Legislature(2015 - 2016)
2015-05-19 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2015-05-19 House Journal Page 1197 HOUSE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SPECIAL SESSION Juneau, Alaska Tuesday May 19, 2015 Twenty-second Day The House was called to order by Speaker Chenault at 10:37 a.m. The following members were present for the technical session: Representatives Chenault, Kawasaki, Kito, and Munoz. MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR HB 72 The following letter was dated and received May 18, 2015, at 4:53 p.m.: "Dear Speaker Chenault: On this date, I have signed the following bill passed by the First Regular Session of the Twenty-Ninth Alaska State Legislature, with line item vetoes, and am transmitting the engrossed and enrolled copies to the Lieutenant Governor's office for permanent filing: CONFERENCE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 72(brf sup maj fld H) "An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state government and for certain programs and capitalizing funds; amending appropriations; and providing for an effective date." 2015-05-19 House Journal Page 1198 Chapter No. 23, SLA 2015 [Effective Date: See Chapter] My line item vetoes are extraordinary in light of the fact that the Legislature transmitted a budget in CCS HB 72(brf sup maj fld H) (HB 72) for fiscal year 2016 that was underfunded by nearly $3,000,000,000. I called a special session on April 27, 2015, asking the Legislature to address the unfunded portion of HB 72. As of today, the Legislature has not resolved the funding shortfall. In the event legislative action is not forthcoming, the line item vetoes ensure continued operation of critical State functions, including prisons, detention centers, and work by State Troopers. The version of HB 72 I have transmitted also will keep open facilities, including the Alaska Psychiatric Institute and the Alaska Pioneers' Homes and ensure distribution of health care payments for several months. This version of HB 72 ensures full debt service payments to mitigate the negative impact a significantly underfunded budget may have on the State's credit rating. In addition, it also allows every agency to allocate funds for heat, lights, and emergency maintenance and services for maintaining critical operations such as network communications and payroll. Finally, this option provides the ability to maintain programs that operate fully on earned receipts, designated funds, and federal funds. Absent legislative action to address the shortfall, most other government functions will likely have to stop shortly after July 1. If the Legislature does not take action before June 1, 2015, layoff notices for personnel not directly responsible for health, life, and safety functions will be sent to affected employees. Respecting the separate branches of government, both the Legislature and Judiciary budgets remain as presented in CCS HB 72(brf sup maj fld H). Sincerely, /s/ Bill Walker Governor" 2015-05-19 House Journal Page 1199 HB 73 The following letter dated May 18, 2015, was received: "Dear Speaker Chenault: On this date, I have signed the following bill passed by the First Regular Session of the Twenty-Ninth Alaska State Legislature and am transmitting the engrossed and enrolled copies to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor for permanent filing: CONFERENCE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 73 "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." Chapter No. 24, SLA 2015 [Effective Date: July 1, 2015] As passed by the Legislature, CCS HB 73 totals $242,300,000, including $201,900,000 in unrestricted general funds. Although I am signing CCS HB 73, I remain gravely concerned that the execution of programs and services will be negatively impacted by the current legislative budget impasse. I urge you to find a resolution to fund an adequate budget that provides for a healthy and sustainable future for all Alaskans. Sincerely, /s/ Bill Walker Governor" ENROLLMENT HB 178 The following was enrolled, signed by the Speaker and Chief Clerk, President and Secretary of the Senate, and the engrossed and enrolled copies were transmitted to the Office of the Governor at 12:09 p.m., May 19, 2015: 2015-05-19 House Journal Page 1200 HOUSE BILL NO. 178 "An Act relating to workers' compensation fees for medical treatment and services; providing for an effective date by amending the effective date of sec. 5, ch. 63, SLA 2014; and providing for an effective date." HB 180 The following was enrolled, signed by the Speaker and Chief Clerk, President and Secretary of the Senate, and the engrossed and enrolled copies were transmitted to the Office of the Governor at 2:00 p.m., May 18, 2015: HOUSE BILL NO. 180(efd add) "An Act establishing the second Sunday of June each year as Children's Day; and providing for an effective date." ANNOUNCEMENTS House committee schedules are published under separate cover. ADJOURNMENT Representative Munoz moved and asked unanimous consent that the House adjourn until 1:00 p.m., May 21, 2015. Representative Kito objected. The Speaker stated that the objection to the adjournment motion is dilatory and ruled it out of order because today's session was noticed as a technical session. Representative Kito appealed the ruling of the Chair. The question being: "Shall the ruling of the Chair be sustained?" The roll was taken with the following result: Sustain Ruling of the Chair YEAS: 2 NAYS: 2 2015-05-19 House Journal Page 1201 Yeas: Chenault, Munoz Nays: Kawasaki, Kito The Speaker stated that when a tie vote occurs the ruling of the Chair is upheld under Section 234 of Mason's Manual; therefore, the House would adjourn until 1:00 p.m., May 21, 2015. The House adjourned at 11:54 a.m. Suzi Lowell Chief Clerk