HOUSE BILL NO. 95 An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state government, for certain programs, and to capitalize funds; making appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska; and providing for an effective date. HOUSE BILL NO. 96 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. Public Testimony  Taken from the following communities: Kenai, Valdez, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Seward, Matsu, Glennallen, Tok, Sitka, Wrangell, Petersburg, Homer, Dillingham, Cordova, Bethel, Kotzebue, Barrow, Nome, Delta Junction, Fairbanks, & Offnets TIME SPEAKER DISCUSSION  10:11:03 AM Co-Chair Convened the House Finance Committee  Chenault meeting in order to take statewide  testimony on the proposed FY08  operating budget.  KENAI, VALDEZ, KETCHIKAN, KODIAK,  10:11:47 AM  SEWARD, MATSU, GLENNALLEN, TOK  LARRY SEMMENS, Addressed concerns with the Public FINANCE Employees Retirement System (PERS) and DIRECTOR, CITY the unfunded liability associated with OF KENAI that; he encouraged a cap at 22%.  10:15:05 AM MARSHA Spoke in support of funding for MOULTON, KENAI interpreters for the deaf.  10:16:43 AM JULIA WILSON, Echoed support for interpreters for the KENAI hard of hearing especially in the court system and all job services.  10:17:34 AM EMMA BERRY, Voiced strong support for interpreters KENAI for all business services within the State.  10:18:11 AM MARION NELSON, Testified in greater support for public PUBLIC RADIO, radio creating more stable funding.  KENAI 10:19:15 AM LORETTA Urged support for greater funding of SPALDING, independent living skills programs.  TALENT, KENAI 10:20:53 AM KIM DANESEN, Voiced support for continued funding TALENTS, KENAI for programs like the TALENTS program.  10:22:54 AM CAROLYN Noted further support for the LANGLEY, KENAI independent learning centers throughout the State.  10:24:41 AM PASTOR PHILLIP Voiced strong support for continued EGDERLY, KENAI funding for the Independent Living group & services.  10:27:27 AM ED MARTIN SR., Testified in support of continued KENAI funding for the Longevity Bonus Program.  10:29:09 AM FRED STURMAN, Warned Committee members about the SOLDOTNA hazards of not raising wages for employees of the State of Alaska. He voiced concern with the State's spending problems.  10:31:01 AM RON FULLNICK, [inaudible].  KENAI 10:31:30 AM  BILL ARPINO, Voiced support for continued & greater BURNT PAW funding for the Job Centers in the CABINS, smaller areas of the State.  OUTBACK, TOURISM, TOK 10:34:37 AM SUZETTE Indicated her support for jobs in TIXIER, TOK Alaska and the importance of the Job Center located in Tok.  10:36:12 AM ALAN LEMASTER, Testified in support of greater funding GAKONA of tourism marketing in the State.  10:39:53 AM ARTHUR Spoke in support of the Infant Learning WALTERS, Program situated in the Mental Health GOVERNOR'S Program. He requested greater support COUNCIL, for interpreters for the deaf and SEWARD further funding of all mental health programs.  10:42:27 AM JERRY DIXON, Noted his support for substantial EDUCATOR, funding for education. He worried SEWARD about cuts to the honors and special education classes.  Representative Inquired about the numbers of losses to Gara math and music programs. Mr. Dixon replied when his child was in that school, math and drama programs were axed & they hired a special tutor.  10:45:49 AM GENE BRADLEY, Testified in support of Independent SEWARD Living Grants.  10:46:39 AM PATTY Spoke in support of funding for mental LINVILLE, health programs and funding for K-12 SEWARD education programs. She worried about the act of putting finances into building bigger prisons rather than funding education at a higher level.  10:49:03 AM WILLARD Voiced support for full funding for DUNHAM, CITY Public Employees Retirement System COUNCIL, (PERS) and Teachers Retirement System SEWARD (TRS) debt. He added support for the gas line. Mr. Dunahm urged greater funding for University of Alaska.  10:51:19 AM STAN STEPHENS, Voiced support for an increase in VALDEZ funding of the tourism industry. He TOURISM, urged support for HB 67(?).  VALDEZ 10:52:45 AM DEREK DODD, Spoke in support of funding for K-12 VALDEZ education program and support for full funding of the PERS and TRS.   10:54:36 AM COLLEEN Testified in support for continued STEPHENS, support for tourism throughout the VALDEZ State.  TOURISM, VALDEZ  10:55:59 AM LYDIA Spoke in support of funding for K-12 ROUNTREE, education programs; she pointed out how VALDEZ education is being drained by the responsibility to fund TRS.  10:58:04 AM JOHN DEVENS, Testified in support for continued VALDEZ support for tourism throughout the CONVENTION & State.  VISITORS BUREAU, RCAC, VALDEZ 11:00:38 AM JESSIE MCKAY, Spoke in support of funding for K-12 STUDENT, education programs.  VALDEZ 11:01:38 AM CHERIE MCKAY, Echoed support for greater funding for PARENT, VALDEZ the Valdez School District.  11:04:47 AM KEVIN GADSEY, Testified in support of Independent ORCA/SAIL, Living Grants and all programs that KETCHIKAN help those with disabilities.  11:07:52 AM GREGORY Echoed comments made by Mr. Gadsey. He VICKREY, added support for all the job centers KETCHIKAN in the State & urged continued & greater support for Foster Family Care statewide.  11:11:17 AM ED ZASTROW, Noted strong support for continued PIONEER HOME funding of the Pioneer Homes around the ADVISORY State of Alaska. He urged that all BOARD, nurse positions be filled. He pointed KETCHIKAN out that the wait lists for the Pioneer Homes continue to grow. The Ketchikan home now has an occupancy rate of 87%.  11:14:07 AM JOE WILLIAMS, Testified in support of the Governor's MAYOR, SAXMAN proposal for $48 million in municipal assistance grants. Mayor Williams voiced support for full funding for PERS and TRS. He mentioned HB 5.  11:18:03 AM MIKE SALLEE, Urged continued funding support for KETCHIKAN disabled and disadvantaged elders and children. He worried about eliminating the Ocean Ranger program for the cruise ship industry.  11:19:49 AM BETTY WALTERS, Spoke in support of funding for K-12 SUPERINTENDANT education programs. Ms. Walters added OF SCHOOLS, support for full funding of PERS and KODIAK ISLAND TRS.  SCHOOL  DISTRICT, KODIAK 11:22:18 AM JEROME SELBY, Testified in support community KODIAK ISLAND educational support. He noted that SCHOOL many communities are in difficult DISTRICT, situations with water and power systems KODIAK failing. He supports finding a long term solution.  11:25:07 AM LINDA FREED, Voiced support for full funding for CITY OF PERS and TRS, noting the need for a KODIAK, KODIAK permanent solution. Ms. Freed voiced support for capital matching and action grants & testified in support of the Governor's proposal for revenue sharing.  11:27:02 AM BETTY ODELL, Voiced support for full funding for KODIAK ISLAND PERS and TRS. She also spoke in SCHOOL support of vocational and special DISTRICT, education funding & funding for K-12 KODIAK educational programs.  11:29:33 AM BARBARA Spoke in support of full funding for K- BOLSON, KODIAK 12 educational programs. She added COLLEGE, support of the Board of Regents KODIAK proposed budget for the University & full funding for PERS and TRS.  11:30:55 AM MELANIE Indicated her support of funding for NELSON, mental health programs.  PROVIDENCE KODIAK ISLAND COUNSELING CENTER, KODIAK 11:32:30 AM PAT BRANSON, Testified in support of funding for SENIOR CENTER Senior Community Grants & for Adult OF KODIAK, Daycare programs and other senior grant KODIAK programs.   11:35:01 AM MURPH O'BRIEN, Testified in support of the Governor's MATSU BOROUGH, proposal for $48 million in municipal MATSU assistance grants.  11:37:52 AM LUCY HOPE, Spoke in support of funding for K-12 MATSU BOROUGH education programs & for full funding SCHOOL for PERS and TRS outside of the formula DISTRICT, foundation. Ms. Hope added support for MATSU greater special education funding.  11:39:02 AM SANDRA GARLEY, Testified in support of the Governor's  CITY OF proposal for revenue sharing.  WASILLA 11:41:15 AM JAMES GARHART, Noted frustration in only being given 2 SELF, MATSU minutes to speak to the 75 page budget.  11:43:34 AM CHERYL TURNER, Spoke in support of funding for K-12 MATSU BOROUGH education programs. She added support SCHOOL for continued and greater funding for DISTRICT, the Head Start program, which currently MATSU has a huge wait list. Representative Gara asked the numbers of the Head Start wait list. Ms. Turner offered to provide those numbers.  11:46:37 AM KATIE HURLEY, Voiced support for the community SELF, MATSU service matching grant program.  11:47:50 AM MARK LACKEY, Echoed further support for greater EXECUTIVE funding for the Head Start Program, DIRECTOR, which makes sure that children are DIRECT prepared for entering the school LEARNING & systems. He addressed prevention & HEAD START, intervention in relationship to the MATSU expansion of the prison system and flat funding for education.  11:52:08 AM GARY STROD, Urged continued funding for statewide PUBLIC RADIO, public radio & requested that public KENAI radio statewide be fully funded.    SITKA, WRANGELL, PETERSBURG, HOMER,  DILLINGHAM, CORDOVA  11:54:30 AM DR. DOUG Testified in support of the Governor's STARK, SR. proposal for $48 million in municipal MEMBER, HOMER assistance grants.  CITY MANAGER, BOARD MEMBER, 0F THE ALASKA MUNICIPAL LEAGUE, HOMER 11:56:29 AM GERALD Encouraged greater funding for tourism.  SCHOLAND, KIEANA B&B, SELF, HOMER 12:00:33 PM KELLY GREEN, Testified in support of Independent SELF, HOMER Living Grants.  12:01:39 PM LIZ DOWNING, Spoke in support of funding for K-12 KENAI education programs. She worried about PENINSULA the downward spiral education is BOROUGH SCHOOL experiencing in Alaska. She urged that  DISTRICT the TRS be funded outside the formula.  SCHOOL BOARD, PARENT, HOMER 12:04:08 PM ANDY FIDINO, Voiced support for Independent Living SELF, HOMER Center.  12:06:20 PM BRAD FAULKNER, Testified in support of continued SELF, HOMER funding for charter school grants.  12:07:52 PM MOLLY BOWEN, Testified as a charter school student SELF, HOMER in support of continued funding for charter school grants.  12:08:44 PM JANET BOWEN, Testified as a charter school parent in SELF, HOMER support of continued funding for charter school grants.  12:10:15 PM JIM SCHWARTZ, Spoke in support of full funding for K- PETERSBURG 12 education programs.  SCHOOL BOARD, PETERSBURG 12:12:52 PM TERRY Voiced concern for services for the VANETTINGER, blind. She requested funding for a ALASKA CENTER grant for the center as part of the FOR THE BLIND Vocational Rehabilitation budget.  12:15:39 PM TIM JOYCE, Testified in support of full funding MAYOR, CORDOVA for the Alaska Marine Highway System & revenue sharing.  12:17:19 PM PETE HOEPFNER, Spoke in support of funding for K-12 CORDOVA SCHOOL education programs.  DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD, CORDOVA 12:20:00 PM KRIS JOHNSTON, Requested continued support for full GOVERNOR'S funding for research and diagnosis for COUNCIL ON autism, as well as early intervention DISABILITIES programs.  AND SPECIAL EDUCATION, CORDOVA 12:21:34 PM BOB GEORGE, Supported funding for social services, SITKA especially behavioral health programs.  COUNSELING & PREVENTION SERVICES, SITKA 12:23:44 PM JEFF JOHNSTON, Requested support for the University UNIVERSITY OF system, especially for vocational ALASKA, SITKA training programs.  12:25:48 PM PAT ALEXANDER, Testified in support of continued  SELF, SITKA funding for human services programs, for revenue spending, and for children's services. She also requested full funding for the Alaska Marine Highway System.  12:27:40 PM TOM CONLEY, Spoke in support of funding for K-12 SITKA SCHOOL education programs.  BOARD, SITKA 12:32:37 PM ROBERT Voiced support for full funding for PRUNELLA, PERS and TRS and revenue sharing.  MANAGER, CITY OF WRANGELL, WRANGELL 12:33:19 PM JEFF JABUSCH, Testified in support of the Governor's FINANCE proposal for revenue sharing. He DIRECTOR, CITY worried about the school districts OF WRANGELL, carrying the weight of the TRS funding. WRANGELL He pointed out that Wrangell is supporting their schools at the maximum through the high mil rate.   12:36:43 PM ALICE ROONEY, Voiced support for greater funding for SOCIAL WORKER, Senior Services and in-house grant ALASKA ISLAND funds. She urged that all existing COMMUNITY programs receive current level of SERVICES, funding.  WRANGELL 12:38:34 PM BETTY KEEGAN, Voiced support for the Keep the Seniors ALASKA at Home initiative. She echoed COMMISSION ON sentiments of Ms. Rooney.  AGING, WRANGELL 12:41:40 PM MARLENE Spoke in support of the Board of CLARKE, MEMBER Regents proposed budget for the OF THE University. She urged reconsideration ASSISTANCE of the PERS/TRS system funding & ADVISORY supported education funding before COUNCIL FOR addressing other state issues.  THE UNIVERSITY BUDGET, WRANGELL 12:43:49 PM VALERY Voiced support for education, MCCANDLESS, retirement security, transportation and MAYOR, CITY OF municipal revenue sharing.  WRANGELL 12:45:15 PM KATHLEEN Voiced support for community services.  ANGERMAN, ALASKA ISLAND COMMUNITY SERVICES, WRANGELL  12:46:59 PM ARNOLD Spoke in support of funding for K-12 WATLAND, education programs.  SUPERINTENDANT OF SCHOOLS, DILLINGHAM 12:48:18 PM GINA POPE, Spoke in support of the Board of BRISTOL BAY Regents proposed budget for the COUNCIL (BBC), University.  DILLINGHAM 12:49:58 PM KEVIN MURPHY, Voiced support for behavioral health DIRECTOR, funding & human service grants.  BRISTOL BAY CORPORATION, DILLINGHAM 12:51:32 PM CHRIS Testified in support of the Governor's KLABUNDE, CITY proposal for revenue sharing. COUNCIL, CITY He addressed the aging group in OF DILLINGHAM, Dillingham and their needs.  DILLINGHAM 12:53:05 PM BOB MOORE, Spoke in support of funding for K-12 ADVISORY BOARD education programs.  IN KACHEMAK BAY, HOMER 12:55:05 PM CINDY PELAIA, Echoed sentiments of Mr. Moore & voiced KACHEMAK BAY support of funding for K-12 educational CAMPUS, HOMER programs.  12:55:57 PM ANNA KALUGIN, Spoke in support of funding for K-12 KACHEMAK BAY education programs.  CAMPUS, HOMER 12:56:36 PM KARIN MILES-Spoke in support of funding for K-12 BRACHE, educational programs.  STUDENT, KACHEMAK BAY CAMPUS, HOMER 12:57:19 PM KLAUDEE Spoke in support of funding for K-12 MARUSHEV, education programs.  STUDENT, KACHEMAK BAY CAMPUS, HOMER 12:57:57 PM JOANNA TORNES, Testified in support of Independent INDEPENDENT Living Grants.  LIVING CENTER, HOMER  12:58:20 PM BRUCE Testified in support of Independent ANDERSON, Living Grants.  INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTER, HOMER 12:59:31 PM CYNTHIA Testified in support of continued MORELLI, funding for charter school grants.  CHARTER SCHOOL PARENT, HOMER   1:01:34 PM AT EASE  2:11:18 PM RECONVENE  BETHEL, KOTZEBUE, BARROW, NOME, DELTA  JUNCTION, OFFNETS  2:11:53 PM DR. NORMAN Spoke in support of funding for K-12 ECK, NORTHWEST education programs in the Northwest ARCTIC BOROUGH Arctic Borough.  SCHOOL DISTRICT, KOTZEBUE 2:15:02 PM MATTHEW KURTZ, Spoke in support of funding for Chukchi CHUKCHI Campus, a distance education program. CAMPUS, He highlighted program offerings from KOTZEBUE Chukchi Campus.  2:20:15 PM MICKEY Spoke as a student of the Kotzebue JORGENSEN, Technical Center in favor of funding KOTZEBUE for the center as well as for Chukchi TECHNICAL Campus.  CENTER, KOTZEBUE 2:23:29 PM LINCOLN SAITO, Spoke in support of the Governor's CHUKCHI increments for the University, which CAMPUS, allows for rural outreach in the KOTZEBUE Kotzebue area.  2:25:49 PM Representative Asked how many students attend the Joule Chukchi Campus. Mr. Saito said about 300.  2:26:26 PM CHERYL Spoke in support of the Governor's EDENSHAW, increments for the University, KOTZEBUE especially for the Kotzebue Technical TECHNICAL Center. She related the detriments, CENTER, which would result from funding cuts.  KOTZEBUE 2:30:14 PM DARA WHELAN, Related information about the nursing  UAA/MANIILAQ program offered at the Training Center in Maniilaq. She testified in support of the Governor's increments for the University system, requesting an increase in funding.  2:32:47 PM SIIKAURAQ Shared priorities of her region. She MARTHA testified in support of continued WHITING, funding for the Technical Center. She NORTHWEST addressed power cost equalization (PCE) ARCTIC and revenue sharing. She requested BOROUGH, funding for various community projects.  KOTZEBUE 2:36:47 PM DENALI Spoke as a student of the high school WHITING, in support of funding for K-12 KOTZEBUE education programs.  MIDDLE HIGH SCHOOL, KOTZEBUE 2:37:48 PM CHERYL JONG, Related her school district's NORTHWEST partnerships which require continued ARTIC BOROUGH funding.  SCHOOL DISTRICT, KOTZEBUE 2:39:21 PM KAY ANDREWS, Spoke as a parent in support of funding SELF, for K-12 education programs. She also ALEKNAGIK testified in support of funding for municipal revenue sharing.  2:44:42 PM BERNA ANDREWS, Spoke in support of funding for MAYOR, municipal revenue sharing.  ALEKNAGIK 2:45:38 PM JEANNE Encouraged full funding for children's GERHARDT-services such as Bring the Kids Home, CYRUS, KIANA Chukchi Services, Workforce Development and the Boys and Girls Clubs.  2:48:55 PM MAYOR PARKER, Testified in support of the Governor's MCGRATH proposal for revenue sharing.  2:50:17 PM RUTH JOHNSON-Testified in support of funding for BUTTS, SELF, elder services and independent living NOME grants. She shared personal experiences with independent living centers.  2:53:43 PM KURT Testified in support of the Governor's REYMERTSON, proposal for revenue sharing. He CITY MANAGER, related the consequences of revenue SELDOVIA sharing cutbacks & voiced support for  full funding for PERS and TRS.  2:56:28 PM WALTER Testified in support of the Governor's MCKINNON, CITY proposal for revenue sharing.  COUNCIL, SELDOVIA 2:57:56 PM ALAN SOURM, Testified in support of the Governor's SELF, SKAGWAY proposal for revenue sharing. He spoke of higher expenses experienced in Skagway.  2:58:56 PM ADELINE Testified in support of the Governor's HOPSON, AML proposal for revenue sharing. She MEMBER, BARROW related the history of Barrow's second class city status. She spoke of cutbacks due to loss of funding.  3:06:24 PM DEBORAH Testified in support of the Governor's GERMAN, SELF, proposal for revenue sharing. She BARROW requested that communities throughout the State examine their tax structures. She also testified in support of funding for K-12 education.  3:09:34 PM LLOYD LEAVITT, Testified in support of the Governor's MAYOR, BARROW proposal for revenue sharing.  3:11:01 PM DAVE TRANTHAM, Testified in support of the Governor's AML BOARD OF proposal for revenue sharing. He spoke DIRECTORS, of concerns in Bethel. BETHEL  3:15:02 PM LINDA WESTON, Spoke in support of funding for women's TWC, BETHEL shelters and increases to the Department of Public Safety budget. She related positive work done by the shelters.  3:17:33 PM CARRIE Spoke in favor of funding for AYAGALRIA, children's support services. She TWC, BETHEL requested an increase in funding for domestic violence services and for women's shelters.  3:20:14 PM R. THOR Testified in support of the Governor's WILLAIMS, proposal for revenue sharing. He spoke SELF, BETHEL in support of funding for mental health programs and for substance abuse.  3:22:08 PM DAN Testified in support of the Governor's LEINBERGER, proposal for revenue sharing, noting SELF, BETHEL that the "band-aid" approach is not working. He urged full funding for Power Cost Equalization.   3:25:16 PM HELLEN Spoke in support of funding for mental SIMMONS, SELF, health programs and other public health BARROW services.  3:27:36 PM REYNE ATHANAS, Testified in support of funding public SELF, BETHEL broadcasting. She spoke in support of funding for K-12 education programs, as well as for University funding.  3:28:57 PM JODY MALUS, Spoke of increasing funding for revenue SELF, BETHEL sharing and for public radio.  3:30:42 PM MARY C. PETE, Spoke in support of funding for K-12 SELF, BETHEL education programs. She also spoke in support of the Governor's increments for the University, especially rural campuses.  3:33:19 PM YVONNE HARRIN, Spoke in favor of funding services for SELF, KOTZEBUE the deaf.  3:36:27 PM DAVE TALERICO, Testified in support of the Governor's MAYOR, DENALI proposal for revenue sharing. He BOROUGH suggested not linking PERS/TRS and revenue sharing.  3:37:50 PM TOM QUICK, Testified in support of the Governor's SELF, OUZINKIE proposal for revenue sharing. He shared attempts at making budget cuts while keeping services. He mentioned the dire straits now existing in most rural communities.  3:43:25 PM JOHN Testified in support of the Governor's CARLUCCIO, proposal for revenue sharing.  SELF, SELDOVIA 3:45:12 PM CHARLOTTE Testified in support of the Governor's KAVA, MAYOR, proposal for revenue sharing. SAVONGA  3:46:34 PM WILLIAM Testified in support of continued TRADER, SELF, funding for the Longevity Bonus EMMONAK Program. He related personal expenses of living in Emmonak as an 84-year-old, and his need for subsistence foods to survive.  3:50:11 PM MARTIN B. Testified in support of the Governor's MOORE, CITY proposal for revenue sharing. He MANAGER, related concerns of his community. EMMONAK  3:54:33 PM MARK Testified in support of funding for CARPENTER, persons with disabilities.  SELF, FAIRBANKS 3:55:12 PM AMY TITUS, Testified in support of the Governor's SELF, WHITE proposal for revenue sharing. MOUNTAIN  3:56:53 PM JIMMY HURLEY, Testified in support of the Governor's SELF, EKWOK proposal for revenue sharing.   FAIRBANKS  3:58:47 PM JODI IRVINE, Spoke in favor of the Keep the Elders  AGENET/FRA, Home Initiative.  FAIRBANKS  4:00:36 PM LINDA LANIGAN, Testified in support of funding for  SELF, Senior Community Grants.  FAIRBANKS  4:01:43 PM TIM BECK, Testified in support of the Governor's  ALASKA proposal for $48 million in municipal  MUNICIPAL assistance.  LEAGUE (AML),  FAIRBANKS  4:02:46 PM RONALD C. Testified in support of Independent  METZNER, Living Grants.  FAIRBANKS  4:04:54 PM KELLY BROWN, Testified in opposition to reductions  ALASKA STATE to the Department of Labor and  EMPLOYEES Workforce Development.  ASSOCIATION,  FAIRBANKS  4:06:26 PM TAMMIE WILSON, Testified in support of the Governor's  FAIRBANKS proposal for revenue sharing &  indicated support for full funding for  PERS and TRS. Ms. Wilson added her  request for continued funding for the  Longevity Bonus Program.  4:07:32 PM LUKE HOPKINS, Testified in opposition to the Office  FAIRBANKS of Faith Based Initiative. Mr. Hopkins  noted support for full funding for PERS  and TRS and testified in support of the  Governor's proposal for revenue  sharing.  4:10:05 PM DAVID Testified in support of Independent  JACOBSON, Living Grants and asked the Committee  FAIRBANKS to make the Governor's increment  permanent. He observed the need for  interpretive services. He spoke in  support of an increase in the  reimbursement rate of 12 percent for  personal care services.  4:12:36 PM SHIRISH PATIL, Spoke in support of the Board of  CHAIR, FACULTY Regents proposed budget for the  ALLIANCE, University.  UNIVERSITY OF  ALASKA,  FAIRBANKS  4:15:10 PM CHERYL Voiced support for health and social  KEEPERS, services funding and community action  HEALTH AND grants.  SOCIAL  SERVICES  COMMISSION,  FAIRBANKS  4:17:13 PM CARTER Voiced support for health and social  CRAWFORD, services funding and community action  ARTIC ALLIANCE grants.  4:20:05 PM KATHARINE B. Testified in opposition to reductions  MARSHALL, in the Unemployment Insurance Claim  ALASKA STATE Center in the Department of Labor and  EMPLOYEES Workforce Development.  ASSOCIATION,  FAIRBANKS  4:20:57 PM MONIQUE MASS, Testified in opposition to reductions  FAIRBANKS in the Unemployment call center in the  Department of Labor and Workforce  Development.  4:22:24 PM HETTIE HUME, Voiced support for funding for autism  FAIRBANKS services.  4:23:44 PM ERIN ATWOOD, Voiced support for Access Alaska and  FAIRBANKS other programs that support for  programs for those with disabilities.  4:26:10 PM ALEX HENNING, Voiced support for Access Alaska and  FAIRBANKS other programs that support those with  disabilities.  4:27:02 PM ELYSE Voiced support for community service  GUTTENBERG, control, which picks up inebriates &  FAIRBANKS testified in support of funding for  alcohol treatment programs.  4:29:52 PM TORIE FOOTE, Voiced support for health and social  ASSEMBLY, services funding and community action  FAIRBANKS grants & added support of the Board of  NORTH STAR Regents proposed budget for the  BOROUGH, University.  FAIRBANKS  4:31:37 PM TABER REHBAUM, Voiced support for human services  ARCTIC community matching grant.  ALLIANCE FOR Representative Kelly asked for  PEOPLE, information regarding distribution of  FAIRBANKS the grant.  4:32:46 PM JEANETTE Spoke in support of funding for mental  GRASTO, NAMI health programs & testified in support  ALASKA, of funding for alcohol treatment  FAIRBANKS programs.  4:35:16 PM KATHY Testified in opposition to reductions  THORSTAD, in the Unemployment Insurance Claim  UNEMPLOYMENT Center to the Department of Labor and  INSURANCE Workforce Development.  CLAIM CENTER,  FAIRBANKS  4:37:37 PM LOU GROSS, Testified in support of funding for  DIRECTOR, Human Services Community Matching  NORTH STAR Grants, which support services for  COUNCIL ON seniors. He voiced support for the  AGING, Keep Seniors at Home initiative.  FAIRBANKS  4:41:06 PM BRENDA HEWITT, Voiced support for public broadcasting  PUBLIC funding, pointing out they had received  BROADCASTING, stable funding in FY08, but noted the  FAIRBANKS 60% cuts since 1992.  4:42:50 PM TODD HUME, Voiced support for programs to assist  FAIRBANKS autism.  4:44:06 PM ARMOND DUBE, Testified in opposition to reductions  FAIRBANKS in the Unemployment Insurance Claim  Center in the Department of Labor and  Workforce Development.  4:45:27 PM ANDY Thanked the subcommittee for the  HARRINGTON, restoration of the State's share of the  ALASKA LEGAL Human Services Matching grants.  SERVICES,  FAIRBANKS  4:47:22 PM VALERIE Voiced support for full funding for  THERRIEN, PERS and TR & testified in support of  FAIRBANKS the Governor's proposal for revenue  sharing. She added support of funding  for alcohol treatment programs.  4:49:07 PM MICHAEL LAMB, Voiced support for full funding for  CHIEF PERS and TRS. He spoke to the 22% rate  FINANCIAL used by the Alaska Retirement  OFFICER, NORTH Management (ARM) Board and emphasized  STAR FAIRBANKS that PERS and TRS need to be kept as a  BOROUGH, separate issue.  FAIRBANKS  4:53:54 PM JENNIFER Testified in support of greater funding  YUHAS, for education.  FAIRBANKS  NORTH STAR  BOROUGH,  FAIRBANKS  4:54:43 PM ARLENE BENDER, Testified in opposition to reductions  FAIRBANKS in the Unemployment Insurance Claim  Center in the Department of Labor and  Workforce Development.  4:55:08 PM CHERYL WALSH, Testified in opposition to reductions  FAIRBANKS in the Unemployment Insurance Claim  Center in the Department of Labor and  Workforce Development. She noted the  high unemployment rate in Fairbanks.  4:57:22 PM KELLY MCGUIRE, Voiced support for funding to support  INTERIOR Interior Alaska Center for Non-Violent  ALASKA CENTER Living and other shelters.  FOR NON- VIOLENT  LIVING,  FAIRBANKS  4:59:41 PM CAROL CARLSON, Voiced support for funding to support  INTERIOR Interior Alaska Center for Non-Violent  ALASKA CENTER Living and other shelters that support  FOR NON-victims of domestic violence and sexual  VIOLENT assault. She noted that the field is  LIVING, under paid.  FAIRBANKS  5:02:00 PM BRENDA Voiced support for funding to support  STANFILL, Interior Alaska Center for Non-Violent  DIRECTOR, Living and other shelters that support  INTERIOR victims of domestic violence and sexual  ALASKA CENTER assault. She noted the difficulty in  FOR NON-maintaining staff.  VIOLENT  LIVING,  FAIRBANKS  5:03:51 PM JOE HAYES, Voiced support for funding to support  UNIVERSITY OF Interior Alaska Center for Non-Violent  FAIRBANKS, Living and other shelters that support  FAIRBANKS victims of domestic violence and sexual  assault. Mr. Hayes noted support of the  Board of Regents proposed budget for  the University.  5:05:43 PM MARTA MUELLER, Spoke in support of the Board of  UNIVERSITY OF Regents proposed budget for the  FAIRBANKS, University.  FAIRBANKS  5:07:19 PM RICK Spoke in support of the Board of  CAULFIELD, Regents proposed budget for the  UNIVERSITY OF University.  FAIRBANKS,  TANANA VALLEY  CAMPUS,  FAIRBANKS  5:09:48 PM JACK WITTER, Voiced support for programs that  FAIRBANKS support those with autism.  5:12:27 PM ROBERT HANSON, Testified in opposition to reductions  FAIRBANKS in the Unemployment Insurance Claim  Center in the Department of Labor and  Workforce Development.  5:15:09 PM PATRICIA Testified in opposition to reductions  HANSON, in the Unemployment Insurance Claim  FAIRBANKS Center in the Department of Labor and  Workforce Development.  5:17:35 PM PAT MOSS, Testified in opposition to reductions  FAIRBANKS in the Unemployment Insurance Claim  Center in the Department of Labor and  Workforce Development.  5:19:04 PM BEV DUBE, Testified in opposition to reductions  FAIRBANKS in the Unemployment Insurance Claim  Center in the Department of Labor and  Workforce Development.  5:19:35 PM CYNTHIA HENRY, Spoke in support of the Governor's  FAIRBANKS increments for the University.  5:24:10 PM SVEN GILKEY, Spoke in support of the Board of  PRESIDENT, Regents proposed budget for the  STUDENT BODY, University  UNIVERSITY OF  FAIRBANKS,  FAIRBANKS  5:26:50 PM PATRICK Spoke in support of the Board of  FRYMARK, Regents proposed budget for the  FAIRBANKS University  5:28 JENNIFER Spoke in support of the Board of  PHILLIPS, Regents proposed budget for the  FAIRBANKS University  5:29:09 PM HAL HUME, Voiced support for programs that  FAIRBANKS support those with autism.  5:31:54 PM ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 5:30 P.M.  #