(Kodiak) - Representative Dan Ogg (R-Kodiak) is one of several legislators who have been invited to Unalaska to participate in the House Finance Subcommittee hearing concerning the Permanent Fund's Percent of Market Value (POMV) legislation being considered.

The fly-in also includes a tour of one of the fish processing plants and a general tour of the city itself. In addition, legislators will conduct informal talks regarding a number of topics including the ferry service, fiber optics and fishing issues. The fly-in's to Dutch Harbor were started a few years ago to highlight the needs of their community.

On Wednesday - September 3, 2003 the finance subcommittee will hold a hearing to gather input on House Joint Resolution 26. This bill is proposing amendments to the Alaska Constitution pertaining to the Permanent Fund. The plan, which is endorsed by Fund trustees, would base future permanent fund dividends on an averaged percent of the fund market value to protect the fund from inflation and assure that the real value of the fund will be preserved over the long term. The change would basically change the fund to an endowment trust, a structure used by major universities for their endowments.

If this measure passes next year in the legislature, it would then be on the ballot in the fall of 2004 for voters to decide on its fate since it is a constitutional change. "The Permanent Fund will be a major topic of concern next year in the legislature. I will report back to you after this trip and let you know where the discussion is heading," stated Ogg.

The fly-in is scheduled for three days - Sept. 3-5th. Rep. Ogg will be in attendance for the first two days, afterwards returning to Kodiak to prepare for extensive meetings in the Lake & Peninsula Borough the following week.

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