SB 178-EXPAND EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES    3:31:16 PM  CHAIR DUNBAR announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 178 "An Act relating to early intervention services for certain children; relating to optional services under the medical assistance program; and providing for an effective date." 3:31:48 PM CHAIR DUNBAR opened public testimony on SB 178. 3:32:13 PM NIAMH DARDIS, Director, Infant Learning Program, Resource, Education, Advocacy, Collaboration, and Housing Organization (REACH), Juneau, Alaska, testified in support of SB 178. She emphasized that SB 178 would expand early intervention for children from birth to age three, improving long-term educational and life outcomes by identifying developmental delays earlier. By lowering the eligibility threshold from 50 percent to 25 percent, the bill may serve up to 77 percent more children, address rising special education needs, support families and workforce retention, and reduce future costs. SB 178 is widely supported by early childhood advocates, disability organizations, and families statewide. 3:34:49 PM STEPHANIE TUCKER, Director, Infant Learning Program, Mat-Su Services for Children and Adults, Wasilla, Alaska, testified in support of SB 178. She referenced a recent video highlighting challenges faced by Infant Learning Program staff and families, noting that SB 178 would expand services to currently unserved families and align Alaska's eligibility standards with other states. She emphasized that funding has remained flat for over a decade despite rising costs and population growth, and that SB 178 would help stabilize funding and support the increased capacity required to serve all referred children. 3:36:43 PM MARK LACKEY, Executive Director, CCS Early Learning Mat-Su Borough, Wasilla, Alaska, testified in support of SB 178. He shared his experiences working with Head Start, foster care, and long-term board service, described how limited Infant Learning Program capacity contributes to unmet developmental needs and challenging behaviors in classrooms. He emphasized that children under age three rely on ILP for disability determinations, shared personal examples of children denied early services who later required long-term special education, and stressed that ILP has struggled for years to meet growing demand without sufficient resources. 3:39:07 PM At ease. 3:39:22 PM CHAIR DUNBAR reconvened the meeting and continued public testimony on SB 178. 3:39:46 PM AMI RUDD, representing self, Wasilla, Alaska, testified in support of SB 178. She described her son being evaluated with a 38 percent developmental delay, making him ineligible for services under Alaska's 50 percent threshold despite clear needs. She emphasized long waitlists for private therapy and expressed concern that her child may fall behind without early support. She urged lawmakers to ensure state services are available so children can reach their full potential. 3:41:33 PM MICHELLE LOVE, representing self, Wasilla, Alaska, testified in support of SB 178. She shared her experience with adopting her great nephew that was born with drug withdrawal symptoms. She said he made significant progress after a year in the Infant Learning Program and lost eligibility after testing at a 28 percent delay. Without continued services, his delays have worsened, particularly in speech. She said she was reliant on ILP's expertise to identify needs and support his development. 3:44:02 PM HEIDI HAAS, representing self, Fairbanks, Alaska, testified in support of SB 178. She shared that her daughter, diagnosed with autism, benefited profoundly from early intervention services, which empowered the family to support her development. She progressed from needing significant assistance in kindergarten to thriving academically and socially, now contributing to her community. She emphasized that even brief access to these services had lasting impact, highlighting the importance of early intervention for individual success and long-term community and state benefits. 3:47:43 PM CHAIR DUNBAR closed public testimony on SB 178. 3:47:54 PM SENATOR HUGHES expressed concern about the fiscal note. She said that staff travel is already occurring under the current 50 percent threshold and requested that this be taken into account when evaluating the fiscal note. She suggested the independent learning programs explore funding from the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority or the Mat-Su Health Foundation to support these children, emphasizing the importance of helping them thrive. 3:49:20 PM SENATOR TOBIN referenced fiscal note OMB component 2663, and noted the fund source labeled "MH" and asked whether this refers to the Mental Health Trust. 3:49:42 PM SUSAN KESSLER, Research Analyst, Infant Learning Program, Senior and Disabilities Services Division, Department of Health, Fairbanks, Alaska, answered questions on SB 178. She answered that the Infant Learning Program receives both general fund mental health dollars and Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority funds for certain special projects. 3:51:05 PM CHAIR DUNBAR [held SB 178 in committee.]