Legislature(1995 - 1996)
1996-01-12 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf1996-01-12 Senate Journal Page 2117 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE NINETEENTH LEGISLATURE - SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Friday Fifth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Pearce at 11:00 a.m. The roll showed seventeen members present. Senators Frank, Rieger were excused from a call of the Senate. Senator Duncan was absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Kermit Wilson of the First Church of God. Senator Leman moved and asked unanimous consent that the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Praise be the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death. (Psalm 68:19) Lord we have some burdens which trouble us. We lift up to You our fellow Alaskans, some need jobs, some are sick, some are in the midst of difficult circumstances. We ask that You would bear their burdens today and make their load light. May we go out of our way today to help someone in need. God, grant peace to our nation. As decisions are made concerning troubles in our families, cities, and states; may justice and fairness rule. Please guard and keep safe those responsible for providing safety and protection. Bless these our leaders in this day and this session. Amen. Senator Leman led the Senate in the pledge of allegiance. 2117 1996-01-12 Senate Journal Page 2118 The presence of Senator Duncan was noted. CERTIFICATION Senator Halford moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the fourth legislative day and House and Senate Joint Journal Supplement No. 14 be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. INTRODUCTION AND REFERENCE OF SENATE BILLS SB 213 SENATE BILL NO. 213 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state government, for certain programs, and to capitalize funds; making appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska, from the constitutional budget reserve fund; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the Senate Finance Committee. Governors transmittal letter dated January 12: Dear President Pearce: This year, I am transmitting two appropriations bills for operating and loan program expenses for fiscal year 1997. One is the first separate mental health program bill as required by AS 37.14.003 and AS 37.14.005. This bill is for all other government operations, including the Legislature and Court System budgets prepared by those two branches of government as well as the executive branch budgets for which I am responsible. 1996-01-12 Senate Journal Page 2119 SB 213 In putting together the fiscal year 1997 operating budget, my overriding concern was to provide a safe landing as we make the transition toward a balanced budget. Taken together, the bills represent a $40 million or 1.6 percent decrease from current year spending from the pure general fund. Thirty-five million dollars of this is in direct expenditure reductions and five million is a shift from oil dollars to user payments. Both reductions help close the fiscal gap. My budget meets the states basic responsibilities to its citizens and is consistent with the Long Range Financial Planning Commissions recommendations. For the first time in decades, the states formula programs (which account for 51% of the FY97 operating budget) will not increase, thanks to aggressive management efforts, a healthy economy and several proposed budget cuts. Formula programs have historically experienced tremendous cost increases due to federal mandates, new program activities, growth in the populations being served and inflation. My 1997 proposed budget for formula programs is actually a very small decrease--0.6 percent-- from FY96. Within this, we have fully funded the K-12 education formula. The welfare reform legislation presented to you this week will direct savings from caseload reductions to get more people back to work so we can achieve even greater savings in the next five years. The budget proposes income limits for eligibility to receive Longevity Bonus payments and reduces some programs of state aid to local communities. The challenge of saying no to todays wants so we can say yes to our childrens needs will grow more difficult as the state's oil revenues decline. The changes I am proposing are not easy. They require leadership and commitment from Alaskas political leaders. I stand ready to work with you in meeting this challenge. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor SB 214 SENATE BILL NO. 214 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: 1996-01-12 Senate Journal Page 2120 SB 214 An Act making appropriations for the operating expenses of the states integrated comprehensive mental health program; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs, Health, Education and Social Services and Finance Committees. Letter and spreadsheet were submitted with the bill explaining the differences between the Governors proposed FY97 operating budget and the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authoritys recommendations. Copies are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate. Governors transmittal letter dated January 12: Dear President Pearce: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, and in accordance with AS 37.14.003, I am transmitting a separate appropriation bill limited to appropriations for the state's integrated comprehensive mental health program. In accordance with AS 37.14.003(b), an accompanying report explains the differences between the appropriation bill and the recommendations made by the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority for expenditures from the general fund for the state's integrated comprehensive mental health program. The statutory requirement that appropriations for the state's mental health program be made by a separate appropriation bill was enacted as part of the settlement of the mental health trust litigation, Weiss v. State, 4FA-82-2208 Civil. The separate focus on appropriations from the general fund for the state's integrated comprehensive mental health program will improve the state's ability to meet the special needs of Alaskans who use any part of the program. I urge your prompt action on this legislation. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor 1996-01-12 Senate Journal Page 2121 SB 215 SENATE BILL NO. 215 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: An Act streamlining the functions of state government, including authorizing the commissioner of fish and game to award grants for certain resource activities; allowing agents selling fish and game licenses and tags to retain certain compensation; authorizing the Department of Health and Social Services to award grants for certain services for developmentally delayed or disabled children; relating to rabies control and administration of flour and bread standards by the Department of Environmental Conservation; repealing the Athletic Commission, the regulation of boxing and wrestling, the certification of professional geologists, and the Water Resources Board; repealing certain filing statements and bonds for enforcement and collection of certain taxes; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the Resources, Health, Education and Social Services, Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. Zero fiscal notes published today from Department of Revenue, Department of Health and Social Services (2), Department of Environmental Conservation, Department of Natural Resources. Fiscal notes published today from Department of Fish and Game, Department of Commerce and Economic Development. Governors transmittal letter dated January 12: Dear President Pearce: I am offering this bill as part of my administrations goal to streamline state government. This legislation deletes requirements to perform several duties that are not essential for the public health, safety, or welfare and modifies some programs to increase efficiency. 1996-01-12 Senate Journal Page 2122 SB 215 This bill involves several state agencies and a wide variety of programs. The following is a brief description of the legislation. Departments will offer more complete analyses during the committee hearings. Section 1 of the bill would add a new provision authorizing the commissioner of Fish and Game to directly award grants that serve some of that departments core missions--protecting, maintaining, improving, and extending public access to fish, game, and aquatic plant resources of Alaska. Currently, the department does not have authority to award grants and must channel money through other agencies. This causes delay and adds administrative cost. Sections 2- 4, and part of sec. 10 of the bill, would simplify the procedures regarding compensation for vendors who sell sport fishing and hunting licenses and tags on behalf of the state. Currently vendors keep some of the fees they collect as partial payment for their services and pass the balance on to the state. The state then reimburses the vendors for the rest of the compensation due to them. This proposal eliminates that last step by letting vendors calculate total payment due them up front and passing only the balance of the fees to the state. Sections 6 and 7 of the bill would allow the Department of Health and Social Services to award grants rather than contracts for its infant learning program which provides services for developmentally delayed or disabled children. The grant process should increase efficiencies within the department. Section 8 of the bill repeals the Department of Environmental Conservations requirement to regulate rabies reporting and animal constraint. This can be done with no threat to the public health and safety because of continued rabies control efforts by the Department of Health and Social Services coupled with local governments, which routinely exercise animal control powers. In the unorganized borough, the Indian Health Service and village public safety officers fill this local role. 1996-01-12 Senate Journal Page 2123 SB 215 Section 8 also repeals DECs authority to administer flour and bread standards, which have not been substantially revised since 1949. The federal government sets standards for flour and bread, making state standards unnecessary. Moreover, DEC already has authority to establish certain standards for food. Section 9 of the bill would repeal a number of statutes. It would first abolish the Athletic Commission and the Department of Commerce and Economic Developments regulatory oversight of professional boxing and wrestling. Professional boxing and wrestling matches are very infrequent in Alaska. Therefore, the license fees which are set in statute would have to be raised significantly in order to cover the cost of adequate oversight. Currently, the fees are much too low to allow the board and department to comply with their statutory responsibility. Section 9 would also repeal a requirement that the commissioner of commerce and economic development certify an applicant as a professional geologist if the applicant is already certified by the American Institute of Professional Geologists. This state certification requirement merely places a duty on the commissioner without providing an additional benefit to the public safety or welfare. Finally, sec. 9 would abolish the Water Resources Board. The board has not convened or conducted any business in the last few years for lack of legislative financing. Although the Department of Natural Resources will not assume all of the board's functions, it can and will advise the governor on major water policy issues when the need arises. Thus, the elimination of the board will not unreasonably diminish the ability of the state to address matters relating to water appropriations and use. A part of sec. 10 of the bill would repeal a requirement that nonresident businesses annually file information on sworn affidavits and tax bonds before conducting business in the state. This requirement was placed on nonresident businesses in 1955 when few of them had offices or property in the state. That made it difficult to enforce payment of taxes and license fees. But that is no longer the case. The bonding requirement, unique to Alaska, creates an 1996-01-12 Senate Journal Page 2124 SB 215 unfriendly business environment in the state. The program provides no benefit, is unproductive for business, and burdensome for state staff. I recommend that it be repealed. I urge your prompt consideration and passage of this bill that streamlines and improves the operations of state government. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor SB 216 SENATE BILL NO. 216 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: An Act relating to fees or assessment of costs for certain services provided by state government, including hearing costs related to the real estate surety fund; fees for authorization to operate a postsecondary educational institution or for an agents permit to perform services for a postsecondary educational institution; administrative fees for self-insurers in workers compensation; business license fees; fees for activities related to coastal zone management, training relating to emergency management response, regulation of pesticides and broadcast chemicals, and subdivision plans for sewage waste disposal or treatment; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs, Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. Fiscal notes published today from Department of Revenue, Office of the Governor (2), Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Department of Environmental Conservation (2), Department of Commerce and Economic Development, Department of Labor. Governors transmittal letter dated January 12: 1996-01-12 Senate Journal Page 2125 SB 216 Dear President Pearce: As we work to close Alaskas budget gap, my fiscal plan combines spending cuts with increases in certain fees and taxes. This fee bill asks users of state services to take responsibility and help cover the costs of the agencies that serve them. Section 1 of the bill would grant to the Real Estate Commission the power to charge the real estate surety fund for claim hearing costs as they are incurred. Presently, the commission must await the conclusion of a hearing before charging the fund. Because these costs may have been incurred during a fiscal year that has since been closed out, the costs often cannot be reimbursed from the surety fund. In addition, this section would delete a misleading statutory reference to clarify that only the costs of surety fund claim hearings, and not the costs of all disciplinary hearings, may be charged to the fund. Section 2 would allow the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education to charge fees for processing educational institutions applications for authorization to operate, along with application fees for the institutions agent permits. Section 3 of the bill would authorize the State Commission for Human Rights to establish and charge fees for educational and training services and for information and materials the commission provides to the public. This amendment would help the commission cover costs associated with its education efforts to eliminate discrimination. Section 4 of the bill would establish an administrative fee for self- insured employers under the Alaska Workers Compensation Act. Most employers currently pay a portion of the cost of running the state workers compensation program through their insurance premium tax. Self-insured employers, however, are receiving the same state services but are not currently contributing to the cost of running the system. Under this bill, employers would share in those costs. Section 5 would change the biennial fee for a business license from $50 to $75. This would mark the first fee increase since statehood. 1996-01-12 Senate Journal Page 2126 SB 216 Section 6 of the bill would allow the Division of Governmental Coordination in the Office of the Governor to adopt regulations to charge for services related to federal consistency determinations and certifications under the Coastal Zone Management Act. Section 7 of the bill would authorize the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to adopt regulations setting reasonable fees for classes and seminars on emergency response procedures. Section 8 of the bill would authorize the Department of Environmental Conservation to adopt regulations setting fees for the regulation of pesticides and broadcast chemicals and for the review of subdivision plans for sewage waste disposal or treatment. This legislation, coupled with my spending plan, is a step toward closing Alaskas budget gap. I urge your prompt consideration and passage of this bill. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor SB 217 SENATE BILL NO. 217 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: An Act relating to eligibility for the longevity bonus; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs, Health, Education and Social Services and Finance Committees. Fiscal notes published today from Department of Administration, Department of Health and Social Services. Zero fiscal note published today from Department of Health and Social Services. Governors transmittal letter dated January 12: 1996-01-12 Senate Journal Page 2127 SB 217 Dear President Pearce: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill that makes Alaska senior citizens with high incomes ineligible to receive the longevity bonus. The bill also disqualifies longevity bonus recipients who are absent from the state, for reasons within their control, for 180 days or more within any one-year period. I believe that these changes in the program are necessary as a cost containment measure as we look for ways to reduce state spending and to address our budget gap. The income maximum portion of this bill would disqualify a senior citizen from receiving the bonus if his or her gross income exceeds $60,000 a year. A married couple would be disqualified if the spouses combined gross income exceeds $80,000 a year. Although the 1993 amendments to the bonus statutes, which closed the program to people not applying by the end of this year, will eventually lead to reduced costs for the longevity bonus, the short- term savings have been relatively small, as expected. We estimate that enacting the income maximum for eligibility could reduce the cost of the program by about eight percent, or about $6 million annually. I am aware that many seniors within the state oppose needs-basing the bonus program, somehow equating it to welfare. This bill does not do that. Approximately 92 percent of seniors currently on the program, or more than 27,000 people, would see no change in their bonuses. Setting income caps at a relatively high level does not limit the bonus to only those senior citizens who rely on it for the necessities of life. Instead, the high cap is intended to take the bonus away from only those recipients who should not be even minimally affected by the loss. The bill looks only at income, and not assets, so that recipients with moderate incomes will continue to receive the bonus even if they own valuable but nonliquid assets, such as homestead property or a residence that has greatly increased in value over the years. The bill also provides that a recipient disqualified by reason of the income 1996-01-12 Senate Journal Page 2128 SB 217 maximum is not permanently disqualified. If his or her income drops, or circumstances change, the recipient can become eligible again. This will protect recipients on fixed incomes who enjoy a one-time gain from the sale of a residence or some other asset. Similarly, the bill contains a special provision for persons who become eligible for the longevity bonus by age and residency in 1996 and apply before January 1, 1997, but are disqualified because of the income maximum. If those persons subsequently become eligible, they will be entitled to $100 a month payments. The second part of the bill is intended to address a specific problem: bonus recipients who spend little of the year in Alaska, but time their absences so that they are never out of Alaska for more than 90 days at a time. The bill would disqualify recipients who are out of the state for 180 days or more in any one-year period, excluding absences beyond the recipients control. This is in keeping with the original intent of the program to assist seniors who are truly residents of Alaska. I urge your prompt consideration and passage of this bill. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor SB 218 SENATE BILL NO. 218 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: An Act relating to salaries for certain officers and employees who are not members of a collective bargaining unit; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs, Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. Fiscal note published today from all departments except Alaska Court System. Fiscal note published today from Legislative Affairs Agency. 1996-01-12 Senate Journal Page 2129 SB 218 Governors transmittal letter dated January 12: Dear President Pearce: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the salaries of state employees who are not members of a collective bargaining unit. This bill would provide for increases in the salary schedule in AS39.27.011(a), effective July 1, 1996, July 1, 1997, and July1,1998, if the federal cost-of-living index indicates that there has been an increase in the cost of living during the previous calendar year. The language describing the percentage of increase-- capped at 1.5 percent--is derived from the recently negotiated agreements between the state and most employees covered by collective bargaining including: the Alaska State Employees Association, which represents employees in the largest state bargaining unit, the General Government Unit; the Alaska Public Employees Association, representing the Supervisory Unit; and Public Employees Local 71, representing the Labor, Trades, and Crafts Unit. State employees whose salaries are governed by the salary schedule in AS39.27.011(a) have not had a cost-of-living adjustment in their salaries since 1991. All state employees whose salaries are determined by collective bargaining have had at least one cost-of- living adjustment that was not given to the salary schedule employees; members of some collective bargaining units have had more than one such adjustment. This bill recognizes that inflation affects salary schedule employees just as it affects bargaining unit employees. This bill does not attempt to equalize the salary schedules of the unionized and non-unionized work forces; it is simply designed to guarantee that, through fiscal year 1999, non- unionized workers receive the same cost-of-living protection as their unionized colleagues. I urge your prompt consideration and passage of this bill. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor 1996-01-12 Senate Journal Page 2130 SB 219 SENATE BILL NO. 219 BY SENATORS MILLER, Leman, Sharp, Halford, Kelly, Taylor, Torgerson, Green, Donley, Pearce, entitled: An Act relating to the disposal of firearms and ammunition by the state or a municipality. was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. SB 220 SENATE BILL NO. 220 BY SENATORS LEMAN, Halford, Pearce, Green, entitled: An Act relating to the crimes of criminal mischief committed by joyriding; relating to penalties and sentencing for those offenses; and amending Alaska Rule of Criminal Procedure 32.1. was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. CONSIDERATION OF THE CALENDAR CITATIONS In Memoriam - Isamu Sam Taguchi Representative(s) Elton, Robinson Senator(s) Duncan, Adams, Pearce, Lincoln, Hoffman, Zharoff, Taylor, Kelly In Memoriam - H. Prentiss H.P. Gazaway Senator(s) Ellis, Duncan, Lincoln, Leman, Hoffman, Zharoff, Rieger, Donley, Taylor, Green, Halford, R. Phillips, Pearce, Salo, Kelly Senator Halford moved and asked unanimous consent that the citations be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. 1996-01-12 Senate Journal Page 2131 UNFINISHED BUSINESS SB 177 Senator Donley moved and asked unanimous consent that he be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 177 An Act relating to permits to carry concealed handguns. Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 194 Senator Donley moved and asked unanimous consent that he be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 194 An Act relating to offenses associated with criminal street gangs, and to sentencing for those offenses; and amending Rule 702(a), Alaska Rules of Evidence. Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 203 Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that he be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 203 An Act establishing the Legislative Task Force on Recycling Industries Development in Alaska; and providing for an effective date. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Sharp moved and asked unanimous consent that he be excused from a call of the Senate on January 18 to plane time January 19. Without objection, Senator Sharp was excused. ADJOURNMENT Senator Halford moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., January 16, 1996. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:17 a.m. Nancy Quinto Secretary of the Senate January 1996 1996-01-12 Senate Journal Page 2132 ANNOUNCEMENTS NOTICE - AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT Persons with disabilities who require special accommodation or alternative communication formats to access committee meetings may contact the appropriate committee office or the Legislative Information Office in their community. Reasonable advance notice is needed to accommodate the request. For further information, call the ADA Coordinator at 465-3854 Voice/465-4980 TDD. + indicates teleconference STANDING COMMITTEES COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS BUTROVICH ROOM 205 JAN 15 MONDAY 1:30 PM NO MEETING SCHEDULED JAN 17 WEDNESDAY 1:30 PM NO MEETING SCHEDULED JAN 19 FRIDAY 1:30 PM NO MEETING SCHEDULED ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SENATE FINANCE 532 JAN 17 WEDNESDAY 9:00 AM FY 97 STATEWIDE BUDGET OVERVIEW; ANALEE MCCONNELL, OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET DIRECTOR JAN 18 THURSDAY 9:00 AM FY 97 DEPARTMENT BUDGET OVERVIEWS COMMISSIONER MIKE IRWIN, DEPT. OF COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL AFFAIRS DEPUTY COMMISSIONER MICHELE BROWN, DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION ART SNOWDEN, COURT SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR 1996-01-12 Senate Journal Page 2133 FINANCE CONTINUED JAN 19 FRIDAY 9:00 AM FY 97 DEPARTMENT BUDGET OVERVIEWS COMMISSIONER WILLIE HENSLEY, DEPT. OF COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSIONER TOM CASHEN, DEPT. OF LABOR COMMISSIONER KAREN PERDUE, DEPT. OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES ---------------------------------------- HEALTH, EDUCATION & SOCIAL SERVICES BUTROVICH ROOM 205 JAN 17 WEDNESDAY 9:00 AM + SB 165 PSYCHOLOGISTS & PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATES + SB 212 DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS FOR DENTISTS JAN 18 THURSDAY 3:00 PM JOINT HOUSE AND SENATE HESS COMMITTEE MEETING OVERVIEW OF MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM AND PLANNING EO 97 TRANSFER FUNCTIONS OF THE ALASKA COMM. ON POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION JAN 19 FRIDAY 9:00 AM NO MEETING SCHEDULED ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY BELTZ ROOM 211 JAN 17 WEDNESDAY 1:30 PM SB 194 GANG RELATED CRIMES JAN 19 FRIDAY 1:30 PM HJR 30 AMEND US CONSTIT. TO LIMIT FED. COURTS ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE FAHRENKAMP RM 203 JAN 16 TUESDAY 1:30 PM HB 224 STATE PLUMBING CODE JAN 18 THURSDAY 1:30 PM SB 202 ARCHITECTS/ENGINEERS/LAND SURVEYORS ---------------------------------------- 1996-01-12 Senate Journal Page 2134 RESOURCES BUTROVICH ROOM 205 JAN 12 FRIDAY 3:30 PM NO MEETING SCHEDULED JAN 15 MONDAY 3:30 PM NO MEETING SCHEDULED JAN 17 WEDNESDAY 3:30 PM SB 162 AGRICULTURAL LAND SB 128 NONRESIDENT HUNT, SPORT FISH, TRAP FEES JAN 19 FRIDAY 3:30 PM HB 191 MANAGEMENT OF STATE LAND AND RESOURCES ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS BELTZ ROOM 211 JAN 16 TUESDAY 3:30 PM SJR 24 CHANGE TIMING OF VETO OVERRIDE JAN 18 THURSDAY 3:30 PM NO MEETING SCHEDULED ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION BUTROVICH ROOM 205 JAN 16 TUESDAY 1:30 PM NO MEETING SCHEDULED JAN 18 THURSDAY 1:30 PM NO MEETING SCHEDULED OTHER MEETINGS JOINT TASK FORCE ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE HOUSE FINANCE 519 JAN 18 THURSDAY 4:00 PM ALASKAS INTERNATIONAL TRADE SUPPORT NETWORK ---------------------------------------- JOINT SESSION HOUSE CHAMBER JAN 17 WEDNESDAY 11:00 AM ADDRESS BY SENATOR FRANK MURKOWSKI