Legislature(2021 - 2022)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/02/2022 09:00 AM Senate LABOR & COMMERCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Confirmation Hearing(s) | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE LABOR AND COMMERCE STANDING COMMITTEE
March 2, 2022
9:00 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Mia Costello, Chair
Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Joshua Revak, Vice Chair
Senator Peter Micciche
Senator Gary Stevens
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S)
Alaska Workers' Compensation Board
Michael Dennis - Wasilla
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED 5/2/22
Board of Marital and Family Therapy
Tristian Monterastelli - Eagle River
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED 5/2/2022
State Board of Registration for Architects
Engineers, and Land Surveyors
Brent Cole - Anchorage
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED 5/2/2022
Alaska State Board of Public Accountancy
Elizabeth Stuart - Anchorage
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED 5/2/2022
Marijuana Control Board
Bruce Schulte - Anchorage
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED 5/2/2022
Board of Pharmacy
Ashley Schaber - Anchorage
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED 5/2/2022
Board of Social Work Examiners
Sharon Woodward - Juneau
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED 5/22022
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
MICHAEL DENNIS, Appointee
Alaska Workers Compensation Board
Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified for reappointment to the Alaska
Workers Compensation Board.
CHARLES COLLINS, Director
Alaska Workers' Compensation Board
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions about the Alaska Workers'
Compensation Board during the confirmation hearing for Michael
Dennis.
TRISTIAN MONTERASTELLI, Appointee
Board of Marital and Family Therapy
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Eagle River, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified for reappointment to the public
seat on the Board of Marital and Family Therapy
BRENT COLE, Appointee
State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land
Surveyors
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as an appointee to the public seat
on the State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers,
and Land Surveyors.
ELIZABETH STUART, Appointee
Board of Public Accountancy
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as an appointee to the public
accountant seat on the Board of Public Accountancy.
BRUCE SCHULTE, Appointee
Marijuana Control Board
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified for reappointment to the public
seat on the Marijuana Control Board.
ASHLEY SCHABER, Appointee
Board of Pharmacy
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to a pharmacist seat
on the Board of Pharmacy.
SHARON WOODWARD, Appointee
Board of Social Work Examiners
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified for reappointment to the licensed
baccalaureate social worker seat on the Board of Social Work
Examiners.
ACTION NARRATIVE
9:00:48 AM
CHAIR MIA COSTELLO called the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing
Committee meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Gray Jackson, and Chair Costello.
^Confirmation Hearing(s)
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S)
Alaska Workers' Compensation Board
Board of Marital and Family Therapy
State Board of Registration for Architects
Engineers, and Land Surveyors
Alaska State Board of Public Accountancy
Marijuana Control Board
Board of Pharmacy
Board of Social Work Examiners
9:01:27 AM
CHAIR COSTELLO announced the consideration of Governor
Appointees to Boards and Commissions. She asked each appointee
to state their name, the seat they will fill, and whether this
is a new or reappointment.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Michael Dennis to briefly introduce himself
to the committee.
9:02:20 AM
MICHAEL DENNIS, Appointee, Alaska Workers Compensation Board,
Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Anchorage,
Alaska, testified for reappointment to the Workers Compensation
Board. He stated that this would be his second term on the
Workers Compensation Board. He related that he owns an
insurance business in Anchorage and has been in this business
for more than 30 years.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked if this was a public seat.
MR. DENNIS answered yes.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked what he hoped to gain by serving on this
board.
MR. DENNIS stated that he is interested in workers'
compensation, has experience as both an employee and employer,
and has been involved with the carriers. He opined that his
experience will be valuable to the board and he views this
service as a way to give back to the community.
CHAIR COSTELLO expressed appreciation to him and all Alaskans
who dedicate time to serve on boards and commissions.
9:04:15 AM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON thanked him for his interest in continuing
to serve. She asked what goals he had for the next term.
MR. DENNIS replied that his goals are to attend in-person
meetings to facilitate learning from other board members and add
more hearings to his calendar to alleviate the burden on longer
serving members.
9:05:38 AM
At ease
9:07:14 AM
CHAIR COSTELLO reconvened the meeting. She asked Charles Collins
to talk about the role of the public member on the Alaska
Workers' Compensation Board and the time commitment for this
particular board.
9:07:55 AM
CHARLES COLLINS, Director, Alaska Workers' Compensation Board,
Juneau, Alaska, explained that the Alaska Worker' Compensation
Board has 18 members, with representation equally split between
industry and labor. In addition to working on regulations, the
members serve as adjudicators as part of a three-member panel
run by a hearing officer, a labor member, and an industry member
in the event that a claim results from a hearing. He said the
time commitment for this board varies depending on the number
and complexity of the hearings, but on average there are 300
hearings a year.
MR. COLLINS stated that Mr. Dennis has several decades of
experience as an employer, which provides a valuable perspective
when the board talks about regulations. The time commitment is
several days per month. Members receive a $50 stipend when they
work. He voiced support for all the current board members,
including Mr. Dennis.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked for clarification that Mr. Dennis fulfills
the requirements for a public seat.
MR. COLLINS replied he does meet the qualifications for the seat
he occupies because he is an employer. He represents an industry
seat.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked him to clarify that this is an industry
seat.
MR. COLLINS confirmed that was correct.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked how the board had accommodated the three-
member hearing panels during COVID-19.
MR. COLLINS explained that the board works out of Anchorage,
Fairbanks, and Juneau and that remote hearings were common well
before the advent of COVID-19. Initially meetings were
telephonic and now there are more Zoom meetings.
CHAIR COSTELLO thanked him for the information, his commitment
to the board, and for appearing in person.
She thanked Mr. Dennis and advised that all appointee names
would be forwarded in one batch at a later date.
9:14:37 AM
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Tristian Monterastelli to tell the
committee about herself, her interest in serving on the Board of
Marital and Family Therapy, and which seat she would occupy.
9:14:59 AM
TRISTIAN MONTERASTELLI, Appointee, Board of Marital and Family
Therapy, Department of Commerce, Community and Economic
Development, Eagle River, Alaska, testified for reappointment to
the public seat on the Board of Marital and Family Therapy. She
stated that she is a fulltime professional in the social
services field. She related that she was first appointed in 2021
and is seeking reappointment as a public member. She is
passionate about public service and believes this service is a
way to give back to the social services profession. She
expressed her interest in learning how she can contribute more
now that she has some experience.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked if this appointment might be financially
beneficial.
MS. MONTERASTELLI answered no, she works for the State of Alaska
in a social services capacity.
9:16:51 AM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON asked what she believes the role of the
board to be.
MS. MONTERASTELLI answered that all board members provide checks
and balances. Specific to this board, she believes her role is
to provide an outside perspective as she is neither a licensed
therapist nor a licensed counselor.
CHAIR COSTELLO thanked her and advised that all appointee names
would be forwarded in one batch at a later date.
9:18:21 AM
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Brent Cole to introduce himself, provide a
short personal background, mention the seat he would occupy, and
talk about his interest in serving on the State Board of
Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors.
9:18:36 AM
BRENT COLE, Appointee, State Board of Registration for
Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors, Department of
Commerce, Community and Economic Development, Anchorage, Alaska,
testified as an appointee to the public seat on the State Board
of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors.
He stated that he has lived in Alaska since 1959 with time away
to attend university and law school. He worked as a laborer
while attending school, including work on the Trans Alaska
Pipeline. After graduation from law school, he was offered a job
by Superior Court Judge Seaborn J. Buckalew Jr.
MR. COLE stated that he has been a practicing attorney since
1986 in both private and public venues. He has been in private
practice for about 35 years and his clientele is varied. He
offered his perspective that public service is important, and as
his practice slows down he looks forward to doing more. He has a
continuing interest in the construction industry. He related
that he was appointed to a public seat and he sees his role as
someone who has seen Alaska's ups and downs over the last 60
years. He hopes to provide insight as an Alaskan and an attorney
who has seen quite a lot. He looks forward to serving, should he
be confirmed.
CHAIR COSTELLO mentioned her visit with the board when it met in
Juneau recently and recalled that Seaborne J. Buckalew Jr. was a
signer at the Constitutional Convention.
MR. COLE confirmed that was correct.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked for his thoughts on working for Judge
Buckalew.
9:23:54 AM
MR. COLE described it as a hallmark of his career and a
highlight of his life. He was a humble man who was concerned
about people and wanted to see the state flourish.
CHAIR COSTELLO said it is fascinating that the state is so young
that people today can say that they knew the individuals who
attended the Constitutional Convention and helped form the
state.
9:26:16 AM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON said her questions were answered.
CHAIR COSTELLO talked about her interest in "Growing our Own,"
and asked for his thoughts on how to get more young people
interested in land surveying, engineering, and architecture as a
career.
9:27:24 AM
MR. COLE offered his belief that the private sector needs to
step up and provide more opportunities for young people to see
why it is in their best interest to pursue STEM activities. Kids
who become engineers do so because they were exposed to math and
engineering when they were young. It's equally important to
provide a vibrant environment so there are jobs for young
Alaskans. He summarized that it is a combination of a solid
economy that creates jobs and providing opportunities for young
people to step in
CHAIR COSTELLO expressed appreciation for his willingness to
serve.
9:31:00 AM
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Elizabeth Stewart to tell the committee
about herself, her interest in serving on the Board of Public
Accountancy, and the seat she would occupy.
9:31:17 AM
ELIZABETH STUART, Appointee, Board of Public Accountancy,
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development,
Anchorage, Alaska, testified as an appointee to the Board of
Public Accountancy to fill the public accountant seat. She
related that she grew up and attended school in Alaska and has
been working as a CPA for KPMG for more than 25 years. She
highlighted that she became a licensed CPA in 1996 and the
accountancy firm KPMG was licensed pre Statehood. She opined
that the integrity of public accountancy and having this
profession in the state is very important.
CHAIR COSTELLO noted her extensive involvement in the community
and asked her talk about her views on public service and if this
appointment reflects a desire to give back to the community.
MS. STUART credited her achievements to very good mentors and
articulated her commitment to carry that forward whether it is
volunteering in a kindergarten class to talk about the concept
of budgets and how much candy 10 cents will buy or serving on
the university advisory board to help shape course offerings at
the College of Business and Public Policy to improve educational
outcomes.
9:34:25 AM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON thanked her for reaching out to committee
members and for her service and willingness to serve on this
board.
CHAIR COSTELLO thanked her for making herself available to the
committee.
9:35:28 AM
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Bruce Schulte to introduce himself and tell
the committee whether this is a reappointment.
9:35:43 AM
BRUCE SCHULTE, Appointee, Marijuana Control Board, Department of
Commerce, Community and Economic Development, Anchorage, Alaska,
testified for reappointment to the public seat on the Marijuana
Control Board. He stated that he served as a spokesman for the
initiative campaign to pass Ballot Measure 2 in 2014 and was
appointed to the original board. About two and one-half years
ago he was appointed to serve again so this would technically be
a reappointment to a third term. He expressed hope that this
would be his first complete term.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked him to share why his service was cut short
during the previous administration.
MR. SCHULTE offered his belief that it was related to internal
politics and he lost. He said he understands that the position
is at the pleasure of the governor so it was not inappropriate
for his term to be cut short.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked what challenges he sees facing the industry
and how he would address those as a board member.
MR. SCHULTE stated that the two largest challenges are the tax
structure and what federal legalization would mean to the Alaska
cannabis industry. He said it is clear now that the 2014 tax
structure is cumbersome and an impediment to success across the
industry. He expressed hope that the legislature would find a
different structure that would help these businesses be more
successful. Regarding federal legalization, he said he welcomes
the ability to participate in the banking system and in a
national cannabis industry, but he does not want to see large
out-of-state players roll over Alaska-based businesses.
9:39:45 AM
CHAIR COSTELLO asked whether the board promotes activities to
prevent youth access to marijuana.
MR. SCHULTE mentioned two active measures the board has worked
on over the years. First, enforcement has more tools to allow
investigations of retail store sales to individuals under 21
years of age. Second, when the board looks at approving edible
products, part of the discussion is whether the product is
unnecessarily attractive or accessible to children.
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON asked him to be more specific about the
problem with the tax structure.
9:41:34 AM
MR. SCHULTE explained that in 2014 he and others advocated for a
straight excise tax of $50/ounce. It made sense when Black
Market cannabis was selling for $300-$400/ounce. However, the
wholesale price has dropped to about $125/ounce in the legal
marketplace so the $50/ounce excise tax is a huge burden. When
production costs of $25-$37.50/ounce are factored in, some
cultivators barely break even. It is a tenuous position for
licensees. He said there is not agreement throughout the
industry on what the excise tax should be but there is general
agreement that it should be spread out so that the cultivators
are not the only ones paying the tax.
CHAIR COSTELLO thanked him for his interest in serving.
9:44:21 AM
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Ashley Schaber to introduce herself and
tell the committee why she was interested in serving on the
Board of Pharmacy. She noted that Ms. Schaber had been serving
since her appointment in 2021.
9:44:46 AM
ASHLEY SCHABER, Appointee, Board of Pharmacy, Department of
Commerce, Community and Economic Development, Anchorage, Alaska,
testified as appointee to the Board of Pharmacy to fill a
pharmacist seat. She stated that she had been serving on the
board in the pharmacist seat since 7/1/2021. She is licensed in
Alaska as a pharmacist and has lived and worked in the state for
more than 14 years. Prior to that she lived and worked in
Georgia. Her background includes retail pharmacy, post-graduate
residency, leadership training, and work in the Alaska tribal
health system. For the last 10 years she has practiced in the
areas of medication safety, pharmacy quality improvement, and
management. She holds a masters' in business administration and
is board certified in pharmacotherapy. She currently oversees
clinical and pharmacy services in the largest hospital in the
tribal health system. She recounted recent accomplishments in
this capacity and while serving on the Alaska Pharmacist
Association. She stated that she was looking for a way to use
her experience and training to serve and improve public health,
safety, and welfare for all Alaskans through the effective
control and regulation of the practice of pharmacy.
9:48:06 AM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON asked what she sees as the role of the
Board of Pharmacy.
MS. SCHABER replied the board's role is to protect the health
and safety of Alaskans.
CHAIR COSTELLO commented on her impressive background and resume
and expressed appreciation that she was willing to serve. She
mentioned the opposing testimony from board members about
another appointee to this board and asked if she objected to
working with individuals who hold diverse opinions.
MS. SCHABER replied she has experience with, and generally does
not have a problem, working with individuals who hold diverse
opinions and outlooks.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked if she was saying that she does not share
the opinion expressed by other board members who indicated they
were unwilling to work with the appointee in question.
MS. SCHABER answered that it is important for appointees to
share the board's purpose and outlook and if an appointee's
background is not similarly aligned it could pose a problem.
9:50:28 AM
CHAIR COSTELLO asked if in her capacity as a pharmacist, she
views the Alaskans she interacts with as patients or customers.
MS. SCHABER offered her belief that the most important aspect of
the interaction is that an individual who comes to a pharmacy is
part of the team that is making decisions about their health
care.
CHAIR COSTELLO referenced the differing perspectives for
prevention and treatment of COVID-19 and mentioned the
hypothetical situation of a pharmacist refusing to fill a
prescription for ivermectin. She asked Ms. Schaber if she would
support that decision or if she sees the doctor/patient
relationship as separate from the pharmacist's job.
MS. SCHABER answered that it is important to recognize the
pharmacist as a member of the health care team, along with the
patient/customer and doctor. When an individual goes to the
pharmacy with a prescription, the pharmacist provides the checks
and balances for the health care team to ensure that the
medication is safe for the patient, the dose is appropriate, and
that there is no drug interaction that the provider may not have
been aware of when the prescription was written.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked what challenges she sees that the board
will face.
MS. SCHABER answered that a primary challenge is to ensure that
pharmacies, including independent pharmacies, stay in business
by being appropriately reimbursed for the services they provide
and medications they dispense. Another challenge is to ensure a
safe working environment for pharmacists and pharmacy
technicians. She noted that the board has initiated this
discussion in partnership with the Alaska Pharmacists
Association. She also highlighted the importance of supporting
young pharmacy technicians who want to become pharmacists
through apprenticeship programs and pharmacy schools.
CHAIR COSTELLO thanked her for making herself available and for
sharing her background and interest in serving.
9:54:17 AM
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Sharon Woodward to introduce herself to the
committee.
9:54:38 AM
SHARON WOODWARD, Appointee, Board of Social Work Examiners,
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
(DCCED), Juneau, Alaska, testified for reappointment to the
licensed baccalaureate social worker seat on the Board of Social
Work Examiners. She stated that she has been a social worker
since 2007, working primarily with seniors. She currently works
at Wildflower Court, which is a skilled nursing and long-term
care facility in Juneau. During the year she served on the board
she learned about helping social workers develop skills through
continuing education. She believes her opinions and personal
experience will continue to help form necessary board decisions.
CHAIR COSTELLO mentioned the impact that COVID-19 has had on
young Alaskans and asked if she had seen an increase in the need
for mental health services for youth.
MS. WOODWARD offered her belief that the isolation associated
with the onset of COVID-19 affected the mental health of every
age group.
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON thanked her for her willingness to serve.
She asked for her thoughts on the COVID pandemic.
MS. WOODWARD replied it has been difficult, but she believes
that Juneau has done a good job of limiting the number of COVID
cases. She related that just five people at the skilled nursing
facility were affected by COVID-19, which is remarkable compared
to similar facilities in the state and the Lower 48. She
expressed hope that everyone could get on with a normal life in
the near future.
CHAIR COSTELLO thanked her for being willing to serve and for
making herself available today.
9:59:30 AM
CHAIR COSTELLO opened public testimony on the following
appointees:
Alaska Workers' Compensation Board
Michael Dennis - Wasilla
Board of Marital and Family Therapy
Tristian Monterastelli - Eagle River
State Board of Registration for Architects
Engineers, and Land Surveyors
Brent Cole - Anchorage
Alaska State Board of Public Accountancy
Elizabeth Stuart - Anchorage
Marijuana Control Board
Bruce Schulte - Anchorage
Board of Pharmacy
Ashley Schaber - Anchorage
Board of Social Work Examiners
Sharon Woodward - Juneau
10:00:14 AM
CHAIR COSTELLO discerned nobody wished to offer comment and
closed public testimony on the foregoing Governor Appointees to
Boards and Commissions.
[The names of the appointees were advanced on 4/25/2022.]
10:00:28 AM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Costello adjourned the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing
Committee meeting at 10:00 a.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| SLAC Gov Appointee Mike Dennis Application.pdf |
SL&C 3/2/2022 9:00:00 AM |
Governor Appointee |
| SLAC Gov Appointee Tristian Monterastelli Application.pdf |
SL&C 3/2/2022 9:00:00 AM |
Governor Appointee |
| SLAC Gov Appointee Tristian Monterastelli Resume.pdf |
SL&C 3/2/2022 9:00:00 AM |
Governor Appointee |
| SLAC Gov Appointee Brent Cole Application.pdf |
SL&C 3/2/2022 9:00:00 AM |
Governor Appointee |
| SLAC Gov Appointee Elizabeth Stuart Application.pdf |
SL&C 3/2/2022 9:00:00 AM |
Governor Appointee |
| SLAC Gov Appointee Elizabeth Stuart Resume.pdf |
SL&C 3/2/2022 9:00:00 AM |
Governor Appointee |
| SLAC Gov Appointee Bruce Schulte Application.pdf |
SL&C 3/2/2022 9:00:00 AM |
Governor Appointee |
| SLAC Gov Appointee Ashley Schaber Application.pdf |
SL&C 3/2/2022 9:00:00 AM |
Governor Appointee |
| SLAC Gov Appointee Sharon Woodward Application.pdf |
SL&C 3/2/2022 9:00:00 AM |
Governor Appointee |
| SLAC Gov Appointee Sharon Woodward Resume.pdf |
SL&C 3/2/2022 9:00:00 AM |
Governor Appointee |