02/22/1996 09:43 AM Senate FIN

                                                                               
       SENATE BILL NO. 134                                                     
                                                                               
       "An Act  establishing an  endowment for  the Robert  B.                 
  Atwood    journalism  chair  at  the  University  of  Alaska                 
  Anchorage; and      providing for an effective date."                        
                                                                               
  Testimony was given by Mr.  Sherman Ernouf, aide to  Senator                 
  Tim Kelly,  sponsor of the bill.   Bob Atwood's contribution                 
  to the  State of Alaska and the  community is immense.  This                 
  legislation would honor  him by  establishing the Robert  B.                 
  Atwood  journalism  chair  at   the  University  of   Alaska                 
  Anchorage.  This  chair has been  in existence for the  past                 
  fifteen years  through generous contributions by  Mr. Atwood                 
  which total more than $1 million.   Through this endowment a                 
  mechanism  will  be  set  up for  both  public  and  private                 
  entities   to  match   contributions  from  Mr.   Atwood  to                 
  permanently fund the chair.                                                  
                                                                               
  Co-chairman Halford said that in  prior discussions with the                 
  sponsor basically he  wanted the  bill to  be considered  to                 
  establish the chair regardless of whether or not  any fiscal                 
  note were added.   He  noted that the  University came  back                 
                                                                               
                                                                               
  with a $2 million fiscal note.                                               
                                                                               
                                                                               
  Testimony was given by Larry Campbell from the University of                 
  Alaska Anchorage  via teleconference.   He  re-iterated that                 
  the chair was supported  by Bob Atwood for the  past fifteen                 
  years in the  approximate amount  of $1.5 million.   It  has                 
  been an advantage  and benefit to communication  students in                 
  the University of Alaska  system.  It has brought  to Alaska                 
  prominent, nationally known, professional communicators from                 
  all over the lower '48.   It is proposed that the State  and                 
  Bob Atwood join in partnership  with a final endowment  from                 
  himself  to  establish  this  in  perpetuity.    This  is an                 
  investment as well as an  improvement in mass communications                 
  in  the State  of Alaska;  journalism  students, advertising                 
  students, public relations  students and broadcast  students                 
  have  benefited   from  the  visiting  professors   here  in                 
  Anchorage.                                                                   
                                                                               
  Senator Donley asked about authorization  of the fiscal note                 
  from the University.   Co-chairman  Halford said the  fiscal                 
  note would not  be considered at this time.   The passage of                 
  this bill will just allow the  board of regents to establish                 
  the chair.                                                                   
                                                                               
  Senator  Phillips MOVED  SB  134 without  fiscal  note.   No                 
  objection being heard  SB 134 was REPORTED OUT  of committee                 
  with  individual  recommendations  and  Senate Finance  zero                 
  fiscal note.                                                                 
                                                                               
  ADJOURNMENT                                                                  
                                                                               
  The meeting was adjourned at approximately 11:00 A.M.