02/09/2012 09:00 AM Senate STATE AFFAIRS
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB121 | |
| SJR16 | |
| SB129 | |
| SB179 | |
| SCR18 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | SJR 16 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 179 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 129 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SCR 18 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| = | SB 121 | ||
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE STATE AFFAIRS STANDING COMMITTEE
February 9, 2012
9:02 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. 121
"An Act relating to the public employees' retirement system and
the teachers' retirement system; and providing for an effective
date."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 16
Urging the United States Congress to approve legislation
allowing members of the military to receive promised retirement
benefits.
- MOVED SJR 16 OUT OF COMMITTEE
SENATE BILL NO. 129
"An Act relating to the approval and administration of child
care services by the Department of Administration primarily for
the benefit of state officers and employees; and providing for
an effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 179
"An Act relating to missing vulnerable adult prompt response and
notification plans."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 18
Establishing August 4, 2012, as Raoul Wallenberg Remembrance
Day.
- MOVED SCR 18 OUT OF COMMITTEE
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 121
SHORT TITLE: TEACHERS & PUB EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) EGAN
04/07/11 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/07/11 (S) STA, FIN
04/14/11 (S) STA AT 9:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
04/14/11 (S) Heard & Held
04/14/11 (S) MINUTE(STA)
09/15/11 (S) STA AT 9:00 AM Anch LIO Rm 220
09/15/11 (S) Heard & Held
09/15/11 (S) MINUTE(STA)
10/13/11 (S) STA AT 12:00 AM Fairbanks
10/13/11 (S) Heard & Held
10/13/11 (S) MINUTE(STA)
01/26/12 (S) STA AT 9:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
01/26/12 (S) Heard & Held
01/26/12 (S) MINUTE(STA)
02/09/12 (S) STA AT 9:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
BILL: SJR 16
SHORT TITLE: MILITARY PENSIONS
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) WIELECHOWSKI
02/03/12 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/03/12 (S) STA
02/09/12 (S) STA AT 9:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
BILL: SB 179
SHORT TITLE: MISSING VULNERABLE ADULT RESPONSE PLAN
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) DAVIS
01/27/12 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/27/12 (S) STA, FIN
02/09/12 (S) STA AT 9:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
BILL: SB 129
SHORT TITLE: CHILD CARE CTRS: STATE EMPLOYEES & OTHERS
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) MCGUIRE
04/15/11 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/15/11 (S) STA, FIN
02/09/12 (S) STA AT 9:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
BILL: SCR 18
SHORT TITLE: RAOUL WALLENBERG REMEMBRANCE DAY
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) DYSON
01/18/12 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/18/12 (S) STA
02/09/12 (S) STA AT 9:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
WITNESS REGISTER
JESSE KIEHL, Staff
Senator Dennis Egan
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions about SB 121 on behalf of
the sponsor.
MIKE BARNHILL, Deputy Commissioner
Department of Administration
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions related to SB 121.
KENDRA KLOSTER, Staff
Senator Bill Wielechowski
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced SJR 16 on behalf of the sponsor.
CHRIS NELSON, Testifying on his own behalf
Moose Pass, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Spoke in favor of SJR 16.
SENATOR LESIL MCGUIRE
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of SB 129.
GENEVIEVE WOJTUSIK, Staff
Senator Lesil McGuire
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions related to SB 129 on
behalf of the sponsor.
BLUE SHIBLER, Owner
Discovery Preschool
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Spoke in favor of SB 129.
SARAH LEONARD, Director of Marketing & Fund Development
Thread
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 121.
JOY LYON, Executive Director
Association for the Education of the Young Child
Southeast Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: encouraged support of SB 121.
LAUREN BROOKS, Family Services Coordinator
Association of Education of Young Children and
Thread
Southeast Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in favor of SB 121.
SENATOR BETTYE DAVIS
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of SB 179.
CELESTE HODGE, Staff
Senator Bettye Davis
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided information on SB 179 on behalf of
the sponsor.
MICHAEL O'HARE, Deputy Director
Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Department of Military and Veterans Administration (DMVA),
Fort Richardson, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 179.
MARIE DARLIN
AARP
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Spoke in support of SB 179.
LESLIE THOMPSON, Planner I
Alaska Commission on Aging
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 179.
LT. RODNEY DIAL
Alaska State Troopers
Ketchikan, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 179.
PATRICK CUNNINGHAM, Professor
University of Alaska, Anchorage
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 179.
NANCY BURKE, Trust Program Officer
Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority (AMHTA)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 179.
RANDI CHAPMAN, Director of State Affairs
National Alzheimer's Association
Washington, D.C.
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 179.
DULCE NOBRE, Executive Director
Alzheimer's Resource of Alaska
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 179.
KATHRYN MONFREDA, Chief
Criminal Records & Identification Bureau
Department of Public Safety
POSITION STATEMENT: Addressed the fiscal note for SB 179.
DAVID GOTTSTEIN, Testifying on his own behalf
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Spoke in support of SCR 18.
ACTION NARRATIVE
9:02:19 AM
CHAIR BILL WIELECHOWSKI called the Senate State Affairs Standing
Committee meeting to order at 9:02 a.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Giessel, Kookesh, Paskvan, Meyer, and Chair
Wielechowski.
SB 121-TEACHERS & PUB EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS
9:03:25 AM
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI noted the first order of business would be SB
121.
SENATOR PASKVAN moved to adopt Amendment R.1 for CSSB 121 (STA):
27-LS0281\R.1
Wayne
AMENDMENT 1
OFFERED IN THE SENATE
TO: CSSB 121(STA), Draft Version "R"
Page 6, line 21:
Delete "contribution"
Insert "benefit"
Page 6, line 23:
Delete "board"
Insert "administrator"
Page 13, line 17:
Delete "contribution"
Insert "benefit"
Page 13, line 19:
Delete "board"
Insert "administrator"
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI objected.
JESSE KIEHL, staff, Senator Dennis Egan, explained that
Amendment R.1 is a technical cleanup of a drafting error.
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI requested the opinion of the Department of
Administration.
9:05:06 AM
MIKE BARNHILL, Deputy Commissioner, Department of
Administration, agreed that the amendment was a technical
correction.
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI withdrew his objection. Seeing no further
objection, Amendment 1 was adopted.
SENATOR PASKVAN moved to adopt Amendment 2:
27-LS0281\R.2
Wayne
AMENDMENT 2
OFFERED IN THE SENATE
TO: CSSB 121(STA), Draft Version "R"
Page 4, line 10:
Delete "a new subsection"
Insert "new subsections"
Page 4, line 30, following "more":
Insert ", but less than 30,"
Page 5, following line 3:
Insert new subsections to read:
"(h) On or after July 1, 2018, and every five
years thereafter, the administrator shall adjust the
percentages under (g)(2) and (3) of this section as
needed to maintain, but not to exceed, over the
succeeding five years, an employer normal cost rate
for the members and survivors who first became members
after June 30, 2006, that does not exceed the combined
total of the rates under AS 14.25.350(a), (b), (d),
and (e) minus the employer normal cost rate
attributable to the members who first became members
after June 30, 2006, for benefits under AS 14.25.009 -
14.25.167. An adjustment made under this subsection
shall remain in effect for five years. In making an
adjustment under this subsection, the administrator
shall maintain the five percent differences between
(g)(2)(A), (B), and (C) of this section and the five
percent differences between (g)(3)(A) and (B) of this
section.
(i) When a member is appointed to retirement,
the member obtains a vested right to the applicable
percentage under (g)(2) or (3) of this section, as
adjusted under (h) of this section, that is in effect
when the member is appointed to retirement. A member
does not obtain a vested right to a percentage under
(g)(2) or (3) of this section, as adjusted under (h)
of this section, before the member is appointed to
retirement."
Page 11, line 10, following "retirement":
Insert ";
(6) on or after July 1, 2018, and every
five years thereafter, the administrator shall adjust
the percentages under (3) and (4) of this subsection
as needed to maintain, but not to exceed, over the
succeeding five years, an employer normal cost rate
for the members and survivors who first became members
after June 30, 2006, that does not exceed the combined
total of the rates under AS 39.35.750(a), (b), (d),
and (e) minus the employer normal cost rate
attributable to the members who first became members
after June 30, 2006, for benefits under AS 39.35.095 -
39.35.530; an adjustment made under this paragraph
shall remain in effect for five years; in making an
adjustment under this paragraph, the administrator
shall maintain the five percent differences between
(3)(A), (B), (C), and (D) of this subsection and the
five percent differences between (4)(A) and (B) of
this subsection;
(7) when a member is appointed to
retirement, the member obtains a vested right to the
applicable percentage under (3) or (4) of this
subsection, as adjusted under (6) of this subsection,
that is in effect when the member is appointed to
retirement; a member does not obtain a vested right to
a percentage under (3) or (4) of this subsection, as
adjusted under (6) of this subsection, before
appointment to retirement."
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI objected.
MR. KIEHL explained Amendment 2 begins with a cleanup item. The
substantive portion of the amendment deals with the sponsor's
commitment to make this retirement choice bill "cost neutral"
when compared to the defined contribution systems. He pointed
out that the R version of the bill showed a savings to the
state, as compared to the defined contribution system, but only
for a period of time. In the combined PERS systems, the savings
was for about 7 years; in the TRS systems, the savings was for
about 12 years. Accelerating costs of pre-funding health care
benefits overtook the savings in both cases.
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI noticed that money is saved on pensions under
PERS, but health care costs are higher. He asked for information
about health care costs if they increase by 10 percent a year.
MR. KIEHL replied that in the combined PERS system, both numbers
are higher.
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI asked if the assumption is that health care
costs would increase by 10 percent a year.
MR. KIEHL did not recall if the increase is 9.5 percent or 10
percent.
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI shared his calculations regarding health care
costs increasing.
9:10:12 AM
MR. BARNHILL discussed the FY 10 PERS valuation for Alaska
health care costs. In 1978 the monthly premium was $57; in 2011
it is $1,176. This illustrates a 9 percent trend for over 30
years. Actuaries had projected a 9 percent cost growth up until
1990. If the gross domestic product (GDP) in the U.S. is growing
at 3 to 4 percent a year, and health care is growing at 9
percent a year, eventually health care costs would use up the
total economy. The actuaries determined that health care costs
needed to be decreased and projections needed to be stepped down
to about 4.5 percent per year in TRS. There was a tension
between theory and actual experience.
MR. BARNHILL stressed that the U.S. economy and Alaska's economy
should not be compared because the U.S. economy is mature and
has little room for growth. Alaska economy, on the other hand,
has room for GDP growth, which would allow health care to grow
at a sustained, higher rate for a longer period of time. He
stated that the health care growth rate that the state paid in
the last 10 years was 9.4 percent.
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI understood that the calculation going forward
through 2042 was at 10 percent.
MR. BARNHILL said the Alaska Retirement Management Board (ARMB)
assumptions were used, which start at 9 percent and grade down
at a very slow rate over the course of a century.
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI asked if by 2042, it would cost roughly
$100,000 per employee in health care costs.
MR. BARNHILL did not know, but thought costs would double every
ten years.
MR. KIEHL discussed how the amendment "handles the question." He
recalled the history of how decisions were made for the Defined
Contribution (DC) system. He talked about the safeguards of
having a neutral ARM Board and an annual actuarial review. Those
safeguards have led to today's projections. The amendment asks
employees to share the risk through a premium share percentage
that matches the premium share percentage in the DC plan. It
takes note of the cost growth assumptions and has actuaries
evaluate every 5 years what it would cost to prefund health care
benefits, thereby shifting the schedule based on actual
experience. It would ensure that the state does not pay more for
the new system than the old one.
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI simplified the content of the amendment: it
will keep the cost at or below the current system.
MR. KEIEHL agreed. He added that the department expressed an
interest in clarifying the five-year adjustment to make sure
that it is forward looking, which is agreeable to the sponsor.
He noted that the premium share percentages may fluctuate during
an employee's career, but benefits can be adjusted until the
employee retires. At retirement the premium is fixed.
9:18:55 AM
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI said it seems like a good solution.
MR. BARNHILL related that the numerical analysis is being worked
on. He voiced a concern about what happens at retirement.
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI withdrew his objection to adopt Amendment 2.
Seeing no further objection, Amendment 2 was adopted.
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI said that SB 121 would be held over.
SJR 16-MILITARY PENSIONS
9:21:32 AM
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI stated that SJR 16 was before the committee.
The resolution urges Congress to pass legislation guaranteeing
members of the military promised retirement benefits.
KENDRA KLOSTER, staff, Senator Bill Wielechowski, introduced SJR
16 on behalf of the sponsor. She said the Defense Business Board
recently released a suggested plan to convert the military
retirement system from the current 20-year vesting system to a
401k due to pending budget cuts. The Department of Defense is
looking at $487 billion in budget cuts over the next ten years.
The resolution would "grandfather in" members in the current
pension system. The resolution also urges the U.S. Congress to
support HR 3520: Keeping Our Promises Act of 2011.
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI said this issue is a huge concern for the
military. It is about keeping a promise about pensions for
military personnel.
9:23:34 AM
CHRIS NELSON, testifying on his own behalf, Moose Pass, Alaska,
spoke in favor of SJR 16.
SENATOR PASKVAN asked if military veterans have access to health
benefits when they retire.
MR. NELSON said they did. Military service members are covered
by TriCare and those benefits continue upon retirement.
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI spoke highly of Mr. Nelson.
SENATOR PASKVAN moved to report SJR 16 out of committee with
individual recommendations and the attached zero fiscal note.
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI announced that without objection, SJR 16
moved from the Senate State Affairs Standing Committee.
SB 129-CHILD CARE CTRS: STATE EMPLOYEES & OTHERS
9:26:15 AM
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI announced that SB 129 was before the
committee.
SENATOR LESIL MCGUIRE, sponsor, introduced SB 129, which would
allow child care centers to be located in office buildings that
are owned or leased by the State of Alaska. The bill is designed
to help address the child care shortage in Alaska. It does not
address child care facilities in private businesses. She related
the number of children, 35,000 under the age of six, in need of
child care. Of those children, only 16,000 will have an
opportunity to receive child care. She spoke of a task force
eight years ago by the women in the House and Senate to create a
day care center in the state capital. That center has become a
model for other state governments wishing to support employees
that have families.
SENATOR MCGUIRE explained that the bill does not require the
state to pay for child care. She reported on businesses in the
private sector that pay for child care; however, this bill would
simply authorize the Department of Administration to take an
application for consideration of putting child care program
start-up operations together. The state would not be paying any
costs; instead, families would pay for day care services. Many
agencies agree with the benefits of on-site child care.
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI pointed out that the child care center would
be open to all state employees, as well as to the public.
SENATOR MCGUIRE agreed. She addressed the importance of Juneau's
facility to the community. She recalled a time when there was a
shortage of child care centers.
SENATOR PASKVAN asked if state employees would be given priority
at the child care centers in SB 129, similar to how federal
child care programs are run.
SENATOR MCGUIRE said the bill does not address who would be
given priority. The federal requirements dictate that federal
employees are given a priority. In Juneau's day care center,
state employees and staff have first priority. In this bill,
state employees are not necessarily given priority. The
committee could amend the bill to change that.
SENATOR MEYER asked if there were any legal concerns about
liability.
GENEVIEVE WOJTUSIK, staff, Senator Lesil McGuire, sponsor,
answered Senator Meyer's question. She said the current contract
states that the business assumes all liability and it has a $1
million insurance policy.
9:34:45 AM
SENATOR MCQUIRE stressed that the state is not getting into the
child care business. The current contract was obtained by
putting out a request for proposal. Blue Shibler won the
contract and carries insurance.
BLUE SHIBLER, owner, Discovery Preschool, Juneau, Alaska, spoke
in favor of SB 129. She echoed the sentiments of the sponsor
statement. She spoke of the advantage of having maintenance paid
for by the state; child care workers are paid higher than
average wages. Discovery Preschool serves about 40 families,
most of which are legislative and state employees, but some are
also public employees and private sector families. Hours are
extended to evenings and weekends, as well as drop-in care.
SENATOR GIESSEL asked if janitorial services are paid for.
MS. SHIVELER said she does not pay for rent, janitorial
services, or utilities; therefore, she can pay workers higher
wages.
9:38:50 AM
SARAH LEONARD, Director of Marketing & Fund Development, thread,
Anchorage, Alaska, testified in support of SB 121. She related
that thread is Alaska's childcare resource and referral network.
She shared what was contained in thread's letter of support. One
of thread's core missions is to provide accessible, affordable,
and quality child care.
JOY LYON, Executive Director, Association for the Education of
the Young Child, Southeast Alaska, encouraged support of SB 121.
She spoke of the advantages of investing in employer-sponsored
child care. She shared statistics related to the need for child
care in order for parents to work. She argued that care for
children is a priority. The state would benefit in two ways from
this legislation; employers would see returns on investments and
the problem of inadequate availability of child care would be
addressed. Less than half of children with parents in the work
force have access to a licensed child care facility.
9:44:51 AM
LAUREN BROOKS, Family Services Coordinator, Association of
Education of Young Children and thread, Southeast Alaska,
testified in favor of SB 121. She shared statistics about the
availability of child care centers. She listed the problems when
quality child care is not available. She encouraged the adoption
of SB 121.
SENATOR PASKVAN said asked about the range of costs for child
care in Juneau.
MS. BROOKS said she did not monitor private facilities. The
costs vary.
SENATOR PASKVAN asked what the minimum and maximum costs for
child care are.
MS. BROOKS said the maximum cost is about $1,000 per month and
the minimum cost is about $600 per month.
SENATOR MCGUIRE offered to provide statistics that answered
Senator Paskvan's question.
SENATOR GIESSEL looked at page 3, lines 9-11, and asked if page
2, lines 22-24, present a conflict. She said she thought it was
saying that the operator was not assuming financial
responsibility.
SENATOR MCGUIRE responded that in the case of a legislative
building, such as in Juneau, the costs are not passed on to the
provider. She said she does not know what the fiscal note would
be in other cases. She offered to find out if it costs the state
more to cover janitorial services at the Juneau day care center.
SENATOR MCGUIRE maintained that page 3 of the bill was clear
that the operator shall comply with all state and local
standards for licensure of the child care facility. She stated
that page 2 deals with facilities. If the child care center
occupies a state-owned building, there may be a cost.
9:53:57 AM
SENATOR GIESSEL spoke of extended liability and higher standards
when dealing with children in regards to maintenance and
janitorial services. She opined that the state may be taking on
liability if high standards are not maintained.
SENATOR MCGUIRE thought Senator Giessel's comments were
appropriate considerations. She said the partnership merits
value and she thought it was worth it. An attempt was made to
make the bill broad enough to allow for negotiations to take
place.
SENATOR PASKVAN understood the policy choice of the state's
absorbing costs. He took issue with the potential for a sliding
fee schedule on page 3. He maintained that charging fees on the
basis of household income goes beyond operational costs. He
wondered how competitive that was with private enterprise.
SENATOR MCGUIRE noted that all sections are subject to removal.
The cost of care provisions are "may's" not "shall's". It is a
multi-tiered process and is purposely broad. The sliding scale
is specifically for the public, not for state employees.
9:59:56 AM
SENATOR PASKVAN said he only wondered if there was a template or
standard to follow.
SENATOR MEYER asked if private sector providers have been
contacted about this legislation.
SENATOR MCGUIRE replied that the private sector was not
contacted, but she said she sensed that people in the day care
community would be in support of the bill because there is such
a need for child care services. She thought the questions were
fair. The rates in the bill are competitive. She stressed the
need for providing more day care services.
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI stated that SB 129 would be held in
committee.
SB 179-MISSING VULNERABLE ADULT RESPONSE PLAN
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI announced the consideration of SB 179.
10:04:18 AM
SENATOR BETTYE DAVIS, sponsor of SB 179, said the legislation is
similar to the Amber Alert, but is for vulnerable missing adults
rather than children. About 20 states currently have similar
legislation. The bill has a zero fiscal note.
10:06:17 AM
CELESTE HODGE, staff, Senator Bettye Davis, provided information
on SB 179 on behalf of the sponsor. She read from the following
sponsor statement:
SB 179 creates a new statewide alert system to help
find vulnerable missing adults. The system, which is
similar to the nationwide Amber Alert program, would
help local law enforcement notify the public when
a mentally or physically impaired Alaskan goes
missing. According to the Alaska Commission on Aging,
there were approximately 7,785 Alaskans suffering from
Alzheimer's Disease and related dementia in 2010, and
that number is expected to grow to more than 17,000 by
2030. Alaska has the fastest growing senior population
in the nation.
Recently, in Fairbanks, a 63-year-old woman suffering
from Alzheimer's Disease froze to death after she
became disoriented while driving, ran out of gas, and
tried walking several miles to seek help. This
incident and several others like it demonstrate the
need for an alert system to assist in the search for
missing vulnerable adults. When a vulnerable adult
goes missing, his or her best chance of survival is if
someone finds them within 24 to 48 hours.
The bill calls for the Department of Military Affairs
to coordinate with Department of Public Safety to
create and implement prompt response and notification
plans that would use a voluntary network of
statewide and local newspapers as well as radio and
television stations to rapidly alert the public that a
vulnerable adult is missing. The bill also calls for
both departments to establish standards on what
triggers an alert and when a vulnerable adult is
officially considered missing. This legislation would
ensure the search for Alaska's most vulnerable
citizens happens a lot faster. Currently, there are 28
states that have implemented or will implement Silver
Alert programs, an increase in 10 states since the
National Association of States for Aging and
Disabilities last report.
MS. HODGES stated that the fiscal note has zero impact. She
urged support of the bill.
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI said there were ten people waiting to testify
on the bill.
SENATOR GIESSEL asked if the alert system currently exists.
MS. HODGE said it did not.
10:10:00 AM
MICHAEL O'HARE, Deputy Director, Homeland Security and Emergency
Management Department of Military and Veterans Administration
(DMVA) Fort Richardson, Alaska, pointed out that there currently
is an Amber Alert system in place in Alaska. It is a statewide
relay system activated by the Department of Public Safety (DPS).
MR. O'HARE related that DMVA has no problem with the bill. The
bill requires that DMVA cooperate with DPS to put together a
Silver Alert plan. Both departments are on the Emergency Alert
System (EAS) committee. The EAS is antiquated and may not work
in remote areas; however, a new system is forthcoming which
would allow for a regional alert approach.
SENATOR KOOKESH asked if DMVA supports the bill.
MR. O'HARE said absolutely.
10:13:39 AM
MARIE DARLIN, AARP, Juneau, Alaska, spoke in support of SB 179.
She voiced concern about educating family caregivers about how
to respond when an elderly person is missing.
10:15:30 AM
LESLIE THOMPSON, Planner I, Alaska Commission on Aging, Juneau,
Alaska, testified in support of SB 179. She said that the number
one concern of caregivers is what to do if a vulnerable adult
goes missing. She noted that people with Alzheimer's are at
great risk because they do wander.
LT. RODNEY DIAL, Alaska State Troopers, Ketchikan, Alaska, spoke
in support of SB 179.
10:18:22 AM
PATRICK CUNNINGHAM, Professor, University of Alaska, Anchorage,
testified in support of SB 179. He spoke of the benefits
provided in the bill for adults with cognitive disorders, mental
disabilities, and brain injuries.
NANCY BURKE, Trust Program Officer, Alaska Mental Health Trust
Authority (AMHTA), Anchorage, Alaska, testified in support of SB
179. She spoke of her organization's efforts to keep vulnerable
adults who wander, safe.
10:20:34 AM
RANDI CHAPMAN, Director of State Affairs, National Alzheimer's
Association, Washington, D.C., testified in support of SB 179.
She emphasized the importance of local searching techniques.
DULCE NOBRE, Executive Director, Alzheimer's Resource of Alaska,
Palmer, Alaska, testified in support of SB 179. She spoke of the
dangers of wandering behavior. The organization provides
education and strategies for family care givers, but needs
assistance with these situations.
10:23:26 AM
KATHRYN MONFREDA, Chief, Criminal Records & Identification
Bureau, Department of Public Safety, offered to answer questions
about the zero fiscal note for SB 179.
SENATOR GIESSEL noted the broadness of the bill with use of the
language "vulnerable adults."
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI said a definition exists in statute.
MS. HODGE read the definition of vulnerable adult: "A vulnerable
adult is classified under state law as a person who is at least
18 years old, and, because of a physical or mental impairment,
is unable to meet the person's own needs or to seek help without
assistance."
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI stated he would hold SB 179 in committee.
SCR 18-RAOUL WALLENBERG REMEMBRANCE DAY
10:25:34 AM
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI announced that SCR 18 was before the
committee. The resolution designates August 4, 2012, as Raoul
Wallenberg Remembrance Day.
SENATOR FRED DYSON, sponsor, SCR 18, introduced the resolution
by quoting Solomon from 3,000 years ago, "If a man thinketh in
his heart, so is he." He said that Raoul Wallenberg was a
Swedish diplomat who was responsible for saving over 100,000
Jewish people during the holocaust. The Guinness Book of Records
says that no one in history saved more people than Raoul
Wallenberg. August 12, 2012, will be the 100th Anniversary of
Raoul Wallenberg's birth. Many Alaskans are interested in
honoring this hero and no one objects to this proposal.
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI noted that Raoul Wallenberg is one of only
two persons to be made an honorary citizen of the United States.
10:28:31 AM
DAVID GOTTSTEIN, Anchorage, Alaska, testifying on his own
behalf, spoke in support of SCR 18. He shared a personal story
about Raoul Wallenberg.
SENATOR PASKVAN moved to report SCR 18 out of committee with
individual recommendations and attached zero fiscal note.
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI announced that without objection, SCR 18
moved from the Senate State Affairs Standing Committee.
10:30:32 AM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
the Senate State Affairs Standing Committee adjourned at 10:30
a.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| 1 SCR 18 SPONSOR STATEMENT.pdf |
SSTA 2/9/2012 9:00:00 AM |
SCR 18 |
| SCR18A.pdf |
SSTA 2/9/2012 9:00:00 AM |
SCR 18 |
| 3 SCR H.R. 3001 112th Congress - Raoul Wallenberg Centennial Celebration Act.pdf |
SSTA 2/9/2012 9:00:00 AM |
SCR 18 |
| 4 SCR 18 Honorary Citizen USA.pdf |
SSTA 2/9/2012 9:00:00 AM |
SCR 18 |
| SJR 16.Modernizing the Military Retirement System.pdf |
SSTA 2/9/2012 9:00:00 AM |
SJR 16 |
| SJR016A.pdf |
SSTA 2/9/2012 9:00:00 AM |
SJR 16 |
| SJR16.Letter from VoteVets.Org.pdf |
SSTA 2/9/2012 9:00:00 AM |
SJR 16 |
| SJR 16 Military Pension Fact Sheet.pdf |
SSTA 2/9/2012 9:00:00 AM |
SJR 16 |
| SJR16.Articles on Military Pension Cuts.pdf |
SSTA 2/9/2012 9:00:00 AM |
SJR 16 |
| SJR 16. Text of HR3520.Keeping Our Promises Act of 2011.pdf |
SSTA 2/9/2012 9:00:00 AM |
SJR 16 |