Legislature(2007 - 2008)BELTZ 211
04/03/2007 01:30 PM Senate LABOR & COMMERCE
Audio | Topic |
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Start | |
SB116 | |
SB124 | |
SB115 | |
HB34 | |
Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
*+ | SB 124 | TELECONFERENCED | |
+ | SB 115 | TELECONFERENCED | |
+ | HB 34 | TELECONFERENCED | |
+= | SB 116 | TELECONFERENCED | |
SB 124-ALASKA WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BD ALLOCATION CHAIR ELLIS announced the first committee hearing for SB 124. SENATOR OLSON, sponsor of SB 124, said Alaska Works Partnership (AWP) originally asked him to introduce SB 124 that reauthorizes the adult voc/tech training programs and raises the rate of contribution to pipeline training programs. This bill was expanded to address training needs throughout Alaska in forthcoming pipeline construction. This will insure that a greater number of Alaskans will participate in building the gas line through the state's trade union apprenticeship program. In this regard, the AWP has put together a program that offers the training expertise for all trades operating under one umbrella organization. He said that AWP has effectively reached out to bring residents from all areas of Alaska into its program. It has extended its training program and expertise to other voc/tech programs in Alaska through cooperative arrangements. These efforts have proven to be very effective in providing skilled workers for public construction projects from residents of the community. 1:52:04 PM SENATOR OLSON explained that the CS, version M, reflects the recommendations Alaska Works Partnership had put forth in its March 16 letter. It essentially increases the employee contribution rate to the technical vocational education program by .005 percent. It enacts a new allocation listing for the program funds for a five-year period between FY08 and FY13. The new allocation of funds adds the Northwestern Alaska Career and Technical Center (NACTEC) in Nome, Delta Career Advancement Career Advancement Center in Delta Junction and the Alaska Works Partnership to its list. SENATOR STEVENS asked if line 10 on page 2 of the CS, version M, meant a reduction in funds to the Alaska Vocational Technical Center. SENATOR OLSON asked the chair if he wanted to work off of version M. 1:53:34 PM CHAIR ELLIS said no; he wanted to work off the original bill. He also stated that he didn't want to damage the existing programs at the University and had asked folks to discuss this together in the hopes of bringing another CS to the committee. He wanted it to allow them to use some monies without hurting the UI trust fund, which he thought was doable at a certain level, to pump up some of these programs that might be justified across the state. 1:56:06 PM MIKE ANDREWS, Director, Alaska Works Partnership Inc., said AWP is a statewide not-for-profit dedicated to construction industry workforce development. He stated that this legislation could significantly contribute to increasing the number of Alaskans who are attracted to construction jobs and career training in the state. He looked forward to working with the committee on a positive resolution. CHAIR ELLIS said they were open to his suggestions. 1:57:20 PM JEFF SELVEY, Director, Northwestern Alaska Career and Technical Center (NACTEC) said that it had existed in Nome for four years and that they worked with AWP, the University of Alaska Northwest and Norton Sound Health Corp. in developing a program for training high school students and supported educational services for adults throughout the region. He stated he would like to continue using his facilities to train a workforce for his area. CHAIR ELLIS asked how many people use the NACTEC facilities now. MR. SELVEY recapped that in its first year the high school program had 112 students, the second year - 224, and last year it had 239. This year their goal is to have 250 students. NACTEC has served over 500 students so far. Alaska Works Program and students from the Northwest campus use their facilities after hours and they have trained about 70 people. CHAIR ELLIS responded that he appreciated that cooperative attitude in sharing resources. 1:59:07 PM PHIL REESE, Director, Post-Secondary Program, Galena City Schools, supported SB 124. He said they had been in existence for five years. He is always looking for opportunities to extend training opportunities. 2:00:29 PM WENDY REDMAN, University of Alaska, thanked Senator Olson for introducing this bill. She said they are very close to finding a solution without hurting other programs. SENATOR OLSON closed his comments relating that their efforts are on track. CHAIR ELLIS held SB 124.
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