Legislature(1999 - 2000)
03/26/1999 09:10 AM Senate FIN
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
GENERAL SUBJECT(S): BALANCED BUDGET PLAN - Public Testimony
The following overview was taken in log note format. Tapes and
handouts will be on file with the Senate Finance Committee through the
21st Legislative Session, contact 465-2618. After the 21st
Legislative session they will be available through the Legislative
Library at 465-3808.
Time Meeting Convened: 9:10 A.M.
Tape(s): SFC-99 #66, Side A
PRESENT:
X
Senator Parnell
X
Senator Adams
X
Senator Torgerson
X
Senator P. Kelly
X
Senator Donley
9:20
Senator Green
X
Senator Leman
X
Senator Phillips
X
Senator Wilken
ALSO PRESENT:
DAVID TEAL, Director, Division of Legislative Finance; PHIL OKESON,
Fiscal Analyst, Division of Legislative Finance; aides to committee
members and other members of the Legislature.
LOG
SPEAKER
DISCUSSION
000
Co-Chair Parnell
Convened the meeting and outlined the
schedule. At 10:00 a.m. Co-chair Torgerson
will hear bills. At this time the
committee will consider public testimony on
the Balanced Budget.
Glen Biegel
Testified before the committee via
teleconference from Anchorage. Referred to
his written statement "The Alaska
Moderator". He read his statement into the
record. He said we did have the tools to
provide necessary incentive to people for
budget. (Poor quality teleconference)
May not make sense to cut programs. What
is important is that solutions be
considered so that local areas can figure
their own capital projects.
This would be a unique opportunity for
Legislators to coordinate local efforts.
Need local oversight and local suggestions
to overcome their difficulties. Concluded
his comments.
Senator Parnell
What does one do with unorganized areas of
the State where there is no taxing?
Mr. Biegel
No implementation of tax on local level.
Local individuals and local legislators put
together a group. Purpose would be
individuals who understand local needs and
which ones are more critical. Decisions
have to be made and it is better for the
local commission to do this.
Senator Phillips
"Are you talking about local REAA's?"
Mr. Biegel
"Yes."
Senator Phillips
Asked about the unbalance between organized
and unorganized areas in the State.
Mr. Biegel
He said there was much wasted area in the
State. However, they can come up with ways
to reduce government and will be able to
come up with a more balanced level. Cannot
be taken care of on a statewide level.
Senator Phillips
Query.
Mr. Biegel
Indicated he was a full time administrator
and also has other jobs.
In response to Co-chair Parnell he said he
just provided a basic, simple overview.
Senator Leman
Appreciated his proposed plan. Refers to
the Moderator Plan, page 2. Apparently it
was garbled and unintelligible.
Co-chair Parnell
Thanked Mr. Biegel. Asked James Fisher to
join the committee.
James E. Fisher
Was invited to join the committee. With
reference to his handout, he told the
committee that a staffer cautioned that the
devil was in the details.
Income tax is essential to pay for our
civilization and the needs of our State.
Economist David Reaume's warning.
Body should invoke a state tax with lower
rate during months that our economy is low
and higher rate when economy is good.
Senator Leman
Knows Mr. Fisher approximately forty-five
years. Even though he does not agree with
David Reaume he appreciated the ideas
forwarded by Mr. Fisher.
Senator Wilken
Query.
Mr. Fisher
Income tax statute that money would be
utilized for education. Would find greater
acceptance over grumbling. Not have
retribution.
Senator Phillips
Not voting for income tax and his district
did not go along with this either. He
asked how would services be paid for in
areas that are requesting such and no taxes
are being paid? This was putting undue
burden on those who do pay for their own
services. Everyone has responsibility to
solve the problem; not be part of it.
Mr. Fisher
Those receiving services are those in the
middle range. We get the benefits, we can
do the paying. Others should help along.
Must be a compassionate government.
Co-chair Parnell
Returned to Anchorage LIO for further
testimony.
Charles McKee
Testified via teleconference from
Anchorage. Referred to his web site. Been
resident for approximately 30 years.
Alaska could be economic capital of the
world. Could be long range view.
Co-chair Parnell
Thanked everyone for testifying. Called
attention to the handout from Kip Knudsen.
Thoughtful ideas presented. Will stand in
recess briefly to prepare for bill hearing.
440
Co-chair Parnell adjourned the committee at
approximately 9:40 a.m.
SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE
LOG NOTES
03/26/99
Page 3
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