Legislature(2007 - 2008)SENATE FINANCE 532
04/01/2008 09:00 AM Senate FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB221 |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| = | SB 221 | ||
| = | HB 373 | ||
| + | HB 45 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 326 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE
April 1, 2008
9:29 a.m.
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Stedman called the Senate Finance Committee meeting
to order at 9:29:34 AM.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Lyman Hoffman, Co-Chair
Senator Bert Stedman, Co-Chair
Senator Charlie Huggins, Vice-Chair
Senator Kim Elton
Senator Donny Olson
Senator Joe Thomas
Senator Fred Dyson
MEMBERS ABSENT
None
ALSO PRESENT
Miles Baker, Staff, Senate Finance Committee; Karen Rehfeld,
Director, Office of Management and Budget
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE
None
SUMMARY
SB 221 "An Act making appropriations, including capital
appropriations, supplemental appropriations, and
appropriations to capitalize funds; and providing
for an effective date."
CSSB 221 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee with
a "do pass" recommendation.
HB 373 "An Act extending specified public school bond
debt reimbursement; and providing for an effective
date."
HB 373 was scheduled but not heard.
CSHB 45(MLV)
"An Act authorizing the Department of Military and
Veterans' Affairs to establish and maintain Alaska
veterans' cemeteries; and establishing the Alaska
veterans' cemetery fund in the general fund."
CSHB 45(MLV) was scheduled but not heard.
CSHB 326(FIN)
"An Act authorizing the governor to order the
organized militia into active state service to
fight wildland fire, authorizing the governor to
delegate to the adjutant general the authority to
order the organized militia into active state
service to fight wildland fire, and authorizing
the payment of Alaska National Guard called into
active state service to fight wildland fire at
rates of pay established for certain emergency
fire-fighting personnel; and providing for an
effective date."
CSHB 326(FIN) was scheduled but not heard.
9:29:46 AM
SENATE BILL NO. 221
"An Act making appropriations, including capital
appropriations, supplemental appropriations, and
appropriations to capitalize funds; and providing for
an effective date."
Co-Chair Stedman MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 1:
Page 12, lines 17 - 20:
Delete all material.
Adjust fund sources and totals accordingly.
Page 36, following line 15:
Insert new material to read:
"APPROPRIATION GENERAL
ITEMS FUND
Anchorage - Fire Lake 35,000 35,000
Elementary School Library/
Technology Upgrades (HD
17-32)"
Adjust fund sources and totals accordingly.
Page 105, line 1:
Following "secs.":
Insert "20(b)"
Delete "26(a)"
Insert "26"
Page 105, line 4, following "Sections":
Insert "1, 4,"
Page 105, line 6:
Delete "Sections 20(b), 21, and 27(a)"
Insert "Sections 20(b), 21, 22, 27(a), 28 - 42, 45(b),
46, 47(c), and 49"
Co-Chair Stedman OBJECTED.
MILES BAKER, STAFF, SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE, explained that
Amendment 1 is a technical amendment that corrects items
related to effective dates. On line 6, there was a grant to
Fire Lake Elementary School that had inadvertently been put
in the Public Safety fire section.
Co-Chair Stedman WITHDREW his OBJECTION. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
9:33:05 AM
Co-Chair Stedman MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 2:
Agency:
Commerce, Community & Economic Development
Program:
Grants to Named Recipients (AS 37.05.316)
Project:
Anchorage Federation of Community Councils - Mountain
View Community Council - Spring Cleanup
Amount:
$1,500
Funding Source:
GF
Adjust fund sources and totals accordingly
Explanation:
The Mountain View Cleanup is an annual event that is
essential to the health, safety and well-being of the
entire Mountain View community. Local residents partner
with nonprofits and private organizations to donate
hours of hard work in cleaning up the neighborhood. The
effort is more than just a beautification effort-the
volunteers remove over 200 tons of potentially
hazardous materials, ranging from toxic waste and
biohazards to broken glass, rusty metal and old
refrigerators from areas where children play and
members of the community recreate. The Mountain View
Cleanup gives people pride and a sense of ownership in
the well-being of their neighborhood. These funds would
be used to purchase any materials or services necessary
to make the cleanup a safe and successful endeavor.
TPS 1319/Project 49963
Co-Chair Stedman OBJECTED for discussion purposes.
Mr. Baker explained that Amendment 2 adds a $1,500 grant to
the Anchorage Federation of Community Councils - Mountain
View Community Council - Spring Cleanup, which was
inadvertently left out.
Co-Chair Stedman WITHDREW his OBJECTION. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
9:34:12 AM
Co-Chair Stedman MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 3:
Agency:
Commerce, Community & Economic Development
Program:
Grants to Named Recipients (AS 37.05.316)
Project:
Anchorage Federation of Community Councils - Russian
Jack Community Patrol
Amount:
$2,500
Funding Source:
GF
Adjust fund sources and totals accordingly
Explanation:
This volunteer run neighborhood community patrol plays
a significant role in reducing crime in the Russian
Jack neighborhood. They serve as the eyes and ears of
the police. Community members volunteer their time and
vehicles. This grant would help off-set the cost of
buying gas and other consumable supplies.
TPS 1337/Project Num 49981
Co-Chair Stedman OBJECTED.
Mr. Baker related that Amendment 3 corrects an oversight.
It restores a $2,500 grant to the Anchorage Federation of
Community Councils - Russian Jack Community Patrol.
Co-Chair Stedman WITHDREW his OBJECTION. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
9:35:26 AM
Co-Chair Stedman MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 4:
Agency:
Commerce, Community & Economic Development
Program:
Grants to Named Recipients (AS 37.05.316)
Project:
Anchorage Alumni Foundation - Kappa Foundation - After
School Program
Amount:
$66,300
Funding Source:
GF
Adjust fund sources and totals accordingly
Explanation:
Home Based After School is a high quality after-school
and summer program that exposes students to a wealth of
activities that support their social, emotional,
intellectual, physical and creative development while
simultaneously supporting and enhancing those
activities and curricula available during the school
day and providing activities that may not be available
during the school day.
TPS 1885/Project Num 50542
Co-Chair Stedman OBJECTED.
Mr. Baker explained that Amendment 4 is a $66,300 grant to
the Anchorage Alumni Foundation - Kappa Foundation - After
School Program. Excluding it was an oversight.
Co-Chair Stedman WITHDREW his OBJECTION. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
9:36:27 AM
Co-Chair Stedman MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 5:
Page 103, line 15, following "DEVELOPMENT.":
Insert "(a)"
Page 103, following line 18:
Insert a new subsection to read:
"(b) The sum of $125,000 is appropriated from the
general fund to the Department of Commerce, Community,
and Economic Development for payment as a grant under
AS 37.05.316 to World Trade Center Alaska for the
international trade program partnership for the fiscal
year ending June 30, 2009."
Co-Chair Stedman OBJECTED for discussion purposes.
Mr. Baker explained that Amendment 5 would add a $125,000
appropriation from the general fund to the Department of
Commerce, Community, and Economic Development for the World
Trade Center Alaska. It was excluded by an oversight.
Co-Chair Stedman WITHDREW his OBJECTION. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
9:37:20 AM
Co-Chair Stedman MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 6:
Page 39, lines 31:
Delete "41,000"
Insert "50,000"
Adjust fund sources and totals accordingly
JUSTIFICATION
Technical amendment: "Anchorage-Muldoon Elementary
School Projectors and Laptops" project should have been
entered at $50,000 General Fund instead of $41,000.
These projectors would replace the aging, existing
overhead projectors and allow for the connection and
use of multi-media and computers for enhanced
instructional programs.
These laptops would improve instructor efficiency in
the creation of standard based report cards, the
collection of data through observation of non-
traditional small-group learning environments. Laptops
would eliminate the need for multiple data entries that
are currently required with desktops.
TPS 414/Project Num 49049
Co-Chair Stedman OBJECTED.
Mr. Baker clarified that Amendment 6 corrects a clerical
error. It would increase the amount in a grant to Anchorage
for the Muldoon Elementary School Projectors and Laptops.
Co-Chair Stedman WITHDREW his OBJECTION. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
9:38:26 AM
Co-Chair Stedman MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 7:
Page 91, line 18:
Delete "3,750,000" in both places
Insert "4,500,000" in both places
Adjust fund sources and totals accordingly.
Co-Chair Stedman OBJECTED.
Mr. Baker explained that the Seward dredging project is
funded out of the commercial passenger vessel tax account.
The amendment brings the funding for the project up to the
full amount.
Co-Chair Stedman WITHDREW his OBJECTION. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
9:39:41 AM
Co-Chair Stedman MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 8:
Page 62, lines 6 - 7:
Delete "The Department shall provide a report to the
Legislature no later than January 1, 2009."
Insert "The Department shall conclude the study and
provide a report of its findings to the Legislature no
later than January 1, 2009."
Co-Chair Stedman OBJECTED.
Mr. Baker explained that the original language was
confusing, so Amendment 8 was offered to clarify it. The
Cruise Ship Initiative included a stringent water permitting
standard. The Department and the industry are working on
how to implement the standard. There is interest in using
this money to do a study to determine changes and
modifications in order to implement the permit as the voters
wished.
Co-Chair Stedman WITHDREW his OBJECTION. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
9:41:29 AM
Co-Chair Stedman MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 9:
Page 103, line 20:
Delete "$22,400,000"
Insert "$20,700,000"
Co-Chair Stedman OBJECTED for discussion purposes.
Mr. Baker said that the amendment relates to an Energy
Relief Grant to the Department of Education, which is
intended to be an immediate grant.
Co-Chair Stedman WITHDREW his OBJECTION. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
9:42:56 AM
Co-Chair Stedman MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 10:
Agency:
Commerce, Community & Economic Development
Program:
Grants to Named Recipients (AS 37.05.316)
Project:
Matanuska Electric Association - 115 KV Transmission
Line Upgrades and Extensions in Mat-Su Borough and
Eagle River
Amount:
$18,000,000
Funding Source:
Railbelt Energy (Fund Code 1012)
Adjust fund sources and totals accordingly
Explanation:
$18 million will be granted to Matanuska Electric
Association for 115 KV transmission line upgrades and
extensions in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough and Eagle
River including extensions for small hydro renewable
projects.
1. New transmission lines are needed for areas that
do not currently have power.
2. Upgrades and relocations will be needed as road
reconstruction projects are underway.
3. Numerous small hydro projects will require the
extension of transmission lines.
4. The Mat-Su Valley and Eagle River areas are the
fastest growing areas of the state. Transmission
line extensions are needed to keep up with the
demand for electric energy.
5. The Mat-Su Valley and Eagle River areas have not
received state funding for transmission projects
unlike many other areas of the state.
TPS 1855/Project Num 50504
Co-Chair Stedman OBJECTED.
Mr. Baker explained that Amendment 10 would add $18 million
of Railbelt Energy Funds as a Grants to Named Recipient to
Matanuska Electrical Association to upgrade transmission
lines and extensions.
Co-Chair Stedman WITHDREW his OBJECTION. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
9:43:42 AM
Co-Chair Stedman MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 11:
Page 104, following line 2:
Insert a new bill section:
Sec. 46. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES. The
sum of $164,400 is appropriated from the general fund
to the Department of Health and Social Services,
community initiative matching grants allocation, for
operating costs for the fiscal year ending June 30,
2009.
Renumber remaining bill sections accordingly.
EXPLANATION:
This amendment would restore a staff position for the
Office of Faith Based & Community Initiatives to
maintain a single point of contact to receive
information, funding, and other resources.
Co-Chair Stedman OBJECTED for discussion purposes.
Mr. Baker explained that Amendment 11 would add $164,400 to
the Department of Health and Social Services of 09 operating
funds to the community initiative matching grant allocation
or Office of Faith Based Initiatives.
Co-Chair Stedman WITHDREW his OBJECTION.
9:44:42 AM
Senator Dyson OBJECTED. He proposed a Conceptual Amendment
to Amendment 11: change the amount on line 5 from $164,000
to $250,000. He thought it was unfortunate that the funding
was dropped. The $250,000 was close to what the Governor
requested and would allow the Faith Based Initiatives to
employ several staff and pay the rent.
Co-Chair Hoffman commented that he discussed this item with
the Administration and $164,400 is the number they will
support.
Senator Dyson WITHDREW his Conceptual Amendment to Amendment
11 and his objection. There being NO further OBJECTION, it
was so ordered.
9:46:00 AM
Co-Chair Stedman MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 12:
* Sec. A. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC
FACILITIES. The unexpended and unobligated balance of
the appropriation made in sec. 1, ch. 82, SLA 2006, page
48, lines 14 - 17 (Anchorage, Bayshore Greenbelt Trail,
100th Avenue to Amber Bay Loop - $110,000) is
reappropriated to the Department of Transportation and
Public Facilities for Mears Middle School area
pedestrian safety.
Co-Chair Stedman OBJECTED.
Mr. Baker explained that Amendment 12 is a late legislative
reappropriation request. It would reappropriate the
unexpended and unobligated balance of a previous $110,000
grant to Anchorage for the Bayshore Greenbelt Trail project.
It moves the money to the Department of Transportation and
Public Facilities for Mears Middle School pedestrian safety
project.
Co-Chair Stedman WITHDREW his OBJECTION. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
9:46:52 AM
Co-Chair Stedman MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 13:
Agency:
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities
Project:
15 Ted Stevens International Airport Projects (HD 17-
32)
Amount:
Unchanged
Funding Source:
Unchanged
Explanation:
Amendment deletes operating agreement citations in the
all of the project titles as unusual and unnecessary.
Indeed, negotiations for operating agreement 09-12 have
not yet concluded.
AMENDMENT
Page 72, lines 15 and 16: Delete "- Operating
Agreement 09-12".
Page 73, lines 11 and 12:Delete "-Operating Agreement
02-08".
Page 73, lines 18 and 19:Delete "-Operating Agreement
02-08".
Page 73, lines 22 and 23:Delete "-Operating Agreement
02-08".
Page 73, lines 28 and 29:Delete "- Operating Agreement
02-08".
Page 74, lines 3 and 4: Delete "-Operating Agreement
09-12".
Page 74, lines 7 and 8: Delete "-Operating Agreement
02-08".
Page 74, lines 17 and 18:Delete "-Operating Agreement
02-08".
Olson DOTPF amendment to CSSB 221 (FIN) version K
Page 2
Page 74, line 33 to page 75, line 3: Delete "-
Operating Agreement 09-12".
Page 76, lines 4 and 5: Delete "-Operating Agreement
02-08".
Page 76, lines 9 and 10: Delete "-Operating Agreement
09-12".
Page 76, lines 19 and 20:Delete "-Operating Agreement
02-08".
Page 76, lines 24 and 25:Delete "-Operating Agreement
02-08".
Page 76, lines 28 and 29:Delete "Operating Agreement
09-12".
Page 77, lines 11 and 12:Delete "Operating Agreement
09-12".
Co-Chair Stedman OBJECTED.
Senator Olson explained that Amendment 13 has to do with the
operating agreement for the Anchorage International Airport.
The amendment deletes operating agreements citations in all
of the project titles as unusual and unnecessary because
negotiations have not yet been concluded.
Senator Dyson wondered about the Administration's opinion.
KAREN REHFELD, DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET,
indicated that the Administration did not object.
AT-EASE: 9:48:27 AM
RECONVENED: 9:49:05 AM
Senator Olson clarified that it is a net zero amendment.
Co-Chair Stedman WITHDREW his OBJECTION. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
9:49:35 AM
Co-Chair Stedman MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 14:
Page 95 following line 15:
Insert a new subsection (c) that reads:
(c) Section 4, ch. 3, FSSLA 2005, page 98, lines 19-22
is amended to read:
ALLOCATIONS
Kodiak - Otmeloi Way 1,000,000
Rehabilitation and Rezanof
Drive Rehabilitation Lighting
and Intersection Safety Improvements (HD36)
Include this new section as a capital item with a June
30, 2008 effective date.
EXPLANATION:
This language change will allow remaining funds from
the Rezanof Drive project to be used for upgrades to
Otmeloi Way. "Approximately $400,000 of the original
appropriation will be used for lighting projects at the
intersections of Rezanof and North and South Mill Bay
Roads. This language change will allow the remaining
funds to be used to complete the Otmeloi reconstruction
project funded with another $3.3 million general fund
appropriation. This project includes the
reconstruction of Otmeloi Way including storm drains,
lighting and a pathway. The Kodiak Island Borough will
accept title transfer from the state prior to
constructing the improvements.
Co-Chair Stedman OBJECTED.
Mr. Baker explained that Amendment 14 is also a late
legislative reappropriation - technically a scope expansion.
It would allow the Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities to use a previous $1 million appropriation in
Kodiak for upgrades to Otmeloi Way.
Co-Chair Stedman WITHDREW his OBJECTION. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
9:51:10 AM
Co-Chair Stedman MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 15:
* Sec. A. HOUSE DISTRICTS 17 - 32. (a) Section 1, ch.
82, SLA 2006, page 94, lines 13 - 14, as amended by
sec. 7(c), ch. 10, SLA 2007, is amended to read:
APPROPRIATION OTHER
ITEMS FUNDS
Surface Transportation Program 355,365,200 355,365,200
[355,395,200][355,395,200]
(b) Section 1, ch. 82, SLA 2006, page 96, lines 9 - 12,
as amended by sec. 7(d), ch. 10, SLA 2007, is amended
to read:
ALLOCATIONS
Anchorage: Eagle River 12,170,000
Loop [12,200,000]
Road Reconstruction - Old
Glenn Highway to Eagle
River Road (HD 17-32)
(c) It is the intent of the legislature that the
appropriation reduction made in (a) of this section
will leave the department sufficient funding to
construct a 150-foot traffic control island at the
northwest intersection of Eagle River Loop Road and the
Old Glenn Highway.
Co-Chair Stedman OBJECTED.
Senator Dyson explained that Amendment 15 relates to a major
road rehabilitation project. The appropriation will allow
for construction of a traffic control island at the
northwest intersection of Eagle River Loop Road and the Old
Glenn Highway.
Co-Chair Stedman WITHDREW his OBJECTION. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
9:51:54 AM
Co-Chair Stedman MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 16:
Page 83, Lines 13-14 are amended to read:
Appropriation General Other Funds
Items Funds
UAA Health Sciences 40,900,000 [46,000,000]
40,900,000 [46,000,000]
Building (HD 17-32)
Page 83, Lines 26-29 are amended to read:
Maintaining Existing 16,380,014
15,380,014 6,100,000 [1,000,000]
Facilities and Equipment
Renewal and Renovation
Annual Requirement
Page 84, lines 4-6 are amended to read:
Allocations
UA-Juneau Annual Capital 10,200,000 [5,100,000]
Renewal and Renovation
Requirement (HD 3-4)
Adjust totals accordingly.
EXPLANATION: For 12 years, the Anderson Building
renovation has been part of construction of the Lena
Point School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (SFOS)
building project. This 30-year-old building suffers
numerous code compliance deficiencies. Major
renovation is needed to extend its useful life for the
state. The project will also improve safety by
addressing the current need for students to cross a
state highway on a curve with inadequate sight distance
without aid of an intersection, crosswalk, or other
traffic control.
During difficult fiscal times, construction of the SFOS
building was funded in five phases and the size and
scope of the building were reduced repeatedly and
significantly. The delays caused by redesign and
phased funding meant scientists and students continued
to use the Anderson building many years longer than
originally planned.
The first funding for the two-part project was
requested in FY 97.
The first appropriation came in FY 99. ($1.7 million in
UA receipts.)
The next appropriation was in the FY 02 supplemental
($800.0 UA Recpt. for blasting)
The 2002 bond issue contained $9 million for this
project.
The FY 06 capital budget had $10 million GF, and
construction on the Lena point project could begin.
In FY 08 there were $6.8 million in additional UA
receipt authority, and $500.0 GF to prepare bid
documents on Anderson.
In order for the university to continue teaching
students in the Anderson building, major renovation and
renewal is needed. It's been on the 6-year plan for 12
years. Full funding is needed to begin the project in
FY 09, when fisheries science programs move to the Lena
facility. Breaking funding into additional phases is
inappropriate and will result in increased costs and
reduced utility to students.
Co-Chair Stedman OBJECTED.
Senator Elton explained that Amendment 16 is revenue
neutral. It moves $5.1 million from the new UAA Health
Sciences building to complete the renovation project at the
Anderson Building. He noted that the Anderson renovation
has been part of the UAF Fisheries Lab building project that
consisted of five phases. This completes the project as
phase 6. It has been on the 6-year plan for the Board of
Regents for the last 12 years.
Co-Chair Stedman commented that it would not affect the
construction timeline for the UAA building project. The net
affect is zero.
Senator Elton noted that the total cost of the UAA building
would be known as the project moves forth. He said he is
committed to making sure the project is completed and fully
funded.
Co-Chair Stedman WITHDREW his OBJECTION. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
AT-EASE: 9:53:41 AM
RECONVENED: 9:55:58 AM
Co-Chair Stedman MOVED to ADOPT Conceptual Amendment 17, to
have Legislative Finance and Legislative Legal do conforming
and technical amendments, as needed, to bring SB 221 into
compliance with the intent of the Committee. Co-Chair
Stedman OBJECTED.
Co-Chair Stedman WITHDREW his OBJECTION. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
9:56:54 AM
Co-Chair Hoffman MOVED to REPORT SB 221 from Committee with
individual recommendations. There being NO OBJECTION, it
was so ordered.
CSSB 221 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do
pass" recommendation.
HOUSE BILL NO. 373
"An Act extending specified public school bond debt
reimbursement; and providing for an effective date."
HB 373 was scheduled but not heard.
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 45(MLV)
"An Act authorizing the Department of Military and
Veterans' Affairs to establish and maintain Alaska
veterans' cemeteries; and establishing the Alaska
veterans' cemetery fund in the general fund."
CSHB 45(MLV) was scheduled but not heard.
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 326(FIN)
"An Act authorizing the governor to order the organized
militia into active state service to fight wildland
fire, authorizing the governor to delegate to the
adjutant general the authority to order the organized
militia into active state service to fight wildland
fire, and authorizing the payment of Alaska National
Guard called into active state service to fight
wildland fire at rates of pay established for certain
emergency fire-fighting personnel; and providing for an
effective date."
CSJB 326(FIN) was scheduled but not heard.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:57 AM.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|