Legislature(2023 - 2024)ADAMS 519
03/13/2023 01:30 PM House FINANCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB39 || HB41 | |
| Subcommittee Closeout Reports | |
| Department of Fish and Game | |
| Judiciary | |
| Department of Law | |
| Department of Natural Resources | |
| Department of Environmental Conservation | |
| Department of Labor and Workforce Development | |
| Department of Transportation and Public Facilities | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 39 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 41 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE
March 13, 2023
1:33 p.m.
1:33:12 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Johnson called the House Finance Committee meeting
to order at 1:33 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Bryce Edgmon, Co-Chair
Representative Neal Foster, Co-Chair
Representative DeLena Johnson, Co-Chair
Representative Julie Coulombe
Representative Mike Cronk
Representative Alyse Galvin
Representative Sara Hannan
Representative Andy Josephson
Representative Dan Ortiz
Representative Will Stapp
Representative Frank Tomaszewski
MEMBERS ABSENT
None
ALSO PRESENT
Sue Stancliff, Staff, Representative Mike Cronk; Doug
Wooliver, Deputy Administrative Director, Alaska Court
System; Alexei Painter, Director, Legislative Finance
Division; Katie McCall, Staff, Representative Frank
Tomaszewski; Michaella Anderson, Staff, Representative
Frank Tomaszewski; Michael Partlow, Fiscal Analyst,
Legislative Finance Division.
SUMMARY
HB 39 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUND; SUPP
HB 39 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
HB 41 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET
HB 41 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
SUBCOMMITTEE CLOSEOUT REPORTS:
DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
JUDICIARY
DEPARTMENT OF LAW
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC FACILITIES
Co-Chair Johnson reviewed the meeting agenda.
HOUSE BILL NO. 39
"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. 41
"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."
1:34:05 PM
^SUBCOMMITTEE CLOSEOUT REPORTS
1:34:09 PM
^DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
1:34:22 PM
Representative Cronk reviewed the subcommittee
recommendations for the Department of Fish and Game (DFG):
The House Finance Budget Subcommittee for the
Department of Fish and Game held a total of six
meetings, two items were modified from the Governor's
requested base budget to One-Time Increments and
submits the following recommended operating budget for
FY24 to the House Finance Committee:
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Fund Source: (dollars are in thousands)
Unrestricted General Funds (UGF) $65,092.5
Designated General Funds (DGF) $13,121.3
Other funds $75,670.9
Federal funds $88,577.4
Total $242,462.1
Compared to the FY24 Adjusted Base, the Subcommittee
recommendations represent an increase of $3,462.8
{5.6%) in Unrestricted General Funds, a decrease of
$936.7 (6.7%) in Designated General Funds, $9,021.2 in
Other state funds (13.5%), and a decrease of $43.5
(0.0%) in Federal funds, for a total increase of
$11,503.8 (5.0%) for all fund sources.
Positions:
Permanent Full-time 819
Permanent Part-time 596
Temporary 1
Total 1,416
BUDGET ACTIONS:
After reviewing and discussing each of the Governor's
proposed transactions in detail, the Subcommittee
adopted all items by unanimous consent. Two items were
modified from the base budget to One-Time Increments.
Some of the highlights of these items are:
• Assessment and management projects for the
Arctic-Yukon-Kuskokwim (AYK) Region Fisheries
Management area in the amount of $285.0 of
general funds.
• Alleviate Shortfall of Crab Test Fishery Receipts
with a One-Time Increment of general funds in the
amount of $1,000.0.
• Authorized Wildlife Conservation to utilize the
Fish and Game Fund with a One-Time Increment of
$5,000.0.
• Authorized the state match for increased Pittman-
Robertson funding with $2,080.1 of Fish/Game
funds.
SUBCOMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:
The Chair set an amendment deadline, welcomed
amendments from all members, and the committee
received two amendments, neither were adopted.
ATTACHED REPORTS:
The House Finance Budget Subcommittee for the
Department of Fish and Game adopted the attached
reports:
• DFG Agency Totals
• DFG Transaction Compare: Adjusted Base+ to House
Subcom
• DFG Transaction Compare: 24 Gov Amend to House
Subcom
• DFG Wordage
1:37:16 PM
Co-Chair Johnson asked for more detail on the four
highlighted items.
SUE STANCLIFF, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE MIKE CRONK, reviewed
detail on the four items beginning with the assessment and
management projects for the Arctic-Yukon-Kuskokwim Region
fisheries management area. She explained that over the past
eight years the division had reduced numerous assessments
and management projects. She noted those reductions had
been treated as short-term. Over time the division had been
left with a decrease in accurate information for the
efficiency and management of fisheries.
Ms. Stancliff addressed the second budget highlight related
to a one-time increment aimed at alleviating the shortfall
of crab test fisheries.
Co-Chair Johnson asked if it had been a department and
governor's request.
Ms. Stancliff agreed.
Representative Cronk referenced the crash in the crab
fishery. He explained that when test fisheries were
conducted, the catch could be sold to recover the cost. It
was the reason for the request.
Ms. Stancliff reviewed the increment to authorize Wildlife
Conservation to utilize the Fish and Game Fund with a one-
time increment of $5 million. She noted the increment was
in the governor's budget.
Co-Chair Johnson asked for verification the increment was
in the governor's amended budget.
Ms. Stancliff agreed. The subcommittee chose to authorize
the funding as a one-time increment. Lastly, the
subcommittee authorized the state match for increased
Pittman-Robertson funding with $2,080,000 from the Fish and
Game Fund.
1:40:21 PM
Representative Ortiz asked about the "other funds"
category. He asked what went into other funds. He wondered
if other funds included revenue generated for DFG by test
fisheries and other things.
Ms. Stancliff replied that the other funds were state
designated receipts from test fisheries and Commercial
Fisheries Entry Commission (CFEC) receipts. She clarified
the changes were not changes to the governor's budget other
than the one-time increment.
Representative Ortiz asked if the total number of positions
remained consistent from the previous year.
Ms. Stancliff replied the number was consistent.
Representative Hannan asked for more information about the
subcommittee's action to switch the $5 million increment
for wildlife conservation to a one-time appropriation. She
noted closeout language indicating the governor's proposal
was to maintain prior level authorization. She wondered if
it was for one year and would not be needed in the future.
Ms. Stancliff replied that in FY 23 the legislature
considered replacing $5 million in Fish and Game Fund
authority with a one-time increment of undesignated general
funds (UGF). The fund source had subsequently been changed
back to the Fish and Game Fund and retained a one-time
increment. The governor's budget maintained the Fish and
Game Fund authority. The subcommittee recommended
maintaining the funding for reevaluation the following
year.
Representative Hannan asked if the $5 million was designed
to be used for projects in one fiscal year.
Ms. Stancliff replied that she would follow up with an
answer.
1:43:36 PM
Representative Cronk shared there had been some great
conversations during the subcommittee process. He
highlighted concerns about the Yukon-Kuskokwim fish runs,
crashes in crab stock, bycatch waste, and enforcement
issues pertaining to commercial fisheries. He stated that
the items had all been brought up during the subcommittee
process. He noted that one of the department's research
vessels, the Pandalus, was no longer in service and would
be a capital budget issue. There were numerous issues, and
he hoped the department would continue addressing them.
^JUDICIARY
1:44:47 PM
Representative Cronk reviewed the subcommittee
recommendations for Judiciary:
The House Finance Budget Subcommittee for the
Judiciary held a total of four meetings and submits
the following recommended operating budget for FY24 to
the House Finance Committee:
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Fund Source: (dollars are in thousands)
Unrestricted General Funds (UGF) $136,212.9
Designated General Funds (DGF) $518.0
Other Funds $2,531.1
Federal Funds $1,280.3
Total $140,542.3
Compared to the FY24 Adjusted Base, the Subcommittee
recommendations represent an increase of$2,260.8
(+1.7%) in Unrestricted General Funds, $280.0 (+12.4%)
in Other Funds, $304.7 (+31.2%) in Federal Funds, for
a total of $2,845.5 for a total increase of 2.1% all
funds.
Positions:
Permanent Full-time 748
Permanent Part-time 39
Temporary 5
Total 792
Co-Chair Johnson noted that Alexei Painter, Director,
Legislative Finance Division (LFD) was also in the room in
addition to staff from the Court System.
Representative Cronk spoke to the budget actions on page 2
of the narrative:
BUDGET ACTIONS:
After reviewing and discussing each of the Governor's
proposed transactions in detail, the subcommittee
adopted all items by unanimous consent.
Some of the highlights of these items are:
• Standing Master/Magistrate Judge to handle cases
in Palmer. $294.3 UGF
• Replaced $10,586.3 GF with $10,586.3 of
Coronavirus State and Local Recovery Fund
(CSLFRF) within ARPA.
• Replaced $250.0 of State Designated Receipt Funds
with $250.0 Federal Receipts.
SUBCOMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:
The Chairman set an amendment deadline, welcomed
amendments from all members, the committee received no
amendments.
ATTACHED REPORTS
The House Finance Budget Subcommittee for the
Judiciary adopted the attached reports:
• JUD Agency Totals
• JUD Transaction Compare: Adjusted Base + to House
Subcom
• JUD Wordage
1:47:11 PM
Co-Chair Edgmon asked if it was the first time the title
Judiciary had been used as opposed to the Court System.
Ms. Stancliff replied that the LFD reports referred to the
department as Judiciary so that is what she had used.
Representative Hannan asked about the addition of a judge
in Palmer. She wondered if there was an existing courtroom
and if costs would be one-time or ongoing.
Representative Cronk deferred to the department.
DOUG WOOLIVER, DEPUTY ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA COURT
SYSTEM, replied that the Court System would not be needing
a new courtroom for the particular magistrate judge,
although the previous year the legislature appropriated
design funding for a remodel of the Palmer courthouse,
which was currently underway. The Court System anticipated
coming back to the legislature in the next year or two to
request funding to expand the court to make room for
additional judicial officers. He believed some of the
request would be one-time funding, but he would check and
follow up.
Representative Hannan asked for the current number of
judges. She asked if additional support staff would be
needed with the addition of another judge.
Mr. Wooliver answered that the appropriation included one
additional support staff.
Representative Ortiz referenced the budget action replacing
$10,586,300 GF with $10,586,300 in Coronavirus State and
Local Recovery Fund (CSLFRF) and American Rescue Plan Act
(ARPA) funds. He asked if the committee could assume the
action was a one-time savings of general funds and that the
$10 million would reappear under general funds in the
following budget cycle. He asked if the appropriation used
the remaining CSLFRF and ARPA funds.
Ms. Stancliff replied that it was her understanding the
increment used the remaining ARPA funding. She remarked
that LFD staff were nodding in agreement.
^DEPARTMENT OF LAW
1:51:28 PM
Representative Cronk reviewed the subcommittee
recommendations for the Department of Law (DOL):
The House Finance Budget Subcommittee for the
Department of Law held a total of four meetings and
submits the following recommended operating budget for
FY24 to the House Finance Committee:
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Fund Source: (dollars are in thousands)
Unrestricted General Funds (UGF) $68,893.5
Designated General Funds (DGF) $2,900.5
Other Funds $33,613.9
Federal Funds $2,244.9
Total $107,652.8
Compared to the FY24 Adjusted Base, the Subcommittee
recommendations represent an increase of $1,561.7
(+2.3%) in Unrestricted General Funds for a total
increase of 1.5% all funds.
Positions:
Permanent Full-time 555
Permanent Part-time 0
Temporary 0
Total 555
BUDGET ACTIONS:
After reviewing and discussing each of the Governor's
proposed transactions in detail, the subcommittee
adopted all items by unanimous consent.
Some of the highlights of these items are:
• Software and Storage for Audio/Visual Evidence in
Criminal Cases $400.0 UGF
• Expand Internet Connectivity for Rural
Prosecution Offices $350.0 UGF, this is a One-
Time Increment
• Criminal Investigator for Election Fraud, Rural
Homicide/Felony Sex Offense/other Violent Crimes.
$143.7 UGF
• Added Attorney to Specialize and Lead on Tribal
Law Issues. $209.0 UGF
• Added Attorney for Parental Rights in Education
Advocate. $209.0 UGF
SUBCOMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:
The Chairman set an amendment deadline, welcomed
amendments from all members, the subcommittee received
two amendments, neither were adopted.
ATTACHED REPORTS
The House Finance Budget Subcommittee for the
Department of Law adopted the attached reports:
• LAW Agency Totals
• LAW Transaction Compare: Adjusted Base + to House
Subcom
• LAW Wordage
1:53:31 PM
Representative Josephson stated that the two amendments
offered [in subcommittee] focused on [new] positions for
election fraud and parental rights. He remarked that
Representative Cronk had specified in the subcommittee
budget narrative [shown above] that the items had been
adopted with unanimous consent. He stated that perhaps in
the final analysis after the amendments had been defeated
there was effectively unanimous consent. He asked for
verification that minority members had opposed the
positions.
Representative Cronk agreed.
Representative Ortiz remarked that the committee had been
asked to consider a $10 million increment for statehood
defense. He asked if it was a capital budget item. He
wondered if it was not something that had been dealt with
in subcommittee.
Representative Cronk believed the increment was in the
capital budget; it had not been discussed by the
subcommittee.
Representative Galvin understood that one of the amendments
[offered in subcommittee] was related to an investigator
position with two roles including elections and felony sex
offence. She stated her understanding an expert would be
hired in the Court System to address both areas. She asked
how the position came to be included under DOL as opposed
to the Department of Corrections (DOC) or the Department of
Public Safety (DPS).
1:55:46 PM
Ms. Stancliff answered the position was expected to be used
for elections 25 percent of the time because election
cycles were every two years. The position would also be
used in rural investigations for homicide, sexual assault,
and other crimes.
Representative Galvin asked if there had been no concern
about the ability to find a person with expertise in
elections and criminal casework in rural Alaska.
Ms. Stancliff answered the department had been looking
primarily at filling the position with a retired state
trooper who had the background in investigation.
Representative Hannan asked if DOL had other investigators
for specific areas of crimes. She wondered if the state
generally depended on DPS for investigations of crimes. She
asked if it would be the first time DOL would have its own
independent investigator.
Ms. Stancliff confirmed the investigator position was
something new for DOL. She explained that if someone had a
specific problem with an election, DOL could not really
call the troopers to investigate because it was not a high
enough priority; therefore, it made sense to house the
position within DOL.
1:57:53 PM
Representative Hannan referenced the intent for the
position to spend 75 percent of its time on sex crimes and
ongoing problems that DPS frequently covered. She asked if
the position would report to DPS when it switched hats away
from election fraud. Alternatively, she wondered whether
there would be an independent investigator investigating
crimes that DPS was also investigating.
Ms. Stancliff replied that the staff would remain under DOL
and would focus on crimes that were already being
investigated. She did not know the specific details.
Co-Chair Johnson noted the conversation had occurred when
the department had been before the committee.
Representative Hannan was trying to discern whether the
subcommittee had received a fuller answer than the
committee had received from the department.
Co-Chair Edgmon remarked that the operating budget was a
mammoth document and there was no way for committee members
to be experts on all items; however, there were budget
items with policy implications. One included the proposal
related to elections fraud. He recalled the new director of
the Division of Elections had recently indicated there was
no evidence of fraud in Alaska, yet the presentation the
committee had received had been basically built around
election fraud. He stated that he was remiss for not
bringing the subject up with DOL, but the increment of
$209,000 for a new attorney focused on parental rights in
education advocacy had not previously caught his attention.
He stressed it was an extremely controversial issue that to
his knowledge had not been in the budget in the past. He
had been present when Erin's and Bree's Law had passed in
2016 and he thought the legislation called for an
investigator. He observed that the position had all of a
sudden appeared along with other legislation from the
governor. He agreed it was not in the purview of the
subcommittee to make any grand announcements; however, the
increments were big ticket items that he believed would
generate significant discussion throughout the budget
process in both bodies.
2:01:19 PM
Representative Josephson shared the concern with Co-Chair
Edgmon. He stated he had not been at the governor's press
conference but the subject had been reported as parents
needed help to know how to sue their districts. He believed
the governor must have made the statement unless the
journalist was wildly wrong. He found it concerning.
Representative Cronk remarked the election fraud had been
brought up and there were an increasing number of cases. He
stated whether it was one case or 25 cases it was still
important to someone. He was supportive of the increment.
He was a retired teacher and did not believe there was
anything more important than parental rights. He believed
parents needed a voice and would likely support the
increment if it would help with that goal. He understood it
could be a political issue.
^DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
2:02:54 PM
Representative Cronk reviewed the subcommittee
recommendations for the Department of Natural Resources
(DNR):
The House Finance Budget Subcommittee for the
Department of Natural Resources held a total of four
meetings and submits the following recommended
operating budget for FY24 to the House Finance
Committee:
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Fund Source: (dollars are in thousands)
Unrestricted General Funds (UGF) $72,611.0
Designated General Funds (DGF) $43,890.1
Other Funds $41,077.4
Federal Funds $18,430.9
Total $176,009.4
Compared to the FY24 Adjusted Base, the subcommittee
recommendations represent no increase in Unrestricted
General Funds, an increase of $504.3 (+1.2%) in
Designated General Funds, $1,419.2 (+3.6%) in Other
State Funds, and an increase of $300.0 (+l.7%) in
Federal Receipts, for a total of $2,223.5, or 1.3% of
all funds.
Positions:
Permanent Full-time 726
Permanent Part-time 230
Temporary 58
Total 1,014
BUDGET ACTIONS:
After reviewing and discussing each of the Governor's
proposed transactions in detail, the subcommittee
adopted all items by unanimous consent.
Some of the highlights of these items are:
• Authorized continued funding of positions
(created in FY22) for processing applications for
Mining Permits and Hard Rock Exploration support.
$231.9 GF/Prgm (DGF)
• Increased Capital Receipt Authority (CIP) in
Forest Management & Development.
$360.0 CIP Receipts.
• Funded Park maintenance and operational costs for
Chena River, Big Lake North, Big Lake South, and
Rocky Lake. $272.4 General Fund.
• Accepted the Enhanced Federal Support for the
Boating Safety Program. $300.0 Federal Receipts.
SUBCOMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:
The Chair set an amendment deadline, welcomed
amendments from all members, and the committee
received one amendment. The amendment was not adopted.
ATTACHED REPORTS
The House Finance Budget Subcommittee for the
Department of Natural Resources adopted the attached
reports:
• DNR Agency Totals
• DNR Transaction Compare: Adjusted Base + to House
Subcom
• DNR Wordage
2:05:33 PM
Representative Hannan asked about the additional park
maintenance. She observed there was $100,000 for
concessionaire incentives for the parks [Chena River, Big
Lake North, Big Lake South, and Rocky Lake]. She looked at
the additional increment of $272,000 for general
maintenance for the parks. She asked if any other parks
needed additional maintenance. She asked if the specific
parks listed were especially over budget or under
maintained. She wondered if there were details identifying
how the funding was divided between the specified parks.
Representative Cronk did not know all of the details but
believed the specific parks had been shut down the previous
year. The department was trying to determine how to reopen
the parks because they were highly utilized.
Representative Hannan shared that she and Representative
Cronk had previously served on the [DNR] subcommittee as
resource committee members and she recalled dialogue on the
parks. She explained that there had been an effort to move
to digital fee payments, especially for highly utilized
parks, in order to increase usage with lower staffing. She
asked if the four parks had the digital fee payment
capability or if concessionaires were needed to reopen the
parks.
Representative Cronk replied that he did not have the
answer.
Ms. Stancliff replied that the parks outsource operations
in some of the units to concessionaires, but the division
did not provide funding to concessionaires who generate
revenue through user fees. She cited the LFD explanation
related to the increment. The contracts were offered
competitively through the department's procurement process.
She elaborated that Big Lake North, Big Lake South, and
Rocky Lake had been contracted over a decade, but the
department was unsuccessful in three recent attempts to
find a concessionaire for the facilities. As a result, the
division stepped in to operate the units assuming
additional costs.
2:08:14 PM
AT EASE
2:09:26 PM
RECONVENED
Representative Cronk asked to hear from Mr. Painter.
ALEXEI PAINTER, DIRECTOR, LEGISLATIVE FINANCE DIVISION,
clarified that governor's original amendment had been
$100,000. The governor's amended budget had replaced the
increment with $272,800 [$272,400] for the same purpose.
The department indicated the amount reflected the actual
expected cost rather than a portion. He confirmed that the
three parks mentioned [Big Lake North, Big Lake South, and
Rocky Lake] were contracted previously and the other area
had been contracted and subsequently moved back to the
department and reopened the past year.
Representative Hannan asked for verification the original
budget that referenced concessionaire was irrelevant
because the parks would operate within state management due
to the lack of concessionaires.
Mr. Painter replied affirmatively. The department had been
unsuccessful in finding concessionaires and planned to
manage the parks internally.
Representative Galvin noted that Mr. Painter had mentioned
the increment of $272,800. She saw the item listed as
$272,400. She asked which number was accurate.
Mr. Painter replied that he did not have the figure on hand
and confirmed that the number could be $272,400.
2:11:40 PM
Representative Ortiz looked at the continued funding of
positions responsible for authorizing mining permits. He
asked if there was any conversation during subcommittee
about understaffing for permitting of mariculture projects.
Representative Cronk did not recall.
Representative Ortiz noted it seemed strange, but
mariculture fell under the purview of DNR.
Representative Cronk thanked everyone who had been present
the previous year for passing HB 209 because the Chena
River Park had many issues and the bill had been used to
enlist a fire crew to clean up the area and the park had
been reopened. He stated that forestry was likely the
biggest issue encountered with DNR. He stressed that
forestry was vital for small communities in rural Alaska.
He stated it had been a perfect example of government
keeping the industry at bay. He highlighted a $60 million
request in fire money and suggested that better management
of forests may result in the ability to reduce the
firefighting costs. He was hoping for more investment in
forestry. He stated the governor and commissioner concurred
on creating a sustainable forestry industry with long-term
sales.
Co-Chair Johnson thanked Representative Cronk. She reviewed
the upcoming departments.
2:14:42 PM
AT EASE
2:15:18 PM
RECONVENED
^DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
2:15:26 PM
Representative Tomaszewski asked his staff to review the
subcommittee recommendations for the Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC).
KATIE MCCALL, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE FRANK TOMASZEWSKI,
reviewed the DEC subcommittee recommendations:
The House Finance Budget Subcommittee for the
Department of Environmental Conservation held a total
of five meetings, made no changes to the Governor's
request, and submits the following recommended
operating budget for FY24 to the House Finance
Committee:
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Fund Source: (dollars are in thousands)
Unrestricted General Funds (UGF) $26,551.5
Designated General Funds (DGF) $22,223.6
Other Funds $20,428.6
Federal Funds $45,626.0
Total $114,829.7
Compared to the FY24 adjusted base, the subcommittee
recommendations represent an increase of $6,542.9
(+32.7%) in Unrestricted General Funds, $250.0 (+1.1%)
in Designated General Funds, $5,700.1 (+14.3%) in
Federal Funds, as well as a decrease of $297.8 (-
$1.4%) in other funds, for a total increase of
$12,195.2 (+11.9%) of all funds.
Positions:
Permanent Full-time 548
Permanent Part-time 0
Temporary 7
Total 555
Budget Action:
After reviewing and discussing each of the Governor's
proposed transactions in detail, the subcommittee
adopted all items.
Some of the highlights of these items are:
• 10 new permanent full-time positions in the
Division of Air Quality: $1,564.7 UGF
• 28 new permanent full-time positions for
Assumption of 404 Program: $4,965.3 UGF
Subcommittee Amendments:
The Chair set an amendment deadline, welcomed
amendments from all members, and the committee
received one amendment, which was not adopted.
Attached Reports:
• DEC Agency Totals
• DEC Transaction Compare: Adjusted Base + to House
Subcommittee
• Wordage
2:19:44 PM
Representative Hannan asked about the [state] assumption of
the Section 404 program. She asked if there had been any
description or discussion on whether any statutory changes
were needed to stand up the program that would initially
have 28 technical staff.
Ms. McCall replied that based on what the subcommittee had
heard, there were no statutory changes required. She read
from an overview of the Clean Water Act:
The Governor of any State desiring to administer its
own individual and general permit program for the
discharge of dredged or fill material into the
navigable waters... within its jurisdiction may submit
to the Administrator a full and complete description
of the program it proposes to establish and administer
under State law...
Ms. McCall elaborated that the 28 positions would be able
to look into all of the things the state would need to do
and would submit applications to the federal government.
Representative Hannan stated her understanding that the
only other states that had sought 404 primacy also had
coastal zone management authorities and processes;
therefore, they already "sort of had a structure." She
wondered if DEC had described the need for coastal zone
management or coastal research to move forward.
Alternatively, she wondered if standing up the program
merely required a budget action item.
Ms. McCall answered not that she was aware of. She would
check with the department and confirm.
2:22:31 PM
Representative Stapp asked about the ten new positions
within the Division of Air Quality. He remarked that the
EPA had recently made some stringent changes to how it
measured particulates including PM2.5. He noted the agency
was currently discussing reducing the number. He asked if
the positions would effectively be able to resource the
state if there were challenges with the EPA in the future.
Ms. McCall replied that eight of the ten positions were for
the state improvement [implementation] plan. She explained
that the department currently had the staff to manage one
state implementation plan (SIP) and it anticipated there
would be three SIPs to be completed by 2026. The
particulate air pollution levels were the source of the
need.
Representative Josephson followed up on questions by
Representative Hannan. He believed a bill had been passed
when the state had taken primacy over hazardous waste. He
asked for verification that Ms. McCall had stated the
subcommittee had not been advised it needed any new
legislation to adopt a pathway to assume Section 404
primacy (other than providing funding).
Ms. McCall replied it was her understanding the 28
positions would present a plan to the federal government.
She believed if statutory changes were required it would
come through the work the new positions would be conducting
over the course of the next year. She would check with the
department.
Co-Chair Johnson believed she remembered something
similarly that had been presented to the committee.
^DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
2:25:20 PM
Representative Tomaszewski asked his staff to review the
subcommittee recommendations for the Department of Labor
and Workforce Development (DLWD).
MICHAELLA ANDERSON, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE FRANK
TOMASZEWSKI, reviewed the DLWD subcommittee
recommendations.
The House Finance Budget Subcommittee for the
Department of Labor and Workforce Development held a
total of five meetings and submits the following
recommended operating budget for FY24 to the House
Finance Committee:
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Fund Source: (dollars are in thousands)
Unrestricted General Funds (UGF) $20.989.4
Designated General Funds (DGF) $29,525.3
Other Funds $15,638.2
Federal Funds $90,587.5
Total $156,740.4
Compared to the FY24 adjusted base, the subcommittee
recommendations represent an increase of $320.0
(+1.5%) in Unrestricted General Funds and $7,890.5
(+9.5%) in Federal Funds as well as a decrease of
$6,309.9 (-17.6%) in Designated General Funds, and
$871.4 (-5.3%) of other funds, for a total increase of
$1,029.2 (+0.7%) all funds.
Positions:
Permanent Full-time 664
Permanent Part-time 44
Temporary 24
Total 732
Budget Action:
After reviewing and discussing each of the Governor's
proposed transactions in detail, the subcommittee
adopted all items but one item by unanimous consent.
Some of the highlights of these items are:
• Increase to Alaska Vocational Technical Center:
$250.0 UGF
• Fund change for Alaska Vocational Technical
Center: $320.0 GF/($320.0 GF Prgm)
• Restore omnibus workers' compensation from HB 79
(2018): $400.0 Sec Injury
• Technical change to reject a duplicative "one
time" funding to unemployment insurance:
($10,000.0 Fed Rcpts)
The committee also discussed and accepted intent
language stating: It is the intent of the legislature
that the Department of Labor and Workforce Development
leverage federal apprenticeship dollars to increase
state capacity for expanding Career Technical
Education
Subcommittee Amendments:
The Chair set an amendment deadline, welcomed
amendments from all members, and the committee
received one amendment, which was accepted by the
members.
Attached Reports:
The House Finance Budget Subcommittee for the
Department of Labor and Workforce Development adopted
the attached reports:
• DOLWD Agency Totals
• DOLWD Transaction Compare: Adjusted Base + to
House Subcommittee
• DOLWD Transaction Compare: FY24 Gov Amend to
House Subcommittee
• Wordage
2:29:39 PM
Representative Galvin observed DLWD's budget had fewer
increases than others. She noted that other departments'
budgets had increases between 3 and 11 percent or more,
whereas the DLWD budget had a 0.7 percent increase. She
wondered if there had been any discussion on trying to keep
things level. She highlighted the desire to grow the
state's workforce and wondered if it was the reason intent
language had been added as an amendment to take advantage
of federal funding for career and technical education
(CTE).
Ms. Anderson stated her understanding DLWD worked to keep
its budget relatively level. She elaborated that while
there was a $250,000 increase to the Alaska Vocational
Technical Center (AVTEC), there was also a $250,000
decrease replacing wage and hour funds with general fund
program receipts. The department was aware of the
subcommittee's intent for DLWD to go after additional
federal funding if available. She noted that the department
already went after available federal funds.
Representative Hannan stated that a couple of years ago
several inspector positions had been cut from the budget
(i.e., plumbing, electrical, and other). She asked if there
had been any discussion about adding the positions back
because she had heard from industry that the department
could not keep up with inspections on commercial buildings.
She remarked that if inspections were not done, industry
had to sit around and wait. She wondered if there had been
any discussion about the timeframe it took the department
to do required inspections.
Ms. Anderson replied there had been no discussion on the
topic in subcommittee. She relayed the department had
communicated that an electrical inspector position in
Fairbanks and a boiler inspector position in Juneau would
have the biggest impact on their backlogs. She noted there
had not been an amendment offered to add the two positions.
2:32:20 PM
Representative Tomaszewski appreciated the work by the
subcommittees and his staff.
^DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC FACILITIES
2:32:52 PM
Representative Tomaszewski asked his staff to review the
subcommittee recommendations for the Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT).
Ms. Anderson provided the DOT subcommittee recommendations:
The House Finance Budget Subcommittee for the
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
held a total of eight meetings and submits the
following recommended operating budget for FY24 to the
House Finance Committee:
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Fund Source: (dollars are in thousands)
Unrestricted General Funds (UGF) $154,450.0
Designated General Funds (DGF) $62,776.8
Other Funds $442,420.6
Federal Funds $95,775.0
Total $755,402.4
Compared to the FY24 adjusted base, the subcommittee
recommendations represent an increase of $14,538.9
(+10.4%) in Unrestricted General Funds, $13.654.6
(+27.8%) in Designated General Funds, $13,299.5
(+3.1%) of other funds, as well as a decrease of
$8,557.3 (-8.2%) in Federal Funds for a total increase
of $32,935.7 (4.6%) all funds.
Positions:
Permanent Full-time 2,987
Permanent Part-time 287
Temporary 148
Total 3,422
Budget Action:
After reviewing and discussing each of the Governor's
proposed transactions in detail, the subcommittee
adopted all items by unanimous consent. There were no
increases or decreases.
Some of the highlights of these items are:
• Commodity increases in all three regions to
adjust for inflation: $1,334.9 (UGF)
• Two week on/two week off schedule for Dalton
District shift changes: $1,298.6 (UGF)
• Wayside improvements in Central and Northern
Regions: $385.0 (UGF)
• Silver Tip, Birch Lake, Chitna maintenance
station operations: $1,414.6 (UGF)
• Ice road maintenance: $200.0 (UGF)
• Alaska Marine Highway operating budget increase:
$13,847.0 (DGF)
Subcommittee Amendments:
The Chair set an amendment deadline, welcomed
amendments from all members, and the committee
received no amendments.
Attached Reports:
The House Finance Budget Subcommittee for the
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
adopted the attached reports:
• DOT&PF Agency Totals
• DOT&PF Transaction Compare: Adjusted Base + to
House Subcommittee
• Wordage
2:36:41 PM
Representative Hannan recalled that the legislature had
funded the Silver Tip, Birch Lake, and Chitna maintenance
stations the previous year. She asked if the stations had
been underfunded and needed additional money.
Alternatively, she wondered if the stations had been funded
with federal money that needed to be replaced with UGF.
Ms. Anderson stated her understanding the stations had been
funded with federal COVID funds the previous year and were
being switched to UGF.
Representative Ortiz looked at the other funds category
totaling $442 million. He remarked on the large size of the
figure and asked what went into other funds.
Ms. Anderson answered that the majority of the other funds
category was comprised of international airport funds. She
detailed that the Ted Stevens International Airport and the
Fairbanks International Airport were making large changes
to things like cybersecurity, laptops, mission critical
pay, and other. She explained the funds paid for themselves
because they were international airport funds, but they
needed to be shown in the budget. She offered to follow up
with specifics.
2:38:18 PM
Representative Ortiz looked at the Alaska Marine Highway
System (AMHS) operating budget increase of $13,847,000 DGF.
He asked if the fund source was the marine highway
operating fund.
Ms. Anderson did not have the information on hand. She
deferred the question to LFD.
MICHAEL PARTLOW, FISCAL ANALYST, LEGISLATIVE FINANCE
DIVISION, replied that the increase to AMHS was funded with
DGF through the Alaska Marine Highway Fund.
Representative Ortiz highlighted that the state had been
notified of a significant increase in federal marine
highway funding in the amount of $285 million. He believed
some of the funding could be used for operations and some
could be used for capital improvements for ships and
repair. He asked if the match requirement had been
addressed in the budget. He wondered if the state was still
waiting to see how it would work.
Co-Chair Johnson replied that she did not believe the
funding was included in the subcommittee budget, but it was
on the radar. The required match was not yet known, and she
wanted to ensure they were not caught short.
Representative Ortiz asked if Co-Chair Johnson was
referring to the source of the match.
Co-Chair Johnson clarified that the total match requirement
was not yet known. She was aware of the situation and did
not want to be caught short. She reiterated the funding was
on the radar.
2:41:06 PM
Co-Chair Johnson thanked the presenters and LFD.
Representative Tomaszewski appreciated the work of his
staff. He responded to Representative Ortiz's question
related to the federal AMHS funding and confirmed the state
would be looking at the matching funds and utilizing every
dollar possible.
HB 39 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
HB 41 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
Co-Chair Johnson reviewed the schedule for the following
day.
ADJOURNMENT
2:43:15 PM
The meeting was adjourned at 2:43 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| DFG House Finance Budget Subcommittee Narrative Report 3.11.23.pdf |
HFIN 3/13/2023 1:30:00 PM |
HB 39 |
| DFG-TransactionCompare1.pdf |
HFIN 3/13/2023 1:30:00 PM |
HB 39 |
| DFG-Spreadsheet.pdf |
HFIN 3/13/2023 1:30:00 PM |
HB 39 |
| DFG-AgencyTotals.pdf |
HFIN 3/13/2023 1:30:00 PM |
HB 39 |
| DFG-TransactionCompare2.pdf |
HFIN 3/13/2023 1:30:00 PM |
HB 39 |
| DFG-Wordage.pdf |
HFIN 3/13/2023 1:30:00 PM |
HB 39 |
| DNR HFIN Subcom BA Sheet w GovAmend - FINAL.pdf |
HFIN 3/13/2023 1:30:00 PM |
HB 39 |
| DNR Narrative (final).pdf |
HFIN 3/13/2023 1:30:00 PM |
HB 39 |
| DNR-AgencyTotals.pdf |
HFIN 3/13/2023 1:30:00 PM |
HB 39 |
| DNR-TransactionCompare1.pdf |
HFIN 3/13/2023 1:30:00 PM |
HB 39 |
| DNR-Wordage.pdf |
HFIN 3/13/2023 1:30:00 PM |
HB 39 |
| DOL-AgencyTotals.pdf |
HFIN 3/13/2023 1:30:00 PM |
HB 39 |
| DOL-Narrative.pdf |
HFIN 3/13/2023 1:30:00 PM |
HB 39 |
| DOL-Spreadsheet.pdf |
HFIN 3/13/2023 1:30:00 PM |
HB 39 |
| DOL-TransactionCompare1.pdf |
HFIN 3/13/2023 1:30:00 PM |
HB 39 |
| DOL-TransactionCompare2.pdf |
HFIN 3/13/2023 1:30:00 PM |
HB 39 |
| DOT-AgencyTotals.pdf |
HFIN 3/13/2023 1:30:00 PM |
HB 39 |
| DOL-Wordage.pdf |
HFIN 3/13/2023 1:30:00 PM |
HB 39 |
| DOTPF HFIN Subcom BA Sheet w GovAmend - FINAL.pdf |
HFIN 3/13/2023 1:30:00 PM |
HB 39 |
| DOT-TransactionCompare1.pdf |
HFIN 3/13/2023 1:30:00 PM |
HB 39 |
| DOT-Wordage.pdf |
HFIN 3/13/2023 1:30:00 PM |
HB 39 |
| JUD FY24 House Finance Budget Subcommittee Narrative Report 3.11.23.pdf |
HFIN 3/13/2023 1:30:00 PM |
HB 39 |
| JUD-AgencyTotals.pdf |
HFIN 3/13/2023 1:30:00 PM |
HB 39 |
| LAW-Narrative.pdf |
HFIN 3/13/2023 1:30:00 PM |
HB 39 |
| JUD-TransactionCompare1.pdf |
HFIN 3/13/2023 1:30:00 PM |
HB 39 |
| LAW-AgencyTotals.pdf |
HFIN 3/13/2023 1:30:00 PM |
HB 39 |
| LAW-Spreadsheet.pdf |
HFIN 3/13/2023 1:30:00 PM |
HB 39 |
| LAW-TransactionCompare1.pdf |
HFIN 3/13/2023 1:30:00 PM |
HB 39 |
| LAW-Wordage.pdf |
HFIN 3/13/2023 1:30:00 PM |
HB 39 |
| MVA-Spreadsheet.pdf |
HFIN 3/13/2023 1:30:00 PM |
HB 39 |
| DEC House SubCommitteeSpreadSheet - FINAL.pdf |
HFIN 3/13/2023 1:30:00 PM |
HB 39 |
| DEC-AgencyTotals.pdf |
HFIN 3/13/2023 1:30:00 PM |
HB 39 |
| DEC-Narrative.pdf |
HFIN 3/13/2023 1:30:00 PM |
HB 39 |
| DEC-TransactionCompare1.pdf |
HFIN 3/13/2023 1:30:00 PM |
HB 39 |
| DEC-Wordage.pdf |
HFIN 3/13/2023 1:30:00 PM |
HB 39 |