Legislature(2007 - 2008)SENATE FINANCE 532
05/02/2007 01:30 PM Senate FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB124 | |
| SB125 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 125 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 124 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 104 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 124(L&C)
"An Act relating to unemployment contributions for the
Alaska technical and vocational education program and to
the allocation of money appropriated to the Alaska
Workforce Investment Board; and providing for an effective
date."
This was the first hearing for this bill in the Senate Finance
Committee.
Co-Chair Stedman specified that the intent today was to hear an
explanation of the bill from its sponsor, hear public testimony,
and address Committee questions. The bill would be held in
Committee.
2:07:40 PM
Senator Olson, the bill's sponsor, informed the Committee that
this legislation would increase training opportunities for the
workforce that would be required to support the anticipated
Alaska gas pipeline project. The University of Alaska
participated in the development of the bill.
2:08:29 PM
DAVID GRAY, Chief of Staff to Senator Olson, explained that the
original version of the bill solely proposed expanding the
Alaska Training and Vocational Education Program's (ATVEP)
vocational and technical (Voc-Tec) training opportunities to
include the Voc-Tec training center in Nome. Subsequently
however, as specified in the Senate Labor and Commerce (L&C)
committee substitute before the Committee, the training
opportunities were broadened as the result of discussions with
Alaska Work Products, Inc. and the University.
Mr. Gray noted that to support the additional training
opportunities, funding for ATVEP would be increased as reflected
in the Department of Labor and Workforce Development's revised
fiscal note dated April 27, 2007.
Mr. Gray pointed out that the funding levels for current ATVEP
participants would be increased under this legislation and three
additional Voc-Tec entities would be added: the Northwest Alaska
Career and Technical Center in Nome; the Delta Career
Advancement Center, and the Alaska Works Partnership Program
(AWPP). AWPP is "a consolidation of many union training programs
that are available to both union and non-union Alaskans".
Mr. Gray communicated that AWPP has a history of working with
the University and technical centers throughout the State,
specifically those in rural areas, to train individuals.
Mr. Gray clarified that ATVEP's current and proposed funding
levels are depicted on page 3 of the revised fiscal note.
Existing program participants' funding levels would simply be
increased were the legislation adopted; else wise they would be
unaffected.
2:11:38 PM
Senator Dyson asked how the school selections were made.
2:12:08 PM
Mr. Gray reiterated that the original bill only proposed
expanding the program to include the North Arctic Career Center
in Nome. The Delta Career Center and the Alaska Work Products
training program were added at the recommendation of the
University and Alaska Work Products, Inc.
2:12:35 PM
Senator Dyson qualified his concern. The question was whether
other qualified Voc-Tec training schools had been considered or
notified of this opportunity.
2:13:01 PM
Mr. Gray was uncertain whether "a broad solicitation" had been
conducted. To that point however, he attested that the
University was aware of the spectrum of Voc-Tec programs in the
State. The Alaska Works Partnership program has also coordinated
Voc-Tec efforts throughout the State.
Mr. Gray emphasized that the intent of this legislation was to
enhance pipeline construction training center opportunities.
2:13:57 PM
Senator Dyson worried that only government or union schools had
been considered to the detriment of private trade schools.
2:14:23 PM
GUY BELL, Assistant Commissioner, Department of Labor and
Workforce Development, informed the Committee he was available
to answer questions about the Department's fiscal note.
No questions were forthcoming.
2:15:05 PM
MIKE ANDREWS, Director, Alaska Works Partnership Inc., testified
via teleconference from Anchorage and attested to the benefits
the bill would provide. It "would significantly increase the
ability of our State's trained workers for good paying jobs in
Alaska, particularly those in construction and pipeline
construction jobs".
Mr. Andrews stated that Alaska Works Partnership has a good
working relationship with the training centers supported by
ATVEP. Alaska Works Partnership has trained hundreds of workers
from all regions of the State, including rural and remote areas.
Programs include building construction, highway construction,
student programs, and electrical and plumbing programs.
Mr. Andrews also noted that training is provided regardless of
union or non-union status.
Mr. Andrews informed the Committee that the bill is supported by
a wide range of the State's construction industry including
Associated General Contractors of Alaska, numerous homebuilder
associations in the State, the North Slope Contractors
Association, Bristol Bay Housing Authority, and Wilder
Construction. Several school districts also work with Alaska
Works Partnership to train youth. The entities that support the
bill are involved in such things as road construction,
commercial and residential building construction, and pipeline
construction in rural and urban areas of the State.
2:18:08 PM
Mr. Andrews addressed Senator Dyson's concern regarding how the
training entities were chosen. For the past several years, the
Legislature selected six entities to receive State Voc-Tech
training funds: the University of Alaska, AVTEC, Kotzebue, SAVEC
in King Salmon, Yuut in Bethel, and the Galena Regional Training
Center. It has been determined that additional training centers
were necessary and places such as the Delta Career Advancement
Center and the Nome training center were recommended.
Mr. Andrews stated that Alaska Works Partnership was "engaged"
because it "was constructing a pipeline training facility in
Fairbanks" that would offer four types of construction training.
Mr. Andrews urged the Committee to advance the bill.
2:19:10 PM
Senator Thomas acknowledged there being widespread support for
vocational technical training. While there has been mention of
school districts' involvement with construction training
programs, he has not heard about an outreach to the State's
military population; particularly young veterans.
2:19:36 PM
Mr. Andrews informed the Committee that Alaska Works Partnership
offers a statewide "Helmets to Hardhats" program with outreach
to veterans, their spouses, particularly those involved with the
Alaska National Guard and National Guard Reserves. He shared
details of the program and characterized it as "a very active
program". Only one other state has such a program.
2:20:19 PM
MICHAEL SEXTON, Executive Director, Mechanical Contractors of
Fairbanks, testified via teleconference from Fairbanks on behalf
of contractors in the welding, plumbing, and pipefitting
industry. He appreciated Senator Olson's effort to expand this
training program as these contractors place tremendous emphasis
on hiring local Alaskan workers. They have worked for the past
six years with Alaska Works Partnership to further training and
hiring of rural Alaskans. Expanding this program would
strengthen the Alaska workforce that will be required to support
the pipeline industry. It would also support the operation of
the Fairbanks pipeline training center. He urged the Committee
to support the bill.
2:22:38 PM
Co-Chair Stedman invited Guy Bell to discuss the Department's
$2,912,200 fiscal note dated April 27, 29007. He also noted the
bill was accompanied by a $129,600 fiscal note from the
University, dated April 30, 2007. A one page spreadsheet titled
"SB 124: Allocation Changes to Alaska Workforce Investment"
[copy on file] has been developed by his office for reference
purposes.
Mr. Bell directed attention to the comparison of current and
proposed Program funding as depicted on page 3 of the fiscal
note. The total status quo program funding for FY 08 is
estimated to be $6,043,600. The cost of the program would be
expanded to $9,166,100 if this bill was enacted.
2:24:41 PM
Mr. Bell stated that the net program increase of $3,122,500
consisted of the projected increase in program revenues and the
increase in distribution amounts to the existing program
entities and the three new program participants.
2:26:35 PM
Senator Olson thanked the Committee for scheduling this hearing
on the bill. It would benefit the future needs of Alaska and its
citizens.
The bill was HELD in Committee.
2:27:13 PM
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