HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE April 04, 2003 1:37 PM TAPE HFC 03 - 48, Side A TAPE HFC 03 - 48, Side B TAPE HFC 03 - 49, Side A TAPE HFC 03 - 49, Side B TAPE HFC 03 - 50, Side A TAPE HFC 03 - 50, Side B CALL TO ORDER Co-Chair Harris called the House Finance Committee meeting to order at 1:37 PM. MEMBERS PRESENT Representative John Harris, Co-Chair Representative Bill Williams, Co-Chair Representative Kevin Meyer, Vice-Chair Representative Mike Chenault Representative Eric Croft Representative Richard Foster Representative Mike Hawker Representative Reggie Joule Representative Carl Moses Representative Bill Stoltze Representative Jim Whitaker MEMBERS ABSENT None ALSO PRESENT Representative Ethan Berkowitz; Representative Peggy Wilson; Representative Paul Seaton; Representative David Guttenberg; Representative Sharon Cissna; Jeri Lanier, Mental Health Board, Fairbanks. PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE Wrangell, Sitka, Petersburg, Homer  Ted Smith, Mayor, Petersburg; Jerry Kainulainen, Southeast Alaska Independent Living, Sitka; Chuck Johnson, Sitka; Susan Sciabbarrasi, School Superintendent, Wrangell; LaTonnie Barlow, School Board, Wrangell; Joyanna Geisler, Homer; Lauren Bell, student, Homer; Kalie Petska, middle school student, Homer; Kayley Kiefer, student, Homer; Ron Keffer, Principal, Homer High School, Homer; Merritt Mitchell, Homer; Steve Bradshaw, School Superintendent, Sitka; Nancy Wladyka, parent, Sitka; Scott McAdams, Sitka School Board, Sitka; Carolyn Enzler, School Superintendent, Petersburg; Sheri Wikan, School Board President, Petersburg; Bernadette Arsenault, physical therapist, Homer; Darrel Behymer, Homer; Richard Ligenza, student, Homer College, Homer; Pete Swanson, parent, Homer; Ginny Epenshade, Homer; Charlie Franz, Administrator, Homer Hospital, Homer; Dan Westerburg, Homer; Charles Walsworth, Homer; Susan Drathman, parent, Homer. Fairbanks  Niren Biswas, Professor of Physics, Fairbanks; Mary Eininger, Fairbanks; Viletta Knight, Fairbanks; Marta Mueller, University of Alaska, Fairbanks; Taber Rehbaum, Chair, Legislative Committee on Arctic Alliance, Fairbanks; Chris Faeth, Access Alaska, Fairbanks; Debra Davis, Fairbanks; Cindy Frankenpagh, Fairbanks; George Johnston, Access Alaska, Fairbanks; v Andy Harrington, Fairbanks; Candy Waugaman, Fairbanks; Jeanette Grasto, Fairbanks; Barbara Rich, Fairbanks; Ann Dittopper, Fairbanks; Annie Buchanan, North Pole; Annette Freiburger, Fairbanks; Kathy Helfrick, Fairbanks; Wendy Leach, Fairbanks; Sue Hull, Fairbanks; Michael Lilly, Fairbanks; David Jacobson, Fairbanks; Blaise Campbell, Youth Court, Fairbanks; Angelique Buchanan, Fairbanks; Sharice Walker, Fairbanks; Abbie Stillie, Fairbanks; Ben Angel, Fairbanks; Any Drier, Fairbanks; Julie Wild-Curry, Fairbanks; Cathy Creighton, Ionia; Kyra Aizstrauts, Fairbanks; Judy Boelts, Principle Elementary, Fairbanks; Bob Carlson, Fairbanks; Sam Bush, Fairbanks; Josh Horst, Fairbanks; Mark Ames, Fairbanks; Peggy Mead, Fairbanks; Emily Ennis, Fairbanks. Anchorage  Rich Kronberg, President, NEA Alaska, Anchorage Tim Steele, Anchorage School Board, Anchorage; Utpal Dutta, University of Alaska Fairbanks; Barbara Sweetland Smith, Alaska Historical Society, Anchorage; Stephen Burdick, Anchorage; Paul Bryner, Teacher Anchorage; Jake Metcalfe, Anchorage School Board, Anchorage; Dennis Nottingham, Anchorage; Regina Manteyfel, Fairview Community Council, Anchorage; David Wilcox, Ph.D, Anchorage; Ed Earnhart, Anchorage; Tamela Ranicke, People First, Anchorage; Paul Brooks, AEROMAP, USA, Anchorage; Rich Sewell, Iceberg Seafood Company, Anchorage; Pat Simpson, TEC, Anchorage; Carol Comedu, Superintendent, Anchorage School District; Deborah L. Mole, Anchorage; Victoria Martin, Anchorage; Sean Ruddell, Anchorage; Haylie Ruddell, Anchorage; Kym Wolcott; Ryan Wolcott, Anchorage; Casey Reynolds, Anchorage; David J. Parks, Student Body President, University of Alaska Anchorage; Trever Fulton, Student, University of Alaska, Anchorage; Justin Darling, UAA Student, Anchorage; Tim Morgan, Anchorage; Todd Brown, Anchorage; Sol Neely, UAA Student, Anchorage; Sally Suddock, Executive Director, Alaska High Tech Council, Anchorage; Fay Von Gemmingen, President, Alaska Municipal League; Cindy Michou, Anchorage; Joe Inuach, Anchorage; Susan Rudday, Vice Chancellor, UAA, Anchorage; Elizabeth Putman, Anchorage; Chad Hufford, UAA Student, Anchorage; Jacob Gondek, Vice President, UAA Student Body, Anchorage; Gail Opalinski, Executive Director of Middle School Education, Anchorage; Dick Traini, Chairman, City Assembly, Anchorage; Allen Johnson, Anchorage; John Rathjen, Anchorage; Michele Czoykowski, Anchorage; Anna Bateman, UAA Alumni, Anchorage; Tlisa Northeitt, Anchorage; Malcom Ray, Advisory Board, Community Schools, Anchorage; Justin Humprey, Anchorage; Christian Rose, youth, Anchorage; Beth Rose, parent, Anchorage; Sue Sherif, Anchorage; Jesse Foster, UAA Student, Anchorage; Casino Carley, UAA student, Anchorage; Anna Atla, Anchorage; Lee Gorsuch, Chancelor, UAA, Anchorage; Debra Wright, Anchorage; Kevin Dickerson, Anchorage; Natasha Korshin, Anchorage; Rebecca O'Hara, Anchorage; Ralph Courtney, Anchorage; Audrey Aanes, Anchorage. Juneau  Dirk Miller, Juneau GENERAL SUBJECT(S): The following overview was taken in log note format. Tapes and handouts will be on file with the House Finance Committee through the 23rd Legislative Session, contact 465- 2156. After the 23rd Legislative Session they will be available through the Legislative Library at 465-3808.   HOUSE BILL NO. 75 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. 76 An Act making appropriations for the operating expenses of the state's integrated comprehensive mental health program; and providing for an effective date." LOG SPEAKER DISCUSSION    TAPE HFC 03 - 48  SIDE A  000 Co-Chair Harris Began public testimony on the FY 04  Operating Budget.  WRANGELL, SITKA, PETERSBURG, HOMER  0102 Ted Smith, Mayor, Testified in opposition to cuts in Petersburg municipal revenue sharing. He noted that many cities could not provide services to their citizens with further revenue decreases.  0502 Jerry Kainulainen, Testified in support of Independent Southeast Alaska Living Grants. He stressed that Independent Living, community based services were one third Sitka of the cost of long-term facility care.  0715 Chuck Johnson, Sitka Testified in support of Independent Living Grants. Noted that he was able to live on his own due to this service.  0928 Susan Sciabbarrasi, Testified in support of full funding for School the foundation formula. She also Superintendent, requested adequate and equitable funding Wrangell for Education. She noted that Wrangell could not continue to pay for one third of its education costs without eliminating teachers and programs.  1150 LaTonnie Barlow, Spoke in support of funding for K-12 School Board, education programs. She noted the Wrangell increase in federal mandates for schools. She noted the importance of pupil transportation and debt reimbursement, as well as personnel cutbacks in her district.  1429 Joyanna Geisler, Testified in support of Independent Homer Living Grants. She noted a lack of understanding among some legislators about the value of this service.  1710 Glen Szymoniak, Spoke in support of funding for K-12 Homer education programs.  1815 Lauren Bell, high Spoke in support of funding for K-12 school student, education programs. She noted that 213 Homer students in Homer, nearly the entire student body, had expressed interest in testifying.  1932 Kalie Petska, middle Spoke in support of funding for K-12 school student, education programs. She noted that Homer budget cuts were leading to over crowding in classrooms.  2100 Kayley Kiefer, Spoke in support of funding for K-12 middle school education programs. She noted the loss student, Homer of teachers and over crowding in classrooms.  2202 Ron Keffer, Spoke in support of funding for K-12 Principal, Homer education programs. He noted loss of High School, Homer teachers and a lack of supplies, as well as the loss of classes to accommodate budget cuts. He urged an increase of the  basic student allocation to $4,300.  2421 Merritt Mitchell, Spoke in support of the Governor's Homer increments for the University. He is a 50-year University of Alaska alumni.  2546 Steve Bradshaw, Spoke in support of funding for K-12 School education programs. He noted that the Superintendent, Sitka schools had already cut $900 Sitka thousand. He stressed that the school could not function with further cuts, especially in light of State mandated testing.  2724 Nancy Wladyka, Spoke in support of continued funding for parent, Sitka the Alyeska Correspondence School. She maintained that cutting this program would actually cost the State money. She emphasized the high academic standards of the program.  3037 Scott McAdams, Sitka Spoke in support of funding for K-12 School Board, Sitka education programs. He listed current cuts, such as 8 teaching positions, supplies, and summer school. He noted that the district was utilizing reserves to meet their current budget. He asked that all components be funded and that bond projects not be cut.  3400 Carolyn Enzler, Spoke in support of funding for K-12 School education programs. She noted the Superintendent, reduction in school population and Petersburg decreases in staff. Their district has cut over $500 thousand even without the proposed state budget cuts.  3610 Sheri Wikan, School Spoke in support of funding for K-12 Board President, education programs. Requested increases Petersburg in funding.  3657 Bernadette Testified in support of Independent Arsenault, physical Living Grants. She noted that the therapist, Homer program was cost effective and valuable. She also spoke in support of funding for K-12 education programs. She also asked for an increase in inflation proofing and per student allocations.  3924 Darrel Behymer, Spoke in support of the Governor's Homer increments for the University. He noted its importance to future employment and a strong economy.  4005 Richard Ligenza, Spoke in support of the Governor's student, Homer increments for the University.  College, Homer 4127 Pete Swanson, Spoke in support of funding for K-12 parent, Homer education programs. He noted the decrease in teaching staff due to budget cuts.  4238 Ginny Espenshade, Spoke in support of funding for K-12 Homer education programs. She maintained that public education is a wise investment.  4423 Charlie Franz, Spoke in support of funding for K-12 Administrator, Homer education programs and spoke in support Hospital, Homer of the Governor's increments for the University. He noted that his hospital spent $600 on contract labor, and suggested that education aided the Alaskan economy.  4614 Dan Westerburg, Spoke in support of funding for K-12 Homer, education programs. He encouraged taxation to pay for education programs.  TAPE HFC 03 - 48, Side B  4445 Charles Walsworth, Spoke in support of funding for K-12 Educator, Homer education programs. He noted the closing of their library and other services. Also testified in support of full funding for pupil transportation.  4314 Susan Drathman, Spoke in support of funding for K-12 parent, Homer education programs. Also testified for funding of grants for Mental Health Services. She noted that unspent funds had been cut from the subsequent year's budget.  4037 Deborah Poore, Spoke in support of funding for K-12 retired teacher, education programs. Suggested taxation Homer to support education.  3924 Nell Gustafson, Spoke in support of funding for K-12 parent, Homer education programs. Noted recent increases in student teacher ratios. Asked for the pattern of budget cuts to stop. Supports a tax to support education.  3736 Co-Chair Harris Concluded testimony in Wrangell, Sitka, Petersburg and Homer.  FAIRBANKS  3651 Niren Biswas, Spoke in support of continued state Geophysical funding for the Alaska Science and Institute, Fairbanks Technology Foundation.  3424 Mary Eininger, Voiced support for statewide taxes and a Fairbanks progressive income tax.  3302 Viletta Knight, Spoke in support of funding for K-12 Fairbanks education programs.  3133 Marta Mueller, Spoke in support of the Governor's University of increments for the University, however, Alaska, Fairbanks noted that it did represent flat funding and that it should be increased.  2955 Taber Rehbaum, Requested that the Legislature fully Chair, Legislative restore funding to the matching block Committee on Arctic grants.  Alliance, Fairbanks 2832 Chris Faeth, Access Spoke in support for funding for Access Alaska, Fairbanks Alaska & Hospice. He requested greater funding for organizations that help to coordinate services to help him to continue to live with his family during his terminal disease.  2655 Debra Davis, Spoke in support of continued funding for Fairbanks the Alyeska Correspondence School.  2445 Cindy Frankenpagh, Testified in support of Independent Fairbanks Living Grants and program.  2311 George Johnston, Testified in support of Independent Access Alaska, Living Grants. He noted that living in a Fairbanks nursing home would be much more expensive.  2221 Andy Harrington, Voiced support for greater funding for Fairbanks the Department of Health and Social Services budget particularly the adoption program and block grants.  2100 Candy Waugaman, Testified in opposition to the cuts to Fairbanks the library systems and museums throughout the State. She voiced concern with the preservation of the historical information of the State and archival historical records.  1812 Jeanette Grasto, Testified in opposition to any cuts to Fairbanks mental health. She voiced her concern with the cuts to the SAIL's program and the Independent Living Grants.  1631 Barbara Rich, Voiced concern with the number of people Fairbanks that will be affected by changes to the Medicaid. She urged that these people do not have the voice to speak their needs.  1459 Ann Dittopper, Testified in opposition to cuts to the Fairbanks shelters. She addressed how the cuts over the years have affected the quality of care within the shelters. She urged reinstatement of funding cuts.  1253 Annie Buchanan, Voiced support for continued funding for North Pole the community block grants.  1124 Annette Freiburger, Voiced concern with matching funds Fairbanks reductions.  1034 Kathy Helfrick, Spoke in support of the Governor's Fairbanks increments for the University.  837 Wendy Leach, Voiced support for the Youth Court and Director, North Star full reinstatement for the community Youth Court, block grants in order to keep the program Fairbanks in tact.  620 Sue Hull, Fairbanks Spoke in support of funding for K-12 education programs.  335 Michael Lilly, Spoke in support of continued funding for Fairbanks the Alyeska Correspondence School.  120 David Jacobson, Testified in support of Independent  Fairbanks Living Grants.  TAPE HFC 03 - 49, Side A  35 Angelique Buchanan, Voiced support for the reinstatement of Fairbanks the community block grants in order to continue funding the Youth Court.  257 Blaise Campbell, Voiced support for the reinstatement of North Star Youth the community block grants in order to Corp., Fairbanks continue funding the Youth Court.  443 Vice-Chair Meyer Asked if the Youth Corps. received money for the Youth Corp through the matching grants.  529 Sharice Walker, Spoke in support of funding for K-12 Fairbanks education programs.  638 Abbie Stillie, Spoke in support of the Governor's Student, Fairbanks increments for the University. She stressed that higher education is a great investment for the State.  723 Ben Angel, Fairbanks Spoke in support of funding for K-12 education programs.  856 Amy Krier, Fairbanks Spoke in support of funding for K-12 education programs. Testified in support of full funding for pupil transportation. She urged forward funding education and the legislation associated with that.  1109 Julie Wild-Curry, Testified in support of continued funding Fairbanks for the Community Schools Program. Ms. Wild-Curry noted support for further funding for the community block grants.  1428 Jeri Lanier, Mental Testified in opposition to the cuts to Health Board, the SAIL's grants. She stressed the Fairbanks importance of that for many families in the state.  1611 Cathy Creighton, Voiced support for the SEAL grants and Ionia funding for the problems associated with mental illness.  1940 Kyra Aizstrauts, Spoke in support of funding for K-12 Fairbanks education programs. Testified in support of full funding for pupil transportation.  2207 Judy Boelts, Spoke in support of funding for K-12 Principle Elementary education programs. She pointed out the School, Fairbanks problems associated with the changing PTR. Ms. Boelts outlined the out-risk kids in that district. Decreasing support has a multiple effect to all students, especially the at-risk students.  2504 Bob Carlson, Spoke in support of continued state Fairbanks funding for the Alaska Science and Technology Foundation.  2626 Sam Bush, Fairbanks Testified in support of Independent Living Grants. Spoke in support of funding for education programs.  2857 Josh Horst, Spoke in support of the Governor's Fairbanks increments for the University.  3129 Mark Ames, Fairbanks Redirect attention to the fair rate of mineral extraction on federal lands.  3514 Peggy Mead, Testified in support of continued funding Fairbanks for the Community Schools Program.  3730 Emily Ennis, Testified in support of developmental Fairbanks disability grants.  RECESS: 4:40 P.M.  RECONVENED:  4101 Co-Chair Harris ANCHORAGE  Reconvened at 6:05 p.m.  4158 Rich Kronberg, Spoke in support of funding for K-12 President, NEA education programs. He pointed out that Alaska, Anchorage flat funding is not fully funding Alaska's schools. He maintained that the education budget should be increased by $270 per student.  4400 Scott Heyworth, Pointed out that the people of Alaska Anchorage voted for Ballot measure 3, relating to the Alaska Gas Pipeline Authority.  4631 Tim Steele, Spoke in support of funding for K-12 Anchorage School education programs. Specifically, Board, Anchorage Testified in support of continued funding for the Community Schools Program. He listed the services available through this program. He reiterated that level funding was not adequate.  TAPE HFC 03 - 49, Side B  4435 Utpal Dutta, Spoke in support of the Governor's University of Alaska increments for the University.  Fairbanks 4326 Barbara Sweetland Testified in opposition to cuts to the Smith, Alaska Alaska State Museum, Archive and Library.  Historical Society, Anchorage 3853 Stephen Burdick, Testified in opposition to reductions in Anchorage developmental disability grants and services for mental illness.  3713 Paul Bryner, Teacher Testified in opposition to reductions in Anchorage human services programs.  3517 Jake Metcalfe, Spoke in support of funding for K-12 Anchorage School education programs. Testified in support Board, Anchorage of full funding for school debt retirement and pupil transportation.  3213 Dennis Nottingham, Spoke in support of continued state Anchorage funding for the Alaska Science and Technology Foundation.  3001 Regina Manteyfel, Voiced support for Anchorage social Fairview Community services block grants. Spoke in support Council, Anchorage of funding for K-12 education programs and an increase in the basic student  allocation.  2733 David Wilcox, Ph.D, Testified in opposition to reductions to Anchorage the Sex Offenders Assessment and Treatment Program at the Meadow Creek Correctional Center.  2555 Ed Earnhart, He stressed that the State needs a Anchorage foundation formula for the budget. He stressed the need to raise revenues and spoke in support of a graduated income tax.  2254 Tamela Ranicke, Testified in opposition to reductions in People First, developmental disability grants. Anchorage Testified in support of continued funding for the Longevity Bonus Program and other senior programs.  1913 Paul Brooks, Spoke in support of continued state AEROMAP, USA, funding for the Alaska Science and Anchorage Technology Foundation.  1755 Rich Sewell, Iceberg Spoke in support of continued state Seafood Company, funding for the Alaska Science and Anchorage Technology Foundation. Spoke in support of the Governor's increments for the University.  1318 Pat Simpson, TEC, Spoke in support of continued state Anchorage funding for the Alaska Science and Technology Foundation.  1125 Carol Comedu, Spoke in support of funding for K-12 Superintendent, education programs. Spoke in support of Anchorage School the Governor's increments for the District University.  906 Representative Croft Observed that Learning Opportunity Grants and pupil transportation were increased in the subcommittee. He questioned the impact to the Anchorage School  798 Ms. Comedu Maintained that the foundation formula still need to be increased [to meet inflation] and that the Anchorage School District would lose $775 for care of wards of the State.  715 Deborah L. Mole, Testified in opposition to reductions to Anchorage the State Library. Spoke in support of the Governor's increments for the University.  454 Victoria Martin, Spoke in support of continued funding for Anchorage the Alyeska Correspondence School. She noted that the School had been around since 1939 and is the only accredited program.  238 Sean Ruddell, Spoke in support of continued funding for Anchorage the Alyeska Correspondence School.  57 Haylie Ruddell, Spoke in support of continued funding for Anchorage the Alyeska Correspondence School. She  pointed out that the School saves 20 percent of the foundation formula for the state.   TAPE HFC 03 - 50,  Side A 050 Kym Wolcott Spoke in support of continued funding for the Alyeska Correspondence School.  219 Ryan Wolcott, Spoke in support of continued funding for Anchorage the Alyeska Correspondence School.  421 Casey Reynolds, Spoke in support of the Governor's Anchorage increments for the University.  804 David J. Parks, Spoke in support of the Governor's Student Body increments for the University. He President, stressed that the university fuels University of Alaska Alaska's future.  Anchorage 904 Trever Fulton, Spoke in support of the Governor's Student, University increments for the University.  of Alaska, Anchorage 1106 Justin Darling, UAA Spoke in support of the Governor's Student, Anchorage increments for the University. Stated that flat funding would be detrimental to the University's future.  1204 Tim Morgan, Spoke in support of funding for K-12 Anchorage education programs. Also, Testified in support of continued funding for the Community Schools Program.  1318 Todd Brown, Testified on behalf on the vulnerable in Anchorage society. He suggested that oil companies should receive taxation.  1548 Sol Neely, UAA Spoke in support of the Governor's Student, Anchorage increments for the University. Noted that the humanities department was excellent and in need of funding. He suggested that flat funding would cause the University to regress.  1833 Sally Suddock, Spoke in support of continued state Executive Director, funding for the Alaska Science and Alaska High Tech Technology Foundation. Proposed that Council, Anchorage ASTF was an essential part of Alaska's entrepreneurial development. Suggested that only 50 percent of its endowment be funded this year.  2116 Fay Von Gemmingen, Testified in opposition to cuts in President, Alaska municipal revenue sharing. She noted Municipal League, that municipalities were already facing Anchorage increasing costs in many basic areas, such as fuel, insurance and federal mandates. Also, spoke in support of funding for K-12 education programs.  2403 Cindy Michou, Spoke in support of continued funding for Anchorage the Alyeska Correspondence School. She  presented information on new and smaller Alaskan school districts. She maintained that no other district provided the services of Aleyeska Central School.  2650 Joe Inuach, Spoke in support of continued state Anchorage funding for the Alaska Science and Technology Foundation. He credited ASTF for helping him start his own technological business in Alaska.  3003 Susan Rudday, Vice Spoke in support of the Governor's Chancellor, UAA, increments for the University. Also, Anchorage spoke in support of funding for K-12 education programs. She urged the legislature not to pit University and K- 12 funding against one another.  3225 Elizabeth Putman, Testified in support of continued funding Anchorage for the Community Schools Program. Also, spoke in support of funding for K-12 education programs. She noted the many services provided by Community Schools for a small investment.  3453 Chad Hufford, UAA Spoke in support of the Governor's Student, Anchorage increments for the University. Noted that student enrollment had increased due to recent improvements. Suggested that these students might remain in the state and serve their communities as future leaders.  3737 Jacob Gondek, Vice Spoke in support of the Governor's President, UAA increments for the University. Noted Student Body, recent tuition increases and the Anchorage resultant improvements. Observed that high school students in Alaska now considered attending college at home.  4002 Gail Opalinski, Spoke in support of funding for K-12 Executive Director education programs. She noted that recent of Middle School academic achievements and faculty Education, Anchorage improvements. Concerned that quality of education would suffer.  4154 Dick Traini, Spoke in support of funding for K-12 Chairman, City education programs. Noted that in view Assembly, Anchorage of cuts in municipal revenue sharing, the funds were not available to pay for education costs. Urged the Committee to modify the Governor's proposed budget.  4614 Allen Johnson, Spoke in support of continued state Anchorage funding for the Alaska Science and Technology Foundation. Stated that ASTF was the only source of seed capital in Alaska.  TAPE HFC 03 - 50, Side B  4605 John Rathjen, Spoke in support of continued state Anchorage funding for the Alaska Science and  Technology Foundation. Stated that the Foundation was self-funding.  4402 Michele Czoykowski, Suggested that investment and not Anchorage reductions was the way to improve future finances. Proposed taxes as a means of generating revenue.  4205 Anna Bateman, UAA Spoke in support of the Governor's Alumni, Anchorage increments for the University. Maintained that the University was a great state asset.  4005 Tlisa Northeitt, Spoke in support of the Governor's Anchorage increments for the University.  3922 Malcom Ray, Advisory Testified in support of continued funding Board, Community for the Community Schools Program. Schools, Anchorage Commended services offered by Community Schools and their positive effects on his career.  3641 Justin Humprey, Spoke in support of the People First Anchorage program.  3448 Christian Rose, Testified in support of continued funding youth, Anchorage for the Community Schools Program. Expressed enthusiasm for its activities.  3326 Beth Rose, parent, Testified in support of continued funding Anchorage for the Community Schools Program. Enthusiastic over youth classes provided through this program. Also commended its simple and affordable continuing education.  3108 Sue Sherif, Spoke in support of funding for K-12 Anchorage education programs. Encouraged the Committee to focus on funding public education as a means to the future.  2758 Casino Carley, UAA Spoke in support of the Governor's student, Anchorage increments for the University. Commended recent improvements in the quality of education at the University of Alaska. Noted that he chose UAA over universities elsewhere.  2415 Anna Atla, Anchorage Testified in support of Developmental Disability grants.  2224 Lee Gorsuch, Spoke in support of the Governor's Chancelor, UAA, increments for the University. Anchorage Maintained that it was an investment in the human capital of the state. He maintained that the HFC recommendation amounts to a $10 million dollar reduction.  1628 Debra Wright, Testified in support of continued funding Anchorage for the Community Schools Program.  1520 Kevin Dickerson, Spoke in support of the Governor's Student, Anchorage increments for the University.  923 Dirk Miller, Juneau Voiced support for learning opportunity  grants. Spoke in support of continued funding for the Alyeska Correspondence School.  747 Natasha Korshin, Spoke in support of the Governor's Anchorage increments for the University.  538 Rebecca O'Hara, Spoke in support of funding for K-12 Anchorage education programs. Voiced support for increasing state revenue.  354 Ralph Courtney, Spoke in support of the Governor's Anchorage increments for the University.  56 Audrey Aanes, Testified in support of Independent Anchorage Living Grants.   ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:38 PM