Legislature(2021 - 2022)ADAMS 519
03/04/2022 01:30 PM House FINANCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB281 || HB282 | |
| Public Testimony: Fairbanks, Kenai, Mat-su, Anchorage, Bethel, Cordova, Kotzebue, Nome, Utqiagvik | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 281 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 282 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE
March 4, 2022
1:37 p.m.
1:37:23 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Foster called the House Finance Committee meeting
to order at 1:37 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Neal Foster, Co-Chair
Representative Kelly Merrick, Co-Chair
Representative Dan Ortiz, Vice-Chair
Representative Ben Carpenter via teleconference
Representative DeLena Johnson
Representative Andy Josephson
Representative Bart LeBon
Representative Adam Wool
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Bryce Edgmon
Representative Sara Rasmussen
Representative Steve Thompson
ALSO PRESENT
Brodie Anderson, Staff, Representative Neal Foster.
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE
James Low, Civil Air Patrol, Fairbanks; David Guttenberg,
self, Fairbanks; Jeanette Grast, NAMI Fairbanks, Fairbanks;
Sherry Mettler, Alaska Assisted Living, Anchorage; Lucy
Bauer, Alaska Assisted Living, Anchorage; Erin Terry, AK
Assisted Living, Anchorage; Mary Nicholson, Nicholson's
Assisted Living, Kenai; Greg Manskie, ACCESS Alaska,
Wasilla; Gordon Glaser, Self, Anchorage; Kevin McCoy, Self,
Anchorage; Jean Holt, Self, Palmer; Trevor Storrs,
President and CEO Alaska Children's Trust, Anchorage; Helen
Howarth, City Manager, City of Cordova, Cordova; Daniel
Stanton, Administrator and Owner, Anchorage Abode Assisted
Living, Anchorage; Selena Hopkins-Kendall, Chair, Best
Beginnings, Anchorage; Denice Gilroy, Arctic Access and
Independent Living Network, Nome; Ellen Ganley, Self,
Fairbanks; William Edwards, Arctic Access, Nome; Jon
Erickson, City Manager, Yakutat; Ronda Burnett, Arctic
Access, Nome; Nicky Eiseman, Self, Ester; Lance Johnson,
Norton Sound Health, Nome; Kara Moriarty, Alaska Oil and
Gas Association, Anchorage; Amber Vaska, Tanana Chiefs
Conference and Alaska Regional Coalition, Fairbanks; Tom
Chard, Alaska Behavioral Health Association, Fairbanks;
Katie Bender, President of Board, University of Alaska
Anchorage Alumni Association, Anchorage; Randi Sweet, Self,
Seldovia; Crystal Nygard, City of Wasilla, Wasilla; Keisha
Simmons, Self, Fairbanks; Bert Houghtaling, Self, Big Lake;
Brandy Harty, Self, Fairbanks; Garrison Collette, Self,
Fairbanks; Mary David, Kawerik Corporation, Nome; Theresa
Reed, self, Fairbanks; Randy Griffin, self, Fairbanks;
Dennis Boyer, Self, Wasilla; Timothy Ledna, Fairbanks
Reentry Coalition, Fairbanks; Carrie Harris, Self, Anchor
Point; Darlene Supplee, Executive Director, Fairbanks
Senior Center, Fairbanks; Nicole Zegiestowsky, Self,
Anchorage; Benjamin Johnson, President and CEO, Blue Crest
Energy, Dallas; Marge Stoneking, AARP Alaska, Anchorage;
Eric Gurley, ACCESS Alaska Inc., Anchorage; SK Son, Anchor
House, Anchorage; Carl Weisner, Northwest Arctic Borough,
Kotzebue; Suzi Pearson, Abused Women's Aid in Crisis,
Anchorage; Kaleene Lamb, Self, Fairbanks.
SUMMARY
HB 281 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUNDS
HB 281 was HEARD and HELD in committee for
further consideration.
HB 282 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET
HB 282 was HEARD and HELD in committee for
further consideration.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY: FAIRBANKS, KENAI, MAT-SU, ANCHORAGE,
BETHEL, CORDOVA, KOTZEBUE, NOME, UTQIAGVIK
Co-Chair Foster reviewed the agenda for the day.
HOUSE BILL NO. 281
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and
loan program expenses of state government and for
certain programs; capitalizing funds; amending
appropriations; making reappropriations; making
supplemental appropriations; 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."
HOUSE BILL NO. 282
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and
capital expenses of the state's integrated
comprehensive mental health program; making capital
appropriations and supplemental appropriations; and
providing for an effective date."
1:39:31 PM
Co-Chair Merrick MOVED to ADOPT the proposed committee
substitute for HB 281(FIN), Work Draft 32-GH2686\N (Marx,
03/03/22).
Co-Chair Foster OBJECTED for discussion. He invited his
staff to present the changes reflected in the committee
substitute.
1:39:58 PM
BRODIE ANDERSON, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE NEAL FOSTER,
reviewed the handouts in members packets. He looked at the
document titled, All Funds Agency Summaries (copy on
file). He read from a prepared statement:
Before the committee today is a Committee Substitute
for House Bill 281 that reflects all of the actions of
Subcommittees, and changes made to the Language
section compared to the Committee Substitute
introduced on January 27th, often referred to as CS
0.5, this committee substitute also includes ARPA
Revenue Replacement, and some CSLFRF spending.
For FY23: the House Finance Committee Substitute
Reflects a total of $9,418,028.5 for Agency
Operations, which is the more of the "day to day state
government" a total budget of $1,568,014.4 for
Statewide Items, which includes Debt Service,
Retirement payments, Special Appropriations, and Fund
Capitalizations.
These totals include the following funds
$3,073,107.4 is federal -
$871,369.2 in Designated General Funds or DGF
$1,662,115.7 in other funds- these funds include the
authorization of corporate receipts like AIDEA, AHFC,
and Aerospace, Interagency receipts known as I/A and
airport receipts and more.
And $6,294,392.4 in Unrestricted General Funds
Compared to Adjusted Base, the unrestricted general
funds spend reflects an increase of $1,270,663.6 from
the original FY23 adjusted base or an 25.3 percent
increase from Adjusted Base. The largest increase from
adjusted base is the addition of the permanent fund
and the energy relief check.
1:48:21 PM
Representative Wool queried how much the Permanent Fund
Dividend (PFD) total was the additional energy money
attached to the PFD.
Mr. Anderson agreed to provide that information in revised
reports, and noted that it was included in Document 1.
Mr. Anderson reviewed the changes from the CS. He continued
to read from a prepared statement:
First off, this committee substitute includes all
changes from subcommittee close-outs. However, since
close-outs some things have changed in the numbers
section so I'll address them here.
Department of Corrections (DOC)
Page 8 Lines 8-10
This carryforward language was moved from language to
numbers as it is more appropriately placed in the
Numbers section. This carryforward language is
intended to fully utilize federal funds in the
Anchorage Correctional Complex and even out costs
across fiscal years. The Department has expressed no
concern with this change.
1:50:23 PM
AT EASE
1:50:50 PM
RECONVENED
Mr. Anderson addressed the Department of Family and
Community Services:
Page 14 Lines 23-28
In the Office of Children's Services, funding and
intent language associated with the Tribal Child
Welfare Compact was transferred from the Front Line
Social Workers' allocation to its own allocation to
ensure better tracking and reporting for the $5
million appropriated for the Compact. This was a
subcommittee recommendation.
Mr. Anderson referred to the Department of Labor and
Workforce Development (DOL):
Page 23 Line 31
This change moves open-ended federal authority for
unemployment insurance benefits and associated
administrative costs from the language section to the
numbers section as a $10 million dollar one-time
increment. The Department did not express concern with
the $10 million cap which should be sufficient.
Mr. Anderson referred the University of Alaska:
Page 38 Line 33
The subcommittee added $3.75 million UGF to the
Anchorage Campus allocation for the purpose of
expanding the Healthcare worker training program.
The CS swapped the UGF funds to CLSFRF. This was an
original request and intention by both the Board of
Regents and the Governor.
These are the only differences to the subcommittee
actions, excluding Revenue Replacement which I will
address later.
Mr. Anderson discussed Supplemental Sections added to the
CS:
Section 7 Page 59 Lines 1-5
Is the $48.5 million for last year's remaining portion
of school bond debt. This amount makes the State
payment 100 percent of the obligation required for
last year. This has a July 1st, 2021 retroactivity
date reflected in Section 41 of the CS.
Section 8 Supplemental Commerce Community and Economic
Development
Subsection (b) Page 59 lines 11-14
Is the $7.1 million for last's year remaining payment
to eligible recipients for the community assistance
program. This has a July 1st, 2021 retroactivity date
reflected in Section 41 of the CS.
Section 9 Supplemental Fund Capitalization
Page 59 lines 15 and 16
Is the $31.8 million to repopulate the community
assistance fund up to the full $90 million, this is a
supplemental item in FY22 so the full payments can be
made in FY23.
Page 59 lines 17 and 20 Subsection(b)
$17.1 million is appropriated to the regional
educational attendance area or REAA fund, this is the
amount to make the fund whole in FY22,
Page 59 lines 21 - 22 Subsection(c)
$60.0 million is appropriated to pay for oil and gas
tax credits, this is the amount to make the full
payments for tax credits in FY22, last year the
payments were short.
All of this Section has a July 1st, 2021 retroactivity
date reflected in Section 41 of the CS.
Representative LeBon asked for the funding source.
Mr. Anderson responded that it was UGF.
Mr. Anderson continued to read from a prepared statement:
Supplemental Fund Transfers
Page 59 lines 23-31 and Page 60 lines 1-8
Subsection(a and b)
This authorization to refill all of the accounts that
were swept when the CBR Reserve Sweep vote failed last
year including the higher education fund.
Representative Josephson wondered whether Section 10, page
59 was referring to swept items.
Mr. Anderson replied in the affirmative.
Representative Josephson asked if a CBR vote would be
required in the current year.
Mr. Anderson responded in the negative.
Representative Wool asked whether the numbers were included
with the expectation that the Spring Forecast would be
reconciled with the numbers.
Mr. Anderson replied that the budget used FY 33 surplus, so
the funds would be provided for the requests.
Co-Chair Foster redirected the line of questioning.
Representative Josephson pointed to the Worker's
Compensation Benefit Fund and wondered whether it would be
considered swept funds.
Mr. Anderson agreed to provide that information.
Representative LeBon asked if the dollars were currently in
the CBR.
Mr. Anderson responded that the funds would be repopulated
in the CBR.
Representative LeBon asked if they were going to //.
2:00:26 PM
Mr. Anderson continued to read from a prepared statement:
Supplemental Statutory Budget Reserve Fund
Page 60 lines 9-11
This section takes all remaining surplus general funds
not spent in FY22 and deposits them into the SBR. This
amount is estimated to be approximately $340 million.
This section has a June 30th 2022 retroactivity date
reflected in Section 41 of the CS.
Page 60 Lines 20-31 thru page 62 line 26
Section 14 Alaska Housing Capital Corporation
On the advice of Legislative Legal, the CS reflects
the reappropriations made by the Governor in his bill
for standing up the two new departments of Family and
Community Services and Health with funds from the old
Department of Health and Social Services are placed
into the Alaska Housing Capital Corporation account as
a holding account for the funds since all three
department do not exist at the same time. The
appropriation made from this account to the new
departments is reflected later in the CS.
The other change to this section is the removal of the
words "including encumbered amounts", once again on
the advisement of Legislative Legal those references
were removed because of a constitutional issue and
that Legislature Legal feels is resolved through the
language of Executive Order.
This section has a June 30th 2022 retroactivity date
reflected in Section 41 of the CS.
Alaska Permanent Fund Section 17
Page 64 Lines 22-23 Subsection (c)
This is the deposit of the POMV $3.3 billion from the
Earnings Reserve to the general fund, which the
standard practice of the Legislature.
Lines 24-27 subsection (d)
Is the POMV split of 25 percent for the PFD to
Alaskans, taking $840 million dollars for a $1250 PFD
payment per person
2:03:27 PM
Representative LeBon asked about the effective draw rate on
the $3 billion.
Mr. Anderson replied that did not know.
Mr. Anderson continued:
At this time I would like to also point out the
special appropriation
This is related to the disbursement of the PFD, so
please turn to:
Page 90 lines 18 thru 22
Section 38 Special Appropriations for Energy Relief
This section authorizes that $840.1 million of general
funds be used to provide a onetime energy relief
payment of $1300 per Alaskan. This onetime payment
will utilize the PFD as the mechanism for
distribution.
Please turn to Page 68 Lines 3-6
Under Section 20 Department of Education and Early
Development
Subsection (d)
This a $50 million one-time appropriation outside the
formula for school districts, this is contingent upon
the failure of the passage of a BSA increase
legislation.
The contingent language is later on in the CS.
Page 68 lines 7-10
Subsection(e)
After Subcommittee close-outs, further discussions
were had with the Department and the CS reflects the
inclusion of the requested $1.6 million for the
expansion of WWAMI program by 10 participants but
taking into consideration the fact that the funds
might be spent in Fiscal Year 23, the reflects this as
a multi-year appropriation so they will have two years
to implement the expansion.
Page 68 line 11 through Page 73 line 5
Sections 21 and 22 Department of Family and Community
Services and Department of Health
Since the CS deposits funds into the Alaska Housing
Capital Corporation, these sections reflect the
appropriations going from the AHCC account into the
departments.
Not reflected the in this CS is the removal of the
Department of Law section appropriating $4 million for
Statehood defense, the department had reported that
they had only spent $270 thousand of the $4 million
appropriated for the same purpose last year.
Additional in the Department of Transportation, Alaska
Marine Highway appropriation, UGF backstop language to
cover uncollected federal receipts was removed. This
was included last year because there was uncertainty
about the amount of federal funds that were available,
this backstop language is unnecessary this year. t
need in this year's budget.
Page 75 lines 11-21
University of Alaska Section 28
The three projects listed from the Governor's budget
for the drone program, rare earth minerals and Heavy
Oil are funded by CSLFRF like the Governor's original
request, they were initially changed to UGF in CS 0.5.
Page 80 Lines 24 through Page 81 line 9
Section 31 Federal and Other Program Receipts
Subsections (e) and (f)
This language provides limits on large RPL requests
outside of the typical limited scope of the RPL
process, In particular, this excludes flexible ARPA
CSLFRF funds, and funds made available through the
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, IIJA.
This requires the Governor to come before the
Legislature for authorization before those federal
funds can be spent.
Page 86 Lines 19-21
Fund Transfer Subsection (m)
This subsection appropriates an estimated $10.2
million from Large Vessel Gaming and Gambling Tax
Account to the general fund because the State will be
collecting the tax this year with a cruise season.
This standard practice when we have a cruise ship
seasons returning.
Subsection (n) Page 86 Lines 22-24
This section is the Revenue Replacement of $300
million dollars
Reference Document 5 ARPA Rev Replace
The committee will notice 1/3 of the revenue
replacement is found in Corrections, this is because
the Department has large amounts of general funds
available for the fund swap without any necessary
concern for how it might impact federal match or other
requirements on those general funds.
Page 90 Lines 8-12
Section 36 Shared Taxes Subsection (g)
This clarifies the backstop language for prorating the
distribution of revenue if there is any lost revenue
for the seven port calls.
Page 90 Lines 23 thru 29
Statutory Budget Reserve Fund
Section 39
Subsection(a and b)
This authorizes the SBR to be used for deficit fill
and deposits any surplus general funds in FY23 in the
account.
Page 91 Lines 10-13
Section 42 Contingency
This section is the contingent language mention above
regarding the $50 million of one-time funding outside
the formula if a BSA bill, House Bill 272 or similar
bill is not passed.
2:13:20 PM
Co-Chair Foster indicated the initial plan was to take up
amendments in the following week and would get pushed back
a week. He indicated members would have additional time for
questions.
Representative Josephson thought the date was March 10th.
Co-Chair Foster clarified that it had been moved to March
14th.
Co-Chair Foster WITHDREW his OBJECTION.
There being NO further OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
2:14:59 PM
Co-Chair Merrick MOVED to ADOPT the proposed committee
substitute for HB 282(FIN), Work Draft 32-GH2687\I(Marx,
03/02/22).
Co-Chair Foster OBJECTED for discussion.
2:15:25 PM
BRODIE ANDERSON, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE NEAL FOSTER, relayed
there were no other changes except what was reported in the
subcommittee close outs.
Co-Chair Foster WITHDREW his OBJECTION.
There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
^PUBLIC TESTIMONY: FAIRBANKS, KENAI, MAT-SU, ANCHORAGE,
BETHEL, CORDOVA, KOTZEBUE, NOME, UTQIAGVIK
2:16:31 PM
Co-Chair Foster indicated the committee would be hearing
public testimony. He provided the call-in numbers and the
email for submitting written testimony. Official testimony
of the budget would end at 3:00 P.M. on Saturday.
2:21:11 PM
JAMES LOW, CIVIL AIR PATROL, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), spoke in support of the Civil Air Patrol.
He had been involved in the Civil Air Patrol for many
years. The Fairbanks hanger was the largest in the state
and the second largest in the US. With technology changes
they did not due as many rescues, and shared that the
Fairbanks squadrons supported 17 members.
Representative LeBon thanked the testifier and indicated
the Civil Air Patrol had broad support from the committee.
2:24:14 PM
DAVID GUTTENBERG, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
currently sat on the Fairbanks North-Star Borough assembly
which had a legislative priority list. He wanted to focus
on support Community Assistance. He hoped Alaskans would
not get hit locally. He urged members to place as much as
possible into revenue sharing.
Representative Wool was keeping Representative Guttenberg's
"seat warm."
2:26:41 PM
JEANETTE GRAST, NAMI FAIRBANKS, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), thanked members for reversing behavioral
health treatment and recovery grants, and spoke in support
of the 20 percent increase over the governor's request. The
pandemic had increased the need for behavioral health
services, and stress that mental health treatment was
effective if a person could get it.
2:28:42 PM
SHERRY METTLER, ALASKA ASSISTED LIVING, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of the DHSS assisted
living program. She highlighted that it had been over 20
years since there had been an increase in the budget. The
rate was all-inclusive which meant there would be access to
food for three meals plus snacks on a daily basis. She
remarked that a large portion of the population had mental
illness.
Co-Chair Foster reminded testifiers they could also submit
their testimony to the email he provided.
2:32:58 PM
LUCY BAUER, ALASKA ASSISTED LIVING, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of funded for assisted
living. She echoed the comments from Ms. Mettler.
2:34:37 PM
ERIN TERRY, AK ASSISTED LIVING, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), operated a 16-bed assisted living home.
She thanked members for their support. She would provide
written testimony.
2:35:24 PM
MARY NICHOLSON, NICHOLSON'S ASSISTED LIVING, KENAI (via
teleconference), owned and operated Nicholson's Assisted
Living for 24 years. She stressed that there were a limited
amount of assisted living facilities on the Kenai. In 2002
when the rate was set minimum wage was $5.64 per hour. In
2002 gas price was $1.64 per gallon a 76 percent increase.
She commented that with prices going up she would not be
able to continue with the current rate.
2:37:46 PM
GREG MANSKIE, ACCESS ALASKA, WASILLA (via teleconference),
spoke in support of the services ACCESS Alaska. They were
very helpful to him and he wanted to see additional support
head their way.
2:38:46 PM
GORDON GLASER, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), was
the former chair for the Alaska Commission on Aging. He
spoke in support of the increase in funding for the Alaska
Commission on Aging. The funding would get beneficiaries
out of a hospital bed and into a care facility or home. He
stressed the need for a competitive salary in the field.
2:41:06 PM
KEVIN MCCOY, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
practiced law for 44 years. He opposed the governors
proposed supplemental appropriation to fund $500,000 in
settlement costs. He stressed that the state should not be
responsible for paying those settlement costs.
2:45:27 PM
JEAN HOLT, SELF, PALMER (via teleconference), suggested
rescheduling public testimony in order for the public to
have time to review the changes made in the bill,
particularly related to the PFD. She thought the energy
relief check was a bribe to buy the public's vote. She
stated the testimony the previous day involved special
interest groups wanting money. She stated the bloated
budget had not gone down.
Co-Chair Foster indicated there would be another
opportunity to testify tomorrow on Saturday, March 5, 2022.
2:48:45 PM
TREVOR STORRS, PRESIDENT AND CEO ALASKA CHILDREN'S TRUST,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), applauded the commitment to
adding frontline social workers, because they help families
on the brink. He spoke of the benefits of children's early
learning.
Co-Chair Foster encouraged people to submit written
testimony of it is longer than 2 minutes.
2:52:17 PM
HELEN HOWARTH, CITY MANAGER, CITY OF CORDOVA, CORDOVA (via
teleconference), supported the states continued support of
funding for the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS). She
also applauded the direction of additional School Debt Bond
Reimbursement. She spoke in support of additional state
investment of $2 million for Cordova's construction of a
new harbor.
2:55:32 PM
DANIEL STANTON, ADMINISTRATOR AND OWNER, ANCHORAGE ABODE
ASSISTED LIVING, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), was an
owner of an assisted living home for mentally ill
individuals. He stated that as a five-bed facility, it
supplied five beds for people who would otherwise be on the
street. The only way the vulnerable people to be house was
through support, and stressed that people came to his
facility with nothing. He explained the breakdown of costs
in his facility.
2:59:06 PM
SELENA HOPKINS-KENDALL, CHAIR, BEST BEGINNINGS, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), spoke in support of funding for Best
Beginnings. Her children benefited from early childhood
education. She hoped the funding would remain in the
budget. She reiterated the importance of Pre-K education
funding. She thanked the committee again for the support
for early childhood education.
3:01:20 PM
DENICE GILROY, ARCTIC ACCESS AND INDEPENDENT LIVING
NETWORK, NOME (via teleconference), thanked the members
for the increments for assisted living. She worked for an
independent living center, which was one of four in the
state.
3:03:24 PM
ELLEN GANLEY, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), called
to encourage members to support a 13 percent increase to
senior services grants. The services cost an average of
$509 per day. She spoke of support for family care givers.
She relayed that she and her sister found themselves having
to support their father. She shared that they had enrolled
in classes that made a huge impact on their lives. She
remarked that they were able to make their father
comfortable and safe, very important elements at the time.
Otherwise, he would have been in a nursing home. She felt
the power of the services and asked for continued support.
Representative LeBon thanked the testifier for calling in.
3:06:11 PM
WILLIAM EDWARDS, ARCTIC ACCESS, NOME (via teleconference),
spoke in support of HB 281. He spoke of experiencing a
severe head injury. Denise Gilroy helped him with his
situation through Arctic Access. He spoke of all the
services provided. He thought many people would not have
the benefit of Arctic Access.
3:08:39 PM
JON ERICKSON, CITY MANAGER, YAKUTAT (via teleconference),
spoke in support of the AMHS and community assistance. He
also asked for support for the harbor. He urged members to
keep the city's harbor project alive. He spoke of the need
to extend the city's waterline.
Co-Chair Foster noted he had mentioned the harbor budget
and he would see it in the capital budget.
Mr. Erickson wanted to make sure he mentioned it.
3:11:28 PM
RONDA BURNETT, ARCTIC ACCESS, NOME (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding independent living. She
remarked that Artic Access worked closely with the reentry
program for those people being released from jail.
3:12:32 PM
NICKY EISEMAN, SELF, ESTER (via teleconference), was a
librarian and 4th grade teacher. She spoke in favor of an
increased BSA. She spoke about the funding issues that she
and others in the Fairbanks North-Star Borough have faced
in recent years. She remarked on the lack of funding
increases, and stressed
Representative Wool thanked the testifier for calling in
and appreciated her contribution to the Fairbanks News
Miner.
3:16:04 PM
LANCE JOHNSON, NORTON SOUND HEALTH, NOME (via
teleconference), thanked members for the increase to
behavioral grant funding, and stressed that flat funding
was no longer sufficient to fill the needs.
3:18:31 PM
KARA MORIARTY, ALASKA OIL AND GAS ASSOCIATION, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), thanked members for including the
governor's oil tax credits and the $60 million in the
supplemental budget. She spoke in support of supporting the
oil and gas industry.
3:20:00 PM
AMBER VASKA, TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE AND ALASKA REGIONAL
COALITION, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in favor
of the subcommittee increments specifically for the
increase increment for Medicaid; supported the governor's
proposal for full funding of community assistance; also
supported public broadcasting; and supported the budget
items related to the Village Public Safety Officer Program.
Co-Chair Merrick encourage the testifier to provide written
testimony for the remainder of her testimony.
3:23:00 PM
TOM CHARD, ALASKA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION, FAIRBANKS
(via teleconference), asked members to reject the
governor's cut to behavioral health treatment and recovery,
and support a modest increase to the programs. He asked
members to look for ways to continue to support behavioral
health.
3:24:15 PM
KATIE BENDER, PRESIDENT OF BOARD, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA
ANCHORAGE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), expressed support for the University of
Alaska's budget. Her company believed in hiring Alaskans,
because it was important to look at investing in the
state's future.
3:25:18 PM
RANDI SWEET, SELF, SELDOVIA (via teleconference), spoke in
support of the $912 million to senior community-based
grants.
3:26:38 PM
CRYSTAL NYGARD, CITY OF WASILLA, WASILLA (via
teleconference), spoke in support of the GO Bonds, which
included the development of the Wasilla Airport and
terminal.
Co-Chair Merrick noted that the GO Bonds were not part of
the operating budget.
3:28:00 PM
KEISHA SIMMONS, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke
in support of funding for the intellectual/developmental
disability waiver waitlist. She hoped the legislature would
work to get people off the wait list.
3:29:31 PM
BERT HOUGHTALING, SELF, BIG LAKE (via teleconference),
spoke of a "law maker versus a law breaker." He spoke in
opposition of an increase to the BSA of $50 million. He
noted the conflicting laws of the POMV and the PFD law. He
compared legislators to drunken sailors. He noted gas at
the pump had jumped by 50 cents.
Co-Chair Merrick clarified that the BSA increment would
only pass if BSA legislation did not pass.
3:32:22 PM
BRANDY HARTY, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke
in support of funding education. She reviewed all of the
benefits of robust schools with proper funding. She had two
elementary school-aged children. She was a dual certified
teacher. she was aware of the devastating effects of
teacher layoffs. She urged members to effectively fund
Alaska's schools.
3:33:56 PM
GARRISON COLLETTE, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
worked in the energy field. He provided a brief background.
He asked or an increase in the tax investment. The fossil
fuel industry was not being honest, and in Alaska 90
percent of energy was reserved for mining.
3:35:56 PM
MARY DAVID, KAWERIK CORPORATION, NOME (via teleconference),
spoke in support of VPSO funding in the Department of
Public Safety (DPS) budget. Her corporation also supported
the increment for the BSA, and funding for pre-K education.
She also spoke in support of public broadcasting.
3:37:56 PM
THERESA REED, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), had
been in Fairbanks since 1964. She encouraged members to
support the BSA increase. She thought that if Alaska's
education was not strong, the state would not be strong.
She thanked members for their work.
3:39:31 PM
RANDY GRIFFIN, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke
in support of the tax credit payments to oil companies
because of the message it sent to investors in the state.
He reported sending his check back to the state explaining
why he was sending it. He was under the impression that the
state had not repaid the CBR. He thought that because it
was a constitutional requirement. It be paid before oil
prices crash again. He also thought people should consider
changing the collective bargaining agreement, as it would
save significant funding.
Representative LeBon thanked the testifier for calling in.
3:42:43 PM
DENNIS BOYER, SELF, WASILLA (via teleconference), was a
retired teacher. He had seen significant changes. He
thought the state had a problem with Alaska's education. He
supported reinstating a defined benefits package. He had
heard feedback from teachers in the Lower 48 that Alaska
had the worst benefits package in the system. He thought
teachers should be able to contribute to a retirement
system. The state needed to do something to attract
teachers.
3:45:04 PM
TIMOTHY LEDNA, FAIRBANKS REENTRY COALITION, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), called to support funding for the
behavioral health grants. He asked members to continue to
support the budget initiatives he mentioned regarding
behavioral and mental health funding.
3:46:55 PM
CARRIE HARRIS, SELF, ANCHOR POINT (via teleconference),
spoke in opposition of the operating budget. She made
several reduction recommendations. However, she supported
additional funding for DPS and Department of Corrections
(DOC). She encouraged members to put AK 47s in the hands of
Ukrainians.
3:48:39 PM
DARLENE SUPPLEE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FAIRBANKS SENIOR
CENTER, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), supporting funding
services for seniors. She advocated providing safety nets
for seniors in the state. She suggested that if Alaska did
not provide a net of support in senior services, the cost
would be higher down the line in medical service.
Representative LeBon thanked the testifier for all she did
for the community of Fairbanks.
3:50:58 PM
NICOLE ZEGIESTOWSKY, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
spoke in support of the University of Alaska budget. After
3 years of flat funding, the university was in great need
of additional funds. The subcommittee's recommendations
were a great start.
3:51:55 PM
BENJAMIN JOHNSON, PRESIDENT AND CEO, BLUE CREST ENERGY,
DALLAS (via teleconference), thanked members for the bill
for the remaining payments of oil tax credits. He remarked
that Alaska had a promising future in oil and gas
development.
Representative LeBon thanked the testifier for his
testimony.
3:53:57 PM
MARGE STONEKING, AARP ALASKA, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of restoring Public
Assistance positions in senior services.
3:56:25 PM
ERIC GURLEY, ACCESS ALASKA INC., ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of funding for senior
based community grants as listed in the operating budget.
He asked members to continue support of the measure.
3:59:01 PM
SK SON, ANCHOR HOUSE, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
supported the proposed increase for behavioral health
grants. He spoke of the challenges he has had with
providing services.
4:00:57 PM
CARL WEISNER, NORTHWEST ARCTIC BOROUGH, KOTZEBUE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of the School Bond Debt
Reimbursement funding and BSA funding. He provided details
about what projects would be funded. He also appreciated
the included VPSO intent language. He thanked members for
their work.
4:01:22 PM
SUZI PEARSON, ABUSED WOMEN'S AID IN CRISIS, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), thanked members for supporting Abused
Women's Aid in Crisis (AWAIC), and pointed out the full
funding of the program. She asked for continued support for
Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (CDVSA)
funding. She shared the where the funding would be directed
and personal stories within AWAIC.
4:01:22 PM
KALEENE LAMB, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke
in support of behavioral health grants. She had a
disability and appreciated the proposed budget for
independent living.
Representative LeBon thanked the testifier for calling in,
because she "had ended the public testimony on an uplifting
note."
Co-Chair Foster reviewed the agenda for the following
meeting. He reminded folks they could also submit written
testimony.
HB 281 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
HB 282 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
ADJOURNMENT
4:08:45 PM
The meeting was adjourned at 4:08 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB 281 CS WorkDraft v. N 030322.pdf |
HFIN 3/4/2022 1:30:00 PM |
HB 281 |
| HB 281 - HB 282 #5 HCS1 ARPA Rev Replacement Allocations.pdf |
HFIN 3/4/2022 1:30:00 PM |
HB 281 HB 282 |
| HB 281- HB 282 #1 HCS1 UGF AgencySummary.pdf |
HFIN 3/4/2022 1:30:00 PM |
HB 281 HB 282 |
| HB 281-HB 282 #2 HCS1 All Funds AgencySummary.pdf |
HFIN 3/4/2022 1:30:00 PM |
HB 281 HB 282 |
| HB 281-HB 282 #3 Supp AgencySummary.pdf |
HFIN 3/4/2022 1:30:00 PM |
HB 281 HB 282 |
| HB 281-HB 282 #4 TransComp.pdf |
HFIN 3/4/2022 1:30:00 PM |
HB 281 HB 282 |
| HB 281-HB 282 #6 FY21 CBR Sweep from ACFR.pdf |
HFIN 3/4/2022 1:30:00 PM |
HB 281 HB 282 |
| HB 282 CS WorkDraft v. I 030222 .pdf |
HFIN 3/4/2022 1:30:00 PM |
HB 282 |
| HB 281 HF Public Testimony 03.04.22_redacted.pdf |
HFIN 3/4/2022 1:30:00 PM |
HB 281 |