Contact Information:

Toll Free:(800) 665-2689
In the Homer Area:(907) 235-2921
Via Mail or in Person: 345 W. Sterling Hwy., Suite 102B
Homer, Alaska 99603
Fax:(907) 235-4008
Website: http://www.RepPaulSeaton.com
Email: Rep.Paul.Seaton@Legis.state.ak.us

Greetings from a rainy Monday in Juneau. Today was the 28th day of the first special session called by the Governor. I can certainly say that long special sessions dealing with complex issues immediately after the regular session are not a good idea in my estimation. Tempers are short and many representatives need to be back home to run business and see their families. However, I have been extremely impressed with the diligence and depth of consideration being given to each topic even under these circumstances. I have been fortunate in having my excellent staffer, Louie Flora, remain here in Juneau with his family. Most legislators had staff with travel and interim commitments such that they are here without help.

Throughout the first 11 days of 'tutorial' from the administration on the "Contract" we had no legislation yet introduced and were kept in listen-only mode. Four contentious pieces of legislation were then brought forward by the Governor and we have been working to modify each into something that our constituents would find acceptable. There is almost no public testimony because these important policy calls are complex and deal with arcane details – what you sent us to Juneau to research and deal with on your behalf. It was also difficult for constituents to stay up with the progress of the bills as Gavel-to-Gavel had commitments covering "Celebration 2006" for the first 3 days of hearings and could not provide television coverage of the House and Senate hearings.

On Sunday we passed the Petroleum Profits Tax (PPT) that I consider quite balanced and good for the State and its citizens. Reconsideration was given and the bill was held until Tuesday to review since one of the opponents of the bill had a scheduled medical procedure that could not be delayed. This is an example of the fairness and civility with which the House has conducted itself this year. On reconsideration many things could change so I will wait to report the details until Thursday – the end of this 30-day special session. The Senate will have had time to concur with our changes or possibly kill the bill and we will know at that time.

Following Bills

All bills can be accessed through the state's Bill Action and Status Inquiry System (BASIS). You can see what committee a bill is in, when it will be heard, how committee members voted, and much more. You can view all bills relating to your specific areas of interest by selecting "Subject Summary" from the menu on the right. Access BASIS through the link below, or by doing a search for "BASIS Alaska". http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/start.asp

Live on the Web

Most committee hearings can be seen and heard on Gavel-to-Gavel, which is broadcast on both local access TV and on the Internet. You can also access online archives from their website. http://www.ktoo.org/gavel/schedule.cfm.

Contact Us

If you would like to speak to me regarding a specific issue, it is helpful to first get in touch with the member of my staff handling related issues. You can click on their email addresses to send them a note, or just give us a call at the office. Please provide your full name, address and phone number on any correspondence with the office. Your time and effort are much appreciated.

Louie Flora
State Affairs, Resources, Fisheries, HB 328
(907) 465-4963
louie_flora ''@'' legis.state.ak.us

Katie Shows
Health Education and Social Services, PERS/TRS, Budget, HCR 5, HCR 28, HB 238
(907) 465-2028
katie_shows ''@'' legis.state.ak.us

Rep. Paul Seaton
House District 35
(800) 665-2689
representative_paul_seaton ''@'' legis.state.ak.us

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