04/08/2019 06:00 PM Senate JUDICIARY
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SJR5 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SJR 5 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE JUDICIARY STANDING COMMITTEE
April 8, 2019
6:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Shelley Hughes, Chair
Senator Peter Micciche
Senator Jesse Kiehl
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Lora Reinbold, Vice Chair
Senator Mike Shower
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5
Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the State of Alaska
relating to the Alaska permanent fund and the permanent fund
dividend.
- HEARD & HELD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SJR 5
SHORT TITLE: CONST. AM.:PERMANENT FUND & DIVIDEND
SPONSOR(s): RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR
01/30/19 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/30/19 (S) STA, JUD, FIN
03/28/19 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
03/28/19 (S) Heard & Held
03/28/19 (S) MINUTE(STA)
04/02/19 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/02/19 (S) Scheduled but Not Heard
04/03/19 (S) JUD AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
04/03/19 (S) <Bill Hearing Canceled>
04/03/19 (S) JUD AT 6:00 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
04/03/19 (S) <Bill Hearing Canceled>
04/04/19 (S) STA AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/04/19 (S) Moved CSSJR 5(STA) Out of Committee
04/04/19 (S) MINUTE(STA)
04/05/19 (S) STA RPT CS 1DNP 3AM SAME TITLE
04/05/19 (S) AM: SHOWER, MICCICHE, KAWASAKI
04/05/19 (S) DNP: COGHILL
04/08/19 (S) JUD AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
04/08/19 (S) JUD AT 6:00 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
WITNESS REGISTER
KRISTEN BUSH, representing herself
Eagle River, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
DIANE HOLMES, representing herself
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SJR 5.
CHRIS EICHENLAUB, representing himself
Eagle River, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
JOHN MORIN, representing himself
Soldotna, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
JOAN TRUETT, representing herself
Big Lake, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
GLENN HELKENN, representing himself
Nenana, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
TRACY APPELO, representing himself
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
BETH FREAD, representing herself
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of placing the
permanent fund dividend in the constitution but preferred the
2018 version.
PATRICK MAYER, representing himself
Yakutat, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SJR 5.
LYNETTE CLARK, representing self
Fox, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
HAYDEN NEZILL, representing himself
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SJR 5.
KATHY SWANSON, representing herself
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
RICHARD RUSSELL, representing himself
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
FAYE SARREN, representing herself
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
VALERIE PRINCE, representing herself
Chugiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
JAMES SANTORO, representing himself,
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SJR 5.
HERMAN MORGAN, representing himself
Aniak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
TYLER DIAS, representing himself
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
BERT HOUGHTALING, representing himself
Big Lake, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
GAEL MOTO, representing herself
Ninilchik, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
JOHN CHRISTENSEN, representing herself
Ninilchik, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
GAIL LIMBAUGH-MOORE, representing herself
Soldotna, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
MIKE WIDMEY, representing himself
Big Lake, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
JACK JOHNSON, representing himself
North Pole, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
SCOTT MACMANUS, representing himself
Tok, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SJR 5.
KATIE BOTZ, representing herself
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SJR 5.
ADAM HEICKS, representing himself
Homer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
LUKE HOPKINS, representing himself
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SJR 5.
RAY SMITH, representing himself
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
REBECCA DUNNE, representing herself
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SJR 5.
TANYA LANGE, representing herself
Kenai, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
BARBARA HANEY, representing herself
North Pole, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
CARL NORMAN, representing himself
Seward, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
TERRY COTTON, representing himself
Homer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
TIM STATON, representing himself
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
BOB SWANSON, representing himself
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
JAMES SQUYRES, representing himself
Rural Deltana, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
JEFF MAY, representing himself
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
SANDY MAY, representing herself
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
ELIZABETH SWEET, representing herself
North Pole, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
JEFF NELTON, representing himself
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
AMBER MANLEY, representing herself
Big Lake, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
SALLY JOHNSON, representing herself
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
CHAD WEMPLE, representing himself
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
ROBERT JEWETT, representing himself
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
TIM INEICHEN, representing himself
Anderson, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
CORY MARTIN, representing himself
Chistochina, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
ELYSE GUTTENBERG, representing herself
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SJR 5.
LINDA HANENBURG, representing herself
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
MANDY GERSHON, representing herself
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
MARGUERITE SULTAN, representing herself
Homer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
JOE ELROD, representing himself
Glennallen, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
LYNN LOWRY, representing herself
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
LAURA VANDAL, representing herself
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
STEVEN MOORE, representing himself
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
KEN BROWN, representing himself,
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
SUSAN PHILLIPS, representing herself
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
LYNDA PURVIS, representing herself
Fairbanks Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
MIKE ALEXANDER, representing himself
Big Lake, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
LISA MOORE, representing herself
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
WILLIAMS TWEED, representing himself
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
TANYA KITKA, representing herself
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
JIM CLARK, representing himself
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
TAMARA MCCOY, representing herself
Kasilof, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
WADE HOTCHKISS, representing himself
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
JEFFEREY KNAUF, representing himself
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
JOANNE ROBITAILLE, representing herself
Ketchikan, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
GREG COLLINS, representing herself
Homer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
RONALD BERNIER, representing himself
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
SUZIE FLETCHER, representing self,
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
KAREN PERRY, representing herself
Chugiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
JANET JOHNSON, representing herself
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
STEVE VIRGIN, representing himself
Soldotna, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
THOMAS WILLIAMS, representing himself
Chugiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
DEAN CAMERY, representing himself
Eagle River, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
KATHY PETERS, representing herself
Glennallen, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 5.
EMILY BECKER, representing herself
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition of SJR 5.
ACTION NARRATIVE
6:00:21 PM
CHAIR SHELLEY HUGHES called the Senate Judiciary Standing
Committee meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Kiehl, and Chair Hughes. Senator Micciche
arrived shortly thereafter.
SJR 5-CONST. AM.:PERMANENT FUND & DIVIDEND
6:00:45 PM
CHAIR HUGHES announced that the only order of business would be
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5, Proposing amendments to the
Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to the Alaska
permanent fund and the permanent fund dividend.
[CSSJR 5(STA) was before the committee.]
6:01:10 PM
CHAIR HUGHES made opening remarks and advised that the public
could submit written testimony to [email protected].
6:02:22 PM
CHAIR HUGHES opened public testimony on SJR 5.
6:02:45 PM
KRISTEN BUSH, representing herself, Eagle River, stated that in
1976 voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment
to establish the permanent fund. She offered her belief that any
changes should come before the voters. She said she supports
placing the original formula for the permanent fund dividend in
the Constitution of the State of Alaska.
6:02:49 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE joined the meeting.
6:04:12 PM
DIANE HOLMES, representing herself, Anchorage, said that she is
in opposition to SJR 5 because it would adversely affect
government services such as troopers, teachers, and roads. She
offered her belief that the purpose of the permanent fund was to
provide government services. She also spoke against a spending
cap because future needs are unknown.
6:06:00 PM
CHRIS EICHENLAUB, representing himself, Eagle River, said that
the state is at this juncture because lawmakers did not follow
the law. He said that taking a larger draw from the permanent
fund would deplete it.
6:07:08 PM
JOHN MORIN, representing himself, Soldotna, testified in support
of SJR 5. He said that Governor Hammond set up the fund for the
people.
6:07:35 PM
JOAN TRUETT, representing herself, Big Lake, said the permanent
fund dividend needs to be placed in the Constitution of the
State of Alaska to keep everyone's fingers out of the pot. She
spoke in support of the public voting on any changes because it
is the people's money.
6:08:12 PM
GLENN HELKENN, representing himself, Nenana, said that the
permanent fund dividend needs to be protected and government
needs to get spending "under reins" to balance the budget. He
said he is a lifelong Alaskan. The permanent fund, Alaska's
land, and revenues derived from them belong to the people.
6:09:25 PM
TRACY APPELO, representing himself, Wasilla, said the governor
wrote a meticulous [resolution] to protect the people. She
echoed Ms. Bush's comments.
6:10:45 PM
BETH FREAD, representing herself, Palmer, said she is of two
minds on SJR 5. She said she supports placing the permanent fund
in the Constitution of the State of Alaska, but she prefers the
2018 law. She expressed support for public votes on any further
changes to the permanent fund.
6:11:53 PM
PATRICK MAYER, representing himself, Yakutat, spoke in
opposition to SJR 5 because the state cannot pay full dividends
without first meeting its financial obligations. He reminded
members that the Constitution of the State of Alaska prioritized
funding public education. He cautioned against dismantling the
state's infrastructure. He said he is a 35-year resident in
Alaska.
6:13:03 PM
LYNETTE CLARK, representing herself, Fox, spoke in support of
SJR 5. She said that since the inception of the permanent fund
dividend (PFD) any change has been voted on by the public. She
said she supports the legislature following the statutory
formula for the PFD. She said she does not want any changes to
the PFD without a public vote. She asked members to follow the
statutory formula for a full PFD check as payment for subsurface
rights.
6:14:23 PM
HAYDEN NEZILL, representing himself, Fairbanks, expressed
concern that embedding the permanent fund dividend in the
Constitution of the State of Alaska would not give the state any
flexibility. The state has elected officials [to make these
decisions]. He acknowledged the public pressure to pay out
sizable PFDs. He characterized the program as a universal basic
income that benefits the lowest income population.
6:16:09 PM
KATHY SWANSON, representing herself, Juneau, spoke in support of
SJR 5 because the people need it, especially rural Alaskans due
to high fuel costs. She suggested that those who do not need the
PFDs can donate them to the state. She stated support for
placing the permanent fund dividend in the Constitution of the
State of Alaska.
6:17:18 PM
RICHARD RUSSELL, representing himself, Palmer, spoke in support
of SJR 5 because the PFD program should be written into the
Constitution of the State of Alaska. He said that not just lower
income Alaskans need the dividend due to the current economic
state in Alaska.
6:18:13 PM
FAYE SARREN, representing herself, Anchorage, spoke in support
of SJR 5 because it is the people's money and the legislature
has been overspending. She emphasized that it is a "permanent"
dividend.
6:20:16 PM
VALERIE PRINCE, representing herself, Chugiak, spoke in support
of SJR 5 because the people of Alaska own the resources of the
state. Residents should vote on any changes to the permanent
fund dividend. She supported placing the permanent fund dividend
in the Constitution of the State of Alaska and cutting spending.
6:21:53 PM
JAMES SANTORO, representing himself, Anchorage, spoke in
opposition to SJR 5 because Alaska has been depleting its funds.
He expressed concern that the state will go into a recession
under the governor's proposed budget. He acknowledged that no
one wants to pay taxes, but they want services. He said Alaska
must take care of its old and young people first.
6:22:53 PM
HERMAN MORGAN, representing himself, Aniak, said it was
difficult to hear testimony [on other hearings]. He offered his
belief that the state needs to give the people the money that
belongs to them. He expressed concern that the legislature has
spent the state's savings and now it is going after the
permanent fund. He supported cutting government spending. He
urged members not to take money away from the people who need it
the most.
6:23:57 PM
TYLER DIAS, representing himself, Wasilla, offered his belief it
was clear when the permanent fund was set up that it was not to
fund state government. He characterized the legislature as going
after the low-hanging fruit. He said that the state is still
putting money into the permanent fund each year. It would be a
shame to change the formula.
6:25:58 PM
BERT HOUGHTALING, representing himself, Big Lake, spoke in
support of SJR 5. He favored placing the permanent fund dividend
in the Constitution of the State of Alaska. He urged members to
keep their hands off the PFDs, replace the crime bill, not to
institute new taxes, cap the budget, and to find ways to
restructure school districts into one large district.
6:27:11 PM
GAEL MOTO, representing herself, Ninilchik, spoke in support of
SJR 5 because the original permanent fund dividend formula
distributes funds between the state and its citizens. She said
Alaska citizens own the mineral rights and the state and
citizens each get 50 percent. She predicted that if a public
vote was taken that the majority of the people would vote in
support of maintaining the permanent fund [dividend] as it was
originally formulated.
6:28:44 PM
JOHN CHRISTENSEN, representing herself, Ninilchik, spoke in
support of SJR 5 because state government wastes the money. He
expressed concern about the level of education students receive
even though substantial money is spent on education. He said he
supports placing the permanent fund dividend in the Constitution
of the State of Alaska.
6:30:08 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE said that the committee is here to learn how
Alaskans feel about SJR 5, which is placing and enshrining the
permanent fund dividend in the Constitution of the State of
Alaska in perpetuity.
CHAIR HUGHES agreed that it would be helpful if people would
focus their comments on SJR 5 and the permanent fund dividend.
6:30:50 PM
GAIL LIMBAUGH-MOORE, representing herself, Soldotna, spoke in
support of SJR 5.
6:31:13 PM
MIKE WIDMEY, representing himself, Big Lake, said he favors a
public vote on the permanent fund. He urged members to protect
the permanent fund as envisioned by Governor Hammond and the
legislature at the time of its inception. He urged members to
rein in spending. He expressed concern that the legislature
overspent in the last 10 years and is now going after the
people's share.
6:32:51 PM
JACK JOHNSON, representing himself, North Pole, spoke in support
of SJR 5 to ensure that [the permanent fund dividend] is placed
in the Constitution of the State of Alaska. He stated support
for limiting changes to the PFD by a vote of the people. He said
legislators say they support the PFD but vote the other way. He
emphasized his desire to ensure that the people of Alaska have a
voice.
6:34:16 PM
SCOTT MACMANUS, representing himself, Tok, said that the
permanent fund was set up to as a means to replace the non-
renewable resources of oil with a renewable resource of
investments. It was intended to ensure that services would be
available to Alaskans, including funding for education, senior
citizen services, and power cost equalization (PCE) credits that
benefit rural Alaskans. He said the permanent fund was not
intended to turn Alaska into an entitlement state. He expressed
concern that one of biggest beneficiaries is the federal
government. He reported that $150 million is paid to the federal
government in the form of taxes and that money should stay in
the state.
6:35:36 PM
KATIE BOTZ, representing herself, Juneau, agreed with Mr.
MacManus that the intention of the PFD was to fund government,
including education, the Pioneer Home, medical, and other
services. She said people get a free check that they have not
earned, so she views it as an entitlement, which needs to stop.
6:36:58 PM
ADAM HEICKS, representing himself, Homer, quoted scripture to
make his point that justice would be served and people would be
punished for their evil deeds.
6:37:56 PM
LUKE HOPKINS, representing himself, Fairbanks, spoke in
opposition to SJR 5. He offered his belief that elected
officials representing Alaskans make the appropriations from the
earnings reserve account. He opposed placing the PFD in the
Constitution of the State of Alaska.
6:39:05 PM
RAY SMITH, representing himself, Anchorage, offered his belief
that people should not trust politicians. He said that families
need their permanent fund dividends to survive. He acknowledged
that he could live without the PFD. He said he had some issues
with the socialist aspect of the program, but he felt he could
get past his concern. He said that once you give [the PFD out]
you cannot take it back.
6:40:21 PM
REBECCA DUNNE, representing herself, Fairbanks, spoke in
opposition to SJR 5. She said she supports a universal income
tax in principle, but she does not want it enshrined in the
Constitution of the State of Alaska. She said that Alaska has a
representative government and people trust their elected
officials to make budget decisions. She expressed concern that
[SJR 5] will cripple the legislature and bankrupt the state.
6:41:27 PM
TANYA LANGE, representing herself, Kenai, spoke in support of
SJR 5. She urged members to control government spending and cut
programs. She offered her belief that the PFD needs to be
protected, which is why Governor Dunleavy was elected. Any
changes must go to a public vote. She also said that many people
count on the PFD to survive.
6:42:34 PM
BARBARA HANEY, representing herself, North Pole, spoke in
support of SJR 5. She stated she is an economist. She offered
her belief that the major beneficiaries of the PFD are Alaskans.
During the election, the PFD was the signature issue for
Governor Dunleavy, she said.
6:43:36 PM
CARL NORMAN, representing himself, Seward, spoke in support of
SJR 5. He said that he has lived in Alaska since 1951 and he
remembers what it was like without the permanent fund dividend.
He agreed with the governor that any changes to the permanent
fund need to be put to a vote of the people. The state has been
operating in a negative cash flow, which leads to bankruptcy. He
said that the state cannot fix the problem by taking the money
away from Alaskans since it is very important to Alaskans.
6:45:12 PM
TERRY COTTON, representing himself, Homer, spoke in support of
SJR 5. He said that the legislature has consistently overspent
and now legislators want to take the money and spend it
irresponsibly. He said he has been a resident since 1959 and he
supports the Constitution of the State of Alaska.
6:46:07 PM
TIM STATON, representing himself, Fairbanks, spoke in support of
SJR 5. He offered his belief that it should be enshrined in the
Constitution of the State of Alaska. He recalled former Senator
Al Adams said in 1982 that the intent was for 50 percent of the
income to be distributed to the people and not be dependent on
other uses. He offered his belief that frivolous [government
spending] has caused a recession rather than using the money
wisely.
6:47:20 PM}
BOB SWANSON, representing himself, Juneau, spoke in support of
SJR 5. He said that the legislature will continue to spend. He
stated support for allowing the people to decide by a vote how
to spend it. He offered his belief that the programs Alaskans do
not need are the true entitlements whereas the PFD represents
royalty money for the people. He said he also supports repealing
Senate Bill 91.
6:48:26 PM
JAMES SQUYRES, representing himself, Rural Deltana, spoke in
support of SJR 5 as one of the constitutional amendments that
need to come before Alaskans. He suggested the legislature could
improve the cash flow in the Percent of Market Value (POMV)
model by correcting the inflation proofing calculation from
applying the inflation rate to the value of the principal to
more properly apply it to the cost basis of the principal.
6:49:14 PM
JEFF MAY, representing himself, Wasilla, spoke in support of SJR
5. He said he is a 25-year Alaska resident.
SANDY MAY, representing herself, Wasilla, spoke in support of
SJR 5. She said she is a 43-year resident of Alaska.
6:49:58 PM
ELIZABETH SWEET, representing herself, North Pole, spoke in
support SJR 5. She said that she counts on the money to pay her
bills.
6:50:55 PM
JEFF NELTON, representing himself, Wasilla, spoke in support of
SJR 5. He said he has lived in Alaska for 30 years. He offered
his belief that lawmakers are stealing the money that was
rightly given to the people of Alaska and they should be
prosecuted for it.
6:51:52 PM
AMBER MANLEY, representing herself, Big Lake, spoke in support
of SJR 5.
6:52:26 PM
SALLY JOHNSON, representing herself, Palmer, spoke in support of
SJR 5. She offered her belief that the original formula the
[late] Governor Hammond envisioned for the PFD needs to be
placed in the Constitution of the State of Alaska. She offered
her belief that the legislature is stealing the people's money.
She voiced support for spending cuts.
6:53:04 PM
CHAD WEMPLE, representing himself, Palmer, spoke in support of
SJR 5. He offered his belief that politicians who want to steal
money from citizens should reconsider their actions. He
characterized the voters as the vocal majority who will vote out
legislators who take Alaskans money and expand the budget. He
described the state as spiraling out of control.
6:54:36 PM
ROBERT JEWETT, representing himself, Wasilla, spoke in support
of SJR 5. He said he has lived in Alaska for nearly 50 years, so
he was living in Alaska when [the late] Governor Hammond set up
the fund for the people and not for the bureaucracy to spend. He
said the permanent fund dividend touches every man, woman, and
child and every place in Alaska in a beneficial way. He said he
could not envision anything government could do that would equal
it.
6:56:07 PM
TIM INEICHEN, representing himself, Anderson, spoke in support
of SJR 5. He said that he and his fianc? are rural Alaskans on a
fixed income. They need the permanent fund dividend to pay for
propane to heat their cabin. He said Alaskans must vote and
voice how that money is spent, and it should not be taken from
them by legislators and bureaucrats.
6:57:58 PM
CORY MARTIN, representing himself, Chistochina, spoke in support
of SJR 5. He said that rural communities count on the PFD to pay
their bills and survive. He offered his belief that it should be
illegal for politicians to take this money from the people. He
said that anything to do with the PFD should be voted on by the
people. He urged members to support SJR 5.
6:59:33 PM
ELYSE GUTTENBERG, representing herself, Fairbanks, spoke in
opposition to SJR 5. She offered her belief that this does not
belong enshrined in the Constitution of the State of Alaska. If
this were to pass, any change to the PFD would need to go to a
vote of the people. She said it is more appropriate to stay with
the legislature. Alaska has a representative government, which
has worked fine. She offered her belief that Alaska's elected
officials do the best that they can. The legislature has the
flexibility to respond to the needs of the state, she said.
7:01:04 PM
LINDA HANENBURG, representing herself, Wasilla, spoke in support
of SJR 5. She said that people depend on the PFD to survive,
which helps them pay medical bills and car repairs. The cost of
living is high, and it helps to alleviate some financial
pressure for people.
7:02:29 PM
MANDY GERSHON, representing herself, Wasilla, spoke in support
of SJR 5. She offered her belief that it is basically a tax and
a burden for the poor and the majority of the people want this
[resolution.] She said she has been in Alaska since before the
permanent fund's inception. She said that if the legislature
wants to initiate a tax to do so but not on the backs of the
poor. She said the PFD should be placed in the Constitution of
the State of Alaska because the people cannot trust legislators
to do what needs to be done, including staying within the
budget.
7:03:55 PM
MARGUERITE SULTAN, representing herself, Homer, spoke in support
of SJR 5. She and her husband have lived in Alaska for many
years. She offered her belief that [the late] Governor Hammond
set up the permanent fund for the people because it was best for
the state. She said that government needs to learn to use funds
more efficiently, effectively, and honestly.
7:04:43 PM
JOE ELROD, representing himself, Glennallen, spoke in support of
SJR 5. He said he has lived in Alaska for over 35 years. He said
he had not read the [resolution]. He echoed what other people
have said, noting that the people voted for Governor Dunleavy to
restore the PFD. He said that the people own the state because
the resources belong to the people of Alaska. He said he
supports a full PFD.
CHAIR HUGHES explained how to find the language of SJR 5 online
on BASIS.
7:06:08 PM
LYNN LOWRY, representing herself, Wasilla, spoke in support of
SJR 5. She said she is a new resident to Alaska who has
discovered that it is expensive to live in Alaska. She said that
her husband works for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The full permanent fund dividend will help them, she said. She
offered her belief that legislators are thieves and she said she
plans to vote them out. In response to Senator Micciche, she
clarified that she has been living in Alaska for three years.
7:08:12 PM
LAURA VANDAL, representing herself, spoke in support of SJR 5.
She is a seasonal employee and senior in Alaska. She said that
she and her family depend on the PFD to survive.
7:09:13 PM
STEVEN MOORE, representing himself, Fairbanks, spoke in support
of SJR 5. He said he is an older dad who can no longer work. He
said that the permanent fund dividend is a big part of his
income. He did not believe state government could distribe
spending equally among Alaskans. However, the Constitution of
the State of Alaska says the money will be distributed equally
to all Alaskans, which is why he is in full support of SJR 5.
7:10:27 PM
KEN BROWN, representing himself, Soldotna, spoke in support of
SJR 5. He said that he thinks it is time for politicians to
listen. He said that people's eyes are open, and they are wiser.
He cautioned that if necessary, the people will vote the rest of
[the legislators] out.
7:10:57 PM
SUSAN PHILLIPS, representing herself, Anchorage, spoke in
support of SJR 5. She said it is way past time that legislators
do their jobs and quit stealing from the people. She said if
they do not start listening to the governor that the people will
vote them out.
7:11:49 PM
LYNDA PURVIS, representing herself, Fairbanks spoke in support
of SJR 5. She said she is very dismayed that legislators are not
moving forward to support Governor Dunleavy because she supports
him.
7:12:21 PM
MIKE ALEXANDER, representing himself, Big Lake, spoke in support
of SJR 5. He offered his belief that the people deserve a right
to vote. He said that the [permanent fund] belongs to the
people. He expressed concern that the legislature would be
missing a chance to put $2 billion into Alaska's economy [if
they do not fully fund PFD]. He urged members to pass SJR 5.
7:13:24 PM
LISA MOORE, representing herself, Anchorage, spoke in support of
SJR 5. She would like the PFD to be given to the people. She
said that she supported the governor because she would like to
get the budget under control. Alaska has been in a recession
while other states have begun to prosper. She supports the
people [voting] and not the legislators who have often proven
that they are not responsible regarding state spending.
7:14:23 PM
WILLIAMS TWEED, representing himself, Fairbanks, spoke in
support of SJR 5. He said that the people voted in Governor
Dunleavy and politicians should be following what the people
want. He offered his belief that government spending should be
cut. He said that the people need the money, and do not all go
on vacations with it.
7:15:37 PM
TANYA KITKA, representing herself, Kodiak, spoke in support of
SJR 5. She offered her belief that the people should have a vote
and enshrining the PFD in the Constitution of the State of
Alaska would depoliticize it. She acknowledged that a
significant amount of testimony has occurred. She said it felt
futile because it seems that the legislature characterized the
choice as being either to provide government services or the
PFD. She suggested that the legislature needs to be more
innovative. She cautioned against the legislature hurting those
with the lowest incomes.
7:17:08 PM
JIM CLARK, representing himself, Fairbanks, spoke in support of
SJR 5. He said that he thinks it is ridiculous that people must
call in to support this resolution. People deserve a right to
decide what happens to the permanent fund instead of letting
legislators do what they will, he said. He urged legislators to
do what the people want, or they will lose their jobs.
7:18:05 PM
TAMARA MCCOY, representing herself, Kasilof, spoke in support of
SJR 5. She offered her belief that the PFD was intended for the
people, it should stay with the people, and the power should be
with the people to vote. She said people are counting on their
senators to do the right thing.
7:18:41 PM
WADE HOTCHKISS, representing himself, Anchorage, spoke in
support of SJR 5. He offered his belief that people should
always have a voice.
7:19:23 PM
JEFFEREY KNAUF, representing himself, Anchorage, spoke in
support of SJR 5. He said it is important to realize that this
is and has always been the people's money. He urged members to
preserve and not deviate from the original permanent fund
dividend formula.
7:20:14 PM
JOANNE ROBITAILLE, representing herself, Ketchikan, spoke in
support of SJR 5. She said that she worked for the legislature
when [the late] Governor Jay Hammond made his speech about this.
She said the permanent fund dividend was intended to go to every
man, woman and child to be evenly distributed throughout the
state. She said that the Constitution of the State of Alaska
should not be touched by the government.
7:21:10 PM
GREG COLLINS, representing herself, Homer, spoke in support of
SJR 5.
CHAIR HUGHES said the audio was difficult to hear. She confirmed
Mr. Collins was in support of SJR 5.
7:22:23 PM
RONALD BERNIER, representing himself, Wasilla, spoke in support
of SJR 5. He said that he is a business owner. He said he has
nine children and plans to send all nine to college. He said
needs the money. The program was designed for the future of
Alaska and the children.
7:23:13 PM
SUZIE FLETCHER, representing herself, Big Lake, spoke in support
of SJR 5. She offered her belief that in democracy the people
should be able to vote on important issues. She said that she
supported Governor Dunleavy for her children and grandchildren.
7:23:56 PM
KAREN PERRY, representing herself, Chugiak, spoke in support of
SJR 5. She offered her belief that Alaska's mineral rights is
the people's money. She said that the government cannot simulate
the private sector by growing government. She said that stealing
the people's money is taxation without representation, including
money that belongs to Alaska's children or grandchildren. She
argued against the testimony that government is working because
the legislature has blasted through $29 billion of savings.
7:25:12 PM
JANET JOHNSON, representing herself, Palmer, spoke in support of
SJR 5. She supported Governor Dunleavy. She said that she
expects her legislators to do what they were elected to do.
7:25:53 PM
STEVE VIRGIN, representing himself, Soldotna, spoke in support
of SJR 5. He stated that in 1980 the state had a budget of $1.5
billion, which has changed significantly and has surged to $13
billion. He said he is a lifelong Alaskan. He expressed concern
that energy costs in Soldotna are high.
7:27:15 PM
THOMAS WILLIAMS, representing himself, Chugiak, spoke in support
of SJR 5. He said he supports Governor Dunleavy. He said the PFD
has not been an issue in the past, until the former Governor and
the legislature got their hands on the PFD. He offered his
belief that it should never be anything the legislature has any
control over, that just because the dollar amount has gone up
does not give anyone the right to take the money. He said that
this issue should go before the people [for a vote].
7:28:20 PM
DEAN CAMERY, representing himself, Eagle River, spoke in support
of SJR 5. He said he is one of 146,000 people who voted for
Governor Dunleavy. He voted for him to control the budget and to
restore the PFD. He said [the permanent fund dividend] is the
people's money and they know better how it should be spent. He
offered his belief that citizens need to do everything in their
power to keep the legislature's hands off the PFD. He said that
the legislature must be forced to live within the state's means.
7:29:23 PM
KATHY PETERS, representing herself, Glennallen, spoke in support
of SJR 5. She said that the [PFD] should not be up to the whims
of the governor or the legislature. She said that any changes
should be voted on by the people.
7:30:13 PM
EMILY BECKER, representing herself, Anchorage, spoke in
opposition to SJR 5. She said that Governor Dunleavy was elected
by 51 percent, which is not a mandate to change the Constitution
of the State of Alaska. Instead, she relies on elected
legislators to make the right decisions on critical matters. She
urged members not to give up their power. She acknowledged that
citizens will always say no to taxes but will say yes to all the
things they want. She said that legislators should be free to
respond to events and not be constrained by placing the PFD in
the Constitution of the State of Alaska. She expressed concern
that the PFD has become a dangerous entitlement that people
think is more important than anything else.
7:31:49 PM
CHAIR HUGHES, after first determining no one wished to testify,
closed public testimony on SJR 5.
[SJR 5 was held in committee.]
7:32:42 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Hughes adjourned the Senate Judiciary Standing Committee
meeting at 7:32 p.m.
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