CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 72(FIN) "An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state government and for certain programs and capitalizing funds; and providing for an effective date." CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 73(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." ^PUBLIC TESTIMONY: FAIRBANKS, MAT-SU 2:11:38 PM Co-Chair Kelly opened public testimony. 2:12:17 PM SUNNI HILTS, SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER, KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT, SELDOVIA, testified in support of increased funding for education. She spoke in favor of early childhood education and told personal anecdotes about her grandchildren and their educational experiences. She discussed large class sizes and the detrimental effect on learning. She related that the school district had a very "lean administration" and spoke of recent position reductions. She discussed the value of early education and the relationship between early childhood education and lowered prison populations. She described the proposed cuts in education funding as "almost insupportable." She specified that her district would be $5 million through $8 million in deficit in the current year after being as cost- efficient as they could be. She asked the committee to make the children of Alaska their top priority. 2:15:18 PM DANNY FRAZIER, SUPERINTENDENT, DILLINGHAM CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT, DILLINGHAM, spoke in favor of education funding. He referred to the promised funding from the previous legislative session. He discussed additional requirements for school districts in concert with less funding. He related that in the previous year, Dillingham City School district had spent $11,000 on restraint and seclusion training. He remarked that in the current year, unforeseen expenses would include Erin's Law, additional teacher evaluation, AMP testing, and implementing common core educational standards. He wondered how districts could improve education or be innovative without the support of the legislature. He encouraged the committee to think of education when considering the budget. 2:16:45 PM Vice-Chair Micciche asked Mr. Frazier if he could email the committee to elaborate on what he considered unfunded mandates to the school district. He wondered what the state could do to reduce the burden of the requests. Senator Dunleavy commented that the committee had been working with school districts to identify a list of responsibilities that could be reduced to mitigate the effects of less funding/greater responsibility over time. 2:18:05 PM SUE SHERIF, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in favor of the Online with Libraries (OWL) program. She described OWL, elucidating that it was one of three funding streams that combined to provide a "modest amount" of broadband bandwidth for rural and remote public libraries. She listed the three components of funding: local payments, OWL subsidies, and federal E-rate funds. She noted that E- rate funds paid the bulk of the bandwidth cost (60 to 90 percent for 67 communities); and furthered that in rural communities, the library may be the only location where broadband is available to the general public. She explained that without the OWL subsidy to combine with the community contribution, libraries would not be able to leverage nearly $2 million of E-rate funding. She stated that she had written to committee members outlining the potential impacts on communities. She remarked on potential state travel savings through use of the OWL bandwidth videoconference capabilities to mitigate the need for off- road travel. She opined that the current proposed budget cuts, in all departments, would have the greatest impact on rural areas. She spoke to diversity of revenues, long-term planning for allowable use of savings, and discussion of taxes as avenues to consider before implementing the "drastic" proposed budget cuts. 2:21:20 PM WILL PUTMAN, FORESTRY DIRECTOR, TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke against cuts to the Division of Forestry timber program. He explained that he worked with member tribes on forest and natural resource management issues as well as wildland firefighting. He clarified that Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) was a tribal organization that served native tribes across Interior Alaska, including those found in the Upper Kuskokwim area (within the Division of Forestry's Southwest area) that relied on the wildfire protection services provided by the Division of Forestry. He discussed the proposed cuts to the Division of Forestry, including the "drastic" reduction of wildland fire resources in McGrath, and the elimination of the Wildland Firefighting Academy; and related that they were "very alarming" to the villages in the region. He furthered that TCC's Board of Directors had passed a resolution to address the issue, and stated he would be submitting copies of the resolution for the committee's review. He spoke about the resolution, noting that the proposed cuts would have consequences to rural villages including economic and employment effects and increased fire threat to communities. KIM SWISHER, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), urged the committee to reinstate funds for domestic violence and sexual assault prevention programs. She expressed frustration with Alaska's high rates of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. She related her personal experience having participated in a violence prevention program hosted by the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (CDVSA), at which she gained important information on how to participate in prevention efforts. She discussed the importance of public awareness and training. She discussed violence prevention, and asked the committee to fund prevention efforts for CDVSA. Senator Hoffman noted that there was $16,743,000 in the budget for the CDVSA, and the funds were not in jeopardy. 2:26:11 PM SUE HULL, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in support of reinstating funds for Best Beginnings. She discussed the importance of mental stimulation and development of children under the age of two. She mentioned "low cost - high impact" programs such as Imagination Library and Babies on Track and correlated them to success in school as well as life. She spoke to the cost- effectiveness of early childhood education and asked the committee to consider increased funding to Best Beginnings. 2:27:56 PM TABER REHBAUM, ARCTIC ALLIANCE, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), urged support of funding for the Human Services Community Matching Grants. She stressed that the funding provided essential human services across the state. She thanked the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health and Social Services for leaving intact the Human Service Community Matching Grant at the governor's proposed level, but remarked that it reflected a 20 percent budget decrease which would result in at least 2 agencies (and perhaps as many as 8) not receiving critical funding. She opined that the member agencies were addressing essential human services more effectively and efficiently than could be accomplished by state agencies. 2:29:33 PM SARAH OBED, VICE PRESIDENT OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, DOYON LIMITED, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in support of funding for the Southwest Area fire camp and Wildland Fire Academy. She added, on behalf of landowners and Doyon, that there were concerns regarding response time for fires. 2:30:26 PM DOUG TOELLE, ADVOCACY DIRECTOR, ACCESS ALASKA, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in favor of restoring funding to the sign language Interpreters Referral Line (IRL). He related that the program provided interpreters (required by the Americans with Disability Act (ADA)) for over 300 (mostly medical) appointments for individuals who were deaf in Fairbanks and Juneau. He related that the grant funding for IRL also funded an oversight body for interpreter credentialing, as well as outreach and education to understand ADA requirements. He mentioned a letter authored by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, stating that it suggested that for-profit businesses could replace the current IRL. He expressed disagreement and cited his personal business experience. He related that Access Alaska had contributed over $10,000 to the IRL to keep it running. He cautioned that if interpreter services were eliminated; the failed business model would become an ADA, civil rights, and liability issue. He clarified that interpreters were employees of Access Alaska when they were interpreting, and furthered that Access Alaska provided worker's compensation and other employer requirements. He spoke about the workload of interpreters. He described scenarios in which a deaf person would be at a great disadvantage without an interpreter, and asserted that cutting IRL would leave some of the committee members constituents in that situation. 2:32:49 PM PATTY MERITT, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in support of funding for the University of Alaska (UA) and early childhood education. She described the proposed cuts to UA as "devastating," especially for the workforce development group. She discussed cuts to K-12 education, and cuts to teachers. She spoke in support of reinstating funds for Best Beginnings, and discussed Imagination Library. She spoke in support of full funding for Pre-K programs. She testified in favor of restoring funds for the Parents as Teachers program. She stated that reducing funds for early preschool programs was shortsighted and would hurt the state in the future as well as realize greater expense as a result of increased need of remedial services for underprepared students. She described the Parents as Teachers program and characterized the funding as "infinitesimal" in comparison to the benefits to families served. 2:34:41 PM JOHN DAVID RAGAN, MEMBER, LOCAL LABORERS UNION 942, ESTER (via teleconference), spoke in favor of Medicaid expansion and discussed federal matching funds. He spoke against cuts to UA, and noted that it was the second largest employer in Fairbanks. He discussed the federal funding returns after investing in UA research. He spoke against cuts to public broadcasting. He supported funding for the Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the importance of training for the gas pipeline. He expressed his support for a state income tax. He expressed concern that Alaska would an "economic backwater." 2:37:06 PM THERESA WILLIAMS, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), related that she was a McGrath Tribal Member and spoke in favor of restoring funding to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) budget for the McGrath fire camp and Wildland Fire Academy. She discussed the jobs that would be affected and wondered how the state would fund the fire camp in the future. She referred to the Alaska State Statute that discussed the role and responsibility of the state in fire suppression on state, municipal, and private lands. She referred to a study that referenced workforce needs for fire suppression in the McGrath area. She warned of a potential lawsuit and discussed negligence with regard to fire suppression. 2:39:41 PM TERESA HANSON, CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMISSION ON FEDERAL AREAS (CACFA), FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in support of funding for CACFA. She discussed diversification of Alaska's economy and federal policy. She remarked on the role of CACFA, the importance of its activities, and the small amount of budget necessary for the program. 2:41:21 PM RANDY ZARNKE, PRESIDENT, ALASKA TRAPPERS ASSOCIATION (ATA); FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in favor of funding for CACFA in the DNR budget. He related that many members of ATA used state and federal lands for traditional harvest of renewable natural resources. He discussed the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) and the provision for access to cabins that full-time trappers required for shelter. He shared that federal agencies had become increasingly difficult to work with and related a story about trapping permits to illustrate what he considered "federal overreach." He furthered that CACFA had played an important role in maintaining rights for trapping. He encouraged the committee to maintain full funding for CACFA in order for Alaskan outdoor users to maintain rights guaranteed under ANILCA. Senator Bishop noted that funding for CACFA was added back in to the budget by the Senate Finance Subcommittee on DNR. 2:43:26 PM STAN LEAPHART, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in support of funding in the DNR budget. He specified support for CACFA, the state ANILCA Coordination Program, and the Public Access Assertion and Defense (PAAD) unit. He asserted that funding of the programs was critical for the future of the State of Alaska. He disclosed that he had worked for CACFA for approximately 23 years, starting on the original commission created by former Senator Betty Fahrenkamp. He discussed the passing of ANILCA, and asserted that management of federal public lands had become increasingly more complicated and restrictive. He discussed the extensive and diverse land use by Alaskans, and stressed the importance of how the lands were regulated by federal agencies. He related that CACFA intended to work as a bridge between citizens of the state and federal agencies, and enumerated some of the activities that CAFCA engaged in. He spoke to the ANILCA program and the PAAD unit and highlighted the importance of their activities. He reminded the committee that he had submitted a short letter for their review. 2:46:31 PM CHRISTINA DAVIS, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), urged the committee to reinstate funds for domestic violence and sexual assault prevention programs. Specifically, she mentioned programs such as Green Dot, Girls on the Run, Boys Run, Talk Now Talk Often, Compass, Stand up Speak up, Coaching Boys into Men, and mini grants for youth leadership work. She discussed the various programs and their importance to the community. 2:48:01 PM AT EASE 2:48:58 PM RECONVENED CAROLYN GRAY, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in favor of increased education funding. She discussed her family history in mining, engineering and geology; and correlated the importance of education in industry. She discussed the economic importance of an educated workforce, and asserted that state revenue must be increased in order for the state to aid Alaskans in reaching their goals. She spoke in favor of income tax. She spoke in favor of Medicaid expansion, and discussed federal matching dollars. She remarked on school research and spoke in support of funding for public broadcasting. 2:51:19 PM CHARLES LEMKE, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), urged the committee to restore funding for public broadcasting. He related that he was a small business owner, and was familiar with the budgetary challenge faced by the state. He supported funding for KUAC, and discussed its importance to Alaskan communities. He spoke in support of full funding for Pre-K programs. He spoke in favor of restoring funding to UA. 2:53:52 PM STEVE HECKMAN, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in support for funding for the helicopter program for the Alaska State Troopers. He related that he was a retired Alaska State trooper, and as a rural unit supervisor in Fairbanks he had operational control of two aircraft. He stated that both aircraft were used extensively to serve rural communities in the Interior as well as Fairbanks. He recounted the pursuit and capture of a mass murderer using a state-operated helicopter. He related that state helicopters were routinely used for search and rescue missions that were not able to be performed by fixed-wing aircrafts due to weather and visibility conditions. He discussed past use of helicopters in search and rescue scenarios, and stressed the importance of maintenance of the aircraft. 2:57:25 PM DON GRAY, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in favor of education funding. He discussed priorities of the state and stressed the importance of education, health, and public safety. He spoke in favor of using funds from reserve accounts such as the Constitutional Budget Reserve Fund (CBR) and the Statutory Budget Reserve Fund (SBR) as well as tax revenue from personal income taxes. He described K-12 education as "vital to our future" and testified in support of funding for the UA system. He asked the committee to reverse the cuts to public radio. He stated that the independent information available via public radio was healthy for democracy. He urged the committee to restore funding for public broadcasting. 2:59:58 PM CHERYL KILGORE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, INTERIOR NEIGHBORHOOD HEALTH CENTER (IHC), FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in support of funding for behavioral health services and Medicaid expansion. She related that IHC delivered medical integrative behavioral health and dental services on a sliding fee scale based on household size and income. The discussed vulnerable members of the community and specified that in 2015, IHC saw 6,205 people, 34 percent of which were uninsured and 71 percent whom lived at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. She discussed the challenges of obtaining specialized health care services without insurance. She spoke in favor of the Health and Human Services matching block grant. 3:02:12 PM Co-Chair Kelly handed the gavel to Senator Dunleavy. MARK WAYSON, SELF, MAT-SU (via teleconference), testified in support of funding for CACFA. He stated that he was an in-holder in Denali National Park, and related that the federal government had denied access to his property. He discussed the importance of economic diversity in Alaska and suggested that funds from oil production had caused complacency in state government. He discussed "federal overreach" and described CACFA as a "citizens agency" that was essential in bridging the gap between Alaskans and the federal government. 3:04:28 PM JIM STOCKER, SELF, MAT-SU (via teleconference), spoke in support of funding for trooper helicopter maintenance within the Department of Public Safety budget. He related that he was a 40-year Alaska resident, private business person, and pilot. He discussed the essential services provided by the helicopters in emergency situations, and recounted a personal experience to illustrate his point. 3:06:27 PM LINDA CONOVER, MEMBER, IMAGINATION LIBRARY BOARD; MAT-SU (via teleconference), spoke in support of reinstating funds for the Best Beginnings program in aid of funding the Imagination Library program. She discussed child development and the importance of readiness for kindergarten. She spoke in support of funding for the Imagination Library. She referenced studies and polls that show the success of the program. 3:08:57 PM Ms. Conover read a prepared statement from Tari Patinka, a resident of Knik, Alaska. Ms. Patinka supported funding for the Imagination Library funded through Best Beginnings. She recounted her personal experience with the program and discussed sponsored activities related to the program. 3:11:34 PM ROBIN MINARD, MAT-SU HEALTH FOUNDATION, MAT-SU (via teleconference), testified in support of funding for Medicaid expansion. She discussed the role of the Mat-Su Health Foundation, and described it as being "at the apex of health reform." She related that it utilized data analysis to provide better care for lower cost. She related that the Mat-Su Regional Hospital's Emergency department saw five times the number of individuals with behavioral health issues than the community mental health center. She discussed population growth in Mat-Su and reported that the community public health grant (from the Department of Public Health) had not grown in proportion. She discussed the need for meaningful Medicaid reform measures to accompany Medicaid expansion. She discussed the reduced cost of care associated with improved access by preventing costly emergency room visits. 3:14:02 PM BONNIE QUILL, MAT-SU CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU (MCVB), MAT-SU (via teleconference), spoke in support of funding for tourism marketing. She related that MCVB relied heavily on the marketing as well as the cooperative programs organized by the state, including international missions, media events, and sponsorship opportunities in the travel trade. She discussed how defunding tourism marketing would affect private business. She pointed out that tourism generated revenue for the state. 3:15:43 PM PENNY VADLA, BOARD MEMBER, KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT, KENAI, spoke in favor of increased education funding. She stated that she was a 30-year teacher in the Kenai School District. She discussed the correlation between education and a prosperous state economy. She discussed one-time education funding from the previous year. She related how her school district had streamlined operations to lower costs while still offering cutting-edge educational experiences for students, digital-technical initiatives, and student growth maps. She spoke in support of full funding for Pre-K programs. She discussed the parental opt-out choice for AMP testing. She referred to research regarding the success of children who had access to early childhood education. 3:19:10 PM CRISTY FRY, SELF, HOMER (via teleconference), urged the committee to restore funding for public broadcasting. She discussed the genesis of public radio in Alaska, and related that she had been a volunteer DJ since 1980 as well as a financial supporter of public radio. She discussed services provided by public radio and remarked on how the cuts would affect communities in Alaska. 3:21:16 PM RACHEL ROMBERG, SELF, HOMER (via teleconference), urged the committee to reinstate funds for domestic violence and sexual assault prevention programs. She recounted a relevant incident in Homer which ended in a court case and increased community awareness. She divulged that she was the Prevention Coordinator for Haven House, funded by CDVSA; and discussed the programs they had been offering in Homer. She spoke in support of programs including Green Dot and Girls on the Run. She referenced abuse statistics in the state. She remarked on the correlation between prevention activities and adverse childhood experiences, adult wellness, and associated healthcare costs. ^PUBLIC TESTIMONY: KENAI, KODIAK, DILLINGHAM 3:24:03 PM DAN PASCUCI, SELF, SOLDOTNA (via teleconference), urged the committee to restore funding for public broadcasting. He related that he was a guest DJ on KDLL radio. [Mr. Pascuci offered his testimony in poetry form from here]: Alaska is a special land that's full of different places. Different landscapes, different towns, and lots of different faces. Different folks that celebrate lots of different occasions. Different families and singles too, different political persuasions. But one thing that ties us all together, is our need for information. Whether it's the price of oil, or beluga populations. Or info on our safety, or school, or of road closures. Or tsunami, volcano warnings, or public service disclosures. Now I know that lots of different groups have asked you for the cash. But please consider one big thing, before you make the slash. It's broadcasting all across our state that send messages for all groups. Whether they're trying to fight hunger, or fix honey bucket poops. Everyone can find support, through open public broadcasting. It's information that connects us, not political commercial lambasting. And don't forget the federal funds that will surely to be lost. A $4.2 million dollar cut, with a $7 million loss. Now me, I'm no Dave Ramsey, but I know that he'd agree. Losing 7 when you cut 4.2 seems a tad silly. Now I'm just a small Alaskan, I'm no super radio star. But it's the open broadcast networks that keeps us in touch who we are. So you're the ones that make the calls, on what gets cut and what can stay. I do not envy this hard task that faces you these days. So thank you for your work, and thank you for your time, and thanks to public broadcasting, but sorry for the rhyme. 3:26:27 PM ALEXIS KAFERSTIN, SELF, SEWARD (via teleconference), spoke in support of reinstating funds for Pre-K programs including Best Beginnings. She discussed early childhood education and referenced statistics that ranked Alaska 44th in the country for 4th grade reading skills and 51st in post-secondary attainment. She discussed funding recipients of the Best Beginnings program, specifically the Imagination Library. She discussed the importance of early literacy and heralded its positive effects on families. She correlated early learning with a strong economy; and suggested that it reduced crime, teen pregnancy, and welfare dependency. 3:29:14 PM NICKOLE LYON, CO-CHAIR, IMAGINATION LIBRARY, SEWARD (via teleconference), spoke in support of full funding for Pre-K programs. She related that she was a special education teacher and shared her personal experience with Imagination Library. She discussed the positive effects of early childhood education. 3:30:01 PM JANICE CHUMLEY, SELF, KENAI (via teleconference), spoke in favor of restoring funding to the Division of Agriculture. She discussed food security and its importance to the state. She spoke about the Phytosanitary Program and the Potato Certification Program, and mentioned that potatoes were the largest agricultural crop in the state. 3:31:16 PM MARY JO JOINER, DIRECTOR, KENAI COMMUNITY LIBRARY, KENAI (via teleconference), testified in favor of the OWL program. She related that she was a member of the Alaska Library Association Board. She discussed the benefits of the OWL program and the federal funds that it leveraged. She discussed the Homework Help program; and related that there were 5,073 sessions of the program logged in 2008; and 29,279 sessions in 2014. She explained that the program was available 7 days a week. She discussed community use of library bandwidth. 3:34:02 PM DAVE JONES, ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT, KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT (KPBSD), SOLDOTNA (via teleconference), testified in support of funding for K-12 education. He related that the Kenai School District had been holding public budget meetings across the district, and had examined budget solutions that included scrutiny of revenue and a willingness of consumers to pay for valuable programs. He discussed educational programs such as the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP), the Coaches Mentor Program, as well as multiple early childhood and literacy programs. He expressed concern regarding proposed cuts to the Department of Education and Early Development. 3:36:00 PM Vice-Chair Micciche referred to an earlier discussion regarding state unfunded mandates, and asked Mr. Jones to comment via email on what he may regard as "state funding burden" [unfunded mandates] that could be reduced in the future. Mr. Jones asserted that KPBSD would submit some ideas. 3:36:48 PM JON LILLEVIK, SELF, KENAI (via teleconference), urged the committee to restore funding for public broadcasting. He stated that he had been involved with his local public station for many years. There were some issues that the radio was able to cover that did not get the same kind of attention from other broadcasting venues. He stated that the communities with small populations were at a disadvantage, because they would not be able to sustain continued high contributions. He discussed federal matching funds that would not be received if the proposed cuts were to go through. He discussed other ramifications of the proposed cuts to public broadcasting. 3:39:15 PM CHERYL TUTTLE, STUDENT GOVERNMENT OFFICE, KENAI PENINSULA COLLEGE, KENAI (via teleconference), voiced support for UA funding. She expressed concern that the proposed cuts would result in the loss of faculty and future students at UA, and such losses would jeopardize the viability of UA in the future. 3:40:29 PM MARSEA HANSEN, STUDENT ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR, KENAI PENINSULA COLLEGE, KENAI (via teleconference), voiced support for UA funding. She discussed e-learning and the reduction of programs due to budget cuts. She referred to written testimony she had gathered from students and community members. 3:42:04 PM PEPPER POND, CHAIRMAN, IMAGINATION LIBRARY, KENAI (via teleconference), testified in support of reinstating funds for Best Beginnings. She related that Best Beginnings was the primary funding source for the Imagination Library. She referenced studies that illustrated the impact of the program on kindergarten preparedness. She discussed facets of the Imagination Library, including local parent engagement activities at community locations. She highlighted the access to the program by low-income families, and discussed the number of program recipients. She specified that the Imagination Library in Kenai was funded through 50 percent local support, and 50 percent from Best Beginnings. 3:44:34 PM JOE GALLAGHER, SELF, SOLDOTNA (via teleconference), urged the committee to restore funding for public broadcasting. 3:45:26 PM FRED STURMAN, SELF, SOLDOTNA (via teleconference), encouraged the committee to reduce the budget further. He discussed the budget shortfall, and oil price and production. He stated that the Division of Motor Vehicles could be eliminated. He stated that road maintenance in the state should be contracted or reduced. 3:47:36 PM ROGER BOYD, SELF, KENAI (via teleconference), urged the committee to restore funding for public broadcasting. He remarked that public radio was one of the few sources of locally produced news and public service announcements available to Alaskans. He described funding for public broadcasting as a successful public-private partnership. He voiced that he would be willing to pay an income tax in order to fund a healthy, prosperous, and well-informed state. He added that expanding Medicaid, funding education, and funding public broadcasting would aid in doing so. 3:50:07 PM LADAWN DRUCE, SELF, STERLING (via teleconference), urged the committee to restore funding for public broadcasting. She stated that she was a supporter of her local radio station. She also spoke in support of full funding for Pre- K programs, and testified in favor of the OWL program. She discussed the importance of early childhood education. She referred to HB 80, sponsored by Representative Lynn Gattis, and suggested its passage would save the state money by not requiring students to take a college career readiness assessment (ACT, SAT, WorkKeys) in order to graduate. Vice-Chair Micciche noted that he had spoken with Senator Dunleavy, who would be carrying a companion bill to HB 80. 3:52:34 PM JESSIE BJORKMAN, TEACHER, NIKISKI (via teleconference), testified in support of fully funding education programs. He discussed special teaching activities that provided students with experiences in and out of the classroom. 3:54:49 PM KAITLIN VADLA, SELF, SOLDOTNA (via teleconference), spoke in support of funding for education. She encouraged the committee to restore the one-time funding for education. She expressed a desire to hear dialogue on a fiscal plan; and referenced a recent presentation by David Teal, Director, Legislative Finance Division. 3:56:57 PM AT EASE 3:57:30 PM RECONVENED Vice-Chair Micciche handed the gavel to Senator Hoffman. JODY SEITZ, CITY PLANNER, DILLINGHAM (via teleconference), urged the committee to fund community jails and spoke in support of revenue sharing. 4:00:05 PM DAN DUNAWAY, FRIENDS OF KDLG, DILLINGHAM (via teleconference), urged the committee to restore funding for public broadcasting. He asserted that public radio in the Dillingham area was not merely for entertainment; but was for emergency services that many people depended upon. 4:01:39 PM SONJA MARX, LIBRARIAN, DILLINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY, DILLINGHAM (via teleconference), testified in favor of the OWL program. She discussed how the community used the program. 4:02:42 PM MICHAEL HARDER, SELF, DILLINGHAM (via teleconference), urged the committee to restore funding for public broadcasting, revenue sharing, and community jails. He suggested that many proposed budget cuts would disproportionately affect rural Alaska. He asked the committee to consider the impact of extreme austerity budget cuts and also consider sources of state income. He related that he would be willing to pay an income tax. 4:04:49 PM DAN PASQUARILLO, CHIEF OF POLICE, DILLINGHAM (via teleconference), spoke in support of funding for community jails. He discussed the role of the Dillingham Community jail in the Bristol Bay area criminal justice system, and suggested there would be greater expense to the state (in transport, employee, and administrative costs) if the Dillingham Community jail was not fully funded. 4:07:49 PM TERRY HAINES, SELF, KODIAK (via teleconference), urged the committee to restore funding for public broadcasting, and voiced opposition to funding cuts to the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS). He discussed the importance of public broadcasting and the marine highway to Southwest Alaska. He discussed marine transportation use by business owners. He asserted that public broadcasting gave Southwest Alaskans access to critical information through Gavel to Gavel, local and statewide news reporting, and emergency information services. 4:09:17 PM COLLEEN FORD, SELF, KODIAK (via teleconference), urged the committee to restore funding for public broadcasting. She discussed how public broadcasting can provide early childhood education through educational television programming. 4:10:27 PM PAT BRANSON, CITY MAYOR, KODIAK (via teleconference), voiced opposition to funding cuts to AMHS, and urged the committee to restore funding for public broadcasting. She spoke to the need for the marine highway to operate with greater efficiency. She spoke about the vital emergency services provided by public broadcasting, and denied that it was budgetary "low hanging fruit" used merely for entertainment. 4:12:23 PM ROY MADSEN, SELF, KODIAK (via teleconference), urged the committee to restore funding for public broadcasting. He related that he was a 77-year resident of Alaska, and discussed the services that public broadcasting provided for isolated parts of the state. 4:14:29 PM PENNY LAMPL, SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION COORDINATOR, KODIAK WOMEN'S RESOURCE AND CRISIS CENTER (KWRCC), KODIAK (via teleconference), urged the committee to reinstate funds for domestic violence and sexual assault prevention programs. She discussed prevention and awareness programs and their importance to the community. 4:15:43 PM LAUREN HUMPHREY, OUTREACH COORDINATOR, KWRCC, KODIAK (via teleconference), urged the committee to reinstate funds for domestic violence and sexual assault prevention programs. 4:16:27 PM SANDRA WILKINS, OUTREACH COORDINATOR, KWRCC, KODIAK (via teleconference), urged the committee to reinstate funds for domestic violence and sexual assault prevention programs. She discussed her work with the Kodiak community and the importance of domestic violence education. 4:17:45 PM DAVE KUBIAK, SELF, KODIAK (via teleconference), urged the committee to restore funding for public broadcasting. He discussed the former state income tax and the importance of critical state services, including public broadcasting, which he described as "vital." 4:20:12 PM NATASHA HAYDEN, SELF, KODIAK (via teleconference), urged the committee to restore funding for public broadcasting, and voiced opposition to funding cuts to AMHS. She echoed the comments of the previous testifiers regarding public broadcasting. She discussed the marine highway, and remarked on the challenges of transportation from Kodiak Island. She discussed the use of the marine highway for business owners and commercial fishers. 4:23:21 PM PAT HOLMES, SELF, KODIAK (via teleconference), urged the committee to fund the Legislative Information Offices. He urged the committee to restore funding for public broadcasting, and voiced opposition to funding cuts to AMHS. He also spoke in support of funding for state parks and the Department of Fish and Game, specifically the Divisions of Commercial Fishing and Subsistence. He expressed willingness to pay a state income tax, and encouraged the legislature to make cuts in its per diem and use of state services. Senator Hoffman handed the gavel to Senator Bishop. ^STATEWIDE TELECONFERENCE-OFFNET SITES 4:27:49 PM Co-Chair MacKinnon announced that there would be no testifier names accepted after 4:30pm. 4:28:08 PM ROBERT VENABLES, ENERGY AND TRANSPORTATION COORDINATOR, SOUTHEAST CONFERENCE, HAINES, voiced opposition to funding cuts to AMHS. He related that he was the chair for the Alaska Marine Transportation Advisory Board. He discussed the M/V Malaspina and her operation as a day boat in the summer as a good return on the state's investment. He related that the advisory board would meet in the following week to look at fiscal and strategic planning. 4:30:18 PM AUDREY HUDSON, MAYOR AND CITY MANAGER, METLAKATLA (via teleconference), voiced opposition to funding cuts to AMHS. She discussed the ongoing and varied use of the marine highway by residents of Metlakatla. She strongly objected to any cuts to AMHS. 4:34:09 PM CATHLEEN THERRIEN, SELF, EAGLE RIVER (via teleconference), urged the committee to restore funding for public broadcasting. Additionally, she advocated for funding for Pre-K programs and the Public Defender's Office. 4:35:26 PM AMY MARSHALL, SELF, CRAIG (via teleconference), testified in favor of OWL and Live Homework Help programs. She related that she was the director of the Craig Public Library and a member of the Craig City School District Board. She discussed the various ways in which the OWL program was utilized by the Craig Public Library. She related that OWL funding leveraged federal E-rate funds. She remarked on how Live Homework Help was widely used. 4:38:02 PM TYLER ROSE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND STRATEGIC PLANNING, WHITE PASS AND YUKON RAILROAD, SKAGWAY (via teleconference), voiced opposition to funding cuts to AMHS. He discussed the economic effect that the funding cuts would have on the railroad and on the Southeast area. 4:39:45 PM BETH SMITH, OWNER, SKAGWAY PIZZA STATION, SKAGWAY (via teleconference), voiced opposition to funding cuts to AMHS. She discussed regional transportation needs and expressed concern regarding adverse effects on her business if ferry service was reduced. 4:42:38 PM JAN WRENTMORE, SKAGWAY AD HOC MARINE HIGHWAY COMMITTEE, SKAGWAY (via teleconference), voiced opposition to funding cuts to AMHS. She also stated that the Mayor of Whitehorse, Yukon urged the committee to fund the ferry system. She discussed transportation in the Skagway area and the possible adverse effects of reduced ferry service. 4:45:08 PM RICHARD BISHOP, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in support of funding for CACFA. He discussed CACFA's functions and its benefit to Alaskans. Acting Chair Bishop related that the Senate Finance Subcommittee for DNR had reinstated the funding for CACFA. 4:47:27 PM BECKY LONG, SELF, TALKEETNA (via teleconference), made a financial suggestion. She discussed the Alaska Energy Authority and proposed that the legislature could recoup funds from the Susitna Dam project for reappropriation. 4:49:34 PM DEBRA SCHNABLE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HAINES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, HAINES (via teleconference), voiced opposition to funding cuts to AMHS, the Division of Forestry timber program, and public broadcasting. She suggested the Senate Finance Committee consider reallocating $14 million in the budget from the Juneau Access Road project design to AMHS. She discussed proposed cuts to the forestry offices in Haines, and expressed support for locating a regional forestry office in Haines. She suggested implementation of an income tax to fund public broadcasting. 4:53:11 PM LYNN BATEMAN, DIRECTOR, COFFMAN COVE COMMUNITY LIBRARY, COFFMAN COVE (via teleconference), testified in favor of the OWL program. She related that many library users depended upon the technical resources provided via the program and its accompanying bandwidth. She described the expanded computing capabilities that came with the establishment of OWL. 4:55:17 PM BOB SCHUMAKER, PRESIDENT, ALASKA FARMER'S ASSOCIATION, PALMER (via teleconference), spoke against the reductions to the Division of Agriculture. He asserted that agriculture programs were vital to the wellbeing of the state. He discussed agricultural programs and how they benefitted the people of Alaska. 4:58:26 PM KEVIN SHIPLEY, SUPERINTENDENT, KAKE CITY SCHOOLS, KAKE (via teleconference), spoke in favor of increased education funding. He voiced opposition to funding cuts to AMHS. He discussed alternatives to the cuts to AMHS. 5:00:33 PM ROBERT FITHIAN, SELF, LOWER TONSINA (via teleconference), spoke against the budget reductions in the Division of Agriculture. He related that he and his family operated a ranch and raised Himalayan yaks. 5:03:43 PM MATT KOOKESH, SELF, ANGOON (via teleconference), voiced opposition to funding cuts to AMHS. He remarked that Angoon was already operating at a minimum with regard to state facilities and infrastructure; noting that that there was no airport, barge landing, or maintained AMHS facility in Angoon. 5:07:16 PM BRENDA JOSEPHSON, SELF, HAINES (via teleconference), testified in support of funding for the Haines Forestry Office. She commented on the unemployment rate in Haines. She pointed out that the Haines State Forest had 46 miles of road that were actively used by the community, and discussed deterioration and diminished access to the roads in the absence of management by a local forestry office. 5:09:06 PM SARA CHAPELL, SELF, HAINES (via teleconference), spoke in support of full funding for Pre-K programs. She testified in favor of the OWL program, Parents as Teachers, and Best Beginnings. She also urged the committee to restore funding for public broadcasting. She asserted that the proposed budget cuts disproportionately affected smaller towns in Alaska. She discussed the potential for losing federal matching funds for the local radio station. 5:11:33 PM RAND ROSECRANS, SELF, GALENA (via teleconference), urged the committee to restore funding for public broadcasting. He highlighted the importance of public radio in rural Alaska, and expressed concern for the potential loss of federal matching funds. 5:13:48 PM MARGUERITE LARIVIERE, DIRECTOR, KEGOAYAH PUBLIC LIBRARY, NOME (via teleconference), testified in favor of the OWL program, and spoke in favor of full funding for broadband in schools. She discussed the patronage of the library and OWL program use by Nome residents. She discussed training and education opportunities made available by broadband internet access through OWL, and suggested its utilization would save the state money. 5:15:56 PM ROCKY SEWARD, SELF, HAINES (via teleconference), voiced opposition to funding cuts to the Haines Forestry Office. 5:18: 29 PM ELLIE HENKE, SELF, TALKEETNA (via teleconference), urged the committee to restore funding for public broadcasting. She discussed the importance of public radio to rural Alaska. She discussed the budget of the Alaska Energy Authority for the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric project, and suggested it would be better spent elsewhere. 5:21:07 PM SCOTT ROSSMAN, OWNER, STUMP COMPANY, HAINES (via teleconference), testified against the elimination of the Haines Forestry Office. He related that he operated a small logging company in Haines. He worried how the closure of the forestry office would result in the closure of his business. He related that the Haines State Forest was created by an act of the legislature in 1982, and suggested that the state had an obligation to manage it. 5:22:58 PM BETSY CONNELL, SELF, GIRDWOOD (via teleconference), urged the committee to restore funding for the Girdwood Alaska State Trooper post. She discussed public safety coverage by the Anchorage Police Department. 5:25:09 PM STAINSLAUS AFSCAN, SELF, ST. MARYS (via teleconference), urged the committee to restore funding for public broadcasting, and testified in support of public education programs. He pointed out that St. Mary's was the only single-site school district in the Lower Yukon area and discussed the advantages of a good education. 5:28:30 PM AT EASE 5:29:46 PM RECONVENED Senator Bishop handed the gavel to Vice-Chair Micciche. 5:30:09 PM ELLEN WOLF, SELF, TALKEETNA (via teleconference), stated that monies from the Alaska Energy Authority budget should be reappropriated to fund some of the proposed reduced programs. She discussed the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project. 5:32:19 PM STEVEN ANGASAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SOUTHWEST ALASKA VOCATIONAL EDUCATION CENTER (SAVEC), KING SALMON (via teleconference), testified in support of funding for SAVEC. He discussed program growth and projects at at SAVEC. 5:34:52 PM JOAN KAUTZER, SELF, KUPREANOF (via teleconference), urged the committee to restore funding for public broadcasting. She asserted that public broadcasting in Alaska had the highest per capita community financial support in the country. She shared her budget experience as a public radio board member. She discussed the use of public radio in rural areas. She mentioned a proposed road in Kake and opined that the funding should be reappropriated to AMHS. 5:37:45 PM PAUL DAUPHINAS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA PUBLIC OFFICES COMMISSION, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in support of funding for the Alaska Public Offices Commission. He discussed the impact of the proposed budget cuts. 5:40:08 PM VICKI OTTE, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, MTNT CORPORATION, MCGRATH (via teleconference), testified in support of funding for the Southwest Alaska Fire Protection Center in McGrath. She expressed a desire to see a fire protection plan for the Southwest area. 5:42:22 PM DUSTIN PARKER, MAYOR, CITY OF MCGRATH (via teleconference), spoke in support of funding for the Southwest Alaska Fire Protection Camp in McGrath. He expressed great concern for the economic impact of the proposed cuts. 5:44:32 PM FRANK MILLER, PRESIDENT, MTNT CORPORATION, MCGRATH (via teleconference), testified in support of funding for the Wildland Fire Station in McGrath. He discussed the dearth of employment in the Interior. 5:46:15 PM DOUG SMITH, SELF, TALKEETNA (via teleconference), urged the committee to restore funding for public broadcasting. He discussed the need for the legislature to find additional sources of funding government beyond oil. He discussed proposed cuts to education and expressed opposition to the Susita-Watana Hydroelectric project. He spoke in favor of Medicaid expansion. 5:48:15 PM SHARON STRICK, SELF, MCGRATH (via teleconference), urged the committee to restore funding for public broadcasting. She related that she was a retired administrative clerk from DNR, and expressed support for funding for the fire camp in McGrath. She read from a resolution by the Tanana Chiefs Conference that supported funding for fire suppression in the Southwest area. 5:52:31 PM WHITNEY WOLFF, SELF, TALKEETNA (via teleconference), encouraged the committee to reappropriate the funds previously set aside for the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric project. 5:54:58 PM ANNE-MARIE PAULMIERI, SELF, HAINES (via teleconference), urged the committee to restore funding for the Haines area Forestry Office. She referenced a resolution to the same effect from the Haines Borough Assembly. She referenced a letter of support for Forestry Office funding from the Haines Chamber of Commerce. She opined that the two-person Haines Forestry Office supported effectively supported industry and jobs in Haines and fulfills a statutory obligation to manage the Haines State Forest. She also encouraged the committee to uphold education funding commitments from the previous year. 5:57:19 PM GEORGE PIERCE, SELF, KASILOF (via teleconference), spoke in support of full funding for Pre-K programs, K-12 education, and urged the committee to restore funding for public broadcasting. He suggested that the legislature needed to look at the state's tax structure. Vice-Chair Micciche closed public testimony. CSHB 72(FIN) was HEARD and HELD in committee for further consideration. CSHB 73(FIN) was HEARD and HELD in committee for further consideration.