Legislature(2015 - 2016)BUTROVICH 205
02/26/2015 09:00 AM Senate STATE AFFAIRS
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HJR13 | |
| Confirmation Hearing: Commissioner, Department of Administration | |
| "continuing Discussion of the Implementation of Ballot Measure No. 2(13psum)-an Act to Tax and Regulate the Production, Sale, and Use of Marijuana | |
| SB9 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | HJR 13 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 9 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HJR 13-RETAIN ARMY FORCES IN ALASKA
9:03:10 AM
CHAIR STOLTZE announced that HJR 13 was before the committee.
9:03:39 AM
ELIJAH VERHAGEN, Staff, Representative Lora Reinbold, Alaska
State Legislature, provided an overview of HJR 13. He related
that HJR 13 supports maintaining and strengthening current
Alaska Army personnel levels at Fort Wainwright and Joint Base
Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER). The downsizing of military bases
across the U.S. is mandatory under the Budget Control Act of
2011. The Department of Army is looking at thirty military
installations and has four more to downsize. Both Wainwright and
JBER are on the list to be considered.
Under the Budget Control Act, the Army was required to have
listening sessions, which occurred Monday in Anchorage and
Tuesday in Fairbanks. The bases could lose up to 15,000 people
at each site. The resolution urges the Department of Defense to
not downsize, and, if possible, strengthen the bases because
Alaska is strategically located.
9:05:27 AM
CHAIR STOLTZE surmised that the military cutbacks are an attempt
to eliminate sequestration. He spoke in support of controlling
the federal budget and in support of the military.
MR. VERHAGEN did not know if the sponsor shared those concerns.
CHAIR STOLTZE asked if she is a fiscal conservative.
MR. VERHAGEN answered yes.
CHAIR STOLTZE reiterated his concern.
9:07:28 AM
MR. VERHAGEN maintained that the shutdown should not be for
Alaska's bases.
SENATOR MCGUIRE joined the committee meeting.
9:08:23 AM
MICHAEL O'HARE, Deputy Director, Division of Homeland Security,
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, testified in
support of HJR 13. He spoke of the great responses in the
listening sessions.
CHAIR STOLTZE asked Mr. O'Hare to comment on sequestration.
MR. O'HARE said he has no comment on the topic.
SENATOR MCGUIRE related that she attended the Anchorage meeting
and noted a slide presentation there. She discussed a process
for submitting letters of support that included information
about military families, location, training, and more.
9:11:08 AM
MR. O'HARE agreed. The slide summarized what Alaska can do and
what it has done with world-class military training and
community support for the military.
SENATOR HUGGINS noted that there normally is a transition of
duties to the Alaska Army National Guard when a base shutdown
happens.
9:12:29 AM
MR. O'HARE offered to provide that information to the committee.
SENATOR HUGGINS implied that when active component units are
reduced, mission-creep into the Reserves increases.
CHAIR STOLTZE noted his appreciation for all of the community
support regarding the military.
9:14:20 AM
SENATOR COGHILL offered Amendment 1:
Page l, lines 2-3:
Delete "take structural realignment actions with
regard to"
Insert "reduce personnel at"
Page l, lines 6 - 7:
Delete "a structural realignment of"
Insert "structural reductions to"
Page 1, lines 8 - 9:
Delete "structural realignment actions not be taken
with regard to both"
Insert "no personnel reductions be made for"
Page4, line5:
Delete "take structural realignment actions with
regard to both"
Insert "reduce personnel at"
CHAIR STOLTZE objected for discussion.
SENATOR COGHILL explained Amendment 1 takes the "structural re-
alignment action" wording out and replaces it with "reduction in
personnel."
9:15:22 AM
CHAIR STOLTZE removed his objection. There being no further
objection, Amendment 1 was adopted.
CHAIR STOLTZE opened public testimony.
SENATOR COGHILL commented that the amendment is "official speak"
to back up what the public has been saying. He pointed out that
all the bases around America have patriotism; Alaska is
fortunate to also have strategic location and community support.
He agreed there is pressure in Alaska to undo federal
sequestration. He stressed that it is time to stand up for
national defense.
9:17:43 AM
CHAIR STOLTZE considered Alaskans the most patriotic, pro-
military state of all.
SENATOR MCGUIRE noted the presence of Senator Wielechowski and
Senator Sullivan in attendance at the Anchorage meeting. She
said there were many quotes from General Mitchell who said, "He
who holds Alaska will hold the world." She drew attention to the
importance of the Arctic.
9:19:16 AM
SENATOR HUGGINS stated that it is important to consider the
history of how the military is perceived by the public, as
compared to today.
9:20:36 AM
CHAIR STOLTZE closed public testimony.
9:21:01 AM
SENATOR HUGGINS moved to report CSHJR 13, as amended, from
committee with individual recommendations. There being no
objection, SCS CSHJR 13(STA).