Legislature(2001 - 2002)
2002-01-22 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2002-01-22 Senate Journal Page 1997 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE -- SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Tuesday January 22, 2002 Ninth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Halford at 10:47 a.m. The roll showed sixteen members present. Senators Cowdery, Donley, Kelly, Therriault were absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Sam Dalin of the River of Glory Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent that the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Let us pray: Dear Father, Son and Holy Spirit, You have said, "Blessings are on the head of the righteous. Wise men and women will receive commands. One who walks with integrity walks securely. Wise people store up knowledge. The labor of the righteous leads to life." We ask this day for integrity, knowledge and righteousness, to lead and guide each and every one of us. For we do so much need Your help. God Bless Alaska. In the Name of God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit. Amen. Senator Torgerson led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Leman moved and asked unanimous consent that the journals for the fifth through eighth legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. 2002-01-22 Senate Journal Page 1998 Messages from the Governor SB 103 Message dated and received January 18 was read, stating the Twenty- second Alaska State Legislature, acting in Joint Session, voted to override the previous veto of: CONFERENCE CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 103 "An Act relating to election campaigns and legislative ethics." Therefore the following chapter number has been assigned and the engrossed and enrolled copies will be transmitted to the Lieutenant Governor's Office for permanent filing: Chapter 3, SLA 2002 Effective Date: 4/16/02 SB 166 Message dated and received January 18 was read, stating the Twenty- second Alaska State Legislature, acting in Joint Session, voted to override the previous veto of: SENATE BILL NO. 166 "An Act relating to the time of filling by appointment a vacancy in the office of United States senator." Therefore the following chapter number has been assigned and the engrossed and enrolled copies will be transmitted to the Lieutenant Governor's Office for permanent filing: Chapter 4, SLA 2002 Effective Date: 4/16/02 Messages from the House Message dated January 18 was read, stating the House has confirmed the reappointment of H. Conner Thomas and the appointments of Arthur S. Robinson and Bonnie Mehner as public members to the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics. 2002-01-22 Senate Journal Page 1999 Communications The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Advisory Opinions Rendered by the Committee, Volume XXIII, January 1, 2000 - December 31, 2001, Select Committee on Legislative Ethics from Dennis "Skip" Cook, Chair in accordance with AS 24.60.150(a)(2) Public Decisions Issued by the Committee, Volume VI, December 12, 1998 - December 31, 2001, Select Committee on Legislative Ethics from Dennis "Skip" Cook, Chair in accordance with AS 24.60.150 Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority Annual Review of Assets and Financial Statements for June 30, 2001 and 2000 (with independent Auditor's Report) from Robert Poe, Jr., Executive Director in accordance with AS 44.88.205 Annual Report of Alaska Comprehensive Health Insurance Association, January 1, 2000 - December 31, 2000 from Cecil D. Bykerk, Chair in accordance with AS 21.55.020 Alaska Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2001 from Kim Garnero, Director of Finance, Department of Administration in accordance with AS 37.05.210 Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 209 SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE BILL NO. 209 BY SENATOR LEMAN, entitled: 2002-01-22 Senate Journal Page 2000 "An Act relating to authorizing the Alaska Railroad Corporation to lease land within certain terminal reserves for a period of up to 55 years." was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and Resources Committees. The presence of Senator Donley was noted. SB 250 SENATE BILL NO. 250 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act extending the dates for assignment of performance designations of public schools and the dates for reports and monitoring based on those designations; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education and Social Services Committee. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Education and Early Development Governor's transmittal letter dated January 21: Dear President Halford: I am transmitting this bill extending the date for public school performance designations to September 2004, aligning it with the secondary school student competency testing examination. Aligning the effective date of these two programs makes sense because the school performance designations are based on student achievement, including the results of the competency exam. 2002-01-22 Senate Journal Page 2001 The additional time will allow the Department of Education and Early Development to do three things regarding school performance designations: · Align state programs with the new requirements of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act; · Collect the data necessary to measure growth; · Build the capacity to effectively collect, analyze, and use the data. Correspondingly, the bill also delays the effective date for department reports and monitoring that are to be based on school designations. In addition, the bill clarifies that school designations are intended to reflect student achievement of "essential skills." It is those skills that students are tested on throughout the standardized testing program mandated by state law. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor SB 251 SENATE BILL NO. 251 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act creating the Alaska Youth Voter Corps and relating to that corps; authorizing the members of the corps to be appointed to serve on election boards; relating to qualifications for appointment to election boards; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. 2002-01-22 Senate Journal Page 2002 The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Office of the Governor Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Labor and Workforce Development Governor's transmittal letter dated January 21: Dear President Halford: The Youth Voter Corps bill I am transmitting today presents us with a unique opportunity to enliven the interest of young people in the election process, and in their rights and responsibilities as citizens. Introduced at the request of Lt. Governor Fran Ulmer and the Alaska Democracy Project task force, this bill allows high school students to work at the polls during elections. The intent of the bill is threefold: · To increase young persons' awareness and interest in voting; · To allow for meaningful student involvement in elections; and · To relieve the shortage of election workers. Alaska Youth Voters Corps members, students age 16 or older, would be appointed and trained by an election supervisor and supervised by an elections board chairperson. The Ford-Carter Elections Commission supported this concept on a national level and almost a third of the states have laws in place that allow for high school students to work at the polls. The bill also amends the qualifications for appointment to a precinct election board to remove the requirement that the appointee be registered to vote in that precinct. This change would allow a qualified voter in the state, regardless of which precinct the voter is registered in, to serve on any precinct's election board. This would give more flexibility to the election supervisor to find qualified candidates to serve this important function. 2002-01-22 Senate Journal Page 2003 I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles, Governor SB 252 SENATE BILL NO. 252 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act renaming the Alaska Human Resource Investment Council as the Alaska Workforce Investment Board and relating to its membership; repealing the termination date of the state training and employment program; relating to employment and training activities; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Labor and Workforce Development Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Labor and Workforce Development Fiscal Note No. 3, Department of Labor and Workforce Development Governor's transmittal letter dated January 21: Dear President Halford: Training of our workforce is key to keeping the Alaska economy competitive in the future and making our state an attractive place for new business development. The State Training and Employment Program (STEP) has proven to be a valuable player in helping Alaskans find and retain jobs. The STEP is due to sunset on June 30. This bill I transmit today continues and makes permanent the STEP and its vital work. 2002-01-22 Senate Journal Page 2004 Since 1989 the STEP has successfully served more than 10,000 eligible Alaskans. The training and employment program is financed by employee contributions to the unemployment compensation fund and has actually reduced claims against the fund by bringing unemployed Alaskans back into the workforce. The STEP is under the oversight of the Alaska Human Resource Investment Council, renamed the Alaska Workforce Investment Board under this bill. The STEP was first established as a pilot program, but its success has led to its continued reauthorization through the years. It supplements and compliments federal employment and training programs, providing services when many other programs cannot. Renaming the oversight board the Alaska Workforce Investment Board clearly signifies the important role that body plays in guiding the development of our workforce. The name change also is in line with terminology under the federal Workforce Investment Act of 1998. In addition, the bill removes the limitation on the number of times the board could meet in a year. It also proposes miscellaneous amendments to update the statutes regarding employment and training activities. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor SB 253 SENATE BILL NO. 253 BY THE SENATE LABOR AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act extending the termination date of the Regulatory Commission of Alaska; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Judiciary Committees. 2002-01-22 Senate Journal Page 2005 SB 254 SENATE BILL NO. 254 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act making supplemental and other appropriations; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. Governor's transmittal letter dated January 22: Dear President Halford: I am transmitting to you a supplemental appropriation bill that I urge the Legislature to put on a "fast track" for action because the items contained in the bill are vital to Alaska's primary industries - fishing, tourism and oil. All of these industries are integral to the economic health of our entire state, and all of them face challenges in the coming year for various reasons -- the public's reaction to terrorism, national stock market conditions, national energy policy, and increased competition in the global marketplace. The bill includes $10 million appropriations to boost marketing efforts in the salmon and tourism industries. The salmon marketing efforts include $5 million for regional salmon marketing grants and international niche marketing program to promote salmon in developing markets. The other $5 million is earmarked for the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute for domestic and international marketing and quality assurance. Tourism assistance includes a $9.8 million grant to the Alaska Travel Industry Association to mitigate the drastic decline in recreational travel after September 11th. The Alaska Marine Highway System would receive $200,000 to specifically promote travel to Alaska by ferry and communities on the system. The remaining $1 million proposed in the bill is for a grant to Arctic Power to continue its national efforts in gaining support for oil and gas exploration and development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. 2002-01-22 Senate Journal Page 2006 The fishing, tourism, and oil and gas industries provide the highest number of jobs in Alaska and drive our economy statewide. Slumps in these industries ripple down to the local level in diminished revenue from fish, sales, and bed taxes. It is the responsibility of state government to use the tools we have to ensure Alaska's economy is vibrant and able to sustain quality of life. I urge you to consider and pass these appropriations as soon as possible. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor Consideration of the Calendar Citations st Honoring - Louise and Algot Anderson, 51 Wedding Anniversary Senator(s) Austerman, Halford, Hoffman, Leman, Green, Kelly, Taylor, Lincoln, Davis, Elton, Wilken, Ellis Representative(s) Stevens In Memoriam - Myrle Sue Lagasse Senator(s) Austerman, Halford, Hoffman, Leman, Green, Kelly, Taylor, Lincoln, Davis, Elton, Wilken Representative(s) Stevens In Memoriam - Patricia Symonds Senator(s) Stevens, Halford, Hoffman, Leman, Donley, Green, Kelly, Taylor, Austerman, Lincoln, Davis, Elton, Wilken Senator Leman moved and asked unanimous consent that the citations be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. 2002-01-22 Senate Journal Page 2007 Unfinished Business Senator Lincoln moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on January 25, 28 and 29. Without objection, Senator Lincoln was excused. Senator Elton moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from morning plane time, February 4 through evening plane time, February 5. Without objection, Senator Elton was excused. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Recess Senator Leman moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in recess to the Joint Session. Without objection, the Senate recessed at 10:55 a.m. After Recess Joint Session in the House Speaker Porter called the House to order and in accordance with Uniform Rule 51 turned the gavel over to President Halford, who called the Joint Session to order at 11:02 a.m. The purpose of the Joint Session was to hear an address by the Honorable Ted Stevens, United States Senator. Senator Leman moved and asked unanimous consent that the roll call of the Senate be waived and all members be shown as present. Without objection, it was so ordered. 2002-01-22 Senate Journal Page 2008 Representative James moved and asked unanimous consent that the roll call of the House be waived and all members be shown as present. Without objection, it was so ordered. President Halford appointed Representative Kerttula and Senator Stevens to escort United States Senator Ted Stevens to the Joint Session. The Senate Sergeant at Arms, Christopher S. Miller, announced Senator Stevens' entrance to the House Chamber. The Honorable Ted Stevens was escorted to the rostrum and introduced by President Halford. United States Senator Ted Stevens delivered his address. This address appears in House and Senate Joint Journal Supplement No. 9. Following his address, there was a question and answer period. The Honorable Ted Stevens received a standing ovation and was escorted from the chamber by Senator Stevens and Representative Kerttula. Senator Leman moved and asked unanimous consent that the Joint Session stand in adjournment. Without objection, President Halford adjourned the Joint Session at 12:06 p.m. After Recess In the Senate The Senate reconvened at 12:10 p.m. The presence of Senators Cowdery, Kelly, Therriault was noted. 2002-01-22 Senate Journal Page 2009 Adjournment Senator Leman moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., January 23, 2002. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 12:11 p.m. Heidi Vogel Secretary of the Senate January 2002 2002-01-22 Senate Journal Page 2010 Announcements Americans with Disabilities Act Notice - Persons with disabilities who require special accommodation or alternative communication formats to access committee meetings may contact the appropriate committee office or the Legislative Information Office in their community. Reasonable advance notice is needed to accommodate the request. For further information, call the ADA Coordinator at 465-3854 Voice/465-4980 TDD. STANDING COMMITTEES + indicates teleconference = indicates bill previously heard/scheduled COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS Jan 23 Wednesday Fahrenkamp 203 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 25 Friday Fahrenkamp 203 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Jan 23 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:30 AM HB 334 APPROP: GRANT TO ARCTIC POWER FOR ANWR <Pending Referral> Jan 24 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:30 AM = HB 334 APPROP: GRANT TO ARCTIC POWER FOR ANWR <Pending Referral> Overview of Certificate of Need Issues Jan 25 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:30 AM = HB 334 APPROP: GRANT TO ARCTIC POWER FOR ANWR <Pending Referral> ---------------------------------------- HEALTH, EDUCATION & SOCIAL SERVICES Jan 23 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2002-01-22 Senate Journal Page 2011 JUDICIARY Jan 23 Wednesday Beltz 211 1:30 PM + Confirmation Hearing- Legislative Ethics: Bonnie L. Mehner, H. Conner Thomas, Arthur S. Robinson SB 242 CONCEALED HANDGUN PERMITTEES <Above Item Removed from Agenda> Jan 25 Friday Beltz 211 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Jan 22 Tuesday Beltz 211 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 24 Thursday Beltz 211 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Jan 23 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 25 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Jan 22 Tuesday Beltz 211 3:30 PM HCR 4 AFRICAN-AMERICAN CITIZEN RECOGNIT'N MONTH Jan 24 Thursday Beltz 211 3:30 PM SB 235 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE COMPACT SB 237 TERRORISM, CIVIL DEFENSE, AND DISASTERS SB 238 SECURITY OF FACILITIES AND SYSTEMS SB 239 STATE EMPLOYEES CALLED TO MILITARY DUTY SB 240 TERRORISTIC THREATENING/PIPELINE DAMAGE ---------------------------------------- 2002-01-22 Senate Journal Page 2012 TRANSPORTATION Jan 22 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM SB 215 COMMON CARRIER LIQUOR LICENSE Jan 24 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JOINT COMMITTEES ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE Feb 05 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Location Change -- Lt. General Norton Schwartz, Maj. Gen. Willie B. Nance: Briefing ---------------------------------------- LEGISLATIVE BUDGET & AUDIT Jan 24 Thursday House Finance 519 12:00 PM ---------------------------------------- OTHER MEETINGS JOINT SESSION Jan 22 Tuesday House Chamber 11:00 AM U.S. Senator Ted Stevens