Legislature(2013 - 2014)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
04/06/2013 09:00 AM Senate LABOR & COMMERCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB71 | |
| HB175 | |
| HB168 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | HB 71 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 175 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 168 | TELECONFERENCED | |
HB 71-AK REGIONAL ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
9:02:06 AM
CHAIR DUNLEAVY announced the consideration of HB 71."An Act
requiring the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic
Development to file an annual report to the legislature
regarding statewide and regional economic development projects
and regional development organizations; extending the
termination date of the Alaska regional economic assistance
program; and providing for an effective date." He noted that
this was the second hearing. [CSHB 71(FIN) was before the
committee.]
9:02:45 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SHELLY HUGHES, sponsor of HB 71, noted that she
presented the bill yesterday and asked if the committee wanted
her to review what she stated previously.
SENATOR STEDMAN suggested the sponsor provide a description of
the bill for the listening public.
REPRESENTATIVE HUGHES explained that the Alaska Regional
Economic Assistance (ARDOR) program expires June 30, 2013 and
the bill extends it to July 1, 2016. The bill also adds a new
feature that requires the Department of Commerce, Community and
Economic Development (DCCED) to submit an annual report to the
legislature. The purpose of the report is to improve the
accountability of the 12 ARDOR organizations, and ensure that
state funds are properly used. DCCED will report on both
statewide and regional projects as well as the financial
information and strategies of the individual ARDORs. She
explained that the ARDORs were developed on the premise that
local initiatives with local leadership are best to understand
regional conditions, challenges and opportunities of the region.
SENATOR STEDMAN asked for a discussion of the political boundary
between ARDORS, which are substantially funded by the state, and
political advocacy on statewide issues.
REPRESENTATIVE HUGHES explained that each ARDOR has a
nonpartisan board and community leaders are represented. She
wasn't aware of any problem associated with the structure.
SENATOR STEDMAN asked her to follow up on the separation,
because one ARDOR is interested in addressing political matters
on a statewide level. He said he wasn't comfortable with a
subsidiary of a state agency being a political advocate. He
added that he would also have a discussion with the finance
chair.
REPRESENTATIVE HUGHES said that in addition to the added
accountability reporting, Legislative Budget and Audit (LB&A)
was authorized to conduct the first ever audit of the ARDOR
program. The agency would look at that sort of thing. She agreed
that public funds should not be used for political advocacy.
9:08:25 AM
CHAIR DUNLEAVY closed public testimony.
SENATOR MICCICHE said he had extensive experience with the ARDOR
program and he supported the concept.
CHAIR DUNLEAVY solicited a motion.
9:09:20 AM
SENATOR MICCICHE moved to report CSHB 71, 28-LS0288\C, from
committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal
note(s).
CHAIR DUNLEAVY announced that without objection, CSHB 71(L&C)
moved from the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing Committee.