Legislature(2009 - 2010)
2009-03-18 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2009-03-18 Senate Journal Page 0567 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday March 18, 2009 Fifty-eighth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President pro tempore Huggins at 11:07 a.m. The roll showed sixteen members present. Senators Ellis, Kookesh, Stevens were excused from a call of the Senate. The seat from District B was vacant. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Reverend Judy Shook of the Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Senator Therriault moved and asked unanimous consent that the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Spirit of the Living God, Breathe newness of life into each of us and among this group gathered here. Help us to know that you are closer than our very breath and beyond the comprehension of the wisest. May your spirit flow within our very flesh and blood, that we may remember we are your creatures, family with all your creation. Bless the leaders gathered here, that they may use their gifts of wisdom, respect, humility and integrity to serve all your people. Bless their minds, hearts, bodies and souls, with health and strength necessary to do this work of service. 2009-03-18 Senate Journal Page 0568 Bless all of the staff who assist in this leadership, for their work makes possible the service of the leaders. Janitors, secretaries, administrators, and pages each offer their gifts. Bless the people of our State that they may do their part of serving as citizens. Help all of your people to care for one another as your great examples of Love have shown us and called us to do. Help us to live in peace and harmony, learning to share our resources with wise and gracious stewardship, remembering that all life and all in it is a gift from you. May we all have clear minds, open hearts, strong bodies, and loving souls that all of our work may serve the highest good. Amen. Senator McGuire led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Hoffman, Acting Majority Leader, moved and asked unanimous consent that the journals for the fifty-sixth and fifty- seventh legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Communications Report from the Commissioner of the Department of Administration dated March 12 was received stating the monetary terms for the collective bargaining agreement reached between the State and the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association (MEBA) in accordance with AS 23.40.215. President pro tempore Huggins referred the report to the Finance Committee. 2009-03-18 Senate Journal Page 0569 The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Annual Report on the Constitutional Budget Reserve Fund from Patrick Galvin, Commissioner, Department of Revenue in accordance with AS 37.10.430(b) Annual Report 2008 from Robert F. Swenson, State Geologist and Director Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys Department of Natural Resources in accordance with AS 41.08.030 2008 Time-to-Disposition Reports: Volumes 1, 2, 3a, 3b, 4, 5 from Stephanie Cole, Administrative Director, Alaska Court System in accordance with AS 22.20.310 2008 Travel for Justices, Judges, and Magistrates and Affidavit Information from the Alaska Court System in accordance with AS 22.20.310(4) and (6) Standing Committee Reports SB 51 The Judiciary Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 51 "An Act relating to the installation of window tinting in automobiles" and recommended the adoption of the Transportation Committee Substitute offered on page 447. Signing do pass: Senator French, Chair. Signing do not pass: Senator Therriault. Signing no recommendation: Senators Wielechowski, McGuire. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Public Safety The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. 2009-03-18 Senate Journal Page 0570 SB 52 The Judiciary Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 52 "An Act relating to scheduling Salvia divinorum and Salvinorin A as controlled substances." Signing no recommendation: Senator French, Chair; Senator Wielechowski. Signing do pass: Senators Therriault, McGuire. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Corrections Fiscal Note No. 2, indeterminate, Department of Public Safety Fiscal Note No. 3, indeterminate, Department of Law Fiscal Note No. 4, indeterminate, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 5, indeterminate, Department of Administration The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 96 The Judiciary Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 96 "An Act relating to nonpayment of child support; relating to certain judicial and administrative orders for medical support of a child; relating to periodic review and adjustment of child support orders; relating to relief from administrative child support orders; relating to child support arrearages; relating to medical support of a child and the Alaska Native family assistance program; amending Rule 90.3, Alaska Rules of Civil Procedure; and providing for an effective date" and recommended the adoption of the Health and Social Services Committee Substitute offered on page 433. Signing do pass: Senator French, Chair. Signing no recommendation: Senators Therriault, Wielechowski, McGuire. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Revenue The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 101 The Education Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 101 "An Act relating to questionnaires and surveys administered in the public schools." Signing do pass: Senator Davis, Vice Chair. Signing no recommendation: Senators Olson, Huggins. 2009-03-18 Senate Journal Page 0571 The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Education and Early Development The bill was referred to the Health and Social Services Committee. SB 140 The Education Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 140 "An Act relating to an investment in the education loan fund; relating to authority for the commissioner of revenue to enter into a bond purchase agreement and letter of credit with the Alaska Student Loan Corporation; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Davis, Vice Chair. Signing no recommendation: Senators Olson, Huggins. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 3, Department of Education and Early Development The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Revenue The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 142 The Transportation Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 142 "An Act authorizing the conveyance of certain land of the Alaska Railroad Corporation to the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Menard, Vice Chair; Senators Davis, Meyer, Paskvan. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development The bill was referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee. 2009-03-18 Senate Journal Page 0572 SJR 10 The Judiciary Committee considered SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 10 Urging the United States Congress to adopt S. 371, the Respecting States Rights and Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2009. Signing do pass: Senator French, Chair; Senators Therriault, Wielechowski, McGuire. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Senate Judiciary Committee The resolution was referred to the Rules Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 151 SENATE BILL NO. 151 BY SENATOR FRENCH, entitled: "An Act relating to certain solicitations for veterans." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. SB 152 SENATE BILL NO. 152 BY SENATOR HUGGINS, entitled: "An Act relating to municipal transportation systems and to regional transit authorities." was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and Finance Committees. SB 153 SENATE BILL NO. 153 BY SENATOR FRENCH, entitled: "An Act relating to manufactured homes, including manufactured homes permanently affixed to land, to the conversion of manufactured homes to real property, to the severance of manufactured homes from real property, to the titling, conveyance, and 2009-03-18 Senate Journal Page 0573 encumbrance of manufactured homes, and to manufacturers' certificates of origin for vehicles; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Judiciary Committees. SB 154 SENATE BILL NO. 154 BY SENATOR MCGUIRE, entitled: "An Act adding state wildland fire and resource technicians to the definition of peace officer or fire fighter under the defined contribution plan of the public employees' retirement system and under the defined benefit plan of the public employees' retirement system; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 155 SENATE BILL NO. 155 BY SENATOR MCGUIRE, entitled: "An Act relating to medical assistance payment rates for cognitive disabilities; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services and Finance Committees. SB 156 SENATE BILL NO. 156 BY SENATOR MCGUIRE, entitled: "An Act relating to the Interstate Compact for Juveniles; relating to the State Council for Interstate Adult and Juvenile Offender Supervision; amending Rules 4 and 24(b), Alaska Rules of Civil Procedure; and providing for an effective date." 2009-03-18 Senate Journal Page 0574 was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services and Judiciary Committees. SB 157 SENATE BILL NO. 157 BY SENATORS OLSON, Davis, entitled: "An Act directing the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation to transfer $22,700,000 from the principal of the mental health trust fund to the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority; relating to the development of revenue-producing facilities on mental health trust land and to the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority Subport Office Building; authorizing the issuance of certificates of participation for construction of the building; approving leases of all or part of the building by the Department of Administration; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of Senate Bills SB 3 SENATE BILL NO. 3 "An Act authorizing an Alaska regional development organization to use the Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission as an informational resource" was read the second time. Senator Olson moved and asked unanimous consent to change his recommendation from "no recommendation" to "do pass" on the Community and Regional Affairs Committee report (page 175). Without objection, Senator Olson's recommendation was changed. Senator Hoffman, Acting Majority Leader, moved and asked unanimous consent that the bill be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading and placed on final passage. Without objection, it was so ordered. 2009-03-18 Senate Journal Page 0575 SENATE BILL NO. 3 was read the third time. The question being: "Shall SENATE BILL NO. 3 "An Act authorizing an Alaska regional development organization to use the Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission as an informational resource" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SB 3 Third Reading - Final Passage YEAS: 16 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 3 ABSENT: 0 VACANT: 1 Yeas: Bunde, Davis, Dyson, French, Hoffman, Huggins, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Olson, Paskvan, Stedman, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski Excused: Ellis, Kookesh, Stevens and so, SENATE BILL NO. 3 passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. Citations th Honoring - Florence Welch on the Occasion of Her 100 Birthday Senator(s) Stevens, Bunde, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Olson, Paskvan, Stedman, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski Representative(s) Austerman Honoring - Kodiak High School Cross Country Team, 2008 Alaska State Champions Senator(s) Stevens, Bunde, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Olson, Paskvan, Stedman, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski Representative(s) Austerman Honoring - Grace Christian School, 2008 Class 1-2-3A State Cross Country Champions Senator(s) Meyer, Stevens, Bunde, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Olson, Paskvan, Stedman, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski 2009-03-18 Senate Journal Page 0576 Honoring - Judge Beverly Cutler Senator(s) Menard, Stevens, Bunde, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, French, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Meyer, Olson, Paskvan, Stedman, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski Representative(s) Kerttula, Gatto, Munoz Honoring - Dr. Cary S. Keller Representative(s) Kelly Senator(s) Paskvan, Thomas, Stevens, Bunde, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Olson, Stedman, Therriault, Wagoner, Wielechowski Honoring - Linda Freed Representative(s) Austerman Senator(s) Stevens, Bunde, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Olson, Paskvan, Stedman, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski Honoring - William Iggiagruk Hensley Representative(s) Joule Senator(s) Olson, Stevens, Bunde, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, French, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Paskvan, Stedman, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski In Memoriam - Barbara Bowen Doak Senator(s) Bunde, Stevens, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Olson, Paskvan, Stedman, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski In Memoriam - Katherine "Kay" Fannin Senator(s) Stevens, Bunde, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Olson, Paskvan, Stedman, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski Representative(s) Austerman In Memoriam - Dick Synhorst Senator(s) Stevens, Bunde, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Olson, Paskvan, Stedman, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski Representative(s) Seaton 2009-03-18 Senate Journal Page 0577 Senator Hoffman, Acting Majority Leader, moved and asked unanimous consent that the citations be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. Unfinished Business SB 106 Senator Wagoner moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 106 "An Act disapproving all recommendations of the State Officers Compensation Commission relating to the compensation, benefits, and allowances of state officers; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Wagoner moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from plane time, March 27 through morning plane time, March 29. Without objection, Senator Wagoner was excused. Senator Hoffman, Acting Majority Leader, moved and asked unanimous consent that President pro tempore Huggins be excused from a call of the Senate from evening plane time, March 20 through evening plane time, March 22. Without objection, Senator Huggins was excused. Senator Menard moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from the afternoon of March 20 through the morning of March 23. Without objection, Senator Menard was excused. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. 2009-03-18 Senate Journal Page 0578 Engrossment SB 3 SENATE BILL NO. 3 "An Act authorizing an Alaska regional development organization to use the Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission as an informational resource" was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. Adjournment Senator Hoffman, Acting Majority Leader, moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment until 10:00 a.m., March 20, 2009. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:46 a.m. Kirsten Waid Secretary of the Senate 2009-03-18 Senate Journal Page 0579 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 Mar 19 Thursday Beltz 211 3:30 PM Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Mar 18 Wednesday Beltz 211 8:00 AM SB 140 STATE INVESTMENT IN EDUCATION FUND Uniform Rule 23 Waived Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled += SB 101 STUDENT QUESTIONNAIRES AND SURVEYS Mar 20 Friday Beltz 211 8:00 AM + SB 134 PRUDENT MANAGEMENT OF INSTITUTIONAL FUNDS Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Mar 18 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM += SB 75 BUDGET: CAPITAL, SUPP. & OTHER APPROPS University Department of Education and Early Development Department of Public Safety + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 18 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM += SB 75 BUDGET: CAPITAL, SUPP. & OTHER APPROPS Department of Revenue Alaska Housing Finance Corporation + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2009-03-18 Senate Journal Page 0580 FINANCE (continued) Mar 19 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM += SB 75 BUDGET: CAPITAL, SUPP. & OTHER APPROPS Department of Administration Military and Veterans Affairs Department of Corrections + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 19 Thursday Senate Finance 532 2:30 PM += SB 75 BUDGET: CAPITAL, SUPP. & OTHER APPROPS Department of Labor and Workforce Development Alaska Court System + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 19 Thursday Senate Finance 532 5:00 PM + Statewide Public Testimony += SB 75 BUDGET: CAPITAL, SUPP. & OTHER APPROPS + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 20 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM += SB 75 BUDGET: CAPITAL, SUPP. & OTHER APPROPS + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 20 Friday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM += SB 75 BUDGET: CAPITAL, SUPP. & OTHER APPROPS + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 21 Saturday Senate Finance 532 10:00 AM += SB 75 BUDGET: CAPITAL, SUPP. & OTHER APPROPS + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Mar 18 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Confirmation of Governor's Appointments + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled += SB 11 DEPENDENT HEALTH INSURANCE; AGE LIMIT += SB 27 FOSTER CARE AGE LIMIT/TUITION WAIVER Mar 20 Friday Butrovich 205 1:15 PM + Foster Care Legislative Summit + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2009-03-18 Senate Journal Page 0581 JUDICIARY Mar 18 Wednesday Beltz 211 1:30 PM + Confirmation Hearings: Parole Board Judicial Conduct Commission + SB 59 LOW- SPEED MOTOR VEHICLES + SB 73 USE OF HEADLIGHTS REQUIRED + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 20 Friday Beltz 211 1:30 PM += SB 85 ALCOHOL: LOCAL OPTION/LICENSING/MINORS += SB 110 PRESERVATION OF EVIDENCE + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Mar 19 Thursday Beltz 211 1:30 PM + SB 138 TAX CREDIT FOR STATE TOURISM PROGRAM + SB 97 CRANE OPERATOR LICENSES + SB 149 MORTGAGE LENDING + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Mar 18 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SB 54 PRICE GOUGING INVOLVING ENERGY RESOURCES Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 20 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled + SB 108 STAMPEDE STATE RECREATION AREA + HCR 2 IN-STATE GAS PIPELINE + HCR 3 IN-STATE GAS PIPELINE + HCR 4 IN-STATE GAS PIPELINE + HCR 5 IN-STATE GAS PIPELINE ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Mar 19 Thursday Beltz 211 9:00 AM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2009-03-18 Senate Journal Page 0582 TRANSPORTATION Mar 19 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:00 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION Mar 18 Wednesday Beltz 211 3:30 PM Unfinished Business and Close-out -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- COMMERCE, COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEV Mar 23 Monday Beltz 211 12:00 PM FY10 Budget Close-out ---------------------------------------- COURT SYSTEM Mar 18 Wednesday Fahrenkamp 203 4:30 PM + Court System FY10 Budget Close-out ---------------------------------------- FISH & GAME Mar 19 Thursday Senate Finance 532 8:00 AM Department Close-out ---------------------------------------- GOVERNOR Mar 20 Friday Senate Finance 532 3:00 PM Close-out ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Mar 19 Thursday Butrovich 205 8:00 AM -- Time and Location Change -- + Budget Close-out -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- 2009-03-18 Senate Journal Page 0583 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) LABOR & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Mar 19 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 11:00 AM FY10 Budget Close-out ---------------------------------------- LEGISLATURE Mar 20 Friday Senate Finance 532 3:30 PM Close-out ---------------------------------------- MILITARY & VETERANS' AFFAIRS Mar 18 Wednesday Fahrenkamp 203 12:30 PM + Budget Close-out -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- NATURAL RESOURCES Mar 19 Thursday Beltz 211 12:00 PM -- Time and Location Change -- + Close-out -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- REVENUE Mar 19 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 1:30 PM Subcommittee Close-out ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC FACILITIES Mar 20 Friday Senate Finance 532 8:00 AM Subcommittee Close-out ---------------------------------------- UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA Mar 18 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 8:00 AM Close-out ---------------------------------------- 2009-03-18 Senate Journal Page 0584 SPECIAL COMMITTEES ENERGY Mar 19 Thursday Butrovich 205 11:00 AM + SB 143 RAILBELT ENERGY & TRANSMISSION CORP. + SB 135 ALASKA NATURAL GAS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY + SB 136 IN-STATE PIPELINES: LEASES; CERTIFICATION Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 20 Friday Butrovich 205 11:00 AM + Presentations: - George Cannelos, Federal Co-Chair, Denali Commission - TBD, Defense Energy Support Center: Alaska Fischer-Tropsch Synthetic Fuels Pilot Program <Postponed - TBD Presentation> + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- WORLD TRADE, TECH, INNOVATIONS Mar 19 Thursday Butrovich 205 4:00 PM + Overview: Ketchikan Shipyard Presenter: Doug Ward with Alaska Ship & Drydock, Inc. Mar 24 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 2:00 PM + Overview: Making the 2010 Olympics a Regional Success - Regional Tourism Initiative - Pavilion Opportunities Presenter: Ian Burkheimer, Program Manager, 2010 Tourism, Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) ---------------------------------------- OTHER MEETINGS CHILDREN'S CAUCUS Mar 24 Tuesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Joint w/ Legislative Health Caucus + Topic: SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) in Alaska Mar 31 Tuesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM + Topic: Exposure to Violence and a Child's Developing Brain ---------------------------------------- 2009-03-18 Senate Journal Page 0585 OTHER MEETINGS (continued) FISH CAUCUS Mar 19 Thursday Capitol 106 12:00 PM + Fisheries in the Bering Sea-Benefits to Alaska Communities Presenter: Shirley Marquardt, Mayor, Unalaska Brown Bag Lunch ---------------------------------------- JOINT LEGISLATIVE HEALTH CAUCUS Mar 27 Friday Location Tba 12:00 PM Week of the Uninsured ---------------------------------------- JOINT SESSION Apr 07 Tuesday House Chamber 11:00 AM Annual Address by the Honorable Mark Begich, U.S. Senator ---------------------------------------- MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS Mar 18 Wednesday House Finance 519 8:30 AM Address by Mr. Lobsang Nyandak, the Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the USA and Canada. Sponsored by Senate WTI & House EDT. Mr. Nyandak is the highest ranking Tibetan Official in North America. He will discuss international trade with China and ways to encourage trade in such a way that protects human rights.