Legislature(2003 - 2004)
05/09/2003 02:10 PM House FIN
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
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= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 5
Establishing a task force to make recommendations
regarding a new design for the official seal of the
State of Alaska.
JOHN GREELY, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE REGGIE JOULE provided
information on the bill. He explained that the oldest
symbol in the state of Alaska was the official seal, created
in 1910, before the state legislature was in existence. He
referred to written testimony written by Representative
Joule, outlining the history of the seal's creation and its
symbolism. He noted that twelve other sponsors, along with
Representative Joule, sponsored the bill. A task force
would be formed to create a new design, which would
ultimately be voted upon by the legislature. He pointed out
that this was the second seal of the state of Alaska, the
first one included native and natural symbols, which was
then supplanted by the one created in 1910. He discussed
cities and industries that are part of modern Alaska and not
included in the seal. He pointed out that Governor Clark
had dropped Alaska Natives from the seal in 1910. He
suggested that the seal provided a learning opportunity for
people of all ages, as well as symbolizing our dream for the
future of the state of Alaska.
Co-Chair Williams noted discussions regarding seeking
funding for the $52 thousand fiscal note. Mr. Greely noted
that Representative Joule had contacted a number of
businesses to seek financial contributions for the cost of a
task force, and noted that they had received good feedback.
He pointed out that investors were hesitant until the wishes
of the legislature are known. He explained that the task
force would be a body of the legislature, although
administered by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. The
task force includes members of the Alaska Historical
Commission, as the Lieutenant Governor is the Chairman of
this Commission. He concluded that the cost of the process
might be offset, but maintained that the legislature should
demonstrate their commitment to the project.
Representative Berkowitz referred to the Alaska Humanities
Forum and asked why they were no longer included. Mr.
Greely noted that the Forum had asked to be excused from the
actual task force due to other commitments, but offered
ideas for grants to support the project.
Co-Chair Harris observed that the task force included two
members from the Department of Education and Early
Development. Mr. Greely confirmed, in addition to two from
the Alaska Historical Commission and two from the Alaska
Heritage Center, there would be two from DEED. He explained
that the Department of Education and Early Development would
be brought into the process due to its potential benefit to
school children. He pointed out the opportunity to involve
children in the process, and to educate them on Alaska's
history. He suggested a web site that children could access
and submit their ideas. They believe the educational
process is a vital component.
Co-Chair Harris asked if the Pioneers of Alaska could take
the two positions vacated by the Humanities Forum. Mr.
Greely responded that this was a possibility if they were
interested in participating.
Representative Chenault pointed out an inconsistency in the
language of the fiscal note, referring to the number of
members on the task force. Mr. Greely explained that the
task force had six members, without the two positions from
the Humanities Forum.
Co-Chair Williams suggested that seeking sponsorship might
lower the fiscal note, while the state should retain some
responsibility. Co-Chair Harris observed that some of the
fiscal note pertained to staff and travel. He suggested
that they change the Range 21 position to Range 18, and
change the term to three months.
Co-Chair Williams noted that in discussions with
Representative Joule, the Sponsor had stated he'd like to
achieve the entire $52 thousand. Mr. Greely acknowledged
that lowering the fiscal note would set a parameter, and
that $33 thousand might be achievable.
Representative Hawker expressed his respect for the Sponsor
and intention of the bill. He also noted his concern over
adding even a small expenditure in a time when services were
being cut. He suggested that finding an alternate funding
mechanism would increase his support of the bill. He
suggested that since it was an opportunity to recognize the
Native community, regional corporations might be approached
for funding.
Mr. Greely confirmed that a major Native corporation
expressed an interest in helping, and the First Alaskans
Institute had committed help. The question is how much and
when. He suggested that if the legislature approved the
project with a minimum start up funding, it could more
easily garner private funds.
Co-Chair Williams reiterated that the fiscal note might read
$33 thousand in general funds, and then specify "other
funds" to meet the total. Mr. Greely noted that in order to
pass the bill, Legislative Council staff time was added over
and above the budget.
Co-Chair Harris recommended that in order to acknowledge
private funding the fiscal note be reconfigured.
Co-Chair Williams stated he'd like to lower the general fund
commitment to $33 thousand, with $20 thousand of "other
funding", and work with the Department to adjust the fiscal
note accordingly before taking action on the bill.
Representative Berkowitz MOVED to Amend the bill to delete
the Alaska Humanities Forum. There being NO OBJECTION, the
Amendment was ADOPTED.
Co-Chair Harris MOVED to Amend to add One Position for the
Pioneers of Alaska to the task force. There being NO
OBJECTION, the Amendment PASSED.
Representative Foster MOVED to report CS HCR 5 (FIN) out of
Committee with the accompanying AMENDED CONCEPTUAL fiscal
note.
There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
CS HCR 5 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and one, amended fiscal note from the
Department of Legislature.
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