Legislature(2015 - 2016)
2015-04-28 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2015-04-28 Senate Journal Page 1215 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SPECIAL SESSION Juneau, Alaska Tuesday April 28, 2015 First Day Pursuant to the April 27 Proclamation of the Governor calling for the convening of the First Special Session of the Twenty-Ninth Alaska Legislature, the Senate was called to order by President Meyer at 10:08 a.m. The roll showed twenty members present. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Romo Marasigan. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent that the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Dear Lord, Please bless us today. Give us a glimpse of your infinite wisdom. Watch over us and our families and keep us safe. Amen. Senator McGuire led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Messages from the Governor Executive Proclamation 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: 2015-04-28 Senate Journal Page 1216 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. Dated this 27th day of April, 2015. Time: 8:12 p.m. /s/ Bill Walker Governor Recess Senator Coghill moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in recess to a call of the Chair. Without objection, the Senate recessed at 10:11 a.m. After Recess The Senate reconvened at 5:21 p.m. Senator Coghill moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate return to certification of the journal. Without objection, the Senate returned to: Certification Senator Coghill moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the ninety-eighth legislative day of the First Session be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. 2015-04-28 Senate Journal Page 1217 Messages from the House HB 105 Message dated April 27 was read stating the House concurred in the Senate amendment to CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 105(FIN) "An Act relating to the programs and bonds of the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority; relating to the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority sustainable energy transmission and supply development fund; requiring the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority to deliver to the legislature reports relating to the Interior energy project; relating to the financing authorization through the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority of a liquefied natural gas production plant and natural gas energy projects and distribution systems in the state; amending and repealing bond authorizations granted to the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority; authorizing the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority to issue bonds to finance the infrastructure and construction costs of the Sweetheart Lake hydroelectric project; authorizing the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority to issue bonds to finance the infrastructure and construction costs of rebuilding transmission between the Hope substation and Portage, rebuilding transmission between Powerline Pass to Indian, and the Eklutna hydroelectric transmission system upgrade project; relating to legislative approval for loans from the power project fund to the City of King Cove; and providing for an effective date" thus adopting: SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 105(FIN) am S "An Act relating to the programs and bonds of the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority; relating to the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority sustainable energy transmission and supply development fund; repealing bond authorizations granted to the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority; amending the definition of 'qualified energy development'; relating to the financing authorization through the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority of a liquefied natural gas production plant and natural gas energy projects and 2015-04-28 Senate Journal Page 1218 distribution systems in the state; requiring the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority to deliver to the legislature reports relating to the Interior energy project; and providing for an effective date." (Title Change SCR 18) SCR 18 Message dated April 27 was read stating the House passed and returned: SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 18 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 105, relating to the programs and bonds of the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority; relating to the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority sustainable energy transmission and supply development fund; requiring the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority to deliver to the legislature reports relating to the Interior energy project; relating to the financing authorization through the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority of a liquefied natural gas production plant and natural gas energy projects and distribution systems in the state; amending and repealing bond authorizations granted to the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority; authorizing the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority to issue bonds to finance the infrastructure and construction costs of the Sweetheart Lake hydroelectric project; authorizing the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority to issue bonds to finance the infrastructure and construction costs of rebuilding transmission between the Hope substation and Portage, rebuilding transmission between Powerline Pass to Indian, and the Eklutna hydroelectric transmission system upgrade project; and relating to legislative approval for loans from the power project fund to the City of King Cove. The resolution was referred to the Secretary for enrollment. 2015-04-28 Senate Journal Page 1219 Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 1001 SENATE BILL NO. 1001 BY THE SENATE 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. Governor's transmittal letter dated April 28: Dear President Meyer: 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. 2015-04-28 Senate Journal Page 1220 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. 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 Announcements Rule 23(d) of the Alaska State Legislature Uniform Rules is currently in effect. Announcements are at the end of the journal. Adjournment Senator Coghill moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment until 1:00 p.m., April 29, 2015. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 5:24 p.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2015-04-28 Senate Journal Page 1221 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 FINANCE Apr 29 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM + SB1001 APPROP: OPER. BUDGET/LOANS/FUNDS/AM APPRO + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JOINT COMMITTEES LEGISLATIVE BUDGET & AUDIT May 08 Friday Anch Lio Conf Rm 10:00 AM Special Audit Requests EXECUTIVE SESSION: Preliminary Audits & Follow Up Review Other Committee Business Subcommittee Executive Session - Dept. of Education & Early Development Performance Review Scope (Will Convene Immediately Following Adjournment of the Regular Meeting) May 13 Wednesday Anch Lio Conf Rm 3:00 PM + Dept. of Health & Social Services Performance Review - Public Input -- Anchorage and Statewide Testimony -- Public Comment on the Performance of the Dept. of Health & Social Services in the Delivery of Its Behavioral Health & Long-Term Care Services & on the Department's Overall Organizational & Administrative Structure -- Testimony <Time Limited to 3 min> -- 2015-04-28 Senate Journal Page 1222 LEGISLATIVE BUDGET & AUDIT (continued) May 14 Thursday Fbx Lio Conf Rm 10:00 AM + Dept. of Health & Social Services Performance Review - Public Input -- Fairbanks Testimony -- Public Comment on the Performance of the Dept. of Health & Social Services in the Delivery of Its Behavioral Health & Long-Term Care Services & on the Department's Overall Organizational & Administrative Structure -- Testimony <Time Limited to 3 min> --