03/05/2012 09:00 AM Senate FINANCE

SENATE BILL NO. 130                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
"An  Act  establishing in  the  Office  of the  Governor  an                                                                    
advisory  council  for  the preservation,  restoration,  and                                                                    
revitalization of Alaska Native languages."                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
9:28:31 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Senator Olson introduced Mr. Peterson.                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
LOREN PETERSON,  STAFF, SENATOR DONNY OLSEN,  testified that                                                                    
the  companion bill,  HB 254,  had been  heard in  the other                                                                    
body and  set aside for  further discussion. He  stated that                                                                    
there had  been concerns  regarding the recommendation  of a                                                                    
bush  caucus  member to  be  appointed  to the  council.  He                                                                    
stressed that  it was important  that a  representative from                                                                    
rural  Alaska,  both  form the  House  and  Senate,  provide                                                                    
representation on the council.                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
9:30:18 AM                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Senator Olson  shared that there  had been a lot  of support                                                                    
throughout the state for the legislation.                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair Hoffman discussed a fiscal  note from Department of                                                                    
Commerce,  Community and  Economic Development  for $240,200                                                                    
in general  funds to cover  the council's cost  of staffing,                                                                    
travel, and per diem for meetings.                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Senator Ellis MOVED  to report SB 130 out  of committee with                                                                    
individual  recommendations  and   the  accompanying  fiscal                                                                    
notes. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
SB  130 was  REPORTED  out  of committee  with  a "do  pass"                                                                    
recommendation and  with a new  fiscal impact note  from the                                                                    
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development.