Legislature(2011 - 2012)HOUSE FINANCE 519
03/02/2011 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 2, 2011
1:40 p.m.
1:40:31 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Thomas called the House Finance Committee meeting
to order at 1:40 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Bill Thomas Jr., Co-Chair
Representative Mia Costello
Representative David Guttenberg
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Bill Stoltze, Co-Chair
Representative Mike Doogan
Representative Bryce Edgmon
Representative Les Gara
Representative Anna Fairclough, Vice-Chair
Representative Reggie Joule
Representative Mark Neuman
Representative Tammie Wilson
ALSO PRESENT
Brenda Steinfill; Representative Bob Miller; Chris Bauman,
Executive Director, Sitkans Against Family Violence, Sitka;
Nicole Songer, Executive Director, Cordova Family Resource
Center, Cordova; Rowena Palomar, Executive Director,
Advocates for Victims of Violence, Valdez; Ginger Baim,
Executive Director, Safe and Fear Free Environment,
Dillingham; Representative Peggy Wilson; Rebecca Shields,
Executive Director, Kodiak Women's Resource & Crisis
Center; Naomi Michaelson, Executive Director, Women in Safe
Homes, Ketchikan; Cheri Smith, Executive Director, Leeshore
Center, Kenai; Lexie Mizeras, Alaska SeaLife Center,
Seward; Michelle Weston, City Manager, City of Seward; Stan
Stephens, Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Tours, Valdez;
Colleen Stephens, Stan Stephens Glacier Wildlife Tours,
Valdez; Sue Gilpatrick, Business Owner, Chitna and Valdez;
Brad Ohs, Administrator, Alaska Homes for Children; Matt
Dammeyer, Central Peninsula Hospital, Kenai; Jane Baily,
Early Childhood Coordinator, Chugach School District;
Sherman Smith, Cooper Landing; Steve Horn, Executive
Director, Alaska Behavioral Health Association, Soldotna;
Ted Spraker, Board of Game and Big Game Commercial Services
Board, Kenai; Sammy Crawford, Kenai Peninsula Borough
School District; Fred Sturman, Soldotna; Diane & Roy
Minister, Self, Palmer; Alan LeMaster, Glennallen; Park
Kriner, Glennallen; Lolita Brache, Families First/Best
Beginnings, Homer; Harry Dodge, Self, Kodiak; Don Dumm,
Self, Kodiak; Terry Wanzer, Alaska Hotel & Lodging
Association, Ketchikan; Shawna Lee, Lumberjack Shoe,
Ketchikan; Darlene Morrison, Mother of Traumatic Brain
Injury child, Ketchikan; Len Laurence, Spirit of Alaska
Tours, Taquan Air, Ketchikan; Loren Karro, Palmer; Don
Montgomery, Mat-Su; James Garhart, Wasilla; Mark Lackey,
Alaska Head Start Association, Wasilla; Cristen Kolb, Head
Start at Meadow Lakes, Mat-Su; Alexus Kwachka, Fisherman,
Kodiak; Jan Chatto, Tourism Industry, Kodiak; Kadie Walsh,
Tourism Industry, Kodiak; Dake Schmidt, Tourism Industry,
Kodiak; Janet Buckingham, Executive Director, Kodiak
Convention and Business Bureau; Josh Bell, Kodiak Chamber
of Commerce; Kevin Brennan, Kodiak; Gary Byrne, Kodiak
Regional Aquaculture Association; Bryan Ellsworth,
Commercial Fisherman, Kodiak; Susan Johnson, Manager, Best
Western Inn, Kodiak.
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE
Arthur S. Hansen; Joe L. Hayes; Sue Hull; Henry Tiffany;
Susan Henrichs; Jill Faudree; Phil Osborn; Londa Krull;
Taber Rehbaum; Roger Burggraf; Cathy Schultz; Donald Stein;
Dr. Doolittle M.D.; Mayor Luke Hopkins; Cheryl Keepers;
Jasmine Johnson Kennedy; Jeff Drake; Leslie Hajdukovich;
Pete Lewis; Tom Kirstein; Scott Reisland; Carey Mills; Ryan
Binkley; Deb Hickok; Kory Eberhardt; Lloyd Huskey; Craig
Lingle; Allan Coty; Buzzy Chiu; Larry Paquin; Dr. Danita
Koehler; Lynn Osheim, Directors, Parents as Teachers
Program, Hoonah; Susan Isaacs, Business Owner, Dillingham;
Nicole Ito, Dillingham; Tanna Lewis, Head Start, King Cove;
Irene Bentancourt, Head Start, Unalaska; Alyssa Sensky,
Executive Director, Unalaska Convention and Visitor's
Bureau, Unalaska; Kathy Dirks, Unalaska; Cheryl Parson,
Unalaska; Baxter Bond, Sitka; Fred Reeder, Sitka; Tim
Fulton, Member, Sitka School Board, Sitka; John Dunlap,
Allen Marine, Sitka; Craig Warren, Sitka; Gordon Blue,
Sitka Counseling and Prevention Services, Sitka; Lon
Garrison, Sitka School Board, Sitka; Molly Kabler, Member,
Sitka School Board, Sitka; Michael Biggers, Petersburg
Mental Health, Petersburg; Stephanie Pauwk, Petersburg
Mental Health, Petersburg; Jennifer Ray, Petersburg Mental
Health, Petersburg; Kim Kilkenny, Petersburg Mental Health,
Petersburg; Morgan Falter, Petersburg Mental Health,
Petersburg; Susan Ohmer, Director, Petersburg Mental
Health, Petersburg; Ken Caulum, Petersburg Mental Health,
Petersburg; John Yarbourgh, Petersburg Mental Health,
Petersburg; Julianne Curry, Executive Director, Petersburg
Vessel Owners, Petersburg; Jerry Scholand, Kiana Lodging,
Homer; Jessica Lawmaster, Haven House, Homer; Tina Day,
Executive Director, Homer Chamber of Commerce, Homer; Letha
Butts, Fox Run RV Campground and Lodge, Homer; Ken Bergman,
Homer; Lance Kronberger, Self, Wasilla; Greg Manskie, TBI,
Mat-Su; Robert Wallis, Self; Jennifer Charvet, Alaska Brain
Injury Network, Palmer; Susan Payne, Self, Kodiak; Pete
Danelski, Self, Kodiak; Laren Lynch, Cape Fox Lodge,
Ketchikan; Kaite Montgomery, Self, Ketchikan; Amanda
Painter, Allen Marine Tours, Ketchikan; Pat Chapman, AK
Brain Injury Network, Ketchikan; Wallace Fields, Self,
Kodiak; Dave Kubiak, Alaska Marine Conservation Council,
Kodiak.
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."
FAIRBANKS
1:40:45 PM
Co-Chair Thomas introduced committee members and requested
two minute time limit for public testimony.
1:41:15 PM
ARTHUR S. HANSEN (via teleconference), testified in support
of funding for $500 thousand for traumatic brain injury
(TBI) studies. He shared a personal story regarding TBI.
1:42:40 PM
JOE L. HAYES (via teleconference), spoke in support of the
university budget. He mentioned recent cuts for summer
programs.
1:43:24 PM
SUE HULL (via teleconference), testified in support of Best
Beginnings and the local school board. She noted the
importance of empowering communities to make decisions
regarding early childhood education options. She stressed
the importance of good graduation rates and career tech
opportunities.
1:46:01 PM
BRENDA STEINFILL, testified in support of funding for
emergency travel for victims of domestic violence and
sexual abuse. She noted many requests from people in need
of emergency travel funds. The legal advocacy program aids
women in the legal process. The program served 500 people
last year with only one legal advocate.
1:48:34 PM
HENRY TIFFANY (via teleconference), spoke in favor of the
proposed deletion of the Department of Natural Resources'
Mining Land and Water Division guide concession program
development request for $120 thousand and one staff
position. He explained many myths regarding the program
which will affect hunting guides and prevent overcrowding.
The program benefits the game and resources and would not
negatively affect resident hunters. He spoke to the limits
stressed by the program.
1:53:04 PM
SUSAN HENRICHS (via teleconference), testified in support
of the university's budget requests. She requested
restoration of the Math Summer Bridge program. Math skills
are crucial to many different occupations. She pointed out
that many university students are older and require a
review of math skills.
1:56:37 PM
JILL FAUDREE (via teleconference), testified in support of
the Math Summer Bridge program, which is a crucial link in
the success of college students. Math can be an obstacle
for students. Many students avoid math, but the program is
successful in educating those students.
2:00:06 PM
PHIL OSBORN (via teleconference), spoke in support of the
Alaska Summer Science Research program. The competition for
the program is great. He believed that the $75 thousand
request was fair.
2:02:48 PM
LONDA KRULL (via teleconference), spoke in support of the
Alaska Psychiatric Residency program.
2:04:18 PM
TABER REHBAUM (via teleconference), testified in support of
an increase in the Human Services Community matching grant
to a funding level of $2 million. She also mentioned the
Community Initiative grant to $1 million. She advocated for
low government costs and believed that the investment would
aid the state.
2:06:25 PM
ROGER BURGGRAF (via teleconference), spoke in support of
state investment in instate natural gas. He also advocated
for the bridge across the Tanana River.
2:08:26 PM
CATHY SCHULTZ (via teleconference), spoke in support of the
Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA). She encouraged
the marketing of Alaska. She wished to attract visitors
with the advertising program.
2:10:42 PM
DONALD STEIN (via teleconference), spoke in support of the
RS 2477 access trails. He pointed out that Alaska has over
600 trails which constitute 100,000 acres.
2:14:01 PM
DR. DOOLITTLE M.D. (via teleconference), spoke in favor of
the restoration of the $202 thousand for the Psychiatric
Residency Program.
2:15:40 PM
MAYOR LUKE HOPKINS (via teleconference), spoke about the
Human Service Community Matching Block Grant. He noted the
increased population and the necessary increase of the
grant funding amount to adjust for the increases. He also
spoke in favor of increases for Best Beginnings.
2:18:07 PM
Representative Costello asked the amount requested for the
Best Beginning program.
2:19:05 PM
CHERYL KEEPERS (via teleconference), provided the current
year funding level of $680 thousand. She noted that the
grant allowed the commission to educate about needs of
families with young children in the community.
2:21:12 PM
JASMINE JOHNSON KENNEDY (via teleconference), suggested
deletion of the proposed cut of $190 thousand for emergency
rural travel and the $694 thousand cut for the additional
legal advocacy coverage. She advocated for action against
domestic violence.
2:23:32 PM
JEFF DRAKE (via teleconference), urged the reinstatement of
the $75 thousand budget request for the Alaska Summer
Research Academy. The goal of the program is to offer
experiences that the K-12 curriculum cannot.
2:25:21 PM
LESLIE HAJDUKOVICH (via teleconference), spoke in support
of funding for K-12 education. She spoke of the education
successes seen in Fairbanks. She mentioned Response to
Intervention as a valuable method for student retention.
2:28:03 PM
PETE LEWIS (via teleconference), advocated for the
restoration of the Statewide Mentoring Program at $600
thousand. He added that the school health and safety
coordinator position of $200 thousand and $150 thousand to
the Alaska Autism Research Center. Finally he requested
restoration of the $4 million of cuts to the teaching and
learning support services. He urged the need for funding to
match the rate of inflation. Energy cost increases cannot
be covered with flat funding.
2:29:41 PM
TOM KIRSTEIN (via teleconference), requested
reconsideration of the guide concession development cuts in
the operating budget. The program development is widely
supported by many corporations and organizations concerned
with conservation issues.
2:32:21 PM
SCOTT REISLAND (via teleconference), testified in support
of ATIA and an increase in funding. He stated that
advertising costs are too great for small businesses
without ATIA.
2:35:12 PM
CAREY MILLS (via teleconference), spoke in support of
thorough scrutiny in all budget items.
2:36:41 PM
RYAN BINKLEY (via teleconference), spoke in opposition to
the operating budget and particularly the matching
requirements for the $9 million ATIA marketing program.
Small businesses rely on ATIA and the legislature's
appropriations.
2:39:07 PM
DEB HICKOK (via teleconference), testified in support of
ATIA. She relayed support for reinvestment into the long
term marketing program. She noted that HB 108 twists the
formulas in a method that raises the difficulty level for
small businesses to contribute to advertising.
2:41:09 PM
KORY EBERHARDT (via teleconference), spoke in support of
continued funding of Alaska tourism marketing. He expressed
disappointment in the recent changes made in HB 108. He
pointed out that advertising would cost him $9 thousand,
which he deemed too high for his business.
2:42:35 PM
LLOYD HUSKEY (via teleconference), spoke in support of
continued investment in tourism marketing in Alaska.
2:43:27 PM
CRAIG LINGLE (via teleconference), commented on the Alaska
Clear and Equitable Share (ACES) and the hearing in the
committee. He argued that ACES is designed to address high
oil prices. He stressed the potential disaster that may
result in rolling back ACES. He expressed support for
renewable energy options in Alaska.
2:45:59 PM
ALLAN COTY (via teleconference), supported funding for the
RS 2477 access trail litigation. He stated that the trails
run through state and private land. He required unhindered
use of the trails.
2:47:21 PM
BUZZY CHIU (via teleconference), echoed the support of Ryan
Binkley. She requested matching marketing funds remain at
30 percent.
2:48:17 PM
LARRY PAQUIN (via teleconference), testified in opposition
to tax credits for the oil industry.
2:50:24 PM
DR. DANITA KOEHLER (via teleconference), testified in
support of pre-hospital emergency medical providers in
Alaska. She advocated closing the gap in funding for the
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) unit of the Department of
Health and Social Services (DHSS). She mentioned that she
is the medical director for the Emergency Medical Services
in Fairbanks. The EMS unit is responsible for managing air
and ground medical services.
2:53:52 PM
AT EASE
2:53:59 PM
RECONVENED
SITKA, WRANGELL, PETERSBURG, DILLINGHAM, CORDOVA, UNALASKA
3:09:23 PM
CHRIS BAUMAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SITKANS AGAINST FAMILY
VIOLENCE, SITKA, requested restoration of the Council on
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (CDVSA) $550,000
budget increment to assist with rising health care costs,
salaries, and emergency travel for victims of violence.
Requested funding for legal advocate positions.
3:11:20 PM
NICOLE SONGER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CORDOVA FAMILY RESOURCE
CENTER, CORDOVA, requested restoration of the Council on
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (CDVSA) $550,000
budget increment to assist with rising health care costs,
salaries, and emergency travel for victims of violence.
Requested funding for legal advocate positions.
3:13:30 PM
ROWENA PALOMAR, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ADVOCATES FOR VICTIMS
OF VIOLENCE, VALDEZ, requested restoration of the Council
on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (CDVSA) $550,000
budget increment to assist with rising health care costs,
salaries, and emergency travel for victims of violence.
Requested funding for legal advocate positions.
3:16:24 PM
GINGER BAIM, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SAFE AND FEAR FREE
ENVIRONMENT, DILLINGHAM, requested restoration of the
Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (CDVSA)
$550,000 budget increment to assist with rising health care
costs, salaries, and emergency travel for victims of
violence. Requested funding for legal advocate positions.
3:19:37 PM
LYNN OSHEIM, DIRECTORS, PARENTS AS TEACHERS PROGRAM, HOONAH
(via teleconference), requested funding for early childhood
education; specifically for Head Start, Parents and
Teachers, Universal Teachers, and Best Beginnings.
3:22:49 PM
SUSAN ISAACS, BUSINESS OWNER, DILLINGHAM (via
teleconference), requested a return to the original
language from FY 11 budget related to tourism marketing.
She supported tourism marketing, but opposed an increase
the industry's match requirement.
3:24:47 PM
NICOLE ITO, DILLINGHAM (via teleconference), requested
funding for the Alaska Summer Research Program in
Fairbanks.
3:27:31 PM
TANNA LEWIS, HEAD START, KING COVE (via teleconference),
spoke in support of Head Start funding.
3:28:50 PM
IRENE BENTANCOURT, HEAD START, UNALASKA (via
teleconference), requested continued funding for Head
Start. Stressed the issue of limited child care in
Unalaska.
3:30:27 PM
ALYSSA SENSKY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, UNALASKA CONVENTION AND
VISITOR'S BUREAU, UNALASKA (via teleconference), requested
maintaining the language in FY 11 funding levels for
tourism marketing.
3:32:23 PM
KATHY DIRKS, UNALASKA (via teleconference), requested
funding for Head Start.
3:33:19 PM
CHERYL PARSON, UNALASKA (via teleconference), spoke in
support of Head Start funding.
3:34:04 PM
BAXTER BOND, SITKA (via teleconference), testified in
support of the Alaska Summer Research Academy funding.
3:35:24 PM
FRED REEDER, SITKA (via teleconference), urged the
committee to support tourism marketing based on the FY 11
funding.
3:37:17 PM
Co-Chair Thomas remarked that he did not change the
contribution rate in the tourism marketing budget. He
stressed that the Alaska Travel Industry Association
lowered the match to 30 percent, and hoped to match it at
50 percent. He stressed that the House Finance committee
was not responsible for the change.
3:39:33 PM
TIM FULTON, MEMBER, SITKA SCHOOL BOARD, SITKA (via
teleconference), requested increase in the Base Student
Allocation.
3:40:26 PM
JOHN DUNLAP, ALLEN MARINE, SITKA (via teleconference),
requested return to the FY 11 language related to tourism
marketing.
3:41:47 PM
CRAIG WARREN, SITKA (via teleconference), requested funding
increase in the Base Student Allocation, and stressed
technology education.
3:42:55 PM
GORDON BLUE, SITKA COUNSELING AND PREVENTION SERVICES,
SITKA (via teleconference), recommended $550,000 to support
domestic violence and sexual assault prevention. Urged
restoration of $202,000 to the Alaska Psychiatric Residency
Program. Requested $250,000 for therapeutic courts program.
3:46:28 PM
LON GARRISON, SITKA SCHOOL BOARD, SITKA (via
teleconference), requested an increase of the Base Student
Allocation.
3:48:47 PM
MOLLY KABLER, MEMBER, SITKA SCHOOL BOARD, SITKA (via
teleconference), spoke in favor of funding for education.
Requested an increase of $100 in the base student
allocation, with added funding for vocational training.
3:51:05 PM
MICHAEL BIGGERS, PETERSBURG MENTAL HEALTH, PETERSBURG (via
teleconference), requested Petersburg Mental Health
services funding.
3:52:29 PM
STEPHANIE PAUWK, PETERSBURG MENTAL HEALTH, PETERSBURG (via
teleconference), requested Petersburg Mental Health
services funding.
3:53:52 PM
JENNIFER RAY, PETERSBURG MENTAL HEALTH, PETERSBURG (via
teleconference), requested Petersburg Mental Health
services funding.
3:55:05 PM
KIM KILKENNY, PETERSBURG MENTAL HEALTH, PETERSBURG (via
teleconference), requested continued Petersburg Mental
Health services funding.
3:55:56 PM
MORGAN FALTER, PETERSBURG MENTAL HEALTH, PETERSBURG (via
teleconference), requested continued Petersburg Mental
Health services funding.
3:57:33 PM
SUSAN OHMER, DIRECTOR, PETERSBURG MENTAL HEALTH, PETERSBURG
(via teleconference), requested increased funding for
Petersburg Mental Health services. She specifically
requested funding for more staff members, and better
facilities.
3:59:44 PM
KEN CAULUM, PETERSBURG MENTAL HEALTH, PETERSBURG (via
teleconference), requested continued Petersburg Mental
Health services funding.
4:01:45 PM
JOHN YARBOURGH, PETERSBURG MENTAL HEALTH, PETERSBURG (via
teleconference), requested further Petersburg Mental Health
services funding.
4:03:56 PM
JULIANNE CURRY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PETERSBURG VESSEL
OWNERS, PETERSBURG (via teleconference), discussed
Department of Fish and Game budgeting items. She
specifically requested a $75,000 increment for the Red King
Crab Survey in Southeast Alaska. Supported a $30,000
increment for stock assessment in Yakutat for Dungeness
crab. Requested efforts the legislature might take to
decrease Alaska's reliance on federal funding for research,
reporting, and management of the state managed fisheries-
specifically in Southeast Alaska.
4:05:44 PM
Representative Peggy Wilson commented on the Petersburg
Mental Health center, and stated that there was a change in
funding. She stressed that funding was based on the amount
of emergencies in an area. She remarked that the Mental
Health Center was able to prevent the emergency before they
even happen. Because of this, the center was penalized
based on the funding structure. She encouraged further
changes to the funding structure of mental health
therapies.
4:08:08 PM
AT EASE
4:20:38 PM
RECONVENED
HOMER, KENAI, VALDEZ, KETCHIKAN, KODIAK, MAT-SU,
GLENNALLEN, TOK, SEWARD
4:21:44 PM
REBECCA SHIELDS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, KODIAK WOMEN'S
RESOURCE & CRISIS CENTER, spoke in support of funding for
sexual assault and domestic violence programs. She detailed
that the shelters were full and the cost of travel was
increasing. She requested funding for legal advocates for
victims of violence and assault.
4:23:48 PM
NAOMI MICHAELSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WOMEN IN SAFE HOMES,
KETCHIKAN, testified in support of the full increment for
domestic violence and sexual assault.
4:26:01 PM
CHERI SMITH, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, LEESHORE CENTER, KENAI,
requested restoration of the governor's increment for
domestic violence and sexual assault.
4:28:56 PM
Representative Costello queried the other communities
requesting protective orders.
Ms. Smith listed Juneau, Fairbanks, Bethel and Matsu
require the greatest protection order assistance. She
emphasized that legal advocacy was key.
4:30:00 PM
LEXIE MIZERAS, ALASKA SEALIFE CENTER, SEWARD, supported
tourism marketing increments.
4:30:38 PM
MICHELLE WESTON, CITY MANAGER, CITY OF SEWARD, testified in
support of funding increments for nursing programs that
were recently removed from the governor's budget.
4:31:22 PM
STAN STEPHENS, STAN STEPHENS GLACIER & WILDLIFE TOURS,
VALDEZ, spoke in support of funding for tourism marketing
and commercial fishing
4:33:16 PM
COLLEEN STEPHENS, STAN STEPHENS GLACIER WILDLIFE TOURS,
VALDEZ, testified in support of funding for tourism to
support Alaskan businesses. She hoped to keep levels where
they were in FY 11. She explained that $11,000 was spent by
her company to participate in the ATIA program; she felt
the marketing was essential.
4:35:09 PM
SUE GILPATRICK, BUSINESS OWNER, CHITNA AND VALDEZ, spoke in
support of funding for tourism marketing funding. Her
business in Chitna employs 14 people in a town of 54. Her
greenhouse business in Valdez also benefits from tourism.
4:37:10 PM
BRAD OHS, ADMINISTRATOR, ALASKA HOMES FOR CHILDREN,
testified in support of continued funding $202,000 for the
Alaska Psychiatric Residency Program, which benefits both
rural and urban areas.
He also spoke for continued support of therapeutic court
participants for $250,000. He requested funding for the
DHSS budget's $123 million shortfall, to match federal
funding levels.
4:41:05 PM
MATT DAMMEYER, CENTRAL PENINSULA HOSPITAL, KENAI, supported
the Alaska Psychiatric Residency Program.
4:41:50 PM
JANE BAILY, EARLY CHILDHOOD COORDINATOR, CHUGACH SCHOOL
DISTRICT, testified in support of funding for early
childhood education
4:44:39 PM
SHERMAN SMITH, COOPER LANDING, testified in support of RS
2477 access trails.
Representative Costello noted that the request for the RS
2477 litigation increment had been funded at $599 thousand.
4:46:17 PM
STEVE HORN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
ASSOCIATION, SOLDOTNA, supported the Alaska Psychiatric
Residency program.
4:47:25 PM
TED SPRAKER, BOARD OF GAME AND BIG GAME COMMERCIAL SERVICES
BOARD, KENAI, testified in support of restoring $120,000
and one staff member for the big game commercial services
board. He detailed that the guide business yielded $2
million annually.
4:50:10 PM
SAMMY CRAWFORD, KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT,
asked for additional funding for education. She spoke about
utility rate increases leading to budget difficulty for the
school district.
4:51:30 PM
FRED STURMAN, SOLDOTNA, opined that the budget was too
large and listed items he thought should be cut.
4:53:06 PM
DIANE & ROY MINISTER, SELF, PALMER, stated concerns about
the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) and the
Teacher Retirement System (TRS) liability. They wanted
state spending to be curbed. They did not want a state
income tax.
4:55:20 PM
ALAN LEMASTER, GLENNALLEN, testified in support of funding
for tourism marketing. Stated that the 50 percent match was
not attainable and urged not to restrict the match.
4:57:21 PM
PARK KRINER, GLENNALLEN, spoke in support of increments for
tourism marketing. He maintained that everything in the
state was affected by tourism dollars.
4:59:08 PM
LOLITA BRACHE, FAMILIES FIRST/BEST BEGINNINGS, HOMER,
wanted funding support for early childhood education. She
described successes in the area in early childhood
education, childcare, preschool, and support to families.
5:01:08 PM
JERRY SCHOLAND, KIANA LODGING, HOMER (via teleconference),
supported the tourism industry and asked that the
legislature not penalize the industry. He requested
matching funds.
5:02:15 PM
JESSICA LAWMASTER, HAVEN HOUSE, HOMER (via teleconference),
requested the full $550,000 budget increment for emergency
travel for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
5:04:19 PM
TINA DAY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HOMER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE,
HOMER (via teleconference), urged the legislature to
support tourism marketing funds. She did not support
changes to the industry's matching requirement.
5:05:26 PM
LETHA BUTTS, FOX RUN RV CAMPGROUND AND LODGE, HOMER (via
teleconference), spoke in opposition to changes to tourism
marketing funds. Stated support of funding at the level
that existed in FY 11.
5:07:00 PM
KEN BERGMAN, HOMER (via teleconference), supported
investing in children and funding for early childhood
education.
5:08:42 PM
LANCE KRONBERGER, SELF, WASILLA (via teleconference), asked
for the reconsideration of the deletion of Alaska's land
and water provision. Alaska's public would not be allowed
to hunt the land. The trophy quality would be increased for
hunters and young guides would be able to make a living in
the industry.
5:10:45 PM
GREG MANSKIE, TBI, MAT-SU (via teleconference), stated
support of $550,000 funding for the TBI program.
5:11:14 PM
ROBERT WALLIS, SELF (via teleconference), spoke for support
for $550,000 for the TBI program. He shared a personal
story about an accident and would like to see the funding
available for victims and early intervention.
5:13:13 PM
JENNIFER CHARVET, ALASKA BRAIN INJURY NETWORK, PALMER (via
teleconference), highlighted her support for funding
related to traumatic brain injury victims.
5:14:19 PM
SUSAN PAYNE, SELF, KODIAK (via teleconference), supported
additional funding for fishermen. She requested extended
coverage for outmigration programs on salmon streams and
additional sonar programs that would help to indicate the
number of fish in an area.
5:16:50 PM
PETE DANELSKI, SELF, KODIAK (via teleconference), spoke in
support of the scientifically proven salmon enhancement
efforts to speed the natural run recovery process.
5:19:27 PM
HARRY DODGE, SELF, KODIAK, requested funding for fisheries
enhancement for the Department of Fish and Game (DFG). He
described what had been lost due to a lack of funding.
5:21:06 PM
DON DUMM, SELF, KODIAK, spoke in support of increased
funding for DFG for salmon management. He echoed the
critical importance of salmon for the region.
5:23:34 PM
TERRY WANZER, ALASKA HOTEL & LODGING ASSOCIATION,
KETCHIKAN, testified in support of tourism marketing
funding. He opposed the decrease in the state match. He
described decreases in bed tax in Ketchikan.
5:25:24 PM
SHAWNA LEE, LUMBERJACK SHOE, KETCHIKAN, requested tourism
marketing funding.
5:26:17 PM
DARLENE MORRISON, MOTHER OF TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY CHILD,
KETCHIKAN, spoke in support of funding for the Alaska Brain
Injury Network. She reported that Ketchikan did not have
necessary services or education for victims of TBI.
5:28:06 PM
LEN LAURENCE, SPIRIT OF ALASKA TOURS, TAQUAN AIR,
KETCHIKAN, spoke in support of tourism marketing funding.
He described the importance of the impact of tourism
marketing in the state.
5:29:46 PM
LOREN KARRO, PALMER, testified in support of funding for
professional hunting guides.
5:32:49 PM
DON MONTGOMERY, MAT-SU, requested restoration of funding
for the big-game guiding program.
5:35:05 PM
JAMES GARHART, WASILLA, proposed that the legislature use
his 1 percent plan to cut the budget. He did not care what
programs were cut. He supported forward-funding.
5:37:25 PM
MARK LACKEY, ALASKA HEAD START ASSOCIATION, WASILLA,
testified in support of early childhood funding. He stated
concerns about trends, especially federal cuts, reductions
for the pre-K pilot program, and lack of funding for the
Best Beginnings program.
5:40:54 PM
CRISTEN KOLB, HEAD START AT MEADOW LAKES, MAT-SU, spoke in
support of retaining funding for early childhood education.
She advocated for Head Start. She believed the cuts would
seriously restrain the programs in her region.
5:43:21 PM
ALEXUS KWACHKA, FISHERMAN, KODIAK, spoke in support of
funding for fisheries through DFG.
5:44:02 PM
JAN CHATTO, TOURISM INDUSTRY, KODIAK, spoke in support of
funding tourism marketing for ATIA. Keep the industry match
at an achievable 2.7 percent. She pointed out that tourism
was a sustainable resource.
5:44:50 PM
KADIE WALSH, TOURISM INDUSTRY, KODIAK, testified for
funding of tourism marketing. She opined that ATIA's
advertising was responsible for increased booking.
5:46:42 PM
DAKE SCHMIDT, TOURISM INDUSTRY, KODIAK, spoke in support of
the television ads for tourism and maintaining marketing
funding with the same match.
5:48:33 PM
JANET BUCKINGHAM, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, KODIAK CONVENTION AND
BUSINESS BUREAU, testified in support of retaining tourism
marketing funding. She thought the operating bill as
written would jeopardize the entire state tourism system.
She urged the continuation of funding at last year's level.
5:51:25 PM
LAREN LYNCH, CAPE FOX LODGE, KETCHIKAN (via
teleconference), spoke against the current budget for
tourism.
5:52:53 PM
KAITE MONTGOMERY, SELF, KETCHIKAN (via teleconference),
supported funding for tourism marketing.
5:53:44 PM
AMANDA PAINTER, ALLEN MARINE TOURS, KETCHIKAN (via
teleconference), supported returning to previous funding
levels for tourism.
5:54:20 PM
PAT CHAPMAN, AK BRAIN INJURY NETWORK, KETCHIKAN (via
teleconference), urged support for the $550,000 for the
Alaska Brain Injury Network. She advocated for services for
those who had experienced traumatic brain injuries. She
noted that Alaska was without extensive rehabilitation
facilities.
5:57:48 PM
WALLACE FIELDS, SELF, KODIAK (via teleconference),
requested additional funding for Kodiak's Department of
Fish and Game. He was alarmed at the cuts that departments
were forced to make in the past few years. There were
salmon systems at critical levels in Kodiak.
5:59:35 PM
DAVE KUBIAK, ALASKA MARINE CONSERVATION COUNCIL, KODIAK
(via teleconference), spoke in support of funding for the
salmon and fishing industry.
6:00:59 PM
JOSH BELL, KODIAK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, testified in support
of funding for tourism marketing. He believed increased
funding the previous year had been successful.
Co-Chair Thomas asked a question about fisheries.
6:02:27 PM
KEVIN BRENNAN, KODIAK, spoke in support for DFG fisheries
management and research programs. He reported history of
funding and de-funding of projects. He thought the
monitoring programs were essential to help managers make
good decisions. He spoke to the decline in sockeye runs.
Lynchpin for the ecosystem.
6:04:54 PM
GARY BYRNE, KODIAK REGIONAL AQUACULTURE ASSOCIATION,Urged
support of fisheries management and research programs. He
described the results of programs and history of the
sockeye production and harvest. He maintained that the
situation was at a crisis point.
6:07:07 PM
BRYAN ELLSWORTH, COMMERCIAL FISHERMAN, KODIAK, spoke in
strong support of DFG funding for fisheries management and
research.
6:07:58 PM
SUSAN JOHNSON, MANAGER, BEST WESTERN INN, KODIAK, testified
in support of restoring tourism marketing funds and match.
She believed ATIA marketing was essential for small
businesses in Alaska.
#
ADJOURNMENT
6:10:33 PM
The meeting was adjourned at 6:10 PM.
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