Legislature(2023 - 2024)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
02/27/2024 03:30 PM Senate STATE AFFAIRS
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB185 | |
| SB223 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | SB 223 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 185 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
SB 185-ESTABLISH AK MILITARY AFFAIRS COMMISSION
3:30:53 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO.
185 "An Act establishing the Alaska Military Affairs Commission;
and relating to the duties and powers of the Alaska Military
Affairs Commission."
3:31:27 PM
SCOTT KAWASAKI, Senator, District P, Alaska State Legislature,
Juneau, Alaska, speaking as sponsor of SB 185, stated it would
establish the Alaska Military Affairs Commission (AMAC). Several
other states including North Carolina, Kentucky, Nebraska, and
Arkansas recently established similar bodies within their
legislature. The Alaska Civilian Armed Services Team (ACAST)
will sunset. It was created under executive order to exist
within the Department of Veteran and Military Affairs (DMVA)
nearly seven years ago. AMAC replaces ACAST and would exist
within the Office of the Governor.
3:32:24 PM
RILEY VON BORSTEL, Staff, Senator Scott Kawasaki, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, presented SB 185. She said the
military's presence in Alaska continues to grow and is one of
the largest contributors to the state's economy. Not only is the
military a vital component of communities and economy, but the
Arctic is becoming increasingly prominent in its role as a
strategic location in defense operations. Since the military
holds such a significant role in Alaska, it makes sense to
establish a body in statute to aid in all matters regarding the
military, from advocacy and recommendations to expansion. Doing
so would ensure continuity beyond a single governor's
administration or a single legislature. The membership of this
commission is composed of nine members including the lieutenant
governor, who would serve as commission chair, the adjutant
general of DMVA or the adjutant general's designee, the
commissioner of Commerce, Community Development or their
designee, three members who are mayors or their designee from
municipalities with military installations within municipal
boundaries nominated by an organization that represents two
municipal governments within the state and appointed by the
governor, two public members with extensive military experience
or expertise, each representing a different branch of the armed
services appointed by the governor, and one public member with
statewide business or economic development experience appointed
by the governor. SB 185 has a fiscal note of $86,500. This cost
covers personnel expenditures or a single Anchorage-based part-
time position. Given that the lieutenant governor is the chair
of the committee, an assistant will be needed for administrative
tasks.
MS. VON BORSTEL presented the sectional analysis for SB
185:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Senate Bill 185 Alaska Military Affairs Commission
Sectional Summary
Section 1
• Details that members shall be varied in
geographical location to promote representation
of military interests throughout the state
Section 2
• Establishes the Alaska Military Affairs
Commission in and places responsibility of
administrative support on the Office of the
Governor
• Defines the Commission membership to include nine
voting members.
• Sets (staggered) three-year member terms.
• Details Commission meetings, quorum rules, and
authorizes per diem and travel expenses.
• Enumerates the duties of the Commission.
Section 3
• Sunsets the Alaska Military Affairs Commission on
June 30, 2030.
Section 4
• Adds uncodified law regarding the initial terms
of Alaska Military Affairs Commission members
3:36:02 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI announced invited testimony for SB 185.
3:36:23 PM
BRYCE WARD, Mayor, Fairbanks North Star Borough, Fairbanks,
Alaska, said Alaska holds a significant strategic importance to
the U.S. due to its close proximity to international borders. He
suggested that establishing a military affairs commission could
help enhance state readiness and ensure emerging national
security challenges are addressed appropriately. The military
also plays a critical role in Alaska's economy. A military
affairs commission could actively work to strengthen the
connection between military presence and Alaska's economic
development. He said the military complex holds equal value to
the fishing industry in Alaska and represents almost 30 percent
of the Fairbanks North Star Borough economy. Military families
are also an important part of Alaska's communities, and the
commission could enhance the quality of life for military
families. Support from the commission would contribute to the
wellbeing of the state. He suggested that the commission would
align state interests with military priorities, such as
infrastructure. Establishing a military commission could serve
as a comprehensive and proactive approach to leveraging benefits
for military purposes as well as state interests.
3:38:36 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI asked for details on the Tiger Team in Fairbanks
and its integration with the local Air Force and Fort Wainwright
installation.
3:38:53 PM
MR. WARD replied that the Tiger Team has been in operation for
two decades. It brings together community leaders, the
congressional delegation, and state legislators to address
military concerns specific to the Fairbanks area. The Tiger
Team's primary focus revolves around issues such as potential
base closure or the warm basing of Eielson Air Force Base (AFB).
Force structure changes to Fort Wainwright included recent
change to the 11th Airborne Division. This collaborative effort
has empowered Fairbanks to actively engage with the military,
ensuring that the municipality meets the needs of military
personnel and their families effectively. Furthermore, the Tiger
Team is actively advocating for significant economic adjustments
in the Fairbanks area, including supporting the F35 mission.
3:40:30 PM
KEITH KLAEHN, Director of the Association of Defense
Communities, Colorado Springs, Colorado, invited testimony for
SB 185, stated he was the past chair of the Military Affairs
Counsel. He said he currently serves as the Chair of the Defense
Mission Task Force. As part of the Board of Directors for the
National Association of Defense Communities, he also leads a
group of nearly 40 members twice a year to military defense
events nationwide. He expressed his pride in the strong
connections with Alaska, emphasizing its strategic importance
globally. He acknowledged the Fairbanks North Star Borough for
its recognition as one of ABC's Great American Defense
Communities last year and highlighted the program's significant
impact through grants for various projects and installations.
There has been increasing pressure from the Department of
Defense (DOD) on military communities to address issues related
to quality of life, critical infrastructure, utilities, and
other base concerns. Given the vast distances between military
communities in Alaska, he opined that individual communities
would struggle to handle significant financial pressures alone.
The state is in needs of a state-level organization to provide
support in addressing these challenges. While each state
approaches these issues differently, Alaska's unique
geographical situation requires a coordinated effort at the
state level to effectively address the needs of military
communities. Since 2005, the last of the Base Realignment and
Closure (BRAC) worked hard to save their base. In light of
recent news and issues impacting the nation, discussions have
surfaced about the risk of foreign investments from bad actors.
Military communities would face significant challenges if left
to address these issues independently, so Alaska should be
prepared on a state level. All facets of quality of life rely
upon communities to help military bases. There have never been
more federal resources to leverage in these efforts. He stated
he strongly supports SB 185 and the good it represents to
service members and their families. He expressed his belief that
it is time for Alaska to step up and demonstrate its
capabilities.
3:45:33 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI expressed appreciation for his service and
the service of his family stationed at Fort Wainwright.
3:46:27 PM
TAMMIE PERREAULT, Northwest Regional Liaison, Defense-State
Liaison, Department of Defense (DOD), Defense-State Liaison
Office, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, said the Defense-
State Liaison Office works under the direction of military
defense and policy. The Defense-State Liaison Office is
dedicated to assisting communities in addressing issues and
providing support to military families nationwide. States with
structures similar to those proposed in SB 185 offer a
centralized platform for discussing military concerns, with the
most successful models typically led by the executive branch.
Considering the dispersed nature of Alaska's 21 thousand
military personnel, having a unified statewide voice is
particularly important. She noted that military issues often
differ from those related to veterans.
3:48:48 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI concluded invited testimony and opened
public testimony on SB 185.
3:49:11 PM
SUSAN ALLMEROTH, representing self, Two Rivers, Alaska,
testified in opposition to SB 185. She said while she
understands the intent of SB 185, she has concerns about the
bill's excessive overreach. Existing community services should
take the lead in reaching out to leaders to determine necessary
actions. She stated her belief that expanding the size of the
executive branch is not necessarily the answer to budgetary
issues. The words for the yellow highlight "civilian lives". SB
185 would establish a system that would allow the military
branch to dictate civilian lives. She urged the committee to
reject this legislation.
3:50:29 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI asked whether there are any existing
organizations that perform the same service.
3:50:47 PM
MS. ALLMEROTH replied that when she was in the military, some
places assisted with settling into town. Military members had
sponsors who directed them to various local facilities for
assistance. She said she primarily relies on services provided
by Veteran's Affairs (VA).
3:51:27 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI said he will strive to make improvements to SB
185 as it moves through the process.
3:52:08 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI wondered whether the American Medical College
Application Service Team (AMCAST), currently structured within
DMVA, would be housed under the lieutenant governor and if that
location is appropriate.
3:52:43 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI closed public testimony on SB 185.
3:52:59 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN asked why the Alaska Municipal League was not
specifically named in SB 185, page 2, paragraph 4, as that is
the organization it seems to reference.
3:53:43 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI replied the intention was to develop the language
in a way that includes any organization, now or into the future.
3:54:20 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI held SB 185 in committee.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| 02.08.24 DMVA Staff Qualifications Senate Transmittal Letter.pdf |
SSTA 2/27/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 223 |
| SB0223-1-2-021224-MVA-Fiscal Note.pdf |
SSTA 2/27/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 223 |
| SB0223A.pdf |
SSTA 2/27/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 223 |
| SB223 Sectional Analysis version A.pdf |
SSTA 2/27/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 223 |
| SB 185 Full Text.pdf |
SSTA 2/27/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 185 |
| SB 185 Sectional Analysis.pdf |
SSTA 2/27/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 185 |
| SB 185 Sponsor Statement.pdf |
SSTA 2/27/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 185 |
| SB 185 Supporting Documentation.pdf |
SSTA 2/27/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 185 |
| SB 185.Fiscal Note.Gov.pdf |
SSTA 2/27/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 185 |
| 030624 SSTA DMVA Answers from SB 223 Bill Hearing 022724.pdf |
SSTA 2/27/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 223 |