Legislature(1995 - 1996)
1996-05-08 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf1996-05-08 Senate Journal Page 4197 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE NINETEENTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SPECIAL SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday First Day Pursuant to the May 7th Proclamation of the Governor calling for the convening of the First Special Session of the Nineteenth Alaska State Legislature, the Senate was called to order by President Pearce at 5:50 p.m. The roll showed sixteen members present. Senators Green, Rieger, Taylor, Torgerson were absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Senator Halford. Senator Duncan moved and asked unanimous consent that the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Lord, lead us from the tendency to personalize our disputes and idealize our solutions and help us idealize our disputes and personalize our solutions. Amen. Senator Halford led the Senate in the pledge of allegiance. The presence of Senator Torgerson was noted. Senator Halford announced a majority caucus. Senator Lincoln announced a minority caucus. RECESS Senator Halford moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in recess to a call of the Chair. Without objection, the Senate recessed at 6:28 p.m. 4197 1996-05-08 Senate Journal Page 4198 AFTER RECESS The Senate reconvened at 7:27 p.m. The Secretary read the following: PROCLAMATION Under the authority of art. II, sec. 9, and art. III, sec. 17, of the Alaska Constitution, and in the public interest, I call the Nineteenth Legislature of the State of Alaska into special session at Juneau, Alaska, in the legislative chambers on May 8, 1996, at 5:00 p.m., to consider the following subjects: (1)(a)statutory changes to implement negotiated contracts for employees of state agencies in the executive and judicial branches and the University of Alaska covered by collective bargaining agreements under the Public Employee Relations Act, AS 23.40.040 - 23.40.260; (b)statutory changes to implement pay schedules for employees of state agencies in the executive, judicial (including justices, judges, and magistrates), and legislative branches and of the University of Alaska not covered by collective bargaining units; (c)appropriations to implement (1)(a) and (1)(b) of this proclamation; (2)appropriations for the operating, capital, and loan program expenses of state government, for certain programs and projects, and to capitalize funds; making appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska, from the constitutional budget reserve fund; (3)appropriations for the operating and capital expenses of the state's integrated comprehensive mental health program; 1996-05-08 Senate Journal Page 4199 (4)supplemental appropriations for the expenses of state government and making and amending appropriations; and ratifying certain state expenditures; and (5)a statute increasing the tax on tobacco products. Dated at Juneau, Alaska this 7th day of May, 1996. /s/ Tony Knowles Governor INTRODUCTION AND REFERENCE OF SENATE BILLS SB 1001 SENATE BILL NO. 1001 BY THE SENATE LABOR AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE, entitled: An Act making appropriations for the operating expenses of the executive branch of state government; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. SB 1002 SENATE BILL NO. 1002 BY THE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE, entitled: An Act making and amending appropriations; 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 Finance Committee. SB 1003 SENATE BILL NO. 1003 BY THE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE, entitled: 1996-05-08 Senate Journal Page 4200 SB 1003 An Act relating to public employees. was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. SB 1004 SENATE BILL NO. 1004 BY THE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE, entitled: An Act making an appropriation; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. SB 1005 SENATE BILL NO. 1005 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: An Act making, amending, and repealing appropriations; 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 Labor and Commerce, State Affairs, Judiciary and Finance Committees. Governor's transmittal letter dated May 8: Dear President Pearce: As you know, the two budget bills that passed the Senate and House last night do not constitute a balanced budget for FY97 as required by the state constitution. There was no legislation passed to approve the labor contracts negotiated in good faith with public employee bargaining units or to approve adjustments to the salaries of non- covered employees in the executive and legislative branches, university and court system. The tobacco tax increase, which passed the Senate by a vote of 17-3, was not brought up for a vote in the House. 1996-05-08 Senate Journal Page 4201 SB 1005 I believe these important budget-related issues could have been successfully completed if time had not run out last night. I am limiting the agenda for this special session so the most essential work will be completed first. If these items are successfully completed in the next two days, we could consider completion of other unfinished business, particularly several bills that were simply awaiting concurrence by the other body. In an effort to focus the budget work ahead of us, I have prepared identical bills which address all remaining FY96 supplementals, FY97 operating and capital appropriations, reappropriation, fiscal notes, and budget intent language. They also amend the budget bills passed last night (HB412 and SB136) to add effective dates and authorization for use of the Constitutional Budget Reserve. My administration stands ready to work with you as much as necessary to complete the state's budget in a responsible, timely manner. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor Senator Pearce exchanged chairs with Senator Halford. ANNOUNCEMENTS Announcements are at the end of the journal. 1996-05-08 Senate Journal Page 4202 ADJOURNMENT Senator Pearce moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment until 1:00 p.m., May 9, 1996. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 7:43 p.m. Nancy Quinto Secretary of the Senate May 1996 1996-05-08 Senate Journal Page 4203 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 LABOR & COMMERCE FAHRENKAMP RM 203 MAY 09 THURSDAY 2:00 PM DISCUSS MARINE HIGHWAYS BENEFITS PACKAGE