someone who had expressed gratitude
for the Imagination Library. She felt that the program
encouraged building oral language skills, listening skills,
and the children's eagerness to learn. She stated that the
Imagination Library regularly held events across the state
that encouraged and promoted child literacy and education.
2:43:18 PM
KARL GARBER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALZHEIMER'S RESOURCE
ALASKA, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in favor of
funding for the Alaska Geriatric Exchange Network (AgeNet).
He stated that the Alzheimer's Resource provided statewide
services to improve the quality of life for frail elders
and those with Alzheimer's related disorders. He announced
that the services included education, support groups, care
claiming, and in-home care. He also voiced support of the
National Family Caregivers Support program. The program
provided respite training and support for family
caregivers. He announced that family caregivers provided
the majority of in-home care for their loved ones. He
stressed that the health of the family caregivers was
important to ensure that they could provide the care for
their loved ones. He announced that, in Alaska 33,000
caregivers provided 37 million hours of unpaid care to
their loved ones, with an estimated value of $459 million.
Alaskan caregivers were more likely experience health
issues related to caregiving, and utilized higher levels of
health care. The program gave caregivers the information,
education, and support needed to maintain care in their
home setting for as long as possible. There was a
significant body of evidence that demonstrated the
effectiveness of the services.
Mr. Garber read a letter from someone who had attended
support groups for Alzheimer's Resource of Alaska. This
person had learned valuable tools to help deal with the
effect of Alzheimer's on himself and the person who was
afflicted with the disorder.
2:49:02 PM
TAMMY WILLIAMSON, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding for the Anchorage Job
Center. She explained that she had helped youth enter the
workforce. She stated that she had worked as a career
counselor in the Anchorage Job Center. She remarked that
the youth had talent, but needed the skills to enter the
workforce. She stressed that without the support, the youth
may not be able to enter the workforce. She remarked that
the Job Center was there to help youth obtain a job with a
living wage.
2:52:29 PM
RON WILSON, SELF, JUNEAU, testified in support of the
therapeutic courts. He stated that he had some substance
abuse issues, and the therapeutic courts had helped him
become a valuable member of society. He specifically voiced
support of substance abuse treatment programs.
2:54:26 PM
ELAINE VROMAN, SELF, JUNEAU, spoke in support of funding
therapeutic courts and substance abuse treatment programs.
She stated that she had some substance abuse issues,
because of her childhood. She stated that she was able to
get help from treatment programs. She asked that the
alcohol tax be used for substance abuse treatment.
2:56:37 PM
ARLENE LUDWIG, SELF, ANCHORAGE, testified in support of
funding for the Complex Behavior Collaborative (CBC). She
specifically asked for funding for substance abuse
treatment and recovery. She stated that Nome had recently
experienced an influx of heroin addiction issues. She
shared that she was currently in recovery related to
substance abuse.
2:58:40 PM
MICHAEL MOORADIAN, SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR, CHUGIAK,
testified in support of funding for the Complex Behavior
Collaborative (CBC). He stated that addiction was the
problem and treatment was the solution. He stated that he
had also attended the therapeutic court system. He felt
that the program was very effective. He stressed that
substance abuse treatment saved lives. He pointed out that
funding was necessary to provide treatment.
3:00:58 PM
KIME MCCLINTOCK, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of the Chlamydia Campaign. She
emphasized that early diagnosis and intervention was
imperative to protecting fertility. She stated that
symptoms of sexually transmitted infections were often
easily treatable, if caught at the early stage. She
stressed that without the funding for the Chlamydia
Campaign, there could be a widespread health crisis in the
state.
3:03:55 PM
JESSICA CLER, ALASKA PUBLIC AFFAIRS MANAGER, ALASKA PLANNED
PARENTHOOD VOTES NORTHWEST, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of reinstating the $360,000 for the
Chlamydia Campaign. She stressed that the targeted program
was a proven solution. She felt that the funding was a
crucial component for preventing the spread of a treatable
disease. She stressed that there were often no symptoms for
many sexually transmitted infections, but could result in
violent infections and infertility if gone untreated.
3:06:41 PM
ABBE HENSLEY, SELF, BEST BEGINNINGS, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of early education
programs included the Imagination Library and Best
Beginnings. She shared that Best Beginnings provided
information and resources for families with young children
in several ways. She spoke specifically spoke to the
positive effect of the Imagination Library, which enabled
more than 21,600 children under 5-years-old in 110
communities to receive a free, age appropriate high quality
book in the mail each month at no cost to their family. The
cost of the program is $30 per year per child, and was
funded through contributions from individuals, businesses,
foundations, and the state.
3:09:32 PM
KARIN SCHAFF, VICE-PRESIDENT, TREATMENT SERVICES,
VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA ALASKA, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for the
Complex Behavior Collaborative (CBC). She specifically
voiced support of funding for substance abuse treatment
programs. She stressed that treatment services were
necessary and valuable to the state. Volunteers of America
Alaska provided a full continuum of care for outpatient and
residential for adolescents ages 13 to 18 with substance
use disorders and mental health disorders. She stated that
the treatment intensity and level of care was matched to
the needs of the individual in order to produce successful
outcomes. She stressed that patients had complex mental
health issues, often engaged in illegal behaviors, and
posed a threat to themselves and others in the community.
3:11:36 PM
DOUGLAS PACE, SELF, TALKEETNA (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding for the Complex Behavior
Collaborative (CBC). He stated that he had a brain injury,
and lost his brother to alcoholism.
3:12:58 PM
LEEANNE CARROTHERS, PRESIDENT, ALASKA PHYSICAL THERAPY
ASSOCIATION, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in
favor of full funding for the SHARP II loan repayment
program. She also testified in support of funding for
physical therapy assistance. She remarked that there were
many difficulties related to treating different types of
citizens of Alaska. She stressed that physical therapy
helped many patients to avoid expensive surgeries and often
reduced the need for long-term prescription medication side
effects.
3:16:26 PM
PATRICIA SENNER, NURSE, ALASKA NURSES ASSOCIATION,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in favor of full
funding for the SHARP II loan repayment program. She shared
that many of the rural areas of the state depended on
others, and many behavior services had trouble maintaining
a nursing staff. She stressed that there was a recent
nursing overtime crisis, and was appreciative of the SHARP
II grants to ensure that the nursing personnel was healthy.
She understood that there was some controversy related to
whether or not the SHARP program grants were given to the
appropriate providers. She shared that the SHARP I program
had 72 percent directed toward rural providers; and the
SHARP II program directed 87 percent to rural providers.
She shared that the remaining grants went to providers in
rural areas that were providing behavioral health services.
3:17:59 PM
SHIRLEY MARQUARDT, MAYOR, CITY OF UNALASKA (via
teleconference), spoke in support of the restoration of $10
million in revenue sharing and the governor's proposed $3
billion cash infusion into PERS. She understood that the
state was facing a budget crisis, but hoped that the funds
would not be removed from the municipalities. She felt that
the impact on removing the revenue funding combined with
the increase in PERS contribution had too great a negative
effect on the municipalities in the state. She encouraged
support of the governor's proposal to move $3 billion to
pay down the PERS debt. She stressed that the
municipalities were partners with the state, and hoped that
there would continue to be a focus on savings, without the
burden on the municipalities.
3:21:07 PM
ELAINE DAHLGREN, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, VOLUNTEERS OF
ALASKA, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), urged the committee
to restore funding for residential substance abuse
treatment programs. She echoed the remarks from earlier
testifiers. She stressed that her organization helped youth
with substance use and mental health issues with an array
of various needs. Volunteers of America Alaska provided a
full continuum of care for outpatient and residential for
adolescents ages 13 to 18 with substance use disorders and
mental health disorders. She stated that the treatment
intensity and level of care was matched to the needs of the
individual in order to produce successful outcomes. She
stressed that patients had complex mental health issues,
often engaged in illegal behaviors, and posed a threat to
themselves and others in the community.
3:24:23 PM
AT EASE
4:02:59 PM
RECONVENED
4:03:19 PM
^PUBLIC TESTIMONY: GLENNALLEN, SEWARD, HOMER
4:03:19 PM
ANGELA DOROFF, EMPLOYEE, KACHEMAK BAY RESEARCH RESERVE,
HOMER (via teleconference), asked for the reinstatement of
funds for the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve (KBRR). She
explained that the KBRR consisted of the Ocean, Coastal,
and Resource management division of National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the state of Alaska, and
a council of local community members. She stated that the
funds would be matched by a large sustaining grant from
NOAA. She stated that the KBRR provided education outreach,
and research resolve training. In 2003, the KBRR education
program served over 4,000 students, teachers, and visiting
public. The KBRR also outreached vital information on
harvested species.
4:05:33 PM
GEORGE MATZ, CHAIRMAN, KACHEMAK BAY RESEARCH RESERVE
COUNCIL, FRITZ CREEK (via teleconference), asked for the
reinstatement of funds for the Kachemak Bay Research
Reserve (KBRR). He echoed the remarks from Ms. Doroff. He
stated that the reinstatement of funds would result in a
crucial state match for a NOAA grant. He announced that the
funding would allow for the awarding of many currently
existing grants for the KBRR. He stated that, without the
KBRR, the partnership with the Islands and Oceans Visitors
Center. He shared that the Department of Fish and Game
(DFG) had recently submitted questions to NOAA, which
related to the impact of shutting down KBRR. He stated that
NOAA responded that there may be an obligation to KBRR by
the state to repay for certain programs and buildings.
4:08:57 PM
JILL LUSH, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SPROUT FAMILY SERVICES,
HOMER (via teleconference), testified in support of funding
for Parents as Teachers and Best Beginnings Imagination
Library. She pointed out that the program evaluation
outcomes showed marked changes, leading to an increase in
family strength areas. She stated that nurturing a positive
discipline to the child and child safety by parents
increased by 18 percent. She also stated that obtaining
health and medical care of the child had increased by 29
percent. She announced that the parents and families who
participated in the program reported that their perceived
parental knowledge increased by 25 percent.
4:11:03 PM
KATIE KOESTER, SELF, CITY OF HOMER (via teleconference),
spoke in support of the restoration of $10 million in
revenue sharing and the governor's proposed $3 billion cash
infusion into PERS. She also expressed support for the
reinstatement of funds for the Kachemak Bay Research
Reserve (KBRR). She stressed that the City of Homer joined
with many municipalities across the state in advocating for
fully funding for revenue sharing. The City of Homer used
the funding for basic operations. She remarked that the
City of Homer was appreciative of the funding that the
state had contributed to help municipalities with the
staggering costs of PERS obligations.
4:12:12 PM
STACEY BUCKELEW, EMPLOYEE, KACHEMAK BAY RESEARCH RESERVE
HOMER (via teleconference), asked for the reinstatement of
funds for the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve (KBRR). She
announced that the KBRR was the furthest north national
estuarine research reserve, so were a leader in climate
change research. She stressed that there was a close
connection between the work of the reserve and the City
Homer's climate change plan as leading researcher on ocean
rise, uplift, and erosion. She shared that the KBRR worked
and coordinates with numerous agencies with active youth
and adult education programs. She felt that the KBRR was an
important economic engine, which brought in millions of
dollars in wages and grants to the community in Homer.
4:14:35 PM
BRYAN ZAK, SELF, HOMER (via teleconference), spoke in
support of the restoration of $10 million in revenue
sharing and the governor's proposed $3 billion cash
infusion into PERS. He had recently attended the board
meeting at the Homer Senior Center, and there was
discussion regarding how to increase the rent in order meet
the cost associated with running the Homer Senior Center.
If the City of Homer did not receive the funding from
revenue sharing, the Homer Senior Center would face greater
financial strain than they were currently experiencing. He
felt that the committee members' constituencies had similar
financial strains on their municipalities.
4:16:50 PM
MARIA CALHOUN, COORDINATOR, PARENTS AS TEACHERS, SPROUT
FAMILY SERVICES, HOMER (via teleconference), testified in
support of funding for Parents as Teachers and Best
Beginnings Imagination Library. She urged the committee to
adopt the governor's proposal as written, with full funding
for the Parents as Teachers programs in Alaska. She
stressed that early learning should be a priority. She
pointed out that the program evaluation outcomes showed
marked changes, leading to an increase in family strength
areas. She stated that nurturing a positive discipline to
the child and child safety by parents increased by 18
percent. She also stated that obtaining health and medical
care of the child had increased by 29 percent. She
announced that the parents and families who participated in
the program reported that their perceived parental
knowledge increased by 25 percent. She stressed that the
program affected key factors that contributed to a decrease
of incidents of child abuse and neglect. She stated that,
in two years, the increased annual enrollment numbers
increased from 12 to 81 children. The forecasted annual
enrollment would increase to 90 plus children for the
upcoming fiscal year.
4:19:31 PM
JIM HORNADAY, MEMBER, KACHEMAK BAY RESEARCH RESERVE
COUNCIL, HOMER (via teleconference), asked for the
reinstatement of funds for the Kachemak Bay Research
Reserve (KBRR). He stated that the research reserve focused
on three points: science, economics, and state
responsibility. He announced that the KBRR was the furthest
north national estuarine research reserve, so were a leader
in climate change research. He stressed that there was a
close connection between the work of the reserve and the
City Homer's climate change plan as leading researcher on
ocean rise, uplift, and erosion. He shared that the KBRR
worked and coordinates with numerous agencies with active
youth and adult education programs. He felt that the KBRR
was an important economic engine, which brought in millions
of dollars in wages and grants to the community in Homer.
4:21:55 PM
AT EASE
4:30:35 PM
RECONVENED
CSHB 266(FIN) was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
CSHB 267(FIN) was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB266 CITC Letter FY15.pdf |
SFIN 3/20/2014 1:30:00 PM |
HB 266 |