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 |