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PRIORITY ISSUES…
Many important issues have come before the Legislature this session, but my priorities have remained the same. K-12 funding, SCR
12, and the Capital Budget are all at the top of my list. I’m optimistic the education funding issue will come to a successful
conclusion in the next few days (please see my update included in the next paragraph of this newsletter). I have worked hard at
getting SCR 12 (a resolution that asks Alaskans in unorganized Alaska, who are able, to help support their local schools) passed
and I intend to continue to do whatever I can to bring this about. The Capital Budget, which is one of my primary responsibilities as
co-chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, takes a lot of organization and planning. Unfortunately I’m not sure of the amount of
funds the State will have for Capital Projects this year. With less than two weeks left, the committee will be working many long
hours to finish our work.
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT…
I have been appointed to a new conference committee designed to iron out the differences facing the House and the Senate,
particularly in the areas of the education funding bill (SB 283) and the operating budget. Senators Therriault and Hoffman are the
other members on the Senate side, and Representatives Kott, Williams, and Joule will represent the House. The Senate would like
SB 283 to only cover operational and maintenance related expenditures relating to education. The House is supporting operational
expenditures for education also, but is including some non-education related expenditures in the bill. I hope that we will be able to
come to some sort of agreement soon that benefits our K-12 system. This issue has drug on much too long.
SPECIAL VISITORS TO JUNEAU…
Even though there is little time left out of each day to meet with visitors due to long committee meetings and changing schedules, I still
try to make time to meet with as many people as possible. Recent visitors have included Principal Tim Doran from Denali
Elementary, Fire Chief Warren Cummings, John Binkley, members of several school districts from around the state, and my son,
Matthew, from Fairbanks. Everyone is here for a different reason, but it is always a pleasure to meet with Fairbanksans. See
pictures of some of my visitors here ,
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INTERIOR SECRETARY GAIL NORTON VISITS ALASKA…
U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Gale Norton met with House and Senate leadership in Juneau on April 26 as part of her
4-day tour of Alaska. The meeting included a discussion of the Legislature’s concern over the state acquiring its submerged land
entitlement of more than 60 million acres. Other topics discussed included RS 2477 rights-of-way conflicts, the federal
government’s appeal of the Ninth Circuit Court decision regarding the allowance of commercial activities within wilderness areas,
and leasing in the National Petroleum Reserve.
2004 SESSION ENDS SOON…
It’s hard to believe that the last day of this year’s Legislative Session is scheduled for May 11th, provided a special session is not
called. As each session comes to a close, it’s interesting to look back to see what issues and bills were the most important to my
constituents and what the outcome was. This year, to no one’s surprise, education funding was, and still is at the top of the list.
Following close behind, was the ongoing debate of possible new revenue sources for the State.
You might be wondering what happens next after the Session ends. Basically all of the legislators, including me, return to their
homes for the remainder of the year. I’m looking forward to returning to Fairbanks, a chance to catch up with my family, friends,
and fellow Fairbanksans. Please feel free to contact my office at 451-5501 if you need any assistance.
~ Gary
YOUR PRIVACY…
All addresses are “blind” for your privacy. A strict “no spam” policy is observed. If you don’t wish to receive these e-mail newsletters, please let me know. If you have a friend or neighbor in District E or Fairbanks who does not receive my e-mail but would like to be included, I will be glad to add them to my list if they contact me.
CONTACT ME…
If you would like to contact me during session, I can be reached at my office in Juneau at 451-5501 (that’s a local call from Fairbanks), or if you would like to send me an e-mail, my address is . The address where I receive my U.S. mail is: State Capitol Building, Room 518, Juneau, AK 99801. You can visit my website at http://www.akrepublicans.org/wilken/index.php.
“Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens” – Jimi Hendrix
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