2004-02-16                     House Journal                      Page 2612
HB 489                                                                                            
HOUSE BILL NO. 489 by the House Rules Committee by request of                                       
the Governor, entitled:                                                                             
                                                                                                    
     "An Act relating to the administration of the Alaska Vocational                                
     Technical Center; and providing for an effective date."                                        
                                                                                                    
was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and                                    
Finance Committees.                                                                                 
                                                                                                    
The following fiscal note(s) apply:                                                                 
                                                                                                    
1.  Zero, Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development                                                    
                                                                                                    
The Governor's transmittal letter dated February 13, 2004, follows:                                 
                                                                                                    
"Dear Speaker Kott:                                                                                 
                                                                                                    
Under the authority of article III, section 18, of the Alaska                                       
Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the Alaska Vocational                            
Technical Center (AVTEC).  AVTEC is a vocational training provider                                  
located in Seward.  In 2003, the responsibility to administer AVTEC                                 
was transferred from the Department of Education and Early                                          
Development to the Department of Labor and Workforce                                                
Development.  However, the authority for the Department of Labor                                    
and Workforce Development (department) to administer and set rates                                  
for AVTEC's programs and services was not provided for in the                                       
transfer.  This bill would correct that oversight.                                                  
                                                                                                    
Section 1 of the bill proposes to amend AS 44.31.020 to provide the                                 
statutory authority for the department to administer the programs of                                
AVTEC and to set rates for student tuition and room and board, and                                  
other fees for the programs and services provided by AVTEC.                                         
                                                                                                    
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                            
                                                                                                    
                                Sincerely yours,                                                    
                                /s/                                                                 
                                Frank H. Murkowski                                                  
                                 Governor"