Legislature(2015 - 2016)
2015-04-28 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2015-04-28 House Journal Page 1153 HOUSE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SPECIAL SESSION Juneau, Alaska Tuesday April 28, 2015 First Day Pursuant to the Governor's proclamation dated April 27, 2015, calling the legislature into special session, the House was called to order by Speaker Chenault at 10:03 a.m. Roll call showed 38 members present. Representative Millett moved and asked unanimous consent that Representatives Claman and Wool be excused from a call of the House today. There being no objection, it was so ordered. The presence of Representative Claman was noted later. The invocation was offered by the Chaplain, Kellen Priest, Assistant Chief Clerk. Representative Wilson moved and asked unanimous consent that the invocation be spread on the journal. There being no objection, it was so ordered. With the deepest respect for the religious beliefs of all Alaskans, I offer the following prayer: Dear Lord, We gather here today to discuss some big issues concerning our state and more importantly the people of this state. I pray that you will bless each person and grant them the strength to accomplish their duties with a grace and sustaining confidence that can only come from you. As we go through 2015-04-28 House Journal Page 1154 our day, let us remember that any problems we are facing are never too vast for you. And please help us keep an attitude of hope in the midst of our problems, whether they are professional or personal, because hope gives us the outlook that these times of adversity shall pass, and we will come out of them better individuals and a better state. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Representative Herron. MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR The following Governor's proclamation dated April 27, 2015, was read: "Under the authority of Article II, Section 9, and Article III, Section 17, of the Alaska Constitution, and in the public interest, I call the Twenty-Ninth Legislature of the State of Alaska into its first special session at Juneau, Alaska, in the legislative chambers, on April 28, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. to consider the passage of bills on the following subjects: 1. House Bill 44 - Sexual Abuse/Sexual Assault Prevention Programs, previously under consideration by the Senate and the House of Representatives during the first regular session; 2. House Bill 148 - Medicaid Assistance Coverage; Reform, previously under consideration by the Senate and the House of Representatives during the first regular session; 3. An act making and amending appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of State government, and for certain programs, capitalizing funds, making capital appropriations, and making appropriations under Article IX, Section 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska, from the constitutional budget reserve sufficient to address the financial needs of the State for the remainder of fiscal year 2015 and for fiscal year 2016. 2015-04-28 House Journal Page 1155 Dated this 27th day of April, 2015. Time: 8:12 p.m. /s/ Bill Walker Governor" The Speaker stated that, without objection, the House would recess to a Call of the Chair; and so, the House recessed at 10:08 a.m. AFTER RECESS The Speaker called the House back to order at 4:06 p.m. **The presence of Representative Claman, who was excused (page 1153), was noted. The Speaker stated that, without objection, the House would revert to: CERTIFICATION OF THE JOURNAL Representative Millett moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the 98th legislative day of the first session be approved as certified by the Chief Clerk. There being no objection, it was so ordered. INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE BILLS HB 1001 HOUSE BILL NO. 1001 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state government and for certain programs, capitalizing funds, making reappropriations, making capital appropriations, and making appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska, from the constitutional budget reserve fund; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. 2015-04-28 House Journal Page 1156 The Governor's transmittal letter dated April 28, 2015, follows: "Dear Speaker Chenault: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the first special session 2016 operating budget and constitutional budget reserve appropriations. Like many Alaskans, I was disappointed that the Legislature adjourned yesterday with a spending plan that runs out of money partway through the year and fails to provide adequate funding for education and health care coverage for 42,000 Alaskans. Therefore, I am introducing a bill to fully fund State government. In short, the Legislature needs to reconsider the operating budget and pass a bill to address critical needs and fund those needs for a full year. My administration is focused on healthy Alaskans and a healthy economy. A partially funded budget that runs out of money mid-year does not provide for the health of Alaskans, and creates uncertainty for businesses, school districts, and families. My budget bill does this by accepting nearly all of the legislative actions throughout the session, but addresses areas where the cuts were too damaging. My bill would reduce State spending - $388 million in operating reductions and $486 million in capital spending. This bill adds $55 million in operating spending and a total of $94 million in added State funding, a 1.4 percent increase from the unfunded budget. My bill also restores funding for the education K-12 formula, partially restores crippling cuts to the Alaska Marine Highway System, Health and Social Services, and the University; honors union contracts; includes Medicaid expansion and the associated State savings, $6.6 million of State general fund savings in fiscal year 2016; includes funding for North Slope gas commercialization; partially restores Trooper aircraft reductions; and restores the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program funding. 2015-04-28 House Journal Page 1157 With this bill, we can continue to move the State forward in a responsible manner. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Bill Walker Governor" UNFINISHED BUSINESS Representative Millett moved and asked unanimous consent that the following members be excused from a call of the House. There being no objection, the members were excused as noted: Representative Ortiz - from noon, April 29 to 10:00 p.m., April 30 Representative Chenault - from: 7:30 a.m., May 1 to 5:00 p.m., May 3 1:00 p.m., May 17 to 6:00 p.m., May 20 Representative Thompson - from 12:45 p.m., May 1 to 10:00 a.m., May 4 HB 191 Representative Kito added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 191 "An Act relating to the oil and gas corporate income tax; and providing for an effective date." ANNOUNCEMENTS House committee schedules are published under separate cover. 2015-04-28 House Journal Page 1158 ADJOURNMENT Representative Millett moved and asked unanimous consent that the House adjourn until 10:00 a.m., April 29, 2015. There being no objection, the House adjourned at 4:09 p.m. Suzi Lowell Chief Clerk