Legislature(2005 - 2006)
03/22/2006 02:46 PM House FIN
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB232 | |
| HB365 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HOUSE BILL NO. 365
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and
loan program expenses of state government, for certain
programs, and to capitalize funds; making
appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution
of the State of Alaska, from the constitutional budget
reserve fund; and providing for an effective date."
HOUSE BILL NO. 366
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and
capital expenses of the state's integrated
comprehensive mental health program; and providing for
an effective date."
Representative Kerttula MOVED to ADOPT Amendment ADMIN #1,
which would add $1.7 million to the Office of Public
Advocacy.
Co-Chair Chenault OBJECTED.
Representative Kerttula noted that the amendment would add
funds to the Governor's original request. She emphasized the
importance of the agency in criminal and civil conflict
cases. She noted that it would cost more to defend these
cases with private counsel. She emphasized that the agency
had worked with seniors and children, and that they had a
very high case load and not enough resources.
2:58:06 PM
Co-Chair Chenault conceded that the department does a fine
job and acknowledged that they are under-funded based on his
discussion with the personnel. He queried how to deal with
supplementals and hold agencies to the amount specified [by
the legislature]. He expressed an unwillingness to accept an
amendment stating a specific amount and stated that he would
not support the amendment.
Representative Kerttula recognized the problems with
supplementals and urged the Committee to add additional
funding into the base to prevent future supplementals.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Kerttula, Moses, Joule
OPPOSED: Kelly, Stoltze, Weyhrauch, Foster, Hawker, Holm,
Meyer, Chenault
The MOTION FAILED (3-8).
Representative Kerttula MOVED to ADOPT Amendment ADMIN #2:
add $1 million for the Public Defender Agency.
Co-Chair Meyer OBJECTED.
Representative Kerttula noted that the agency is driven by
caseload under a constitutional provision guaranteeing
representation. She maintained that excess caseloads
sometimes result in lost cases and delays. She also observed
that attorneys often had to complete their own
administrative duties, resulting in inefficiency.
IN FAVOR: Kerttula, Moses, Joule
OPPOSED: Kelly, Stoltze, Weyhrauch, Foster, Hawker, Holm,
Meyer, Chenault
The MOTION FAILED (3-8).
Representative Kelly MOVED to ADOPT Amendment DCCED #1,
which would add $25 thousand for the Alaska State Community
Services Commission.
There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Representative Kelly MOVED to ADOPT Amendment DCCED #2 to
add $900 thousand to the Qualified Trade Association
Contract. Co-Chair Meyer OBJECTED.
Representative Kelly spoke to the amendment, stating that
these funds would provide a grant to the Independent
Traveler Association. He explained that the independent
traveler market has not rebounded as well as other tourism
segments, such as the cruise industry. The request was
reduced in the subcommittee and removed from the capital
budget to be submitted as a one time increment in the
operating budget.
3:05:03 PM
Co-Chair Chenault asked if matching funds were involved.
Representative Kelly noted that the smaller organizations
felt that it would be difficult to meet a match requirement.
Co-Chair Chenault thought that the vehicle rental tax was
originally intended to promote travel in the state. He
suggested other departments could also promote tourism, and
stated his hesitance to support the amendment while other
important state issues go unfunded.
Representative Kelly maintained that, although they could
not dedicate funds, there was an implied promise that the
funds would go toward tourism with a focus on such groups.
3:08:03 PM
Representative Kerttula asked what would happen if the
amendment were not adopted. Representative Kelly noted that
he would look at adding it to the capital budget.
IN FAVOR: Kelly, Kerttula, Moses
OPPOSED: Stoltze, Weyhrauch, Foster, Hawker, Joule, Holm,
Meyer, Chenault
The MOTION FAILED (3-8).
Representative Kelly MOVED to ADOPT Amendment DCCED #3,
which would add $210 thousand to Community Assistance and
Economic Development, Community Advocacy.
Representative Kelly MOVED to AMEND Amendment DCCED #3:
change $210 thousand to $150 thousand. He observed that the
appropriation to each Regional Seafood Development
Association would be reduced from $70.0 to $50.0. He noted
that the subcommittee added a one-time increment to the
Regional Seafood Development Associations (RSDA's). He
emphasized that the amendment would give the three RSDA's
seed money.
3:11:32 PM
Representative Stoltze asked if a local fisheries tax
supported the groups. Representative Kelly affirmed.
There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Representative Moses MOVED to ADOPT Amendment DCCED
Amendment #4, which would add $1.8 million to the Alaska
Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI). Co-Chair Meyer OBJECTED.
Representative Moses spoke to the amendment. He explained
that the amendment would allow the Alaska Seafood Marketing
Institute to participate in the industry. The state of
Alaska has not contributed to ASMI for approximately ten
years. He noted that $500 thousand would allow international
marketing in an attempt to increase Alaska's market share in
countries such as Japan and Eastern Europe. He stated that
Alaska spends much less than other countries on marketing.
3:14:26 PM
Representative Moses stressed that the state has a vested
interest in keeping its seafood prices up. He concluded that
the funds were equal to $1 for every $2.5 that the industry
generated.
Representative Weyhrauch spoke in support of the amendment
and reiterated that the state had not contributed to the
Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute in the past 10 years. He
felt a need to support them with the current surplus. He
also observed that marketing in other countries resulted in
higher sales. He observed that there has been approximately
a 47 percent increase in sales of Alaskan seafood in
countries where it has been advertised. He acknowledged that
additional funds have been put into marketing through
regional associations.
3:16:34 PM
Representative Joule also spoke in support of the amendment
and stressed that Alaska is fortunate to have wild stock
present.
Co-Chair Chenault maintained that the state has invested in
seafood marketing. While he acknowledged marketing issues
around the world he argued that a $500 thousand general fund
increase was substantial.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Weyhrauch, Foster, Joule, Kerttula, Moses
OPPOSED: Stoltze, Hawker, Holm, Kelly, Chenault, Meyer
Representative Moses WITHDREW Amendment DCCED #5 (copy on
file.)
Representative Weyhrauch MOVED to ADOPT Amendment ED #1:
Add to Section 13
(b) The sum of $250,000 is appropriated from the
general fund to the Department of Education and
Early Development for the fiscal year ending June
30, 2007, for payment as grants to each school
district that operates a charter school with an
average daily membership of less than 150 for
support of those charter schools in those
districts. The amount appropriated for grants by
this subsection is to be allocated among eligible
school districts in the proportion that the
average daily membership of eligible charter
schools in a district bears to the total average
daily membership of all eligible charter schools
in all school districts that operate an eligible
charter school.
Representative Stoltze OBJECTED.
Representative Weyhrauch noted that charter schools had
received state support for the last two years. He explained
that the amendment allowed funds to go to charter schools
with populations of less than 150 students. He stated that
otherwise these small schools were incorporated into the
funding formula for the larger schools, which would
significantly reduce their funding. He stressed the amount
of time already spent by these schools in fundraising. There
are schools in Kenai, Nome and Juneau. He observed that the
amount was less than they originally requested.
3:22:10 PM
Representative Stoltze expressed his support of charter
schools, and noted their reliance on volunteerism.
3:22:59 PM
Representative Hawker questioned if the amendment would
result in level funding with FY 2006. Representative
Weyhrauch confirmed.
There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Representative Kerttula WITHDREW Amendment #2 (copy on
file.)
Representative Weyhrauch MOVED to ADOPT Amendment ED #3 to
appropriate $49.5 thousand general funds to the Department
of Education and Early Development, Alaska Library and
Museums, Archives for program support.
There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Representative Kerttula MOVED to ADOPT Amendment ED #4 to
add $500 thousand to Head Start Grants.
Co-Chair Meyer OBJECTED.
Representative Kerttula explained that the amendment would
provide enough funding in the Head Start Program to
incorporate many of the 850 children on the wait list. She
explained that these children were beneath the poverty
guidelines. She proposed that spending this money would have
future benefits and pointed out that the state of Alaska had
not funded preschool program, and that the Head Start
program had been flat funded for the past several years. She
noted that all Head Start Grants were completed on a
competitive basis. She noted that the first lady supported
this program.
3:26:38 PM
Co-Chair Chenault noted the decrease of $272 in federal
funds and asked where this occurred.
EDDY JEANS, DIRECTOR, EDUCATION SUPPORT SERVICES, DEPARTMENT
OF EDUCATION AND EARLY DEVELOPMENT, confirmed his
understanding that the funding for the Head Start Program
would be decreased by $270 thousand by the federal
government in the coming year.
3:27:44 PM
IN FAVOR: Kerttula, Moses, Joule
OPPOSED: Kelly, Stoltze, Weyhrauch, Hawker, Holm, Meyer,
Chenault
Representative Foster was absent from the vote.
The MOTION FAILED (4-7).
Representative Joule MOVED to ADOPT Amendment ED #5 to add
$5 million to Teaching and Learning Support for Teacher
Mentoring.
Representative Stoltze OBJECTED.
Representative Joule explained that the funding would
support the teacher mentoring program. He discussed the
origin of the program and emphasized the success of past
teacher mentoring programs. He noted that 37 school
districts participated in this program and demonstrating
that participation in this voluntary program increased
teacher retention in the state. He observed that teachers
who are initially mentored in rural Alaska might eventually
move to larger districts in the state. He noted the
importance of retaining teachers throughout the state and
urged support.
3:31:28 PM
Co-Chair Meyer noted previous discussions in the Education
Subcommittee and noted it had the support of the
Commissioner of Education. He explained that the program was
started by the federal government. The state must decide
whether to continue the program. He noted the high request
amount pf $5 million and observed that the Anchorage School
District has its own program. He noted that the Subcommittee
questioned whether retired teachers might be a less
expensive option. He noted the subcommittee's discomfort
with the high cost of the program.
3:33:05 PM
Co-Chair Chenault acknowledged that the program was
beneficial, but expressed concern with the cost and pointed
out that there are many unresolved issues surrounding
education. He referred to the cost differential problem,
which might be part of the solution. He stated that he was
not comfortable supporting the amendment, but suggested that
it might be revisited later in the session.
3:34:30 PM
Representative Joule agreed that sometimes issues were
raised to continue dialogue on the House Floor. He commended
larger school districts for continued the program, but noted
that raising energy costs in smaller districts prevented
monies from being directed to other programs. He conceded
that movement had been made, but emphasized the importance
if assisting young teachers early on in the process. He
maintained that providing assistance to new teachers would
help them to transition and result in greater retention in
Alaska. He welcomed further discussion.
3:36:31 PM
Representative Kelly acknowledged the cost of having to
recruit and retain new teachers, but conceded that the
funding level was not sustainable. He mentioned a time when
Fairbanks put a great deal of effort into mentoring. He
observed that the state was not producing the amount of
teachers needed to fill current job openings.
Representative Joule pointed out that it would be more
difficult to restart the program.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Foster, Joule, Kerttula, Moses
OPPOSED: Hawker, Holm, Kelly, Stoltze, Wehyrauch, Meyer,
Chenault
The MOTION FAILED (4-7).
Representative Joule MOVED to ADOPT Amendment ED #6 to add
$750 thousand to support the work of Ready to Read, Ready to
Learn Alaska Task Force in the Department of Health and
Social Services.
Representative Stoltze OBJECTED.
3:40:05 PM
Representative Joule explained that the amendment supported
the Ready to Read program. He noted that pre K programs have
been eliminated. He emphasized the importance of instilling
early reading skills in 3 to 5 year olds, and proposed that
work at this level would result in benefits in the overall
system. He stressed that these funds are an investment in
students in the state of Alaska, which would pay huge
dividends. He pointed out that studies correlated early
education to a lack of a prison record.
Representative Hawker observed that the program started in
the Health and Social Services budget. The Subcommittee did
not accept the appropriation and recommended that it be
directed to the Education budget. He conceded that this
program provided benefit, but questioned why it had begun in
the Department of Health and Social Services budget. He
suggested that it pointed to a family responsibility. He did
not believe the state had a primary role at this level. He
mentioned that there were a number of social services
already available to support young children, such as day
care, which is funded at $53 million a year. He was not sure
that the state should support this program.
3:45:53 PM
Co-Chair Meyer conceded that this was a difficult decision
and noted the long discussions in the Education
Subcommittee. He observed that the intent of the task force
was to provide these services to all young children in the
state. He pointed out however, that the funding was a
placeholder, since the task force was not yet sure how to
spend the money. He felt the amendment would be premature.
The $750 thousand was merely for the task force, with the
services portending a much larger amount.
Representative Hawker clarified that the child care benefits
proposal was $48 million vs. $53 million in the Department
of Health and Social Services.
Representative Joule suggested that the task force might be
able to identify current state agencies as methods for
improving learning for young children. He emphasized the
need for funding to allow the task force to interface with
the current program. He noted that his own district
currently chose to make this investment, even though the
department is not supporting the funding. He referred to
studies that demonstrate that young children benefit a great
deal from this type of intervention.
3:50:04 PM
Co-Chair Chenault agreed that earlier intervention in
education is better. However, he noted that it was a policy
question whether the state or the family ought to have that
responsibility. He conceded that some families might not
have the ability to provide these resources, but questioned
the role of the state.
3:50:59 PM
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Joule, Kerttula, Moses
OPPOSED: Hawker, Holm, Kelly, Stoltze, Weyhrauch, Foster,
Chenault, Meyer
The MOTION FAILED (3-8).
3:51:51 PM
Representative Kerttula MOVED to ADOPT ED 7:
DEPARTMENT: Department of Education
APPROPRIATION: Teaching and Learning Support
ALLOCATION: Student and School Achievement
ADD: $50.0
FUNDING SOURCE: GF code 1004
Co-Chair Chenault OBJECTED.
Representative Kerttula explained the amendment, which
supports a 20 year old program. The Alaska Mineral and
Energy Resource Education Fund (AMEREF) is a partnership
between the State of Alaska Department of Education and
private industry to provide Alaska students and teachers
with the knowledge and skills to make informed and objective
decisions relating to mineral, energy, and forest resources.
The key component of the program is the curriculum modules
provided to teachers around the state. These modules cover
such subjects as Alaska's Mining History, Alaska's Geology,
Alaska's Minerals and Mining, Ecology/Economy, Energy and
the Environment and Alaska's Forestry. Funding is needed to
update and revise the curriculum modules including
incorporating the newly approved state science standards as
well as new technologies. She spoke in support of the
amendment and stressed its effectiveness. She observed that
there is currently no good outside source.
Co-Chair Chenault did not support the amendment.
Co-Chair Meyer acknowledged the worth of the program, but
observed that the state already contributes $50 thousand
dollars toward the program. He hoped to see the mining
industry to take the program over.
Representative Kerttula pointed out that the State reduced
funding, which AMEREF picked up. The money is needed to
update and revise the science curriculum. She stated that it
was a worthwhile program.
3:55:03 PM
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Joule, Kerttula, Moses
OPPOSED: Hawker, Kelly, Stoltze, Weyhrauch, Foster,
Chenault, Meyer
Representative Holm was absent from the vote.
The MOTION FAILED (3-7).
3:55:50 PM
Representative Weyhrauch MOVED to ADOPT Labor #1:
(d) The sum of $200,000 is appropriated from the
general fund to the Department of Labor and Workforce
Development, independent living rehabilitation, for
partial funding of interpreter referral line and
transition of youth to employment, for the fiscal year
ending June 30, 2007.
Co-Chair Chenault OBJECTED.
Representative Weyhrauch explained that the amendment would
appropriate $200 thousand for the independent living
rehabilitation. He emphasized that the funding helps to
keep people in their homes. It is a one-time appropriation.
Co-Chair Chenault acknowledged that the program is
worthwhile.
Representative Chenault MOVED to AMEND Amendment: reduce the
appropriation to $150 thousand. There being NO OBJECTION, it
was amended.
Representative Hawker OBJECTED for a comment. He expressed
the desire to see the services coordinated between the
Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the
Department of Health and Social Services.
Representative Hawker WITHDREW his OBJECTION.
Representative Kelly referred to the number of constituents
testifying regarding the budget and pointed out that few if
any testified in favor of further cuts. He thought that the
budget was not sustainable. He maintained that there are
many equally deserving programs, but indicated that he would
support the amendment.
There being NO OBJECTION, LABOR #1 was adopted.
4:00:48 PM
Representative Kerttula MOVED to ADOPT Labor #2:
DEPARTMENT: Department of Labor
APPROPRIATION: Workforce Development
ALLOCATION: Adult Basic Education
ADD: $450.0
FUNDING SOURCE: GF code 1004
EXPLANATION: This amendment will restore the Adult
Basic Education Program to the full $1 million. This
program prepares Alaskans for employment by providing
instruction in basic skills and GED preparation and
testing. The increment will enable the program to
increase their GED graduates by 630 and will also
provide a trades apprenticeship and job training
curriculum. The additional funding is also needed to
maintain, monitor and update the databases and train
the ABE program staff
Representative Stoltze OBJECTED.
4:01:22 PM
Representative Kerttula stated that the amendment would
restore the Adult Education Program to the requested limit
of $1 million. She referred to testimony indicating the
importance of the program in allowing people to improve
their lives. The Adult Basic Education Program issues
certificates to the highest percentage of Alaskans
graduating through any program. There are 630 graduates per
year. She reiterated that it would be money well spent.
Representative Joule noted that he worked at the Alaska
Technical Center in Kotzebue and recounted successful use of
the program. He urged passage of the amendment and
maintained it was a worthwhile expense.
4:05:47 PM
GUY BELL, ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, OFFICE OF THE
COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT,
explained that the GED program is the single largest source,
with 20%, of high school diplomas.
Representative Hawker was shocked.
Representative Kerttula stated that there was no other
program giving GED's in the State. Co-Chair Chenault stated
this was in addition to what was requested.
4:08:22 PM
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Joule, Kerttula, Moses
OPPOSED: Hawker, Holm, Kelly, Stoltze, Foster, Chenault,
Vice-Chair Meyer and Representative Weyhrauch were absent
from the vote.
The MOTION FAILED (3-6).
4:09:14 PM
Representative Kerttula MOVED to ADOPT Labor #3:
DEPARTMENT: Department of Labor
APPROPRIATION: Workers' Compensation and Safety
ALLOCATION: Wage and Hour Administration
ADD: $199.5
FUNDING SOURCE:GF code 1004
EXPLANATION: This amendment will restore funding to
the $299.2 level requested by Department of Labor to
establish three new Wage and Hour Investigator I
positions to improve resident hire results and ensure
compliance with prevailing wage laws. Public
construction projects have increased by 23% since FY
2003 and existing staff is insufficient to perform on-
site inspections. These positions will result in an
additional 800 on-site inspections annually.
Representative Stoltze OBJECTED.
Representative Kerttula spoke to the amendment. She
explained that the amendment would restore the level
requested by the Department of Labor and Workforce
Development. She observed support from the General
Contractors Association and members of the public. She
observed that with the increase in public construction
programs, the existing staff in the Department of Labor was
unable to get to job sites to do proper inspections. The
amendment would allow 800 more inspections per year. The
state of Alaska has a prevailing wage law. Without
enforcement some contractors may misclassify workers to
lower paying crafts with little threat of being caught. The
amendment would help level the playing field. She maintained
that without the funding some contractors would not follow
ethical work practices.
4:11:01 PM
Co-Chair Chenault conceded that the amount was not as much
as requested, but felt that it might be enough to suffice
for now.
Representative Holm asked whether there were any cases that
raised suspicion about contractors not complying.
Representative Weyhrauch said that although they had not
heard any testimony, the presence of the program preventing
poor practices.
Representative Hawker agreed that the state needed to pay
attention to current laws in this area. He endorsed the
amendment.
Representative Kelly noted the increase and proposed that a
great deal of enforcement already occurred in the workplace.
Representative Kerttula pointed out that testimony revealed
that only 160 projects were surveyed, and inspectors were
overwhelmed. She noted testimony estimating that 800
projects need auditing.
Representative Chenault spoke against the amendment.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Joule, Kerttula, Hawker
OPPOSED: Holm, Kelly, Stoltze, Weyhrauch, Foster, Chenault,
Meyer
Representative Moses was absent from the vote.
The MOTION FAILED (3-7).
Representative Kelly MOVED to ADOPT Amendment Labor #4 to
add $47.9 thousand Independent Living Rehabilitation for
Assisted Living Care for the Elderly and Blind.
There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Co-Chair Chenault MOVED to ADOPT Amendment Labor #5 to add
$50.0 thousand general funds for an office of Citizenship
Assistance activities in the Kodiak office.
Representative Stoltze OBJECTED.
Co-Chair Chenault noted that the amendment generated from a
Committee member, and stated that Kodiak had a large
Filipino population and believed they needed a position of
Citizen Assistance.
Representative Stoltze WITHDREW objection. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Co-Chair Chenault MOVED to ADOPT Amendment LAW #1:
* Sec. 15. DEPARTMENT OF LAW. The sum of $1,500,000 is
from the general fund to the Department of Law, oil,
gas, and mining, for work related to the state gas
pipeline, to bringing North Slope natural gas to
market, and to other oil and gas projects, for the
fiscal year ending June 30, 2007.
Representative Stoltze OBJECTED.
4:17:27 PM
Co-Chair Chenault observed that the amendment would provide
$1.5 million for related oil and gas projects. The monies
were split between the FY 06 and 07 budgets. He pointed out
that the FY 07 funding was taken out of the supplemental and
added to the FY 07 operating budget. He observed that a
large amount of money has been spent over the last few years
for pipeline and other negotiations and noted concerns
regarding accounting for those expenditures. He had been
reassured that the funding was spent in the correct manner.
He concluded that at this time, with the PPT tax before the
Legislature, the money must be invested. He stated that
although he was reluctant to spend the money, he believed it
was necessary.
Representative Stoltze expressed support for funding civil
lawyers. He noted the amount of outstanding tax cases, and
the cost of contracted attorneys. He commended the
dedication of attorneys working for the department. He also
noted that the intention was not to hire too many attorneys
out of Washington D.C.
4:20:03 PM
Representative Hawker WITHDREW his OBJECTION. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Representative Stoltze MOVED to ADOPT Amendment LAW #2,
which would add $141.8 thousand in general funds for the
Third Judicial District, Anchorage to restore a therapeutic
courts attorney.
There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Co-Chair Chenault MOVED to ADOPT Amendment DMVA #1 to add
$150 thousand for Homeland Security Emergency Services.
There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Representative Holm MOVED to ADOPT Amendment DOTPF #1 to add
$1.5 million Northern Region Highways and Aviation for
increased Dalton Highway maintenance and operations.
There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
4:22:10 PM
Representative Moses MOVED to ADOPT Amendment DOTPF #2 to
add $543.8 thousand for five positions and to extend the
hours of operation at Kodiak, Dillingham, Unalaska, Nome,
Kotzebue, Wrangell and Petersburg.
.
Representative Stoltze OBJECTED.
FRANK RICHARDS, STATEWIDE MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS,
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC FACILITIES, spoke to
the amendment. He explained that the amendment would allow
extended hours in rural certificated airports, where air
carriers would like better service on the runway for snow
and ice removal. The additional service would affect both
passenger and cargo flights. He explained that missed
approaches result in returns to Anchorage, which prevents
food stuffs and medical evacuation staff from arriving. He
observed support in rural areas. He noted that the
legislature approved 75% of their FY 06 request on six of
the airports: Petersburg, Nome, Bethel, Kotzebue and
Dillingham. The amendment would expand service to Kodiak and
Unalaska.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Moses, Foster, Joule, Kerttula
OPPOSED: Stoltze, Weyhrauch, Hawker, Holm, Kelly, Meyer,
Chenault
The MOTION FAILED (4-7).
Representative Joule WITHDREW Amendment DOTPF #3 (copy on
file.)
Representative Kerttula MOVED Amendment #4, DOTPF, which
would add $2,355.8 million for Alaska Marine Highway System
Vessel Operations.
Co-Chair Chenault OBJECTED.
Representative Kerttula explained that the amendment would
restore the reduction of additional weeks of service for the
cross gulf service between Juneau and Whittier from October
to June 30, 2006 on the M/V Kennicott. She observed that
many travelers depend on the service, including legislators,
military and other state employees.
NANCY SLAGLE, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES,
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC FACILITIES, observed
that the amendment would restore funding reduced by the
Subcommittee as an unallocated reduction.
4:26:48 PM
Co-Chair Chenault observed that there are concerns
regarding fast ferry service and other issues with the
Alaska Marine Highway System. He expressed a hesitance to
add support at this time.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Moses, Joule, Kerttula
OPPOSED: Stoltze, Weyhrauch, Foster, Hawker, Holm, Kelly,
Meyer, Chenault
The MOTION FAILED (3-8).
HB 365 and HB 366 were heard and HELD in Committee for
further consideration.
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