Legislature(1997 - 1998)
03/27/1998 01:50 PM House FIN
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
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+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE
MARCH 27, 1998
1:50 P.M.
TAPE HFC 98 - 80, Side 1
TAPE HFC 98 - 80, Side 2
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Gene Therriault called the House Finance Committee
meeting to order at 1:50 p.m.
PRESENT
Co-Chair Hanley Representative Kelly
Co-Chair Therriault Representative Kohring
Representative Davies Representative Martin
Representative Davis Representative Moses
Representative Foster Representative Mulder
Representative Grussendorf
ALSO PRESENT
Dwayne Peeples, Director, Division of Administrative
Services, Department of Corrections; Karen Rehfeld,
Director, Division of Administrative Services, Department of
Education; Barbara Thompson, Director, Teaching and Learning
Support, Department of Education; Betsy Robson, Assistant
Director, Division of Institutions, Department of
Corrections (testified via teleconference); Arbe Williams,
Director, Division of Administrative Services, Department of
Corrections; Al Dwyer, Director, Division Labor Standards
and Safety, Department of Labor; Sara Fisher, Staff,
Representative Therriault; Karen Pearson, Health Program
Manager, Division of Public Health, Department of Health and
Social Services; Bob Labbe, Director, Division Medical
Assistance, Department of Health and Social Services.
SUMMARY
HB 28 An Act repealing the Alaska Coastal Management
Program and the Alaska Coastal Policy Council, and
making conforming amendments because of those
repeals."
HB 28 was HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
HB 144 "An Act authorizing the Department of
Environmental Conservation to charge certain fees
relating to registration of pesticides and
broadcast chemicals; and providing for an
effective date."
CSHB 144 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee with
"no recommendation" and with a zero fiscal note by
the Department of Environmental Conservation.
HB 325 "An Act making appropriations for the operating
and loan program expenses of state government, for
certain programs, and to capitalize funds; making
appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c),
Constitution of the State of Alaska, from the
constitutional budget reserve fund; and providing
for an effective date."
RESULTS BASED GOVERNMENT/FINAL COMMITTEE ACTION:
MEDICAID
MECHANICAL INSPECTION
QUALITY SCHOOLS
CORRECTIONS FEMALE PSYCHIATRIC UNIT
DIVISION OF FAMILY AND YOUTH SERVICES - ABUSE
& NEGLECT PREVENTION
HOUSE BILL NO. 144
"An Act authorizing the Department of Environmental
Conservation to charge certain fees relating to
registration of pesticides and broadcast chemicals; and
providing for an effective date."
House Bill 144 was previously heard in Committee on 2/25/98,
3/06/98, 3/20/98, 3/24/98, and 3/26/98. Co-Chair Therriault
provided members with Amendment 13 (copy on file). He
explained that Amendment 13 would conform section 2, which
pertains to negotiated fees. Language pertaining to the
fixed fee would be the same as the negotiated fee, so that
the hourly rate would be identical.
Co-Chair Therriault MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 13. There
being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Co-Chair Therriault discussed the fiscal note by the
Department of Environmental Conservation. He observed that
the fiscal note would need further review and negotiation to
determine if the fund source changes are appropriate. He
observed that $1.7 million dollars would be switched from
general fund program receipts to general fund dollars.
In response to a question by Representative Martin, Co-Chair
Therriault explained that some fixed costs would no longer
be passed into fees.
Representative Davies summarized that the State would
receive $1.7 million dollars less through fees. Instead of
receiving $1.7 million dollars from applicants the money
would come from the general fund. Co-Chair Therriault noted
that general fund expenditures would not change.
Expenditures by the Department of Environmental Conservation
would not be increased.
Representative Mulder MOVED to report CSHB 144 (FIN) out of
Committee with the accompanying fiscal note. There being
NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
CSHB 144 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee with "no
recommendation" and with a zero fiscal note by the
Department of Environmental Conservation.
HOUSE BILL NO. 28
"An Act repealing the Alaska Coastal Management Program
and the Alaska Coastal Policy Council, and making
conforming amendments because of those repeals."
Co-Chair Therriault provided members with a proposed
committee substitute. work draft 0-LS0189\T, dated 3/26/98
(copy on file).
SARA FISHER, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE THERRIAULT reviewed the
proposed committee substitute. The provision prohibiting a
coastal resource district from incorporating statues and
regulations into their statements of policies and
regulations was not changed. A new provision was added that
would require the Council to adopt regulations to provide
for periodic review of approved district programs. This
would ensure consistency with the guidelines and standards
of the Alaska Coastal Management Program (ACMP), to ensure
that the approved programs are implemented and enforced and
to ensure that the program does not restrict uses of state
concern. Procedures would be established to revoke a
program if the district does not address the deficiencies.
The provision that agencies could not stipulate onto a
consistency provision was removed. The proposed committee
substitute defines where the consistency determination can
be made. Consistency determination could not be required
outside and inland of the area subject to the ACMP. The
proposed committee substitute prohibits a requirement for a
consistency determination with the area that is subject to
the ACMP but beyond the interim coastal zone boundary
adopted in 1979. A standard 10-mile mark was used in the
previous version, work draft 0-LS0189\L. Under the new
version, a consistency determination would only be required
when the user activity has a direct and significant impact
on coastal waters. "Coastal waters" are defined as those
waters adjacent to the tidal shorelines, which contain a
measurable quantity or percentage of seawater. This would
allow the program to continue where the boundaries will not
have to be changed. A trapping cabin well into the interior
would not have a significant impact on the coast waters and
would therefore not require a consistency determination.
The petition process is eliminated. A municipality or
Coastal Resource Service Area would have one year to amend
their programs.
Co-Chair Therriault explained that offshore areas would be
covered. An area would have to be outside and inland for a
consistency determination to not be required. He
acknowledged the problem of not allowing state agencies to
comment on federal projects. The state program would have
more control over local district programs.
Co-Chair Therriault clarified that the prohibition against
agencies stipulating beyond their statute requirements has
been deleted. Representative Davies agreed with the
deletion and emphasized that a major benefit of the program
is the coordination function. He added that this function
encourages development.
HB 28 was HELD in Committee for further consideration.
HOUSE BILL NO. 325
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and
loan program expenses of state government, for certain
programs, and to capitalize funds; making
appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution
of the State of Alaska, from the constitutional budget
reserve fund; and providing for an effective date."
RESULTS BASED GOVERNMENT
Final Committee Action:
Medicaid
Mechanical Inspection
Quality Schools
Corrections Female Psychiatric Unit
Division of Family and Youth Services - Abuse &
neglect prevention
CORRECTIONS FEMALE PSYCHIATRIC UNIT
BETSY ROBSON, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF INSTITUTIONS,
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS (testified via teleconference).
She is the program manager for inmate health care programs.
She observed that the Department supports the proposed
mission statement. She expressed concerns with the
recidivism rate of inmates receiving services on the
Psychiatric Unit compared to general recidivism rate as a
performance measure. She emphasized that this encompasses
more than the women's mental health unit in terms of
outcome. There are factors beyond treatment provided in the
women's mental health unit. Increased law enforcement could
impact recidivism rate.
Co-Chair Hanley maintained that there should be an
incremental impact on recidivism. Ms. Robson replied that
they would anticipate an impact.
In response to a question by Representative Davies, Ms.
Robson clarified that "open population" refers to the
general population inside the prison. The function of open
population is one issue and reduced recidivism is another
issue. He asked if there is information regarding the
recidivism rate of persons who are mentally ill but do not
receive services. Ms. Robson observed that it would be
difficult to identify a control group. She stated that a
high recidivism rate would be an impetus to look at
contributing factors to determine if there are things in the
unit that might be impacting recidivism.
Representative Davies questioned why the comparison would be
to the general population. He suggested the rate be
measured and changes noted.
Representative Mulder spoke in support of measuring against
the general recidivism rate. He observed that the
expectation is that by more appropriately treating mentally
ill inmates, that they will have a lower recidivism rate and
by treating their mental illness they can be kept out of the
system. Representative Davies stressed that the
expectation assumes that the mental illness is treatable.
Co-Chair Hanley observed that the performance measures are
intent language to focus people. He emphasized that more
information will determine if they are appropriate or can be
improved.
Representative Foster MOVED to ADOPT the mission statement
and performance measures for the Department of Corrections
Female Mentally Ill Offenders Psychiatric Unit as contained
in Attachment 1 (copy on file). There being NO OBJECTION,
it was so ordered.
MECHANICAL INSPECTION
AL DWYER, DIRECTOR, DIVISION LABOR STANDARDS AND SAFETY,
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR stated that the Department agrees with
the mission statement and performance measures.
Representative Davies asked if the first performance measure
should be normalized to the incident rates.
Mr. Dwyer observed that their jurisdiction is to new
construction or alterations of existing structures. He
emphasized that the manner of measurement is by the rate of
injuries in these areas.
Representative Davies interpreted the first performance
measure as pertaining to a geographic distribution. Mr.
Dwyer observed that there are areas of the State where
inspections are by the local entity. Representative Davies
maintained that a population-adjusted rate should be used.
Representative Foster noted that in his entire district that
there is only one elevator that goes to one floor.
Representative Foster MOVED to ADOPT the mission statement
and performance measures for the Department of Labor,
Mechanical Inspection as contained in Attachment 2 (copy on
file). There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
MEDICAID
BOB LABBE, DIRECTOR, DIVISION MEDICAL ASSISTANCE, DEPARTMENT
OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL OF MEDICAL ASSISTANCE, DEPARTMENT OF
HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES stated that the Division is in
agreement with the mission statement and performance
measures. In response to a question by Representative
Martin, Mr. Labbe noted that there are different income
levels for eligibility. A family of 4 is eligible at $14
thousand dollars. The eligibility level for a family of
four with a child is $20 thousand dollars.
In response to a question by Representative Martin, Mr.
Labbe observed that the state of Alaska holds harmless
recipients that receive permanent fund dividends. Some
Native dividends are also held harmless. Some groups are
linked to the federal poverty level. Some increases in the
program are due to federal mandates to cover new groups.
There is an Alaskan federal poverty level.
Representative Davies questioned how the Division of Medical
Assistance maintains access to quality health care. Mr.
Labbe observed that the program supports the basic health
care infrastructure through reimbursement payments. It is
an indirect result. The Division also licenses health care
facilities.
Representative Davies observed that the last performance
measure pertains to the percent of nursing homes that are
surveyed for licensure on an annual basis. He emphasized
that the intended result is that the nursing homes pass the
survey. He asked if the performance measure should be
amended to "the percentage of surveys conducted and passed".
Mr. Labbe noted that the suggestion was considered. He
stressed that the Division works with the facilities to come
into compliance. By the time the survey is completed the
facilities have passed. Nursing homes are surveyed every
year. Half of the hospitals are surveyed every two years.
The surveys are quite extensive.
Representative Foster MOVED to ADOPT the mission statement
and performance measures for the Division of Medical
Assistance, Medicaid as contained in Attachment 3.
Representative Kohring OBJECTED. He stressed that the goal
should be to reduce governmental programs.
Co-Chair Hanley observed that the mission statement and
performance measures support the statutory requirement. He
stated that guidelines are set in statute by the state and
federal governments.
Representative Martin agreed with remarks by Representative
Kohring. He expressed concern that the state of Alaska is
moving in the wrong direction in encouraging participation
in the Medicaid program.
Co-Chair Hanley clarified that the state of Alaska loses
federal funds in the hold harmless program.
Representative Davies pointed out that the program measures
more than the level of federal participation. He stressed
that inspection of medical facilities is an appropriate
governmental function.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Davies, Davis, Grussendorf, Foster, Kelly, Hanley
OPPOSED: Martin, Kohring
Co-Chair Therriault and Representatives Moses and Mulder
were absent.
The MOTION PASSED (6-2).
(Tape Change, HFC 98 - 80, Side 2)
DIVISION OF FAMILY AND YOUTH SERVICES - ABUSE & NEGLECT
PREVENTION
KAREN PEARSON, HEALTH PROGRAM MANAGER, DIVISION OF PUBLIC
HEALTH, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES stated that
the Division is in support of the proposed mission statement
and performance measures.
Representative Foster MOVED to ADOPT the mission statement
and performance measures for the Division of Family and
Youth Services - Abuse & neglect prevention component.
There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
QUALITY SCHOOLS
Representative Kelly stated that the subcommittee agreed to
include assessment in the mission statement.
BARBARA THOMPSON, DIRECTOR, TEACHING AND LEARNING SUPPORT,
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION explained that the Department felt
strongly that assessment is a part of student performance
and achievement.
Representative Kelly observed that professional development
is difficult to measure through an increase in student
performance. He emphasized that professional development is
integrated into classroom instruction. "Percentage of
teachers trained to incorporate training into classroom
instruction" was added based on self-reporting surveys.
Representative Grussendorf expressed concern that there are
a number to teachers that are not teaching in the area of
their major. Representative Kelly suggested that the
problem lies with contract negotiations.
Ms. Thompson noted that the Teachers Certification Unit is
looking at the issue.
In response to a question by Representative Davies, Ms.
Thompson noted that training could constitute grants to
school districts for staff development within districts.
Federal and state funding in this component could be used
for in-service days or for other training. One example of
professional development would be time spent working on
aligning curriculums to standards.
Representative Davies questioned if there is a mechanism to
demonstrate that student achievement would be affected. Ms.
Thompson emphasized that other components assess student
achievement. She stressed that continual on-going
assessment based on standards leads to improvement of
instruction because teachers know what they need to teach
and what students need to know.
Representative Grussendorf asserted that teachers should
have the necessary background and degree to help students
pass the standards tests.
Representative Foster MOVED to ADOPT the mission statement
and performance measures for the Quality Schools component.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.
House Finance Committee 8
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