Dear Neighbors,

The 23rd Legislature adjourned on May 11th, 2004 at midnight ending the 120-day Session in Juneau. Some highlights of Session include the House funding education at a record level and figuring a way to pay for it, passing a spending cap to contain spending, and passing a major victims’ rights crime package.

You will be receiving this month's newsletter in the mail which will discuss some of these major accomplishments as well as other issues that were debated. As always, if you would like any additional information or would like to discuss any issue, please call me at 269-0240.

The Governor has called a Special Session beginning June 22nd to address the fiscal gap, worker's compensation issues, a bond package and a tobacco tax. I encourage you to contact me with your thoughts on these issues before I head back to Juneau.

Community News

I'm proud to announce that the following capital projects were approved for education in our community:

Campbell Elementary School
$45,000 for supplies and equipment

Abbott Loop Elementary School
$20,000 for supplies and equipment

Taku Elementary School
$20,000 for supplies and equipment

SpringHill Elementary School
$20,000 for supplies and equipment

Dimond High School
$10,000 for supplies and equipment

Service High School
$10,000 for science supplies and equipment

Meetings

Abbott Loop Community Council Meeting will not meet this month.

Taku Community Council Meeting has been suspended for the summer. The next meeting will be in September and I will keep you posted on the date.

Keep Track

If you would like any information about any legislation from this Session or past Sessions, visit the Legislature's web site at http://www.legis.state.ak.us. Choose Bill Search near the top of the page.

Budget Guide

Some useful links on understanding Alaska's budget:

http://www.legfin.state.ak.us

http://www.iser.uaa.alaska.edu
(Select "Citizens Guide to the Budget" from the Special Programs Section)

My staff and I are back in the Anchorage office and I encourage you to e-mail or call me with any concerns you have.

If you do not wish to receive this newsletter, please reply to be removed from the list. Your e-mail address will always be confidential and will only be used for correspondence from me. This is the first of our e-news bulletins; if you have any suggestions, please let me know.

Happy Summer,
Representative Ralph Samuels

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