Legislature(2001 - 2002)
2001-01-11 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2001-01-11 Senate Journal Page 0049 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE -- FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Thursday January 11, 2001 Fourth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Halford at 11:03 a.m. The roll showed eighteen members present. Senators Pearce, Phillips were excused from a call of the Senate. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, The Reverend William Elkinton, Elder of the Wesleyan Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent that the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. The Doxology begins with these words, "Praise God from Whom all blessings flow, praise Him all creatures here below". Here we are physically. Help us now attain the attitude of gratitude. Many of us shared the delight in the recent mild weather expressed at the reception by one from Fairbanks. It isn't always easy to "Rejoice with them that do rejoice and weep with them that weep". (Romans 12:15) The skiers are not pleased, the snow removal crews are murmuring, the oil dealers are moaning. Somehow help us to enter into one another's burdens and blessings. The citrus growers in Florida were spraying their trees to protect them from freezing. They were also rejoicing that the cooler weather produces sweeter fruit. So hardships may produce good fruit in our lives if we "Let patience have her perfect work". (James 1:4) 2001-01-11 Senate Journal Page 0050 That concept can serve us well as this body begins its assigned duty of making law. Deliver them, I pray, from the notion that the making of many laws is the remedy for our social ills. Grant that they will recognize the worth of a solid foundation. May we not weaken it by the use of inappropriate materials. I recall teaching my children a little song, The Wise Man Builds His House Upon the Rock. I can still remember the view of Turnagain by the Sea in June 1964. My sympathies went out to the Atwoods, Meades, Thomases and other families who suffered loss. Your Word informs us that "A man's life does not consist of the abundance of the things which he possesses". (Luke 12:15) So teach us to build lives worthy of emulation from our youth and commendation from You, the Faithful and Omniscient Judge. I offer these requests with thanksgiving in Jesus' Name. Amen. Senator Cowdery led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Leman moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the third legislative day and House and Senate Joint Journal Supplement No. 1 be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. 2001-01-11 Senate Journal Page 0051 Messages from the House Message dated January 10 was read, stating: The House of Representatives respectfully invites the Senate to a Joint Session of the Legislature at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 23 for the purpose of hearing Chief Justice Dana Fabe's State of the Judiciary message. Senator Leman moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate accept the House invitation to meet in Joint Session. Without objection, it was so ordered. The Secretary was requested to notify the House. Communications The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Report Examining Court Decisions and Opinions of the Attorney General Construing Alaska Statutes from Division of Legal and Research Services, Legislative Affairs Agency in accordance with AS 24.20.065(b) Alaska 2000 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report from Division of Finance, Department of Administration in accordance with AS 37.05.210 Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 27 SENATE BILL NO. 27 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 2001-01-11 Senate Journal Page 0052 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. Governor's transmittal letter dated January 10: Dear President Halford: The Fiscal Year 2002 operating budget I am transmitting today is known as my "Jobs and Families Budget." It addresses three key goals: maintains the existing level of vital public services Alaskans need; makes additional strategic investments for Alaska families in education, early childhood development, public health and public safety; and it helps create and protect jobs for Alaska families. The total budget includes a $145 million general fund increase over the current fiscal year. Yet it is $140 million less than in Fiscal '95 and nearly 1,700 inflation-adjusted dollars less per Alaskan than in Fiscal 1979, the last pre-oil boom year. Some $80 million of the proposed increase is necessary just to maintain existing services. Recent legislatures have approved, and now we must operate, a new Anchorage jail, new health lab and additional juvenile correctional centers in Ketchikan, Juneau and Anchorage. We have higher caseloads for such vital services as health care for the elderly and disabled. We must fund legislatively-approved labor contracts. Paying the interest on bonds for new schools approved in recent years will cost $28 million. And the number of Alaskans to whom we must provide services has grown 14 percent in the past decade. In addition I have incorporated funds to improve education from child care through K-12 and the university; for our public health initiative to fight TB, hepatitis C, arctic contaminants, food borne illness and other serious public health problems; and to protect the public's safety by providing funds for more law enforcement personnel, child and senior protection, emergency services, and alcohol enforcement and treatment. 2001-01-11 Senate Journal Page 0053 The general fund deficit for the coming year is projected to be more than $500 million. Based on the fall forecast, our Constitutional Budget Reserve would be depleted in less than 5 years. We need to work together to develop a long-term budget plan during this session to ensure the state's financial integrity. I stand ready to work with you to make responsible choices to benefit all Alaskans. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor SB 28 SENATE BILL NO. 28 BY THE SENATE 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. Governor's transmittal letter dated January 10: Dear President Halford: I am today transmitting to you a separate FY2002 appropriations bill for the state's comprehensive mental health program. As required by statute, it includes both operating and capital appropriations and is accompanied by a report outlining the differences between my proposed budget and the recommendations of the Alaska Mental Health Authority. 2001-01-11 Senate Journal Page 0054 Alaska continues to make considerable progress in serving beneficiaries of the mental health settlement and emphasizing community based services. This budget proposal continues that progress with careful investments of Trust Authority receipts, general funds and Alaska Housing Finance Corporation receipts for housing- related capital projects. The bill represents a cooperative effort between several departments in my Administration and the Trustees and staff of the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority. We look forward to working with the Legislature in evaluating and implementing this budget proposal for mental health services for the Trust's beneficiaries. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor Attachment In accordance with AS 37.14.003(b) a report of the differences between the Governor's proposed budget and the recommendations of the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority was attached. SB 29 SENATE BILL NO. 29 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act making capital appropriations and capitalizing 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. 2001-01-11 Senate Journal Page 0055 Governor's transmittal letter dated January 10: Dear President Halford: I am transmitting to you today my proposed capital budget for FY2002. Together with proposals for schools and major maintenance that you will receive separately, it represents a solid investment to meet the most critical needs for Alaska's economic development and basic public services such as education, transportation and public protection. We must address needs such as critical deferred maintenance projects, emergency communications equipment upgrades mandated by the federal government, water and sewer systems, and safety equipment for child protection and public safety personnel. This budget makes necessary investments in these basic areas as well as some strategic economic development projects, such as the gasline development. This $1.2 billion capital appropriations bill includes $100.9 million in general funds and $827.4 million in federal funds. AHFC capital funds remain at $52 million and the $17.5 million AIDEA dividend is again recommended principally for the community capital matching grants program. I look forward to working with you to put together a responsible capital budget for the coming year. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor Unfinished Business Senator Olson moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from afternoon plane time, January 11 through morning plane time, January 16. Without objection, Senator Olson was excused. 2001-01-11 Senate Journal Page 0056 Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Adjournment Senator Leman moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., January 12, 2001. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:31 a.m. Heidi Vogel Acting Secretary of the Senate January 2001 2001-01-11 Senate Journal Page 0057 Announcements Americans with Disabilities Act Notice - 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. SENATE STANDING COMMITTEES + indicates teleconference = indicates bill previously heard/scheduled COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS FAHRENKAMP 203 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 12 Friday 9:00 AM Overview- Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation Jan 17 Wednesday 3:00 PM HOUSE FINANCE 519 Joint w/(H) Finance Presentation by Denali Commission Jan 18 Thursday 9:00 AM Update on Federal and State Medical Issues- American Medical Association 2001-01-11 Senate Journal Page 0058 FINANCE SENATE FINANCE 532 Jan 23 Tuesday 9:00 AM Presentation by Alaska Travel Industry Association ---------------------------------------- HEALTH, EDUCATION & SOCIAL SERVICES BUTROVICH 205 Jan 15 Monday 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 17 Wednesday 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY BELTZ 211 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 ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE BELTZ 211 Jan 11 Thursday 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 16 Tuesday 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 18 Thursday 1:30 PM -- Agenda to be Announced -- 2001-01-11 Senate Journal Page 0059 RESOURCES BUTROVICH 205 Jan 15 Monday 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 17 Wednesday 3:30 PM SB 16 OIL DISCH PREVENTION: NONTANK VESSELS/RR Jan 19 Friday 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS BELTZ 211 Jan 16 Tuesday 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 18 Thursday 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION BUTROVICH 205 Jan 16 Tuesday 1:30 PM Joint w/(H) Transportation Transportation Department Workshop General Overview Jan 18 Thursday 1:30 PM Joint w/(H) Transportation Transportation Department Workshop General Overview 2001-01-11 Senate Journal Page 0060 JOINT COMMITTEES SELECT CMTE ON LEGISLATIVE ETHICS SENATE FINANCE 532 Jan 17 Wednesday 1:00 PM Public Comment, Report of Old Business, Election of Officers, Committee Procedures, State Benefit and Loan Programs, Legislation, Administrator Position, Electronic Filing. ---------------------------------------- LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SENATE FINANCE 532 Jan 11 Thursday 3:00 PM -- Location Change -- Organizational Meeting