02/13/2007 01:00 PM House MILITARY & VETERANS' AFFAIRS
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Presentation by the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs | |
| HB45 | |
| HB62 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| *+ | HB 45 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 62 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON MILITARY AND VETERANS' AFFAIRS
February 13, 2007
1:05 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Bob Roses, Chair
Representative Nancy Dahlstrom
Representative Anna Fairclough
Representative Gabrielle LeDoux
Representative Robert L. "Bob" Buch
Representative Scott Kawasaki
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Jay Ramras
OTHER LEGISLATORS PRESENT
Representative Andrea Doll
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
PRESENTATION BY THE DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND VETERANS' AFFAIRS
-HEARD
HOUSE BILL NO. 45
"An Act authorizing the Department of Military and Veterans'
Affairs to establish and maintain Alaska veterans' cemeteries;
and establishing the Alaska veterans' cemetery fund in the
general fund."
- HEARD AND HELD
HOUSE BILL NO. 62
"An Act providing for partial tuition assistance for families of
members of the Alaska National Guard; directing the adjutant
general to seek additional funding to support tuition
assistance; and providing for free hunting and sport fishing
licenses for active members of the Alaska National Guard."
- MOVED CSHB 62(MLV) OUT OF COMMITTEE
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HB 45
SHORT TITLE: STATE VETERANS' CEMETERY & FUND
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) GUTTENBERG, DOLL
01/16/07 (H) PREFILE RELEASED 1/5/07
01/16/07 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/16/07 (H) MLV, STA, FIN
02/13/07 (H) MLV AT 1:00 PM CAPITOL 124
BILL: HB 62
SHORT TITLE: TUITION WAIVER FOR NATIONAL GUARD FAMILY
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) THOMAS, KERTTULA
01/16/07 (H) PREFILE RELEASED 1/5/07
01/16/07 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/16/07 (H) MLV, STA, FIN
02/13/07 (H) MLV AT 1:00 PM CAPITOL 124
WITNESS REGISTER
MAJOR GENERAL CRAIG CAMPBELL, Adjutant General/Commissioner
Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs (DMVA)
Ft. Richardson, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented an overview of the Department of
Military & Veterans' Affairs and provided comments on HB 45.
REPRESENTATIVE DAVID GUTTENBERG
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented HB 45 as a prime sponsor.
JOSEPH FIELDS,
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 45.
DANA KRAWCHUK, Staff
to Representative David Guttenberg
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions on HB 45.
PAT LUBY, Advocacy Director
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 45.
LISA PUSICH, State Accountant
Division of Finance
Department of Administration (DOA)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Responded to a question regarding HB 45.
KACI SCHROEDER HOTCH, Staff
to Representative Bill Thomas
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented HB 62 and Amendment 1 on behalf
of Representative Thomas, a joint prime sponsor.
MARY GOWER, Director
Division of Enrollment Services
University of Alaska
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 62 and answered
questions.
ACTION NARRATIVE
CHAIR BOB ROSES called the House Special Committee on Military
and Veterans' Affairs meeting to order at 1:05:38 PM.
Representatives Dahlstrom, LeDoux, Kawasaki, Buch, and Roses
were present at the call to order. Representative Fairclough
arrived as the meeting was in progress. Representative Doll was
also in attendance.
^Presentation by the Department of Military and Veterans'
Affairs
CHAIR ROSES announced that the first order of business would be
the presentation by the Department of Military and Veterans'
Affairs (DMVA).
1:06:31 PM
MAJOR GENERAL CRAIG CAMPBELL, Adjutant General/Commissioner,
Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs (DMVA), informed
the committee that the DMVA represents 4,400 Alaskans, most of
who are affiliated with, the Army and Air National Guards, the
Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, the
Office of Veterans' Affairs, the Alaska Military Youth Academy
(Academy), and the Division of Administrative Services. He
called the committee's attention to the DMVA 2006 Annual Report
and the winter 2006/07 issue of WARRIORS magazine. Major
General Campbell noted that both of these publications are
printed at no cost to the state or federal government and are
current sources of information regarding activities of the
DMVA's soldiers, airmen, and employees.
CHAIR ROSES recommended that members read the story on page 19
of WARRIORS magazine that features a former student of the
Alaska Youth Academy.
1:09:43 PM
MAJOR GENERAL CAMPBELL added that the Youth Academy can change a
student's life and give a young person the skills to pursue
his/her dreams. To begin his presentation, Major General
Campbell spoke about the Alaska Army National Guard, which has
evolved over the last four years from a scout group of 1,770
soldiers to a dynamic force that is meeting the needs of the
U.S. across the world. By the end of 2007, there will be 1,400
Army National Guardsmen deployed to Iraq, Kuwait, or
Afghanistan. Currently, 570 soldiers are stationed in Kuwait;
120 soldiers are stationed in Kandahar, Afghanistan; and one
noncommissioned officer and one officer are in Iraq, stationed
to serve with the Mongolian force. Mongolia is one of America's
strongest allies and its troops have served and trained with
Alaska's soldiers. Major General Campbell further explained
that the overseas deployment began with the Third Battalion,
Charlie Company from Juneau followed by the First Battalion from
Nome. Two aviation divisions, the Black Hawk helicopters and
the C23 fixed-wing aircraft, have served one rotation. At this
time, 170 soldiers are scheduled to deploy to Iraq this summer
in addition to the embedded training teams that are already
there. He emphasized that the Alaska Army National Guard has
transformed from a home-based scout group into a combat ready
organization.
MAJOR GENERAL CAMPBELL further described changes in the Army
National Guard that was formed as a scout group during the Cold
War to patrol the North and Northwestern borders. At the end of
the Cold War, the guard became an Infantry Brigade Combat Team
(IBCT) which required teaming with bases in other states and
territories. Now, Major General Campbell continued, the guard
may become an exclusively Alaska Battlefield Surveillance
Brigade. The Alaska Army National Guard is still changing to
meet the needs of the U.S. and Alaska. He said the goal for the
Army National Guard is to train troops for civilian jobs that
fit state needs, such as law enforcement. Regarding missile
defense, Major General Campbell remarked that Fort Greely is the
only missile defense field in the U.S. and that it is manned
solely by about 205 Alaska National Guardsmen. Turning to the
subject of recruitment, he noted that the guard currently has
1,950 members and will exceed its goal this year. The
recruitment goal for 2008 is to have a force of 2,050 members.
Major General Campbell stated that new recruits want to stay in
Alaska and serve both the country and the state, and use the
National Guard as a support for education and job training.
1:20:27 PM
MAJOR GENERAL CAMPBELL spoke of the progress of new construction
projects for the Army National Guard. The Juneau readiness
center and the administration office in Auke Bay were completed
in partnership with the University of Alaska Southeast
recreation center, he related. The guard is now in the process
of building an armory in Bethel, and a Nome readiness center
will be completed soon; however, the five-year construction plan
is behind schedule due to the diversion of funds to Afghanistan
and Iraq.
MAJOR GENERAL CAMPBELL began his overview of Alaska Air National
Guard activities by describing the relocation of Kulis Air
National Guard Base to Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage.
As a result of the Base Relocation and Closure Act (BRAC), the
U.S. Air Force has arranged funding for the move. It was
determined that federal funding in the amount of $160 million is
sufficient to create an Air National Guard Wing stationed on
Elmendorf Air Force Base. One result of the move is that the
guard will gain four C130 propeller transport aircraft and
active duty personnel for support of the aircraft, plus
additional C17 aircraft. Major General Campbell described the
Air Guard's deployments as different than the Army's by the
length of deployment and the location of its stations. Last
year, the 176th Wing from Kulis Air National Guard Base was the
lead agency for airlift out of Afghanistan. Combat search and
rescue personnel were the first deployed after [the terrorist
attacks of September 11, 2001] to Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and
Afghanistan. Aircraft tankers have been sent all around the
world. The upcoming deployment of 30 to 40 Air National Guard
soldiers for Military Police (MP) security forces in Iraq will
involve the 176th Wing and the 168th Wing. Major General
Campbell closed the presentation by assuring committee members
that the movement of Kulis Air National Guard Base will not
result in the loss of personnel. The Alaska Air National Guard
will have a manpower reduction of about 100 positions; however,
this reduction is based on a reallocation of positions to states
with more than 100 percent recruitment.
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX requested that Major General Campbell
explain why recruitment in Alaska is not at 100 percent.
MAJOR GENERAL CAMPBELL explained that some of the Air National
Guard's highly technical career fields compete with civilian
jobs in the computer and medical industries. He said the global
war on terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan is not a factor in
recruitment difficulties.
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX further inquired as to why competition for
technical jobs would not be a problem for other states.
MAJOR GENERAL CAMPBELL further explained that demographics in
states differ. For example, California has a problem recruiting
in the San Francisco area where it must compete with job
opportunities in the Silicon Valley. However, recruiting is not
a problem in agricultural areas of California. In addition,
many communities have cultural and traditional ties to service
in the National Guard; therefore, recruiting is not difficult.
1:32:58 PM
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX asked: "Do you think that originally the
numbers that were set for your being at 100 percent, that there
was something off with those numbers ... if you have never met
them?"
MAJOR GENERAL CAMPBELL informed the committee that the
recruitment goals are assigned according to the number of
aircraft. He continued the presentation by pointing out that
the National Guard is attempting to tailor the guard to the
needs of each state. The U.S. Air Force is in the process of
reducing its force by about 40,000 personnel. If the National
Air Guard can disperse positions throughout the U.S., it can
absorb some of the displaced Air Force members and help meet the
needs of the nation.
MAJOR GENERAL CAMPBELL related that the Mongolia and Alaska
partnership is part of a program designed by the U.S. Department
of State and Department of Defense to encourage relationships
with emerging democracies. Mongolia is similar to Alaska in
terms of geography, dependency on natural resources and a rural
geography with limited infrastructure. The partnership has
extended to business and cultural activities. For example, the
Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce is pursuing a sister city
relationship with Erdenet, Mongolia. This partnership benefits
the U.S. and Alaska in the areas of business, economics, and
political affairs.
1:37:27 PM
MAJOR GENERAL CAMPBELL reported that the DMVA Divisions of
Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHS&EM) have merged
with effective results. Assessment teams are evaluating
businesses' security risks and good progress is being made with
the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company and others to enhance
security. John Madden is the new director of DHS&EM and has
been asked to bring the two entities closer together to
eliminate duplication of services. Major General Campbell
reported that last year Alaska had six major state disasters and
in the future Alaska will need a combined effort to assist in
weather disasters and emergency management. Environmental
damage due to floods, erosion, wind, and sea storms is
increasing. The structure of the disaster relief fund can be an
obstacle to getting money to communities that need relief.
Communities will need additional state support as federal funds
for homeland security have been reduced from $19 million to $6.7
million. He noted that during the Hooper Bay fire, there was an
exceptional response from state and local agencies and the state
emergency responder. Within 48 hours teams were present and
working with the private sector to provide housing and security.
Also, in January 2007, the Tsunami notification system was found
to be effective and coordination between agencies worked
perfectly to serve residents.
1:44:07 PM
MAJOR GENERAL CAMPBELL announced that in March, the Alaska Youth
Academy (Academy) will graduate 156 students, its largest class
to date. The State of Alaska supports the Academy through the
public school education funding formula; however, the Academy
repays for its cost by future savings in law enforcement,
corrections, and incarceration. Over 95 percent of the students
are successful in careers or in higher education after entering
this voluntary program. Graduates are tracked informally for 1-
2 years so that the results of their experience at the Academy
are known. The Academy has been recognized for excellence in
training, in mentorship, and in vocational education.
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX asked whether students at the Academy are
volunteers or are required to attend by court orders.
MAJOR GENERAL CAMPBELL explained that the attendance at the
Academy is 100 percent voluntary. Prior to the academic term,
applicants must complete a two-week long camp that serves to
discourage students who may not want to commit to the vigorous
requirements. Although an exit interview is conducted with
students who withdraw during the five-month period, those who
withdraw are not tracked for success after exiting.
1:48:28 PM
MAJOR GENERAL CAMPBELL informed the committee that the Office of
Veterans' Affairs is involved in Operation Stand Down, a program
that is sponsored by the National Coalition for Homeless
Veterans. He invited the committee to attend one of its events
in support of veterans who are lost in the system. He also
referred to the progress being made by the Veterans' Affairs
Office in issuing Alaska Territorial Guard discharge
certificates. Major General Campbell spoke of the history
between the federal government and the Alaska National Guard.
The National Guard was established in 1636 by communities and
villages for protection. This organization evolved to become a
militia and was recognized in the Constitution of the United
States. The National Guard, though organized separately, can be
activated at the direction of the President if an additional
military force is needed in a crisis. After Hurricane Katrina,
the federal law was changed to allow the activation of the
National Guard in a state emergency by the President, without
the consent of the state's governor. He urged the committee to
be aware of this issue and the potential negative impact on
Alaska. In conclusion, Major General Campbell informed the
committee that his future strategic plans will include the
changes needed for the DMVA to provide better service to the
State of Alaska. He said he will ensure that the structure of
support for emergencies will be properly utilized and will serve
Alaska. He relayed that he will soon release a new Strategic
Plan that will properly implement BRAC, consider expanding the
Academy, complete plans for a Mongolian business tour, and
complete the transfer of Clear Air Force Station to Fort Greely.
2:01:02 PM
REPRESENTATIVE BUCH praised the DMVA for its service in the
search and rescue of civilians.
MAJOR GENERAL CAMPBELL, in response to comments, described the
close relationship of the U.S. Coast Guard and the Alaska
National Guard for rescue missions, and affirmed that Alaska
provides excellent opportunities for search and rescue training.
HB 45-STATE VETERANS' CEMETERY & FUND
2:03:59 PM
CHAIR ROSES announced that the next order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 45, "An Act authorizing the Department of
Military and Veterans' Affairs to establish and maintain Alaska
veterans' cemeteries; and establishing the Alaska veterans'
cemetery fund in the general fund."
2:04:23 PM
REPRESENTATIVE DAVID GUTTENBERG, Alaska State Legislature, joint
prime sponsor, described his conversation with a constituent,
the widow of a veteran, who voiced her unhappiness at the
absence of a U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) cemetery
in Fairbanks. Representative Guttenberg said that while
exploring the possibility of establishing a VA cemetery in
Fairbanks, he determined that Fairbanks is not eligible for a
national cemetery but is eligible to apply for the VA State
Cemetery Grants Program (grant program). This legislation,
similar to legislation last year, will create the procedure that
allows a community to apply to VA for a VA cemetery through the
grant program. The restrictions and structure for
administrating the program will come from federal VA funds.
There is a great deal of support for HB 45 from veterans and
service organizations around the state.
2:07:18 PM
JOSEPH FIELDS began by clarifying that although he is vice chair
of the Alaska Veterans Advisory Council (A.V.A.C.) he is
speaking on his own behalf. He informed the committee of the
increasing need for a VA cemetery, due to the aging veteran
population and present deployment of troops. He mentioned that
HB 45 addresses problems brought out last year. Mr. Fields
encouraged the swift passage of HB 45.
REPRESENTATIVE GUTTENBERG recalled that one of the concerns Mr.
Fields voiced about last year's version of HB 45 was that funds
for it would be diverted from other VA benefit programs. In
2005, the national director of the grant program assured A.V.A.C
that other VA benefits will not be reduced.
CHAIR ROSES asked: "Are [the federal funds] required to be
passed through the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs
of the state?"
REPRESENTATIVE GUTTENBERG related his understanding that funds
would come to the state as a grant from the VA and then would be
disbursed as state appropriations for construction and burial
costs.
2:10:06 PM
REPRESENTATIVE DAHLSTROM indicated that she has not been able to
complete her research on the bill and asked if Representative
Guttenberg has met with Major General Campbell, or others, to
organize the details of the grant process and financing.
Although there is support for the bill, details of the financing
need to be worked out in a subcommittee, or before further
action on the bill.
DANA KRAWCHUK, Staff to Representative David Guttenberg, Alaska
State Legislature, testified that the basis of HB 45 is to allow
the state to apply to the grant program and if granted, create
the regulations for implementation. The grant program pays for
100 percent of construction and operation, however, the state is
responsible for the cost of yearly maintenance and operating
staff.
2:12:09 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GUTTENBERG recalled that during the creation of
the bill his office consulted Jerry Beale, State Veterans
Administrator, Department of Military, and Veterans' Affairs
(DMVA) regarding the administration of funds.
REPRESENTATIVE DAHLSTROM inquired as to which agency at the DMVA
would be responsible for funding.
MS. KRAWCHUK identified Mr. Beale as the point of contact for
information; however, she mentioned that Representative
Guttenberg's staff had not spoken to Major General Campbell
about the bill.
2:13:26 PM
REPRESENTATIVE DAHLSTROM asked what exact position Mr. Beale
holds. She then highlighted the importance of following the
correct disbursement procedures for federal funding and
recommended sponsors of the bill avoid potential problems by
meeting with Major General Campbell and others.
MAJOR GENERAL CRAIG CAMPBELL, Adjutant General/Commissioner,
Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs (DMVA), confirmed
that Jerry Beale is the DMVA State Veterans' Administrator. At
this time there are no state veterans' cemeteries; however, he
assured the committee that Mr. Beale is the appropriate and
proper staff person to represent the state and coordinate the
grant program. He also noted that at the time the legislature
considers action on the state veterans' cemetery, his office and
the governors' legislative liaison should be involved. He said
that although he has not been asked to take an official position
for the DMVA and he would like to review the proposed
legislation.
CHAIR ROSES asked the presenters if funding can be provided only
for a separate cemetery or if the veterans' cemetery can be part
of an existing municipal cemetery.
2:16:12 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH pointed out that the regulations
specify that the grant application must be for a "stand-alone"
cemetery, not to be combined with an existing cemetery.
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX asked Representative Guttenberg to clarify
whether or not the bill specifies that the location of the
veterans' cemetery will be in Fairbanks.
REPRESENTATIVE GUTTENBERG replied that the result of one of last
year's amendments was that any community meeting the criteria
can apply; however, Fairbanks is the only Alaska community that
currently meets the demographic criteria of the grant program.
He continued to explain that one of the criterion for approval
of national veterans' cemeteries is decided by demographics;
therefore Alaska, with existing cemeteries at Fort Richardson
and in Sitka, would not be eligible for another national
veterans' cemetery until the Alaska veteran population
increases.
REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH referred to the letter of support from
AARP specifying the location of the cemetery to be in Fairbanks.
However, she related her understanding that
While people are supporting [a cemetery] in Fairbanks
and that might be the only community that federally
meets the definition requirements that is not what
this bill does. This bill sets up a framework for
money to start accumulating so that we could pursue at
a particular point in time a cemetery at a location
that we would choose in the future.
REPRESENTATIVE GUTTENBERG replied:
No, ... it simply allows the [DMVA]to apply for a
grant and whether they are eligible or not ... it sets
up a fund [in the general fund] but there is no money
in it until the grant process happens and the VA sends
the money in and that is where it would go to
construct a cemetery.
2:22:05 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH noted that the document contains an
income date of July 1, 2007, and asked if an effective date for
the acceptance of donations is needed. She also expressed her
support of the inclusion of AS 37.05.590(c) [which ensures funds
allocated will not lapse]. She then asked if monies in the
general fund are invested for a short-term or a long-term
return. Representative Fairclough then expressed her concern
about AS 26.10.030, which allows the acceptance of gifts to the
veterans' cemetery fund. She called the committee's attention
to the possibility of a gift of land, for example, that bears
costs and liabilities. The bill cites state code, but does not
set out a procurement process. A gift and gift acceptance
policy would be a benefit to the state and [may prevent] an
unseen liability.
2:23:38 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GUTTENBERG informed the committee that the
federal VA guidelines address the question of the available land
for the project grant. He quoted from the VA guidelines the
following:
Suitable land should be easily accessible by roads,
free of limitations such as rocks, steep slope, and
wetlands, uncompromised by incompatible land use
nearby, appropriate for cemetery use. Land use
already owned by the state, municipality, or county is
usually best, the state must have title to the land
... analyze possible negative, environmental, and
historic preservation impacts.
REPRESENTATIVE GUTTENBERG concluded that the land issues will be
addressed by the terms of the grant program, and in response to
a question, confirmed that the state would designate the land
prior to the application of the grant.
2:25:27 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH explained that she is questioning, not
the federal guidelines on the suitability of the land, but state
statue regarding gifts of land and whether the statue requires
the investigation of possible liability issues. She continued
to say that the State of Alaska should have a process to limit
liability in accepting a gift. This bill, she maintained,
creates a framework for accepting cash and alternate revenue
streams for additional donations, similar to the Division of
Motor Vehicles commemorative license plates. She suggested the
committee might consider ways to limit the state's liability in
accepting gifts rather than eliminating the donation clause.
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX noted that word in AS 44.35.035(b) "may"
takes away the obligation of accepting a gift.
2:28:16 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH said: "The issue is does the State of
Alaska have a gift acceptance policy? At least on the citation
in this particular bill before us that particular statute
citation does not include the policy, it just says we'll take
gifts."
REPRESENTATIVE DAHLSTROM recommended that the committee research
the state's established policy for receiving gifts.
2:29:17 PM
PAT LUBY, Advocacy Director, American Association of Retired
Persons (AARP), and an Alaska veteran, informed the committee
that AARP has submitted a letter in support of HB 45. He said
that burial in a veterans' cemetery is the last chance for the
U.S. to recognize the service of veterans and their families.
Passage of this bill gives thousands of veterans throughout
state, who are not living in Sitka and Anchorage, the
opportunity to be honored in a local cemetery.
2:31:22 PM
LISA PUSICH, State Accountant, Division of Finance Department of
Administration, responding to a question from the committee,
stated that she would investigate the state policy regarding the
acceptance of gifts.
REPRESENTATIVE DAHLSTROM recommended that members send the bill
to a subcommittee or request that the sponsor research answers
to the questions raised by the committee.
2:32:30 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GUTTENBERG offered to provide the committee with
answers to the many questions. Also, in response to a question,
he stated that the amendments from last year have been
incorporated into HB 45.
MAJOR GENERAL CAMPBELL assured the committee that DMVA is the
proper department to assist the sponsors of the bill.
CHAIR ROSES indicated HB 45 would be held over.
HB 62-TUITION WAIVER FOR NATIONAL GUARD FAMILY
2:34:26 PM
CHAIR ROSES announced that the final order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 62, "An Act providing for partial tuition
assistance for families of members of the Alaska National Guard;
directing the adjutant general to seek additional funding to
support tuition assistance; and providing for free hunting and
sport fishing licenses for active members of the Alaska National
Guard."
KACI SCHROEDER HOTCH, Staff to Representative Bill Thomas,
Alaska State Legislature, presented HB 62 and an amendment
labeled 25-LS0303\A.1, Mischel, 2/1/07 on behalf of the joint
prime sponsors Representatives Thomas, and Kerttula. She
informed the committee that HB 62 consists of three parts. The
bill first grants active National Guard members free hunting and
fishing licenses to thank members for their service to the State
of Alaska and to serve as an important recruiting tool for the
Alaska National Guard. Ms. Hotch continued to explain that the
second part grants a 50 percent waiver of University of Alaska
(UA) tuition to spouses of National Guard members. This waiver,
she added, will serve as an important retainment tool and will
also recognize the commitment of service from guard families.
The third part of HB 62 concerns funding the current tuition
waiver program for guard members and additional funding for
spousal tuition waivers. Additional funds will be obtained by
authorizing the Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs
(DMVA) to request supplemental appropriations.
2:37:17 PM
CHAIR ROSES asked if the tuition waiver program accrues
administrative costs charged by the Department of Administration
(DOA) and/or the University of Alaska.
MS. HOTCH said she believes that the University of Alaska has
submitted a zero fiscal note to be attached to HB 62 and DMVA
has submitted a fiscal note indicating its costs.
MAJOR GENERAL CAMPBELL, in response to questions, explained that
the DMVA does not extract fees, but it will accrue costs for
administering and processing applications. He pointed out that
supplemental funding requests which are submitted to the Alaska
State Legislature are not always appropriated, and furthermore,
the existing program is not always fully funded. He also
indicated, in response to a question, that he could not comment
on a change in policy that would transfer the administration of
the program from the DMVA to the University of Alaska.
REPRESENTATIVE DAHLSTROM recalled a previous House Finance
subcommittee meeting in which members were advised that the
funding for this program is short every year by approximately
$60,000. She said she is supportive of the present program
which is managed by the DMVA.
2:44:13 PM
REPRESENTATIVE BUCH requested clarification as to whether
spouses and members of the family or just spouses would receive
tuition waivers under HB 62.
CHAIR ROSES answered the question by stating that the amendment
labeled 25-LS0303\A.1, MISCHEL, 2/1/07, limits tuition waiver to
spouses only.
2:45:06 PM
MARY GOWER, Director of Enrollment Services, University of
Alaska, informed the committee that UA does not extract
administrative fees from the current program and that it
supports HB 62 and has submitted a zero fiscal note. She said
she could not comment on the possibility of transferring the
administration of the program from DMVA to UA, or if UA would
support a reduction in the tuition rate.
2:47:42 PM
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX moved to report HB 62 out of committee
with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal
notes.
2:47:59 PM
REPRESENTATIVE KAWASAKI objected for discussion purposes.
[Although not formally stated, the committee treated the motion
as withdrawn.]
REPRESENTATIVE KAWASAKI moved that the committee adopt Amendment
1, labeled 25-LS0303\A.1, Mischel, 2/1/07, which read:
Page 1, line 1:
Delete "families"
Insert "spouses"
Page 3, line 5:
Delete "or child"
2:49:00 PM
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX moved to report HB 62, as amended, out of
committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying
fiscal notes. There being no objection, CSHB 62(MLV) was
reported from the House Special Committee on Military and
Veterans' Affairs.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Special Committee on Military & Veterans' Affairs meeting was
adjourned at 2:49 p.m.
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