Alaska’s broad diversity of land and people is the source of our state’s greatest strengths and most significant challenges. With many Alaskans living in communities scattered across a rugged and roadless land, state government must provide infrastructure and services to a degree unmatched in any other state. The Republican-led Majority recognizes the Legislature’s responsibility to provide fairly for the needs of all Alaskans, regardless of where they live.

• HB 446 allows for the sale of of the Four Dam Pool to establish an endowment to fund Power Cost Equalization - bringing affordable electricity to rural Alaska.
• We budgeted an additional $1.05 million to defray power costs in rural areas. The Legislature developed a plan to extend the life of the Power Cost Equalization Program (PCE). This plan makes the PCE as equitable as possible for all users, and reduces costs to the state.
• The Operations Budget funded Public Broadcasting at a level sufficient to maintain current federal support without affecting other state operations. Continued funding allows many communities to retain their only access to current events and quality educational programming.
• The Legislature funded the Rural Utility Business Advisory (RUBA) program for rural sanitation.

• HB 40 restructured the Department of Community and Regional Affairs and the Department of Community and Economic Development to provide better outreach services to rural communities.
• Alaska’s rural residents have a long tradition of supporting the National Guard. HB 80 adds five points to a passing grade for the classified service under merit system examination for members of the National Guard with eight years of service.
• The Legislature fully funded Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute and Alaska Science and Technology Foundation (ASTF), and ARDORS grants. These help rural areas by promoting fish sales and developing new job and business opportunities.
• We provided $32 million in State municipal assistance and revenue sharing to ensure that basic local services are protected, including roads, fire protection, and emergency medical services.
• The Supplemental Budget authorizes $150,000 in Statutory Designated Program Receipts to allow private entities to contract with DOT to open roads early.
• HB 116 restructures the way agricultural and conservation services will function in Alaska, making them more responsive to the industry’s needs in keeping with sound conservation policies.
• HB 437 extends the deadline for several Native village corporations to be reinstated.
• HJR 56 would remove wildlife management issues from the ballot initiative process in Alaska.
• HJR 60 opposes pending critical habitat designations by the federal government and asks the governor to pursue legal action if they are enacted.