SB 64-SCHOOL BOND DEBT REIMBURSEMENT  3:32:29 PM CHAIR DUNLEAVY announced the consideration of SB 64. He noted that public testimony was still open. LAURA PIERRE, Staff, Senator Anna MacKinnon, Alaska State Legislature, noted a forthcoming amendment to SB 64. CHAIR DUNLEAVY continued public testimony. DR. MARK MILLER, Superintendent, Juneau School District, testified against SB 64. He maintained that SB 64 is unfair to everyone but Anchorage and he asked the committee move the date up so that all districts could benefit and analyze their budgets. CHAIR DUNLEAVY closed public testimony. 3:35:57 PM At ease 3:36:15 PM CHAIR DUNLEAVY announced the arrival of Senator Stevens and opened public testimony. DR. DEENA PARAMO, Superintendent, Mat-Su School District, testified in favor of SB 64. She described the school bond debt reimbursement program, a great example of a highly effective state government program working for its people. She related that the Mat-Su District benefitted from a bond package that built six new educational facilities. The program is part of a sound facility maintenance strategy that extends the useful life of facilities. She appreciated that the program will be reinstated after five years. She described the Mat-Su District as unique because it is a growing district. There are currently 80 modular units in place. She said she cannot support the discontinuance of the School Bond Debt Reimbursement Program altogether. However, the School Board and administration understand the immense financial challenges facing the state and the district is willing to tighten its belt. SENATOR HUGGINS voiced appreciation for the administration in Mat-Su. CHAIR DUNLEAVY closed public testimony. 3:40:34 PM SENATOR HUGGINS offered Conceptual Amendment 1. CHAIR DUNLEAVY objected. SENATOR HUGGINS said the amendment would change the effective date from May 1, 2015, to January 1, 2015, making it retroactive. SENATOR GARDNER spoke of the Anchorage School District and her reasons for supporting the amendment. She noted she has never voted against school bonds, but she hoped the funds saved would go to classrooms. Referring to a previous testimony, she said "we are already out of apples." SENATOR DUNLEAVY withdrew his objection. There being no further objection, Conceptual Amendment 1 was adopted. SENATOR HUGGINS moved to report, SB 64, as amended, from committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal note. There being no objection, CSSB 64(EDC) was reported from the Senate Education Standing Committee.