Legislature(2025 - 2026)ADAMS 519
03/14/2025 01:30 PM House FINANCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB53 || HB55 | |
| Public Testimony: Juneau, Sitka, Petersburg, Delta Junction, Dillingham, Glennallen, Valdez, Wrangell, Homer, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Seward, Tok, Offnets | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 53 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 55 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE
March 14, 2025
1:32 p.m.
1:32:32 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Josephson called the House Finance Committee
meeting to order at 1:32 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Neal Foster, Co-Chair
Representative Andy Josephson, Co-Chair
Representative Calvin Schrage, Co-Chair
Representative Jamie Allard (via teleconference)
Representative Jeremy Bynum
Representative Alyse Galvin
Representative Sara Hannan
Representative Nellie Unangiq Jimmie
Representative DeLena Johnson
Representative Will Stapp
Representative Frank Tomaszewski
MEMBERS ABSENT
None
ALSO PRESENT
Jackie Pata, First Vice President, Central Council of
Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska and Alaska
Regional Coalition, Juneau; Niamh Dardis, Director, REACH
Infant Learning Program, Juneau; Robert Barr, Deputy City
Manager, City and Borough of Juneau and Board Member,
THREAD, Juneau; Brian Wilson, Executive Director, Alaska
Coalition of Housing and Homelessness, Juneau; Lena
Merrell, Self, Juneau; Emily Ferry, Self, Juneau; Jim
Scholl, Reach Inc., Juneau; Hillary Landers, Reach Inc.,
Juneau.
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE
Kari Sagel, Self, Sitka; Matthew Calhoun, Executive
Director, ANSEP, University of Alaska Anchorage, Homer; Dr.
Victoria Kildal, Alaska Behavioral Health Association,
Kodiak; Pat Branson, Mayor, City of Kodiak, Kodiak; Meg
Mitchell, Self, Homer; Landa Baily, Self, Homer; Patrick
Reinhart, Director, Governor's Council on Disabilities and
Special Education, Anchor Point; Moses Wiseman, Self,
Anchorage; Tracey Schaeffer, Self, Kotzebue; Queen Parker,
Self, Sterling; Maxwell Mercer, Deputy Director, Community
Connections, Ketchikan; Tony Wilson, Director, Education
and Community Outreach, Alaska EXCEL, Wasilla; Pamela
Samash, Self, Nenana; Reilly McCue, Self, Anchorage;
Abigail Harver, UAA, Anchorage; Rachael Posey, Self,
Anchorage; Ralph Mackie, Board Member, Community
Connections, Craig; Lance Ceness, Self, Anchorage; Jackie
Timothy, Self, Juneau; Craig Fredeen, Self, Anchorage;
Tiffany Mills, Executive Director, Helping Ourselves
Prevent Emergencies, Craig; Waynette Coleman, Self,
Ninilchik; Josh Morales, Self, Anchorage; Karen Millstein,
Kodiak Area Native Association Advocacy Center, Kodiak;
Daniel Parks, Manager, Southeast Alaska Food Bank, Juneau;
Carol Wilson, Executive Director, Alaska EXCEL, Anchorage;
Lisa Johnson, School District, KWRCC, Kodiak; Kelsey
Lellig, Alaska EXCEL, Anchorage; Carlene Liesh, Lead
Instructor, Alaska EXCEL, Anchorage; Sarah Pulcino, Alaska
EXCEL, Anchorage; Jessica Forsyth, Self, Palmer; Debra
Denton, Self, Nikiski; Alistair Dunbar, Instructor, Alaska
EXCEL, Anchorage; Steven Arlow, Contracted Employee, Alaska
EXCEL, Anchorage; Joan Corr, Self, Soldotna; Sally Dybdahl,
Self, Hoonah; Jessica Noble, Self, Anchorage; Barbara
Haynes, Self, Homer; Elayne Hunter, Self, Anchorage;
Michelle Chase, Board President, Valdez Food Bank, Valdez.
SUMMARY
HB 53 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET; CAP; SUPP
HB 53 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
HB 55 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET
HB 55 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
Co-Chair Josephson reviewed the meeting agenda. The
committee would hear public testimony on the operating and
mental health budgets. He reviewed public testimony
protocol.
HOUSE BILL NO. 53
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and
loan program expenses of state government and for
certain programs; capitalizing funds; amending
appropriations; making supplemental appropriations;
making reappropriations; 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. 55
"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."
1:34:56 PM
Co-Chair Josephson remarked that the committee would hear
public testimony past 3:30 p.m. if there were still
individuals waiting to testify at that time.
Representative Bynum thought he heard the co-chair say 6:00
p.m.
Co-Chair Josephson confirmed that he had initially said
6:00 p.m. but had subsequently made a correction to the
time. He noted there were currently 22 individuals waiting
to testify.
Representative Bynum clarified that he would stay until
6:00 p.m. if there were still individuals waiting to
testify.
Representative Johnson wondered if it would be possible to
get a list of all of the people calling in.
Co-Chair Josephson responded affirmatively.
^PUBLIC TESTIMONY: JUNEAU, SITKA, PETERSBURG, DELTA
JUNCTION, DILLINGHAM, GLENNALLEN, VALDEZ, WRANGELL, HOMER,
KETCHIKAN, KODIAK, SEWARD, TOK, OFFNETS
1:36:57 PM
JACKIE PATA, FIRST VICE PRESIDENT, CENTRAL COUNCIL OF
TLINGIT AND HAIDA INDIAN TRIBES OF ALASKA AND ALASKA
REGIONAL COALITION, JUNEAU, she shared information about
Tlingit and Haida, which was a member of the Alaska
Regional Coalition (ARC), a consensus based coalition of
four regional tribal nonprofit service providers and two
regional tribes including the Tanana Chiefs, Maniilaq,
Inupiaq communities of the Arctic Slope. Collectively, the
coalition represented 109 communities and 70,000 people.
She detailed that ARC member organizations provided
critical medical, social services, public safety, and
workforce development on behalf of the State of Alaska
through contracts and grants administrating federal health
and tribal governance and social services on behalf of the
Indian Health Services (IHS), Bureau of Indian Affairs
(BIA), and Department of Justice. The ARC sought equity in
budget decisions and rural Alaska was very much a part of
the economies and many tribal organizations were the top
employers in their regions. She underscored that rural
Alaskans must not bear disproportionate cuts; equal
protection was a constitutional right for all Alaskans.
Ms. Pata stressed that schools were the heart of the
state's communities. The organization applauded the House
for advancing Base Student Allocation (BSA) funding in the
base budget. The consequences of insufficient BSA funds
included the reduction of support of staff, increased class
sizes, which was negatively impacting students scoring. She
emphasized that the state could and had to do better and
the House's efforts earlier in the week had moved Alaska in
the right direction. She shared that many ARC nonprofits
were tribal health organizations providing services to all
communities, which were not limited to Alaska Natives. The
ARC supported the committee's material increase for
behavioral health. Additionally, ARC supported increments
in support of the Village Public Safety Officers (VPSO) and
public radio in rural Alaska. She underscored that public
safety was a major issue for all communities and ARC
supported the governor's proposal to fund additional VPSOs.
She expressed support for public broadcasting and radio
stations in communities under 20,000 people. She thanked
the committee.
1:40:08 PM
Representative Hannan asked Ms. Pata to describe Tlingit
and Haida's role in the emergency response in the Wrangell
landside and how public radio assisted an organization
doing emergency response.
Ms. Pata replied Wrangell, Haines, Juneau, and other
communities experienced tremendous need for emergency
response. She stated that Tlingit and Haida had a state of
the art emergency response center. She relayed that the
state had used the tribe's facilities to locate people when
dealing with some of the emergency response. The ability to
be able to use public broadcasting in radio was essential
in order to keep people informed and it was a way to share
information on a large scale when there was not necessarily
personal contact or cell phone services. She had recently
been in Wrangell and the tribe was putting in its own cell
tower to try to bolster internet services in the community.
She noted that many communities suffered from cell outages.
Co-Chair Josephson thanked Representative Andi Story for
being present.
1:41:52 PM
NIAMH DARDIS, DIRECTOR, REACH INFANT LEARNING PROGRAM,
JUNEAU, shared that the Reach Infant Learning Program was
based in Juneau and provided services to additional
communities in Southeast. She expressed gratitude and
strong support for the $5.7 million increase to the Alaska
Infant Learning Program in the budget. She highlighted that
infant learning programs (ILP) had endured 11 years of flat
funding. The increment would ensure that ILP could continue
delivering essential early intervention services throughout
Alaska. The increment would also allow for expansion of ILP
eligibility by lowering the developmental delay threshold
from 50 percent to 25 percent, allowing more children to
receive early intervention services and shifting Alaska's
position as one of the most restrictive states in the
nation for accessing intervention services for the zero to
three population. She relayed that investing in ILP
services was beneficial for children and families and was
fiscally responsible. She highlighted that the National
Early Intervention Longitudinal Study showed that 46
percent of children receiving early intervention no longer
needed special education beyond kindergarten. The expansion
of ILP eligibility would give 77 percent more children
access to services, which could yield an estimated $34
million in annual savings. She added that Alaska was
experiencing a rapidly aging population, making it crucial
to retain young families in communities. She urged the
committee to prioritize the $5.72 million in the final
operating budget. She reviewed the benefits of ILP. She
thanked the committee.
1:44:32 PM
Representative Hannan asked Ms. Dardis for a concrete
example of a 25 percent delay versus a 50 percent delay.
Ms. Dardis responded that the 50 percent delay was a child
at the age of two who was functioning at the level of a one
year old. For example, they may not yet be walking or
verbally communicating.
Representative Hannan asked about an example of a 25
percent delay.
Ms. Dardis replied that it would mean catching children
experiencing a delay earlier so that families would not
have to wait as long for services. She explained that often
there were physicians who may refer children and families
came in for an evaluation. She elaborated that the child
may be experiencing a 30 percent delay including some
delays in language, mobility, and social emotional
regulation. Often times, the organization had to tell
families it was not equipped, or the child's delay was not
substantial enough. She explained that once the child
turned three, if they were enrolled in ILP services, the
organization would facilitate transition to the school
district to integrate pre-school services. Often times
children were falling through cracks and classrooms were
not equipped to meet their needs, which further delayed
evaluation and connecting them with therapeutic resources.
She explained they were missing the small, critical window
of brain development where 80 percent of neurons had formed
by the age of three.
1:46:42 PM
ROBERT BARR, DEPUTY CITY MANAGER, CITY AND BOROUGH OF
JUNEAU (CBJ) AND BOARD MEMBER, THREAD, JUNEAU, thanked the
legislature for including the childcare sector in the
budget the past year and for including childcare grants in
the FY 26 budget. He shared that the business model for
local, private childcare did not work without external
support. The support came from a variety of sources and
including grants in the current budget was a big part of
that. He highlighted that in a broad economic sense,
businesses needed predictability and stability to grow and
thrive. He requested including the childcare grants in a
sustainable and ongoing way in order for businesses to
plan. He relayed that CBJ was projected to spend about $1.8
million in local money in the current year that was very
similar to what the legislature had been doing. He shared
that Juneau did not see facility closures seen elsewhere in
the state and country during and immediately after the
pandemic. Juneau was starting to see its childcare
employers get on financial footings that enable them to
think about growth, which the economy desperately needed.
1:48:59 PM
BRIAN WILSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA COALITION OF
HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS, JUNEAU, relayed that over 15,000
Alaskans experienced homelessness annually. He explained
that when adding in populations living in severely
overcrowded situations, the number was much higher. He
stated that special needs housing grants helped fund
programs that solved homelessness. Data showed that 95
percent of the people housed in permanent supportive
housing did not return to homelessness in two years. The
grant was currently funded at $1.95 million with mental
health and unrestricted general fund dollars. He relayed
that the existing funding did not reach all of the programs
around the state. Many programs were struggling to keep
their doors open. He highlighted the Homeless Assistance
Program funding in the mental health bill. He stressed it
was a vital program that gave communities flexible funding
to stand up supports that may not exist from other funding
streams. Often the money came in the form of homelessness
prevention funding. The cheapest way to address
homelessness was to prevent it from happening again. He
explained that having to spend money to fix a car one month
and ending up being unable to pay rent should not be a
reason someone fell into homelessness. He asked the
committee to support the Homeless Assistance Program
funding in the governor's budget and a slight raise in the
special needs housing grant consistent with the trust's
recommendations.
Representative Stapp asked if Mr. Wilson was aware of a
program called General Relief Rent and Utility Assistance.
Mr. Wilson responded affirmatively. He noted that the
coalition did not manage the program.
1:51:59 PM
LENA MERRELL, SELF, JUNEAU, shared that she had two
children in the Juneau School District. She relayed that
her children's school building was closed due to the
consolidation the school district went through the previous
year. She thanked everyone who voted in favor of HB 69
earlier in the week and for making education a priority.
She understood it was easy to say one supported kids and
education, but it was harder for legislators to make the
budgeting choices to pay for it. She asked legislators to
think of children as the future of the state and to admit
the disservice that had been done to educators for many
years with the flat funding. She was heartbroken listening
to legislators who did not vote to override the governor's
veto and to hear them speak about education like a
business. She stressed that children were not a business
and she saw education as a civil service, which was written
into the Alaska Constitution. She did not think the body
had been funding education adequately for many years. She
stated that a woefully underfunded business did not thrive.
She stated the legislature was expecting teachers and
educators to show results, but they were not being
adequately compensated. She believed the state had been
giving away far too much to corporations for far too long.
She hoped the body had some creative ideas to keep money in
the state in order to fund the future.
Co-Chair Josephson admitted the disservice.
Representative Hannan thanked Ms. Merrell, her former
student. She stated that Ms. Merrell and her husband were
homegrown Alaskans who had chosen to stay in the community
and contribute.
1:55:36 PM
EMILY FERRY, SELF, JUNEAU, testified in support of funding
for education. She thanked the House for passing HB 69 and
encouraged the committee for continued support of funding
education. She stated that education had been flat funded
over the past decade or so. She noted that some of the
funding had been replaced with federal funding and with a
lot of funds from her pocket. She had three kids in high
school who were all very active. One would be heading south
for the National Robotics competitions, and she was very
grateful. The dollars she contributed for public education
opportunities were in the thousands. She stated it tended
towards inequity because not everyone had those
opportunities due to the way the state had chosen to
underfund education. She noted that one-time funding
helped, but without an increase to the BSA and with an
upcoming loss in federal funding, schools would suffer.
She was willing to contribute more to the functioning of
the state. She asked the legislature to tax her.
1:58:05 PM
JIM SCHOLL, REACH INC., JUNEAU, testified in support of
infant learning programs. He relayed that REACH provided
services to individuals with developmental disabilities in
Southeast Alaska. The board strongly supported expanding
eligibility to include more infants in ILPs. He stated that
it would improve early child outcomes and reduce future
special education needs. The board supported increased
funding for ILPs, especially in light of flat funding in
recent years. He shared that he had a good friend in high
school who did not need special education services, but he
had been in Reach's ILP program when he was an infant. He
believed it helped and it reduced costs.
2:00:25 PM
KARI SAGEL, SELF, SITKA (via teleconference), spoke in
support of increased funding and expanded eligibility for
the infant learning program. The ILP provided direct
services to children and families for infants with
developmental delays and physical and cognitive concerns.
She stressed it was money well spent. Addressing concerns
earlier would result in healthier children, stronger
families, and fewer gaps when children started more formal
education, all saving money later on. She stated that ILP
had not seen an increase for a very long time, and it was
time for an increase.
2:01:45 PM
MATTHEW CALHOUN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA NATIVE SCIENCE
AND ENGINEERING PROGRAM (ANSEP), UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA
ANCHORAGE, HOMER (via teleconference), testified in support
of ANSEP. He shared that he was an ANSEP alum and would not
have been able to get a Ph.D. without ANSEP. He shared that
he was the only Alaska Native to earn a Ph.D. in civil
engineering ever. He was working with a student who was
about to get their Ph.D. in civil engineering. He provided
information about the program. He highlighted a dual credit
option for students. He relayed that students attending
ANSEP tended to stay and work in Alaska. He stated that it
was helping the brain drain from the state. On average,
students had earned an associate degree by high school
graduation. He emphasized that a student would be going to
medical school after they graduated high school. The
program was in the planning stages for potential 2026
sites. Each program could be implemented at any location
with a University of Alaska campus. He asked the committee
to restore the cut to the program in the bill.
2:04:46 PM
DR. VICTORIA KILDAL, CHIEF LEARNING OFFICER, ALASKA
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION, KODIAK (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding for the Alaska Behavioral
Health Association and behavioral health services. She
shared that she was a lifelong Alaskan and had dedicated
her career to the behavioral health field. She applauded
the subcommittee for including $13.7 million in the budget
for behavioral health clinic and rehabilitation services.
She urged the committee to maintain the funding. She
highlighted that Alaska's behavioral health system was in
crisis and the state often led the nation in suicide,
overdose, anxiety, trauma, and depression rates. The
behavioral health workforce was doing its best to stem the
tide, but it was increasingly difficult. The system had
adapted, consolidated services, cut costs, and asked staff
to do more than was sustainable. Persistent financial
shortfalls had led to various problems including the
difficulty of hiring and retaining providers. When
behavioral health services were not available people showed
up in emergency rooms, jails, and foster care. She stressed
the importance of the $13.7 million for lifesaving
services.
2:07:20 PM
PAT BRANSON, MAYOR, CITY OF KODIAK, KODIAK (via
teleconference), testified in support of $3 million for
senior grants. She shared that home and community based
grants kept people at home with cost efficient services.
She listed the various services provided to keep people
living at home. She pointed out that it saved money. The
only way many seniors could go into long-term care was via
Medicaid funding. She wanted to keep seniors living where
they chose to live and part of the community. She requested
to keep the senior grants intact.
2:08:51 PM
MEG MITCHELL, SELF, HOMER (via teleconference), shared that
she had lived in Alaska for more than 40 years and worked
in behavioral health services. She stated that the governor
had proclaimed March to be developmental disabilities
awareness month. There were 11,600 Alaskan children,
adults, and families experiencing disabilities. She
believed the community of individuals with developmental
disabilities in Alaska shared the vision for a future where
each person directed their own supports based on needs.
She stated that public knowledge and understanding were the
most effective strategies for addressing the challenges
associated with developmental disability. The state needed
to be more proactive in maximizing direct service training
and development. She spoke to the need to promote human
service jobs at the high school and college levels. She
highlighted the importance of promoting a stronger
workforce in the state. The state's population was aging,
and more developmental disabilities were emerging.
Additionally, the waitlist for services was increasing. She
stated more leadership and planning was needed. She
appreciated the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority
(AMHTA). She supported the $13 million in the budget for
mental health.
2:12:19 PM
LANDA BAILY, SELF, HOMER (via teleconference), shared that
she was born and raised in Alaska. She read from Article 1,
Section 1 of the state constitution. She asked the
legislature to consider a full review of the mining tax
structure and supported changing the rates for new mines in
order for the taxes to pay for all of the infrastructure
that impacted Alaska and that brought money into the
Permanent Fund. She asked the committee to consider a
comprehensive change to the oil tax structure. She stated
that increased taxes oil companies paid may be the only
taxes they paid because of the huge tax relief most
corporations enjoyed at the federal level. A revised
structure should optimize the amount that could be
deposited in the Permanent Fund. She supported a statutory
revision to Alaska Industrial Development and Export
Authority (AIDEA) so that AIDEA's budget and projects were
reviewed and approved by the legislature. She did not
support the Juneau Access Road project. She asked the
committee to insist the governor release the state salary
review that was paid for with public funds. She supported
Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) and public education.
2:16:05 PM
Representative Stapp remarked that Ms. Baily was one of the
most informed people he had heard testify before the
committee on state operations and fund sources. He thanked
her.
Ms. Baily thanked Representative Stapp.
2:16:46 PM
PATRICK REINHART, DIRECTOR, GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL ON
DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL EDUCATION, ANCHOR POINT (via
teleconference), thanked the committee for considering
increases for the Infant Learning Program, which was the
council's top priority in the current year to make up for
10 years of lost revenue from inflation and to expand the
program to include infants and toddlers with a delay down
to 25 percent. The changes would provide savings to the
state in the long run. He asked for $480,000 for the
Special Education Service Agency (SESA). The agency was
funded by a formula, and it appeared the formula was not
sufficient to serve all of the kids with low incident
disabilities across the state. The funding would be a
temporary fix until the formula funding could be looked at.
He asked for funding for the Deaf Navigator Program grant
of $75,000. The council supported a functional needs
coordinator in the emergency operation center. He stressed
it was important for people in state government to be set
up to address people with disabilities.
2:19:24 PM
HILLARY LANDERS, REACH INC., JUNEAU, shared that she was in
support of the $5.72 million for the Alaska Infant Learning
Program. There was strong research supporting the
importance of early intervention in children experiencing
developmental delays. Evidence showed it improved the
outcomes and reduced the need for special education
services later on in a child's life. She shared that REACH
billed insurance when applicable, but the organization
often did not get reimbursed due to high deductibles or
lack of reimbursement for pediatric habilitative care. Per
state requirements, REACH was not allowed to pass cost
along to the family; therefore, the organization provided
significant family service coordination that was not
billable for families with private insurance. She listed
examples. The grant funding allowed the organization to
continue to provide services. She stressed that all of the
costs had gone up significantly due to inflation including
rent, air travel, cost of food and lodging, gas, and more.
The organization was only allowed to use grant funding for
children with a 50 percent delay or more. She provided
additional detail. Children under that percentage were not
eligible for services until pre-school. She thanked the
committee.
Co-Chair Josephson recognized Representative Mia Costello
in the room.
2:22:15 PM
MOSES WISEMAN, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of education funding and Alaska EXCEL.
He detailed that the program was open to all rural school
districts in Alaska it supported students in earning
valuable academic and career certifications preparing
students for postsecondary education and the workforce. He
elaborated that students graduated with the necessary
skills to enter the workforce and go to college. He shared
his personal story and success with the EXCEL program. He
spoke to the benefits of the program. He highlighted that
92 percent of the program's alumni lived in the state to
attend college or work. He added that in the past three
years the program implemented a social emotional curriculum
addressing the high rate of suicide, substance abuse and
alcohol. He urged the committee to fund the program.
Representative Jimmie spoke to Mr. Wiseman in Yup'ik.
Mr. Wiseman replied.
2:25:25 PM
TRACEY SCHAEFFER, SELF, KOTZEBUE (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding for education. She asked
the committee to protect the $7.725 million in childcare
grants in the budget. She ran one of the two licensed
childcare facilities in the offroad system in Kotzebue. She
shared that it was almost impossible to operate in the
region due to the costs. She relayed that it was an
incredibly crucial part to recruit people to live in the
area. The facility worked closely with the Infant Learning
Program. She supported childcare funding, infant learning
programs and the BSA. She highlighted that giving children
solid opportunities from birth to five meant they were more
likely to be successful in school.
2:27:39 PM
QUEEN PARKER, SELF, STERLING (via teleconference),
supported a full PFD. She asked if Co-Chair Foster, Senator
Cronk, and Representative Tomaszewski voted in support of a
full PFD.
Co-Chair Josephson replied that no one had voted yet. The
budget currently included a full PFD.
Ms. Parker stated that she supported a full PFD.
2:28:45 PM
MAXWELL MERCER, DEPUTY DIRECTOR, COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS,
KETCHIKAN (via teleconference), thanked the committee for
the inclusion of $13.7 million for behavioral health
services. He shared that at the current funding level,
Community Connections was not able to meet the needs of
youth and families with behavioral health needs. The
organization was currently overwhelmed with referrals from
parents, state social workers, residential treatment
centers, and other at-risk kids. The best outcomes for kids
happened when they received behavioral health services in
their home communities. The organization's services
included therapeutic foster care, counseling, and direct
care. The organization was working hard to keep kids in
their communities and out of restrictive institutions. They
were currently only able to serve under 50 percent of the
kids who were referred. The organization needed to grow and
growth cost money to recruit, retain, and train staff. He
stressed that the organization was a major employer with
almost 200 employees. He provided additional information
about the organization. He pointed out that failing to fund
behavioral health shifted costs to the state. He noted that
the sister organization, Residential Youth Care, also
wanted to be present, but they were unable to do so. His
remarks applied to them as well.
2:32:16 PM
TONY WILSON, DIRECTOR, EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH,
ALASKA EXCEL, WASILLA (via teleconference), spoke in
support of Alaska EXCEL. He stated it was a life changing
opportunity and provided Alaska Native youth with hands on
career focused education. The program primarily worked with
students in rural Alaska. The program brought students from
rural communities to Anchorage and provided them with
unparalleled exposure to high demand career pathways such
as aviation, welding, health sciences, construction,
culinary arts, and public safety. Students earned high
school and college credits, certifications, and practical
experience. For many of the students, the program was the
only access to career and technical education aligning with
Alaska's workforce needs. He shared that one of the
students had received his pilot certificate prior to
graduating from high school. He stressed that the program's
return on investment was undeniable. He continued to speak
about the benefits of the program. He urged maintained
funding for the program.
2:34:38 PM
PAMELA SAMASH, SELF, NENANA (via teleconference), testified
in support for a full PFD. She believed it would benefit
everyone. She asked for a 15 percent increase to senior
grants. She stated that when seniors were able to remain at
home and in the community, they were benefitted because
they were able to see family and community members. She
believed seniors were beautiful and wise people. She asked
the committee to think about seniors during the budget
process.
2:36:48 PM
REILLY MCCUE, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), shared
that she is a volleyball student athlete at University of
Alaska Anchorage (UAA). She was from Ketchikan felt blessed
to represent her small hometown and the state. She provided
details about her personal education path. She was grateful
for the support. She asked the committee to support funding
for UAA athletics in the budget.
2:38:13 PM
ABIGAIL HARVER, UAA, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), shared
that she is a track and cross country student athlete at
UAA. She detailed that she grew up mostly in Kodiak. She
provided information about her personal story. She asked
for support in the budget for funding for UAA athletics.
She was honored to be a part of the program and how the
athletics program had an impact on her and the community.
She gave additional details about her experience.
Co-Chair Josephson asked what her sport was.
Ms. Harver answered track and field and cross country.
2:41:53 PM
RACHAEL POSEY, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support for education funding in the state
budget. She thanked legislators who recently voted in favor
of HB 69 to increase BSA funding. She asked the committee
to prioritize education. She stated that if the BSA did not
increase by at least $1,000 there would not be enough
funding for the swim and dive program and extracurricular
activities. She highlighted there was data showing a strong
correlation between participation in high school sports and
student attendance and graduation rates. She spoke to the
importance of having teachers in schools. She detailed that
each year, the University system graduated fewer teachers
than the district needed to hire. As a result, Alaska was
recruiting and competing to hire teachers from outside the
state. She stressed the importance of stable, consistent
funding for education. She supported a BSA increase to
improve educational outcomes. She spoke to other benefits
an increase to the BSA would bring.
Representative Allard asked if Ms. Posey paid a sports fee
for her child to participate.
Ms. Posey answered that every middle school student paid a
sports fee of $110. She believed the high school sports fee
was $225. There was an opportunity for students with
financial hardships to file an application to have the fee
waived. She was not certain what the process was. Her
family paid sports fees.
Representative Allard asked if it was per child or a family
maximum.
Ms. Posey answered that the maximum per high school student
was $675 per year. She currently only had one high school
student. There was a maximum in middle school where once a
family had paid for three sports for a student any
additional sport was free for that student.
2:45:33 PM
Co-Chair Josephson asked if the following testifier had
testified in a previous public testimony meeting that week.
RALPH MACKIE, BOARD MEMBER, COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS, CRAIG
(via teleconference), replied that he had testified the
previous day.
Co-Chair Josephson noted that individuals were provided one
opportunity to testify.
Mr. Mackie supported early learning.
2:46:35 PM
LANCE CENESS, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding for UAA athletics. He was a
member of the track and field team and a biology major. He
shared that he had grown up in Homer. He provided
information about his personal story. He was grateful for
the hard work that brought him to his current location. He
planned to remain to work in Alaska after graduation. He
thanked the committee.
Co-Chair Josephson asked for Mr. Ceness's event.
Mr. Ceness replied that he ran the 800.
2:48:16 PM
JACKIE TIMOTHY, SELF, JUNEAU (via teleconference),
testified in support of the state's home modification and
upgrade program to enable disabled individuals to remain in
their homes. She shared that she is a retired fisheries
biologist and when she retired, she had fostered a little
boy for a temporary time, but she had ended up adopting
him. She elaborated that he had been born healthy and his
mother had battered him until he became quadriplegic,
blind, epileptic, and suffered from cerebral palsy. She
explained that every possible thing that could go wrong for
the little child had. She stated that the program allowed
bathroom modifications, doorways widened, and other related
modifications were incredibly helpful to children in her
adopted son's situation, who through no fault of their own
had ended up totally dependent on others. She hoped the
legislature was able to renew the program and provide
supports to agencies for the services to enable kids to
stay in home.
Co-Chair Josephson replied that Ms. Timothy's request was
touching. He believed the item was also known as
environmental modifications or e-mods. He asked if that was
correct.
Ms. Timothy replied affirmatively.
Representative Hannan commended Ms. Timothy for her
commitment, passion, and love for her children and for her
long journey of caring for people in the community. She
thanked her for loving another child who needed her.
Ms. Timothy thanked Ms. Hannan for her words.
2:51:49 PM
CRAIG FREDEEN, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of the $1,000 BSA increase. He
provided a quote associated with Confucius: "If your plan
is for one year plant rice. If your plan is for ten years
plant trees. If your plan is for one hundred years educate
children." He thanked the House for passing HB 69 and for
planning for the state's future.
2:52:57 PM
TIFFANY MILLS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HELPING OURSELVES
PREVENT EMERGENCIES (HOPE), CRAIG (via teleconference),
relayed that HOPE offered sexual assault and domestic
violence victim advocacy, food, homeless, and legal
assistance, transportation, and other services to
individuals in need. She thanked the committee keeping
victim services flat funding the past year by funding the
$3.7 million. She thanked the Department of Public Safety
finance subcommittee for keeping the funding level the same
in the FY 26 budget. She highlighted that the prices of
goods and services had risen substantially, and HOPE
employees were taking a loss in salaries due to flat
funding. She relayed that without additional funding, the
organization may be forced to discontinue health insurance
for employees. The current cost for health insurance was
about $4,500 per month for two employees. She highlighted
that even with flat funding the organization had helped 75
survivors on Prince of Wales with victim services and basic
needs the previous year. In FY 27, the organization would
see a loss of $4.2 million in federal funding. If the state
did not allocate additional funding for victim services,
many agencies would need to close, leaving victims in some
areas of Alaska unsafe. The organization agreed that
funding for education, behavioral health, and child
advocacy centers should be a priority in the FY 26 budget
because they were all essential to have healthy
communities. She asked the committee to keep domestic
violence and sexual assault in mind in the FY 27 budget in
order to keep the essential services operational.
2:55:08 PM
WAYNETTE COLEMAN, SELF, NINILCHIK (via teleconference),
testified in support of the full PFD. She shared that money
from the PFD went back into the state economy. She detailed
that she had purchased many new tires over the years. She
stated that residents knew how to spend their own money.
She did not support the BSA increase at the current time.
She thought schools needed to be held accountable in terms
of communicating what the funding would be spent on.
JOSH MORALES, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), called
in support for the $1,000 BSA. He had hoped there would be
an $1,800 BSA increase, but he would take what they could
get. He noted that even with a $1,000 increase it appeared
the vast majority of the state's school districts would
need to cut positions. He quoted from the Alaska
Constitution specifying that the legislature shall
establish and maintain a system of public schools for all
children in the state. He asked the legislature to keep the
requirement in mind during the budget process. He noted
that it had come to light there was a shortage in funds to
maintain school infrastructure. He thanked the committee.
2:59:12 PM
KAREN MILLSTEIN, KODIAK AREA NATIVE ASSOCIATION ADVOCACY
CENTER, KODIAK (via teleconference), testified in support
of funding for child advocacy centers. She shared that
child advocacy centers investigated child abuse cases. She
had worked as a physician's assistant for 31 years and had
spent a significant portion of her career treating adults
for childhood trauma. She highlighted that research showed
that children suffering trauma were more likely to suffer
from substance abuse, mental health disorders, and medical
problems later on. Research also showed that giving
children and families help greatly improved long-term
outcomes and decreased personal trauma and the medical
burden on public health. She strongly encouraged the
committee to support funding for community advocacy
centers.
3:00:50 PM
DANIEL PARKS, MANAGER, SOUTHEAST ALASKA FOOD BANK, JUNEAU
(via teleconference), thanked the committee for supporting
HB 344 and 168 to expand broad based categorical
eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program (SNAP) and to create an online SNAP application the
previous session. He thanked legislators for their support
of $3 million allocated for direct food purchasing
throughout the state. Hunger continued to be an increasing
issue impacting approximately one in eight Alaskans and one
in six children. The number was close to 100,000 in Alaska.
The Juneau organization provided food for 400 to 500 people
per week, and it provided food to over 30 agencies in
Southeast Alaska. He noted that all of the member agencies
were reporting an increase in demand. He urged the
legislature to continue prioritizing funding for direct
food purchasing programs such as the food security grant
from the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic
Development and a food bank and pantry relief grant through
the Department of Health. He implored the committee to
continue funding programs that fed the state's children. He
noted that individuals experiencing food insecurity
experienced increased risk for housing instability,
negative mental health outcomes, and lower attendance in
schools. He supported HB 12 and SB 13 for programs like
free and reduced school meals. In many cases kids only had
access to a hot meal at school. He urged the committee to
make sure Alaskans were well fed.
Co-Chair Foster shared the priority. He detailed there was
a food bank in his community of Nome. He asked if the
Juneau Food Bank worked to get food to smaller local
communities. He relayed that the Nome Food Bank worked to
get food out to surrounding areas. He understood the need
was great and he supported whatever could be done to get
food out to small villages. He asked how it worked in
Southeast.
Mr. Parks replied that it was a very difficult process in
Alaska due to its large size and remote, rural communities
off the road system. The Southeast Alaska Food Bank in
Juneau had member agencies spread throughout the region and
the organization serviced agencies in Haines, Petersburg,
Hoonah, Pelican, Kake, and more. He stated it was very
challenging to distribute food to the communities. The
organization often sent teachers back to communities on
Alaska Airlines with 50 pound boxes they could check for
free in order to have something to put in local pantries.
Sometimes fishermen would load up their boats with whatever
they could take back to communities. He shared that it was
his personal priority to improve the organization's reach
and access to remote communities. Likewise, it was a
priority for the Food Bank of Alaska and other
organizations throughout the state.
Co-Chair Foster stated it sounded like the challenges were
mutual. He thanked Mr. Parks for calling in.
3:07:07 PM
CAROL WILSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA EXCEL, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), testified in support of Alaska EXCEL
funding. She explained that EXCEL was dedicated to
supporting underserved students in remote regions of
Alaska, especially those located off of the road system.
She provided additional detail about the program that would
be moving to Palmer in June. She listed career programs
offered by the program. The program had successfully served
nearly 3,000 middle and high school students since its
establishment in 2014. She provided additional detail about
the students served by the program. The program currently
operated without any state funding. She asked the committee
to consider providing funding in the operating budget.
3:09:39 PM
LISA JOHNSON, KODIAK SCHOOL DISTRICT, KWRCC, KODIAK (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for the
Kodiak Women's Resource Center where she worked part time.
She also worked full-time at the Kodiak School District.
She spoke about the connection between the women's domestic
violence center and schools. She noted that violence seemed
to be increasing and children were reaching out for help
every day. She detailed that the women's center had a
location where families could get donations and it reached
out through schools. Additionally, the center had a teen
line where kids could call or text anonymously to talk
about anything they wanted. She thanked the committee for
funding $3.7 million to keep domestic violence and sexual
assault services flat funded. She stated that more federal
dollars would be lost in FY 27, estimated at $4.2 million.
She noted that the difficulty with flat funding was that
the organization had to supplement it somehow. She noted
that one of the communities' middle schools would be
closing due to a lack of funding. She asked for support for
a $1,000 BSA increase.
3:13:42 PM
KELSEY LELLIG, ALASKA EXCEL, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for Alaska
EXCEL. She underscored that in addition to helping
students, the program directly benefitted the state's
workforce. She provided details about the program. She
stated that 70 percent of EXCEL graduates remained in rural
Alaska and 92 percent continued to live in Alaska. She
discussed benefits of the program. She noted that without
the program, many students may not have the opportunity.
She urged the committee to include the program in the
budget.
3:15:58 PM
CARLENE LIESH, LEAD INSTRUCTOR, ALASKA EXCEL, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), testified in support of the Alaska
EXCEL program. She was a former student about the program
and was passionate about her job. She shared a personal
story related to her experience with the EXCEL program. She
stated it was a vital program for youth in rural Alaska.
She asked for state funding for the program.
3:19:17 PM
SARAH PULCINO, ALASKA EXCEL, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of the Alaska EXCEL
program. She shared information about sharing her passion
for photography with students. She had witnessed a powerful
transformation in students attending the program. She
shared that her grandmother was from St. Lawrence Island
and did not have the opportunity to go to school. She noted
that seeing her grandmother's struggles was a reminder of
the importance of education. The program was designed to
give students the skills and practical knowledge to succeed
in various areas. In addition to teaching vital skills, the
students earned high school credits and were able to keep
moving forward in their education while gaining hands on
experience. The program empowered students to dream bigger
academically. She stated that for the program to continue
and grow, state support was needed. She noted that without
the support many of the students may lose access to the
program.
3:22:40 PM
JESSICA FORSYTH, SELF, PALMER (via teleconference),
testified in support of Alaska EXCEL funding in the budget.
She stated that the impact of the program on students was
undeniable. She spoke to the benefits of the program for
students. She stated that an investment in the program was
an investment in Alaska's youth, rural communities, and the
state's future. She urged the committee to include the
funding.
3:24:04 PM
DEBRA DENTON, SELF, NIKISKI (via teleconference), spoke in
support of a full PFD. She thanked the committee for
listening to the people.
3:24:31 PM
ALISTAIR DUNBAR, INSTRUCTOR, ALASKA EXCEL, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of Alaska EXCEL. The
program was important for youth in rural Alaska. He was
raised in Utqiagvik and wished there had been a program
like Alaska EXCEL available to him. He highlighted the
difficulty of transitioning to life outside of the village.
The program prepared students for that transition through
career and technical education, life skills on budgeting,
and more. He discussed the benefits and services of the
program. He urged the committee to include funding for the
program in the budget.
STEVEN ARLOW, CONTRACTED EMPLOYEE, ALASKA EXCEL, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), shared that he is a retired Alaska
State Trooper. He relayed that he developed a public safety
program at the end of his career to try to get recruitment
into the public safety profession. Additionally, he
developed a public safety program within Alaska EXCEL. He
had incorporated several agencies to help with the program
including the U.S. Coast Guard, Alaska Court System, the
state crime lab, VPSO program, the Department of Fish and
Game, and boating safety. All of the agencies had committed
resources and personnel to administer a public safety
program. He stated that the school system was severely
broken and challenged and Alaska EXCEL offered an
opportunity for young rural students to gain work and
survival skills for use in villages. He highly recommended
the state provide some funding for the program that
previously had received zero state support. He appreciated
the committee's time.
Co-Chair Josephson thanked Mr. Arlow to his commitment to
public safety throughout his career.
3:29:06 PM
JOAN CORR, SELF, SOLDOTNA (via teleconference), spoke in
support of a full PFD. She did not support an increase to
the BSA because until student scores increased. She wanted
to see scores increase before more money went to education.
She stated that the teachers she had talked with shared
that most of the money did not make it to teachers or into
classrooms.
3:30:48 PM
SALLY DYBDAHL, SELF, HOONAH (via teleconference), shared
that her nine-year-old autistic grandson attended school in
Hoonah. She asked for increased funding for education. She
asked for funding increase for SESA. She relayed that due
to an increase in SESA's caseload, services were stretched
to the maximum. She noted that the Governor's Council on
Disabilities and Special Education understood the benefits
of the services. She stated that the program allowed her
family to access various materials unavailable in Hoonah to
use at home and school to help students. She listed
benefits of the program. She asked the committee to
increase the formula funding rate for SESA. She thanked the
committee.
3:32:06 PM
JESSICA NOBLE, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of education funding beginning with
the $1,000 BSA increase in HB 69. She supported increasing
the amount up to $1,800 in the future. She stated that test
scores were not the only success indicators. There were
many children that did not test in home schooling
correspondence programs and public schools. She remarked
that the better indicator was teacher-student ratios. She
wanted to see education funding inflation proofed. She had
heard a lot of testimony about accountability. She reminded
those testifiers that all school boards had budgets that
were hundreds of pages long that were very detailed about
where the money was allocated. She wished the governor
would make the legislature's job easier without starting
with a deficit. She stated that the PFD was meant to be
given after all of the services were provided. She wanted
her children to be able to raise their children in Alaska.
3:35:07 PM
BARBARA HAYNES, SELF, HOMER (via teleconference), shared
that she was speaking as a 75-year-old grandmother with
three great grandchildren and is a retired public school
teacher. She emphatically asked the legislature to remember
that the state's children were more important than the PFD.
She asked for forward funding of education to keep public
schools open and operating at an effective level.
3:36:03 PM
ELAYNE HUNTER, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), shared
that she is a retired elementary school counselor and
mental health social worker. She spoke in support of early
education, which reduced crime and incarceration later on.
She would prefer to see money spent on early education. She
believed it would be necessary at some point to contribute
to the services as responsible individuals in the form of
an income tax. She understood it was very difficult
politically. She stated that developing human resources and
having strong communities was essential to the future. She
did not think the state had recovered from COVID. She
supported the $1,000 BSA increase.
3:38:37 PM
MICHELLE CHASE, BOARD PRESIDENT, VALDEZ FOOD BANK, VALDEZ
(via teleconference), testified in support for direct food
purchasing programs including summer food programs and
school meal programs. She detailed that there were about
125 families that used the Valdez Food Bank biweekly (about
5 to 10 percent of the community's population). Individuals
utilized the distribution and delivery services 4,951 times
in the past year. There was an increase in utilization of
about 30 percent in the past several years. She stated that
all people needed to eat in order to thrive. They were
neighbors helping neighbors in communities. She pointed out
that no one knew when they would be on the receiving end of
safety net programs such as the food bank. She urged the
committee to provide funding for essential food programs.
She thanked the committee.
Co-Chair Josephson thanked all of the testifiers for
participating in the process.
HB 53 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
HB 55 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
Co-Chair Josephson reviewed the schedule for the following
meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
3:41:18 PM
The meeting was adjourned at 3:41 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB 53 Public Testimony Rec'd by 031425C1.pdf |
HFIN 3/14/2025 1:30:00 PM |
HB 53 |