Legislature(2003 - 2004)
05/04/2004 09:07 AM Senate FIN
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 254(L&C) "An Act relating to the levy and collection of an assessment on certain tourism-related and recreation-related sales, leases, and rentals, to tourism marketing contracts, and to vehicle rental taxes; relating to Alaska marine highway system passenger fares; and providing for an effective date." This was the first hearing for this bill in the Senate Finance Committee. Co-Chair Wilken pointed out that this legislation would reduce the level of the tourist industry's match requirement as currently specified in the Millennium Plan. by changing He noted that a new committee substitute, Version 23-LS0947\Z is before the Committee for consideration. AT EASE: 9:11 AM / 9:11 AM SENATOR GENE THERRIAULT, the bill's sponsor, informed the Committee that while the original purpose of this legislation was to further funding mechanisms through which the tourism industry could be assessed to support marketing efforts "to make the State of Alaska a destination," the Version "Z" committee substitute reflects that, due to industry outfall and such things as the industry's inability to generate funds equivalent to the 60-percent level mandated in the tourism marketing Millennium Plan, the bill has been re- directed to continue the current Millennium Marketing Plan and to lower the required industry contribution to 50-percent. Senator Therriault voiced appreciation, however, for the fact that the industry does recognize the State's fiscal dilemma and is, therefore, actively attempting to develop self-funding avenues to market the State, even though the industry's original Millennium Plan's assessment was unobtainable. Co-Chair Wilken noted that a Department of Revenue zero fiscal note, dated May 4, 2004 accompanies the Version "Z" committee substitute. Co-Chair Green moved to adopt the committee substitute, Version "Z" as the working document. There being no objection, the Version "Z" committee substitute was ADOPTED as the working document. Senator Bunde questioned the amount the State might spend as a result of changing the tourism marketing plan to a 50/50 split, as he pointed out that the Department of Revenue zero fiscal note simply reflects the fact that the bill would not increase the level of funding that the State has been spending in this regard. Senator Therriault qualified that he did not have the funding particulars with him. Co-Chair Wilken understood the amount to be four million dollars. Co-Chair Green clarified that the State's share of the expense would be $2 million in FY 05. Co-Chair Wilken acknowledged. Senator Bunde understood therefore that the combined State/industry marketing expenditure would amount to four million dollars. Co-Chair Green moved to report the committee substitute from Committee with individual recommendations and accompanying fiscal note. Senator Bunde objected. Senator Bunde asked whether the original Millennium Plan had a termination date. Senator Therriault responded that it did not. Senator Bunde removed his objection. There being no further objection, CS SB 254 (FIN) was REPORTED from Committee with a new zero fiscal note, dated May 4, 2004, from the Department of Revenue.
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