SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE BILL NO. 19 An Act relating to the location of the convening of the legislature in regular session. Co-chairman Halford directed that SSSB 19 be brought on for discussion. Senator Randy Phillips explained that he introduced the proposed bill to move the legislature from Juneau to Anchorage to improve access to the capital. The move would be concluded by January, 1998. Senator Phillips referenced a draft CSSSSB 19 (9-LS0288\F, Cook, 2/3/95) and explained that it provides for establishment of a state government relocation commission. By March 1, 1996, the commission would submit a report of relocation costs, including the amount of bondable costs subject to voter approval under AS 44.06.055. Senator Phillips stressed that the main purpose of the bill is access. Proposed movement of the legislature, alone, should not devastate the economy of Juneau. The Senator further stressed the importance of face-to-face rather than teleconference access by constituents. He then said he would request that the bill be held in committee pending additional work on fiscal notes as well as a comparison of costs of retaining the capital in Juneau versus moving it to Anchorage. JAMIE PARSONS, former mayor of Juneau, came before committee in opposition to SSSB 19, which he termed "nothing more than a back door capital move." Three months ago, Alaskan residents voted by a 9.4% margin against movement of the capital from Juneau to Wasilla. Mr. Parsons pointed to Juneau's efforts to provide excellent health, police, fire, emergency, and recreational services. He acknowledged that the recent capital move campaign pointed out improvements that should be made to make government work better for all Alaskans. The statewide Alaska Committee, which led the campaign to keep the capital in Juneau, is in the process of converting to a statewide, nonprofit organization to follow up on those improvements. Mr. Parsons asked that the legislature give Juneau a few years to address issues such as housing, electronic and telecommunication access, improved air and land access. He next spoke to more important issues facing the state: budget deficits, declining revenues, reduced Prudhoe Bay production, increasing demand for services as a result of population growth, crime, educational standards, etc. CHUCK ACHBERGER, Director, Juneau Chamber of Commerce, next came before committee in opposition to the bill. He attested to access to legislative activity through telecommunications. The electronic data base allows Alaskans free telephone access to the status of bills, committee action, etc. Mr. Achberger advised that he accessed fiscal notes accompanying SSSB 19. He then spoke to past experience with the fiscal note associated with movement of the Governor's office from the capitol building to the Court Plaza Building. The initial note was $400.0. Six months later, the note for what was essentially a move across the street had escalated to $2 million. In his closing remarks, Mr. Achberger advised that Juneau residents fought hard to retain the capital, and the community made a number of promises for improvements. He asked that Juneau be given time to fulfill those promises. Mr. Achberger took exception to the statement that the proposed move would not have an adverse economic impact on Juneau. He noted that legislative housing and other residential and commercial construction would not occur while SSSB 19 remains a threat. Senator Phillips voiced his recollection that escalating costs associated with the proposed move of the Governor's office resulted from needed code upgrades at the Court Plaza Building. Co-chairman Halford asked Mr. Achberger if he would prefer the bill to go to the floor for a definitive vote or remain in committee where it would be potentially viable. Mr. Achberger said that his first choice was for the bill to cease to exist. He then expressed his second choice: that the bill remain in committee until final adjournment. That would give Juneau time to work on access problems and other improvements. Senator Phillips stressed that the proposed legislation does not represent a personal crusade. He attested to constituents in his district who continually complain about lack of access. They voted "two out of three" to move the entire capital. A number of those constituents are not happy with the proposed move of only the legislature. Lack of access is a valid concern. Mr. Achberger replied that he did not view the proposed legislation as a personal attach on Juneau. However, those whose jobs are impacted are not likely to feel the same. He again asked that Juneau be given time to work on access. Mr. Achberger stressed that legislators are within their districts seven months of the year. It is not difficult for constituents to get appointments during that time. CHIP WAGONER next came before committee, advising that he is both a republican and a Juneau resident. He acknowledged that the proposed legislation does not represent a personal crusade concerning Juneau but a crusade for access. Mr. Wagoner stressed, however, that access is not a "burning issue." Voters dealt with the issue in the last election when movement of the capital was defeated. He observed that the proposed bill represents a capital move regardless of how it is characterized. Other issues are of much greater importance to Alaskans. Mr. Wagoner stressed that as a republican he seeks success for the current republican leadership in both the House and Senate. To accomplish that, the leadership must deal with issues of concern to Alaskans. The first of those concerns is the budget. Less time should be expended on bills such as SSSB 19 and more effort devoted to deferred maintenance at the university, fishing issues, mining, timber, tourism, etc. He urged that the republican caucus focus on voter concerns and ignore the proposed legislative move. Mr. Wagoner next attested to electronic filing of legislation, and access thereto, at the national level. He suggested that the average voter does not want to physically come before committee so much as to be able to access the legislature from his or her own home. He urged support for increased electronic access. Senator Phillips again stressed the importance of access to his constituents. Mr. Wagoner reiterated that there are issues of much greater importance facing the present legislature. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at approximately 11:00 a.m.