SENATE BILL NO. 142 "An Act establishing the Alaska Human Resource Investment Council and transferring certain functions 3 of other entities to the council; establishing a planning mechanism for employment training and other human resource investment needs; and providing for an effective date." BOB ROBADEAU, OFFICE OF THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR testified in support of SB 142. He noted that similar legislation was vetoed by Governor Hickel. He stressed that SB 142 attempts to address concerns by agencies that were raised by the previous legislation. He observed that the legislation consolidates three federally mandated councils. The Governor's Council on Vocational Education, the Alaska Job Training Council and the Employment Security Advisory Council would be combined into the Alaska Human Resource Investment Council. He noted that the bill requires no new general fund dollars. He observed that federal funds are directly earmarked for the councils. He noted that the councils are needed to garner federal funds. He stated that the new Alaska Human Resource Investment Council will be housed in the Office of the Governor. He emphasized that the Council can be used as an economic development tool. Representative Therriault questioned the need for section 1, Legislative Findings and Purpose. Mr. Robadeau spoke in support of retaining section 1. Representative Parnell noted that there is a fiscal impact note for the Office of the Governor. Mr. Robadeau clarified that interagency transfer dollars would be used to consolidate oversight by the Office of the Governor. He emphasized that a savings will be realized by reducing members from 40 to 23. He added that the Council will also save money by reducing the number of meetings from 12 to 4 a year. Representative Brown queried how existing members will be transitioned. Mr. Robadeau explained that a six month sunset will allow private industry representatives to plan their own consolidation. The Governor hopes that consolidation can occur through attrition. He noted that specific seats are mandated by federal law. He stressed that the existing councils can recommend members of their own councils that meet the criteria outlined. He observed that the existing councils support the legislation. Representative Brown asked what can be done to increase resident hire. Mr. Robadeau emphasized that it makes economic sense to hire Alaskans if they are trained. He observed that the infrastructure to train Alaskans exists. He stressed that the Council will be represented by the private sector consumers. He emphasized that some of the largest employers in the State are involved. He stated that 4 employers want to identify jobs and develop a mechanism to train Alaskans. He pointed out that Congress approved the consolidation of councils in 1993. Since then, twenty one states have consolidated. Representative Therriault MOVED to delete section 1, Legislative Findings and Purpose. Representative Grussendorf OBJECTED. He emphasized that council members will be from the public and could benefit from legislative direction. Representative Therriault MOVED to amend his amendment to delete (a), page 1, line 7 through page 2, line 13. Representative Grussendorf OBJECTED. Representative Parnell noted that the purpose section could be included in a sponsor statement or other direction to the Council. A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION to amend the amendment. IN FAVOR: Brown, Grussendorf, Navarre, Kelly, Kohring, Martin, Mulder, Parnell, Therriault OPPOSED: (none) Co-Chair Hanley and Co-Chair Foster were absent from the vote. The MOTION PASSED (9-0). A roll call vote was taken on the main MOTION to delete section 1 (a). IN FAVOR: Kelly, Kohring, Martin, Mulder, Parnell, Therriault OPPOSED: Brown, Grussendorf, Navarre Co-Chair Hanley and Co-Chair Foster were absent from the vote. The MOTION PASSED (6-3). Representative Navarre MOVED to incorporate section 1 (a) into a House Finance Committee Letter of Intent. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. Representative Parnell MOVED to report HCS CSSB 142 (FIN) out of Committee with individual recommendations, the accompanying fiscal notes, and the House Finance Committee Letter of Intent. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. HCS CSSB 142 (FIN) was reported out of Committee with a "do 5 pass" recommendation and a House Finance Committee Letter of Intent, and with a fiscal impact note by the Office of the Governor dated 3/27/95, and with six zero fiscal notes all dated 3/27/95 by the University of Alaska, Department of Education, Department of Labor, Department of Health & Social Services, Department of Commerce and Economic Development, and Department of Community and Regional Affairs.