Legislature(1999 - 2000)
1999-01-21 House Journal
Full Journal pdf1999-01-21 House Journal Page 0043 HOUSE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE -- FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Thursday January 21, 1999 Third Day Pursuant to adjournment, the House was called to order by Speaker Porter at 10:00 a.m. Roll call showed 38 members present. Representative Rokeberg had been previously excused from a call of the House today. Representative Mulder was absent and his presence was noted later. The invocation was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Pat Brayton of the Valley Chapel. Representative Hudson moved and asked unanimous consent that the invocation be spread on the journal. There being no objection, it appears below: Heavenly Father, As this day begins to unfold, my earnest prayer is that Your presence will fill these chambers, and that all who work here will experience Your blessing and Your help. I know that these men and women sacrifice much to serve the people of this state. I pray that You will keep them and their families at peace and in health. Prosper their labor as they seek the good of our people. May their deliberations be met with Your wisdom, and may their decisions meet Your criteria for justice and truth. May the good that You desire us to see, come to us through the efforts of these who serve us in government. Bless and uphold them. Encourage and direct them. Hold them and our state in Your hands and lead us in Your will. In Jesus' name. Amen 1999-01-21 House Journal Page 0044 The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Representative Joule. CERTIFICATION OF THE JOURNAL Representative Green moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the second legislative day be approved as certified by the Chief Clerk. There being no objection, it was so ordered. MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE A message dated January 19, 1999, was read stating the Senate has confirmed the following members to the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics: Senator Torgerson Senator Hoffman Senator Pearce, Alternate Senator Elton, Alternate FIRST READING AND REFERENCE OF SENATE RESOLUTIONS A message dated January 19, 1999, was read stating the Senate has passed the following, and it is transmitted for consideration: SCR 1 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 1 by the Senate Rules Committee by request of the Senate Committee on Committees: Suspending provisions of Rule 1(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, relating to proportional minority membership on standing committees as it applies to the Senate Finance Committee during the Twenty-First Alaska State Legislature. was read the first time and referred to the Rules Committee. **The presence of Representative Mulder was noted. 1999-01-21 House Journal Page 0045 COMMUNICATIONS The following reports were received: Joint Committee on Electric Utility Restructuring Report and Recommendations on Electric Utility Restructuring, January 19, 1999 (as required by Legislative Resolve No. 70, SLA 1998) Division of Legislative Audit Legislative Budget & Audit Committee Audit Reports (as required by AS 24.20.311) 1998 Annual Report, Unabridged 1998 Annual Report, Condensed Dept. of Commerce & Economic Development Alaska Science and Technology Foundation Grant Procedures September 30, 1998 Division of Occupational Licensing Board of Marine Pilots November 18, 1998 Dept. of Environmental Conservation Division of Facility Construction and Operation Village Safe Water Program Rural Sanitation 2005 Action Plan October 2, 1998 Dept. of Fish & Game Sport Fish Revenue Review November 10, 1998 Dept. of Labor Employment Security Division Reorganization and Consolidation of Agency Operations December 8, 1998 1999-01-21 House Journal Page 0046 REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES The Judiciary Committee has reviewed the appointments of the following individuals and recommends them to the House for consideration: H. Conner Thomas Curt D. Wallace as public members of the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics. The reports were signed by Representative Kott, Chair; and, Representatives Murkowski, Kerttula, Green, James and Croft. INTRODUCTION OF CITATIONS The following citations were introduced and referred to the Rules Committee for placement on the calendar: Honoring - Ping-Tung Chang By Representative Kohring; Senator Green Honoring - 517th Airlift Squadron By Representatives Kohring, Murkowski In Commemoration - Alaska Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, 100th Anniversary By Representatives Kohring, Phillips; Senator Green In Memoriam - Jodi Rae Barve By Representatives Kohring, Masek; Senators Green, Halford In Memoriam - William "Bill" Hall By Representatives Kohring, Dyson; Senators Phillips, Halford In Memoriam - John Michael & Stephanie M. Arzie By Representatives Kohring, Dyson; Senators Phillips, Halford 1999-01-21 House Journal Page 0047 INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE BILLS HB 10 The Speaker removed the Health, Education & Social Services Committee referral and added a Labor & Commerce Committee referral for the following: HOUSE BILL NO. 10 "An Act extending the termination date of the Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives; and providing for an effective date." HB 10 was removed from Health, Education & Social Services Committee and was referred to the Labor & Commerce Committee. HB 29 The Speaker added a Labor & Commerce Committee referral to precede the Finance Committee referral for the following: HOUSE BILL NO. 29 "An Act requiring that the cost of contraceptives and related health care services be included in health insurance coverage." HB 29 is in the Health, Education & Social Services Committee. HB 48 HOUSE BILL NO. 48 by Representative Sanders, entitled: "An Act providing for an advisory vote on the issue of capital punishment." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs, Judiciary and Finance Committees. HB 49 HOUSE BILL NO. 49 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Legislative Budget & Audit Committee, entitled: "An Act relating to the increase of an appropriation item based on additional federal or other program receipts." 1999-01-21 House Journal Page 0048 HB 49 was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. HB 50 HOUSE BILL NO. 50 by the House 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 Finance Committee. The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 20, 1999, appears below: "Dear Speaker Porter: The reality of current record-low oil prices dictates decisive action to balance Alaska's budget. But we learned from the oil price crash of the mid-1980s that it is also essential to maintain economic stability. I believe a responsible FY 2000 budget must: * Strengthen, build and diversify our economy; *Reduce costs through efficiencies, consolidations, new technology, user pay, and, where appropriate, service reductions; and *Continue progress in improving our schools and the well being of our children. My proposed $2.3 billion FY2000 budget cuts $13.5 million from FY1999 -- absorbing critical increases such as $23.6 million for schools and the University, $15 million for corrections and public safety, and millions in inflation costs. The operating budget uses welfare reform savings and a new, sustainable source of revenue to continue commitments we jointly made last year in child health and protection. The recent settlement 1999-01-21 House Journal Page 0049 HB 50 with the tobacco industry will bring in $22 million next year and $23- 28 million each year until at least 2025, avoiding an additional draw on the Constitutional Budget Reserve. In the long term, these initiatives will help balance Alaska's budget by strengthening our economy and averting costly social problems. It is therefore consistent with my proposal for Alaskas Balanced Budget Plan. As we look at ways to reduce state spending, it's important to remember that even with a $1,500 dividend, spending in FY2000 would be $186 less per person than in FY1979. And according to figures released last month by the National Association of State Budget Officers, Alaska is alone in all the states in cutting its general fund budget over the past four years. In fact, the average four-year increase among the states is 21.7%, while we cut our budget 2.8%. We must ensure the FY2000 budget is consistent with a plan that balances the general fund budget before our Constitutional Budget Reserve is depleted. I pledge to work cooperatively with you and local government officials to involve the public in the hard decisions ahead. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor" HB 51 HOUSE BILL NO. 51 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act making appropriations for the operating and capital expenses of the state's integrated comprehensive mental health program; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. A spreadsheet from the Office of Management and Budget, titled "FY 2000 Governor's Mental Health Trust Operating and Capital Budgets," was attached and is on file in the Chief Clerk's office. 1999-01-21 House Journal Page 0050 HB 51 The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 20, 1999, appears below: "Dear Speaker Porter: As part of the budget package I present to the Legislature today, I am transmitting this separate appropriation bill for the states integrated, comprehensive mental health program. This bill includes both operating and capital appropriations. As required by statute, I have attached a report of the differences between my proposed budget and the recommendations of the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority. Alaska has made great progress in serving mental health settlement beneficiaries and emphasizing community-based services. This proposed FY2000 mental health bill continues that progress with state general funds and Trust Authority receipts. In addition, Alaska Housing Finance Corporation receipts are used for housing-related capital projects. This bill is a comprehensive package that has been developed through a positive and productive working relationship between my Administration, members of the Board of Trustees, and their staff. We look forward to working with the Legislature to support these proposed investments for Trust beneficiaries. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor" HB 52 HOUSE BILL NO. 52 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act making and amending capital appropriations and reappropriations and capitalizing funds; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. 1999-01-21 House Journal Page 0051 HB 52 The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 20, 1999, appears below: "Dear Speaker Porter: Whether oil prices are high or low, Alaska has very basic capital construction needs which cannot be ignored. In fact, we have every reason to ensure that our states economy is strengthened with wise investments in our public infrastructure. The capital budget I am proposing for FY2000 focuses on transportation, public safety, education, economic development, and health. Fortunately for us in these times of low oil prices, $641 million of the total $921 million proposal would be paid with federal funds, a $55 million increase over what we are receiving this year. In acknowledgement of our current fiscal situation, I reduced the general fund portion of the budget from $85.4 million to $81.5 million. Alaska Housing Finance Corporation's (AHFCs) share of the capital budget remains at $52 million. Last year, the Legislature appropriated AHFCs dividend to the education formula and bond debt. Similarly, I recommend that we use Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority's FY2000 dividend of $18.8 million to fund the community capital matching grants program and economic development projects such as matching federal funds for harbor improvements. Alaska's good fortune in getting significantly higher federal funding for highways can be secured only if the required state matching funds are raised. I have already announced my proposal for an aggressive investment in transportation to be funded with a moderate increase in the highway motor fuel tax. Even with the increase, Alaska's tax rate (which has remained 8 cents since 1961) would still be lower than in forty-five other states. Although considerable progress was made last session in funding deferred maintenance and K-12 construction and major maintenance projects with AHFC bonds, we still need to fund the remaining projects on the statewide priority lists. We could consider another bond package to accomplish this if, and only if, we are able to 1999-01-21 House Journal Page 0052 HB 52 implement a balanced budget plan that will assure ourselves and bond investors our state finances are on solid ground. I look forward to working with you on a capital program for FY2000 that is fiscally responsible and works toward further economic growth throughout Alaska. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor" HB 53 HOUSE BILL NO. 53 by Representative Smalley, entitled: "An Act relating to allowable absences from the state for purposes of eligibility for permanent fund dividends; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. HB 54 HOUSE BILL NO. 54 by Representative Croft, entitled: "An Act relating to tattooing and body piercing; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees. CONSIDERATION OF THE DAILY CALENDAR HR 6 The Speaker stated that, without objection, the following resolution which is on the bottom of today's calendar would be returned to the Rules Committee: HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 6 Establishing a House Special Committee on Electric Utility Restructuring. 1999-01-21 House Journal Page 0053 SECOND READING OF HOUSE RESOLUTIONS HR 1 The following was read the second time: HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 1 Establishing a House Special Committee on Fisheries. The following fiscal note was published: Zero fiscal note, House Rules Committee, 1/21/99 Representative Green moved and asked unanimous consent that HR1 pass the House. There being no objection, HR 1 passed the House. The following committee members were appointed (page 9): Hudson, Chair; Dyson, Whitaker, Harris, Morgan, Kapsner, Smalley HR 1 was referred to the Chief Clerk for engrossment and enrollment. HR 2 The following was read the second time: HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2 Establishing a House Special Committee on World Trade and State/Federal Relations. The following fiscal note was published: Zero fiscal note, House Rules Committee, 1/21/99 Representative Green moved and asked unanimous consent that HR2 pass the House. Representative Berkowitz objected and withdrew the objection. There being no further objection, HR 2 passed the House. The following committee members were appointed (page 10): Barnes, Chair; Cowdery, Vice Chair; Masek, Phillips, Green, Berkowitz, Joule HR 2 was referred to the Chief Clerk for engrossment and enrollment. 1999-01-21 House Journal Page 0054 HR 3 The following was read the second time: HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 3 Establishing a House Special Committee on Economic Development and Tourism. The following fiscal note was published: Zero fiscal note, House Rules Committee, 1/21/99 Representative Green moved and asked unanimous consent that HR3 pass the House. There being no objection, HR 3 passed the House. The following committee members were appointed (page 10): Phillips, Chair; Barnes, Rokeberg, Dyson, Halcro, Cissna, Kerttula HR 3 was referred to the Chief Clerk for engrossment and enrollment. HR 4 The following was read the second time: HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 4 Establishing a House Special Committee on Oil and Gas. The following fiscal note was published: Zero fiscal note, House Rules Committee, 1/21/99 Representative Green moved and asked unanimous consent that HR4 pass the House. There being no objection, HR 4 passed the House. The following committee members were appointed (page 9): Whitaker, Chair; Dyson, Phillips, Ogan, Harris, Kemplen, Brice HR 4 was referred to the Chief Clerk for engrossment and enrollment. 1999-01-21 House Journal Page 0055 HR 5 The following was read the second time: HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 5 Establishing a House Special Committee on Military and Veterans' Affairs. The following fiscal note was published: Zero fiscal note, House Rules Committee, 1/21/99 Representative Green moved and asked unanimous consent that HR5 pass the House. There being no objection, HR 5 passed the House. The following committee members were appointed (page 10): Murkowski, Chair; Coghill, Vice Chair; James, Phillips, Kott, Cissna, Croft HR 5 was referred to the Chief Clerk for engrossment and enrollment. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Representative Green moved that the House confirm the appointments of Representatives Kott and Kookesh and Representatives Porter and Berkowitz (Alternates) to the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics. The question being: "Shall the House confirm the appointments of Representatives Kott and Kookesh and Representatives Porter and Berkowitz (Alternates) to the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics?" The roll was taken with the following result: Select Committee Legislative Ethics - Confirm Kott, Kookesh Porter, Berkowitz (Alternates) YEAS: 37 NAYS: 1 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 1 1999-01-21 House Journal Page 0056 Yeas: Austerman, Barnes, Berkowitz, Brice, Bunde, Cissna, Coghill, Cowdery, Croft, Davies, Davis, Dyson, Foster, Green, Grussendorf, Halcro, Harris, Hudson, James, Joule, Kapsner, Kemplen, Kerttula, Kohring, Kookesh, Kott, Masek, Morgan, Moses, Murkowski, Phillips, Porter, Sanders, Smalley, Therriault, Whitaker, Williams Nays: Ogan Excused: Rokeberg Absent: Mulder And so, the nominations were confirmed. Representative Green moved and asked unanimous consent that the following members be excused from a call of the House. There being no objection, the members were excused as noted: Representative Whitaker - from 6:59 p.m., January 21 to 9:32 p.m., plane time, January 24, 1999 Representative Therriault - from 7:00 a.m., January 22 to 5:00 p.m., plane time, January 22, 1999 Representative Sanders - from noon, January 22 to 9:30 a.m., plane time, January 25, 1999 Representative Kookesh - from 8:00 a.m., January 22 to 5:00 p.m., plane time, January 25, 1999 Representative Kott - from 7:12 a.m., January 22 to 7:57 p.m., plane time, January 24, 1999 Representative Murkowski - from 7:12 a.m., January 23 to 9:32 p.m., plane time, January 24, 1999 Representative Williams - from 4:00 p.m., January 22 to 9:45 a.m., plane time, January 25, 1999 Representative Bunde - from noon, February 12 to 6:30 p.m., plane time, February 15, 1999 1999-01-21 House Journal Page 0057 Representative Ogan - from 7:00 a.m., plane time, January 22 to 2:00a.m., ferry time, January 26, 1999 (amended from page 31) Representative Kemplen - from 7:00 a.m., January 23 to 1:54 p.m., plane time, January 25, 1999 (amended from page 31) * * * * * The House observed a moment of silence in memory of Edgar Nollner, a musher from the original dog team relay that carried diphtheria serum to Nome in 1925. HB 18 Representative Ogan added his name as cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 18 "An Act making a special appropriation from the earnings reserve account to the principal of the permanent fund; and providing for an effective date." ANNOUNCEMENTS House committee schedules are published daily under separate cover. ADJOURNMENT Representative Green moved and asked unanimous consent that the House adjourn until 10:00 a.m., January 22, 1999. There being no objection, the House adjourned at 11:25 a.m. Suzi Lowell Chief Clerk