Legislature(2015 - 2016)
2015-05-19 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2015-05-19 Senate Journal Page 1285 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SPECIAL SESSION Juneau, Alaska Tuesday May 19, 2015 Twenty-second Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Meyer at 12:00 p.m. The Senate was convened for the purpose of a technical session. Senator Coghill moved and asked unanimous consent that the roll call of the Senate be waived. Without objection, it was so ordered. Messages from the Governor SB 35 Message was read stating the Governor signed the following bill on May 14 and transmitted the engrossed and enrolled copies to the Lieutenant Governor's Office for permanent filing: SENATE BILL NO. 35 "An Act making corrective amendments to the Alaska Statutes as recommended by the revisor of statutes; and providing for an effective date." Chapter 22, SLA 2015 Effective Date: See Chapter HB 72 Message dated May 18 was read stating: 2015-05-19 Senate Journal Page 1286 Dear President Meyer: On this date, I have signed the following bill passed by the First Regular Session of the Twenty-Ninth Alaska State Legislature, with line item vetoes, and am transmitting the engrossed and enrolled copies to the Lieutenant Governor's Office for permanent filing: CONFERENCE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 72(brf sup maj fld H) "An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state government and for certain programs and capitalizing funds; amending appropriations; and providing for an effective date." Chapter No. 23, SLA 2015 [Effective Date: See Chapter] My line item vetoes are extraordinary in light of the fact that the Legislature transmitted a budget in CCS HB 72(brf sup maj fld H) (HB 72) for fiscal year 2016 that was underfunded by nearly $3,000,000,000. I called a special session on April 27, 2015, asking the Legislature to address the unfunded portion of HB 72. As of today, the Legislature has not resolved the funding shortfall. In the event legislative action is not forthcoming, the line item vetoes ensure continued operation of critical State functions, including prisons, detention centers, and work by State Troopers. The version of HB 72 I have transmitted also will keep open facilities, including the Alaska Psychiatric Institute and the Alaska Pioneers' Homes and ensure distribution of health care payments for several months. This version of HB 72 ensures full debt service payments to mitigate the negative impact a significantly underfunded budget may have on the State's credit rating. In addition, it also allows every agency to allocate funds for heat, lights, and emergency maintenance and services for maintaining critical operations such as network communications and payroll. Finally, this option provides the ability to maintain programs that operate fully on earned receipts, designated funds, and federal funds. 2015-05-19 Senate Journal Page 1287 Absent legislative action to address the shortfall, most other government functions will likely have to stop shortly after July 1. If the Legislature does not take action before June 1, 2015, layoff notices for personnel not directly responsible for health, life, and safety functions will be sent to affected employees. Respecting the separate branches of government, both the Legislature and Judiciary budgets remain as presented in CCS HB 72(brf sup maj fld H). Sincerely, /s/ Bill Walker Governor HB 73 Message dated May 18 was read stating: Dear President Meyer: On this date, I have signed the following bill passed by the First Regular Session of the Twenty-Ninth Alaska State Legislature and am transmitting the engrossed and enrolled copies to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor for permanent filing: CONFERENCE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 73 "An Act making appropriations for the operating and capital expenses of the state's integrated comprehensive mental health program; and providing for an effective date." Chapter No. 24, SLA 2015 [Effective Date: 7/1/15] As passed by the Legislature, CCS HB 73 totals $242,300,000, including $201,900,000 in unrestricted general funds. Although I am signing CCS HB 73, I remain gravely concerned that the execution of programs and services will be negatively impacted by the current 2015-05-19 Senate Journal Page 1288 legislative budget impasse. I urge you to find a resolution to fund an adequate budget that provides for a healthy and sustainable future for all Alaskans. 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 11:00 a.m., May 21, 2015. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 12:03 p.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2015-05-19 Senate Journal Page 1289 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 EDUCATION May 19 Tuesday Anch Lio Auditorium 11:00 AM -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + HB 44 SEX ABUSE/ASSAULT/DATING VIOL PREV. PROGS **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 20 Wednesday Anch Lio Auditorium 11:00 AM -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + HB 44 SEX ABUSE/ASSAULT/DATING VIOL PREV. PROGS **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- FINANCE May 20 Wednesday Anch Lio Auditorium 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + FY15 and FY16 Operating Budgets May 21 Thursday Anch Lio Room A,B,C 2:00 PM + FY15 and FY16 Operating Budgets ---------------------------------------- 2015-05-19 Senate Journal Page 1290 JOINT COMMITTEES LEGISLATIVE BUDGET & AUDIT Jun 02 Tuesday Anch Lio 9:30 AM -- Subcommittee Meeting -- EXECUTIVE SESSION: Subcommittee on the Performance Review Scope for the Department of Education and Early Development ---------------------------------------- TASK FORCE ON UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS Jun 19 Friday Anch Lio Auditorium 12:00 PM Time: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM + UAS Privacy Policy Discussion and Review of Privacy Guidelines Document -- Public Testimony --