Legislature(2009 - 2010)
2009-01-20 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2009-01-20 Senate Journal Page 0001 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Tuesday January 20, 2009 First Day Pursuant to provisions of the Constitution of the State of Alaska, the Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, and AS 24.05.160, the Senate of the State of Alaska assembled in the Senate chamber for the first regular session of the Twenty-sixth Legislature. The Senate was called to order at 2:03 p.m. by the Honorable Sean Parnell, Lieutenant Governor. Colors The following members of the Honor Guard of the Tongass Alaska Girl Scout Council presented the colors: Sierra Coleman Rachel Doogan Chantel Eckland Annika Pearson Catriona Pearson Summer Putman Grace Terry Aurora Ward Sommer Ward The Girl Scout Honor Guard led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Alaska Flag Song and National Anthem The following members of The Sixteen String Quartet performed the Alaska Flag Song and the National Anthem: 2009-01-20 Senate Journal Page 0002 Lindsay Clark - first violin Pauline Zheng - second violin Denali Wentz - viola Tyrel Kramp - cello Invocation The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, The Reverend George Silides of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent that the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. O God our Creator, our Provider and our Sustainer; from your hands come every wealth of land and sea, every wealth of mind and muscle. We ask your blessing upon those who gather this day to dedicate themselves to use of that wealth for the well-being of this Great Land and all her people. Upon this body, and upon our governor, our courts, and all who have offered themselves for election, and have been chosen to serve we ask your Providence and guiding hand. Great tasks lie ahead of them, and great strength will be asked of them. Prudence, wisdom, and perseverance will be asked as well. As they labor, where there is any danger that these might fail them, we ask that you provide them. But above all things, O Lord, we ask that a great love for the people of this land prevail and permeate every work they do here; a love which sustains and nourishes; a love which calls from each the finest in themselves and curbs a lesser thought for self or advantage over others. For the fresh new day and every hope this day provides, we are grateful. Protect those hopes, we pray, and the hopes of every person who looks to this government for their due process and equal protection. With thankful hearts we pray your blessing upon all those who have given these servants to our service for a season. May their homes and families suffer no hardship for this gift, and may all be timely re-united. Your Peace be upon this House. Amen. 2009-01-20 Senate Journal Page 0003 Election Certification The Lieutenant Governor read the certificate of election: I, Gail Fenumiai, Director of the Division of Elections for the State of th Alaska, do hereby certify that a General Election was held on the 4 day of November, 2008, pursuant to AS 15.15.020 in the State of Alaska and the following candidates were elected to the office of State Senator for the district and term indicated: District A Bert K. Stedman 4 year term District C Albert M. Kookesh 4 year term District E Joe Paskvan 4 year term District G Linda K. Menard 4 year term District I Fred J. Dyson 4 year term District K Bettye J. Davis 4 year term District M Hollis S. French II 4 year term District O Kevin Meyer 4 year term District Q Thomas H. "Tom" Wagoner 4 year term District T Donald C. "Donny" Olson 4 year term In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed hereto rd the Seal of the State of Alaska, at Juneau, the Capital, this 3 day of December, A.D. 2008. /s/ Gail Fenumiai, Director Division of Elections Lieutenant Governor Parnell requested the following Senators approach the rostrum to be administered the Oath of Office: District A Bert K. Stedman District E Joe Paskvan District G Linda K. Menard District I Fred J. Dyson The Lieutenant Governor administered the Oath of Office to the Senators. 2009-01-20 Senate Journal Page 0004 Lieutenant Governor Parnell requested the following Senators approach the rostrum to be administered the Oath of Office: District M Hollis S. French II District O Kevin Meyer District Q Thomas H. "Tom" Wagoner District T Donald C. "Donny" Olson The Lieutenant Governor administered the Oath of Office to the Senators. The following Senators will take their Oath of Office at a later date, after they arrive in Juneau: District C Albert M. Kookesh District K Bettye J. Davis Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that Senators Davis, Elton, Kookesh be excused from a call of the Senate today. Without objection, Senators Davis, Elton, Kookesh were excused. President Pro Tempore Lieutenant Governor Parnell announced that nominations were in order for President pro tempore of the Senate. Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that Senator Huggins be nominated. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that nominations for President pro tempore of the Senate be closed. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that Senator Huggins be elected President pro tempore. There being no objection, Senator Huggins was elected President pro tempore of the Senate. Lieutenant Governor Parnell requested Senator Olson and Senator Stedman escort the President pro tempore to the rostrum. President pro tempore Huggins requested Senator Olson and Senator Stedman escort the Lieutenant Governor from the chamber. 2009-01-20 Senate Journal Page 0005 President pro tempore Huggins announced that under provisions of law, AS 24.05.120, the Uniform Rules of the Twelfth Legislature, First Session, as amended in 1985, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2004 and 2008 will serve as the temporary rules of the current legislature until permanent rules are adopted. President President pro tempore Huggins announced that nominations for permanent President of the Senate were open. Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that Senator Stevens be nominated President of the Senate for the Twenty-sixth Legislature. Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that nominations be closed. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that Senator Stevens be elected President of the Senate for the Twenty-sixth Legislature. Without objection, Senator Stevens was elected President of the Senate. President pro tempore Huggins requested Senator Hoffman and Senator McGuire to escort President Stevens to the podium. Representative Olson and Representative Gardner called on the Senate to advise that the House of Representatives was organized and ready to do business. President Stevens made the following appointments: Committee on Committees Senator Stevens, Chair Senator Ellis, Vice Chair Senator Hoffman Senator Huggins Senator Stedman 2009-01-20 Senate Journal Page 0006 President Stevens appointed Senator Wielechowski and Senator Meyer to inform the Governor that the Senate was organized and ready to do business. President Stevens appointed Senator French and Senator Thomas to inform the House that the Senate was organized and ready to do business. Recess Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in recess. Without objection, the Senate recessed at 2:28 p.m. After Recess The Senate reconvened at 2:33 p.m. Committee on Committees Report Mr. President: Your Committee on Committees has met and submits to the Senate for its consideration chairs and members to the ten standing committees as approved by the Committee on Committees: Community and Regional Affairs Committee Senator Olson, Chair Senator Thomas, Vice Chair Senator French Senator Kookesh Senator Menard Education Committee Senator Elton, Chair Senator Davis, Vice Chair Senator Huggins Senator Olson Senator Stevens 2009-01-20 Senate Journal Page 0007 Finance Committee Senator Hoffman, Cochair Senator Stedman, Cochair Senator Ellis Senator Elton Senator Huggins Senator Olson Senator Thomas Health and Social Services Committee Senator Davis, Chair Senator Paskvan, Vice Chair Senator Ellis Senator Thomas Senator Dyson Judiciary Committee Senator French, Chair Senator Wielechowski, Vice Chair Senator Elton Senator McGuire Senator Therriault Labor and Commerce Committee Senator Paskvan, Chair Senator Thomas, Vice Chair Senator Davis Senator Meyer Senator Bunde Resources Committee Senator McGuire, Cochair Senator Wielechowski, Cochair Senator Huggins, Vice Chair Senator French Senator Stedman Senator Stevens Senator Wagoner 2009-01-20 Senate Journal Page 0008 Rules Committee Senator Huggins, Chair Senator Stevens, Vice Chair Senator Elton Senator Hoffman Senator Stedman State Affairs Committee Senator Menard, Chair Senator Meyer, Vice Chair Senator French Senator Kookesh Senator Paskvan Transportation Committee Senator Kookesh, Chair Senator Menard, Vice Chair Senator Davis Senator Meyer Senator Paskvan The report was signed by Senator Stevens, Chair; Senator Ellis, Vice Chair; Senators Hoffman, Huggins, Stedman. Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the Committee on Committees Report be adopted. Without objection, the Committee on Committees Report was adopted. President Stevens announced that Senator Ellis will serve as Majority Leader for the Twenty-sixth Legislature. Messages from the House Message dated January 14 was read, stating: The House of Representatives respectfully invites the Senate to a Joint Session of the Twenty-sixth Alaska Legislature at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 22 for the purpose of hearing Governor Palin's annual State of the State message. 2009-01-20 Senate Journal Page 0009 Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate accept the House invitation to meet in Joint Session. Without objection, it was so ordered. The Secretary was requested to notify the House. Introduction and Reference of Senate Resolutions SR 1 SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 1 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE, Relating to establishing a Senate Special Committee on Energy. was read the first time. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Senate Rules Committee Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 1 be taken up at this time. Without objection, the resolution was before the Senate on final passage. The question being: "Shall SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 1 Relating to establishing a Senate Special Committee on Energy, pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SR 1 Final Passage YEAS: 17 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 3 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bunde, Dyson, Ellis, French, Hoffman, Huggins, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Olson, Paskvan, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski Excused: Davis, Elton, Kookesh and so, SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 1 passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment and enrollment. 2009-01-20 Senate Journal Page 0010 SR 2 SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 2 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE, Establishing a Senate Special Committee on World Trade, Technology, and Innovations. was read the first time. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Senate Rules Committee Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 2 be taken up at this time. Without objection, the resolution was before the Senate on final passage. The question being: "Shall SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 2 Establishing a Senate Special Committee on World Trade, Technology, and Innovations, pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SR 2 Final Passage YEAS: 16 NAYS: 1 EXCUSED: 3 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Dyson, Ellis, French, Hoffman, Huggins, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Olson, Paskvan, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski Nays: Bunde Excused: Davis, Elton, Kookesh and so, SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 2 passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment and enrollment. Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that further introduction and reference of senate resolutions be held one legislative day. Without objection, it was so ordered. 2009-01-20 Senate Journal Page 0011 Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the introduction and reference of senate bills be held one legislative day. Without objection, it was so ordered. Unfinished Business President Stevens made the following appointments: Select Committee on Legislative Ethics Senator Stevens Senator Wagoner Senator Thomas (alternate) Senator Wielechowski (alternate) Senator Ellis moved that Senator Stevens and Senator Wagoner be confirmed as members of the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics. The question being: "Shall Senator Stevens and Senator Wagoner be confirmed as members of the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics?" The roll was taken with the following result: Shall Senators Stevens and Wagoner be confirmed as members to the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics? YEAS: 17 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 3 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bunde, Dyson, Ellis, French, Hoffman, Huggins, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Olson, Paskvan, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski Excused: Davis, Elton, Kookesh and so, Senator Stevens and Senator Wagoner were confirmed as members of the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics. Senator Ellis moved that Senator Thomas and Senator Wielechowski be confirmed as alternate members of the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics. 2009-01-20 Senate Journal Page 0012 The question being: "Shall Senator Thomas and Senator Wielechowski be confirmed as alternate members of the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics?" The roll was taken with the following result: Shall Senators Thomas and Wielechowski be confirmed as alternate members to the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics? YEAS: 17 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 3 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bunde, Dyson, Ellis, French, Hoffman, Huggins, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Olson, Paskvan, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski Excused: Davis, Elton, Kookesh and so, Senator Thomas and Senator Wielechowski were confirmed as alternate members of the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics. The Secretary was requested to notify the House. President Stevens made the following appointments: Legislative Council Senator Davis, Vice Chair Senator Ellis Senator Elton Senator Hoffman Senator Olson Senator Stedman Senator Stevens Legislative Budget and Audit Committee Senator Meyer, Chair Senator Hoffman Senator Huggins Senator Menard Senator Stedman Senator Olson, alternate Administrative Regulation Review Committee Senator Olson, Vice Chair Senator Kookesh Senator Meyer 2009-01-20 Senate Journal Page 0013 Senate Special Committee on Energy Senator McGuire, Chair Senator Hoffman Senator Kookesh Senator Stedman Senator Wielechowski Special Committee on World Trade, Technology, and Innovations Senator McGuire, Chair Senator French Senator Hoffman Senator Stevens Senator Wielechowski Education Funding District Cost Factor Commission (Legislative Resolve No. 62 SLA 2008) Senator Davis Senator Olson Senator Huggins Senator Elton Senator Stevens Election of Senate Secretary In accordance with AS 24.10.030 and Uniform Rule 3(a), Senator Huggins, Rules Committee Chair, nominated Kirsten Waid to serve as Senate Secretary for the Twenty-sixth Legislature and moved and asked unanimous consent that the nominations be closed. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Huggins moved and asked unanimous consent that Kirsten Waid be elected Senate Secretary for the Twenty-sixth Legislature. Without objection, Kirsten Waid was elected Senate Secretary for the Twenty-sixth Legislature. Senator Huggins, Rules Committee Chair, introduced the following Senate staff: Introduction of Chamber Staff Doug Eckland - Sergeant at Arms Edra Morledge - Assistant Sergeant at Arms 2009-01-20 Senate Journal Page 0014 Amanda Behrends - Page Dave Langlee - Page Amanda Neuman - Page Matt Neuman - Page Ellen Peyton - Page Greta Thibodeau - Page Citations Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the following citation be made a special order of business. Without objection, it was so ordered. Special Order of Business Commemorating - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Senator(s) Davis, Stevens, Bunde, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, French, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Olson, Paskvan, Stedman, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the citation be adopted. Without objection, the citation was adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. Unfinished Business (continued) Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent to extend by thirty days (to February 19, 2009) the deadline for the Report of the Cook Inlet Salmon Task Force. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Wagoner moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from morning plane time, January 21 to morning plane time, February 16. Without objection, Senator Wagoner was excused. Senator Dyson moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on January 21. Without objection, Senator Dyson was excused. 2009-01-20 Senate Journal Page 0015 Senator Therriault announced that he will serve as Minority Leader for the Twenty-sixth Legislature. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Adjournment Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., January 21, 2009. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 3:08 p.m. Kirsten Waid Secretary of the Senate 2009-01-20 Senate Journal Page 0016 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 RESOURCES Jan 21 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Overview: Natural Gas for Instate Use Presentations by: Alaska Gasline Port Authority Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority Enstar ---------------------------------------- OTHER MEETINGS JOINT SESSION Jan 22 Thursday House Chamber 7:00 PM Annual State of the State by the Honorable Sarah Palin, Governor of Alaska