MINUTES SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE April 10, 2000 8:39 AM TAPES SFC-00 # 81, Side A & B CALL TO ORDER Co-Chair John Torgerson convened the meeting at approximately 8:39 AM PRESENT Co-Chair John Torgerson, Co-Chair Parnell, Senator Al Adams, Senator Pete Kelly, Senator Randy Phillips, Senator Gary Wilken, Senator Leman, Senator Green. Also Attending: Witnesses are listed in the minutes in the order they testified. SUMMARY INFORMATION SB 192-APPPROPRIATIONS; CAPITAL BUDGET/REAPPROPS The Committee heard public testimony on the proposed committee substitute. The bill was HELD. SENATE BILL NO. 192 "An Act making and amending capital appropriations and re- appropriations and capitalizing funds; and providing for an effective date." Co-Chair Torgerson stated that testimony would be taken on the Capital Budget, Senate Bill 192. He listed fax numbers available for those who might wish to submit written testimony. He stated that oral testimony would be limited to one minute. ALDANA JANAITIS, Director, University of Alaska Museum testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in support of funding for the University of Alaska Museum. She stated that the museum is asking the state to match the money raised from private sector and federal government sources, totaling $15.5 million. CHARLES ROLLINS testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in support of databases for Alaska, funded by the University. He stated that he would like to see this program continued since it is such an asset to the citizens of Alaska. HUGH FATE, Board Member, Visitors of the University of Alaska, Nucleus Committee testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in support of the Hutchison Career Center and funding for the University Museum. ANGELA KETGLER testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in support of the low-income weatherization budget. She stated that she was an assessor for an interior weatherization program in Fairbanks and noted that in many of the homes inspected there are no smoke alarms, along with inefficient heating systems. She stated that she has seen first hand the positive difference this program makes in people's lives for saving energy dollars. DORIS KOIVESTO testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in support of the state's weatherization program. She stated that she was very appreciative of this wonderful program. MIKE PRAX testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in support of the Hutchison Career Center. He stated that this center trains students that will help enhance Alaska's economy. ANDY WARWICK, Chair, Neighborhood School Committee testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in support of a $57 million school bond. He stated that the committee is very concerned about the plan to delete funding for the Hutchison Career Center from the budget as well. CINDY BRANLEY, University of Alaska Fairbanks Alumni Association testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in support of the Hutchison Career Center. She noted that over 60 percent of Alaskan jobs require post-secondary vocational education and by appropriating the $5 million in the capital budget, this will further enhance this necessary training. MIKE SCHAFER testified via teleconference from Thorn Bay in support of the Thorn Bay road paving projects. He noted that with the downturn of the timber industry it was important to go through with these projects. RICK ABBOT testified via teleconference from Soldotna in support of funding for the handicapped and the elderly weatherization program. He encouraged continued funding for this project. JANICE BAY testified via teleconference from Trapper Creek in support of restoring the Housing Finance Corporation funds. She noted that two members of her family were disabled and the help they received this winter allowed her family to stay within their home. She added that warm shelter is basic to survival. CHARLIE LEAN testified via teleconference from Nome in support of the Phase Two, Emergency Medical Services Communication Project. He stated that this project has statewide ramifications and gave sound reasons why this system was necessary. LEW REECE, small farm operator testified via teleconference from Delta Junction in support that full funding be restored to the Department of Community and Economic Development. He noted that last year, through funding of the potato seed and carrot certification program his farm sold produce directly to Taiwan. He added that this had a potential of one-half million dollars in revenue. RAMYA SUBRAMANIAN, Director, Reference Department, University Of Alaska, Anchorage Library and President, Library Association testified via teleconference from Anchorage in support of funding for the statewide database project. She gave some background information of funds received thus far for this program and stressed its statewide benefits. MOE MCGEE, Anchorage Municipal Libraries testified via teleconference from Anchorage in support of funding for the statewide database project. She used examples of patrons researching options for surgery and property tax issues to bolster the need for such services. PATRICK SHIFLEA, Alaska Community Development Corporation testified via teleconference from Anchorage in support of funding for the disabled and elderly persons weatherization program. He noted previous cuts to this program and requested that such funding be restored since there are clients on waiting lists in need of these services. MICHAEL CARR testified via teleconference from Anchorage in support of the weatherization program at the $4 million amount. He noted how this program helps to keep people out of subsidized housing. PAT TRUESDELL, Social Worker, Family and Youth Services testified via teleconference from Kenai. He spoke to the Frontline Workers Safety and support equipment budgets. He noted that his office has one car per 10 employees who are required to be out in the field on a regular basis. He also stated that the fire alarm system is broken in their building. BOBBI O'NEAL, Family and Youth Services testified via teleconference from Kenai in support of the Frontline Workers Safety and support equipment budgets. She made the same arguments as the previous witness. PHIL YOUNKER, Chair, Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce, Standing Committee, University of Alaska testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in support of the Hutchison Career Center. He explained that this project was a first priority of Fairbanks since the community plans to designate a bond locally to match the state's funding. PAMELA YOUNKER, President & CEO, Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in support of the expansion of the Hutchison Career Center. She noted how the foundation of the state is dependent on enhancement of its educational system. CYNTHIA HENRY, School Board President testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in support of the Hutchison Career Center. She asked that the committee not include the $5 million related bond in their state bond package, since to do so would be very problematic. She continued that Fairbanks plans to bring this bond issue forward on May 2nd and noted that the school board and the school district is concerned that if the $5 million is taken out of the capital budget, this could jeopardize the passage of Fairbanks' bond proposal. PETE BRAUMAN, Director, [inaudible] testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in support of the renovation of the Farenkamp Center so that a local diagnostic and treatment facility can be established there. He noted that as a result, children could be treated locally. JOE GARCIA, Student testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in support of the Hutchison Career Center. He noted that it was critical for future students to have access to current technology, which these upgrades would supply. JULIE DECKER, Executive Director, Southeast Alaska Regional Dive Fisheries Association testified via teleconference from Wrangell in support of funding for relocation studies regarding a food safety lab in Anchorage, including funding for a feasibility study on a satellite food safety lab in Southeast Alaska. She gave some background on what facilities presently exist and outlined some of the Association's goals for dive fisheries. BOBBI LEICHTY testified via teleconference from Craig in support of the Emergency Medical Services communications funding. She outlined what communication systems presently exist, specifically in Southeast Alaska. DANIEL HOFMAN testified via teleconference from Anchorage in support of the weatherization program. He noted how his family was able to benefit from this program. PEGGY BURGIN testified via teleconference from Anchorage in support of the low-income weatherization program funding. She noted how this program is so important for senior citizens that wish to stay in their own homes. JOHN SIMPSON testified via teleconference from Anchorage in support of the weatherization program. He gave some background about his involvement in the program and noted how cost efficient the changes were to his home. JOHN DRESCHER testified via teleconference from Anchorage in support of the weatherization program. He stated that he lives in a trailer and has supported a large family. He appreciates the help he was able to receive through this program. GARY DOSS testified via teleconference from Anchorage in support of the weatherization program. He stated that as a contractor he takes part in this program as a community service, since the funds for it keeps declining. MICKEY ALLEN testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in support of the Hutchison Career Center expansion project. He noted how some of the instructors teach in limited space, reflecting the need for this expansion. DON GRAY, President, Friends of the University of Alaska Museum testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in support of funding for the University Museum. He noted that he, along with many other individuals have tried to raise $15.5 million dollars from private and federal sources. He added that these same individuals seek a matching amount from the state for this project. PHILIP ANDERSON testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in support of the funding for the Department of Transportation & Public Facilities projects, especially for the harbors program and aviation funding. He noted that these matching funds were important for the success of these projects. JEANETTE GRASTO, Board, Family [indiscernible] services testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in support of funding for the children's diagnostic treatment center at the Farenkamp facility. She outlined background information regarding the Farenkamp center and pointed out that local Fairbanks children are required to travel to Anchorage for treatment. JON MCCOY, mechanical contractor testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in support of the weatherization program. He noted that he has seen first hand the benefits of this program and he was not sure if there were any other alternatives for individuals in need. GINNY TIERNEY testified via teleconference from Thorn Bay in support of funding for the Prince of Wales Island/Thorn Bay paving project. She noted that this project captured a significant federal match from the federal Forest Highway Program and it will result in the reduction of state highway maintenance costs. JAY DEARBORN, farmer testified via teleconference from Palmer in support of funding for the export certification program. He gave a breakdown of how the money is spent for this program and the agricultural progress made as a result of its funding. LARAINE DERR, Executive Director, Alaska State Hospital and Nursing Home Association testified from Juneau in support of the Department of Health & Social Services Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS). She noted that this system benefits members a great deal by making payments more efficient. Tape: SFC - 00 #81, Side B 9:27 AM JAN WRENTMORE, City of Skagway, Skagway Marine Access Committee testified from Juneau in support of reinstating the $6 million required to fully fund the first shuttle ferry and to provide some funding mechanism for the additional two ferries. She outlined a history of how this project came into being. BEA SHEPARD, Museums Alaska, testified from Juneau in support of the Alaska State Museum. She noted that in the past the funding for this facility has been piecemeal and then gave an overview of the present repairs needed to this facility, such as, new dust reduction and fire alarm systems. JON LORING, International Council of Museums, testified from Juneau in support of the Alaska State Museum. He stated that it was important to protect and expand the storage of collections for this facility. He explained that this is what this new funding would accomplish. JAKE POOLE, Interim Director, Tanana Valley Campus and a member for the Committee for Neighborhood Schools testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in support of the bond issue slated for May 2nd, including the Hutchison Career Center funding from the state. DUANE SAKUMOTO testified via teleconference from Anchorage in support of the land-mobile radio, migration project. He stated that this project would allow the efficient response to life- threatening situations. He noted that it would also allow the state to apply for federal funds for programs that support the wireless in-operability concept initiated by Janet Reno. He gave additional reasons why this funding should be realized. KATHIE WASSERMAN testified via teleconference from Pelican in support of harbor programs. She stated that the community wants a full service harbor in order to become more self-sufficient. STUCKEY GALLANT testified via teleconference from Anchorage in support of the weatherization project funding. He noted that this type of program is a necessity for most, rather than a choice. ROBERT REEKIE testified from Juneau in support of the weatherization program. He noted that this program is cost saving and that by cutting heating inefficiency by 40 percent, this would mean a savings to the state in the long run. RICK SOLIE, North Star Borough Assembly, testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in support of the Hutchison Career Center. He noted that the related bond package was fully supported by the Assembly and he encouraged the state's continued support by funding this project as well. RON DICKSON, [inaudible] testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in support of the Hutchison Career Center. He noted that this expansion and improvement of this facility has been a dream of the community since the early 90's. JANE PARRISH, school board testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in support of funding for the Hutchison Career Center. She stated that many people in the community have worked diligently on this project. Co-Chair Torgerson called an at ease at 9:45 AM and reconvened at 10:00 am. MARIE DARLIN, AARP State Legislative Committee testified from Juneau in support of the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation budget items. She noted that the related senior housing projects were very important to retirees around the state. She asked that this funding stay within the state's budget. DAVID BARON, Administrator/Coordinator, Copper River Emergency Medical Services testified via teleconference from Copper River in support of the EMS, phase two, communications project budget items. He noted that the communication systems in their area are aging. LLOYD SCHADE testified via teleconference from Homer in support of the weatherization program. He noted that his parents qualified for this program and praised the systems efficiency. GREG HILL, Library Director testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in support of the magazine and periodicals database program included in the budget. He outlined some reasons why this program should be supported. FREDI JACKSON testified via teleconference from Anchorage in support of the weatherization program. She stated that she had qualified for this program and was very appreciative of the cost saving associated with this weatherization. DOUG WARD [affiliation inaudible] testified via teleconference from Ketchikan in support of the Marine Highway and the Public Safety budgets allowed for in this legislation. He noted the decreases in the Marine Highway maintenance budget, while the number of vessels has increased. He continued that maintenance costs go towards safe and timely service of vessels. BOB JANIK testified via teleconference from Sitka in support of the Emergency Medical Services budget and the radio system that is needed to support these services. He explained changes to Federal Communications Commission regulations that make present radio systems obsolete. Co-Chair Torgerson concluded the public testimony related to SB 192. Senator Green asked about the weatherization program and wondered if there was a repayment component by recipients for this program. Co-Chair Torgerson responded that he was not sure if there was such an allowance, but suggested that this could be a viable piece of legislation. ADJOURNED Senator Torgerson recessed the meeting at 10:16 AM to the call of the chair. SFC-00 (8) 04/10/00