Legislature(2009 - 2010)
2009-01-26 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2009-01-26 Senate Journal Page 0069 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Monday January 26, 2009 Seventh Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 11:00 a.m. President Stevens requested the following Senator approach the rostrum to be administered the Oath of Office (Certificate of Election page 3): District C Albert M. Kookesh President Stevens administered the Oath of Office to Senator Kookesh. The roll showed fourteen members present. Senators Meyer, Wagoner, Wielechowski were excused from a call of the Senate. Senators Bunde, French, McGuire were absent. Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that Senators French, McGuire be excused from a call of the Senate today. Without objection, Senators French, McGuire were excused. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Father Pat Travers of St. Paul's Catholic Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent that the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Let us pray: Almighty God, we thank you for the many blessings that you have bestowed upon the people of Alaska, especially the freedom that we enjoy and the beauty 2009-01-26 Senate Journal Page 0070 and richness of this great land. As they gather this morning to act on behalf of our people, we ask you to guide the members of this chamber in their deliberations. Grant them the wisdom, integrity, and strength to make decisions that will truly serve the public good of all Alaskans. Inspire them with a spirit of peace, compassion, and generosity that will help them transcend the conflicts that arise in their work. Keep them safe and healthy as they confront the challenges and rigors of their service as our senators. We ask your blessings also on the members of their families, whose love and sacrifices support them in so many ways. We also pray for our governor, representatives, judges, and civil servants of our state; for our mayors and local governments; for our president, congressional delegation, and other national leaders; and for the members of the armed forces who protect our freedom, especially those who are in harm's way today. We make this prayer in your holy name. Amen. Senator Dyson led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the journals for the third through sixth legislative days and Senate and House Joint Journal Supplement No. 1 be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. The presence of Senator Bunde was noted. Messages from the Governor Letter submitted in compliance with AS 39.05.080 and Art. III, sec. 26 of the Alaska Constitution, dated January 23 was read, stating in accordance with AS 14.40.150, I submit the following names for legislative confirmation of appointment to the board noted: 2009-01-26 Senate Journal Page 0071 University of Alaska Board of Regents Mary K. Hughes - Anchorage Appointed: 7/9/2002 Reappointed: 1/23/2009 Term Expires: 2/1/2017 Kenneth J. Fisher - Juneau Appointed: 1/23/2009 Term Expires: 2/1/2017 The appointments were referred to the Education Committee. The resumes for these appointments have been submitted to the Offices of the Senate Secretary and the Chief Clerk. Communications Letter dated January 21 was received from Dana Fabe, Chief Justice of the Alaska Supreme Court, stating, in accordance with AS 24.60.130(b)(3), she has nominated the following public members for reappointment to the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics: Herman G. Walker, Jr. Dennis "Skip" Cook The appointments were referred to the Judiciary Committee. The following report is on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Advisory Opinions Rendered by the Committee, Volume XXX Advisory Opinions 07-05, and 08-01 thru 08-04 January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008 from Herman G. Walker, Jr., Chair Select Committee on Legislative Ethics in accordance with AS 24.60.150 and AS 24.60.160 Introduction and Reference of Senate Resolutions SJR 3 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 3 BY SENATOR THERRIAULT, 2009-01-26 Senate Journal Page 0072 Relating to carrying firearms in national parks. was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary Committee. SCR 2 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 2 BY SENATOR THERRIAULT, Requesting the Governor and the Department of Fish and Game to halt and reverse any effort to introduce wood bison into areas planned for development. was read the first time and referred to the Resources Committee. SR 3 SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 3 BY SENATOR HOFFMAN, Relating to the federal stimulus package. was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 78 SENATE BILL NO. 78 BY SENATOR DYSON, entitled: "An Act relating to the powers and duties of the legislative audit division." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. SB 79 SENATE BILL NO. 79 BY SENATOR MCGUIRE, entitled: "An Act waiving payment of premiums for major medical insurance under the defined benefit retirement plan for public employees for disabled peace officers who have at least 20 years of credited service as peace officers." 2009-01-26 Senate Journal Page 0073 was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs, Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 80 SENATE BILL NO. 80 BY SENATOR MEYER, entitled: "An Act extending the termination date of the Board of Veterinary Examiners; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 81 SENATE BILL NO. 81 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to certain investments of the Alaska permanent fund, the state's retirement systems, the State of Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan, and the deferred compensation program for state employees in companies that do business in Sudan, and restricting those investments; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Senate Special Committee on World Trade, Technology, and Innovations, State Affairs and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Revenue Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Revenue Governor's transmittal letter dated January 23: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to certain investments of the Alaska permanent fund, the state's retirement systems, the State of 2009-01-26 Senate Journal Page 0074 Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan, and the deferred compensation program for state employees in companies that do business in Sudan, and restricting those investments. This bill requires the fiduciaries of state investment funds to divest of investments in publicly traded companies that conduct business operations or have direct investments in business operations in Sudan, as defined by the federal Sudan Divestment and Accountability Act of 2007, P.L. 110-174. On September 21, 2004, addressing the United Nations General Assembly, President George W. Bush stated, "[A]t this hour, the world is witnessing terrible suffering and horrible crimes in the Darfur region of Sudan, crimes my government has concluded are genocide." On September 25, 2006, Congress reaffirmed that "the genocide unfolding in the Darfur region of Sudan is characterized by acts of terrorism and atrocities directed against civilians, including mass murder, rape, and sexual violence committed by the Janjaweed and associated militias with the complicity and support of the National Congress Party-led faction of the Government of Sudan." The federal government has imposed sanctions against the Government of Sudan since 1997. These sanctions are monitored through the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). The investment of funds in business firms and financial institutions with ties to the repressive regime in Sudan is inconsistent with the moral and political values of the people of Alaska. It is a fundamental responsibility of the state of Alaska to decide where, how, and by whom financial resources in its control should be invested, taking into account numerous pertinent factors. The people of Alaska condemn the human rights abuses, enslavement and genocide in Sudan and declare these atrocities to be contrary to the fundamental principles of human rights and standards of justice and individual freedoms. The bill will require the commissioner of the Department of Revenue, the Alaska Retirement Management Board of Trustees, and the Alaska Permanent Fund Board of Trustees to divest of investments in publicly traded companies that conduct business operations or have direct investments in business operations in Sudan. These provisions are drafted to comply with the federal Sudan Divestment and Accountability Act of 2007, P.L. 110-174, which includes notice of the enactment of this measure to the United States Attorney General. 2009-01-26 Senate Journal Page 0075 The bill also provides for immunity and indemnification for the state's investment fund fiduciaries in connection with the implementation of a Sudan divestment policy. There is authority for the notion that divestment policies are not consistent with the prudent investor standard (see, e.g., 1998 Inf. Op. Att'y Gen. at 198 (663-98-0297; Aug. 12); Alaska State Senate, Rural Research Agency, Alaska's Permanent Fund: Legislative History, Intent and Operations at 39-40 (Jan. 1986)). Accordingly, these provisions are important to protect the fiduciaries of the state's investment funds from any challenge or liability that may result from implementation of this bill. Further, the bill provides for sunset of the divestment provisions of this bill upon the earlier of three occurrences: 1.) if the sunset provisions in sec. 12 of the Sudan Divestment and Accountability Act of 2007 are satisfied, 2.) if Congress or the President declares that Sudan divestment policies interfere with United States foreign policy; or 3.) if the Sudan Divestment and Accountability Act of 2007 is repealed. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Sarah Palin Governor SB 82 SENATE BILL NO. 82 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act providing for an effective date by delaying the effective date of the change of coverage of adult dental services under Medicaid; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Health and Social Services 2009-01-26 Senate Journal Page 0076 Governor's transmittal letter dated January 23: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill extending the termination date for enhanced adult dental services under Medicaid, for five years. Historically, adults enrolled in Medicaid were only eligible for dental care that addressed immediate relief of pain and acute infection, which often resulted in tooth extractions. In 2006, the Legislature authorized an enhanced program, which provides preventative and restorative services to needy eligible adults under the Medicaid program. This bill would continue this enhanced program for an additional five years. The Department of Health and Social Services reports that the program has provided access to essential dental services to needy vulnerable Alaskan adults who otherwise may not have access to these services. Coverage of routine dental care may reduce complications of pregnancy, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Over the long-term the enhanced dental services offer opportunities for cost-savings as the services should result in decreased need for emergent dental care, including cases of dental infection that require treatment in hospital emergency rooms. Additionally, denture services and restoration of decayed teeth have assisted some adult Medicaid recipients with finding jobs or job advancement opportunities. This provides even more significant cost- savings opportunities to the state and to Alaska's society as a whole, as some indigent Alaskans become able to transition to greater financial independence. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Sarah Palin Governor SB 83 SENATE BILL NO. 83 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: 2009-01-26 Senate Journal Page 0077 "An Act repealing the governor's committee on employment of people with disabilities; creating the state vocational rehabilitation committee and relating to the committee; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Labor and Workforce Development Governor's transmittal letter dated January 23: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill repealing the Governor's committee on employment of people with disabilities, creating the state vocational rehabilitation committee, and relating to the committee. The purpose of this bill is to eliminate the need to change state law every time federal requirements change the number and or constituency of the membership required for the Governor's committee on employment of people with disabilities and to expand its responsibilities to include the functions of an assistive technology advisory council as required under federal law. Since approximately 70 percent of the financing for the committee comes from the federal government, compliance with federal requirements is necessary. Assisting those with disabilities in obtaining employment is vital to the economic and social well-being of the state. Given the opportunity, these Alaskans have the ability to contribute significantly to our workforce and to our communities, while granting them financial independence and affirmation of their value to society. The Governor's committee on employment of people with disabilities has been carrying out the responsibilities of the state rehabilitation council identified in 29 U.S.C. 725, as amended. This bill would 2009-01-26 Senate Journal Page 0078 replace the existing committee with a federally compliant committee and would allow for adjustments necessary to remain in conformance with federal law without the need for further statute changes. The newly created committee's responsibilities would also include the functions of an assistive technology advisory council required under 29 U.S.C. 3001. The bill would also increase the frequency of meetings of the committee, from a minimum of once each year to four times a year. The bill would allow telephonic participation in committee meetings, and would provide for election of the chair by the committee members, subject to the approval of, rather than appointment by, the Governor. The bill would also provide a reviser's instruction to change the heading of Article 2 of AS 23.15, to reflect the creation of the new committee. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Sarah Palin Governor SB 84 SENATE BILL NO. 84 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to bonding limitations and confidentiality of records and information of the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development 2009-01-26 Senate Journal Page 0079 Governor's transmittal letter dated January 23: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to bonding limitations and confidentiality of records and information of the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA). This bill would accomplish five things. Section 1 of the bill would exclude refunding and conduit revenue bonds from the 12-month bond limit of the Authority. AS 44.88.095(a) precludes AIDEA from issuing more than $400,000,000 of bonds during any 12-month period. Enactment of the bill would ensure that the 12-month bond limit would never preclude AIDEA from issuing refunding bonds to refinance existing development finance project debt on more favorable terms, or from issuing conduit revenue bonds for which AIDEA has no financial obligation to pay. Conduit revenue bonds are payable by the project developer and related parties, primarily from revenue generated by the project. Section 2 of the bill would eliminate the sunset of the statutory ability of AIDEA issuing bonds. AS 44.88.095(g) severely limits the ability of AIDEA to issue bonds. Before the July 1, 2007 statutory sunset, AS 44.88.095(g) authorized AIDEA to issue most bonds without further legislative approval; the sole exception being bonds in excess of $10,000,000 to assist in the financing of a development project under AS 44.88.172 - 44.88.177. That authorization to issue bonds ended on July 1, 2007, with the statutory sunset. AIDEA currently requires legislative approval to issue any bonds, excepting refunding and conduit revenue bonds. Section 2 of the bill would amend AS 44.88.095(g) to eliminate the sunset and enable AIDEA to again issue most bonds without legislative approval. AIDEA will still require legislative approval to issue bonds in excess of $10,000,000 to assist in the financing of development projects, excluding refunding bonds. Section 2 of the bill would also expressly clarify in statute that AIDEA may use proceeds from refunding bonds to finance certain costs and expenses associated with issuing the refunding bonds. 2009-01-26 Senate Journal Page 0080 AS 44.88.095(g) empowers AIDEA to issue refunding bonds for development projects, but does not provide sufficient clarity required by bond markets to enable proceeds from the refunding bonds to be used to pay more than the outstanding balance of the existing bonds. The bill, if enacted, would enable AIDEA to issue refunding bonds, the proceeds from which can be used to pay both the outstanding balance of the existing bonds and the costs of refinancing, funding reserves, and other costs related to issuing refunding bonds for development projects. The ability to use refunding bond proceeds to pay these additional costs is anticipated to reduce the cost of financing, which would provide a direct economic benefit to project developers. Sections 3 and 4 of the bill would amend AS 44.88.215 to clarify confidential records and information of AIDEA, and processes for determining confidentiality. AS 44.88.215 assists the mission of AIDEA by assuring borrowers, applicants, and project developers that certain records and information provided to AIDEA will be kept confidential. AIDEA has heard complaints from borrowers, applicants, and project developers because AS 44.88.215 does not clearly establish that AIDEA can retain the confidentiality of certain types of documents. Sections 5 and 6 of the bill attempt to address these concerns by clarifying that certain types of records and information are confidential, defines "trade secrets" using the Alaska Uniform Trade Secrets Act to clarify existing statutory language, and establishes processes for the executive director of AIDEA to determine confidentiality of records and information. Finally, Section 8 of the bill would make the Act effective on July 1, 2009. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Sarah Palin Governor SB 85 SENATE BILL NO. 85 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: 2009-01-26 Senate Journal Page 0081 "An Act relating to limitations on possessing, sending, shipping, transporting, or bringing alcoholic beverages to a local option area and to penalties for violations of those limitations; relating to probation for minor consuming or in possession or control of alcoholic beverages; relating to civil fines for liquor licensees whose agents or employees furnish alcoholic beverages to a person under 21 years of age; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional Affairs, Judiciary and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, indeterminate, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 2, indeterminate, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 3, indeterminate, Department of Corrections Fiscal Note No. 4, zero, Department of Public Safety Fiscal Note No. 5, indeterminate, Department of Law Governor's transmittal letter dated January 23: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of article III, section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill that would lower the amount of alcoholic beverages that may be possessed in or imported into a local option area and would levy civil fines for liquor licensees whose agents or employees furnish alcoholic beverages to a person under 21 years of age. The bill will strengthen existing laws intended to reduce the devastating economic, health, and social problems that arise from alcohol abuse in both urban and rural Alaska. People in rural Alaska communities have asked many times for help from the state in addressing the problems caused by alcohol in their communities. By reducing the amount of alcohol allowed into those communities that have chosen to restrict its use, the ability for bootlegging activities can be decreased. This is one way to help smaller communities address a serious problem of public safety and health. 2009-01-26 Senate Journal Page 0082 Under current law, a person living in a "damp" area -- that is, one in which a person may possess alcoholic beverages but not sell alcoholic beverages -- may possess ten and one half liters or 14 "fifths" of distilled spirits, 24 liters of wine or 32 bottles and 12 gallons of malt beverage, without a legal presumption of intent to sell. Current law adopts the same limits on the amounts of alcohol package stores can send to a person living in a local option area every calendar month. The same threshold amount applies to the penalties for bootlegging; a person convicted of bootlegging more than ten and one half liters of distilled spirits under current law is subject to a class C felony. A person convicted of bootlegging ten and one half liters or less of distilled spirits commits a class A misdemeanor. There is general agreement that under current law the amounts that may be possessed by, imported by, or sent to an individual in a local option area in one calendar month are very high. The bill would reduce the amount of distilled spirits by 75 percent and would reduce the amount of wine and malt beverage by 50 percent. Under the proposed bill a package store in Anchorage may send to a person living in a damp area, every month, three liters (or four "fifths") of distilled spirits, 12 liters (or 16 bottles) of wine, and six gallons of malt beverage. Further, the bill would adopt a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment for a person convicted for the first time of felony bootlegging. The term is similar to the mandatory term for a person convicted for the first time of felony drunk driving. Secondly, this bill provides an additional tool in the quest to limit access to alcohol by our youth. Studies show that the earlier a person begins consuming alcohol, the greater their chances are of becoming dependant. Curbing underage drinking is important to the well-being of all Alaskans. Under the current law, a liquor licensee's agents or employees, such as bartenders or package store clerks, may be charged with a class A misdemeanor if they sell or serve alcoholic beverages to a person under 21 years of age. Most people who operate a liquor license are highly responsible, and train their agents and employees to be diligent in not serving underage youth. Some licensees, however, do not 2009-01-26 Senate Journal Page 0083 emphasize the prohibition against serving alcoholic beverages to minors. Under current law there is no adverse consequence to the licensee if the licensee's agent or employee has furnished alcoholic beverages to a minor. The bill would adopt a civil fine for a licensee whose employee or agent for the second or subsequent time is convicted of furnishing alcoholic beverages to a minor on the licensee's premises. A warning for the first conviction would be sent to the licensee by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. The civil fine of $1,000 would be imposed on a licensee for a second or subsequent conviction of an agent or employee. The fine would provide a greater incentive for licensees to train and supervise agents and employees to avoid serving alcoholic beverages to people under 21 years old. The bill would also repair a minor drafting error in legislation passed last session addressing probation for young persons who consume alcoholic beverages. The bill clarifies that a person may be convicted of repeat minor consuming for subsequent convictions. I urge your prompt and favorable consideration of this bill. Sincerely, /s/ Sarah Palin Governor SB 86 SENATE BILL NO. 86 BY SENATOR ELLIS, entitled: "An Act establishing requirements and limitations related to the payment of sick leave by certain employers; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. 2009-01-26 Senate Journal Page 0084 Consideration of the Calendar Citations Honoring - Dr. Norm Eck Senator(s) Olson, Stevens, Bunde, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Paskvan, Stedman, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the citation be adopted. Without objection, the citation was adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. Unfinished Business President Stevens announced that Senator Huggins will serve as Majority Whip for the Twenty-sixth Legislature. President Stevens announced the following clarification to the alternate appointees to the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics (page 11): Senator Thomas will serve as alternate for Senator Stevens Senator Wielechowski will serve as alternate for Senator Wagoner Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Adjournment Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., January 28, 2009. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:30 a.m. Kirsten Waid Secretary of the Senate 2009-01-26 Senate Journal Page 0085 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. STANDING COMMITTEES + indicates teleconference = indicates bill previously heard/scheduled COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS Jan 27 Tuesday Beltz 211 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 29 Thursday Beltz 211 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Jan 27 Tuesday Butrovich 205 9:00 AM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Presentation by The Patrick Taylor Foundation Jan 29 Thursday Butrovich 205 9:00 AM + SB 57 CHARTER SCHOOL FUNDING ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Jan 26 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 27 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SR 3 PROJECTS FOR ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE 2009-01-26 Senate Journal Page 0086 FINANCE (continued) Jan 28 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Overview: Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority Budget Jan 29 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 30 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Presentation: Commercial Passenger Vessel Excise Tax Update ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Jan 26 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SB 35 EXTEND SUICIDE PREVENTION COUNCIL Jan 28 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:15 PM Joint w/(H) H&SS + Matters Pertaining to Health Reform in Alaska: A seminar for Legislators and staff Jan 30 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Jan 26 Monday Capitol 120 1:30 PM -- SENATE PORTION OF MEETING CANCELED -- Joint w/(H) Judiciary + Overview: Department of Public Safety Jan 28 Wednesday Beltz 211 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 30 Friday Beltz 211 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2009-01-26 Senate Journal Page 0087 LABOR & COMMERCE Jan 27 Tuesday Beltz 211 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 29 Thursday Beltz 211 1:30 PM + Overview of Dept of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Overview of Dept of Labor and Workforce Development ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Jan 26 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM -- Meeting Recessed to 1/27/09 -- + Update on Natural Gas Pipeline Presentation:Tony Palmer, Vice President, Alaska Development, TransCanada Presentation: Bud Fackrell, President of Denali The Alaska Gas Pipeline LLC Jan 27 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 1:00 PM -- Continued from 1/26/09 -- + Update on Natural Gas Pipeline Presentation:Tony Palmer, Vice President, Alaska Development, TransCanada Presentation: Bud Fackrell, President of Denali The Alaska Gas Pipeline LLC Jan 28 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Overview: State Energy Plan Steve Haagenson, Executive Director, AEA + Overview: Fire Island Wind Farm Update Barbara Donatelli, Ethan Schutt, Steve Gilbert, CIRI Jan 30 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2009-01-26 Senate Journal Page 0088 STATE AFFAIRS Jan 27 Tuesday Beltz 211 9:00 AM + SB 77 EXTEND JOINT ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE + 9:15 a.m. Dept of Public Safety Overview/Presentation 10:00 a.m. Dept of Administration Overview/Presentation Jan 29 Thursday Beltz 211 9:00 AM + SB 36 EXECUTIVE BRANCH RECORDS SECURITY ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Jan 27 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:00 PM Joint w/(H) Transportation + Dept of Transportation Overview by Commissioner Leo von Scheben Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan Overview Jan 29 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:00 PM Joint w/(H) Transportation + Alaska Marine Highway Overview 1:00-2:15 p.m. Alaska Class Ferry Project Presentation 2:15-3:00 p.m. ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES LABOR & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Jan 29 Thursday Senate Finance 532 5:30 PM + Joint w/(H) L&WFD Commissioner Click Bishop Dept Overview and FY10 Budget Request ---------------------------------------- 2009-01-26 Senate Journal Page 0089 SPECIAL COMMITTEES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ENERGY Jan 29 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 10:00 AM + Overview: Geothermal Energy in Alaska Presenters: Gwen Holdmann, Director of the Alaska Center for Energy and Power Chris Rose, Exec. Director of Renewable Energy Alaska Project Bob Swenson, Director of the Alaska State Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys ---------------------------------------- JOINT COMMITTEES JOINT COOK INLET SALMON TASK FORCE Jan 27 Tuesday Barnes 124 12:00 PM + Initial Close Out Meeting ---------------------------------------- LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL Jan 27 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 4:00 PM Election of Chair & Vice Chair Anchorage Office Space Subcommittee Recommendations Sanctioning and Ratification of Charitable Events Approval of Flag and Map Pins Approval of Legislative Commemorative Coins Legislature FY 08 Audit Westlaw Contract Approval Fosler Law Group Contract Amendment Birch, Horton, Bittner & Cherot Contract Amendment Anchorage Security Guard Expenditure Approval 2009 Legislative Drafting Manual Approval Other Business ---------------------------------------- 2009-01-26 Senate Journal Page 0090 OTHER MEETINGS JOINT SESSION Feb 11 Wednesday House Chamber 11:00 AM State of the Judiciary Address by Chief Justice Dana Fabe Feb 19 Thursday House Chamber 11:00 AM Annual Address by the Honorable Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senator