SCR 6-UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANNUAL REPORT SENATOR ELTON, co-sponsor of SCR 6, explained the measure simply requests that in the same way members of the congressional delegation are invited to speak to the legislature, the president of the University of Alaska statewide system be asked to address a joint session. SENATOR GREEN asked if anyone from the University of Alaska was invited to speak to the committee about SCR 6. CHAIRMAN WARD answered University officials are aware the bill was scheduled. SENATOR GREEN noted she does not support the measure and will recommend a "do not pass" vote on SCR 6. SENATOR PHILLIPS noted joint sessions are held to hear from the Governor, the Chief Justice, Alaska's congressional delegation and extra special guests, such as a government leader from another jurisdiction. He asked, if SCR 6 passes, what will prevent another resolution from being introduced to schedule commissioners to speak to joint sessions of the legislature. SENATOR ELTON thought the commissioners' concerns should be addressed within the Governor's two presentations to the legislature. He pointed out the University of Alaska is independent of the Executive Branch in the same way the Judicial Branch is independent. He noted committee members' packets contain a letter from the University President who would welcome an opportunity to address the legislature. Number 214 SENATOR PHILLIPS stated although the Judicial Branch is separate from the Executive Branch, the University of Alaska falls under the umbrella of the Executive Branch. He expressed concern that passage of SCR 6 will open the door for department commissioners to give separate presentations. SENATOR ELTON pointed out the difference between the University of Alaska and state departments is that commissioners convey their concerns to the Governor in a cabinet meeting each week; the University President does not. He added the University of Alaska is elevated in several respects: it has campuses in 18 communities across the state, it is a significant employer, and the University holds the key to Alaska's future in terms of research projects. Number 246 SENATOR PHILLIPS asked Senator Wilken whether the University has ever requested permission to speak before a joint session. Senator Wilken did not know. SENATOR WILKEN noted he supports SCR 6 because a good case can be made for why the University President should speak to the legislature, however he stated he is sensitive to opening the door. SENATOR PHILLIPS informed committee members that the only special guests who have spoken to a joint session of the legislature are the Premier of British Columbia and a government leader of the Northwest Territory. Number 269 CHAIRMAN WARD asked Senator Elton whether he considered making the invitation a one-time event next year to see how it goes, as opposed to requesting an annual invitation. SENATOR ELTON clarified SCR 6 does not bind the legislature in the future to inviting the University President on a regular basis or at a specific time. SCR 6 merely sets up a procedure to do so. SENATOR GREEN questioned whether an invitation could be extended without a resolution. CHAIRMAN WARD replied one can. SENATOR GREEN asked Senator Elton if he talked to the University President about SCR 6. SENATOR ELTON said he has not but he did speak to members of the President's staff. SENATOR ELTON moved SCR 6 from committee. There being no objection, the motion carried.