Legislature(1995 - 1996)
1996-01-19 House Journal
Full Journal pdf1996-01-19 House Journal Page 2488 HB 435 HOUSE BILL NO. 435 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: An Act relating to employment contributions and to making the state training and employment program a permanent state program; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce, Health, Education & Social Services, State Affairs and Finance Committees. The following fiscal notes apply: Fiscal notes (2), Dept. Of Community & Regional Affairs, 1/19/96 Fiscal note, Dept. of Labor, 1/19/96 The Governor's transmittal letter, dated January 19, 1996, appears below: Dear Speaker Phillips: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill making the state training and employment program (STEP) a permanent state program. The STEP is an integral component of Alaskas job training program and has enabled participants to increase their average quarterly earnings from nine to 12 percent. The STEP was established as a temporary, pilot program in 1989 and has been extended twice -- in 1991 and 1993. Since its inception, STEP has trained 4,890 Alaska workers at an average cost of $2,000 per participant which is covered by Alaska employees. The program is financed entirely by employee 1996-01-19 House Journal Page 2489 HB 435 payroll contributions with no employer contributions or general fund monies. The STEP serves workers who would often be ineligible for employment training assistance through other programs. It offers workers the opportunity to acquire skills by investing in themselves, and helps those workers who have been displaced from their jobs to learn more skills. Nearly 60 percent of those entering the program are receiving unemployment benefits, and over 80 percent of the participants successfully complete the training and increase their employment opportunities. The STEP will expire June 30, 1996, unless renewed by the Legislature. As federal training money decreases from year to year, continuing STEP and making it a permanent program will help Alaskans receive the training they need to respond to the changing needs of business and industry. I urge your support of this important bill. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor