Legislature(2011 - 2012)HOUSE FINANCE 519
03/01/2011 01:30 PM House 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 | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE
March 1, 2011
1:34 p.m.
1:34:48 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Thomas called the House Finance Committee meeting
to order at 1:34 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Bill Stoltze, Co-Chair
Representative Bill Thomas Jr., Co-Chair
Representative Anna Fairclough, Vice-Chair
Representative Mia Costello
Representative Mike Doogan
Representative Les Gara
Representative David Guttenberg
Representative Reggie Joule
Representative Tammie Wilson
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Bryce Edgmon
Representative Mark Neuman
ALSO PRESENT
Representative Cathy Munoz, Representative Mike Hawker;
Elsa Demeksa, Executive Director, Communities In Schools,
Juneau; Kristi Smith, Care Coordinator, Communities In
Schools, Juneau; Angel Rogers, Student of Communities In
Schools, Yaakoosge Daakahidi Alternative High School,
Juneau; Staci Taylor, Student of Communities In Schools,
Yaakoosge Daakahidi Alternative High School Juneau; Margo
Waring, Former Member, Juneau School Board, Juneau;
Alexander Von Hafften, Chair, Alaska Psychiatry Residency
Steering Committee, Anchorage; Karen Perdue, Executive
Director, Alaska State Hospital and Nursing Home
Association, Juneau; Walter Majoros, Executive Director,
Juneau Youth Services, Juneau; George Reifenstein, General
Manager, Mount Roberts Tram, Juneau; Andi Story, Member,
Juneau School Board, Juneau; JoAnn Lockwood, Juneau
Therapeutic Court Alumni, Juneau; Gina Del Rosario,
Filipino Community, Inc., Juneau; Ed Carrillo, Vice
President, Filipino Community, Inc., Juneau; Genoveva Del
Rosario, Director, Filipino Community Inc., Juneau; Martha
Moore, Member, Board of Directors, Alaska Brain Injury
Network, Juneau; Doug Walrath, Director, Northwestern
Alaska Career and Technical Center, Nome; Mark Johnson,
Self, Juneau; Joy Lyon, Association for the Education of
Young Children, Juneau; John McConnochie, Owner, Cycle
Alaska, Juneau; Paul Voelckers, Board, Juneau Arts and
Humanities Council, Juneau; Nancy DeCherney, Executive
Director of Juneau Arts and Humanities Council, Juneau;
Peggy Brown, Executive Director, Alaska Network on Domestic
Violence and Sexual Assault, Juneau; Saralyn Tabachnick,
Executive Director, AWARE, Inc, Juneau; Maryann Ray, Owner,
Person's Pond, Juneau; John Pappenhein, Medical Director
for Behavioral Health Services, Bartlett Regional Hospital,
Juneau; Laury Scandling, Assistant Superintendant of
Schools, Juneau School District, Juneau; Virginia Walsh;
Violet Charles, Nome; Debbie Moates, Kotzebue; Michelle
DeWitt, Bethel; Ron Peck, President, Alaska Travel Industry
Association; Keeley Olson, Program Director, STAR Standing
Together Against Rape, Anchorage; Suzi Pearson, Executive
Director, Abused Women's Aid in Crisis AWAIC, Anchorage.
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE
Brooke Gondara, Barrow; Kathy Leary, Barrow; Mary Weiss,
Bethel; Bryce Wrigley, Delta Junction; John Bockman, Nome;
Janet Balice, Nome; Deb Trowbridge, Nome; Sarah
Kristiansen, Nome; John Lamont, Lower Yukon; Mary Long, St.
Michael; Shirley Martin, St. Michael; Richard Beneville,
Nome; Lillie Nylin, Elam; Roxie Quick, Savoonga; Rich
Carlson, Klawock; Julie Eglie, Bering Strait; Roland
Trowbridge, Nome; Virginia Degnan, Bering Strait; Robert
Fithian; Shannon Dodge, Shaktoolik; Gail Evan, Shaktoolik;
Silas Paniptchuk, Shaktoolik; Carl White, Bering Strait;
Prophetess Hayden; Rosemary Otton, Koyuk; Ann Marie
Rudstrom, Bering Strait; Anna Sappah; Don Ham; Ron Wilson;
Bob Geise, Delta Junction; Diane Maples, Anchorage; Susan
Sullivan, Executive Director, Victims for Justice
Anchorage; Rod Humphrey, Anchorage; Corinne Bowell,
Fairbanks; Randy A. Bowell, Fairbanks; Jill Hodges,
Executive Director, Alaska Brain Injury Network, Anchorage;
Michael Mooradian, Anchorage; Barbara Brown, Best
Beginnings, Anchorage; Glen Hemingson, Owner, Copper Whale
Inn, Achorage; Jara Haas, Sales and Marketing Manager,
Anchorage Museum, Anchorage; Michael Horton, Copper River
Native Association; Frank Flavin, Photographer, Anchorage;
Melissa Saunders, Director of Sales and Marketing, Alaska
Native Heritage Center, Eagle River; Ethan Tyler, Owner,
Alaska Tourism Solutions, Girdwood; Muriel M. Morse,
Anchorage; Sherri Douglas, Youth Services Coordinator,
Anchorage Public Library; John Crews, Board Chairman,
Statewide Advisory Board for Alaska Vocational and
Technical Center; Crystal Kennedy, Vice-President,
Anchorage School Board; Steven Perrins, Owner, Rainy Pass
Lodge; Kimberly Stryker, Eagle River; Dirk Shumaker,
Executive Director, Kids Corps, Anchorage; Irene Persson-
Gamble, Anchorage; Vickie McCubbin, Anchorage; Duane Epton,
Alaska Airlines Magazine; Julie Saupe, President,
President, Anchorage Convention and Visitor's Bureau.
GENERAL SUBJECT(S):
The following overview was taken in log note format.
Handouts will be on file with the House Finance Committee
through the 26th Legislative Session, contact 465-6814.
After the 26th Legislative Session they will be available
through the Legislative Library at 465-3808.
HOUSE BILL NO. 108
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and
loan program expenses of state government, for certain
programs, and to capitalize funds; and providing for
an effective date."
HOUSE BILL NO. 109
"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."
JUNEAU
1:36:27 PM
ELSA DEMEKSA, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS,
JUNEAU, asked for funding to support the Communities In
Schools. Care coordinators were instrumental in helping
youth stay in school and to prepare for life. The Juneau
program currently served JDHS and the alternative high
school.
1:38:29 PM
KRISTI SMITH, CARE COORDINATOR, COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS,
JUNEAU, discussed her support for funding for the
Communities In Schools program. Care coordinators made home
visits in the event of a student's prolonged absence. The
coordinators worked to strengthen family relationships.
1:40:05 PM
ANGEL ROGERS, STUDENT OF COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS, YAAKOOSGE
DAAKAHIDI ALTERNATIVE HIGH SCHOOL, JUNEAU, spoke in support
of the Communities In Schools program. She appreciated the
support of the care coordinators and stated that she
without the coordinator in her school she would not have
anyone to talk to in times of need.
1:40:37 PM
STACI TAYLOR, STUDENT OF COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS, YAAKOOSGE
DAAKAHIDI ALTERNATIVE HIGH SCHOOL, JUNEAU, spoke in support
of the Communities In Schools program. She expressed that
without the support of the care coordinator in her school
she probably would have dropped out of her classes.
1:44:50 PM
AT EASE
1:44:58 PM
RECONVENED
MARGO WARING, FORMER MEMBER, JUNEAU SCHOOL BOARD, JUNEAU,
highlighted her support of the Pre-K Grant Program in the
Department of Education and Early Development. She
discussed the high dropout rate and low college attendance
rate in Alaska. Quality Pre-K programs were imperative.
1:47:52 PM
ALEXANDER VON HAFFTEN, CHAIR, ALASKA PSYCHIATRY RESIDENCY
STEERING COMMITTEE, ANCHORAGE, discussed his support of
funding for the Alaska Psychiatry Residency. Alaska
Psychiatry Residency Steering Committee was in year three
of operation and included members from the Veterans
Association, the military, the Department of Health and
Social Services, and more. The number one need in Alaska
was mental health.
1:51:12 PM
Representative Gara asked whether psychiatrists or other
medical professionals tended to practice in the same
location that they completed their residency. Mr. Hafften
answered in the affirmative.
1:51:38 PM
KAREN PERDUE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA STATE HOSPITAL AND
NURSING HOME ASSOCIATION, JUNEAU, the Alaska State Hospital
and Nursing Home Association strongly supported the Alaska
Psychiatry Residency program. Hospitals in Alaska
desperately needed psychiatrists. She supported
reinstatement of $202,000 in the governor's budget for the
program. She also supported the Medicaid budget.
1:53:44 PM
WALTER MAJOROS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, JUNEAU YOUTH SERVICES,
JUNEAU, illuminated his support of the Alaska Association
of Homes for Children. He requested support for the Alaska
Psychiatry Residency program, for Therapeutic Courts, and
for Medicaid funding.
1:56:46 PM
GEORGE REIFENSTEIN, GENERAL MANAGER, MOUNT ROBERTS TRAM,
JUNEAU, spoke in support of the tourism industry and the
Alaska Tourism Marketing Institute (ATIA). Money earned in
the tourism industry had provided for Alaskan families. The
tram employed over 75 full-time seasonal positions and over
60 percent were Goldbelt shareholders.
1:58:41 PM
ANDI STORY, MEMBER, JUNEAU SCHOOL BOARD, JUNEAU, spoke in
support of K-12 Students and contributions towards PERS/TRS
obligations. The board supported an increase to the base
student allocation (BSA). The board would need to cut an
additional $1 million if the BSA remained the same.
2:01:44 PM
JOANN LOCKWOOD, JUNEAU THERAPEUTIC COURT ALUMNI, JUNEAU,
spoke in support of Juneau Therapeutic Court. The program
was 18 months long for primarily DUI offenders. There had
been 24 graduates and the program had dramatically helped
graduates and their families with the recovery process.
2:03:40 PM
GINA DEL ROSARIO, FILIPINO COMMUNITY, INC., JUNEAU, asked
for funding to reinstate the Office of Citizenship
Assistance in Juneau. The office had helped the Filipino
community and other immigrants with their related needs.
2:05:23 PM
ED CARRILLO, VICE PRESIDENT, FILIPINO COMMUNITY, INC.,
JUNEAU, highlighted his support of the reopening of the
Office of Citizenship Assistance in Juneau. He shared a
personal story related to the difficult immigration
paperwork process.
2:07:07 PM
GENOVEVA DEL ROSARIO, DIRECTOR, FILIPINO COMMUNITY INC.,
JUNEAU, spoke in support of the reopening of the Office of
Citizens Assistance in Juneau. The office helped ensure
people that their paperwork had been filed correctly.
2:09:00 PM
MARTHA MOORE, MEMBER, BOARD OF DIRECTORS, ALASKA BRAIN
INJURY NETWORK, JUNEAU, supported the Alaska Mental Health
Trust request for brain injuries. She talked about the
devastating effects that a brain injury could have on
individuals. Services for disabilities in Alaska did not
cover people with cognitive disabilities.
2:13:23 PM
DOUG WALRATH, DIRECTOR, NORTHWESTERN ALASKA CAREER AND
TECHNICAL CENTER, NOME, asked for support of $1 million in
the budget for the Career and Technical Education Program
under the Department of Labor and Workforce Development
(DLWD).
2:15:18 PM
Representative Gara asked whether the $1 million was cut in
subcommittee. Mr. Walrath believed that it had been cut.
Representative Gara asked whether NACTEC had received
funding from the Career and Technical Education program in
previous years. Mr. Walrath responded that the center had
received grants from DWLD in prior years but did not know
the specific source.
2:16:07 PM
MARK JOHNSON, SELF, JUNEAU, expressed concern about
insufficient funding for the state Emergency Medical
Services (EMS) office. He supported funding for EMS and
public health programs. The program was crippled due to
lack of funding.
2:19:38 PM
JOY LYON, ASSOCIATION FOR THE EDUCATION OF YOUNG CHILDREN,
JUNEAU, discussed her support for a reinstatement of
funding for the Best Beginnings program for young children.
At the cost of $10 per child from birth to age five, Best
Beginnings helped to support over 60 communities in Alaska.
2:22:10 PM
JOHN MCCONNOCHIE, OWNER, CYCLE ALASKA, JUNEAU, was against
the governor's change related to matching funds that were
increased from $2.7 million to $$9 million. The
organization would need to raise membership fees in order
to reach the required funding to qualify for the match.
Members of ATIA were already hurting.
2:24:23 PM
PAUL VOELCKERS, BOARD, JUNEAU ARTS AND HUMANITIES COUNCIL,
JUNEAU, discussed his support for an increase to the Alaska
State Council on the Arts. The money in the governor's
budget fell short of funds that were needed.
2:26:05 PM
NANCY DECHERNEY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF JUNEAU ARTS AND
HUMANITIES COUNCIL, JUNEAU, spoke in support of funding for
the Alaska State Council on the Arts to cover the National
Endowment for the Arts matching funds.
2:29:21 PM
PEGGY BROWN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA NETWORK ON DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT, JUNEAU, supported the
restoration of funding for legal advocacies and emergency
travel for victims of sexual assault in rural areas. She
supported money for the Rural Pilot Project, media
campaigns, and the Pro Bono program.
Vice-chair Fairclough wondered whether the funding amount
for legal advocacies was $501,800; and $181,500 for
transportation of victims. Ms. Brown responded in the
affirmative.
2:34:42 PM
SARALYN TABACHNICK, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AWARE, INC, JUNEAU,
requested the restoration of $550,000 budget increment for
the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. There
had been a focus on rural areas in recent years. She
requested the continuation of funding for Legal Advocates.
Representative Doogan asked whether she was referring to
the outstanding $182,000 in relation to the $550,000
increment. Ms. Tabachnick responded in the affirmative.
Vice-chair Fairclough noted that the committee was awaiting
clarity on the funding request for travel. Ms. Tabachnick
replied that the numbers had been given to the council.
2:38:30 PM
MARYANN RAY, OWNER, PERSON'S POND, JUNEAU, spoke in support
of advertising funding for ATIA. The funding was extremely
important to SE Alaska.
2:41:06 PM
JOHN PAPPENHEIN, MEDICAL DIRECTOR FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
SERVICES, BARTLETT REGIONAL HOSPITAL, JUNEAU, spoke in
support of the Alaska Psychiatric Residency program. The
program had wide support from public and private
individuals. He emphasized that it was vital to the
population to have trained psychiatrists in Alaska to help
with depression, alcoholism, suicide and more.
2:42:52 PM
LAURY SCANDLING, ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDANT OF SCHOOLS,
JUNEAU SCHOOL DISTRICT, JUNEAU, spoke in support for Pre-K
and education funding. She asked for assistance to help
keep up with electricity, heating fuel, and insurance
increases. She explained that even with a BSA increase the
school district would have a $4 million hole.
Representative Doogan expressed appreciation for Ms.
Scandling and others that worked hard on education issues.
2:45:33 PM
AT EASE
2:49:56 PM
RECONVENED
BETHEL, KOTEZEBUE, DELTA JUNCTION, NOME, OFFNETS
2:50:06 PM
Vice-chair Fairclough transitioned from Juneau testimony to
the above mentioned communities.
2:50:33 PM
BROOKE GONDARA, BARROW (via teleconference), testified in
support of funding for North Slope borough to train
employees in the region. She stressed local hire for
Alaskans.
2:53:47 PM
KATHY LEARY, BARROW (via teleconference), testified in
support of funding for local hire in North Slope Alaska.
2:55:02 PM
MARY WEISS, BETHEL (via teleconference), testified in
support of funding for the Recruitment Retention of Alaska
Natives program. The site in Bethel made a difference with
its nursing program.
2:57:11 PM
Vice-chair Fairclough asked if the funding was in the
governor's proposed budget. Ms. Weiss Responded that she
did not know.
2:57:55 PM
BRYCE WRIGLEY, DELTA JUNCTION (via teleconference), spoke
to the importance of the certification of the potato export
program. The important tuber program benefits from instate
growth. He disagreed with the recent reduction in the
program and requested that the money be replaced in the
budget.
3:01:14 PM
JOHN BOCKMAN, NOME (via teleconference), advocated for
Alaska's community colleges.
3:01:40 PM
JANET BALICE, NOME (via teleconference), testified in
support of preschool education. She discussed the shifts in
requirements for entry into grade school.
3:05:13 PM
DEB TROWBRIDGE, NOME (via teleconference), testified in
support of Head Start programs. She noted that cuts in
federal funding will lead to a loss of many staff
positions.
3:08:54 PM
Representative Gara appreciated the testimony. He asked
about the loss of federal funding. Ms. Trowbridge
understood that 14 staff positions would be lost in her
region. She did not have an exact number.
3:10:03 PM
SARAH KRISTIANSEN, NOME (via teleconference), testified in
support of Head Start programs. She added that the loss of
federal funding would be detrimental to the program.
3:11:57 PM
JOHN LAMONT, LOWER YUKON (via teleconference), spoke on
behalf of preschool funding. He added that the district was
able to fund a preschool program with the help of state
funding.
3:15:56 PM
MARY LONG, ST. MICHAEL (via teleconference), testified in
support of Head Start funding. She shared a personal story
regarding the benefits of Head Start.
3:17:34 PM
SHIRLEY MARTIN, ST. MICHAEL (via teleconference), spoke in
support of Head Start and its benefit to young families.
3:20:05 PM
Ms. Kristiansen continued with her testimony about early
intervention offered by Head Start.
3:21:36 PM
Representative Wilson asked about the loss of federal
funding for Head Start.
3:22:09 PM
Representative Gara requested better information regarding
the federal funding of Head Start. He mentioned the state
funding and lack of increases.
3:22:54 PM
RICHARD BENEVILLE, NOME (via teleconference), spoke in
support of funding for Head Start. He noted the correlation
between early childhood education and high school dropout
rates. He advocated for tourism advertising with Alaska
Travel Industry Association (ATIA). He stressed that Alaska
is competing with other states due to the funding of a
brilliant advertising campaign.
3:26:02 PM
LILLIE NYLIN, ELAM (via teleconference), spoke in support
of funding for the Head Start program. The program aids
families in nutrition, medical and other needs of referral.
She added that she appreciates her job with Elam Head
Start.
3:26:02 PM
ROXIE QUICK, SAVOONGA (via teleconference), testified in
support of early childhood education in rural Alaska.
3:29:12 PM
RICH CARLSON, KLAWOCK (via teleconference), testified in
support of funding for technical education and competitive
grants for school districts. The $1 million in Department
of Labor and Workforce Development's budget allows for
competition for the funds.
3:31:08 PM
JULIE EGLIE, BERING STRAIT (via teleconference), spoke in
support of Head Start and early childhood education. She
stressed the ongoing support of the programs.
3:32:25 PM
VIRGINIA WALSH, testified in support of Arctic Women in
Crisis. She advocated for transportation funding.
3:34:32 PM
VIOLET CHARLES, NOME, requested restoration for the full
budget increment for victims of violence in the Nome area.
She explained the advocacy services provided with state
funding for the Bering Strait Women's Group.
3:35:51 PM
DEBBIE MOATES, KOTZEBUE, testified in support of funding
for restoration of the full $50 thousand budget increment
to assist with the continued rising cost of providing a
full service facility and outreach program in Kotzebue. She
supported the budget request to ensure safety for those
victims of sexual and domestic abuse.
3:37:18 PM
MICHELLE DEWITT, BETHEL, spoke of the funding for domestic
violence victims. She noted that transportation costs have
been cut. Her district provides transportation for victims,
which is critical. Outreach requires transportation as
well. She noted the expiring federal funding. She spoke in
support of the governor's initiative. Her region is a site
for a pilot project.
3:40:27 PM
ROLAND TROWBRIDGE, NOME (via teleconference), spoke in
support of Head Start funding. He stated that other options
for childcare in his region do not exist. He highlighted
the many reasons that the program benefits the community.
3:42:28 PM
VIRGINIA DEGNAN, BERING STRAIT (via teleconference),
testified in support of Head Start funding. She mentioned
various grants that help with the funding, although state
funding is crucial.
3:44:03 PM
ROBERT FITHIAN (via teleconference), spoke in support of
the Department of Natural Resources' program for funding
for the hunting and guiding industry. The program was
necessary for a myriad of reasons.
3:46:51 PM
SHANNON DODGE, SHAKTOOLIK (via teleconference), testified
in support of the Head Start program. She discussed the
values of early childhood education.
3:48:15 PM
GAIL EVAN, SHAKTOOLIK (via teleconference), spoke in
support of continued funding for Head Start. She believed
that children understand the value of the beneficial
program.
3:49:14 PM
SILAS PANIPTCHUK, SHAKTOOLIK (via teleconference),
testified in support of Head Start funding. He mentioned
many benefits of the program.
3:50:13 PM
CARL WHITE, BERING STRAIT (via teleconference), testified
in support in early childhood education. He noted that Head
Start prevents high school dropout.
3:51:39 PM
PROPHETESS HAYDEN (via teleconference), testified in
support of the Head Start funding. She discussed the
importance of early childhood education.
3:53:51 PM
ROSEMARY OTTON, KOYUK (via teleconference), spoke in
support of early childhood education funding. She shared a
personal story regarding the positive successes valued by
her own children and grand children.
3:56:21 PM
ANN MARIE RUDSTROM, BERING STRAIT (via teleconference),
testified in support of continued funding for early
childhood education and Head Start.
3:57:39 PM
ANNA SAPPAH (via teleconference), testified regarding HB
108 and treatment for therapeutic court participants. The
program is successful in helping recovering addicts.
3:59:55 PM
DON HAM (via teleconference), spoke in support of the
funding of therapeutic court. He recently graduated from
the program.
4:00:37 PM
RON WILSON (via teleconference), spoke to the need of
therapeutic courts. He explained that he is a recent
graduate of the program.
4:02:00 PM
BOB GEISE, DELTA JUNCTION (via teleconference), discussed
the funding for the bridge crossing the Tanana River. He
noted the deficit in the budget and the importance of the
bridge. The Alaska Railroad property is another important
issue.
4:03:40 PM
Vice-chair Fairclough stated that the capital budget is in
the Senate at this time.
4:04:35 PM
AT EASE
4:16:21 PM
RECONVENED
ANCHORAGE, FAIRBANKS
DIANE MAPLES, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in
support of Career and Technological Education funding.
4:20:13 PM
RON PECK, PRESIDENT, ALASKA TRAVEL INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION,
spoke in favor of the match program of the $2.7 million
funding, and appreciated the $9 million budget.
Representative Costello requested an example of how a
business would pay for its individual marketing, in
addition to what was offered through ATIA. Mr. Peck
explained that small businesses probably spend four times
what ATIA pays in marketing.
4:22:34 PM
Representative Gara wondered if there was a formula to
determine the requirement of the members to pay a certain
amount to achieve the state match. Mr. Peck replied that
the payments were based on the size of the company.
Representative Gara queried the burden of the matching on
the members, and wondered what the large companies
contributed versus what the smaller companies. Mr. Peck
agreed to provide the committee with the information.
4:24:39 PM
Co-Chair Stoltze Spoke against funding the film industry,
and spoke in favor funding of the tourism industry.
4:26:00 PM
KEELEY OLSON, PROGRAM DIRECTOR, STANDING TOGETHER AGAINST
RAPE, ANCHORAGE, requested that the committee restore the
$181,500 decrement to the $550,000 increment for the
Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual assault (CDVSA)
budget.
4:26:54 PM
AT EASE
4:27:14 PM
RECONVENED
4:28:07 PM
Ms. Olson requested replacement of a federal earmark that
was used to fund legal advocacy with general funds, as
requested by the Department of Public Safety.
4:29:37 PM
SUZI PEARSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ABUSED WOMEN'S AID IN
CRISIS AWAIC, ANCHORAGE, requested restoration of the full
$550,000 budget increment to assist with rising health care
costs, cost of living increases, and emergency travel for
victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. She
requested restoration of the governor's CDVSA budget.
4:32:07 PM
SUSAN SULLIVAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, VICTIMS FOR JUSTICE
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), requested $225,000 for the
Victims for Justice operating costs.
4:38:14 PM
ROD HUMPHREY, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in
favor of traumatic brain injury funding.
4:39:30 PM
CORINNE BOWELL, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified
in favor of $500,000 for traumatic brain injury funding.
4:42:15 PM
RANDY A. BOWELL, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in
favor of $500,000 toward traumatic brain injury funding.
4:45:02 PM
JILL HODGES, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA BRAIN INJURY
NETWORK, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in
support of $500,000 for the traumatic brain injury program.
4:49:30 PM
MICHAEL MOORADIAN, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified against a 20 percent cut in the wellness courts
budget, and encouraged a 20 percent increase in wellness
courts funding.
4:52:58 PM
BARBARA BROWN, BEST BEGINNINGS, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified to restore funding to $680,000
for the Imagination Library.
4:55:43 PM
GLEN HEMINGSON, OWNER, COPPER WHALE INN, ACHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke against the change in the funding
formula related to tourism marketing. He requested a return
to the FY 11 marketing language.
4:59:04 PM
JARA HAAS, SALES AND MARKETING MANAGER, ANCHORAGE MUSEUM,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in favor of $9
million towards Alaska tourism marketing in HB 108.
5:01:25 PM
MICHAEL HORTON, COPPER RIVER NATIVE ASSOCIATION (via
teleconference), spoke in support of funding for behavioral
health, and encouraged a change in the funding structure
for behavioral health granting. He stressed that the
structure change from a "strengths based program" to a
"needs based program."
5:05:21 PM
FRANK FLAVIN, PHOTOGRAPHER, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
requested a return to the FY 11 tourism marketing funding
language.
5:08:19 PM
MELISSA SAUNDERS, DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING, ALASKA
NATIVE HERITAGE CENTER, EAGLE RIVER (via teleconference),
testified in support of continued tourism marketing
funding.
5:10:01 PM
ETHAN TYLER, OWNER, ALASKA TOURISM SOLUTIONS, GIRDWOOD (via
teleconference), testified against the language regarding
the proposed match for tourism funding. He stressed that
the program could get defunded for small businesses. He
requested a return to the FY 11 tourism marketing funding
language.
5:11:32 PM
MURIEL M. MORSE, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in
favor of wellness courts program funding, especially in the
rural communities.
5:14:24 PM
SHERRI DOUGLAS, YOUTH SERVICES COORDINATOR, ANCHORAGE
PUBLIC LIBRARY (via teleconference), requested a
restoration of $680,000 in Imagination Library funding.
5:16:36 PM
JOHN CREWS, BOARD CHAIRMAN, STATEWIDE ADVISORY BOARD FOR
ALASKA VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL CENTER (via
teleconference), requested $226,800 in general fund
receipts and $100,000 in general fund program receipts be
restored to the budget, which would be crucial in creating
a registered nursing program at the Alaska Vocational and
Technical Center.
5:19:37 PM
CRYSTAL KENNEDY, VICE-PRESIDENT, ANCHORAGE SCHOOL BOARD
(via teleconference), requested pre-Kindergarten funding.
5:23:38 PM
STEVEN PERRINS, OWNER, RAINY PASS LODGE (via
teleconference), encouraged the committee to reconsider the
Department of Natural Resources budget for $120,000 for one
new staff member.
5:26:19 PM
KIMBERLY STRYKER, EAGLE RIVER (via teleconference), spoke
in support of the tobacco use prevention programs. She
stressed the issue of obesity in Alaska, and encouraged the
committee to fund programs for obesity prevention.
5:28:13 PM
DIRK SHUMAKER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, KIDS CORPS, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), testified in favor of Head Start
expansion and pre-Kindergarten education funding. He
requested a restoration of $2 million towards pre-
Kindergarten projects.
5:30:10 PM
IRENE PERSSON-GAMBLE, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in favor of pre-school funding, and the Head Start program.
5:32:29 PM
Vice-chair Fairclough stated that Representative Wilson
would provide more information regarding Head Start
funding.
5:33:30 PM
VICKIE MCCUBBIN, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified
in support of the $500,000 toward Alaska brain injury
funding.
5:35:48 PM
DUANE EPTON, ALASKA AIRLINES MAGAZINE (via teleconference),
requested a return to the FY 11 tourism marketing funding
match language.
5:38:22 PM
JULIE SAUPE, PRESIDENT, PRESIDENT, ANCHORAGE CONVENTION AND
VISITOR'S BUREAU (via teleconference) requested a return to
the FY 11 tourism marketing funding match language.
ADJOURNMENT
5:42:22 PM
The meeting was adjourned at 5:42 PM.
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