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Less than a month remains before the Legislature's scheduled May 21st adjournment and much work remains before the gavel falls for the final time. The House has already passed its version of the FY '04 Operating Budget and the Senate is now in the process of deliberating the budget.
The development of the budget has not been easy. As you know, Alaska spends far more on state services than what our revenue stream brings in. During the gubernatorial election, Governor Murkowski pledged to trim state spending and increase resource development rather than reinstitute an income tax or draw on the Permanent Fund. As a result, he has asked the Legislature to consider a $2.3 billion spending plan, down by $55 million from last year. In order to achieve this, hard choices have to be made and funding for state programs that are important to many Alaskans will be affected. I have heard from numerous constituents affected by the proposed cuts and appreciate their thoughts. I will keep them in mind as the Senate debates the issues.
Capital Budget
Work has already started on the FY '04 Capital Budget and in coming weeks I will have more information available on which Senate District R projects will receive state appropriations in the coming year. I look forward to sharing this with you.
Fisheries Disaster Relief Announced
The Governor has announced grants totaling $50 million for economic disaster relief in the Western Alaska fisheries and a plan for its distribution. The money is all federal funding, with $35 million having come as economic disaster relief, and $15 million from a marketing grant generated by Senator Ted Stevens. The centerpiece of this plan is $18 million for a concentrated marketing and advertising campaign through the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute to consumers in the lower 48 states.
Another $10 million will go to municipalities to offset a portion of lost tax revenues, $5 million to affected individual fishermen (possibly in the form of energy and fuel credits), and the rest will be allocated among a variety of economic development and fishery support projects, such as higher quality control standards and better transportation methods. Al Clough is the primary contact in the Department of Community & Economic Development, he can be reached at (907) 465-5459, and Alan Austerman is your contact in the governor's office, he can be reached at (907) 465-3500.
Education Funding
Education funding continues to be a hot topic of discussion in the Legislature, and all of us are well aware of the financial constraints school districts around the state are facing as they develop their own budgets for the coming fiscal year. Several measures have been introduced that would put more money into the state foundation formula. Among these is , recently passed out of House Special Committee on Education. This bill will increase the funding formula to $4,168 per student, up $158 from the current level. The bill moves next to the House Health, Education and Social Services Committee. I am encouraged to see education funding legislation moving through the committee process. I hope to have a further update in my next column.
Personal Legislation Update
I have introduced to allow the state to upgrade and expand jails in Kodiak, Dillingham, Kotzebue and the North Slope Borough Community Jail. The bill has been referred to my State Affairs Committee for consideration.
Tuesday, April 28th, the Senate State Affairs Committee will consider , which is companion legislation to that I introduced in the House of Representatives earlier this session. This bill will allow school districts experiencing a shortage of qualified teachers to rehire individuals who participated in a Retirement Incentive Program (RIP). Passage of this bill would give school districts around Alaska another tool in combating the serious teacher shortage.
On Wednesday, April 23rd, the House Resources Committee passed out and awaits a hearing on the House Floor. This resolution shows the Legislature's support for the Alaska Food Coalition's efforts to utilize halibut by-catch in their food assistance programs.
Thursday, April 17th, the House approved , naming the state airport at Old Harbor in honor of the late Sven Haakanson Sr. I would like to thank the Old Harbor community members and organizations who assisted in working this bill through the Legislature, assuring Sven's memory will live on for years to come.
remains in the House Special Committee on Education and is not likely to advance this session as the committee has advanced . My companion legislation, awaits a hearing in the Senate Health, Education and Social Services Committee. This bill would increase by $118 the state's contribution to the per-pupil Foundation Formula (currently at $4,010).
Keeping Track of Legislation
In the waning days of the session, legislation will be moving quickly through various committees. You can track the progress of any legislation by calling the Legislative Information Office (LIO) in your community, my office, or access information online at , or .
Capitol Visitors
Recent District R visitors to the Capitol Building include Tom Abell, Craig Baker, Daisy Lee Bitter, Pat Branson, Stu Clark, Charlie Davidson, Carolyn Floyd, Bob Hartley, Sue Hecks, Millie Martin, Greg Razo, Skip Richards, Don Roberts, Walter Sapp, Doug and Sandy Stark, Terry Stone and Walt Wrede.
If you plan to be in Juneau before the end of the session, I hope you will find time to visit my office. Please call 1-800-821-4925 to make an appointment.
Keep in Touch
It's always nice hearing from those I serve in the Legislature. Please feel free to contact me anytime at the toll free number above, or via e-mail at .
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