GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA

CHAMBER OFFICE Tuesday, March 3, 2015 @ 8:00AM

ACTION INFO Notes

1. Call to Order - Welcome & Introductions X

2. Conflict of Interest Disclosure X

3. Approval of Agenda X

4. Approval of Minutes from February 24, 2015 X

PRESENTATION

5. Conference call with Chad Hutchison on SB 62 – Regulation of Marijuana Businesses; Board

X

OLD BUSINESS

6. Federal Issues Survey – Revised Questions X

7. Healthcare Sub-Committee

X

8. Review Legislative Bills for GRC & Assign or Receive Updates from Committee Members

a. SB 36 – Electronic Distribution of Reports & Notices - Support, Monitor, Oppose?

b. HB 47 – PERS Contributions for Municipalities

X

X

X

Refer to editorial from Juneau Empire Derek to provide update

NEW BUSINESS

9. None

REPORTS & COMMUNICATIONS

10. Committee Attendance Report

11. Committee Calendar 12. Staff Report/Comments 13. Committee Chair Report

- February Community Perspective Piece - Mayor Hopkins to meet with GRC

14. Committee Member Comments

15. Guest Comments

X

X

X

X

X

X

REVIEW ACTION ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING:

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Upcoming GMLs at the Carlson Center

March 3: Alaska Center for Energy & Power Update from Gwen Holdmann

March 10: Foraker Group 2015 Economic Impact Report Presented by Dennis McMillian

March 17: Acting Commissioner Fred Parady

March 24: Ties-that-Bind Presentation By McDowell Group

March 31: TENTATIVE: Commonwealth North Budget presentation

Military Appreciation Banquet – Friday, May 1 – tickets can be purchased online

16. Adjourn X

Interior Alaska – The “Place” To Do Business 100 Cushman St., Suite 102 | Fairbanks, Alaska 99701-4665

Phone (907) 452-1105 | Fax (907) 456-6968 | www.FairbanksChamber.org

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Chamber Conference Room

Tuesday, February 24, 2015 – 8:00 AM

Committee members present: Guests present: Staff present:

Anna Atchison, Jenn Bump, Jenny Mahlen, Derek Miller, Tammy Randolph, John Ringstad, Rick Solie Marti Buscaglia, Jack Wilbur Lisa Herbert, Liz Wolfe

1. Call to Order Derek called the meeting to order at 8:05AM.

2. Conflict of Interest Disclosure

No conflicts were disclosed.

3. Approval of Agenda A motion was made by John and was seconded to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried without objection.

4. Approval of Minutes a. February 17, 2015

Derek recommended that in the FY16 Budget Discussion section be amended to remove the word “fund”, in the second to the last sentence. A motion was made by Rick and was seconded to approve the minutes of the February 17, 2015 meeting, as amended. Motion carried without objection.

PRESENTATION

5. None None.

OLD BUSINESS

6. Federal Issues Survey Would requirement to provide sick leave benefit your employees? Suggest providing a little explanation for each question. Committee discussed how to proceed:

1) Four or five words that briefly explain the situation. 2) Individual committee members signed up to re-write the question for

each section. a. Derek - #1, #2, #6, #11, #13 b. Sarah - #3 c. Tammy - #4 d. Jenn B. – #5, #9 e. Jenn M. - #5 f. Rick - #7, #10 g. John - #8 (US Chamber/Alaska Chamber) h. Lisa - #12 i. Anna - #6

3) Committee agreed to send revised questions to Liz by COB Thursday 2/26/15. Committee members are also encouraged to forward Liz a link that members can visit for more information on each subject.

7. Healthcare Sub-Committee Receive updates from GRC members assigned to reach out to potential sub-committee members

Derek will follow up with Jeff Cook to see if Jim Lynch is interested in chairing. Ensure we get a broad committee that is not just providers (NFIB, etc.). Lisa recommended committee review minutes from a few meetings back regarding committee members that volunteered to reach out to potential members.

8. Review Legislative Bills for GRC & Assign or Receive Updates from Committee Members

a. SB 36 – Electronic Distribution of Reports & Notices - Support, Monitor, Oppose?

b. HB 24 – Professional

Services in State-Funded contracts

c. HB 105 – AIDEA/LNG

Marti Buscaglia briefed the committee on SB36:

Huge impact on newspaper business, large part of classified advertising revenue

News-Miner reaches 70% of population on any given day – if public notices are posted online only via State/Local websites, the public may not be aware of this issue and not adequately reach the broader population

Changing public notices to online did not save money (Virginia study was presented as an example)

News-Miner has officially opposed the bill. Committee inquired as to whether other newspapers across the state have opposed – yes, believe so.

Have municipalities taken a position on bill?

Is there a recommendation to amend the bill to be more palatable?

Committee to draft a letter of concern regarding the bill? Transparency, fiscal savings, etc. Where are our contractors that are bidding on projects, realtors (foreclosures) currently getting these notices? Liz to reach out to those membership industries for feedback.

Jack Wilbur, spoke to the committee regarding HB 24

Jack thanked the Chamber for bringing this bill to Design Alaska’s attention – were not aware this bill was introduced. Jack provided an update to committee on architectural industry – when selected on qualifications/proposal, then determine fee. HB 24 moves procurement code from one section to another – makes it clear for municipalities. Don’t believe that Chamber needs to weigh in – just be on the record to support. Bill is being well-championed by Alaska Professional Design Council. Is there opposition to this bill? Not at this time.

Rick briefed the committee on two issues believed to be of concern 1) Purchase of Pentex assets without a way to regulate the supply

chain; 2) Larger issue of long-term pricing of gas.

Rick testified last week on this bill reiterating that energy relief is the Chamber’s top priority, encouraged due diligence, and thanked the legislatures for working on this issue. Energy committee is meeting today to develop points for the Chamber to consider throughout the bill’s process. Discussion:

Is the State going to start purchasing and producing gas reserves? Where is the gas from Cook Inlet coming from?

Chamber should continue to monitor this but not come out in any way that we are “questioning” or highly scrutinizing Governor’s plan

Committee also reviewed bill tracker. Nothing new to update at this time.

NEW BUSINESS

9. Review Juneau Fly-In Survey Responses & Set Dates for 2016 Fly-In

Survey results were included for informational and will be used to continue to improve the event year over year. Many of the members responded with an interest in interest in doing a DC Fly-In in the future. Lisa will look into Alaska Chamber to see if there is an opportunity for partnership on such an event. Committee agreed to keep the dates the same for 2015. Liz will contact the Baranof and reserve the block rooms for February 2 – 4, 2016.

REVIEW ACTION ITEMS FROM MEETING & RESPONSIBLE COMMITTEE MEMBERS(S) and/or STAFF

Committee members revising federal survey questions

SB 36 – reach out to members to see where they current get legal notices/RFPs etc.

Staff to contact Chad Hutchinson and invite him to speak regarding marijuana legislation.

Staff will reserve 2016 fly-in hotel block rooms

REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

10. Committee Attendance Report

11. Committee Calendar 12. Staff Report/Comments

13. Committee Chair Report February Community Perspective Piece Mayor Hopkins to meet with GRC

14. Committee Member

Comments

15. Guest Comments

Included in packet for informational. Nothing new to report. Lisa reiterated the importance of the Army listening session this evening and reminded members about upcoming events that are included on the agenda. Also asked committee about whether they would like Chad Hutchinson to come and speak regarding the new marijuana legislation. Will reach out to see if he is available to speak to the committee next week. Derek is working on his piece; will send to committee for review before submitting. Still following up with Mayor Hopkins to schedule him to present to GRC Tammie Wilson is proposing a $60m cut to University of Alaska system-wide. Marti thanked committee for hearing her comments on SB 36.

UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS

Upcoming GMLs: February 24: featuring “Value-Added: The Benefits of Military & Community Partnerships” March 3: Alaska Center for Energy & Power Update from Gwen Holdmann

United States Army Force Reduction Listening Session – Tuesday, February 24 at 6PM Tanana Chiefs Conference Welcome Reception – Monday, March 16 Military Appreciation Banquet – Friday, May 1 – tickets can be purchased online

Adjourn Derek adjourned the meeting at 9:20AM.

Respectfully submitted, Liz Wolfe

For Immediate Release: February 25, 2015

New Legislation Addresses Marijuana Taxation & Licensing Bill works in concert with decriminalization & marijuana board bills also under consideration

JUNEAU-The Senate Judiciary Committee today introduced legislation which deals with the licensing and taxation of marijuana-related operations. Senate Bill 62 is regulatory legislation intended to work in conjunction with Senate Bill 30, which decriminalizes marijuana in Alaska’s statutes, as well as Senate Bill 60, which sets up the Marijuana Control Board. SB62 also clarifies vague or omitted information from the voter initiative passed last November related to licensing and taxation matters and reinforces the concept that commercial marijuana licenses are a privilege, not a right. “The bill represents another piece in the puzzle we must solve as we work to build a strong framework for the commercialization of marijuana in Alaska,” said Senate Judiciary Chair Lesil McGuire, R-Anchorage. “I think this bill helps provide Alaskans with the answers to questions they’ve had for a while: Who can grow and sell Marijuana? Where can it be sold and grown? How will I know how potent it is? And what are we doing to keep it out of the hands of kids?” One of the major purposes of the bill is to put regulations in place to protect children. The legislation includes provisions to require retailers to put all marijuana products, including edibles, in child-proof containers before the items leave the store or other licensed location. The packaging must also be clearly labeled and may not be marked or designed in a way which could entice kids. The bill also bans issuing licenses to a marijuana retailer if the business would be located within 200 feet of school grounds, churches with regularly scheduled services, or correctional facilities. SB62 also defines rules regarding potency. Under the legislation, the potency as well as a certification of safety must be included on the container of any marijuana products. Also, individual doses of edible marijuana can only contain 10 milligrams or less of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and each dose must be individually wrapped. The bill also states the Marijuana Control Board must adopt regulations regarding the potency, safety, and medical characteristics of medical marijuana. The bill seeks to clarify that any marijuana operations, whether growing or selling, shall be licensed by the State rather than registered. In addition, the bill sets out what kinds of licenses can be issued including: marijuana producer license, marijuana processor license, marijuana retailer license, marijuana boutique producer license, marijuana broker license, and marijuana home grower license. The bill also states the Commissioner for Department of Environmental Conservation shall inspect and certify all marijuana testing facilities. SB62 also specifies that in order to be licensed to sell marijuana in Alaska, the person must be a resident of the state for at least a year. If it’s a corporation or partnership, anyone with more than a 10-percent stake of the business must be a resident. In addition, the bill calls for the Board to require fingerprints and criminal background checks as part of the licensing application process.

“Our responsibility is to prioritize public safety and align our criminal statutes,” said Senator John Coghill, R-North Pole. “The Judiciary Committee has done an excellent job of reviewing, in a disciplined manner, all marijuana issues thus far. I expect that to continue.” “I know our committee members are working really hard to get this right,” said Senator McGuire. “There are more issues to deal with and work to be done, but I am confident we have the right group of people heading in the right direction to carry out the intent of the voters while protecting our communities and our children.” SB62 was referred to the Senate State Affairs, Labor and Commerce, and Finance Committees for further consideration. For more information, please contact Jesse Logan in Senator McGuire’s office at (907) 465-2995 or Chad Hutchison in Senator Coghill’s office at (907) 465-3719.

###

Survey Edits From GRC Members As of 2/27/15 1) The Healthy Families Act would require businesses with 15 or more employees to grant an hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 7 days per year. As a small business owner, would the requirement to provide mandatory paid sick leave benefits to employees impact your business? Summary: https://www.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/house-bill/1286 Pro Article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/linda-meric/the-healthy-families-act-_b_6672298.html Con Article: http://smallbusiness.foxbusiness.com/finance-accounting/2015/02/04/will-federal-sick-leave-law-send-small-business-to-icu/ --- 2) The U.S. Department of Interior recently asked Congress to designate 12 million acres of the 19-million acre Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) as wilderness, including 1.5 million acres of oil-rich coastal plain. Does the designation of ANWR as wilderness impact your business? Summary: http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2015/01/25/379795695/obama-proposes-new-protections-for-arctic-national-wildlife-refuge Pro Article: http://wilderness.org/blog/new-bill-would-protect-arctic-refuge-coastal-plain-wilderness Con Article: http://instituteforenergyresearch.org/analysis/anwr-fact-sheet-pipeline-starved-potential-untapped/ --- 4) The Environmental Protection Agency in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of

Engineers have issued a proposal to expand the definition of “Waters of the United

States.” Waters are currently generally defined as navigable waterways, wetlands, and

other interstate bodies of water. When doing activity on those waters, you would need a

Clean Water Act permit. A Clean Water Act Permit is required when working in these

areas. The rule proposes to expand this definition, but lacks specifics and clarity and can

therefore be interpreted to include ditches, seasonal snowmelt, industrial ponds, and

runoff, etc. Therefore, if a property contains one of those, the business owner will need

to obtain a Clean Water Act Permit. This is an extensive process intended for major

industrial activity. Does this proposed rule impact your business?

5) With 2300 pages of new and increased regulations, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform

& Consumer Protection Act has increased compliance costs for all financial institutions

and many insurance companies. With the additional regulatory burden, consumers and

business owners may be faced with fewer choices and increased costs in banking and

insurance. Do you feel this legislation has impacted your business or feel it will impact it

in the future?

6) The Environmental Protection Agency in conjunction U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

have issued a proposal to expand the definition of “Waters of the United States.” Waters

are currently generally defined as navigable waterways, wetlands, and other interstate

bodies of water. When doing activity on those waters, you would need a Clean Water Act

permit. The rule proposes to expand this definition, but lacks specifics and clarity and

can therefore be interpreted to ditches, seasonal snowmelt, industrial ponds, and runoff,

etc., Therefore, if a property contains one of those, the business owner will need to

obtain a Clean Water Act Permit. This is an extensive process intended for major

industrial activity. Does this proposed rule impact your business?

Summary: http://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R43455.pdf Pro Article: http://www.nwf.org/What-We-Do/Protect-Habitat/Waters/Clean-Water-Act.aspx Con Article: https://www.uschamber.com/letter/wac-coalition-letter-regarding-waters-us-fy2015-appropriations ---

9) Critical Habitat is part of the Endangered Species Act and is defined as a specific

geographic area(s) that contains features essential for the conservation of a threatened

or endangered species and that may require special management and protection. Critical

habitat may include an area that is not currently occupied by the species but that will be

needed for its recovery. Once an area is designated as “Critical Habitat” a consultation

with the Fish & Wildlife Service is required prior to land use. Does the Endangered

Species Act or the definition of “Critical Habitat” impact your business?

--- 11) The 2015 Regulatory Accountability Act expand the requirements for federal agency rulemaking by requiring agencies, in making a rule, to base all preliminary and final factual determinations on evidence and to consider the legal authority under which the rule may be proposed. The bill all requires federal agencies to consider the potential costs and benefits associated with the rule and to publish advance notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register for major rules and for high-impact on the economy (annual cost on economy of $100 million), and for negative-impact on jobs and wages. Would passage of the Regulatory Accountability Act have an impact on your business? Summary: https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/185

Pro Article: http://www.miningamerica.org/h-r-185-the-regulatory-accountability-act-of-2015/ Con Article: http://www.sensiblesafeguards.org/letters/raa2015 --- 13) The Affordable Care Act considers full-time employees as employees working 30 hours per week or more for purposes of providing health care benefits to employees. The Save American Workers Act of 2015 would increase the number of hours to 40 hours per week for purposes of providing health care benefits. Would re-defining the definition of a full-time employee impact your business? Article (Neither Pro or Con): http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2015/01/07/businesses-push-for-40-hour-workweek-in-obamacare-definition

Support

Oppose

Monitor

Bill Title Sponsor(s) Status Committees of

Referral

Lead Chamber

Committee (and

impacted

committees)

Companion

Bill

Legislative Action Chamber Action GRC Committee Member

Assigned to Bill

Support HB 1 Declaring Arctic Policy of

the State

HERRON,Edgmon,

Millett, Lynn,

Josephson, Olson,

Neuman,

Guttenberg, Stutes

(S) ARC (S) ARC, STA GRC (NRC &

TRNS)

SB 16 Passed to Senate. Hearing

scheduled for March 3 at

9AM in S-STA.

Derek will draft a letter of

support

Sarah Lefebvre, John

Ringstad, Derek Miller

HB 12 Relating to mortgage

lending, mortgage loan

originators, depository

institutions, nonprofit

organizations, and nonprofit

organization employees;

and providing for an

effective date.

HUGHES L&C L&C GRC Currently awaitng hearing in

House Labor & Commerce

Committee

Tammy reported no

movement as of 2/24.

Jennifer Bump, Jennifer

Mahlen, Tammy Randolph

HB 17 Establishing a top two

nonpartisan primary

election system for elective

and state executive and

state and national

legislative offices; repealing

the special runoff election

for the office of United

States senator or United

States representative;

changing appointment

procedures relating to

precinct watchers and

members of precinct

election boards, election

district absentee and

questioned ballot counting

boards, and the Alaska

Public Offices Commission;

requiring certain written

notices to appear in

election pamphlets and

polling places; relating to

declarations of candidacy

and letters of intent; and

amending the definition of

'political party'

GRUENBERG STA STA, JUD GRC Currently awaiting hearing

in House State Affairs

Committee

Support HB 24 Relating to the procurement

of architectural,

engineering, or land

surveying services under

state-funded contracts.

KITO III STA STA, L&C TRNS (GRC) Currently awaits hearing in

House State Affairs

Committee.

No action needed at this

time. Support if/when asked.

Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce - BILL STATUS as of 2/20/2015

Government Relations Committee

Support

Oppose

Monitor

Bill Title Sponsor(s) Status Committees of

Referral

Lead Chamber

Committee (and

impacted

committees)

Companion

Bill

Legislative Action Chamber Action GRC Committee Member

Assigned to Bill

Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce - BILL STATUS as of 2/20/2015

Government Relations Committee

HB 31 Restricting the dispensing,

administering, and

repacking of certain

controlled substances for

employees receiving

workers' compensation

benefits.

OLSON L&C L&C, JUD GRC Currently awaits hearing in

Labor & Commerce

Committee.

Sarah

HB 32 Relating to employer-

required drug testing;

requiring the Alaska

Workers' Compensation

Board to adopt regulations

relating to the prescription

of controlled substances to

employees; and relating to

the prescription of

controlled substances to

employees

OLSON L&C L&C, JUD GRC Had first hearing on Feb. 27

in House Labor & Commerce.

Sarah

HB 33 Relating to health care

navigators

OLSON HSS HSS, L&C GRC Currently awaits hearing in

Health & Social Services

Committee.

Sarah

HB 34 Relating to the amount of

workers' compensation

benefits in the case of

permanent partial

impairment.

OLSON, Josephson L&C L&C, FIN GRC Currently awaits hearing in

Labor & Commerce

Committee.

Sarah

HB 37 Making sales of and offers

to sell certain energy

resources in this state by a

refiner at prices that are

exorbitant or excessive an

unlawful act or practice

under the Alaska Unfair

Trade Practices and

Consumer Protection Act.

KAWASAKI ENE ENE, L&C, JUD ENR (GRC) SB10 w/ slight

changes

Currently awaits hearing in

Energy Committee

HB 46 Relating to membership in

the Alaska Workforce

Investment Board

SADDLER L&C L&C GRC (EDU) Currently awaiting hearing in

Labor & Commerce

Sarah

HB 47 PERS Contributions by

Municipalities

FOSTER, Kito CRA CRA, L&C GRC Hearing Feb. 17, 8am In

Community & Regional

Affairs Committee Barnes

124. Hearing Feb. 21, 10am

In Community & Regional

Affairs Committee Barnes

124. - Meeting cancelled

Derek will provide an update

to committee next week on

bill status.

Derek

Support

Oppose

Monitor

Bill Title Sponsor(s) Status Committees of

Referral

Lead Chamber

Committee (and

impacted

committees)

Companion

Bill

Legislative Action Chamber Action GRC Committee Member

Assigned to Bill

Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce - BILL STATUS as of 2/20/2015

Government Relations Committee

HB 59 Relating to marijuana

concentrates; and providing

for an effective date.

SEATON HSS HSS, JUD GRC Hearing scheduled in Health

& Social Services for

February 26, 3pm Rm 106

Staff to invite Chad Hutchison

to meet with GRC via

conference call

HB 105 AIDEA: Bonds; Programs;

Loans; LNG Project

GOVERNOR ENE ENE, RES, L&C,

FIN

ENR (GRC) SB 50 Passed out of House Energy

on 2/25 and was referred to

House Resources

Committee.

SB 4 Relating to disclosures

required by the Legislative

Ethics Act.

GIESSEL

(GARDNER)

STA STA, JUD GRC Hearing scheduled for March

5 at 9AM in S-STA

Sarah

WITHDRAWN SB 7 Directing the Regulatory

Comission of Alaska to

provide a report to the

legislature relating to

electrical transmission in

certain areas of the state;

and providing for an

effective date.

MICCICHE NRG NRG, FIN ENR (GRC) Withdrawn by Sponsor

SB 8 Relating to the regulation

and production of industrial

hemp.

ELLIS RES RES, JUD, FIN GRC Currently awaits hearing in

Resources Committee

SB 9 Repealing the authority to

include certain material

from a political party in the

election pamphlet.

MICCICHE, Gardner STA STA, FIN GRC Had first hearing in State

Affairs for February 26.

Monitor SB12 Relating to the payment of

sick leave by employers;

and providing for an

effective date.

WIELECHOWSKI,

Ellis

L&C L&C, FIN GRC Currently awaits hearing in

Labor & Commerce

Committee.

Tiffany Van Horn

SB 15 Relating to the tax on policy

year premiums for life

insurance policies; relating

to single and group life

insurance policies; and

relating to other types of

insurance policies that

insure the life of one or

more individuals

COGHILL L&C L&C, FIN GRC Had first hearing in Labor &

Commerce for February 26.

Tammy Randolph

SB 16 Declaring Arctic Policy of

the State

MCGUIRE ARC ARC, STA (NRC) GRC HB 1 Currently awaits hearing in

Arctic Committee

HB 1 is the vehicle that is

moving

SB 30 Marinjuana Reg; Cont.

Substance; Crimes;

Defenses

SEN JUDICIARY (S)JUD JUD, FIN GRC Hearings scheduled for

March 3, 5, 6 at 9AM in

House Finance

SB 50 AIDEA: Bonds; Programs;

Loans; LNG Project

GOVERNOR NRG NRG, RES, FIN ENR (GRC) HB 105 Currently awaits hearing in

Special Committee on

Energy

SB 62 Regulation of Marijuana

Businesses; Board

SEN JUDICIARY STA STA, L&C, FIN GRC Hearing scheduled on March

5 at 9AM in Senate State

Affairs

Support

Oppose

Monitor

Bill Title Sponsor(s) Status Committees of

Referral

Lead Chamber

Committee (and

impacted

committees)

Companion

Bill

Legislative Action Chamber Action GRC Committee Member

Assigned to Bill

Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce - BILL STATUS as of 2/20/2015

Government Relations Committee

BILLS NOT LIKELY TO MOVE THIS SESSION

Posted: February 6, 2015 - 12:02am

Newspapers exist because people need an independent, third-party voice to tell them what is happening. History is filled with examples of peopwho manipulated the public by spewing imperfect truths and perpetuating distorted realities. An independent, free press holds the powerfulaccountable, uplifts the weak and exposes what has been buried.

Here at the Juneau Empire, that has always been our goal and always will be. We’re an independent third-party that you can count on for reliatimely news.

Last year, members of the Alaska Legislature proposed a bill that would shift public notices from the pages of the state’s newspapers to agovernment-run website. These notices cover things like requests for bid, auctions of public property, meeting agendas, name changes — the bogrist behind government’s bread.

That bill was defeated, partly because of the opposition of this newspaper. Unfortunately, the bill has returned in the form of SB36, and wouldallow the state and municipalities to avoid posting public notices in the state’s newspapers. The notices would instead be posted on agovernment-run website that few of you visit and even fewer visit regularly.

We oppose this new bill, just as we opposed the last one. Government can’t adequately police itself without strict checks and balances. Requirinthird-party publication of government actions is one of these checks and balances.

We fear that if state and municipal governments are left to police their own public notices, the system becomes open to manipulation. Thismanipulation need not be malicious; it could simply be manipulation by neglect. A mistyped link is broken, so bidders fail to show up to an auof state property. The date of a meeting is changed, but the notice of the new location and time is buried and no one shows up to testify theiropposition. A convicted child molester or felon changes their name, but the public is never made aware. These are the items that will fall throuthe cracks.

ALL ACCESS MEMBER

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Comment

Even without an accident, a notice posted on the back corner of a rarely-visited and often poorly-designed website will be nothing more than afaded sign on an empty road. You read this newspaper for information. There is no better way to share information than to put it in the first ppeople look. Virginia toyed with similar legislation in 2011, and a survey of residents found that 94 believed it was important to continue publislegal notices in newspapers. We think Alaskans would heartily agree.

Backers of SB36 say their bill is being driven by finances, that with falling state and municipal revenue, governments can’t afford the few thousdollars per year that it takes to publish their public notices. What they aren’t calculating is the added expense of managing the content andproviding added security measures to ensure hacking or tampering doesn’t become a problem.

This newspaper does charge to run meeting notices. We must do so. If part of our mission is the equal, impartial treatment of all, that meanscharging government to run a notice, just as we would charge an organization like the Elks, the Pioneers of Alaska or a tribal organization.

SB36 is being backed by the Municipality of Anchorage, which has an annual budget in excess of $830 million. For that organization to pleadpoverty over no more than, say, $20,000 to $50,000 per year (low estimate is what we’ve been told, the high is our own educated guess), is thequivalent of you throwing a tantrum over a lost dollar. The action is out of proportion to the cause.

Posting on a website that few people frequent is not the equivalent of notifying the public. Consumer watchdogs would never allow an insuranccell phone company to post a change to an individual policy or plan on their website instead of calling or mailing a notice to the customer. Weshould expect our government to make the same kind of outreach to the public that it requires of private business. We’re not just talking aboutmeetings but tax and zoning changes as well.

Cost-cutting is a noble goal, but when it comes at the expense of an informed public, the meager price is worth it.

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2/24/15Total # of

Meetings

QUORUM = 6 Meeting Held: Yes / No Yes 7

NAME ORGANIZATION % Attend % Absent

1 Atchison, Anna Kinross Fort Knox Mine x 3 43% 57%

2 Bump, Jennifer Wells Fargo Bank Alaska x 7 100% 0%

3 Cook, Jeff Flint Hills Resources 3 43% 57%

4 Lefebvre, Sarah Exclusive Paving 4 57% 43%

5 Mahlen, Jenny First National Bank Alaska x 6 86% 14%

6 Miller, Derek (CHAIR) UAF x 7 100% 0%

7 Obed, Sarah Doyon, Limited 0 0% 100%

8 Randolph, Tammy State Farm Insurance x 7 100% 0%

9 Ringstad, John BP x 6 86% 14%

10 Shaw, Lorna Pogo Mine 1 50% 50%

11 Solie, Rick Tower Hill Mines - Livengood Project x 3 43% 57%

12 Van Horn, Tiffany Golden Heart Utilities 5 71% 29%

Quorum Established: Yes / No Yes 7

Committees members are expected to attend at least 75% of regularly scheduled meeings.

Currently, 6 of 12 members are meeting the attendance expectations

Government Relations Committee 2015 Member Attendance

(leave of absence)