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HR001

Resolve: HR001

Source Root: HR 001

Year: 2007

Source Bill: HR 1

Establishing a House Special Committee on Economic Development, Trade, and Tourism.

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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:

WHEREAS economic development is of vital importance to the economy of the state; and

WHEREAS tourism is of increasing importance to the economy of the state; and

WHEREAS the legislature should remain well informed about the business climate of the state; and

WHEREAS the state must promote business opportunities within the state;

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives that a House Special Committee on Economic Development, Trade, and Tourism is established to study trade, tourism, and opportunities for future economic development of the state's resources; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the speaker of the House of Representatives shall determine the number of representatives to be members of the committee and shall appoint the members and designate a member to chair the committee; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the House Special Committee on Economic Development, Trade, and Tourism may meet during and between sessions of the Twenty-Fifth Alaska State Legislature and is terminated on the convening of the First Session of the Twenty-Sixth Alaska State Legislature.

HR002

Resolve: HR002

Source Root: HR002

Year: 2007

Source Bill: HR 2

Establishing a House Special Committee on Fisheries.

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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:

WHEREAS fishing for personal use helps to define the Alaska lifestyle for many state residents; and

WHEREAS sport fishing plays a significant role in the state tourism industry; and

WHEREAS the commercial fishing industry is one of Alaska's largest renewable resource industries; and

WHEREAS Alaska's subsistence fisheries are an important use of our fisheries resources; and

WHEREAS the Alaska State Legislature must be well informed on all issues related to the fisheries of Alaska;

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives that a House Special Committee on Fisheries is established to study fishery issues relevant to Alaska; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the speaker of the House of Representatives shall determine the number of representatives to be members of the committee, appoint the members, and designate a member to chair the committee; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the House Special Committee on Fisheries may meet during and between sessions of the Twenty-Fifth Alaska State Legislature and is terminated on the convening of the First Session of the Twenty-Sixth Alaska State Legislature.

HR003

Resolve: HR003

Source Root: HR003

Year: 2007

Source Bill: HR 3

Establishing a House Special Committee on Military and Veterans' Affairs.

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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:

WHEREAS a large number of state residents currently serve in the military forces, work for the military, or are veterans, and the military plays a vital role in the economy of the state; and

WHEREAS there is a need for a comprehensive review of issues involving military and veterans' affairs;

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives that the House Special Committee on Military and Veterans' Affairs is established to study issues, review laws, and propose legislation relating to military and veterans' affairs; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the House Special Committee on Military and Veterans' Affairs may meet during and between sessions of the Twenty-Fifth Alaska State Legislature and is terminated on the convening of the First Session of the Twenty-Sixth Alaska State Legislature.

HR004

Resolve: HR004

Source Root: HR004

Year: 2007

Source Bill: HR 4

Establishing a House Special Committee on Oil and Gas.

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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:

WHEREAS the state's dependence on oil revenue requires that the Alaska State Legislature be well informed on all aspects of the state's oil and gas resources;

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives that a House Special Committee on Oil and Gas is established to study issues relating to oil and gas resources in the state; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the House Special Committee on Oil and Gas may meet during and between sessions of the Twenty-Fifth Alaska State Legislature and is terminated on the convening of the First Session of the Twenty-Sixth Alaska State Legislature.

HR005

Resolve: HR005

Source Root: HR005

Year: 2007

Source Bill: HR 5

Establishing a House Special Committee on Ways and Means.

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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:

WHEREAS it is urgent that the state government bring its spending and revenue into balance to ensure that essential services are provided and to protect the economic stability of the state;

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives that a House Special Committee on Ways and Means is established to

(1) consider methods to control state spending;

(2) identify ways in which state government programs may be made more efficient; and

(3) propose new measures to raise additional state revenue; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the House Special Committee on Ways and Means may meet during and between sessions of the Twenty-Fifth Alaska State Legislature and is terminated on the convening of the First Session of the Twenty-Sixth Alaska State Legislature.

HR006

Resolve: HR006

Source Root: HR006

Year: 2007

Source Bill: HR 6

Encouraging all states to oppose the decision of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to list the polar bear as a threatened species.

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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:

WHEREAS the decision of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to pursue listing of the polar bear as a threatened species is based on studies that are limited in scope, are speculative in nature, disregard the views of numerous other scientific studies, do not recognize the health of current polar bear populations, and, instead, favor worst-case predictions for future populations; and

WHEREAS current polar bear populations are two to three times what they were 30 years ago and are successfully managed throughout the Arctic in a sustainable manner under international agreements; and

WHEREAS listing the polar bear as a threatened species would affect existing international agreements and treaties with Russia, Canada, and other countries; and

WHEREAS listing the polar bear as a threatened species would affect access by Alaska Natives to polar bears for traditional uses; and

WHEREAS listing the polar bear as a threatened species would prove detrimental to the economy of the state by delaying the development of natural resources essential to the welfare of the state and the nation as a whole; and

WHEREAS listing the polar bear as a threatened species would disregard states' rights relative to resource development and thus affect every state in the United States; and

WHEREAS listing the polar bear as a threatened species would further affect every state in the United States by requiring that every federal process in the nation that involves emissions or any activity related to a decline in polar bear populations be subject to new reviews by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service or other government agencies;

BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives opposes the decision of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to list the polar bear as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the House of Representatives strongly encourages all other states to oppose the decision of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to list the polar bear as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.

COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable George W. Bush, President of the United States; the governors of each of the other 49 states; the presiding officers of the legislatures of each of the other 49 states; the Honorable H. Dale Hall, Director, United States Fish and Wildlife Service; and the Honorable Ted Stevens and the Honorable Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senators, and the Honorable Don Young, U.S. Representative, members of the Alaska delegation in Congress.

LR001

Resolve: LR001

Source Root: HJR008

Year: 2007

Source Bill: CSHJR 8(L&C) am

Opposing the enactment by the Washington State Legislature of a bill proposing to impose a fee on the processing of shipping containers in the State of Washington because of the negative impact of the fee on the people and the economy of this state.

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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:

WHEREAS Washington state has been the primary gateway to this state since before the first gold rush, more than 100 years ago; and

WHEREAS the people of this state continue to depend on ships and barges to move almost all of the necessities of daily life from Washington state; and

WHEREAS many isolated maritime communities that do not have road access depend entirely on marine cargo shipped from Washington state as their lifelines; and

WHEREAS 97 percent by weight and 60 percent of the value of all goods shipped to Alaska are shipped by water; and

WHEREAS most seafood harvested in this state and bound for the lower 48 states is shipped from this state to and through ports in Washington state; and

WHEREAS, during 2003, this state was Puget Sound's fifth largest trading partner, aside from the aerospace industry, and the economic connection between this state and Washington state was responsible for at least 103,500 jobs and over $4,000,000,000 in labor earnings; and

WHEREAS Senate Bill 5207, which is pending before the Washington State Legislature, would impose a fee of $50 for each 20-foot equivalent unit on every cargo container traveling between Washington state and this state; most cargo containers are at least two 20-foot equivalent units and would be subject to a fee of $100 each time the container leaves Washington state and each time the container returns to that state, regardless of whether the container is empty, partially loaded, or full; and

WHEREAS Senate Bill 5207 would be detrimental to the trading relationship between Washington state and this state; and

WHEREAS, because of this state's unique dependence on ports in Washington state, enactment of Senate Bill 5207 would damage this state's economy and cripple many isolated communities in this state by raising the cost of living by several percent; and

WHEREAS the Alaska State Legislature recognizes that freight congestion in Washington ports is a serious problem; and

WHEREAS congestion in Washington ports can negatively impact the transport of Alaska goods; and

WHEREAS the Alaska State Legislature recognizes that the efficient and economic transport of freight along the west coast is a regional issue that takes a regional solution;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature respectfully requests that the Washington State Legislature recognize the negative effect Senate Bill 5207 would have on the trading relationship between Washington state and this state and the economic costs associated with that negative effect to both states; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature respectfully requests that the Washington State Legislature recognize the negative effect Senate Bill 5207 would have on the people and economy of this state, particularly on maritime communities in the southeast part of this state; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature opposes the enactment of Senate Bill 5207 and urges the Washington State Legislature to consider alternative means for raising revenue to be used for the infrastructure of the ports of that state; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature will work with the Washington State Legislature and Washington state to find a mutually beneficial means for the efficient and economic transport of goods between Alaska and Washington; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature urges the attorney general to use the resources of the Department of Law to research the legal issues raised by the tax on shipping containers proposed in Senate Bill 5207; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that, if the tax in Senate Bill 5207 is enacted and the facts and law support an action by this state challenging the tax, the Alaska State Legislature urges the attorney general to immediately file a complaint and request for injunction in Federal District Court and in any other forum that could provide relief.

COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable Chris Gregoire, Governor of Washington; the Honorable Brad Owen, Lieutenant Governor of Washington; the Washington State Senate; the Washington State House of Representatives; the Honorable Mary Margaret Haugen, Washington State Senator; the Honorable Sarah Palin, Governor of Alaska; the Honorable Sean Parnell, Lieutenant Governor of Alaska; and the Honorable Ted Stevens and the Honorable Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senators, and the Honorable Don Young, U.S. Representative, members of the Alaska delegation in Congress.

LR002

Resolve:LR002

Source Root: SCR002

Year: 2007

Source Bill: SCR 2

Relating to establishing March�2007 as brain injury awareness month.

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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:

WHEREAS traumatic brain injury is a leading cause of death and disability among children and young adults in the state; and

WHEREAS approximately 800 people in the state report a traumatic brain injury each year; and

WHEREAS 20 percent of traumatic brain injuries result in death; and

WHEREAS an estimated 12,000 people in the state have suffered a traumatic brain injury; and

WHEREAS many people who suffer a traumatic brain injury live with permanent disabilities; and

WHEREAS most cases of traumatic brain injury are preventable; and

WHEREAS the lack of public awareness is so vast that traumatic brain injury is known in the disability community as the nation's "silent epidemic"; and

WHEREAS the Brain Injury Association of America has recognized the month of March each year as Brain Injury Awareness Month;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature

(1) recognizes the life-altering effect that traumatic brain injury may have on people living with the resultant disabilities from traumatic brain injury and on their families;

(2) recognizes the need for enhanced public awareness of traumatic brain injury;

(3) supports the designation of March�2007 as Brain Injury Awareness Month; and

(4) encourages the people of the state to observe Brain Injury Awareness Month with appropriate programs and activities.

LR003

Resolve: LR003

Source Root: HCR003

Year: 2007

Source Bill: HCR3

Relating to proclaiming April of 2007 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:

WHEREAS sexual assault is one of the most devastating crimes in society today; and

WHEREAS Alaska has the highest per capita occurrence of sexual assault in the nation; and

WHEREAS sexual assault affects women, children, and men of all racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds; and

WHEREAS one out of six women has been raped; and

WHEREAS one out of 33 men has been sexually assaulted; and

WHEREAS the incidence of rape in Alaska is 2.5 times the national average; and

WHEREAS only one out of every six rapes is ever reported to law enforcement agencies, making rape the most underreported violent crime in America; and

WHEREAS child sexual abuse results in exceptional trauma to the victims and in the loss of childhood innocence; and

WHEREAS these statistics do not include the countless numbers of family members, loved ones, co-workers, and neighbors affected by the devastating crime of sexual assault; and

WHEREAS many residents of Alaska work to provide quality services and assistance to sexual assault survivors; dedicated volunteers and professionals respond to emergency calls 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, offering support, comfort, and advocacy throughout all stages of the recovery process, including medical examinations and criminal proceedings; and

WHEREAS building awareness that sexual assault is a problem in every Alaska community and that alerting the public to services that can help victims and loved ones of victims of sexual assault is a crucial component to addressing the issue; and

WHEREAS it is our goal to improve Alaska's response to sexual assault and to support and enhance educational efforts to provide information about sexual assault and the services available to victim survivors and their loved ones;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature respectfully requests the governor to proclaim the month of April�2007 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature urges secondary schools, community organizations, and other public and private agencies and individuals to observe Sexual Assault Awareness Month with suitable activities that increase public awareness of the prevalence of sexual assault and how it can be combated in Alaska.

LR004

Resolve: LR004

Source Root: SJR001

Year: 2007

Source Bill: SJR 1

Relating to reauthorization of federal funding for children's health insurance; and encouraging the Governor to support additional funding for and access to children's health insurance.

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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:

WHEREAS the health of our children is of paramount importance to families in the state; and

WHEREAS poor child health is a threat to the educational achievement and the social and psychological well-being of the children in the state; and

WHEREAS protection of the health of our children is essential to the well-being of our youngest citizens and the quality of life in the state; and

WHEREAS the Denali KidCare program authorized under AS�47.07.020(b)(13) in 1997 provides health coverage for approximately 9,000 uninsured children each month and is an integral part of the arrangements for health benefits for the children in the state; and

WHEREAS the Alaska State Legislature recognizes the value of the Denali KidCare program in preserving child wellness, preventing and treating childhood disease, improving health outcomes, and reducing overall health costs; and

WHEREAS the federal funding available for the Denali KidCare program is indispensable to providing health benefits for children of modest means;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature urges the Alaska Congressional delegation to work diligently to achieve a timely reauthorization of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (42 U.S.C. 1397aa - 1397jj, Title XXI of the Social Security Act) to continue federal medical assistance percentages for the Denali KidCare program; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature urges Governor Palin to work with the Alaska Congressional delegation to ensure reauthorization of the State Children's Health Insurance Program in a timely manner; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature proclaims that all components of state government should work together with educators, health care providers, social workers, and parents to ensure that all available public and private assistance for providing health benefits to uninsured children in the state be used to the maximum extent possible; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature urges Governor Palin to work to provide meaningful assistance to help identify and enroll children who qualify for medical assistance or Denali KidCare.

COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable Ted Stevens and the Honorable Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senators, and the Honorable Don Young, U.S. Representative, members of the Alaska delegation in Congress; and the Honorable Sarah Palin, Governor of Alaska.

LR005

Resolve: LR005

Source Root: HCR005

Year: 2007

Source Bill: HCR 5

Supporting the 2007 National Crime Victims' Rights Week.

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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:

WHEREAS, in Alaska, there are currently thousands of crime victims and survivors whose physical, financial, emotional, and spiritual needs are entitled to the attention and support of the individuals and communities across Alaska; and

WHEREAS the collaborative efforts of criminal justice professionals, juvenile justice professionals, crime victim service providers, public policy makers, volunteers, and the state's Office of Victims' Rights have helped to increase public safety and the awareness of the existence and needs of crime victims and survivors in communities throughout Alaska; and

WHEREAS, in 1994, Alaska voters expressed their strong support for crime victims' rights by approving art. I, sec. 24 of the Constitution of the State of Alaska, which identified the rights of crime victims; and

WHEREAS the theme of the 2007 National Crime Victims' Rights Week is Victims' Rights: Every Victim, Every Time, and this theme recognizes that all victims and survivors of crime have rights and deserve access to victims' and survivors' services; and

WHEREAS the theme of the 2007 National Crime Victims' Rights Week also recognizes the ongoing efforts of countless providers of victims' and survivors' services, criminal justice professionals, and volunteers who selflessly dedicate their lives to helping victims and survivors of crime to exercise their rights and receive important services; and

WHEREAS the 2007 National Crime Victims' Rights Week will be observed April�22 through April�28, and will be dedicated to recognizing the rights of crime victims and survivors and their need for services;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature supports the 2007 National Crime Victims' Rights Week to be observed April�22 through April�28 to increase public awareness of the rights, needs, and concerns of crime victims and survivors in Alaska.

LR006

Resolve: LR006

Source Root: HJR011

Year: 2007

Source Bill: CSHJR 11(STA)(title am)

Relating to the increased authority granted to the President of the United States to federalize the National Guard of the individual states without the consent of the governors; and urging the United States Congress to take action to honor the sovereignty of the individual states to regulate and command the National Guard of the states.

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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:

WHEREAS the National Guard is the oldest component of the armed forces of the United States and one of the nation's longest-enduring institutions; and

WHEREAS the National Guard traces its history back to the earliest English colonies in North America, who were responsible for their own defense and, as such, organized their able-bodied male citizens into militias; and

WHEREAS the authors of the United States Constitution empowered the United States Congress to provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining the militia, and, to recognize the militia's state role, the founding fathers reserved the appointment of officers and training of the militia to the states; and

WHEREAS the federal government's preemption of the authority of the state or governor in natural and manmade disasters is opposed by all of the nation's governors; and

WHEREAS the role of the National Guard in the states and in the nation as a whole is too important to have major policy decisions made without full debate and input from governors through the policy process;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature exhorts the United States Congress and the federal administration to understand the significant effect on Alaska and all the states by the expansion of presidential authority over the National Guard during natural and manmade disasters; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature urges federal action to honor the sovereignty of the individual states to regulate and command National Guard troops during emergencies and disasters, and to take whatever actions are necessary to correct the encroachment of constitutional authority to protect the citizens of each state.

COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable George W. Bush, President of the United States; the Honorable Richard B. Cheney, Vice-President of the United States and President of the U.S. Senate; the Honorable Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives; the Honorable Ted Stevens and the Honorable Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senators, and the Honorable Don Young, U.S. Representative, members of the Alaska delegation in Congress; and all other members of the 110th United States Congress.

LR007

Resolve: LR007

Source Root: HCR004

Year: 2007

Source Bill: HCR 4

Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning Senate Bill No. 49, relating to commemorative license plates celebrating Alaska's 50th anniversary as a state.

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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:

LR008

Resolve: LR008

Source Root: HJR018

Year: 2007

Source Bill: SCS CSHJR 18(TRA)

Opposing the enactment of the provisions in the Next Generation Air Transportation System Financing Reform Act of 2007 that impose air traffic control user fees, increase aviation fuel and aviation gas taxes, reduce airport funding, and reduce Congressional oversight of the Federal Aviation Administration.

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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:

WHEREAS, because of Alaska's geography and its many isolated communities without road access, the state has historically relied heavily on general aviation as a major component of its transportation system; and

WHEREAS the people of Alaska continue to depend on general aviation to move and distribute mail, supplies, goods, and people around the state; and

WHEREAS, as of May�1999, Alaska had 10,605 licensed pilots and 8,053 registered aircraft, approximately one pilot and one aircraft for every 61 Alaskans; and

WHEREAS it is estimated Alaska has about six times as many pilots per capita and 16 times as many aircraft per capita as the rest of the United States; and

WHEREAS Alaska ranks sixth in the total number of airports with 583, including heliports and seaplane bases, a number that equals approximately 3.5 percent of the total number of airports in the United States; and

WHEREAS Alaska is among the top states in the number of seaplane bases with 102, approximately 25 percent of the United States total; and

WHEREAS Alaska has two of the largest seaplane bases in the world with Lake Hood in Anchorage, which accommodates more than 800 takeoffs and landings on a peak summer day, and Ketchikan, where approximately 16,000 takeoffs and landings by seaplanes and general aviation planes occur in each month in the summer; and

WHEREAS H.R. 1356 and S. 1076, companion bills proposing the Next Generation Air Transportation System Financing Reform Act of 2007, that are pending before the United States Congress would increase the tax on aviation gas from 19.4 cents a gallon to 70 cents a gallon and the tax on aviation fuel from 21.9 cents a gallon to 70 cents a gallon and would implement fees associated with the use of the National Airspace System; and

WHEREAS the Next Generation Air Transportation System Financing Reform Act of 2007 proposes to remove Congressional oversight of the Federal Aviation Administration; and

WHEREAS, because of Alaska's unique geography and dependence on general aviation, such an increase in taxes, implementation of user fees, and reduction of airport funding would be detrimental to the economy of this state and would have a particularly harsh impact on many isolated rural communities;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature respectfully opposes the enactment of the provisions in the Next Generation Air Transportation System Financing Reform Act of 2007 that impose user fees, increase aviation fuel and aviation gas taxes, reduce airport funding, and reduce Congressional oversight of the Federal Aviation Administration.

COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable Bart Gordon, Chair of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology; the Honorable Ralph Hall, Ranking Member of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology; the Honorable Mark Udall, Chair of the Subcommittee on Science and Aeronautics of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology; the Honorable Ken Calvert, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Science and Aeronautics of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology; the Honorable James Oberstar, Chair of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure; the Honorable John L. Mica, Ranking Member of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure; the Honorable Jerry F. Costello, Chair of the Subcommittee on Aviation of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure; the Honorable Thomas E. Petri, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Aviation of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure; the Honorable Charles B. Rangel, Chair of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means; the Honorable Jim McCrery, Ranking Member of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means; the Honorable Daniel Inouye, Chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; the Honorable John D. Rockefeller IV, Chair of the Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; the Honorable Trent Lott, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; the Honorable John Katz, Director of State and Federal Relations and Special Counsel to the Governor of Alaska; and the Honorable Ted Stevens and the Honorable Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senators, and the Honorable Don Young, U.S. Representative, members of the Alaska delegation in Congress.

LR009

Resolve: LR009

Source Root: SCR006

Year: 2007

Source Bill: SCR 6

Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 109, relating to bribery, receiving unlawful gratuities, and campaign contributions; denying public employee retirement pension benefits to certain legislators, legislative directors, and public officers who commit certain offenses, and adding to the duties of the Alaska Retirement Management Board and to the list of matters governed by the Administrative Procedure Act concerning that denial; relating to campaign financing and ethics, including disclosures, in state and municipal government, to lobbying, and to employment, service on boards, and disclosures by certain public officers and employees who leave state or municipal service or leave certain positions in state or municipal government; restricting representation of others by legislators and legislative employees; and relating to blind trusts approved by the Alaska Public Offices Commission.

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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:

That under Rule 54, Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, the provisions of Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, regarding changes to the title of a bill, are suspended in consideration of House Bill No. 109, relating to bribery, receiving unlawful gratuities, and campaign contributions; denying public employee retirement pension benefits to certain legislators, legislative directors, and public officers who commit certain offenses, and adding to the duties of the Alaska Retirement Management Board and to the list of matters governed by the Administrative Procedure Act concerning that denial; relating to campaign financing and ethics, including disclosures, in state and municipal government, to lobbying, and to employment, service on boards, and disclosures by certain public officers and employees who leave state or municipal service or leave certain positions in state or municipal government; restricting representation of others by legislators and legislative employees; and relating to blind trusts approved by the Alaska Public Offices Commission.

LR010

Resolve: LR010

Source Root: SJR003

Year: 2007

Source Bill: SJR 3

Relating to the effect of Medicare rates on senior citizens' access to healthcare; and urging the United States Congress to increase Medicare rates for Alaska.

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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:

WHEREAS approximately 55,000 state residents are enrolled in Medicare, and enrollment is expected to double in the next 25 years; and

WHEREAS the formula used to develop Medicare reimbursement rates fails to adequately reflect the costs of practicing medicine in the state; and

WHEREAS medical doctors in the state have testified that Medicare reimburses less than 50 percent of the doctors' costs of patient care; and

WHEREAS Alaska is the only state where Medicare reimbursement rates are lower than Medicaid reimbursement rates; and

WHEREAS very few medical doctors in the state accept new Medicare patients, and many current patients are being terminated from care for a lack of sufficient reimbursement so that the numbers of untreated Medicare patients is reaching critical levels; and

WHEREAS the United States Congressional Budget Office recently forecast that, under current law, Medicare reimbursement rates for medical doctors will be reduced by an additional 10 percent in 2008; and

WHEREAS cumulative reductions in Medicare reimbursement rates for medical doctors are expected to reach 40 percent by 2015, and, during the same time frame, medical practice costs are expected to rise 20 percent; and

WHEREAS the state is expected to lose $8,000,000 in federal payments to medical doctors as a result of the 2008 cuts in Medicare reimbursement rates alone, and the projected loss between 2008 and 2015 is $240,000,000; and

WHEREAS the American Medical Association calls the Medicare reimbursement formula "broken beyond repair" and wants it replaced; and

WHEREAS the Medicare reimbursement formula has resulted in payments to medical doctors in 2007 at the same rates as in 2001; and

WHEREAS the United States Medicare Payment Advisory Commission is concerned that Medicare reimbursement rate cuts will worsen patient access to medical doctors; and

WHEREAS a national survey of medical doctors conducted by the American Medical Association found that nearly half of the medical doctors surveyed will be forced to decrease or stop accepting new Medicare patients if reimbursement rates are further lowered; and

WHEREAS the Military Officers Association of America stated that Medicare reimbursement rate cuts will significantly damage military beneficiaries' access to care, since military health insurance is linked to Medicare reimbursement rates;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature urges the United States Congress and the United States Department of Health and Human Services to rewrite the formulas used to develop Medicare reimbursement rates for Alaska to improve senior citizens' access to medical doctors in the state; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature urges the United States Congress to comprehensively rewrite the Medicare reimbursement system for the entire nation to address inequities in physician reimbursement that are leading to the collapse of the primary care system and limiting senior citizens' access to the physicians best qualified to coordinate their care.

COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable Michael O. Leavitt, United States Secretary of Health and Human Services; and the Honorable Ted Stevens and the Honorable Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senators, and the Honorable Don Young, U.S. Representative, members of the Alaska delegation in Congress.

LR011

Resolve: LR011

Source Root: HCR008

Year: 2007

Source Bill: CSHCR 8(L&C)

Establishing a legislative task force to make recommendations regarding job descriptions and salary changes for the commissioners and support staff and the possible need for additional support staff of the Regulatory Commission of Alaska.

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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:

WHEREAS there is a need to evaluate the current job descriptions and salaries of the commissioners and support staff of the Regulatory Commission of Alaska; and

WHEREAS increased duties have been given to the commissioners; and

WHEREAS the Regulatory Commission of Alaska may need additional support staff;

BE IT RESOLVED by the Alaska State Legislature that there is established a legislative task force to make recommendations regarding job descriptions and salary changes for the commissioners and support staff and the possible need for additional support staff of the Regulatory Commission of Alaska; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall be composed of nine members as follows:

(1) two majority members of the House of Representatives appointed by the presiding officer;

(2) one minority member of the House of Representatives appointed by the presiding officer;

(3) two majority members of the Senate appointed by the presiding officer;

(4) one minority member of the Senate appointed by the presiding officer;

(5) the attorney general or the attorney general's designee;

(6) the commissioner of the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development or the commissioner's designee; and

(7) the governor or the governor's designee; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force may meet between legislative sessions; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the legislative task force shall select a chair from the members of the legislature on the task force; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the staff of the legislative task force shall make a final report of its findings and recommendations to the legislature not later than February�1, 2008; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force is terminated May�30, 2008.

LR012

Resolve: LR012

Source Root: HCR009

Year: 2007

Source Bill: HCR 9

Congratulating Alaska Airlines on its 75th anniversary.

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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:

WHEREAS Alaska Airlines began in May�1932 as McGee Airways providing service between Anchorage and Bristol Bay using a three-seat Stinson aircraft; and

WHEREAS Alaska Airlines continued to expand its service in Alaska through several mergers with local carriers during the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s; and

WHEREAS the name "Alaska Airlines" was adopted in 1944; and

WHEREAS, by the 1960s, Alaska Airlines was providing jet air service between Alaska and Seattle; and

WHEREAS Alaska Airlines strengthened its operating base in Alaska by merging with Alaska Coastal-Ellis Airlines and Cordova Airlines in the late 1960s; and

WHEREAS Alaska Airlines expanded methodically throughout the West Coast of the United States during the 1980s; and

WHEREAS Alaska Airlines joined with its sister carrier Horizon Air and merged with Jet America in 1987; and

WHEREAS Alaska Airlines has grown to be the ninth largest United States airline and is the dominant carrier in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest; and

WHEREAS Alaska Airlines continues to distinguish itself by providing superior customer service and pioneering technologies that improve operational performance and expand flight safety margins; and

WHEREAS Alaska Airlines is deeply involved in the communities of the state and makes over 50 percent of its corporate charitable contributions to organizations serving the state; and

WHEREAS it is the people of Alaska Airlines and their spirit, the spirit of The Great Land where Alaska Airlines began, that make Alaska Airlines unique; and

WHEREAS Alaska Airlines is celebrating its 75th anniversary in May�2007;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature acknowledges 75 years of service to the state by Alaska Airlines; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED the Alaska State Legislature congratulates Alaska Airlines on reaching this significant landmark in its corporate history.

A COPY of this resolution shall be sent to William S. "Bill" Ayer, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer, Alaska Airlines.

SR001

Resolve: SR001

Source Root: SR001

Year: 2007

Source Bill: SR 1

Establishing a Senate Special Committee on Education.

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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE:

WHEREAS education is one of the top priorities of the state;

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate that a Senate Special Committee on Education is established to study issues relating to grade levels K - 12 and postsecondary education; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the president of the Senate shall determine the number of senators to be members of the committee and shall appoint the members and designate a member to chair the committee; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Senate Special Committee on Education may meet during and between sessions of the Twenty-Fifth Alaska State Legislature and is terminated on the convening of the First Session of the Twenty-Sixth Alaska State Legislature.