01/31/2012 09:00 AM Senate STATE AFFAIRS
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB136 | |
| SB131 | |
| SB130 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | SB 131 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 130 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| = | SB 136 | ||
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE STATE AFFAIRS STANDING COMMITTEE
January 31, 2012
9:01 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Bill Wielechowski, Chair
Senator Joe Paskvan, Vice Chair
Senator Albert Kookesh
Senator Kevin Meyer
Senator Cathy Giessel
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE BILL NO. 136
"An Act providing a tax credit for employing an Alaska veteran
that may be taken against a liability for the tax on corporation
income; and providing for an effective date."
- MOVED CSSB 136(STA) OUT OF COMMITTEE
SENATE BILL NO. 131
"An Act relating to certain investments of the Alaska permanent
fund, the state's retirement systems, the State of Alaska
Supplemental Annuity Plan, and the deferred compensation program
for state employees in certain companies that do business in
Iran, and restricting those investments; and providing for an
effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 130
"An Act establishing in the Office of the Governor an advisory
council for the preservation, restoration, and revitalization of
Alaska Native languages."
- HEARD AND HELD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 136
SHORT TITLE: INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR EMPLOYING A VETERAN
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) WIELECHOWSKI
01/17/12 (S) PREFILE RELEASED 1/6/12
01/17/12 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/17/12 (S) STA, FIN
01/24/12 (S) STA AT 9:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
01/24/12 (S) Scheduled But Not Heard
01/26/12 (S) STA AT 9:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
01/26/12 (S) Heard & Held
01/26/12 (S) MINUTE(STA)
01/31/12 (S) STA AT 9:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
BILL: SB 131
SHORT TITLE: DIVEST INVESTMENTS IN IRAN
SPONSOR(s): STATE AFFAIRS BY REQUEST
04/16/11 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/16/11 (S) STA, FIN
01/31/12 (S) STA AT 9:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
BILL: SB 130
SHORT TITLE: ALASKA NATIVE LANGUAGE COUNCIL
SPONSOR(s): OLSON
04/15/11 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/15/11 (S) STA, FIN
01/24/12 (S) STA AT 9:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
01/24/12 (S) Scheduled But Not Heard
01/31/12 (S) STA AT 9:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
WITNESS REGISTER
SAM GOTTSTEIN, Staff
Senator Bill Wielchowski
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented SB 131 on behalf of the Senate
State Affairs Standing Committee.
ANGELA RODELL, Deputy Commissioner
Department of Revenue
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions related to SB 131.
AKIVA TOR, Israel Council General
Pacific Northwest
San Francisco, California
POSITION STATEMENT: Spoke in favor of SB 131.
MICHAEL MAKOVSKY, Foreign Policy Director
Bi-Partisan Policy Center
Washington, D.C
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 131.
DAVID GOTTSTEIN, speaking on his own behalf
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 131.
DAVID SCOTT, Staff
Senator Donny Olson
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on SB 130 on behalf of the
sponsor.
LOREN PETERSON, Staff
Senator Donny Olson
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced SB 131 on behalf of the sponsor.
SCOTT RUBY, Director
Division of Community and Regional Affairs
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
(DCCED)
Anchorage, Alaska.
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions related to SB 131.
JOY HUNTINGTON, Member
Tanana Chiefs Conference
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 130.
ANNETTE EVANS-SMITH
Alaska Native Heritage Center
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 130.
JON ROSS, President
Tsiltan Management Group
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 130.
LAWRENCE KAPLAN, Director
Alaska Native Language Center (ANLC)
University of Alaska, Fairbanks
POSITION STATEMENT: Spoke in support of SB 131.
ROSITA WORL, PHD., President
Sealaska Heritage and
Member
Indigenous Languages Institute Board
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Spoke in support of SB 130.
ALICE TAFF, representing herself
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 130.
PATRICK ANDERSON, Executive Director
Chugachmiut
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 130.
SELENA EVERSON, Elder
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 130.
ACTION NARRATIVE
9:01:28 AM
CHAIR BILL WIELECHOWSKI called the Senate State Affairs Standing
Committee meeting to order at 9:01 a.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Giessel, Meyer, Paskvan, Kookesh, and Chair
Wielechowski.
SB 136-INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR EMPLOYING A VETERAN
9:03:10 AM
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI, speaking as sponsor, announced the
consideration of SB 136. The bill would provide a $2,000 credit
for each veteran a business hires who works at least 30 hours a
week for 12 months. The purpose is to help those veterans who
are struggling to find employment after their service to our
nation. Young male veterans between the ages of 18-24 face
particularly high unemployment rates - almost 22 percent.
Previous testimony in support of the bill was from the Anchorage
Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Vets Helping Vets in
Anchorage, and from the Alaska Veterans Organization for Women.
The committee amended the bill last week to clarify that the
credit is not limited to Alaskan veterans per se, as that would
create legal problems, but to all veterans hired in Alaska.
SENATOR PASKVAN moved to report the CS for SB 136, version I, as
amended, from committee with individual recommendations and the
attached fiscal note.
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI announced that that without objection, CSSB
136(STA) moved from the Senate State Affairs Standing Committee.
SB 131-DIVEST INVESTMENTS IN IRAN
9:04:13 AM
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI, as chair of the Senate State Affairs
Standing Committee, sponsor of SB 131, introduced the bill. The
bill would help ensure that Alaska does not inadvertently
support the current Iranian regime by investing in companies
that do more than $20 million of business in Iranian oil and gas
fields. Iran has been listed as a "State Sponsor of Terrorism"
by the U.S. State department since 1984 and is under
international sanction. The current regime has been charged with
supporting Iraqi insurgents targeting U.S. soldiers. He said
that many Alaskans, himself included, believe that Alaska should
not directly or indirectly help to finance a regime which is
targeting our troops. A legitimate question can be raised about
whether Alaska should be in the business of social investing.
Each case must be evaluated separately and decided upon based on
the specific facts. He emphasized drawing the line at financing
regimes that seek to kill Americans.
SAM GOTTSTEIN, staff to Senator Bill Wielchowski, presented SB
131 on behalf of the Senate State Affairs Standing Committee. He
related that SB 131, as currently drafted, is the same as HB 241
from the 26th legislature and identical to HB 2 and HB 241 in
the current legislative session. He emphasized that the Iranian
regime is a threat to national security and Alaska, by not
having a divestment policy in place, is in the position of
financing America's enemies. He highlighted recent developments
which show that Iran is a threat to America's way of life. Since
1984 the United States has listed Iran as a "State Sponsor of
Terrorism." He recalled the history of Iran as a terrorist
nation. The Iranian regime is under strong international
sanctions. Most recently, the United States Treasury announced
sanctions against Iran's National Bank. The European Union has
banned the purchase of Iranian oil and gas. Iran continues to
work toward developing nuclear weapon capabilities and has a
long history of human rights violations. He noted that there is
strong bi-partisan support for this legislation. A recent 100 to
zero vote in the U.S. Senate to increase sanctions against Iran
highlights the bi-partisan support.
9:07:51 AM
MR. GOTTSTEIN continued to explain how some foreign companies
still invest in Iran because of its oil resources. SB 131 would
not only make sure that Alaska does not invest in foreign
companies that help line the pockets of the Iranian regime, but
it would also help to weaken that regime. The intent of the
legislation is to bring Alaska in line with America's foreign
policy.
MR. GOTTSTEIN explained how SB 131 works. The Department of
Revenue would compile a list of companies who have invested an
aggregate of $20 million or more in Iranian oil and gas
development. Once the list is compiled, companies on the list
will have 90 days to justify the investment. If a company fails
to do so, the Department of Revenue will ask the state's fund
managers, including the Permanent Fund, to liquidate assets of
that company within 90 days. He stressed that Alaska should
divest from Iran now for several reasons. Federal legislation
alone cannot solve the problem because the federal government
cannot tell states what they can or cannot invest in.
MR. GOTTSTEIN pointed out that over 20 states already have
divested themselves from Iran. He referred to a news article in
the members' packets about New York's legislation regarding
divestment. The legislation has both national and international
support.
9:11:37 AM
MR. GOTTSTEIN dispelled several misconceptions about SB 131. He
said no North Slope operators would be considered for
divestment, including new operators. There will be no changes to
Alaska's oil and gas incentives on the North Slope; SB 131 would
affect only foreign companies. He referred to a list of those
foreign companies in members' packets. He reported that about
one-tenth of 1 percent of Alaska's holdings, approximately $79
million, would be subject to divestment under this legislation.
He noted that the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation has a zero
fiscal note for the bill.
MR. GOTTSTEIN referred to written testimony from Mr. Andrew
Davenport in members' packets. Mr. Davenport, who has over a
decade of experience in risk management and divestment policies,
noted that there is broad, bi-partisan support for this
divestment policy. He said that SB 131 is a "highly conservative
policy," and would "target an especially elite category of worst
offenders."
9:14:14 AM
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI requested the administration to testify.
ANGELA RODELL, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Revenue,
offered to answer questions related to SB 131.
SENATOR PASKVAN asked if the department has a position on SB
131.
MS. RODELL agreed with Senator Wielechowski that these
situations should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. She
added that the legislation would not cost the state any money
because it does not invest in companies that do business in
Iran.
SENATOR PASKVAN asked for clarification if the department
supports the bill.
MS. RODELL replied that the department supports the bill as it
is currently written.
SENATOR MEYER inquired about the impact of the bill on the
Permanent Fund.
MS. RODELL said she could not speak for the Alaska Permanent
Fund Corporation. She reiterated her belief that investments
should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
SENATOR MEYER questioned how far to go with these protests.
MS. RODELL shared the concern about where to draw the line. She
said each case should be reviewed and taken up independently.
9:17:38 AM
SENATOR PASKVAN questioned the phrase "taken up independently".
MS. RODELL explained her reasoning that it was not a global
decision on global investing, but rather a specific issue of not
investing in Iran.
9:18:39 AM
AKIVA TOR, Israel Council General, Pacific Northwest, San
Francisco, California, spoke in favor of SB 131. He said the
prevention of the Islamic Republic of Iran from achieving
nuclear weapons is a vital security issue, not only for the
state of Israel, but for the United States and the entire West.
Investments in Iran cannot be safe. He stressed that it was the
right thing and the fiscally wise thing to do. He concluded that
the legislation is a message to Iran and is significant, moral,
wise, prudent, and commendable.
9:21:05 AM
MICHAEL MAKOVSKY, Foreign Policy Director, Bi-Partisan Policy
Center, Washington, D.C, testified in support of SB 131. He
maintained that the threat of a nuclear Iran is a national
security threat. He thought the legislation was in the best
interest of the United States and was a bi-partisan issue. He
listed reasons why Iran was a threat. He called on Alaska to
join many other states in supporting the legislation.
9:25:03 AM
DAVID GOTTSTEIN, Anchorage, Alaska, testified on his own behalf
in support of SB 131. He strongly suggested setting a precedent
to help U.S. military by passing this legislation. He said that
federal legislation has granted a waiver from the "prudent
investor rule." He agreed with the Council General that by being
in a position of having investments in an enemy state that is
vulnerable to military action would expose investments there.
Trustees are in favor of this action. This request is very
different because it has to do with national security.
MR. GOTTSTEIN spoke of investments on the North Slope and the
state's wish to not profit by investments in Iran.
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI asked if there was a link between Iran's
funding of organizations that are harming American soldiers and
oil money.
MR. GOTTSTEIN reported that Iran has been a prime manufacturer
of improvised explosive devices, and most of the deaths of U.S.
soldiers in Iraq from explosive devices were from those
manufactured in Iran. He stated that the U.S. is at war against
Iran. He concluded that SB 131 is an opportunity for Alaska to
prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI noted two fiscal notes; an indeterminate
fiscal note from the Department of Revenue and a zero fiscal
note from the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation, Department of
Revenue.
9:30:44 AM
SENATOR MEYER commented on the importance of becoming less
reliant on foreign oil. He named several floundering attempts at
domestic oil development.
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI said 3.6 million barrels of oil are
imported from Iran.
SB 131 was held in committee.
SB 130-ALASKA NATIVE LANGUAGE COUNCIL
9:32:52 AM
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI announced that the CS for SB 130, version X,
was before the committee. It would establish an Alaska Native
Language Preservation and Advisory Council and was introduced by
Senator Donny Olson.
SENATOR PASKVAN moved to adopt the CS for SB 130, labeled 27-
LS0779\X, as the working document before the committee.
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI objected for discussion purposes.
9:34:00 AM
DAVID SCOTT, staff, Senator Donny Olson, testified on SB 130 on
behalf of the sponsor.
LOREN PETERSON, staff, Senator Donny Olson, introduced SB 131 on
behalf of the sponsor. He said that Senator Olson's office
received a resolution from the Northwest Arctic Borough
supporting the formation of an Alaska Native Language Commission
at the state level. The intent of the bill is to preserve,
maintain and restore Alaska Native languages, which serve as the
cultural foundation of all cultural elements. He spoke of the
disappearance of the Eyak tribe's language with the loss of the
last native speaker. SB 131 would establish an Alaska Native
Language Preservation and Advisory Council, which would assess
statewide language policy and programs with a mission to seek
the most cost-effective programs.
MR. PETERSON addressed the changes in Version X. In Section 1,
the words "are the foundation of cultures" were added to the
legislative findings.
In Section 2, the name of the proposed council was changed to
"Alaska Native Language Preservation and Advisory Council." The
council was established in the Department of Commerce, Community
and Economic Development (DCCED), instead of in the Governor's
Office. Wording was changed to say that the council advises the
governor and the legislature. It was established that the
council meets at least twice a year and prepares a report to the
legislature by January 1 of each even numbered year. Finally, it
was established that the two non-voting legislative members of
the council will come from the Bush Caucus.
In Section 3, it was established that the governor must appoint
members of the council by December 1, 2012, and the first report
would be due by July 1, 2014.
MR. SCOTT offered to answer questions. He said there is evidence
that Alaska Native Languages are dying. This legislation is an
attempt to mitigate that situation.
9:39:23 AM
SCOTT RUBY, Director, Division of Community and Regional
Affairs, Department of Commerce, Community and Economic
Development (DCCED), offered to answer questions related to SB
130.
SENATOR PASKVAN asked if the department supports the bill.
MR. RUBY said that the department supports the bill, as written.
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI requested an explanation of the fiscal
note.
MR. RUBY reported that there is currently a fiscal note from the
Governor's Office, and one will be forthcoming from DCCED for
about $240,200. He explained that the money would be used for
personnel costs for staff to serve the commission and for the
preparation of reports. He said it works better for staff to be
assigned to commissions.
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI said the fiscal note from the Office of the
Governor's is for $387,000 in the first year. He inquired if
DCCED's fiscal note would be in addition to that one.
MR. RUBY explained that the new DCCED fiscal note would replace
the Office of the Governor's fiscal note.
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI concluded that the fiscal note would then
be for $240,000 instead of $387,000.
MR. RUBY said it would be $240,000 for first year and $216,000
the following years.
9:43:45 AM
JOY HUNTINGTON, Tanana Chief Conference, Fairbanks, Alaska,
testified in support of SB 130. She spoke of a personal story
regarding her wish to learn the Athabascan language.
9:46:09 AM
ANNETTE EVANS-SMITH, Alaska Native Heritage Center, Anchorage,
Alaska, testified in support of SB 130. She shared that she
considers it her life's work to learn her Native language. She
suggested taking pro-active action now to revitalize indigenous
languages. She listed positive effects from knowing Native
languages and stressed the benefits of this legislation.
9:50:14 AM
JON ROSS, President, Tsiltan Management Group, Anchorage,
Alaska, testified in support of SB 130 and the creation of an
Alaska Native Language Preservation and Advisory Council. He
stressed the importance of passing this legislation. He thanked
the sponsor.
9:52:01 AM
LAWRENCE KAPLAN, Director, Alaska Native Language Center (ANLC),
University of Alaska, Fairbanks, spoke in support of SB 131. He
described how the legislation would support his work and center.
He shared information about the ANLC and how the legislation
would support its goals.
9:55:21 AM
SENATOR GIESSEL asked how many staff members work at ANLC.
MR. KAPLAN said there were six staff members.
SENATOR GIESSEL inquired about the outcomes of the program since
its beginnings in 1972.
MR. KAPLAN shared successes of about graduation rates and
publications.
9:56:57 AM
ROSITA WORL, PHD., President, Sealaska Heritage, Member,
Indigenous Languages Institute Board, Juneau, Alaska, spoke in
support of SB 130. She noted in her native language her Tlingit
names and how they relate to her social values and identity. She
outlined the status of ANL's. She quoted a report to show how
the languages are endangered. She listed the various languages
and their status. She recalled the history of revitalization of
Native languages. She enclosed a report from Sealaska that
outlines restoration programs. She discussed state and federal
efforts to revitalize these languages.
10:02:14 AM
DR. WORL maintained that the study of ANL's is important and the
documentation of Native language does not ensure restoration of
those languages. Native organizations should be the eligible
recipient of funds to revitalize ANL programs. She recommended
that the legislation adopt interim methods to revitalize those
languages that are most in danger. The effect of the legislation
would send a powerful message. She suggested reasons for
supporting SB 130. She addressed self-esteem issues related to
pride of language. She stressed the importance of Native
language programs in schools.
DR. WORL noted she would provide a study to support the need for
restoration of Native languages. She continued to state the
objectives to be achieved by this legislation. She gave a
personal example of the advantage of having knowledge of
indigenous language. She dedicated her testimony to the late
Native, Bill Demmert. She recommended incorporating his name
into the name of the council.
10:09:27 AM
SENATOR GIESSEL agreed that multi-lingual children have advanced
brain development. She recalled the Alaska Native Language
Center just mentioned and asked if Ms. Worl had benefitted from
that program.
DR. WORL replied that she lobbied for the creation of the center
and spoke highly of Dr. Krauss and his program at UAF. She said,
however, that the study of language by itself does not lead to
language restoration. She shared her community-based philosophy.
SENATOR GIESSEL asked if there would be interfacing between the
potential Native Language Council and Dr. Krauss' program.
DR. WORL described the possible interaction between the two
programs. She gave examples of the complexities of words. She
stressed that restoration is a very different approach.
SENATOR GIESSEL asked what Dr. Worl's degree was in.
DR. WORL replied that she is an anthropologist with a PhD. from
Harvard and a minor in social linguistics.
10:14:47 AM
ALICE TAFF, representing herself, testified in support of SB
130. She shared examples of Alaska natural resources, and
included Native languages among them. She suggested that
restoring language would reduce the suicide rate, diabetes, and
alcoholism amongst Native people. She concluded that UNESCO
states the right of students to learn their native language.
10:18:55 AM
PATRICK ANDERSON, Executive Director, Chugachmiut, Anchorage,
Alaska, testified in support of SB 130. He shared his language
history. He said that he has participated in revitalizing two
languages, Hawaiian and Tlingit. He recalled problems in Chugiak
with language restoration and the difficulty of receiving
funding for programs. He described the historical trauma of his
culture. He stated that the legislation would provide linkage
between the State of Alaska and Native communities.
10:26:25 AM
SELENA EVERSON, elder, Juneau, Alaska, testified in support of
SB 130. She recalled the history of her language and thanked the
legislature for considering this important bill. She thanked
Alice Taft, Dr. Worl, and all officials for their work.
10:29:51 AM
SENATOR KOOKESH stressed the historical importance of this
legislation. He said this is the first time a program has been
developed for the Alaska Native Community. He thought it would
be a difficult road to get the legislation passed. He related
that the program depends on many organizations working together,
such as schools, tribes, and foundations that have bought into
the idea of restoration. The State of Alaska has not committed
to this program, unlike Hawaii which recognizes Hawaiian as its
national language. This legislation is ground breaking because
it would be the first step toward preserving Alaska Native
languages.
10:33:12 AM
SENATOR PASKVAN shared his experience with the Athabascan
culture while growing up in Interior Alaska. He related language
preservation roles by family members. He said he believes that
Native languages should not be relegated to history or legend.
The bill is an extremely important process to preserve, honor,
and encourage indigenous languages in Alaska.
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI agreed that when the language dies, the
culture dies.
SB 130 was held in committee.
10:34:54 AM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI adjourned the Senate State Affairs Standing
Committee meeting at 10:34 am.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| SB 136 Fiscal Note.pdf |
SSTA 1/31/2012 9:00:00 AM |
SB 136 |
| SB136.AK Business Monthly.Hiring Military Veterans is Good Business.pdf |
SSTA 1/31/2012 9:00:00 AM |
SB 136 |
| SB136 Vet. Tax Credit.pdf |
SSTA 1/31/2012 9:00:00 AM |
SB 136 |
| SB136 Sectional Analysis.pdf |
SSTA 1/31/2012 9:00:00 AM |
SB 136 |
| SB 136 - Leg Research.Vet Tax Credit Updated Report.12.28.11.pdf |
SSTA 1/31/2012 9:00:00 AM |
SB 136 |
| SB136 Ver.I.1.pdf |
SSTA 1/31/2012 9:00:00 AM |
SB 136 |
| SB136 Support Letter Vets Helping Vets.pdf |
SSTA 1/31/2012 9:00:00 AM |
SB 136 |
| SB136 Letter of Support.pdf |
SSTA 1/31/2012 9:00:00 AM |
SB 136 |
| SB 131 S STA PowerPoint Presentation.pdf |
SSTA 1/31/2012 9:00:00 AM SSTA 2/2/2012 9:00:00 AM |
SB 131 |