Legislature(1997 - 1998)
04/08/1997 03:33 PM Senate STA
Audio | Topic |
---|
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
Number 470 SB 147 PERS:GOV/LT GOV'S SURVIVING SPOUSE OR EX CHAIRMAN GREEN introduced SB 147 as the next order of business before the committee. She then directed attention to a proposed committee substitute. SENATOR WARD moved the adoption of CSSB 147(STA). Hearing no objection, CHAIRMAN GREEN stated the committee substitute was before the committee for its consideration. JOE AMBROSE, staff to Senator Robin Taylor, read into the record the following sponsor statement: "Senate Bill 147 was introduced at the request of Alaskans concerned about the ability of the spouses of our elected statewide leaders to sustain themselves in their senior years. Because of the fact that the few individuals who might possibly benefit from the legislation have been women, this sponsor statement will refer to these individuals as our former "First Ladies". It should be pointed out, however, that the provisions of this bill would apply equally to any qualified spouse, regardless of gender. Although our First Ladies are not elected, they do serve an important role in any administration. This legislation is intended to acknowledge that role and provide a small benefit under limited conditions to recognize that service. SB 147 would provide a benefit of $1,000 per month to the surviving widow or widower or the former spouse of a governor or lieutenant governor. The spouse would have had to have been married to the governor or lieutenant governor during their term in office. The benefit is further restricted to an individual who is at least 60 years of age, unmarried at the time of collecting the benefit and not employed in a position covered by a state retirement system. Eligibility for the benefit would terminate with the death of the individual or if they remarry or become eligible for a benefit under the state retirement system. We would like to assume that Alaska's former First Ladies are provided for in their senior years. That may not always be the case and SB 147 will provide a small safety net as a way of acknowledging their service to the state of Alaska." Mr. Ambrose related that Senator Taylor has no objection to deleting references to the lieutenant governor in this legislation so that it just applies to widows or widowers of former governors. Number 495 SENATOR DUNCAN asked the differences between the original bill and the committee substitute. MR. AMBROSE explained the original bill makes reference to the surviving divorced spouse and the committee substitute changes that to the former spouse. He also explained the suggestion to delete references to the lieutenant governor is being proposed because of the potential fiscal impact, as well as the role of the spouse of the lieutenant governor is not on the same level as the role of the spouse of the governor. Number 512 ELTON ENGSTROM of Juneau, the requestor of the legislation, said the wife of the governor is the only person in this state who does as much work, in some ways, as her husband. He related that approximately five or six months before he was contacted by a former first lady asking for his help as she had been kicked out of the Glory Hole,which is a shelter for homeless persons. He noted this is somewhat like something that happened 100 years ago. Another First Lady, Mary Lincoln, had a few mental problems and was having a difficult time, and in 1873 Congress passed an annual pension for her. Likewise, this legislation is for a former spouse of a governor who is in desperate straights and could use some acknowledgment for the time that she and others have worked for the state of Alaska. Number 547 SENATOR MILLER expressed concern with including divorced spouses in the legislation because he thinks it might be stretching beyond the concept that the requestor is trying to achieve. MR. ENGSTROM responded that this is dealing with such a limited group, and, to him, it is a recognition of the service performed by these individuals. Number 562 SENATOR WARD also expressed concern with putting this provision into statute because it appears this is creating a piece of legislation for one individual and he wasn't sure that was good public policy. TAPE 96-19, SIDE B Number 015 SENATOR MILLER offered an amendment to delete all references to the lieutenant governor which would limit the scope of the legislation. Hearing no objection, the Chairman stated Amendment No. 1 was adopted. Number 025 BILL CHURCH, Retirement Supervisor, Division of Retirement & Benefits, Department of Administration, stated he was present to respond to questions from the committee. SENATOR WARD inquired if former first ladies are eligible for survivor benefits under their spouses retirement plan. MR. CHURCH acknowledged they would have survivor benefits available if the former governor was a vested member of the retirement system and if the former governor, upon retirement, elected to provide survivor benefits to the spouse. He also clarified to Senator Ward that common law marriages are not recognized in the state for benefit purposes. SENATOR WARD asked if a governor was to serve only four years and did not become vested under the state retirement system, under this proposal would his spouse still qualify for this benefit. MR. CHURCH acknowledged that the spouse would. SENATOR WARD commented that could be unconstitutional. There being no further testimony on CSSB 147(STA), CHAIRMAN GREEN stated the bill would be held in committee.
Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
---|