Legislature(2025 - 2026)BARNES 124
05/14/2025 01:00 PM House RESOURCES
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB29 | |
| SJR19 | |
| SJR17 | |
| SJR8 | |
| HB206 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | HB 206 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SJR 17 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SJR 8 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | SB 29 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SJR 19 | TELECONFERENCED | |
SJR 8-INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS WITH TAIWAN
2:42:23 PM
CO-CHAIR BURKE announced that the next order of business would
be SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 8, Relating to strengthening
international relations with Taiwan.
2:42:51 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON, Alaska State Legislature, as prime
sponsor, introduced SJR 8 and presented the sponsor statement
[hard copy included in the committee packet] which read as
follows [original punctuation provided]:
Sponsor Statement: Senate Joint Resolution 8
International Relations with Taiwan
Senate Joint Resolution 8 reaffirms Alaska's
commitment to strengthening its relationship with
Taiwan and recognizes the deep economic, cultural, and
educational ties between our state and this vital
international partner.
Taiwan and the United States have enjoyed a strong
partnership built on shared values of democracy, human
rights, and the rule of law. Taiwan is a key economic
partner for both the nation and the state of Alaska,
ranking as our eighth-largest export market in 2023
and our fourth-largest market in Asia. This resolution
highlights the importance of expanding trade
relations, particularly in Alaska's seafood industry,
which benefits from Taiwan's status as a major
consumer of high-quality seafood products.
Additionally, Alaska and Taiwan share a long history
of cultural and educational exchanges, including
sister-city partnerships between Fairbanks and Tainan
City, Juneau and Chiayi City, and Anchorage and Taipei
City. Reestablishing an Alaska Trade Office in Taiwan
would further bolster these connections, enhance
economic opportunities, and create a foundation for
greater collaboration in technology, education, and
tourism.
SJR 8 also supports Taiwan's meaningful participation
in international organizations that promote global
trade, health, and security, in alignment with the
United States' longstanding support for Taiwan's
presence in the World Health Organization, the
International Civil Aviation Organization, and other
key institutions.
By passing this resolution, Alaska can reaffirm its
dedication to fostering a strong and mutually
beneficial relationship with Taiwan, supporting
economic growth, cultural exchange, and international
cooperation.
2:44:37 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON, in response to a question from
Representative Coulombe, explained that there is no longer a
trade office in Taiwan.
2:45:26 PM
Clark Bickford, staff, Senator Gray-Jackson, Alaska State
Legislature, on behalf of Senator Gray-Jackson, prime sponsor,
answered questions from Representative Coulombe regarding SJR 8.
He explained that during a recent trip the senator made to
Taiwan, she met with Taiwanese officials and reaffirmed the
importance of the economic ties between Alaska and Taiwan.
2:45:52 PM
The committee took a brief at-ease at 2:45 p.m.
2:46:11 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER moved Amendment 1 to SJR 8. He
explained that his amendment added language underscoring the
potential support for Alaska's liquified natural gas (LNG) as
well as the shared energy trade interests between the state and
Tiawan.
2:47:08 PM
CO-CHAIR BURKE objected for the purpose of discussion.
2:47:15 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON responded to Representative Rauscher's
proposed amendment, explaining the importance of maintaining a
neutral stance regarding LNG to avoid discouraging or alienating
other potential Asian partners. She underscored the importance
of keeping the resolution broad and inclusive rather than
focusing on a specific industry. She urged the committee
members to vote no on the amendment.
2:47:56 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER suggested that Alaska should be willing
to support whoever is first to make a commitment to buy Alaska's
gas.
2:48:27 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER pointed out that the resolution does
specifically support the fishing industry.
2:48:49 PM
MR. BICKFORD pointed out that there is a stand-alone resolution
speaking to the support of the LNG project.
2:49:11 PM
CO-CHAIR BURKE maintained her objection.
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Coulombe, Rauscher,
Saddler, and Elam voted in favor of Amendment 1.
Representatives Fields, Hall, Mears, Dibert, and Burke voted
against it. Therefore, Amendment 1 to SJR 8 failed by a vote of
4-5.
2:50:12 PM
CO-CHAIR BURKE opened public testimony on SJR 8.
2:50:32 PM
JEFF CHEN, representing self, spoke in support of SJR 8. He
explained that he is a small business owner, former commissioner
of the Anchorage sister city commission, and that he is a
Taiwanese Alaskan. He explained that both Taiwan and Alaska
have a lot to gain from increased trade. He provided examples
illustrating the benefits of such a relationship. He supported
opening a trade office in Alaska.
2:53:00 PM
DANIEL CHEN, representing self, spoke in support of SJR 8. He
discussed the importance of cooperation between Taiwan and
Alaska, pointing to imports and exports, the seafood industry,
and the advantages of strengthening the energy market.
2:55:49 PM
SOPHIE CHEN, Deputy Director, Taipei Economic and Cultural
Office, spoke in support of SJR 8. She emphasized the long-
standing cooperation between Alaska and Taiwan regarding energy,
seafood, and tourism and the possibility of expanding trade.
2:58:28 PM
CO-CHAIR BURKE closed public testimony.
2:58:43 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER expressed his concern for a resolution
that calls on the state to make a specific financial commitment.
He did acknowledge the vital relationship with Taiwan that
benefits the economies of both Taiwan and Alaska and its
geopolitical importance.
2:59:46 PM
MR. BICKFORD responded to Representative Saddler's concern
regarding the expense, explaining that Taiwan would partially
subsidize the office rent. He also noted the growth and
economic value during the first implementation of the trade
office had been high, indicating that a re-opened office would
promote sufficient economic growth to cover the costs.
3:00:28 PM
MR. BICKFORD, in response to a question from Representative Elam
regarding why the office in Taiwan was closed, explained that it
was closed in 1990 by Governor Sheffield, and he was unsure of
the reason.
3:01:15 PM
CO-CHAIR DIBERT moved to report SJR 8, work order 34-LS0442\A
from committee with attached fiscal note and individual
recommendations.
3:01:41 PM
There being no objection, SJR 8 was reported from the House
Resources Standing Committee.
3:01:52 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 3:01 p.m. to 3:03 p.m.
[CO-CHAIR BURKE passed the gavel to CO-CHAIR DIBERT.]
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB 206 Presentation.pdf |
HRES 5/14/2025 1:00:00 PM |
HB 206 |
| HB 206 Sponsor Statement.pdf |
HRES 5/14/2025 1:00:00 PM |
HB 206 |
| HB 206 Sectional Analysis.pdf |
HRES 5/14/2025 1:00:00 PM |
HB 206 |
| SJR 8 Sponsor Statement .pdf |
HRES 5/14/2025 1:00:00 PM |
SJR 8 |
| SJR 8 supporting doc - Office Rent Subsidy for Offices of Foreign State Govts.pdf |
HRES 5/14/2025 1:00:00 PM |
SJR 8 |
| Draft HCSSJR 19 (RES) ver O.pdf |
HRES 5/14/2025 1:00:00 PM |
SJR 19 |
| SJR 19 summary of changes ver H to O.pdf |
HRES 5/14/2025 1:00:00 PM |
SJR 19 |
| SJR 17 Sponsor Statement version A 5.13.25.pdf |
HRES 5/14/2025 1:00:00 PM |
SJR 17 |