Legislature(1999 - 2000)
01/29/1999 01:35 PM House FIN
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
GENERAL SUBJECT(S): FY00 Department Overviews:
Department of Corrections
Department of Administration
Department of Fish and Game
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
The following overview was taken in log note format. Tapes and
handouts will be on file with the House Finance Committee through the
21st Legislative Session, contact 465-2156. After the 21st Legislative
Session they will be available through the Legislative Library at 465-
3808.
Time Meeting Convened at 1:35 P.M.
TAPE HFC 99 - 11, Side 1.
TAPE HFC 99 - 11, Side 2.
TAPE HFC 99 - 12, Side 1.
TAPE HFC 99 - 12, Side 2.
PRESENT:
X
Representative G. Davis
Absent
Co-Chair Therriault
X
Representative Foster
X
Co-Chair Mulder
X
Representative Grussendorf
Absent
Representative Austerman
X
Representative Kohring
X
Representative Bunde
X
Representative Moses
Absent
Representative J. Davies
Absent
Representative Williams
ALSO PRESENT:
DAVID TEAL, DIRECTOR, LEGISLATIVE FINANCE; MARGARET PUGH,
COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS; DWAYNE PEEPLES, DIRECTOR,
DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS;
SHARON BARTON, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES,
DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION; FRANK RUE, COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND GAME; KEVIN BROOKS, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME; JOSEPH PERKINS, COMMISSIONER,
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC FACILITIES; NANCY SLAGLE,
DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC FACILITIES; ROBERT POE, COMMISSIONER,
DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION; ALISON ELGEE, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER,
DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION;
TAPE 99-11, SIDE 1
000
Co-Chair Mulder
Convened the House Finance Committee
meeting at 1:30 P.M.
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
144
MARGARET PUGH,
COMMISSIONER,
DEPARTMENT OF
CORRECTIONS
Noted that the Department of Corrections'
primary mission is to provide statewide
prison and jail service and supervision
of parolees. She provided members with a
handout, FY00 Operating Budget Overview
(copy on file).
301
Commissioner Pugh
Reviewed page 2.
343
Commissioner Pugh
Alaska is 6th in the nation in regards to
inmate growth. Continued growth will
result in future problems with
overcrowding.
491
Commissioner Pugh
Reviewed short-term measures to deal with
overcrowding.
531
Commissioner Pugh
A year ago the Department of Corrections
was at 125 percent capacity. The
department is now below 100 percent.
631
Commissioner Pugh
Discussed measures that were taken. Out-
of-state contracts were entered.
Successful tent programs were operated
around the state.
668
Commissioner Pugh
Began in November to use credit cards for
bail in some institutions. This program
has been successful.
718
Commissioner Pugh
Expect to open community residential
center (CRC) beds in Nome.
750
Commissioner Pugh
Noted that the electronic monitoring
program is scheduled to begin soon.
757
Commissioner Pugh
Discussed new facilities. If everything
continues to go well, Anchorage 400-bed
facility will open around 1/2002.
824
Commissioner Pugh
Discussed Highland Mountain conversion to
an all-female facility. The mental
health unit and substance abuse centers
are fully functional.
904
Commissioner Pugh
Discussed victims advisory groups.
941
Commissioner Pugh
Hired 2 new probation officers and
continued work on upgrading information
systems.
967
Commissioner Pugh
Budget focuses on providing for annual
growth in offender population. They are
working on a five-year plan.
1067
Commissioner Pugh
Requesting part year funding for
temporary housing units in Juneau,
Fairbanks and Bethel. Will support 54
prisoners each. Costs will be comparable
to sending prisoners to out-of-state
contract facilities.
1111
Commissioner Pugh
Requesting new 40-bed center at Spring
Creek for youths.
1128
Commissioner Pugh
Difference in actual cost for out of
state beds will be included.
1201
Commissioner Pugh
Noted that there are fund source changes.
To jumpstart CRC beds, FY 96 FY 97
federal grants were used.
1207
Commissioner Pugh
Referred to mental health planner.
1224
Representative
Bunde
Why is there a 16 percent increase in
parolees?
1253
Commissioner Pugh
Explained that it is an increase in
probation and parolees. Both are growing
populations. The increase over last year
was in keeping with inmate growth. There
may be bulges in certain areas due to
individual cases such as drug arrests.
1328
Representative
Bunde
Questioned the per capita incarcerated
rate in Alaska compared to other states.
1352
Commissioner Pugh
Thought that Alaska is high, would
provide exact numbers.
1377
Representative
Kohring
Questioned if the state's capacity level
includes new facilities.
1403
Commissioner Pugh
No, the capacity rate is based on current
facilities only. Today is the first time
that Cook Inlet is below full capacity.
1425
Representative G.
Davis
Referred to Wildwood.
1460
Commissioner Pugh
Construction at Wildwood is related to
improvements for administrative area and
increased beds.
1483
Co-Chair Mulder
Discussed contracts for outside beds.
Questioned cost of beds.
1500
Commissioner Pugh
$53 dollars per bed. There are 902
inmates that are out-of-state. There are
some that are out under federal
supervision. There are 873 in Arizona.
Emphasized that there are not a lot of
additional prisoners that can be
transferred out-of-state.
1602
Co-Chair Mulder
Estimated that out-of-state prisoners
would remain between 850-900.
1622
Representative
Kohring
Questioned activities at Point Mackenzie.
1655
Commissioner Pugh
20 new beds were built. Inmates are
rehabilitating rooms.
1663
Representative
Kohring
Asked the intent of the Department of
Corrections for the facility.
1676
Commissioner Pugh
The overall goal is for it to remain a
farm that can raise animals and
foodstuffs.
1721
DWAYNE PEEPLES,
DIRECTOR, DIVISION
OF ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES,
DEPARTMENT OF
CORRECTIONS
In response to a question by
Representative G. Davis, clarified that
the state is spending approximately $21.5
million on out-of-state prisoners.
1769
DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION
1775
ROBERT POE,
COMMISSIONER,
DEPARTMENT OF
ADMINISTRATION
Provided members with handout, FY00
Budget Overview (copy on file).
1813
Commissioner Poe
Two major areas of concern; Y2K and labor
contracts.
1862
Commissioner Poe
Discussed Division of Motor Vehicles
(DMV). Noted that DMV has an 11 percent
acceptance rate.
1901
Commissioner Poe
Noted budget issues. Observed the fiscal
deficit. Emphasized willingness to look
at ways to reduce costs.
1956
Commissioner Poe
Stressed the need to find a new funding
mechanism for the Alaska Oil and Gas
Conservation Commission. Discussed $238
thousand dollar increment to bring
inspectors even with number of wells.
Stressed that additional inspectors are
needed to serve industry.
1991
Commissioner Poe
Discussed pioneer homes. New rate
increase would result in 63 new
positions. There would be two new
positions per home.
Commissioner Poe
Observed that the children's initiative
would be funded through tobacco
settlement funding.
Commissioner Poe
Discussed leasing. Noted that it is
traditionally underfunded.
2031
Commissioner Poe
Observed that the Office of Public
Advocacy and the Alaska Public Defenders
Agency have been underfunded. There are
increments for both. Office of Public
Advocacy is involved in child in need
cases and public guardian cases.
2084
Commissioner Poe
Noted growth in senior population.
2105
Commissioner Poe
Working with Senator Pearce to change
funding for the Oil Gas Conservation
Commission.
Commissioner Poe
Discussed longevity bonus.
2143
Commissioner Poe
Discussed Work Place Alaska. Work Place
Alaska helps managers. People can apply
via the Internet. The division's
personnel have decreased by a third since
1991.
2199
Commissioner Poe
Discussed the $150 thousand dollar
increment for senior services. The
increment would fund services that are
required by statute. It would replace
mental health funds that were not
available.
2214
Representative G.
Davis
Referred to the Bank of America building.
Commissioner Poe
Will get back with estimated savings.
2279
Representative
Bunde
Referred to new positions at the pioneer
homes. Questioned how positions will
address concerns regarding level of
skill.
2309
ALISON ELGEE,
DEPUTY
COMMISSIONER,
DEPARTMENT OF
ADMINISTRATION
Pointed out that a public forum was
conducted in Anchorage last week. There
are areas that need work. Department of
Administration heard a number of positive
comments. New positions are to keep ahead
of the curve. Current staffing is only
adequate.
000
TAPE 99-11, SIDE 2
TAPE CHANGE
039
SHARON BARTON,
DIRECTOR, DIVISION
OF ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES,
DEPARTMENT
OFADMINISTRATION
In response to a comment by
Representative Bunde, observed that the
department's handout is also used for
training employees.
214
Co-Chair Mulder
Questioned the intention of labor
negotiations. Observed that the
Legislature passed a resolution during
the 1998 session regarding labor
negotiations.
243
Commissioner Poe
Stressed that the Department of
Administration intends to keep the
legislature's position in mind
309
Commissioner Poe
Discussed new positions; 17 positions are
technical, 10 programmer positions were
previously authorized, 10 are non-general
funds, 63 are for new positions in
pioneer homes, 3 in the Office of Public
Advocacy are related to child protection
funded by tobacco, and 6 positions to
work on Y2K issues will only be during
Y2K project.
387
Ms. Barton
There are only 3 positions that are
funded through the general fund. They are
in the Office of Public Advocacy.
407
Representative
Kohring
Referred to the newly named Public
Communications Services component.
435
Ms. Elgee
This component was formerly called Alaska
Rural Communications Services. It was
renamed to reflect that it also covers
satellite infrastructure, and public
radio and television broadcasting.
499
Representative
Kohring
Expressed concern that public
broadcasting should be paid for with
state dollars.
544
Representative G.
Davis
Observed that the Division of Motor
Vehicles brings in revenues over 30
million and only costs under 8 million.
Representative
Kohring
Time to consider what is the primary
focus of state government. Need to
eliminate programs.
DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
697
FRANK RUE,
COMMISSIONER,
DEPARTMENT OF FISH
AND GAME
Provided members with a handout, Mission
Statement, Department of Fish and Game
(copy on file).
787
COMMISSIONER RUE
Introduced department directors.
847
Commissioner Rue
Observed that there are six divisions.
There are 820 permanent full-time
employees and approximately 1000 part-
time employees around the state. Mission
to provide opportunity to use Alaska's
resources on a sustained yield basis.
Commissioner Rue
Discussed opportunities to use resources.
Noted that the department handles fishing
licenses.
Commissioner Rue
Management costs of commercial fisheries
brings in 2 percent more money than is
spent.
1030
Commissioner Rue
Pointed out that users pay for many
programs.
1047
Commissioner Rue
Maintained that Alaska has the healthiest
stocks, habitat and the best management
in the nation. Pointed out that Congress
has expended $100 million dollars to fix
salmon habitat in the Northwest United
States. This is several times greater
than the Department of Fish and Game's
annual general funds budget.
1131
Commissioner Rue
Commercial salmon harvest is 98 percent
of the US commercial salmon harvest and
10 times that of British Columbia,
Canada.
1188
Commissioner Rue
Acknowledged that there are problems,
emphasized commitment to sustained yield
and providing opportunities.
1219
Commissioner Rue
Emphasized that the department needs to
maintain good research and science,
promote good management, protect habitat
and have good public process.
1237
Commissioner Rue
Pointed out that the Department of Fish
and Game's jurisdiction is greater than
other departments. The Department of Fish
and Game has responsibility offshore and
inland, and for international treaties.
1292
Commissioner Rue
Discussed page 3. The Department of Fish
and Game receives 1.6 percent of the
state's general funds. The department's
general funds percentage has been going
down as federal funding has increased.
1387
Commissioner Rue
Discussed page 5. Fewer general funds
than 1979.
1397
Commissioner Rue
Discussed page 6. Noted breakdown of
departments' budget by division. 76
percent of general funds are in
commercial fisheries.
1457
Commissioner Rue
Discussed page 7. Federal funds are
growing. General funds are staying about
the same. Interagency receipts are
growing.
1532
KEVIN BROOKS,
DIRECTOR, DIVISION
OF ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES,
DEPARTMENT OF FISH
AND GAME
Discussed interagency receipts. He
observed that this is the result of SB
250, which was passed in 1998. There is
a transfer into the divisions of Sport
Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation due
to SB 250. The transfer funds projects
that were previously paid with Fish and
Game funds. There is an additional $5
million dollars in interagency receipts.
Mr. Brooks
Discussed other legislation passed in
1998. There has been an $1.9 million
dollar increase in federal receipt
authority from federal aid contracts
1715
Mr. Brooks
Discussed test fishery receipts in the
Division of Commercial Fisheries. These
are non-general funds positions.
1731
Mr. Brooks
Noted that Exxon Valdez Oil Spill
Settlement funds are being reduced.
1757
Mr. Brooks
Fish and Game funds are down.
1761
Mr. Brooks
Total funds are similar.
1783
Co-Chair Mulder
Referred to interagency receipts.
Mr. Brooks
Noted that there are no new items.
Co-Chair Mulder
Referred to the $2.5 million increase to
the Western region.
1823
Mr. Brooks
Explained that there is an increase in
test fisheries receipts for the observer
program.
Co-Chair Mulder
Asked if revenues are down for commercial
fisheries.
1846
Mr. Brooks
Stated that they would have the estimated
amount around 2/15/99. Estimate that
revenues are down.
1883
Representative
Bunde
Noted that $700 thousand dollars were
paid to vendors for licensing. Asked if
it would be possible to recapture costs
by having the department sell licenses.
Suggested that a cap be put on the amount
vendors can sell. Referred to the Duck
Stamp program. Pointed out that there is
a bargain on harvest tags. Questioned if
seniors should continue to receive
discounts.
2008
Commissioner Rue
Trying to make it easier to get licenses
over the Internet.
2041
Representative
Bunde
Asked if the decrease in licenses last
season was due to increased charges or to
poor forecasts on fisheries
Mr. Brooks
Responded that per unit sales were within
1 percent of the previous year's. Noted
that there was a shift from non-resident
licenses.
2085
Co-Chair Mulder
Suggested that they could restructure the
price to gain greater sales.
2098
Representative G.
Davis
Questioned 45 new positions? Noted that
the purpose of one position is to work
with schools. Questioned what that
position would accomplish.
2120
Commissioner Rue
Explained that the overall budget is
going up. General funds are going down.
Mr. Brooks
Explained that none of the new positions
are paid by general fund dollars. The
Division of Sport Fish has 12, nine-month
positions that are going to full-time.
Observed that the number of hunters is
decreasing nationally.
2272
Commissioner Rue
Want to encourage kids to hunt with their
parents.
Representative G.
Davis
Noted that the economy is good.
Government services are being requested
while dollars are going down.
2360
Representative
Moses
Pointed out that vendors sell licenses as
a convenience for customers.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC
FACILITIES
000
TAPE 99-12, SIDE 1
TAPE CHANGE
009
JOSEPH PERKINS,
COMMISSIONER,
DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION AND
PUBLIC FACILITIES
Provided members with handout, FY00
Budget Overview, Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities
(copy on file).
0071
Commissioner
Perkins
Noted that the economy is good and that
transportation is important to
maintaining a good economy. Maintained
that the state's transportation system
has improved.
192
Commissioner
Perkins
Observed that the majority of residents
surveyed felt that the Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities is
doing a good job. 52 percent of Alaskans
surveyed are satisfies with roads.
268
Commissioner
Perkins
Noted that a lot of gravel roads still
need to be paved. The federal capital
budget has doubled.
367
Commissioner
Perkins
Discussed the Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities'
operating budget. Noted that the budget
has gone down over the last 7 years and
has not kept up with inflation. A large
amount of the department's costs are
fixed.
Commissioner
Perkins
Discussed page 3. Pointed out that
federal highway funds are being used to
increase maintenance. The federal
government won't pay for winter
maintenance. The department is at the
maximum amount that can be spent for
summer maintenance. Anymore and there
will be cuts in winter maintenance.
Without the use of federal funds the
department would have to lay off winter
employees
561
Commissioner
Perkins
Can go 2 - 3 years before the federal
funds are reduced.
587
Commissioner
Perkins
Discussed efficiency. Noted that it is
hard to measure. Compared Alaska to
other western states. Discussed page 2.
Concluded that the Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities is
efficient.
625
Commissioner
Perkins
Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities has 3,400 employees, 30
percent are federally funded. There are
178 engineers in the department. The
program is being doubled.
767
Commissioner
Perkins
Discussed new positions. 82 new
positions, 56 positions are for use on
the Malaspina.
Commissioner
Perkins
10 positions for TEA-21 implementation of
new federal funding.
Commissioner
Perkins
8 new positions in Anchorage
International airport. Paid for through
landing fees.
856
Commissioner
Perkins
Discussed positions in the Northern
region.
917
Commissioner
Perkins
Discussed winter maintenance. Established
equipment pools.
Commissioner
Perkins
Discussed page 5, capital budget.
1000
Commissioner
Perkins
Discussed page 6. 88 percent of
department personnel are work on the
Alaska Marine Highway System or in
maintenance and operations. These are the
folks that are working.
1071
Co-Chair Mulder
Asked if Kennicott is Y2K compliant.
1197
ROBERT DOLL,
GENERAL MANAGER,
FERRY OPERATIONS,
DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION AND
PUBLIC FACILITIES
Many of the suppliers for components of
the Kennicott were European. No obvious
Y2K problems. It is technologically
sophisticated.
1223
Representative G.
Davis
Referred to trip of Kennicott to Seward,
to bring legislators to Juneau.
1304
Mr. Doll
Pointed out that alterations in schedule
occur for a variety of reasons.
Consideration is given to the total
public interest. The advantage out
weighed the disadvantage to others.
1498
Representative
Bunde
Referred to use of federal funds. Pointed
out federal fund will run out and the
state will be left paying for road
maintenance. Asked plans for the Dalton
highway.
1580
Commissioner
Perkins
The Dalton highway will be widen and
paved. Stressed that paving the highway
would save the base of the road in the
future. The base for the Dalton highway
will be replaced and capped. The state
saves 40 percent on the maintenance of
paved roads. Pointed out that graters
are one of the most expensive pieces of
equipment.
1710
Commissioner
Perkins
Observed that the Denali road has been
scheduled for work via contract. Public
hearings will be held. There is no
schedule for its paving. The road opening
may be delayed.
1760
Representative
Bunde
Referred to gas tax.
1801
Commissioner
Perkins
Expressed support for the gas tax. The
gas tax will be spent to match federal
funding. It hasn't been raised since
1961. Alaska would still be the 4th
lowest in nation with a raise in its gas
tax. Currently, Alaska has the lowest gas
tax. It would be a statewide tax at the
pump.
1871
Co-Chair Mulder
Asked total amount needed for the match
and the total amount that the tax will
provide.
1901
Commissioner
Perkins
Will be approximately even.
1914
Co-Chair Mulder
Tax will result in increased service.
1932
Commissioner
Perkins
Emphasized that the tax will be
statutorily dedicated to highways.
1977
Co-Chair Mulder
Questioned status of the federal language
which allows Alaska to use federal funds
on rural roads.
2099
Commissioner
Perkins
The language was not contained in the
legislation that was passed by Congress.
Work by Alaska's congressional delegation
succeeded in clarifying that federal
funding can be spent on any public road
in Alaska.
2103
Representative
Moses
Pointed out that the highway tax will
capture funding from nonresidents that
travel in Alaska.
2132
Co-Chair Mulder
ADJOURNED
Senator Mulder adjourned the meeting at
3:58 p.m.
HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE
LOG NOTES
January 29, 1999
H,F.C. 3 1/29/99
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