GENERAL SUBJECT (S): The following overview was taken in log note format. Tapes and handouts will be on file with the House Finance Committee through the 23rd Legislative Session, contact 465- 2156. After the 23rd Legislative Session they will be available through the Legislative Library at 465-3808.   PUBLIC TESTIMONY RELATING TO HB 375 and HB 377  ANCHORAGE TELECONFERENCE  LOG SPEAKER DISCUSSION    TAPE HFC 04 - 42  SIDE A  000 Co-Chair Williams Convened the House Finance Committee at    0222 MARY DYER, EXECUTIVE Expressed concern over cuts in sexual DIRECTOR, ALASKA assault, alcohol treatment programs  RESOURCE CENTER, ANCHORAGE 0346 FRANCINE HARBOUR, Voiced opposition to further cuts to ANCHORAGE disabilities and Governor's Mental Health budget.  0635 Co-Chair Harris Responded to Ms. Harbour that there is no need to be afraid to talk to the legislators on the committee.  0756 CHELSEA MCDONALD, Spoke in support of Denali Kid Care  ANCHORAGE 1006 H. LEE, NATIONAL Voiced opposition to further cuts to ALLIANCE FOR THE disabilities and Governor's Mental Health MENTALLY ILL, budget, and to Medicaid cuts.  ANCHORAGE 1305 MARY BELL, ANCHORAGE Voiced opposition to further cuts to disabilities.  1441 TIM STEELE, Spoke in support of additional funding ANCHORAGE SCHOOL for education. Urged long-term, BOARD MEMBER, sustainable funding and discussion of ANCHORAGE adequate funding. Increase formula to PERS and TRS.  1743 Co-Chair Harris Asked if Municipality is maxed out, could city contribute more  1806 Mr. Steele As funding from state has been reduced, local share has risen. Will be over the maximum cap within federal guidelines in FY 05-FY 06-budget cycle. Co-Chair Harris asked could city contribute more  if assembly chooses. Mr. Steele said would take longer to change process than FY 06. In response to a question by Co- Chair Harris, Mr. Steele said the reason is state contribution is declining; still not at the 23% level.  2049 Co-Chair Harris During his six years in legislature, state has not lowered its funding for education. Mr. Steele, replied level funding for education is no longer adequate.  2209 BOB SATIN, BOARD Testified in support of full funding for MEMBER, ALASKA public broadcasting.  COMMUNICATIONS, PUBLIC RADIO KSKA 2436 Representative Joule Asked how much is raised locally to fund the station. Mr. Satin replied rely on small percentage state funding in larger cities, but smaller stations rely more heavily on listeners.  2552 LISA RIEGER, VICE Spoke in support restored funding for PRSIDENT ALASKA Alaska Legal Services.  LEGAL SERVICES, ANCHORAGE 2713 Janet McCabe, Spoke in support of Office of Public Partners for Advocacy new position on Wellness Court, Progress and adding $66 thousand to OPA.  3025 Representative Expressed that he is thinking about the Hawker issue.  3054 Representative Asked clarification of the position Chenault request. Ms. Mccabe explained that in arrests outside Anchorage city limits, the court has arranged for change of venue so DUI offenders are treated in therapeutic court.  3239 Mike Couturier, Voiced opposition to further cuts to representing self, mental health budget. Provide services Sergeant at to mentally ill before decline into Anchorage Police crisis situation. Community based Dept. services need funding.  3557 Representative Explained that have cut $6 million off Hawker original budget cuts, and added discretionary funding for crisis situations at local level. Requested that the speaker let him know if it's not working.  3728 Mr. Couturier Rural areas are raising funds, and need time to set up infrastructure  3759 Brian Saylor, Alaska Expressed support for restoration of Public Health funding for social workers. Urged Association, amendment to increase the state revenues Anchorage with income tax.  4146 Co-Chair Harris Replied members of the committee and House Ways and Means have addressed the revenue issue, which is foremost in importance.  4347 Lorne Smette, Alaska Voiced opposition to further cuts to Chapter of National mental health budget. Described need for Association of the critical medical care.  Mentally Ill TAPE HFC 04 - 42, Side B  4519 Patti Hong, Voiced support for the public health Anchorage nursing program.  4253 Greg Wilson, Alaska Testified in support of the Division of Geological Society Geological Development and Survey component and stressed the importance toward long-term resource development.  3919 Representative 9 percent increase over last year.  Foster 3906 Mr. Wilson Clarified that geological development is being reduced.  3733 Co-Chair Harris Responded to a questioned regarding the possibility of an informal forum to discuss issues regarding mental health services. He noted that there would be little time to develop a forum, but recommended that individual members be contacted.  3436 Representative Noted that Medicaid spending was Hawker increased by $20 million.  3326 Representative Observed that funding for the Department Foster of Health and Social Services has increased over the years.  3247 Representative Observed that Department of Health and Hawker Social Services spending was over $100 million more than in FY03.  3208 JOSEPH PICHLER, Voiced opposition to further cuts to COUNCIL MEMBER, mental health budget. He observed that GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL there were 300 people in Juneau to ON DISABILITIES & testify regarding the Key Campaign in SPECIAL EDUCATION, support of mental health services.  ANCHORAGE 2811 GWENDOLYN LEE, Voiced opposition to further cuts to ANCHORAGE mental health budget and support for persons with disabilities. She emphasized that community based services saves the state money in the long run. Expressed concern with reductions to senior services. Voiced opposition to the cuts in Medicaid Services. Called for an action plan to solve the fiscal crisis.  2442 Representative Acknowledged the Key Campaign's Hawker commitment to solving the state's fiscal crisis.  2302 Ms. Lee Pointed out that institutionalization costs far more.  2252 Representative Stressed that the intent is not to return Stoltze to institutionalization.  2236 Representative Croft Pointed out that the Department of Health and Social Services' budget has been reduced by $30 million in general fund, 10 in federal funds, and $20 in other funds. 7.8 actual reductions.  2032 Representative Argued that Department of Health and Hawker Social Services spending has been increasing in the state.  2029 CARL EVERTSHUSCH, Voiced opposition to further cuts to the KEY COALITION, mental health budget and cuts in Medicaid ANCHORAGE services. Noted support for additional revenue measures.  1741 Co-Chair Harris Observed that the revenue issue is strongly debated and expressed his hope for a solution.  1648 MARGARET LOWE, Pointed out that there have been ANCHORAGE improvements in special education services in schools and stressed their success. Noted support for additional revenue measures and stated that she is willing to give up her permanent fund dividend. Stressed that services need to be organized and supported by the state.  1240 CYD BARTEE, Voiced opposition to further cuts to the ANCHORAGE mental health budget. She observed that her son would have to be institutionalized without state assistance. Observed that her child receives wrap around services and noted support for additional revenue measures and her willingness to give up her permanent fund dividend.  821 Ms. Bartee In response to comments by Vice-Chair Meyer, noted that autistic children can greatly improved. She explained that wrap around services coordinate her son's services.  559 KATHLEEN FITZGERALD, Noted that her daughter, who is autistic, ANCHORAGE has improved through state supported waivers. Noted support for additional revenue measures and a long-term solution.  TAPE HFC 04 - 43, Side A  132 BARBARA JORDON, Voiced opposition to further cuts to the MATSU mental health budget. She stressed that her special needs children benefited from involvement in the Infant Learning Program and waivers. Noted support for  additional revenue measures. Stressed that early intervention works and that for every one dollar spent, four are saved.  1246 JASON SMART, Voiced opposition to further cuts to the ANCHORAGE mental health budget and support for waiver services. Noted support for additional revenue measures.  1932 TREVOR FULTON, Spoke in support of additional funding ANCHORAGE for the University. He noted recent improvements to the University. He stressed the need to put funding for the University in the operating budget as opposed to the capital budget.  2613 Co-Chair Harris Stressed support for the University, but emphasized that all the needs of the state need to be balanced.  2756 JUSTIN DURLING, Voiced support for funding for the ANCHORAGE University and observed that tuition rates have increased.   ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:16 PM