Public Testimony -  HB 375-APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUNDS  HB 377-APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET    The following overview was taken in log note format. Tapes and handouts will be on file with the House Finance rd Committee through the 23 Legislative Session, contact 465- rd 2156. After the 23 Legislative Session they will be available through the Legislative Library at 465-3808.   LOG SPEAKER DISCUSSION   TAPE HFC 04 - 47, SIDE A    000 Co-Chair Harris Convened the House Finance Committee meeting in order to take statewide testimony on the FY05 Operating Budget.  150 ERIC LEE, PETERSBURG Addressed concerns with the ferry service being cut and how it will affect the fishermen of that area. Spoke to concerns that the fast ferry will only carry three vans, which would be a problem for getting the fish out to market.  850 DIANA CARBONELL, Urged that the Legislature reinstate the HOMER Federal Title 10 funds to help women and children. Without those funds, it will but Alaskan women at risk for reproductive concerns.  1028 Co-Chair Harris Stated that Representatives Hawker and Coghill were working on that issue.  1052 JEAN STEELE, HOMER Spoke in support of funding for mental health programs.  1409 PAULA PINDER Spoke against reductions to domestic violence and sexual assault.  1531 MEG MITCHEL, HOMER Spoke in support of full funding for mental health and disability programs. She noted that this is the most  vulnerable population of the State.  1746 VALERY MCCANDLESS, Voiced concerns with cuts to the Alaska MAYOR, WRANGELL Marine Highway System. Spoke in support of additional funding for education. She added continued funding for the Youth Core programs.  2056 JOEL HANSON, SITKA Voiced concerns with cuts to the Alaska Marine Highway System.  2334 Co-Chair Harris Asked how often does the ferry go to Sitka.  2347 Mr. Hanson Replied not often.  2355 JOY LIGHT, SITKA Spoke in support of funding for mental health programs. She supported taxing out of State fishermen.  2452 CORNELIA HUESSCHER, Spoke in support of funding for mental SITKA health programs.  2707 JACK OZMENT, SITKA Voiced concerns with cuts to the Alaska Marine Highway System.  2909 EMILY WARD, HOMER Voiced opposition to the cuts in Medicaid Services. Spoke in support of funding for mental health programs. She urged that Title 10 funds be reinstated and family planning.  3001 JULIE LAFOUNTAIN, Spoke in support of funding for mental HOMER health programs.  3143 SANDY JOHNS, HOMER Urged reinstatement of the Federal Title Funds for family planning clinics.  3301 DEBORAH GERMANO, Spoke in support of additional funding HOMER for education. Expressed support for the implementation of a statewide income tax.  3508 PHYLLIS KAUFMAN, Urged reinstatement of the Federal Title HOMER Funds for family planning clinics.  3519 KAY LYNN NIELSEN, Urged reinstatement of the Federal Title HOMER Funds for family planning clinics. Expressed concern over cuts to in state services.  3647 MICHELLE WANEKA, Urged reinstatement of the Federal Title HOMER Funds for family planning clinics.  3828 MARY ELLEN PURCELL, Urged reinstatement of the Federal Title HOMER Funds for family planning clinics services.  3944 KARL RIFFENSTEIN, Urged that the Division of Vocational SITKA Rehabilitation remain open throughout the State.  4116 ANNE MORRIS, SITKA Expressed concern over cuts to in state services. Urged that the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation remain open throughout the State and that funding not be cut.  4311 JOHN BARTELS, SITKA Urged that the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation remain open throughout the  State and that the funding not be cut.  4459 SHEILA FINKENBINDER, Expressed concern over cuts to in state WORKFORCE services. Urged that the Division of DEVELOPMENT CENTER, Vocational Rehabilitation remain open SITKA throughout the State and that the funding not be cut.  TAPE HFC 04 - 47, Side B  4623 BONNIE RICHARDS, Urged that the Division of Vocational SITKA Rehabilitation remain open throughout the State and that the funding not be cut.  4315 JERRY KAINULAINEN, Urged that the Division of Vocational SITKA Rehabilitation remain open throughout the State and that the funding not be cut.  4006 CHRIS FONTAINE, Urged reinstatement of the Federal Title HOMER X Funds for family planning clinics throughout the State of Alaska. She noted that it will affect cancer screening and family planning services.  3808 SHAY HOFFMAN, HOMER Urged reinstatement of the Federal Title Funds for family planning clinics. She reiterated concerns voiced by Ms. Fontaine.  3700 ELIZABETH NEWMANN, Urged reinstatement of the Federal Title ANCHORAGE Funds for family planning clinics.  3531 Co-Chair Harris Observed that the operating budget is not completed and reassured testifiers that their comments would be taken into account.  3459 MATT PANCRATZ, HOMER Spoke in support of funding for mental health and developmental disability programs.  3315 TARRI THURMAN, Spoke in support of the Katchemak Bay KATCHEMAK BAY FAMILY Family Planning Clinic, Homer.  PLANNING CLINIC, HOMER 3143 JULES HARLUETT, Urged reinstatement of the Federal Title FRITZ CREEK Funds for family planning clinics and spoke in support of the Katchemak Bay Family Planning Clinic, Homer.  3127 MARY LOU KELSEY, Urged reinstatement of the Federal Title HOMER Funds for family planning clinics.   3043 HOWARD HEDGES, HOMER Spoke in support of funding for mental health programs.  2901 KIM SMITH, HOMER Urged reinstatement of the Federal Title Funds for family planning clinics.  2703 RUEBEN JOHNSON, Spoke in support of funding for mental SITKA health programs.  2550 HELEN CRAIG, SITKA Spoke in support of vocational rehabilitation services.  2355 BOB BENTON, SITKA Spoke in support of funding for mental health programs. Noted support for  additional revenue measures.  2120 JANE ALBERTS, Urged reinstatement of the Federal Title PRESIDENT, Funds for family planning clinics.  KATACHEMAK BAY PLANNING CLINIC, HOMER 1831 BOB MEDINGER, Spoke in support of the Governor's UNIVERSITY OF increments for the University.  ALASKA, BETHEL 1645 WINIFRED KELLY, Testified in support of funding for TUNDRA WOMEN'S women's shelters and domestic violence COALITION, BETHEL programs.  1542 RONDI BEAN, TUNDRA Voiced support for programs that address WOMEN'S COALITION, teens against violence.  BETHEL 1508 ZACH FRANSLER, Testified in support of funding for the TUNDRA WOMEN'S Tundra Women's Coalition, which provides COALITION, BETHEL programs for teens against violence and women's shelters.  1253 AARON ATCHLEY, Spoke in support of the Governor's UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA increments for the University.  FAIRBANKS 1050 BARBARA SMITH, In support for funding for the Cordova CORDOVA FAMILY Family Resource Center, which works with RESOURCE CENTER, domestic violence.  CORDOVA 939 NANCY BIRD, CORDOVA Expressed support for the implementation of a statewide income tax. Voiced support for programs to support fisheries. Testified in support of full funding for public broadcasting.  622 MARK WASIERSKI, Voiced support for the public health BETHEL nursing program.  537 SUSANNE EDELME, Expressed support for the public health BETHEL nursing programs. Spoke in support of vocational rehabilitation services.  316 AMELANIE GRIFFITH, Testified in support of funding for the TUNDRA WOMEN'S Tundra Women's Coalition, which provides COALITION, BETHEL programs for teens against violence and women's shelters.  214 SUSAN TAYLOR, BETHEL Testified in support of funding for social programs to help teens and women and correctional rehabilitation programs. Voiced support for the public health nursing program.  TAPE HFC 04 - 48, SIDE A  419 BOB DOLL, BETTER Voiced concerns with cuts to the Alaska FERRIES FOR ALASKA, Marine Highway System and the degradation JUNEAU of service. He pointed out that the Alaska Marine Highway System would be about $9 million short. All of the savings would have to occur after October  and the burden would fall on the outlying communities with the fewest resources.  631 BETH LACROSS, Spoke in support of funding for mental KETCHIKAN health programs.  816 BECKY BOLLING, Voiced support for the public health KETCHIKAN nursing program.  1056 GERI KELLY, Voiced support for the public health KETCHIKAN nursing program.  1136 MAUREEN KELLY, Voiced support for the public health KETCHIKAN nursing program. She added her concern to cuts in public health.  1258 MARGI GILMON, Testified regarding cuts to public KETCHIKAN health. She stated that public health should continue to have family planning services available and education programs.  1526 JAMES FISHER, Expressed concern over cuts to in state SOLDOTNA services. Noted support for additional revenue measures.  1739 Co-Chair Harris Asked what an acceptable measure would be.  1756 Mr. Fisher Expressed support for the implementation of a statewide income tax.  1817 Co-Chair Harris Asked about earnings of the permanent fund.  1849 Mr. Fisher Replied that would work also and a broad base tax.  1923 ELLA LANIER, VALDEZ Spoke in support of funding for mental health programs. Spoke in support of additional funding for education. Expressed concern with reduction of funding cuts to senior services.  2122 NOEL ARAKELIAN, Expressed concern with reduction of VALDEZ funding cuts to senior services. Expressed concern over cuts to in state services. Voiced opposition to the cuts in Medicaid Services. She supported the need for a broad based tax in lieu of cutting services.  2325 SHARON REESE, VALDEZ Spoke in support of funding for mental health programs.  2355 DOUG DEORCIE, VALDEZ Spoke in support of the Governor's increments for the University and full funding for the budget. Spoke in support of additional funding for education for K-12.  2608 Co-Chair Harris Asked how to fund the increases.  2624 Mr. Deorcie Commented that there are PERS and TERS expansion are causing inflated budget. He commented that Permanent Fund would work, broad base tax, tourism and oil tax.  2945 CHRIS CHAMBERS, Spoke in support of the Governor's VALDEZ increments for the University and full funding. Expressed support for the implementation of a statewide income tax and noted that the Permanent Fund should not be touched.  3155 SUSAN KILLARY, Spoke against cuts to the component of KODIAK domestic violence and sexual assault services to women and children.  3421 WALLY JOHNSON, Testified in support of full funding for KODIAK public broadcasting. He commented that this is a "quality of life" issue.  3634 Co-Chair Harris Noted that there were reductions to public radio in the subcommittee reports.  3653 MARGARET HALL, Expressed concern with reduction of KODIAK funding cuts to senior services. Voiced opposition to the cuts in Medicaid Services. She encouraged that a good fiscal plan be adopted. Expressed support for the implementation of a statewide income tax and use of the permanent fund earnings.  3824 TOBY SULLIVAN, Urged that the Division of Vocational KODIAK Rehabilitation remain open throughout the State and that the funding not be cut. Expressed support for the implementation of a statewide income tax and reconsideration of oil taxes.  3953 D. SCOTT SMITH, He asked if medical services were removed KODIAK from Kodiak Island, how would residents get by. Spoke against cuts to Medicaid, and felt there must be alternatives.  4237 REPRESENTATIVE DAN Expressed that he sat on subcommittee, OGG and was able to put funds back in for ASAP program for the juvenile portion.  TAPE HFC 04 - 48, Side B (malfunction)  4323 JOHN WENSLEY, KENAI Expressed concern over cuts to the education funding and suggested that it be inflation proofed.  TAPE HFC 04 - 49, Side A  042 CATHY CARROW, Spoke in support of additional funding SOLDOTNA for education. Expressed support for the implementation of a statewide income tax.  110 Co-Chair Harris Asked she would be the head of the "Just Say Yes" campaign on Kenai.  138 RICHARD WARRINGTON, Spoke in support of funding for mental KENAI health programs. He commented on the number of brain injuries that exist statewide.  421 MARY WARRINGTON, Spoke in support of funding for mental KENAI health programs and voiced opposition to the cuts in Medicaid Services. Spoke in  support of additional funding for education. She spoke against taking the Permanent Fund away but did support a broad based income tax.  558 LINCOLN WENSLEY, Spoke in support of additional funding KENAI for education.  633 AMBER CLARK, VALDEZ Spoke in support of the Governor's increments for the University and full funding and spoke in support of additional funding for education K-12.  755 KRYSTAL CALISON, Spoke in support of the Governor's VALDEZ increments for the University.  828 RANIER MASTERS, Spoke in support of the Governor's VALDEZ increments for the University and full funding and spoke in support of additional funding for education.  1119 LINDA FLEMING, Expressed concern with reduction of VALDEZ funding cuts to senior services. Voiced opposition to the cuts in Medicaid Services. Spoke in support of the Governor's increments for the University and full funding.  1240 LORRANIE STEWARD, Spoke against cuts to the component of KODIAK domestic violence and sexual assault services to women and children. Spoke in support of funding for mental health programs.  1504 DAWN JURADO, KODIAK Urged that the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation remain open throughout the State and that the funding not be cut.  1644 BOB JOHNSON, DOCTOR, Commented on the volunteer services KODIAK available in Kodiak and all the non- profits. Many services have been severely compromised but the job of the Legislature should be the caring for people.  1853 Co-Chair Harris Noted that all legislators share that concern.  1912 AARON DOLPH, KODIAK Spoke in support of funding for mental health programs.  2125 CHARLIE KING, KODIAK Expressed support for the implementation of a statewide income tax. He spoke to a Permanent Fund for education. He agreed that the existing permanent fund should be capped at $25 million dollars. All dollars over that should be placed into another account for uses by the State.  2356 Co-Chair Harris Explained that the issue is not coming up with a creative solution. There is a political problem, not a fiscal problem. Many people throughout the State recommend different options on how to  deal with these concerns.  2524 LISETTA ALVEREZ, Voiced opposition to the cuts in Medicaid KODIAK Services.  2736 PATRICIA GIBBS, Expressed concern with the cuts happening KODIAK with the early intervention programs. She stated that she supports substance abuse programs and teen courts. Fully funds grant for mental health. Youth are a precious resource. Spoke in support of additional funding for education. Expressed support for the implementation of a statewide income tax.  2920 COLLEEN NEWMAN, Spoke against cuts to the component of KODIAK domestic violence and sexual assault services to women and children.  3154 KRISTIN PANAMAROFF, Spoke in support of funding for mental KODIAK health programs.  3344 GINA POPE, Spoke in support of the Governor's DILLINGHAM increments for the University and the small campuses throughout the State. Expressed concern over cuts to in state services.  3604 CRISTY TILDEN, Commented on the concerns in that area DILLINGHAM with alcohol and drug abuse. She noted the programs that have helped those people. Expressed concern over cuts to in state services.  3808 SIGNEY NELSON, Spoke in support of funding for mental DILLINGHAM health programs.  3937 MIKE LANE, BARROW Voiced support for tobacco prevention and cessation programs.  4223 Representative Observed that the House has authorized 20 Hawker percent funding for tobacco prevention and cessation programs.  4357 Lee Stoops Testified in support of additional state trooper positions and stressed the need for the positions to be located in rural areas. Testified in support of full funding for public broadcasting.  4541 SUZIE ERLICH, Noted support for additional revenue CHAIRMAN, ASSEMBLY, measures and a long-term solution to KOTZEBUE stabilize the budget.  TAPE HFC 04 - 49, Side B  4641 Representative Observed that the city of Nome supports Foster the POMV. He added that many others have supported an income tax and noted that legislators need to hear from their communities.  4255 BRAD REEVES, ALASKA Testified in support of full funding for PUBIC BROADCASTING public broadcasting. Voiced support for ASSOCIATION, continuation of funding for the public KOTZEBUE broadcasting satellite infrastructure. He  observed that there would be a loss of stations if the proposed cuts remain.  3939 CHARLES BECK, NORTON Spoke in support of funding for mental SOUND HEALTH health and alcohol and substance abuse CONSORTIUM, NOME programs.  3728 SHELLEY LONG, Voiced opposition to the cuts in Medicaid EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, Services. She spoke in support of MATSU RECOVERY substance abuse program funding. Noted CENTER, MATSU support for additional revenue measures. Expressed support for the implementation of a statewide income tax.  3438 KATHY ROBERTS, MATSU Voiced opposition to the cuts in Medicaid Services. She stressed that seniors would be adversely affected by reductions.  3257 SYDNEY JACOBS, Spoke in support of vocational PALMER rehabilitation services. Urged that the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation remain open throughout the State and that the funding not be cut.  3226 DAN DUCEY, MATSU Spoke in support of vocational rehabilitation services and recounted his personal experiences.  2959 TRISH WALTER, Voiced opposition to the cuts in Medicaid SERVICES FOR Services.  CHILDREN AND ADULTS MATSU 2601 BILL JOHNSON, MATSU Spoke in support of vocational rehabilitation services.  2320 GERALD MILBRETT, Spoke in support of vocational MATSU rehabilitation services. He recounted help he received through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.  2126 RUSSLE NELSON, Spoke in support of the Governor's DILLINGHAM increments for the University.  1928 DON FORD, MATSU Urged that the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation remain open throughout the State and that the funding not be cut. Expressed support for the implementation of a statewide income tax.  1645 PEARL STRUB, MATSU Voiced support for the Bristol Bay Campus.  1347 CHARLES GREGORY, Stated that he had suffered a heart KAKE attack and that he used medical services in Sitka. He spoke in support of medical services in Sitka.  1108 ROBERT BUNSEY, Spoke in support of vocational KODIAK rehabilitation services. Expressed support for the implementation of a statewide income tax. Spoke against use of the Permanent Fund.  0823 JOHN HOUSER, KODIAK Testified in support of funding for community mental health programs. He  explained he had a nervous breakdown and would like the Kodiak office to remain open. Spoke in favor of a sales tax.  0458 DR. BOB JOHNSON, Spoke in support of a long-range fiscal KODIAK plan. Expressed support for the implementation of a statewide income tax and the POMV. Urged leaving the CBR alone.  TAPE HFC 04 - 50, Side A  0113 BARBARA LEWIS, Spoke against an access road from Haines HAINES to Juneau. Testified in support of funding for community mental health programs. Expressed support for the implementation of a statewide income tax. Suggested increasing oil company taxes per barrel.  FRANCIS OZENNA, Described the local problems and needs LITTLE DIOMEDE including their limited mail service; law ISLAND enforcement; two years of shoreline erosion that was funded locally; transportation services, specifically a small boat harbor; new housing and better medical attention; and solid waste disposal. The local bird sanctuary limits housing construction. The town hasn't received disaster funding although it has serious erosion problems.  0801 CORY THOLE, SKAGWAY Voiced concerns with cuts to the Alaska Marine Highway System. Did not support the highway from Haines to Juneau and would prefer full funding for the ferry system.  1112 The meeting was adjourned at 4:09 P.M.  ADJOURNMENT