HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE March 19, 2005 9:06 A.M. CALL TO ORDER Co-Chair Chenault called the House Finance Committee meeting to order at 9:06:18 AM. MEMBERS PRESENT Representative Mike Chenault, Co-Chair Representative Kevin Meyer, Co-Chair Representative Bill Stoltze, Vice-Chair (Teleconferenced) Representative Eric Croft Representative Richard Foster Representative Mike Hawker Representative Jim Holm (Teleconferenced) Representative Reggie Joule Representative Mike Kelly Representative Carl Moses Representative Bruce Weyhrauch (Teleconferenced) MEMBERS ABSENT none PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE KENAI, VALDEZ, KETCHIKAN, KODIAK, SEWARD: Sandy Wasillie, Seward; Patrick Hayes, Seward; Steve Horn, Alaska Behavioral Health Association, Soldotna; Tony Lewis, Kaleidoscope Charter School, Soldotna; Barbara Morgan, Soldotna; Vickie Tinker, Frontier Community Services Coordinator, Soldotna; Margaret Parsons-Williams, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Program, Soldotna; Wally Klingelhut, Transitional Living Center, Ketchikan; Patty Fay Hickox, Recovering Alcoholic, Ketchikan; Yeda Hicks, Vice Chair, Women in Safe Homes, Ketchikan; Ed Zastrow, Alaska Association of Retired People (AARP), Ketchikan; Carmen Webb, Meeting the Challenge, Ketchikan; Sherity Kelly, WISH, Ketchikan; Larry Fisher, WISH, Ketchikan; Rosita Teriano, WISH, Ketchikan; Willard Dunham, City Council, Seward; Pat Branson, Kodiak Seniors, Kodiak; Bert Cottle, Advocates for Victims of Violence, Valdez; Alison Gottesman, Soldotna, Kenai; Louie Bencardino, Seward; Alison Gottesman, Soldotna; Jackie Bock, Fetal Alcohol Diagnostic Study, Soldotna SITKA, WRANGELL, PETERSBURG, HOMER, DILLINGHAM: Julie Decker, SARDFA, Wrangell; Valery McCandless, City of Wrangell, Wrangell; Frank Corgin, Nushagak Coop, Dillingham; Dave Bouker, Dillingham; Linda Muhns, Homer; Lynda Raymond, Homer; Renee Orians, Homer; Catriona Lowe, Katchimak Bay Family Planning Clinic, Homer; Lora Wilke, Homer; Ginger Baim, SAFE, Dillingham; Linda Rabideau, SAFE, Dillingham; Desa Erica Jacobsson, SAFE, Anchorage; Petla Noden, SAFE, Dillingham; Joan Ribich, BBAGC-Representative Hawker, Dillingham; Scott Wheat, Homer; Jennie Hargrove, South Peninsula Woman's Services, Homer; Bob Kluting, Sitka; Fulton Thompson, Sitka; Shay Hoffman, Kachemak Bay, Family Planning Clinic, Homer; Elizabeth Newmann, Homer MATSU, DELTA JUNCTION, TOK, GLENNALLEN, CORDOVA: James Garhart, MatSu; Don Zoerb, Alaska Public Broadcasting Commission; MatSu; Roger Gay, MatSu; Gary Hanthorn, MatSu; Cathryn Petrie, MatSu; Nicole Songer, Cordova Family Resource Center; Janet Johnson, Cordova; Sharon Lobaugh, President of JAMI, Juneau BETHEL, KOTZEBUE, BARROW, NOME, OFFNETS: Mitch Chocknok, New Stoyaldok; Fred Pike, Bristol Bay; Mike Swain, Mayor, Bristol Bay; Mel Coghill, Member, Assembly, Bristol Bay; Jason Nowpakahok, Mayor, Gamble; Suzie Makaily, Pikes Station; Barb Pungowiyi, Bering Straits Women's Group, Nome; Dealy Blackshear, Nome; Ephenia Levi, Bethel; Norman Ayagairia, Bethel; Holly Chaney, Bethel; Bing Santamour, Bethel; Barbara Lewis, Haines; Barbara McManus, Member, Ambler City Council; Jim Wilson, Ambler; Elaine Price, Project Manager, Coffman Cove; Carolyn Duncan, Coffman Cove; Neal George, Barrow; Dr. Bruce Ruttenburg, Deputy Director of Maniilaq, Kotzebue; Ross Schaeffer, Northwest Arctic Borough, Kotzebue; Dick Wyland, Mayor, Seldovia GENERAL SUBJECT(S): STATEWIDE PUBLIC TESTIMONY HB 66 & HB 67 The following overview was taken in log note format. Tapes and handouts will be on file with the House Finance Committee through the 24th Legislative Session, contact 465- 6814. After the 24th Legislative Session they will be available through the Legislative Library at 465-3808. TIME SPEAKER DISCUSSION  Co-Chair Convened the statewide testimony for HB Chenault 66 and HB 67.  KENAI, VALDEZ, KETCHIKAN, KODIAK,  SEWARD  9:07:04 AM STEVE HORN, Urged full funding of FY07 Medicaid EXECUTIVE funding. He testified in support of DIRECTOR, the Governor's request to replace ALASKA federal funding for diagnostic services BEHAVORIAL for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. HEALTH Mr. Horn added support of the  ASSOCIATION, Governor's $1.8 million dollar request SOLDOTNA for continuation and expansion for cervical and breast cancer screening.  9:10:06 AM TONY LEWIS, Requested further funding for charter KALEIDOSCOPY schools.  CHARTER SCHOOL, SOLDOTNA 9:12:00 AM BARBARA Spoke in support for further funding MORGAN, for all senior services.  SOLDOTNA 9:13:38 AM VICKIE TINKER, Testified in support of the Governor's FRONTIER request to replace federal funding for COMMUNITY diagnostic services for Fetal Alcohol SERVICES Spectrum Disorder.  COORDINATOR, SOLDOTNA 9:15:01 AM MARGARET Stressed the importance of continued PARSONS-funding for FASD diagnostic services.  WILLIANS, FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME PROGRAM, SOLDOTNA 9:17:07 AM SANDY Urged greater funding for the Kenai WASILLIE, VICE school systems. She stressed the PRESIDENT, urgent need as there is pending closure KENAI SCHOOL of schools.  BOARD, KENAI 9:19:26 AM PATRICK HAYES, Testified for greater funding for the SEWARD substance abuse and chemical dependency throughout the State of Alaska.  9:22:00 AM WILLARD Requested further funding for the DUNHAM, CITY Allied Health Program and AVTEC. He COUNCIL, spoke to the growing need of the health SEWARD care system in the State. The program has a long wait list. That requested funding takes care of Alaska residents.  9:23:34 AM WALLY Urged greater funding for transitional KLINGELHUT, living centers throughout the State. MANAGER, He claimed that cutting the Governor's TRANSITIONAL request out of the budget would be LIVING CENTER, detrimental to all Alaskans. He urged KETCHIKAN that the Governor's request be restored. Stressed the importance of continued funding for FASD diagnostic services.  9:26:56 AM PATTY FAY Stressed the need for continued HICKOX, treatment for alcohol and drug abuse.  RECOVERING ALCOHOLIC, KETCHIKAN 9:28:49 AM YEDA HICKS, Emphasized the need for greater funding  VICE CHAIR, for women suffering from domestic abuse WOMEN IN SAFE and sexual assault. Costs have HOMES, increased over the years and the budget KETCHIKAN has not been increased.  9:30:41 AM ED ZASTROW, Commented on cuts to positions for the AARP, Pioneer Homes in Fairbanks, Juneau and KETCHIKAN Ketchikan. He stressed the need of those positions for safety concerns. Urged restoring $300 thousand dollars for those positions.  9:32:53 AM CARMEN KEENAN, Testified in support for Independent SAIL, Living Centers and continued funding.  KETCHIKAN 9:34:15 AM CARL WEBB, Spoke in support for further funding CHAIRMAN, for drug and alcohol prevention.  MEETING THE CHALLENGE, KETCHIKAN 9:35:10 AM SHERITY KELLY, Addressed the crucial services that the WISH, WISH program provides for women and KETCHIKAN children. Testified in support of funding for domestic violence and sexual assault programs.  9:36:41 AM LARRY FISHER, Echoed concerns voiced by Ms. Kelly. BOARD MEMBER, Testified in support of funding for WISH, domestic violence and sexual assault KETCHIKAN programs.  9:37:58 AM ROSITA Testified in support of the Governor's TERIANO, WISH, request to replace federal funding for KETCHIKAN diagnostic services for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. She worried what would happen to her son without the support offered by these programs. She provided testimony from another parent with children suffering from FASD, Ms. Crystal Herron. She stated that the WISH program support has saved her life.  9:45:03 AM PAT BRANSON, Urged continued funding for all senior KODIAK services.  SENIORS, KODIAK 9:45:58 AM BERT COTTLE, Testified in support of funding for ADVOCATES FOR domestic violence and sexual assault VICTIMS OF programs.  VIOLENCE, VALDEZ 9:47:18 AM ALISON Commented on the lack of any service on GOTTESMAN, the Kenai Peninsula for the severe SOLDOTNA mental health services. She urged greater and restored funding for these types of programs.  9:49:01 AM JACKIE BOCK, Testified in support of the Governor's  FETAL ALCOHOL request to replace federal funding for DIAGNOSTIC diagnostic services for Fetal Alcohol STUDY, Spectrum Disorder.  SOLDOTNA 9:51:11 AM LOUIE Spoke in support for AVTEC. He pointed BENCARDINO, out the Governor's recommended cut of AVTEC BOARD, $300 thousand dollars. He stated that SEWARD Alaska needs to produce top quality people and that AVTEC attempts to do that. He urged full funding.  9:53:52 AM AT EASE  10:10:43 AM RECONVENE  SITKA, WRANGELL, PETERSBURG, HOMER,  DILLINGHAM  10:10:57 AM LINDA MUHNS, Stressed the importance of cervical and HOMER breast cancer early detection screening.  10:13:32 AM LYNDA RAYMOND, Spoke to the importance of cervical and HOMER breast cancer early detection screening.  10:14:22 AM RENEE ORIANS, Testified regarding the importance of HOMER cervical and breast cancer early detection screening.  10:16:56 AM CATRIONA LOWE, Testified in support of the Governor's K.BAY FAMILY $1.8 million dollar request for PLANNING continuation and expansion for cervical CLINIC, HOMER and breast cancer screening.  10:18:32 AM LORA WILKE, Spoke in favor of the Governor's $1.8 HOMER million dollar request for continuation and expansion for cervical and breast cancer screening.  10:21:02 AM SCOT WHEAT, Urged further funding for the mental HOMER health budget so to cover crisis services for the mental health agency.  10:22:39 AM JENNIE Testified in support of funding for HARGROVE, domestic violence and sexual assault SOUTH programs. She added support of the PENINSULA Governor's $1.8 million dollar request WOMAN'S for continuation and expansion for SERVICES, cervical and breast cancer screening.  HOMER 10:26:03 AM FRANK CORBIN, Addressed concerns with PCE.  CEO, NUSHAGAK COOP, DILLINGHAM 10:29:02 AM DAVE BOUKER, Added his concerns regarding PCE DILLINGHAM funding. He provided a brief history of hydro services in that area and added that the PCE program helps to level the playing field for the State's utilities.  10:32:12 AM GINGER BAIM, Testified in support of funding for  SAFE, domestic violence and sexual assault DILLINGHAM programs.  10:38:41 AM LINDA Noted support of funding for domestic RABIDEAU, violence and sexual assault programs. PRESIDENT, She commented on the "shrinking" that SAFE, has occurred with the SAFE budget over DILLINGHAM the years. Funding has been flat over the past five years.  10:40:46 AM DESA ERICA Noted that she trains shelter workers JACOBSSON, in the politics of domestic violence. SAFE, She testified in support of funding for ANCHORAGE domestic violence and sexual assault programs.  10:42:12 AM PETLA NODEN, Commented on the tragedy happening for SAFE, the youth of Dillingham. He urged DILLINGHAM greater funding for drug and alcohol abuse programs. He stressed the need for more programs for the youth. He added that there needs to be parenting classes and mentioned that Dillingham should be reclassified as a second- class city.  10:45:55 AM JOAN RIBICH, Testified in support of restoration of DIRECTOR, the Human Services Matching Grant of BBAGC-MH, 2.2 million and mental health services. DILLINGHAM She added supported for further drug and alcohol drug abuse programs.  10:48:28 AM JULIE DECKER, Spoke to concerns with the urchin EXECUTIVE fishery. She claimed that fishery is a DIRECTOR, large economic engine for fisheries in SARDFA, general. SARDFA is requesting WRANGELL temporary relief from the State through general funds to help further develop the fishery. She noted testing for gooey duck fishery and those fee structures.  10:52:10 AM VALERY She urged consideration of all the MCCANDLESS, concerns that have been addressed at MAYOR, CITY OF the meeting and added support for WRANGELL, further consideration of the State's WRANGELL retirement system.  10:53:40 AM BOB KLUTING, Strongly recommended funding for the SITKA assisted living program and increased funding for the consumer living portion. He added support for independent living services.  10:55:06 AM SHAY HOFFMAN, Testified in support of the Governor's KACHEMAK BAY $1.8 million dollar request for FAMILY continuation and expansion for cervical PLANNING and breast cancer screening.  CLINIC, HOMER 10:57:08 AM ELIZABETH Voiced support of the Governor's $1.8 NEWMANN, HOMER million dollar request for continuation  and expansion for cervical and breast cancer screening.  10:58:47 AM Ms. Hargrove, Read a prepared statement from another Homer person regarding living because of funding of the cervical and breast cancer screening.  11:00:21 AM AT EASE  11:14:47 AM RECONVENE  MATSU, DELTA JUNCTION, TOK, GLENNALLEN,  CORDOVA  11:15:07 AM JAMES GARHART, Explained his forward-funded fiscal MATSU plan.  11:19:58 AM DON ZOERB, Spoke in support of continued funding MEMBER, PUBLIC for public broadcasting.  BROADCAST COMMISSION, MATSU 11:21:58 AM ROGER GAY, BIG Testified in favor of continued funding LAKE for mental health services.  11:24:07 AM GARY HANTHORN, Spoke against cutting mental health MATSU services.  11:25:41 AM CATHRYN Stressed the importance of continued PETRIE, MATSU funding for FASD diagnostic services.  11:28:07 AM NICOLE SONGER, Testified in support of funding for CORDOVA FAMILY domestic violence and sexual assault RESOURCE programs. Stressed the importance of CENTER continued funding for FASD diagnostic services.   11:29:36 AM JANET JOHNSON, Testified in support of continued CORDOVA funding for Medicaid services.  11:33:20 AM SHARON Related services provided by JAMI and LOBAUGH, encourage maintenance and increase of PRESIDENT OF the mental health budget. She also JAMI, JUNEAU spoke in support of continued funding for Medicaid programs.  11:36:54 AM AT EASE  12:08:12 PM RECONVENE  BETHEL, KOTZEBUE, BARROW, NOME,  OFFNETS:  12:08:38 PM MITCH Spoke of financial difficulties in his CHOCKNOK, NEW community.  STOYALDOK 12:09:31 PM FRED PIKE, Explained a profile-mapping project in BRISTOL BAY his borough. He spoke of tax exemptions and requested reimbursement for them. He requested assistance with high fuel costs.  12:12:17 PM MIKE SWAIN, Stressed the importance of funding a MAYOR, BRISTOL test fishery program. He requested BAY relief from mandated tax exemptions.  12:15:15 PM REPRESENTATIVE Requested information about the test CROFT fishery.  12:16:23 PM MEL COGHILL, Stressed the importance of mapping and MEMBER, difficulty with tax exemptions. He ASSEMBLY, also opined that the school foundation BRISTOL BAY funding is unfair to his school district.  12:18:19 PM JASON Spoke of high fuel costs, lack of road NOWPAKAHOK, maintenance and other financial needs MAYOR, GAMBLE of his community.  12:20:56 PM SUZIE MAKAILY, Thanked the legislature for funding PIKES STATION women's programs. She requested more funding for the Women and Children's Coalition.  12:22:52 PM BARB Shared statistics related to the PUNGOWIYI, shelter and mentioned declining BERING STRAITS services due to flat funding.  WOMEN'S GROUP, NOME 12:25:19 PM DEALY Stressed the importance of continued BLACKSHEAR, funding for Mental Health services and NOME Medicaid funding.  12:26:42 PM REPRESENTATIVE Explained the problem with getting HAWKER certification due to a lawsuit.  12:27:23 PM EPHENIA LEVI, Spoke of personal experience in the BETHEL Women's Coalition Shelter and requested continued funding for such programs.   12:29:55 PM NORMAN Requested continued funding for the AYAGAIRIA, women's shelter.  BETHEL 12:30:51 PM HOLLY CHANEY, Shared personal experience with the BETHEL shelter. She testified in support of continued funding for the women's shelter.  12:32:09 PM BING Encouraged continued funding for SANTAMOUR, education, and the women's shelter, and BETHEL increased funding for village law enforcement, and recognition of tribal government.  12:35:51 PM BARBARA LEWIS, Testified in support of the Governor's HAINES request to replace federal funding for diagnostic services for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.  12:38:18 PM BARBARA Requested that the revenue sharing MCMANUS, program be reinstated. She explained MEMBER, AMBLER high costs in her community. She also CITY COUNCIL spoke in favor of funding for public broadcasting.  12:40:46 PM JIM WILSON, Related high costs and the need for AMBLER financial support to his community.  12:43:14 PM ELAINE PRICE, Spoke in favor of reinstating revenue  PROJECT sharing and of funding women's MANAGER, shelters.  COFFMAN COVE 12:46:06 PM CAROLYN Requested more aid to municipalities.  DUNCAN, COFFMAN COVE 12:47:02 PM NEAL GEORGE, Encouraged funding for substance abuse BARROW programs.  12:48:13 PM DR. BRUCE Spoke of his concern for removal of RUTTENBURG, funds for substance abuse programs.  DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MANIILAQ, KOTZEBUE 12:49:57 PM ROSS Encouraged funding for high fuel costs SCHAEFFER, and encouraged support of revenue NORTHWEST funding and mental health programs. He ARCTIC requested that funding for subsistence BOROUGH, continue.  KOTZEBUE 12:53:40 PM DICK WYLAND, Stressed the importance of continued MAYOR, revenue sharing, which would affect SELDOVIA many programs in Seldovia.  ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 12:55 PM