SENATE BILL NO. 30 "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, from the constitutional budget reserve fund; and providing for an effective date." HOUSE BILL NO. 31 "An Act making an appropriation for construction and renovation of the University of Alaska, Anchorage Consortium Library Facility; and providing for an effective date." CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 50(FIN)(brf sup maj fld) "An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state government, for certain programs, and to capitalize funds; and providing for an effective date." CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 51(FIN) "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." The committee heard public testimony on the FY00 Operating Budget. Co-Chair Sean Parnell requested speakers limit their testimony to one minute. He suggested written testimony could be faxed to the committee co-chairs offices. LEA TOMLISON (no spelling given for last name) testified via teleconference from Craig. She spoke to the municipal assistance matter. Co-Chair Sean Parnell noted that the Senate Finance Committee had not yet addressed the subject of municipal assistance or revenue sharing. They would be taking the matter up during the Monday meeting. DENNIS (no last name given) testified via teleconference from Craig. He touched on the municipal assistance and the Department of Fish and Game budget - specifically the raw fish tax. The following testimony exclusively addressed the municipal assistance and revenue sharing unless otherwise noted. PAULA BURGNER, Member of Pelican City Council, testified via teleconference from Pelican. LOUISA WHITMARSH, L.I.O. teleconference operator, testified via teleconference from Pelican. UNKNOWN SPEAKER testified via teleconference from Yakutat. He also spoke about municipal assistance. Co-Chair Sean Parnell called upon testifiers from Eagle and Nenana but received no response. GINNY TIERNEY, Member, City Council of Thorne Bay, testified via teleconference from Thorne Bay. IMOGENE GARDNER, Mayor, City of Clark's Point, testified via teleconference from Clark's Point SHARON CLARK, City Administrator, Clark's Point, testified via teleconference from Clark's Point. She spoke of the lowered tax base from the raw fish tax and the need for the municipal assistance. She also supported funding for the University of Alaska. WALT WREDE, Manager, Lake and Peninsula Borough, testified via teleconference from King Salmon. JEFF COURIER, Manager, Bristol Bay Borough, testified via teleconference from King Salmon. ELSIE VENT, testified via teleconference from Huslia JERRY CLAY, City Clerk, City of Newhalen, testified via teleconference from Newhalen. GEORGE HORNBERGER, Member, Newhalen City Council, testified via teleconference from Newhalen. ROCKY JAMES, City Manager, City of Fort Yukon, testified via teleconference from Fort Yukon. PAT MCDONALD, Manager, City of Coffman Cove, testified via teleconference from Coffman Cove. ELIZABETH MOSENTHIN testified via teleconference from Coffman Cove. Pat McDonald had additional comments on the same topic of municipal assistance. PAUL PANAMAROFF, Vice Mayor, City of Ouzinkie testified via teleconference from Ouzinkie. MAXINE THOMPSON, Mayor, City of Angoon, testified via teleconference from Angoon. PETER MCCLUSKEY, JR., Tribal Council, testified via teleconference from Angoon. FOREST GRAHM SR. (no name spelling given), small business owner, testified via teleconference from Angoon. MARLENE ZUBACK (no spelling given), Executive Director, testified via teleconference from Angoon. GENEVEVE THOMPSON (unverified last name) testified via teleconference from Angoon. Tape: SFC - 99 #92, Side B 6:53 PM HARRY WILD, Mayor, Mountain Village, testified via teleconference from Mountain Village. PAUL NELSON, Member, Haines Planning and Zoning Assistance, testified via teleconference from Haines. In addition to speaking of the need for municipal assistance he suggested eliminating waste in state government. ** Co-Chair Sean Parnell noted that the property tax exemption bill was introduced today in the Senate. Senator Dave Donley thanked the testifier for offering alternatives to the budget situation. GEORGE SHELIKOFF testified via teleconference from Grayling. BARBARA MACMANUS, Mayor, City of Ambler, testified via teleconference from Ambler. In addition to revenue sharing and municipal assistance, the city needed funding for other programs such as the BPO. DAVID WALTNER, City Manager, City of Aniak, testified via teleconference from Aniak. LUTHER NAGARUK, testified via teleconference from Elim. He suggested using funds the state had "in the bank" to balance the budget. He also addressed the need for municipal assistance. ALMA BODFISH, Vice Mayor, City of Wainwright, testified via teleconference from Wainwright. UNKNOWN SPEAKER (female) testified via teleconference from Wainwright. UNKNOWN SPEAKER (female) testified via teleconference from Wainwright. MURIEL (no last name given) testified via teleconference from Wainwright spoke to the crowding in jails. FELIX WALKER, Mayor, City of Scammon Bay, testified via teleconference from Scammon Bay. DONNA WILLIAMS, Mayor, City of Klawock, testified via teleconference from Klawock. BOB KNIGHT testified via teleconference from Nenana. BOB (no last name given) testified via teleconference from Nenena. JOANNE HAWKINS, Assembly Member, City of Nenana, testified via teleconference from Nenana. GARY STEVENS, Mayor, Kodiak Island Borough, testified via teleconference from Kodiak. CAROLYN FLOYD, Mayor, City of Kodiak, testified via teleconference from Kodiak. DAVE JONES, Director of Finance, Kodiak Island School District, testified via teleconference from Kodiak. In addition to speaking in favor of municipal assistance, he recommended the Legislature discontinue the five-year budget reduction plan. MIKE MILLIGAN, representing himself, testified via teleconference from Kodiak. He noted that Kodiak like other Alaskan towns had industries that contributed to the general fund. He spoke in favor of funding for the University of Alaska. Co-Chair Sean Parnell noted that for unknown reasons, the community of Bethel was not included in the public testimony during the House Finance Committee budget hearings. He wanted to ensure that they were given a voice at this meeting. AGNES PHILLIPS, Mayor, City of Bethel, testified via teleconference from Bethel. BOB HERRON, City Manager, City of Bethel, testified via teleconference from Bethel. BILL COUMBE, Mayor, City of Whittier, testified via teleconference from Whittier. Tape: SFC - 99 #92, Side A 7:40 PM Bill Coumbe continued. PAT PAVILLA testified via teleconference from Tuntatuliak. After stressing the need for municipal assistance, he spoke to the importance of University of Alaska funding for community colleges. He then commented on the cuts to the Power Cost Equalization program. He suggested cutting legislative and administrative salaries. UNKNOWN SPEAKER (male) testified via teleconference from Tuntatuliak. He spoke to the Power Cost Equalization program and to University of Alaska funding. ANGEE ASELTINE, affiliated with an organization that assisted disabled people, testified via teleconference from Soldotna. She had concerns about cuts to mental health programs and potential reductions to the permanent fund. Senator Pete Kelly commented on the legislative raise. Five years ago there had been an amendment to attach the rates to the federal employee rates. They rose and fell, but the media only reported the rises. Senator Dave Donley added that the rates were set by the federal government and the Legislature had no control over the amounts. Angee Aseltine apologized for offending legislators. She still felt they made much more money than she did. Co-Chair Sean Parnell assured her she did not offend any members of the committee. He noted that members of his staff had taken leave without pay to help with the budget shortfall. GAIL IGO testified via teleconference from Anchorage about cuts to the foster care system. MIKE KEECH, Representing the Foster Care in Alaska, testified via teleconference from Anchorage about the need for assistance for the foster care system. He supported a sales tax. ELOISE JOSEPH testified via teleconference from Anchorage in opposition to cuts the Medicaid. AGNES JOSEPH testified via teleconference from Anchorage. She encouraged the best care should be given to children. MICHAEL TAVELLA representing the community schools program, testified via teleconference from Anchorage. He opposed elimination of funding for the community schools programs. He supported full funding for the University of Alaska. ALISON ARIANS, Resident of South Anchorage, testified via teleconference from Anchorage. She urged the committee to reconsider elimination of the Division of Lands lands programs. JAN SCHWARTZ testified via teleconference from Anchorage against the Division of Lands budget cuts. KATHERINE MEANS, Employee of the Division of Lands, Department of Natural Resources, testified via teleconference from Anchorage against the budget cuts to the division. ART ARIANS, testified via teleconference from Anchorage. He recommended the state reimpose the income tax and make reductions to the permanent fund dividends. ROCKY PLOTNICK, Alaska Health Education Consortium, testified via teleconference from Anchorage. She spoke about the tobacco settlement funds. RICK MYSTROM, Mayor, Municipality of Anchorage, testified via teleconference from Anchorage. He spoke of the need for municipal assistance and revenue sharing. Senator Randy Phillips commented that he hoped the mayor was directing his criticisms at the House Finance Committee since that was the group who proposed eliminating the municipal assistance. JENNIFER SMENUD, Student, University of Alaska-Anchorage, testified via teleconference from Anchorage in support of funding for the university system. MEGAN HALL, Student, University of Alaska-Anchorage, testified via teleconference from Anchorage against budget cuts to the University of Alaska. RANDI BINION-OLSON, Student, University of Alaska- Anchorage, testified via teleconference from Anchorage in support of funding for the university system. Co-Chair Sean Parnell pointed out that the total University of Alaska funding request was more than FY99. The subcommittee added federal funds. The total University of Alaska budget was higher. He did not say there were not needs. MARILYN WILSON, Student, University of Alaska, testified via teleconference from Dillingham in support of full funding for the University of Alaska. MIKE DAVIS testified via teleconference from Dillingham. He was concerned about cuts to the Power Cost Equalization program. He suggested tax increases. CATHERINE FLAVIN testified via teleconference from Dillingham. She registered her concerns about the Legislature's proposed use of the tobacco tax and tobacco settlement revenues. She also encouraged full funding for the University of Alaska. CRISTY WILLER-TILDEN testified via teleconference from Dillingham against the proposed cuts to alcohol abuse programs. Tape: SFC - 99 #93, Side B 8:27PM CHRISTINA SASAKI testified via teleconference from Dillingham. She opposed cuts to the municipal assistance programs, the University of Alaska and alcohol abuse programs. MARGARET WOOD testified via teleconference from Dillingham. She had an interest in seeing the University of Alaska receiving full funding. HANK HOVE, Mayor, Fairbanks North Star Borough, testified via teleconference from Fairbanks. He spoke to the need for municipal assistance and revenue sharing. He suggested a statewide sales tax. DAN MASODA, Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly, testified via teleconference from Fairbanks. He testified about a resolution for expanding state revenues. GARA BRIDWELL, Fairbanks Chapter Coalition, testified via teleconference from Fairbanks and talked about child development and childcare. JAMIE PARRISH, General Council, University of Alaska, testified via teleconference from Fairbanks, in support of funding for the University of Alaska. JAKE POOLE, Executive Director, University of Alaska Alumni Association, testified via teleconference from Fairbanks also in support of funding for the University of Alaska. CRAIG HUGHES, Parent of children in daycare, testified via teleconference from Fairbanks. He spoke in opposition of reductions to the childcare grant program. MARTA MUELLER, Alumni, University of Alaska-Fairbanks, testified via teleconference from Fairbanks and spoke to the importance of full funding for the university. KRISTIN VERNOLA, Program Manager, testified via teleconference from Mat-Su. She talked about the need for new families programs support. CATHY BALDWIN-JOHNSON, Doctor and Medical Director, testified via teleconference from Mat-Su about the importance of early childhood intervention programs. MARGART VOLTZ, Program Director, testified via teleconference from Mat-Su in support of the Health Families Dual Track program. KATHY JUTILA, Client and resident, Nugent Ranch, testified via teleconference from Mat-Su. Her comments addressed the drug and alcohol abuse programs in Alaska. CAROL TAYLOR, School Nurse, testified via teleconference from Mat-Su in support of using tobacco settlement funds for prevention programs. ROBERT HALL testified via teleconference from Mat-Su. He spoke about the high rate of child abuse in the state and the need for additional staff to investigate reports of abuse. He urged support of the Dual Track program. MICHAEL HANDRICKS testified via teleconference from Mat-Su, commending the Nugent ranch. BARBARA CADDEN testified via teleconference from Mat-Su. She spoke about tobacco prevention programs. HOWARD DELKETTIE testified via teleconference from Mat-Su. He urged funds not be cut from alcohol treatment and mental health programs. PAUL GONZALES testified via teleconference from Mat-Su and asked the committee to not cut funding for alcohol treatment programs. JEFF JAQUES, Recovering Alcoholic and Resident, Nugent Ranch testified via teleconference from Mat-Su. He suggested an income tax be imposed to cover the costs of alcohol treatment programs. PAT ARNOLD testified via teleconference from Homer and thanked the committee for continued support for disabled adult services programs. SCOT WHEAT, National Alliance of the Mentally Ill-Homer, testified via teleconference from Homer. He urged use of the tobacco settlement funds for prevention of mental illness programs. LARRY MILLER testified via teleconference from Kenai. DUANE BANNOCK, City of Kenai, testified via teleconference from Kenai in support of municipal assistance. JANET MILLER testified via teleconference from Kenai. She opposed cuts to the municipal assistance programs. CLINTON MOTT, Employee, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, testified via teleconference from Kenai. He was concerned about cuts to the department budget and employee pay cuts. He opposed cuts to the permanent fund and recommended a state income tax. MARGARET WRIGHT testified via teleconference from Kotzebue about revenues from the tobacco tax and the need to fund prevention programs. Co-Chair Sean Parnell pointed out that the budget at this time directed all funds to be used in the cost of treatment of smoking related costs such as Medicaid. Tape: SFC - 99 #94, Side A 9:14 PM BONNIE HARDY testified via teleconference from Anchorage. She spoke in favor of funding for community schools programs. NICOLE KIMBALL testified via teleconference from Anchorage. She urged reinstatement of funding for the Division of Lands. ELAINE DALGREN, Director of an organization that treated substance abuse, testified via teleconference from Anchorage. She requested the committee reconsider cuts to alcohol treatment programs. HAYDEN GREEN, Dean, University of Alaska-Anchorage, testified via teleconference from Anchorage. He was in support of funding for the university. GEORGE GEISTAUTS, Professor, University of Alaska- Anchorage, testified via teleconference from Anchorage recommending the committee fully fund the university. MARY ROSENZWEIG, Executive Director, Substance Abuse Treatment Association, testified via teleconference from Anchorage. She asked for reconsideration of cuts to the substance abuse treatment programs. LEE GORSUCH, University of Alaska-Anchorage, testified via teleconference from Anchorage in support of funding for the University of Alaska. LEE COURTNEY, Professor of Management Information Systems, University of Alaska-Anchorage, testified via teleconference from Anchorage. He spoke of the importance of funding the university. DENNIS DRINKA, Professor, University of Alaska-Anchorage, testified via teleconference from Anchorage in opposition to cuts to university funding. VIC FISCHER, former Alaska State Senator, testified via teleconference from Anchorage, in opposition to budget cuts to children's programs and the University of Alaska. KEN BOZE, University of Alaska, testified via teleconference from Anchorage in support of funding for the university. He was opposed to an individual income tax. SUE SAMET, Chairman of the Board, testified via teleconference from Anchorage. She understood why the board was not funded in the past and she told of actions taken by the board to increase the number of children they reviewed. CHRISTIE MCINTIRE, Executive Director, American Lung Association of Alaska, testified via teleconference from Anchorage. She urged the committee to use monies from the tobacco settlement for prevention programs. DARRYL WOOD, Assistant Professor, University of Alaska- Anchorage, testified via teleconference from Anchorage about the need for increased funding for the university. MICHAEL EVANS testified via teleconference from Anchorage on behalf of foster care. He asked what happened to the mental health trust and why funds weren't used to help the mentally ill. He also wondered why tobacco settlement funds weren't used for prevention programs. Co-Chair Sean Parnell noted that Senator Randy Phillips volunteered to answer those questions. Co-Chair Sean Parnell repeated his comments about the current appropriation of tobacco settlement funds to treatment programs. He anticipated amendments to add prevention programs. DEBORAH HEEBNER testified via teleconference from Anchorage about the Division of Lands proposed budget cuts. JENNY MURREY, American Cancer Society, testified via teleconference from Anchorage. She spoke about the need to spend the tobacco settlement funds on prevention programs. HEATHER STRAIT testified via teleconference from Glennallen about the municipal matching grants and revenue sharing programs. JAMES VANHORN, Member of Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly, testified via teleconference from Ketchikan in support of the municipal assistance programs. JACK SHAY, Ketchikan Gateway Borough, testified via teleconference from Ketchikan also urging the committee to fund the municipal assistance programs. SUE ASPLUND, Executive Director, testified via teleconference from Cordova. She urged the department to reconsider proposed cuts to the Department of Fish and Game, commercial fishing programs. STAN FILLER, Mayor, City and Borough of Sitka, testified via teleconference from Sitka. He spoke of the need for municipal assistance and revenue sharing. He recommended a sales tax and a cap on the permanent fund dividend. JOHN HOLST, Superintendent of Schools, Sitka School District, testified via teleconference from Sitka. ALICE JOHNSTONE, Legislative Liaison, Alaska Board On Alcohol and Drug Abuse, testified via teleconference from Sitka about the need for funding for treatment programs. SYLVIA WARD, Northern Alaska Center for the Environment, testified via teleconference from Fairbanks. She urged support for the Division of Lands programs. She opposed use of the principal of the permanent fund. She urged the elimination of wasteful and unwanted projects. Tape: SFC - 99 #94, Side B 10:02 PM NEAL MATSON, Board Member, American Cancer Society, testified via teleconference from Fairbanks. He wanted one- third of the revenues from the tobacco settlement and tax to be used for prevention projects. He opposed using the principal of the permanent fund. TERRY SOLOMON testified via teleconference from Fairbanks, in support of using the tobacco revenues for prevention programs. She also spoke of a need for drug and alcohol treatment facilities in her community. She supported funding the University of Alaska. DIANA CAMPBELL, Tanana Chiefs Council, testified via teleconference from Fairbanks, asking the committee to spend tobacco revenues on prevention programs. THERESA LYONS, Alaska Nurses Association, testified via teleconference from Fairbanks. She requested the committee refrain from cutting the Department of Health and Social Services. MARIE SIMMONS, Member, Governor's Council, testified via teleconference from Fairbanks. She was concerned about cuts to the Medicaid budget. V. MUNDT, Planning and Economic Development, Tanana Chiefs Council, testified via teleconference from Fairbanks. She supported the municipal assistance program. She also supported funding for the BPOs. Co-Chair Sean Parnell noted the committee introduced a bill to provide more money for additional VPO and had encountered considerable opposition. They needed help in reducing the administrative costs. V. Mundt offered to address the issue in further detail and make suggestions during her planned visit to the capital. HAL MEYER, Division of Lands, testified via teleconference from Fairbanks. He detailed the mission and the accomplishments of the division. NANCY WEBB, Member, Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly, testified via teleconference from Fairbanks. She spoke against the cuts made in the House of Representatives to the municipal assistance program. Co-Chair Sean Parnell encouraged municipal officers to chose a spokesperson to convey their message. BRUCE DEXTER, Graduate, Alaska Vocational Technical Center, testified in person in support funding for the school. CHERYL EDENSHAW, Alaska Vocational Technical Center, testified in person asking the committee to restore funds to the school. TIA WAKOLEE, Housing Officer, single mother and Graduate of the Alaska Vocational Technical Center testified in person. She urged support of the center. DENNIS EGAN, Mayor, City and Borough of Juneau, and Chair, Southeast Alaska Mayors Conference, testified in person. He spoke of the need for municipal assistance and revenue sharing. DON DAPCEVICH, Advisory Board on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, testified in person. He voiced concerns about loss of funding for treatment programs. PAM WATTS, Chemical Dependency Division, City and Borough of Juneau, testified in person. She also spoke of the need to reduce cuts the treatment programs. She noted that cuts to municipal assistance grants and revenue assistance programs would affect these programs. STEVE KEPPEL testified via teleconference from Mat-Su. He talked about alcohol and drug abuse programs. BRIDGET MCIVER, Greater Palmer Youth Coordinator, Teens Against Tobacco Abuse, testified via teleconference from Mat-Su. ANDREW ROBINSON, Resident, Nugent Ranch, testified via teleconference from Mat-Su against cuts to treatment centers. REGINA HILEMAN, Resident, Nugent Ranch, testified via teleconference from Mat-Su. She asked that the committee not make cuts to the center. VALERIE BAFFONE testified via teleconference from Anchorage. She addressed the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities maintenance projects asking them to be funded. She encouraged use of the permanent fund for state operations. LEANIER INNERCHILD, Mental Health Advocate, testified via teleconference from Anchorage. She requested full funding for mental health programs. JAN MACCLARENCE, Budget Chair, Alaska Mental Health Board, testified via teleconference from Anchorage in opposition to proposed cuts to Medicaid. She was also concerned about reductions to substance abuse programs. CHERYL MANN, Chair, Advisory Board on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, testified via teleconference from Anchorage. She urged reconsideration of funding for treatment programs. ROBERT GALEA testified via teleconference from Anchorage. He was against the budget cuts to the Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse. Tape: SFC - 99 #95, Side A 10:49 PM GEORGE HIERONYMUS, Director, Beans Caf , testified via teleconference from Anchorage, in support of funding for the medical assistance programs for the indigent. He urged the committee to oppose HB 126. JILL GATES, American Cancer Society, testified via teleconference from Anchorage. She recommended funding for tobacco prevention programs. ROSALIE NADAEU testified via teleconference from Anchorage. She testified about statistics on sexual assault and relationships to alcohol and drug abuse. JANICE TOWER testified via teleconference from Anchorage. She testified about alcohol and drug abuse in relation to children. JOE DIMATTEO testified via teleconference from Anchorage in support of funding for substance abuse treatment programs. Senator Pete Kelly requested enforcement of the time limit of testimony. COLE SONAFRANK testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in opposition of revenue sharing and municipal assistance. PAM KARALERNAS testified via teleconference from Fairbanks. She spoke of the need for child abuse prevention. TIM BECK testified via teleconference from Fairbanks. LAURA BUSH, Fairbanks Healthy Families, testified via teleconference from Fairbanks. She urged funding for the program. ANDY HARRINGTON testified via teleconference from Fairbanks. He asked for full funding of 23 staff positions for the Division of Family and Youth Services. He supported healthy families and substance abuse treatment programs. DAVID KARALUNAS testified via teleconference from Fairbanks. He felt the Legislature thought there was a public mandate to cut the budget, which he opposed. ROGER JENKINS, Administrator, City of Nikolai, testified via teleconference from Anchorage. He spoke to the need for revenue sharing. BILL BOWENS testified via teleconference from Anchorage about a tobacco cessation program. LINDA MYERS testified via teleconference from Anchorage. She referred to a letter she received from Representative Jeanette James about the use of the tobacco settlement. Linda Myers wanted the funds used for prevention. She addressed the recent legislative pay raises. DARLEEN BELTZ testified via teleconference from Anchorage about the need for tobacco prevention programs. She also spoke against the overall budget cuts. HEATHER BELTZ, Twelve-year old, testified via teleconference from Anchorage in support of tobacco prevention programs. DON VALESKO testified via teleconference from Anchorage. He asked the committee to think before they cut the budget. BRAD TUCK, Economist and Professor, University of Alaska- Anchorage, testified via teleconference from Anchorage in support of funding for the university. He pointed out that it was not possible to balance the budget simply by cutting. Revenues would have to be raised. JOYCE KITKA, Community Schools Supervisor, testified in person. She thanked the committee for the funding the community schools program. ROSEMARY HAGEVIG, Executive Director, Catholic Community Services, testified in person. She supported funding for the Healthy Families program. BILL LEGERE, KTOO/Public Broadcasting, testified in person. He thanked the committee for reinstating funding for public broadcasting. Senator Loren Leman appreciated the testimony in favor of some of the committee's actions. KAREN ELLIOTT, National Council on Alcoholism, testified in person. She spoke of the need for funding for treatment programs. DAVE PALMER, City Manager, City and Borough of Juneau, testified in person. He addressed the proposed cuts to municipal assistance and revenue sharing. DAVID JACKSON, University of Alaska-Southeast, Student Council, testified in person. He supported funding for public broadcasting and the University of Alaska. He felt it was time to cap the permanent fund and impose income and sales taxes. JOSH HORST, Student Government President, University of Alaska-Southeast, testified in person for full funding for the university. HEATHER PAIGE, Student, University of Alaska testified in person. Senator Loren Leman asked the witness how the University of Alaska-Southeast compared to Brown University. Heather Paige felt the students at UAS were just as enthusiastic, if not as "book smart". The classes were smaller and she liked the community of Juneau. Tape: SFC - 99 #95, Side B 11:36 PM Senator Pete Kelly wanted to stress that the university was paid for by development of resources. He was discouraged when students testified against development legislation. Co-Chair Sean Parnell announced there would be no meeting the next day or Saturday. Amendments would be due by 5:00 PM. The committee would hear bills Monday morning at 9:00 AM and start with the operating budget at 10:00 AM. He told the members to plan to meet both Monday and Tuesday evenings. ADJOURNED Senator Parnell adjourned the meeting at 11:39 PM. SFC-99 (19) 4/15/99