Legislature(2015 - 2016)BUTROVICH 205
03/24/2016 09:00 AM Senate STATE AFFAIRS
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB175 | |
| SB154 | |
| SB171 | |
| SCR16 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | SB 154 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SCR 16 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 175 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | SB 171 | TELECONFERENCED | |
SCR 16-SPECIAL SESSION TO BE HELD ON ROAD SYSTEM
9:46:05 AM
CHAIR STOLTZE announced the consideration of SCR 16.
9:46:17 AM
At ease.
9:47:52 AM
CHAIR STOLTZE called the meeting back to order.
9:48:09 AM
SENATOR HUGGINS moved to adopt the CS for SCR 16, version [29-
LS0906\W], as the working document.
CHAIR STOLTZE objected for discussion purposes.
9:48:19 AM
DANIEL GEORGE, Staff, Senator Stoltze, Alaska State Legislature,
Juneau, Alaska, explained that the CS would update the
resolution to reflect any special session that might be called
after adjournment of the second session of the 29th Legislature.
He summarized that SCR 16 would simply advise where a special
session would be held.
9:49:04 AM
CHAIR STOLTZE removed his objection and announced that hearing
no objection, the CS was adopted.
CHAIR STOLTZE set forth that SCR 15 was very specific to date,
time, and circumstances. He affirmed that SCR 15 was not a
legislative move. He affirmed that he has been an advocate in
moving the capitol, but reiterated that the resolution was
specific to the circumstances regarding the building's
remodeling for safety and seismic improvements. He stated the he
did not want the Legislature to interfere with the capitol's
construction company in completing the project on time. He noted
that the capitol's remodel had a performance bond to finish the
project in excess of $5 million. He summarized that spring and
summer housing becomes an issue in Juneau due to tourism, the
special session would be in a location that was closer to where
most Alaskans live, and meeting in Anchorage would be less
expensive for a very special circumstance.
9:55:09 AM
SENATOR HUGGINS remarked that he seconded Chair Stoltze's words.
He explained that the governor intends to call a special session
to address his proposal to take the people's money through
taxation. He stated that he would rather hear directly from his
neighbors and noted that his constituents have overwhelmingly
told him that they opposed an income tax. He asserted that he
adamantly opposed an income tax based upon feedback and his
natural instincts. He summarized that the business of how much a
special session costs in Juneau versus Anchorage was almost
irrelevant if the numbers were close because the subject matter
pertained to taking people's money.
SENATOR COGHILL stated that he supported the resolution. He said
special sessions were unique because topics are narrowed down to
a few issues. He remarked that one of the general population's
hidden taxes was the lack of accessibility to Juneau due to
expense. He said the general population really depends upon
sending their representatives, lobbyists, and groups to Juneau.
He asserted that allowing people to use the Southcentral road
system to let their voices be heard during the special session
was important. He added that retrofitting the capitol was also a
pressure point for holding the special session in Juneau.
9:59:25 AM
CHAIR STOLTZE noted that in 2015, the senator from Juneau was
complaining about commissioners not being in Anchorage and noted
that he said, "Teleconferences are fine, but there is no
substitute for face-to-face." He said he was sure the senator
regrets his statement, but he remarked that you cannot have
arguments both ways.
CHAIR STOLTZE stated that SCR 16 was not a complicated measure,
but noted that the perception of a capitol move would
unnecessarily divide people philosophically and geographically.
He explained that the resolution was carefully crafted with a
lot of consideration to specifically address special
circumstances.
He admitted that 99.9 percent of his constituents would not
attend legislative proceedings because they are busy. He said
constituents expect legislators to exercise their good judgement
and reach out to them when there were important things.
He stated that his motives would be reassigned and assessed
because of his record. He asserted that SCR 16 was a vehicle
specific to circumstances for the two legislative bodies to come
together and deliberate what was in the best interest of the
treasury and the people of Alaska.
10:03:19 AM
SENATOR HUGGINS moved to report the CS for SCR 16(STA), [29-
LS0906\W], from committee [with individual recommendations and
attached fiscal note].
10:03:31 AM
CHAIR STOLTZE announced that seeing no objection, CSSJR 16(STA)
moves from committee.