HB 42 RETIREMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAM HB 36 RETIREMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAM LOWELL PURCELL, DEPUTY MAYOR, CITY OF FAIRBANKS, testified via teleconference from Fairbanks, in support of HB 42 and HB 36. Number 036 WENDY REDMAN, VICE PRESIDENT OF UNIVERSITY RELATIONS, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS, testified via teleconference from Fairbanks, in support of HB 42 and HB 36. CHAIRMAN VEZEY stated Mat-Su had joined the teleconference. Number 156 RAYMOND HOLT, TEACHER, testified via teleconference from Ketchikan, in support of HB 42 and HB 36. He stated money would be saved by the state. Number 192 DOUGLAS VIG, CORRECTIONAL OFFICER, testified via teleconference from Ketchikan, in support of HB 42 and HB 36. He said it was a win/win situation. Number 241 REPRESENTATIVE JERRY SANDERS, via teleconference in Anchorage, requested the Chairman to summarize the committee's discussion to this point. CHAIRMAN VEZEY gave a summary of the meeting for all teleconference members who missed the first part of the meeting due to teleconference difficulties. Number 284 BILL MUNROE, a classified employee from Mat-Su, testified on behalf of teachers via teleconference from Anchorage, in support of HB 42 and HB 36 because of the cost savings. Number 325 RICHARD BARLOW testified via teleconference from Anchorage, on behalf of Mat-Su school employees, both classified and certified. He spoke in support of HB 42 and HB 36, and stated that early retirement would not cause a brain drain. Number 382 ROD POOLE, a school counselor in Sitka, testified via teleconference from Sitka in support of HB 42 and HB 36. He stated early retirement would show financial savings for the state. Number 420 REPRESENTATIVE JERRY MACKIE, PRIME SPONSOR of HB 36, stated the values of early retirement. He read the sponsor summary which was included in members' packets. He also explained the "window of application" dates. REPRESENTATIVE MARTIN spoke in opposition to HB 42 and HB 36. As an experienced teacher he stated early retirement would cause a serious brain drain, and the state would not show a savings because the early retirement was misleading. He suggested the committee get a report by the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee regarding retirement programs. He also spoke about actuaries and stated the committee should find out how many retirement checks were sent out of state and how many people were working on contracts after retiring early. REPRESENTATIVE MACKIE rebutted statements made by Representative Martin. Number 575 REPRESENTATIVE BILL HUDSON, PRIME SPONSOR of HB 42, recommended the committee adopt HB 36. He also rebutted statements made by Representative Martin, and discussed how the retirement incentive was actuarially sound. He asked the committee to pass HB 36 and stated services would continue yet the cost would decrease. Number 639 DON FRANKLIN, TEACHER, testified via teleconference from Mat-Su. He asked a question regarding the percent of indebtedness, stating the figure was higher than peace officers and fire fighters. CHAIRMAN VEZEY answered the question. Number 678 JOE STRUNKA testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in support of HB 42 and HB 36. TAPE 93-10 SIDE 1 Number 000 FRED G. GAFFNEY spoke in support of HB 42 and HB 36. Number 077 WENDY REDMAN testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in support of HB 36 in response to Representative Martin's testimony. CHAIRMAN VEZEY suggested written testimony be submitted to the committee regarding HB 36 or HB 42. He asked if there were any further comments on HB 36 and HB 42. Hearing none, these bills were held in committee for further consideration.