Legislature(1999 - 2000)
02/24/2000 04:40 PM House MLV
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
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= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HOUSE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON
MILITARY AND VETERANS' AFFAIRS
February 24, 2000
4:40 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Lisa Murkowski, Chairman
Representative Brian Porter
Representative Pete Kott
Representative Sharon Cissna
Representative Eric Croft
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Jeannette James
Representative Gail Phillips
Representative Richard Foster
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
HOUSE BILL NO. 330
"An Act establishing Prisoners of War and Missing in Action
Recognition Days and Women Veterans Day; and providing for an
effective date."
- MOVED HB 330 OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 331
"An Act relating to payment, allowances, and benefits of members of
the Alaska National Guard and Alaska Naval Militia in active
service; relating to computation of certain benefits for members of
the Alaska State Militia; and providing for an effective date."
- HEARD AND HELD
HOUSE BILL NO. 332
"An Act relating to payment, benefits, and work status of members
in the active service of the Alaska State Militia; and providing
for an effective date."
- HEARD AND HELD
PREVIOUS ACTION
BILL: HB 330
SHORT TITLE: POW/MIA DAY & WOMEN VETERANS DAY
Jrn-Date Jrn-Page Action
2/02/00 2065 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
2/02/00 2065 (H) MLV, STA
2/02/00 2065 (H) ZERO FISCAL NOTE (DMVA)
2/02/00 2065 (H) GOVERNOR'S TRANSMITTAL LETTER
2/02/00 2065 (H) REFERRED TO MLV
2/24/00 (H) MLV AT 4:30 PM CAPITOL 120
BILL: HB 331
SHORT TITLE: ALASKA NATL GUARD/NAVAL & STATE MILITIA
Jrn-Date Jrn-Page Action
2/02/00 2067 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
2/02/00 2067 (H) MLV, STA, FIN
2/02/00 2067 (H) ZERO FISCAL NOTE (DMVA)
2/02/00 2067 (H) GOVERNOR'S TRANSMITTAL LETTER
2/02/00 2067 (H) REFERRED TO MLV
2/24/00 (H) MLV AT 4:30 PM CAPITOL 120
BILL: HB 332
SHORT TITLE: MEMBERS OF ALASKA STATE MILITIA
Jrn-Date Jrn-Page Action
2/02/00 2069 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
2/02/00 2069 (H) MLV, STA, FIN
2/02/00 2069 (H) ZERO FISCAL NOTE (DMVA)
2/02/00 2069 (H) GOVERNOR'S TRANSMITTAL LETTER
2/02/00 2069 (H) REFERRED TO MLV
2/24/00 (H) MLV AT 4:30 PM CAPITOL 120
WITNESS REGISTER
LADDIE SHAW, State Veteran Affairs Coordinator
Department of Military & Veterans Affairs
PO Box 5800
Camp Denali
Fort Richardson, Alaska 99505-0800
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 330.
ED KNOEBEL
PO Box 84
Glennallen, Alaska 99588
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on HB 330, HB 331 and HB 332.
CAROL CARROLL, Director
Central Office
Administrative Services Division
Department of Military & Veterans Affairs
400 Willoughby Avenue, Suite 500
Juneau, Alaska 99811
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented HB 331 and HB 332.
CRAIG CHRISTENSEN, Colonel
Deputy STARC Commander
Alaska Army National Guard
Department of Military & Veterans Affairs
PO Box 5800
Fort Richardson, Alaska 99505-0800
National Guard Armory
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 331.
RICK TURCIC, Administrative Officer
Fort Richardson Office
Administrative Services Division
Department of Military & Veterans Affairs
PO Box 5800
Fort Richardson, Alaska 99505-0800
National Guard Armory
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 331.
THOMAS S. WESTALL, Brigadier General
49th Civil Support Brigade
Alaska State Defense Force/Alaska State Militia
PO Box 5800
Fort Richardson, Alaska 99505-0800
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 332.
ACTION NARRATIVE
TAPE 00-05, SIDE A
Number 0001
CHAIRMAN LISA MURKOWSKI called the House Special Committee on
Military and Veterans' Affairs meeting to order at 4:40 p.m.
Members present at the call to order were Representatives
Murkowski, Porter and Croft. Representatives Kott and Cissna
arrived as the meeting was in progress.
HB 330 - POW/MIA DAY & WOMEN VETERANS DAY
CHAIRMAN MURKOWSKI announced the first order of business as HB 330,
"An Act establishing Prisoners of War and Missing in Action
Recognition Days and Women Veterans Day; and providing for an
effective date."
Number 0105
LADDIE SHAW, State Veteran Affairs Coordinator, Department of
Military & Veterans Affairs, testified via teleconference from
Anchorage. The department fully supports the bill. Having spent
quality time with a number of prisoners of war from World War II
and Korea, he said, they put a tremendous value on this type of
recognition. He also noted that there was standing room only last
November [1999] for the first acknowledged day for women veterans.
Number 0221
CHAIRMAN MURKOWSKI asked Mr. Shaw whether the dates reflected in
the bill are in conjunction with nationally recognized dates. In
other words: How have these dates been arrived at?
MR. SHAW replied there are two dates for prisoner of war/missing in
action recognition. One is a recognition and one is a noted
federal day of recognition. The date in September is a nationally
recognized holiday. The date in April is for the Fall of Batan.
The individuals who have presented the April date are from the
World War II Era. The individuals who have presented the September
date are from the Vietnam Era.
CHAIRMAN MURKOWSKI asked Mr. Shaw, What about the Women Veterans
Day of November 9?
MR. SHAW replied that date has been acknowledged as a day of
recognition. He's not sure, however, whether or not it's a
nationally observed day. He is only aware of the observance held
in Anchorage.
Number 0400
CHAIRMAN MURKOWSKI pointed out that November 9 is only two days
before the nationally recognized Veterans Day of November 11. She
wondered whether there would be any overshadowing.
MR. SHAW replied he can't say for sure why November 9 was chosen,
but he has attended both events, and they were both well-attended
by each group. There wasn't a lack of recognition for either day.
Number 0556
ED KNOEBEL testified via teleconference from Glennallen as a
retired veteran of World War II. He's all for the bill. It's
about time the women are recognized. He said, "They helped take
part just as much as some of the men did."
Number 0618
REPRESENTATIVE BRIAN PORTER made a motion to move HB 330 out of
committee with individual recommendations and attached zero fiscal
note. There being no objection, HB 330 so moved from the House
Special Committee on Military and Veterans' Affairs.
HB 331 - ALASKA NATL GUARD/NAVAL & STATE MILITIA
CHAIRMAN MURKOWSKI announced the next order of business as HB 331,
"An Act relating to payment, allowances, and benefits of members of
the Alaska National Guard and Alaska Naval Militia in active
service; relating to computation of certain benefits for members of
the Alaska State Militia; and providing for an effective date."
Number 0646
CAROL CARROLL, Director, Central Office, Administrative Services
Division, Department of Military & Veterans Affairs, came before
the committee to present HB 331. The purpose of the bill is to
streamline administrative processes for the department when
individuals of the Alaska National Guard and Alaska Naval Militia
are called to active service for the state. The bill would change
the current method of calculating pay and allowances to a simple
rate of 200 percent of the minimum daily basic pay [Section 1].
MS. CARROLL further explained Section 2, of the bill, would change
the current method of calculating workers' compensation [benefits]
to the same simple rate of 200 percent of the minimum daily basic
pay.
MS. CARROLL further explained Section 3, of the bill, is complex;
it is based on HB 332, which deals with members of the Alaska State
Defense Force/Alaska State Militia.
MS. CARROLL distributed to the committee members a handout
entitled, "Calculation of State Active Duty," which illustrates the
current steps and proposed steps in calculating daily base pay and
allowances. She pointed out that one staff person for the
department calculates the figures manually - Rick Turcic. He is
online to answer any technical questions. The current method
calculates allowances separately, while the proposed method takes
an individual's base pay and multiplies that figure by 200 percent,
thereby cutting administrative overhead and burden. She indicated
that the change really doesn't impact pay, even though some would
be paid more and some would be paid less. It would depend on an
individual's years of service.
Number 0934
REPRESENTATIVE PETE KOTT asked Ms. Carroll, How much less and how
much more would a member's pay be affected?
MS. CARROLL replied a general, for example, would get $365 a day
under the bill compared to $337. She pointed out that most
generals are not called to active service, however. She further
cited a technical or staff sergeant would get a minimum of $101 a
day under the bill.
CRAIG CHRISTENSEN, Colonel, Deputy STARC Commander, Alaska Army
National Guard, Department of Military & Veterans Affairs,
testified via teleconference from Anchorage. He interjected and
stated most colonels have over 20 years of service; most lieutenant
colonels have over 16 years of service; and most majors have over
12 years of service. He further noted the following estimated base
pay changes under the bill:
Colonel - $3 less per day;
Lieutenant Colonel - $36 less per day;
Major - $25 less per day;
Captain - $18 less per day;
First Lieutenant - "a wash";
Second Lieutenant - $23 more per day;
Warrant Officer - $20 to $25 less per day, depending on
an individual's range;
W2 - "a wash";
Junior W1 - $11 more per day;
First Sergeants - $11 more per day;
Master Sergeants - $20 less per day;
Below E8 - state minimum per day of $105.
REPRESENTATIVE KOTT said he doesn't mind the "guys at the top"
getting less. He doesn't want the "guys at the bottom" to be
affected; they are the ones who need it the most.
CAROL CARROLL pointed out that her comment earlier meant the
proposed changes wouldn't cost the state because they would average
out, but there may be some individual differences.
COLONEL CHRISTENSEN echoed the earlier comments of Ms. Carroll in
that the administrative burden doesn't seem to make sense when
parity can be reached in a more efficient and streamlined manner.
He asked that the committee members support the bill. It would
help the Alaska National Guard and state provide immediate pay
transactions and minimize any errors.
Number 1204
CHAIRMAN MURKOWSKI asked Colonel Christensen how other states
calculate these benefits.
COLONEL CHRISTENSEN replied it varies [from state-to-state]. Some
states do a manual calculation like Alaska, while a number of
states, especially the western states, have changed their
procedures to what the bill proposes.
Number 1260
RICK TURCIC, Administrative Officer, Fort Richardson Office,
Administrative Services Division, Department of Military & Veterans
Affairs, testified via teleconference from Anchorage. The current
procedure is extremely work intensive, especially in the case of a
disaster. He explained that calculating daily base pay requires
345 separate calculations because of pay grades and pay raises. In
addition, calculating allowances forces him to utilize the
Department of Defense's Web Site in order to get current figures;
they change periodically. He also has to factor marital status and
number of dependents, which all affect what figure to use. The
proposed system, therefore, would save the department a lot of work
and would minimize the possibility of any errors.
Ed KNOEBEL testified via teleconference from Glennallen. He
suggested including language to indicate whichever calculation is
higher, but he's not so sure that would work.
CHAIRMAN MURKOWSKI closed the meeting to public testimony.
CHAIRMAN MURKOWSKI announced that the bill would be held over in
order to incorporate provisions from HB 332.
HB 332 - MEMBERS OF ALASKA STATE MILITIA
CHAIRMAN MURKOWSKI announced the next order of business as HB 332,
"An Act relating to payment, benefits, and work status of members
in the active service of the Alaska State Militia; and providing
for an effective date."
CAROL CARROLL, Director, Central Office, Administrative Services
Division, Department of Military & Veterans Affairs, came before
the committee to present HB 332. The purpose of the bill is to
provide a statutory method to pay members of the Alaska State
Defense Force/Alaska State Militia when called to active service.
She noted that the defense force/militia is part of the organized
militia, but they are treated differently than the Alaska National
Guard and Alaska Naval Militia - the national guard and militia are
federally based and have a federal pay structure. The bill
suggests that the members of the defense force/militia would be
paid as if they were state employees.
MS. CARROLL further stated the department was notified last year by
the Department of Law that they were paying members of the defense
force/militia inappropriately. Since that time, the department has
been paying those members as non-permanent state employees, which
creates some discomfort and confusion. The bill, therefore,
clarifies that they are members of the Alaska State Defense
Force/Alaska State Militia; that they are under its command
structure; that they are subject to its discipline; but that they
are to be paid using a state scale. The bill would also change how
they are paid for workers' compensation [benefits]. She further
pointed out that HB 332 is referred to in HB 331, and that merging
them would simplify both bills.
Number 1536
THOMAS S. WESTALL, Brigadier General, 49th Civil Support Brigade,
Alaska State Defense Force/Alaska State Militia, testified via
teleconference from Anchorage. The defense force/militia does a
lot of volunteer work without pay and will continue to do so, but
there are times when the governor needs them for state missions,
i.e. disasters. They are called under Title 26, which gives them
a full range of duties and protections. For instance, when under
Title 26 their jobs are protected, but when under Title 39 as state
employees their jobs are not protected. Furthermore, a reason that
they need some compensation is because those who volunteer in the
spirit of a true militia, as George Washington envisioned, give
time away from their jobs and families, when they have house
payments and car payments like everybody else. They don't expect
to get rich, but they need some compensation and protection so that
they can continue their lives. He said, "Can you imagine asking
your employer if you can go do another job? They might just ask
you to continue doing it." This is a very important bill for the
Alaska State Defense Force/Alaska State Militia.
Number 1654
CHAIRMAN MURKOWSKI asked General Westall whether it's correct to
say that the defense force/militia members receive some
compensation when called on by the governor, but that they perform
many volunteer services.
GENERAL WESTALL replied that's correct. He cited that the defense
force/militia will provide military police support for the Iditarod
restart for the City of Wasilla, so that the city doesn't have to
uncover their normal patrols. He pointed out that it's important
to keep in mind when they are called on for a disaster they have to
go; they cannot say no. He said, "I have to tell you something.
They have never, never, ever not wanted to report for duty.
Everyone is so excited about being in the defense force that
they're very anxious to do this. And, that's why we do a lot of
these unpaid services."
Number 1756
ED KNOEBEL testified via teleconference from Glennallen. As a
member of a defense force, he understands that a person is covered
under workers' compensation when traveling to and from state duty.
He asked whether the bill would extend that [benefit] to volunteer
duty.
GENERAL WESTALL answered yes. The current statute and proposed
statute would cover an individual in an unpaid status. An
individual under orders, however, is covered from portal-to-portal,
which gives additional protection.
CHAIRMAN MURKOWSKI closed the meeting to public testimony.
CHAIRMAN MURKOWSKI announced that the bill would be held over in
order to "fine-tune" it.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, Chairman
Murkowski adjourned the House Special Committee on Military and
Veterans' Affairs meeting at 5:10 p.m.
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