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Another week has passed rapidly here in Juneau. A number of constituent problems have been resolved, however, I am still working with my staff to find budget solutions to some of our district's problems. Our district's needs are large; we need new roads, new medical equipment, and more funding for education to name a few. Please contact my office if problems arise in dealing with the state.
RACE TO FILL SENATE SEAT VACANCY
I have decided not to put my name forward for consideration for the State Senate seat vacated by Alan Austerman. I told the voters of District 35 that I was running to give them a choice for new policy directions and they elected me to pursue those goals. I feel that my committee assignments in the House give us a great opportunity to shape policies on Fisheries, Education, and Senior Issues.
With half as many members, a Senator could potentially have more responsibility in determining policy. I don't believe that as a new Senate appointee I would receive the key committee assignments that would directly benefit our district's needs. I want to thank all the people, who encouraged me to consider the Senate seat. I trust the District 35 Committee to put forth candidates that would be supported by the voters. Ultimately, I look forward to working closely with whomever the governor chooses as a new member of the Kenai/Kodiak caucus.
Shallow Gas Bill passes the House this past week
The House passed HB 69, which changes the gas leasing statutes to allow shallow gas wells or coal bed methane to receive quick technical changes for operating permits.
There was some confusion as to whether this bill actually circumvented the public hearing process for a new well or a new field. I asked the sponsor of the bill to delay final passage until the situation was clarified. He received the legal opinion and explanation that HB 69 only dealt with operators of a lease and only involves technical or "operating" changes. Shallow well gas - wells less than 3000 ft - are drilled more like water wells than deep gas or oil wells. Coal bed methane may have potential for the lower peninsula(like the Mat-Su) and may have the possibility to make gas in Homer a reality in the future.
HB 69 will NOT circumvent any part of the public process required for the initial leasing of a new field.
HABITAT MOVE RECEIVES FISHERIES COMMITTEE REFERRAL
The Speaker of the House accepted my request to have the Governor's Executive Order(EO) 107(the habitat division move) assigned to the Fisheries Committee. I have received a great deal of constituent concerns and information regarding the proposed move.
EO 107 would move all of the Dept. of Fish & Game's permitting functions completed by the Habitat Division to the Dept. of Natural Resources.
Much of the controversy surrounding EO 107 involves the possible changes to our environmental standards used to protect fish streams and habitat. I plan to schedule hearings after the two Departments have had time to finalize their plans. I will keep you informed when we schedule the hearing.
In order to stop an executive order both houses must pass a resolution of opposition within 60 days. Assignment to the Fisheries Committee assures a hearing will be scheduled covering stream and habitat impacts.
Health, Education and Social Services Issues
We heard an overview from the Division of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse at Tuesday's House HESS meeting. We also held confirmation hearings for the University of Alaska Board of Regents.
We started hearing bills at Thursday's meeting. First on the agenda was Representative Weyhrauch's bill on Health Care Services Directives. House Bill (HB) 25 strives to provide a way for people to express their final wishes in their own words. The committee decided to hold the bill over for further discussion at next week's meeting. The bill I introduced, HB 51 was also heard at Thursday's meeting. It passed through the committee quickly and will be next heard in the Labor and Commerce Committee. I will let you know when we have a date set for that hearing.
Fisheries Committee
This past week the Fisheries Committee continued with overviews. We heard from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Commercial Fisheries, Habitat and Restoration, and Sport Fish Divisions.
This week we will be introducing a bill regarding the transportation of fish. When the bill is finally introduced I will make sure you have access to it on my website. The Fisheries Committee will likely hear the bill on the 26th of February.
Education Committee
The House Special Education Committee this past week has been meeting jointly with the House and Senate Finance Committees to conduct overviews of the federal No Child Left Behind Act, the state Foundation Formula, and the new Cost Differential Study. HB 26 adding the Learning Opportunity Grants to the Foundation Formula's Base Student Allocation, and HB 19 requiring the legislature to pass the education budget before April 1st, are still in the Committee. I am supporting both of these bills.
Bill Access System
Remember, that all bills can be found on the State's BASIS system. You will find the system to be accessible at the website below.
If you need to contact the staff please click below:
Lauren Radcliffe,
Cameron Yourkowski,
Chris Knight,
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