Legislature(2017 - 2018)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/16/2017 01:30 PM Senate LABOR & COMMERCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Confirmation Hearings | |
| SB64 | |
| SB71 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| *+ | SB 71 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 75 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | SB 64 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 79 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE LABOR AND COMMERCE STANDING COMMITTEE
March 16, 2017
1:36 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Mia Costello, Chair
Senator Shelley Hughes, Vice Chair
Senator Kevin Meyer
Senator Gary Stevens
Senator Berta Gardner
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
CONFIRMATION HEARINGS
Board of Psychologists and Psychological Associate Examiners
Suzanne Dutson - Juneau
Dr. Deborah Gideon - Anchorage
CONFIRMATIONS HEARD AND HELD
Board of Barbers & Hairdressers
Jennifer Lombardo - Anchorage
Michelle McMullin - Anchorage
CONFIRMATIONS HEARD AND HELD
Board of Chiropractic Examiners
Dr. Brian Larson - Soldotna
Dr. Jonathan Vito - Anchorage
CONFIRMATIONS HEARD AND HELD
Board of Marital & Family Therapy
Karen Cunningham - Anchorage
Nicole Jenkins - Palmer
CONFIRMATIONS HEARD AND HELD
Board of Massage Therapists
Traci Gilmour - Juneau
Jill Motz - Wasilla
CONFIRMATIONS HEARD AND HELD
Occupational Safety & Health Review Board
Thomas Trosvig - Kodiak
CONFIRMATION HEARD AND HELD
Workers' Compensation Appeals Commission
Stephen Hagedorn - Anchorage
Deirdre Ford - Anchorage
CONFIRMATIONS HEARD AND HELD
Board of Professional Counselors
Eleanor Vinson - Juneau
CONFIRMATION HEARD AND HELD
Alaska Workers' Compensation Board
Saleutogi (Togi) Letuligasenoa - Fairbanks
Linda Murphy - Soldotna
Donna Phillips - Girdwood
Aaron Plikat - Anchorage
Brett Stubbs - Anchorage
Rick Traini - Anchorage
Lake Williams - Fairbanks
CONFIRMATIONS HEARD AND HELD
Board of Dental Examiners
SCHEDULED BUT NOT HEARD
Board of Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy
SCHEDULED BUT NOT HEARD
SENATE BILL NO. 64
"An Act adopting the Uniform Environmental Covenants Act;
relating to environmental real property covenants and notices of
activity and use limitation at contaminated sites to ensure the
protection of human health, safety, and welfare, and the
environment; and providing for an effective date."
- MOVED SB 64 OUT OF COMMITTEE
SENATE BILL NO. 71
"An Act relating to limitations on certain commercial fishing
loans made by the Department of Commerce, Community, and
Economic Development."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 79
"An Act relating to the prescription of opioids; establishing
the Voluntary Nonopioid Directive Act; relating to the
controlled substance prescription database; relating to the
practice of dentistry; relating to the practice of medicine;
relating to the practice of podiatry; relating to the practice
of osteopathy; relating to the practice of nursing; relating to
the practice of optometry; relating to the practice of
veterinary medicine; related to the duties of the Board of
Pharmacy; and providing for an effective date."
- SCHEDULED BUT NOT HEARD
SENATE BILL NO. 75
"An Act relating to instruction in a language other than
English; and relating to limited teacher certificates."
- BILL HEARING CANCELED
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 71
SHORT TITLE: COMMERCIAL FISHING LOANS
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) STEVENS
02/27/17 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/27/17 (S) L&C, FIN
03/16/17 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: SB 64
SHORT TITLE: UNIFORM ENVIRONMENTAL COVENANTS ACT
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) MICCICHE
02/17/17 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/17/17 (S) CRA, L&C
02/28/17 (S) CRA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
02/28/17 (S) Heard & Held
02/28/17 (S) MINUTE(CRA)
03/07/17 (S) CRA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/07/17 (S) Moved SB 64 Out of Committee
03/07/17 (S) MINUTE(CRA)
03/08/17 (S) CRA RPT 2DP 2NR
03/08/17 (S) DP: BISHOP, HOFFMAN
03/08/17 (S) NR: MACKINNON, STEDMAN
03/14/17 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/14/17 (S) Heard & Held
03/14/17 (S) MINUTE(L&C)
03/16/17 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
WITNESS REGISTER
SUZANNE DUTSON, Appointee
Board of Psychologists and Psychological Associate Examiners
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Board of
Psychologists and Psychological Associate Examiners.
DR. DEBORAH GIDEON, Appointee
Board of Psychologists and Psychological Associate Examiners
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Board of
Psychologists and Psychological Associate Examiners.
JENNIFER LOMBARDO, Appointee
Board of Barbers and Hairdressers
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Board of
Barbers and Hairdressers.
MICHELLE MCMULLIN, Appointee
Board of Barbers and Hairdressers
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Board of
Barbers and Hairdressers.
DR BRIAN LARSON, Appointee
Board of Chiropractic Examiners
Soldotna, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Board of
Chiropractic Examiners.
DR. JONATHAN VITO, Appointee
Board of Chiropractic Examiners
Soldotna, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Board of
Chiropractic Examiners.
KAREN CUNNINGHAM, Appointee
Board of Martial and Family Therapy
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Board of
Martial and Family Therapy.
NICOLE JENKINS, Appointee
Board of Marital and Family Therapy
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Board of
Martial and Family Therapy.
TRACI GILMOUR, Appointee
Board of Massage Therapists
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Board of
Massage Therapists.
JILL MOTZ, Appointee
Board of Massage Therapists
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as Appointee to the Board of
Massage Therapists.
THOMAS TROSVIG, Appointee
Occupational Safety and Health Review Board
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Occupational
Safety and Health Review Board.
STEPHEN HAGEDORN, Appointee
Workers' Compensation Appeals Commission
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Workers'
Compensation Appeals Commission.
DEIRDRE FORD, Appointee
Workers' Compensation Appeals Commission
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Workers'
Compensation Appeals Commission.
ELEANOR VINSON, Appointee
Board of Professional Counselors
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Board of
Professional Counselors.
SALEUTOGI (TOGI) LETULIGASENOA, Appointee
Alaska Workers' Compensation Board
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Alaska
Workers' Compensation Board.
LINDA MURPHY, Appointee
Workers' Compensation Board
Soldotna, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Alaska
Workers' Compensation Board.
DONNA PHILLIPS, Appointee
Alaska Workers Compensation Board
Girdwood, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Alaska
Workers' Compensation Board.
AARON PLIKAT, Appointee
Alaska Workers' Compensation Board
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Alaska
Workers' Compensation Board.
BRETT STUBBS, Appointee
Alaska Workers' Compensation Board
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Alaska
Workers' Compensation Board.
RICK TRAINI, Appointee
Alaska Workers' Compensation Board
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Alaska
Workers' Compensation Board.
LAKE WILLIAMS, Appointee
Alaska Workers' Compensation Board
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Alaska
Workers' Compensation Board.
RACHEL HANKE, Staff
Senator Peter Micciche
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions related to SB 64.
TIM LAMKIN, Staff
Senator Gary Stevens
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced SB 71 on behalf of the sponsor.
SENATOR GARY STEVENS
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of SB 71.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:36:45 PM
CHAIR MIA COSTELLO called the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:36 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Gardner, Stevens, Meyer, Hughes, and Chair
Costello. She and the other committee members introduced the
youths from Facing Foster Care in Alaska who were job-shadowing.
^Confirmation Hearings
CONFIRMATION HEARINGS
Board of Psychologists and Psychological Associate Examiners
Board of Barbers & Hairdressers
Board of Chiropractic Examiners
Board of Marital & Family Therapy
Board of Massage Therapists
Occupational Safety & Health Review Board
Workers' Compensation Appeals Commission
Board of Professional Counselors
Alaska Workers' Compensation Board
1:42:54 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO announced the first order of business would be
confirmation hearings for governor appointees to boards and
commissions. She stated that the intent is to hear from the
appointees, ask questions, and forward the names in one batch at
some later date.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Suzanne Dutson of Juneau to share her
interest in serving on the Board of Psychologists and
Psychological Associate Examiners in the public seat.
1:45:05 PM
SUZANNE DUTSON, Appointee, Board of Psychologists and
Psychological Associate Examiners, Juneau, Alaska, reviewed her
educational credentials and stated she is interested in serving
on this board because it matches her goal of serving the state
using her education and experience in social services,
behavioral health, and health care. She appreciates the
opportunity to have an impact and ensuring that there is quality
and accountability in licensure for behavioral health
professionals. She has attended one meeting and was impressed
with the talented and dedicated members serving on the board.
SENATOR STEVENS said he has heard complaints that it takes up to
six months for the staff for this board to issue certifications
and get the information out to employers. He asked her to
comment on what she could do to help this situation.
MS. DUTSON said she believes the problem will be resolved with
the new staff that has been hired.
SENATOR STEVENS expressed optimism that she would look into the
timeliness issue.
SENATOR GARDNER reviewed Ms. Dutson's impressive resume and
asked what a doctorate in management provides and if she will
continue to work in the area of human services.
MS. DUTSON confirmed that she will continue to work in human
services. She explained that the organizational leadership
doctorate is an umbrella for her pre and post graduate degrees
that will make her more effective in policy development and
regulatory matters at the state or federal level.
1:51:04 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO thanked Ms. Dutson for being willing to serve.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Dr. Deborah Gideon to share her interest in
serving on the Board of Psychologists and Psychological
Associate Examiners in a psychologist seat.
DR. DEBORAH GIDEON, Appointee, Board of Psychologists and
Psychological Associate Examiners, Anchorage, Alaska, said she
is a clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist and she hopes
her experience will help the board. It is also an opportunity
for her to give back to the state. She is interested in quality
of care and providing care to the multiple groups in the state.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked if her experience working on boards in
other states will translate to this board and perhaps make it
more efficient.
DR. GIDEON said she can't address board efficiency at this
point, but she does have a perspective of licensure, the
qualifications required, and how the profession functions. She
reiterated that quality of care is her biggest concern primarily
because the training options in the state are limited. Her
experience in other states has given her a perspective
nationally about the standards and norms are in the field of
psychology. She hopes to use that experience to the benefit of
Alaska.
SENATOR STEVENS asked how achieving licensure in other states
compares to achieving licensure in Alaska.
DR. GIDEON opined that the licensure rules in Alaska are more
lenient than other states. It is a challenge to make the
credentialing process more like other states while taking
Alaska's unique challenges and needs into consideration.
SENATOR STEVENS asked if the licensure process in Alaska is as
efficient as other states.
DR. GIDEON said she believes that the timeline is about the
same. It is always a tedious, time-consuming process because it
takes time to ensure that applicants are thoroughly vetted.
CHAIR COSTELLO found no further questions and thanked Dr. Gideon
for being willing to serve.
2:01:10 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Jennifer Lombardo of Anchorage to share her
interest in serving on the Board of Barbers and Hairdressers in
the industry licensee seat.
JENNIFER LOMBARDO, Appointee, Board of Barbers and Hairdressers,
Anchorage, Alaska, said she is a lifelong Alaskan who has over
nine years of experience as a tattoo artist. She was nominated
to fill an industry seat and she looks forward to serving in
this position representing the voice of tattooers in the state.
She also has an interest in protecting the community from
unlicensed tattooers because it can be a high-risk profession.
SENATOR GARDNER asked if tattoo artist have to work a certain
number of hours to qualify for a license.
MS. LOMBARDO said she believes a tattooer needs just under 400
hours for licensure. She added that she and several other
tattooers believe that number is significantly lower than it
should be. She would also like to work to modify the tattoo
education, so it is more specifically geared to tattooing.
CHAIR COSTELLO found no further questions or public testimony
and thanked Ms. Lombardo for being willing to serve.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Michelle McMullin of Anchorage to share her
interest in serving on the Board of Barbers and Hairdressers in
the nail technician seat.
2:06:48 PM
MICHELLE MCMULLIN, Appointee, Board of Barbers and Hairdressers,
Anchorage, Alaska, said she has been a nail technician for more
than 20 years and she travels out of Alaska for continuing
education and to learn better techniques. She hopes to share her
experience and develop a good industry in Alaska.
SENATOR GARDNER asked what kind of formal training is required
to become a licensed nail technician.
MS. MCMULLIN explained that the current requirement is 250 hours
of schooling with multiple hours focused in different areas such
as artificial nails.
SENATOR GARDNER asked if the curriculum is set by the board.
MS. MCMULLIN answered yes.
CHAIR COSTELLO found no further questions or public testimony
and thanked Ms. McMullin for being willing to serve.
2:08:53 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Dr. Brian Larson of Soldotna to share his
interest in serving on the Board of Chiropractic Examiners in a
chiropractor seat.
DR BRIAN LARSON, Appointee, Board of Chiropractic Examiners,
Soldotna, Alaska, said he graduated from chiropractic school in
2003 and has been working in the field since. He has volunteered
significant amounts of time with school sports programs and now
has his own practice specializing in sports injuries. He also
discussed the two careers he had prior to this career. He said
he looks at this appointment as an opportunity to give back to
the community and state that have provided many opportunities.
CHAIR COSTELLO noted that he has been a Boy Scout leader since
1985.
SENATOR HUGHES expressed appreciation for his pro bono work and
willingness to serve on this board.
CHAIR COSTELLO found no further questions or public testimony
and thanked Dr. Larson for being willing to serve.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Dr. Jonathan Vito to share his interest in
serving on the Board of Chiropractic Examiners in the
chiropractic seat.
2:18:04 PM
DR. JONATHAN VITO, Appointee, Board of Chiropractic Examiners,
Soldotna, Alaska, said he moved to Alaska in 2011 and practices
chiropractic medicine in Anchorage. He shared that he wanted to
serve on the board to help streamline the licensure process in
Alaska and support an online option for taking the test. He is
also interested in introducing advanced chiropractic concepts to
the state, which includes limited prescription writing ability.
2:19:54 PM
At ease
2:20:48 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO reconvened the meeting.
SENATOR MEYER asked if Life University (where Dr. Vito received
his doctorate) is located in New York.
DR. VITO replied it is near Atlanta Georgia.
SENATOR MEYER asked for an explanation of his misdemeanor
conviction in New York and if it has anything to do with this
position.
DR. VITO replied it was a DUI offense. He worked as a bartender
during his undergraduate years and had an extra drink during his
shift and was pulled over while driving home.
SENATOR STEVENS asked if Life University is accredited.
DR. VITO answered yes; it has the number one part-four board
scores for all chiropractic schools in the nation.
SENATOR GARDNER asked him to expand on the suggestion that
chiropractors should have some prescription privileges.
DR. VITO explained that chiropractors are viewed in the health
network as primary care physicians. Limited prescription
privileges would allow chiropractors to prescribe low dose
antibiotics or low dose pain medication. This would be
particularly helpful in small communities that do not have a
wide variety of physicians.
SENATOR GARDNER asked if the course work at Life University
included classes on pharmaceuticals and prescribing.
DR. VITO replied he took three courses called toxicology, which
were very similar to the medication courses that medical doctors
take.
CHAIR COSTELLO found no further questions or public testimony
and thanked Dr. Vito for being willing to serve.
2:24:42 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Karen Cunningham of Anchorage to share her
interest in serving on the Board of Marital and Family Therapy
in the therapist/counselor seat.
KAREN CUNNINGHAM, Appointee, Board of Martial and Family
Therapy, Anchorage, Alaska, said she is a licensed marital and
family therapist. She described the educational requirements and
explained that during the associate period, clinicians must get
a minimum of 1,500 face-to-face client hours. She said she is
interested in serving on the board because of the current work
the board is doing to develop statutes and regulations for tele-
therapy. This is particularly appropriate for Alaska because it
has so many underserved populations.
SENATOR GARDNER asked if there is any disadvantage to tele-
therapy and if sessions that are not face-to-face will be of the
same quality.
MS. CUNNINGHAM said it isn't ideal but still worthwhile. Her
preference would be to require the first session to be face-to-
face.
SENATOR STEVENS commented on Ms. Cunningham's humor and thanked
her for applying.
CHAIR COSTELLO noted her work with the Special Olympics. She
asked if she sees any challenges that she would like to address
as a board member such as access in rural communities or
coverage for insurance.
MS. CUNNINGHAM said she has been pleased with the way that
insurance companies have embraced mental health. There is some
indication that may not continue and it's frightening for
everyone who works in mental health. Job losses will also have
huge impacts on families. There will always be a need for people
who can work with families to help with transitions to different
lifestyles.
SENATOR HUGHES asked if she can bill insurance and Medicaid in
her practice or if Medicaid billing requires working through a
psychiatrist.
MS. CUNNINGHAM replied there are a lot of requirements to bill
through Medicaid, one of which is that a psychiatrist needs to
be on staff 40 hours per week.
2:32:09 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO found no further questions or public testimony
and thanked Ms. Cunningham for being willing to serve. She noted
that public testimony would remain open on all the nominees.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Nicole Jenkins of Palmer to share her
interest in serving on the Marital and Family Therapy Board in
the therapist/counselor seat.
NICOLE JENKINS, Appointee, Marital and Family Therapy Board,
Anchorage, Alaska, said she moved to Alaska in 2014. She
received her master's in marriage and family therapy in 2009 and
is currently pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology. She
was drawn to Alaska because it seemed that this profession was
in its infancy compared to California where she lived before.
Her interest in serving on the board is to see how to ensure the
viability of the MFT profession moving forward to meet the needs
in Alaska.
SENATOR HUGHES thanked Ms. Jenkins for her work in Palmer. She
asked how Palmer compares to her life in California.
MS. JENKINS said the moment they drove into Palmer it felt like
home.
SENATOR GARDNER asked what role the board might have in
addressing the issue of medical billing for MFT services.
MS. JENKINS said she sees the role as bringing a voice to the
national board to show why MFT services should be covered by
Medicare and Medicaid.
VICE CHAIR HUGHES found no further questions or public testimony
and thanked Ms. Jenkins for being willing to serve.
2:38:33 PM
VICE CHAIR HUGHES asked Traci Gilmour of Juneau to share her
interest in serving on the Board of Massage Therapists in the
licensed massage therapist seat.
TRACI GILMOUR, Appointee, Board of Massage Therapists, Juneau,
Alaska, said she has been practicing massage in Alaska for 23
years. She worked with the Alaska coalition on the 2014
legislation to license massage therapists. She has been on the
board since its inception and would like to continue the good
work it is doing.
SENATOR GARDNER read excerpts of a letter from a constituent who
questioned increasing the license fee from $100 to $610 plus new
tests, fingerprinting, and other costly requirements. She asked
what she should say to him; he feels he can't stay in the
profession because of the additional costs.
MS. GILMOUR said the state sets the licensure fee and the board
has requested reducing it to $295 for the next application
period. "We have heard the therapists and we are working to
reduce our fees." She noted that the 16 hours of education can
be done online, and that the most recent board minutes
specifically address the constituent's questions.
CHAIR COSTELLO noted that insurance coverage for massage therapy
has traditionally been difficult to get; she asked if more
people are seeking coverage under different medical codes.
MS. GILMOUR said being able to bill insurance directly has been
one of the biggest benefits of licensure. Coverage through
Medicaid, Medicare, and Alaska Care Retiree is still difficult.
CHAIR COSTELLO found no further questions or public testimony
and thanked Ms. Gilmour for being willing to serve.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Jill Motz of Wasilla to share her interest
in serving on the Board of Massage Therapists in the licensed
massage therapist seat.
JILL MOTZ, Appointee, Board of Massage Therapists, Wasilla,
Alaska, said she has been a licensed massage therapist for 14
years. She reviewed her career and noted that she moved back
into private practice in 2014 when licensing came to Alaska. She
shared that she worked in various capacities for more than seven
years to help bring licensure to the profession in Alaska. She
is passionate about it and moving to the state board is a
logical step to be of service.
CHAIR COSTELLO found no questions or public testimony and
thanked Ms. Motz for her interest in serving.
2:47:22 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Thomas Trosvig of Kodiak to share his
interest in serving on the Occupational Safety and Health Review
Board in the public seat.
THOMAS TROSVIG, Appointee, Occupational Safety and Health Review
Board, Kodiak, Alaska, said this is a three-member board that
hears OSHA appeal cases. He reviewed his professional career in
the Coast Guard. His shore based specialty was marine safety and
marine investigations. He has been on the board for more than
ten years and has found the cases to be similar to those he
handled in the Coast Guard. "I believe I have brought expertise
in general safety matters and I have enjoyed using my expertise
to enhance the safety for the citizens of Alaska."
SENATOR STEVENS thanked Mr. Trosvig for his work on the board
and for making a life in Kodiak after a stellar career in the
Coast Guard.
SENATOR GARDNER said she can't imagine how anyone could be more
qualified for this particular board.
CHAIR COSTELLO thanked Captain Trosvig for being willing to
serve.
2:51:16 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Stephen Hagedorn of Anchorage to share his
interest in serving on the Workers' Compensation Appeals
Commission in the representative of employer seat.
STEPHEN HAGEDORN, Appointee, Workers' Compensation Appeals
Commission, Anchorage, Alaska, reviewed his professional career
and noted that he has served on this board under six different
governors. He related that he has had extensive experience in
workers' compensation matters, but he is not an attorney. He
described the service as an opportunity to give back to the
state.
CHAIR COSTELLO thanked Mr. Hagedorn for being willing to serve.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Deirdre Ford of Anchorage to share her
interest in serving on the Workers' Compensation Appeals
Commission in the commission chair seat.
2:54:46 PM
DEIRDRE FORD, Appointee, Workers' Compensation Appeals
Commission, Anchorage, Alaska, said she was asked to come out of
retirement for this service. She related that in 1985 she worked
in Anchorage as an insurance defense counsel, primarily in the
area of workers' compensation. In 2009 she became a hearing
officer with the Alaska Workers' Compensation Board. She is
pleased to be able to give something back to the state through
this service.
SENATOR HUGHES observed that she was the co-chair of Alaska
Sisters in Crime. She asked for an explanation.
MS. FORD explained that the national organization called Sisters
in Crime was developed in the 1980s to bring together primarily
women readers and writers of murder mysteries. Alaska formed a
chapter with Dana Stabenow, Sue Henry, Suzan Nightingale and
others. She described some of the activities the organization
has undertaken.
SENATOR HUGHES asked what the acronym AIRRES stands for.
MS. FORD said she resigned from that board in 2012; it is an
organization that provides people to read newspapers and books
over the radio to blind and visually impaired people.
CHAIR COSTELLO found no further questions or public testimony
and thanked Ms. Ford for being willing to serve.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Eleanor Vinson of Juneau to share her
interest in serving on the Board of Professional Counselors in
the public seat.
3:00:20 PM
ELEANOR VINSON, Appointee, Board of Professional Counselors,
Juneau, Alaska, said she does not have a degree in counseling
but she has lived in Valdez, Barrow, and Juneau since she came
to Alaska in 1977 so she has an understanding of the unique
areas of the state, which should be helpful. She has also worked
as a staff member for a number of boards, so she has a good
perspective of what it takes to be a good board member.
CHAIR COSTELLO found no questions or public testimony and
thanked Ms. Vinson for being willing to serve.
3:01:56 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Saleutogi (Togi) Letuiligasenoa of
Fairbanks to share his interest in serving on the Alaska
Workers' Compensation Board in an industry seat.
SALEUTOGI (TOGI) LETULIGASENOA, Appointee, Alaska Workers'
Compensation Board, Fairbanks, Alaska, said he was born and
raised in Fairbanks and is currently the director of operations
for a civil construction company that focuses on rural
construction. The company also has an equipment rental division
that provides oil field service and support; a rock quarry; and
a marine department. He said his interest in serving on the
board is to bring some of the knowledge from working in these
multiple fields to the board. It is a way to give back to the
state.
CHAIR COSTELLO found no questions or public testimony and
thanked Mr. Letuligasenoa for being willing to serve.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Linda Murphy to share her interest in
serving on the Workers' Compensation Board in an industry seat.
LINDA MURPHY, Appointee, Workers' Compensation Board, Soldotna,
Alaska, said she has lived in Alaska since 1972 and has both
public and private sector experience. She was the city clerk and
personnel director in Seward for about 16 years. Thereafter she
moved to Soldotna and served as the Kenai Peninsula Borough
clerk until 2005 when she retired. Since retirement she has
served on the borough planning commission and the assembly.
Currently she is on the city council serving as vice mayor and
runs the business end of the construction company she and her
husband own. She said the foregoing experience makes her
uniquely qualified to serve on the Workers' Compensation Board.
SENATOR STEVENS remarked that Ms. Murphy has been a valuable
asset to communities and he appreciates the work she has done on
the Alaska Municipal League Board of Directors. He thanked Ms.
Murphy for applying to serve on the board.
CHAIR COSTELLO found no further questions, comments, or public
testimony and thanked Ms. Murphy for being willing to serve.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Donna Phillips of Girdwood to share her
interest in serving on the Alaska Workers' Compensation Board in
a labor seat.
DONNA PHILLIPS, Appointee, Alaska Workers Compensation Board,
Appointee, Girdwood, Alaska, said she has been a registered
nurse for 38 years. She currently works in the intensive care
unit in an Anchorage hospital and is the labor chair of the
Alaska Nurses Association. She also served on the hospital's
state-patient handling committee and as the health and safety
officer. She has served one term on the Workers' Compensation
Board and enjoyed being able to use her expertise in hearing
cases of injured workers.
SENATOR GARDNER greeted Ms. Phillips and extended her thanks.
CHAIR COSTELLO found no further questions or public testimony
and thanked Ms. Phillips for being willing to serve.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Aaron Plikat of Anchorage to share his
interest in serving on the Alaska Workers' Compensation Board in
a labor seat.
3:08:48 PM
AARON PLIKAT, Appointee, Alaska Workers' Compensation Board,
Anchorage, Alaska, said he is a plumber and pipefitter by trade
and has been a member of the local union since 1997. For the
last ten years he has served as the union business agent and is
the current president of the Building and Construction Trades
Council for Southcentral Alaska. He also serves on several labor
management boards and is currently the chair of the local
apprenticeship training trust. He said he looks forward to
serving on the board.
CHAIR COSTELLO found no questions or public testimony and
thanked Mr. Plikat for being willing to serve. She highlighted
that the committee members are reviewing the comprehensive
packet on all the appointees as they listen to their testimony.
Most of the resumes are very impressive.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Brett Stubbs to share his interest in
serving on the Alaska Workers' Compensation Board in an
[industry] seat.
3:10:17 PM
BRETT STUBBS, Appointee, Alaska Workers' Compensation Board,
Anchorage, Alaska, said he has been in the construction industry
for about 20 years. He started in residential construction,
moved to commercial construction, and then joined the painters
union in 2003. He served as president of that union and
eventually became an estimator. As management, he served as the
chair of the apprenticeship and training trust fund and a board
member of the local painters' union retirement trust fund. He
said he believes his experience would be an asset to the board.
CHAIR COSTELLO found no questions or public testimony and
thanked Mr. Stubbs for being willing to serve.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Rick Traini to share his interest in
serving on the Alaska Workers' Compensation Board in a labor
seat.
3:12:54 PM
RICK TRAINI, Appointee, Alaska Workers' Compensation Board,
Anchorage, Alaska, said he worked at UPS for 16 years in a
variety of positions and now he works for the local teamsters
union as the negotiations coordinator. He has been serving on
this board since 2011.
CHAIR COSTELLO found no questions or public testimony and
thanked Mr. Traini for being willing to continue to serve.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Lake Williams to share his interest in
serving on the Alaska Workers' Compensation Board in a labor
seat.
LAKE WILLIAMS, Appointee, Alaska Workers' Compensation Board,
Fairbanks, Alaska, said he was born and raised in Fairbanks and
has lived in Alaska fulltime except when he went to school to
get a degree in business administration from the University of
Iowa. While going to school he joined the operating engineers'
apprenticeship program. He worked in the field 10 years and has
been in the office for 11 years. He listed his current and past
affiliations. He was first appointed to the board in 2014 and
has enjoyed serving. He shared his belief that institutional
knowledge is beneficial. He appreciates both the labor and
industry board members and has enjoyed the experience.
CHAIR COSTELLO found no questions or public testimony and
thanked Mr. Williams for being willing to serve.
3:16:52 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO thanked all the appointees and stated that action
would be taken on all the nominations at a later date. She
highlighted the importance of the commitment and involvement of
Alaskans who serve on boards and commissions uncompensated to
further their professions and make the state work more smoothly.
SB 64-UNIFORM ENVIRONMENTAL COVENANTS ACT
3:17:42 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO announced the consideration of SB 64. She stated
that this is the second hearing and public testimony is closed;
the intent is to answer questions and move the bill from
committee.
SENATOR HUGHES asked if the sponsor expects to get letters
stating support or opposition to the legislation.
3:18:52 PM
RACHEL HANKE, Staff, Senator Peter Micciche, Alaska State
Legislature, said the sponsor's office is soliciting comments
but at this point they have only heard opposition from the U.S.
Department of Defense.
CHAIR COSTELLO noted the individuals who were available to
answer questions. Finding no questions or comments, she asked
for a motion.
3:19:28 PM
SENATOR HUGHES moved to report SB 64 from committee with
individual recommendations and attached fiscal note(s).
CHAIR COSTELLO announced that without objection, SB 64 is
reported from the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing Committee.
SB 71-COMMERCIAL FISHING LOANS
3:20:06 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO announced the consideration of SB 71 and noted
that this was the first hearing.
3:20:43 PM
At ease
3:21:01 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO reconvened the meeting and asked Mr. Lamkin to
introduce the bill.
3:21:20 PM
TIM LAMKIN, Staff, Senator Gary Stevens, Alaska State
Legislature, introduced SB 71 speaking to the following sponsor
statement:
Senate Bill 71 raises the maximum balance of sub-
category loans an Alaskan resident may borrow from the
state to support their activities in commercial
fishing in Alaska.
The total balance allowed to be borrowed remains at
$400,000, but the bill allows borrowers more flexible
options to reach the $400,000 capped balance within
the various loan sub-categories for which they
qualify.
To clarify the effect of this bill, we must look to
the loan categories described in a previous section of
Alaska law, AS 16.10.310(a)(1)(a) through (a)(1)(f).
The changes are summarized as follows:
Subsection A loans are intended for more experienced
fishermen who hold current crewmember or commercial
fishing permits, and who wish to purchase entry
permits, upgrade existing vessels or gear to improve
seafood product quality, or to improve fuel
efficiency. The current Subsection A loan balance is
capped at $300,000. This bill raises that cap to
$400,000.
SENATOR HUGHES observed that, should the bill pass, fewer people
will be able to get a loan.
MS. LAMKIN replied there is plenty of money to go around.
He continued to review the sponsor statement.
Subsection B loans are intended for repairing,
upgrading, or purchasing vessels, and buying entry
permits. Applicants must have been denied other
financing options and demonstrate a local economic
dependence on commercial fishing for their livelihood.
Subsection B loan balances are currently capped at
$200,000 for buying permits or gear, and $100,000 for
vessel purchase, repair, etc. This bill caps all
Subsection B loans to $200,000.
Subsection C loans are intended for those wishing to
buy Individual Fishing Quotas (IFQs) for halibut or
sablefish. Applicants must have been denied other
financing options. Subsection C loan balances are
currently capped at $300,000. SB 71 raises Subsection
C loans maximum to $400,000.
Subsection F loans are for Alaska residents wishing
upgrade existing tender vessels and gear in order to
improve the quality of Alaska seafood products.
Section F loans are currently capped at $300,000. SB
71 raises Subsection F loans maximum to $400,000.
To reiterate, currently the most any Alaskan can
borrow from the Alaska Commercial Fishing Loan Fund is
$400,000. SB 71 does not change that policy, but
rather only changes how a person may reach the
$400,000 cap. It allows Alaskans to borrow more for an
individual permit, engine, boat, gear, IFQ, etc., but
still never more than $400,000 total.
It is the policy of the state, under AS 16.10.300 -
16.10.370, to promote the rehabilitation of the
state's fisheries, the development of a predominantly
resident fishery, and the continued maintenance of
commercial fishing gear and vessels throughout the
state by means of long-term low interest loans. Senate
Bill 71 is an effort to modernize that policy. Thank
you for your consideration.
3:30:46 PM
SENATOR STEVENS, speaking as the sponsor of SB 71, related that
this is part of the long-term solution to help young Alaskans
get into the fishing industry. Right now, it is very difficult
because the cost of boats and permits are astronomically high.
Mr. Lamkin made it very clear that the cap is not raised; "it
just spreads it around a little bit differently."
CHAIR COSTELLO thanked Mr. Lamkin and Senator Stevens and held
SB 71 in committee for further consideration.
3:31:34 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Costello adjourned the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing
Committee meeting at 3:31 p.m.