House Majority E-News Headlines

House Passes Operating & Mental Health Budget Bills - HB 300 & HB 302 focus on core responsibilities for FY 11

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:18:02 -0800

The Alaska State House today passed House Bill 300 and House Bill 302, the Fiscal Year 2011 Statewide Operating and Mental Health Operating budget bills. The House Finance Committee Substitute authorizes $34.1 million less than the governor's amended FY 11 spending plan, with a 10-percent across the board cut to state agency travel and deferral of funding for issues that require further scrutiny including expenditures for an in-state gas pipeline and legislation still under consideration.

The House Finance Committee substitute for the next fiscal year authorizes $5.1 billion in state general funds, $1.93 billion in federal funds, and $1.09 billion in what are referred to as "other" funds, which are classified as non-discretionary. Total state agency spending is reduced by 1.6% from the governor's amended proposal.

"After a careful and responsible review, we were able to pass a frugal, benevolent and humble FY 11 budget," House Finance Committee Co-Chair for the Operating Budget Mike Hawker, R-Anchorage, said. "When you add it all up you get a responsible spending plan that reflects our continued and growing awareness of the fiscal circumstances on the state's horizon."

Resources Approves Joint In-State Gasline Development Team Bill - Speaker's HB 369 Advances to House Finance Committee - Calls for Gasline Online by 2015

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:32:39 -0800

The House Resources Committee this evening passed their committee substitute for House Bill 369, House Speaker Mike Chenault's, R-Nikiski, proposal creating the Joint In-State Gasline Development Team.

The committee amended the bill to focus the function of the team, taking out the proposed steering committee. The substitute bill, or CS, also made minor changes to clarify and further define the legislation.

Speaker Chenault says he appreciates the work done by the committee and agrees that the bill as it stands now still accomplishes his original goal: to get an in-state gasline online by 2015. "The Resources Committee identified areas of concern and made the bill better," Speaker Chenault said. "I'm grateful for the work put in on the bill, and look forward to seeing it work its way through the process. We heard from committee members, and we all agreed that it's time to focus on bringing forward an in-state line that serves all areas of the state. It was my intent to see the state unify the various agencies and assets at our disposal, and the substitute kept the emphasis in the legislation on that."

Ft. Rousseau Boundary Fix Passes Legislature - Bill now heads to Governor for signature

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:46:10 -0800

The Alaska State Senate today unanimously passed House Bill 276, correcting the boundary of the Ft. Rousseau Causeway State Historical Park.

Rep. Peggy Wilson, R-Wrangell, sponsored the bill that fixes an oversight in the 2007 legislation that formed the park adjacent to Sitka's Rocky Gutierrez Airport. The original legislation forming the park included uplands, tidelands, and water next to the airport, creating complications for management of the facility. HB 276 will reinforce a 1,100-foot buffer zone between the runway and the park itself, placing that area back under Department of Transportation & Public Facilities control.

"During such a busy session, I'm glad we were able to pass this important fix so quickly," Wilson said. "This keeps the state on track to receive necessary federal grants from the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure continued airport funding. The park is a historic part of Southeast Alaska, and we should support its existence."

House Acts To Proclaim April Sexual Assault Awareness Month - Fairclough's HCR 20 recognizes service providers and asks Alaskans to speak out

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:42:22 -0800

The Alaska State House today unanimously passed House Concurrent Resolution 20, which proclaims April 2010 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Representative Anna Fairclough, R-Eagle River, sponsored the resolution.

"In addition to spreading the message asking Alaskans to speak out against this terrible crime, HCR 20 also recognizes the thoughtful, diligent work people all over the state put in every day to help victims," Fairclough said. "These individuals provide invaluable services, making sure that victims have simple things that most of us take for granted like someone to talk to or a safe place to go."

HCR 20 has been transmitted to the Alaska State Senate for consideration.

Majority Audio Actualities For Tuesday, Mar. 9, 2010 - MVA Chair Gatto comments on Brig. Gen. Katkus confirmation hearing

Tue, 9 Mar 2010 18:36:22 -0800

Special Committee on Military & Veterans Affairs Chair Carl Gatto, R-Palmer, is the featured member for today's Alaska State House Majority Caucus audio actualities.

Chair Gatto comments on today's committee vote to forward Brig. Gen. Thomas Katkus' name to the full House for confirmation as the new commissioner of the Alaska Dept. of Military & Veterans Affairs and Adj. Gen. of the Alaska National Guard.

Proposed Railbelt Energy Projects Up For Comparison - Options for Alaska energy to make their cases

Tue, 9 Mar 2010 13:49:08 -0800

Representatives from six proposed major railbelt energy projects will appear before the House Special Committee on Energy on Thursday, March 11, to assist the committee in learning more about the projects and which one is best suited to meet the railbelt's energy needs.

Officials for the following energy projects are scheduled to appear:

Mt. Spurr Geothermal Facility - Ormat

Two Keller Bills Move Out of Committee - New language for loans making progress in House

Tue, 9 Mar 2010 13:24:15 -0800

Representative Wes Keller, R-Wasilla, saw two bills make progress through the State House this week.

House Bill 354 would change some oversight language regarding loans available for general aviation in Alaska under the Capstone Avionics Loan program. Current language limits access to loans to individuals and small carriers that own their aircraft, and leases are not considered. In other parts of the country, Capstone and advances in avionics have resulted in a 47 percent decrease in aircraft accidents, and 33 percent fewer fatalities.

HB 354 was passed out of the House Labor & Commerce Committee, and now heads to the House Transportation Committee.

Admin. Reg. Review Committee to Meet Monday - Topics Centering on Cabins, Dairy Production

Sat, 6 Mar 2010 15:25:49 -0800

The Joint Administrative Regulation Review Committee will hold its first March meeting on Monday, focusing on Alaska Dept. of Environmental Conservation and Dept. of Natural Resources regulations.

Committee Chair Representative Wes Keller, R-Wasilla, says he's agreed to hold the dual topic hearing after groups approached the committee about having separate hearings regarding dairy production and public use cabins. One part of the meeting will focus on examining regulations regarding cheese production by small dairies in the state, and possible exemptions in order to make manufacture and business easier. Another part of the meeting will focus on examining personal use cabin owners' requests to save their interests in their cabins that are on state land.

"The committee simply wants to perform its due diligence to look into these matters," Keller said.

House Majority Leadership Press Availability Monday

Sat, 6 Mar 2010 09:32:16 -0800

Members of the Alaska State House Majority Caucus' leadership will participate in the weekly press availability, which will be held Monday, March 8, at 9:00 a.m. in the Speaker's Chambers.

Majority press availabilities are scheduled every Monday at 9:00 a.m. during session unless otherwise noted.

A teleconference for reporters unable to attend in person has been set up through the Legislative Bridge Teleconference Center at 877-763-5073.

HB 315 Passes House, Heads to Senate - Bill paves way for CPAs to practice in Alaska with greater mobility

Tue, 2 Mar 2010 17:22:34 -0800

House Bill 315 unanimously passed the Alaska State House this week, allowing for better CPA mobility in the state.

Under current law, Certified Public Accountants are barred from serving clients in Alaska without obtaining a license and registering with the Alaska State Board of Public Accountancy. HB 315 would change this rule in order to allow for CPA mobility, matching laws already on the books in forty-five states. This would ensure that CPAs and CPA firms can practice across state jurisdictions with greater ease, and keep Alaska's CPAs nationally-competitive.

Bill sponsor Rep. Kurt Olson, R-Kenai, says the bill will improve the environment for accounting in Alaska. "This bill brings Alaska in line with the vast majority of states," Olson said. "Such a change enhances the ability of Alaska accounting firms to attract and retain talent."

Legislature Acts to Create Annual Purple Heart Day - Designating Aug. 7 to honor recipients gains unanimous Senate passage

Mon, 1 Mar 2010 17:29:18 -0800

The Alaska State Legislature today passed House Bill 274, legislation designating Aug. 7 of every year as Purple Heart Day. The Alaska State Senate approved the bill unanimously. The State House passed the bill unanimously Feb. 8.

House Rules Committee Chair Nancy Dahlstrom, R-Eagle River, sponsored the bill, which would codify the date in statute for perpetuity. "State and local leaders do their part annually through citations and proclamations, but codifying August 7th to honor the brave men and women who've earned the medal is the right thing to do, and a small gesture we can make to say thank you for your sacrifice and service," Dahlstrom said.

Representative Berta Gardner, D-Anchorage, one of the prime sponsors of HB 274, along with Rep. Dahlstrom, said, "This legislation offers one more way to honor and recognize our veterans and Purple Heart recipients. There is not enough we can do for them."

HJR 40 Passes House, Advance to Senate - Resolution opposes designation of critical habitat for beluga whales

Mon, 1 Mar 2010 14:41:25 -0800

The Alaska State House today passed House Joint Resolution 40, which opposes the National Marine Fisheries Service's designation of a critical habitat for beluga whales.

HJR 40 sponsor Rep. Charisse Millett, R-Anchorage, put the resolution in motion in order to protect the economy of the entire Cook Inlet region from what she says is an unnecessary critical habitat designation for beluga whales. Population numbers rebounded after a cooperative harvest management plan was instituted, with the beluga population going from 278 in 2005 to 321 in 2009, a total increase of four percent per year.

The Endangered Species Act requires economic effects to be taken into account for critical habitat designations. Areas may be excluded from critical habitat if it is determined that the benefit of such exclusion outweighs the benefit to the region. While the National Marine Fisheries Service considers the designation as a way to protect wildlife in the region, the move could cripple economic develop in the region, affecting all of Alaska. "All activities in and around Cook Inlet from the Port of Anchorage, to military operations, to sport and commercial fishing could be slapped with new restrictions if a critical habitat designation is issued," Millett said.

House Acts to Honor Long-Time DOT Dalton Hwy Manager - Ramras' HB 345, naming Sam Schuyler Memorial Bridge, passes unanimously

Mon, 1 Mar 2010 14:25:20 -0800

The Alaska State House today unanimously passed House Bill 345, legislation naming a bridge slated to be built on the Dalton Highway this summer as the Sam Schuyler Memorial Bridge.

Schuyler was a 23-year Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities employee who passed away in January 2007, serving the last 18 years of his tenure as the Dalton District Roving Foreman.

"Sam was well-loved and respected by his peers at DOT and by the truckers who traversed the Dalton Highway. It's an honor to be able to sponsor this bill to name the bridge in Sam's memory," Rep. Jay Ramras, R-Fairbanks, said. "The Dalton is long, desolate and beautiful, and the friendships formed by those who work and travel it are forged in steel. Hopefully this summer his friends and family can have a lasting reminder of Sam's dedication, work ethic and spirit."

Line-Up Announced for Mon, Mar 1 Press Availability - Speaker Chenault, Rules Chair Dahlstrom, Resources Co-Chair Johnson on deck

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 23:02:37 -0800

House Speaker Mike Chenault, R-Nikiski, will lead the weekly House Majority Caucus press availability Monday, March 1, at 9:00 a.m. in the Speaker's Chambers. House Rules Committee Chair Nancy Dahlstrom, R-Anchorage, and House Resources Committee Co-Chair Craig Johnson, R-Anchorage, will join the Speaker on the panel.

Majority press availabilities are scheduled every Monday at 9:00 a.m. during session unless otherwise noted.

A teleconference for reporters unable to attend in person has been set up through the Legislative Bridge Teleconference Center at 877-763-5073.

House Encourages Anch. Assembly To End I/M Program - Stoltze's HR 13 calls on muni. to stick with 2007 assembly repeal decision

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:49:18 -0800

The Alaska State House today passed House Resolution 13, which encourages the Anchorage Assembly to rescind its 2008 action reinstating the Anchorage Vehicle Inspection and Management, or I/M, Program. House Finance Committee Co-Chair Bill Stoltze, R-Chugiak/Mat-Su, sponsored the resolution, which passed by a vote of 27 to 11 Wednesday. The resolution was not brought up for reconsideration, thereby ensuring passage.

"The I/M program was put in place at a time when air quality concerns in the South-central may have been more relevant. In the past, identifying over-polluting or unmaintained cars was an effective way to make a difference. But that time has passed, and the Assembly, under different leadership in 2007, repealed the program. This assembly should do the same thing," Stoltze said. "Anchorage has met the EPA air quality standards since 1996. Automotive technology has made a difference with new car emissions, and the 2008 Assembly action to reinstate the program - which met with significant public protest - is unnecessary and unwarranted. This is an unnecessary government mandated expense for Mat-Su and Anchorage families."

Copies of HR 13 will be sent to Anchorage Mayor Dan Sullivan and each member of the Anchorage Assembly.

Johansen Urges Feds To Ease Transport Regulation - Resolution would expand transport options for rural ports while emphasizing safety

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:25:41 -0800

This week, House Majority Leader Kyle Johansen, R-Ketchikan, introduced House Joint Resolution 47, urging the federal government to ease restrictions on small vessels, which are crucial carriers to isolated communities and businesses in Alaska.

Federal law currently prohibits small vessels in Alaska to carry fuel, cargo and passengers simultaneously, which Leader Johansen says is unrealistic due to Alaska's unique geography. "There are places in the state that are inaccessible by large barges and must be reached by smaller vessels," Johansen said. "These restrictions impede the process of delivering supplies and transporting people to different places in Alaska." The resolution encourages several federal parties, from the United States Department of Homeland Security to the United States Coast Guard, to adopt regulations that would allow small vessels in Alaska to carry all three items concurrently. It also urges the United States Coast Guard to adopt regulations stating that small vessels transporting fuel should be constructed of aluminum, for safety and affordability purposes.

HJR 47 has been referred to the House Transportation Committee.

Gatto To Help Set Global Policy In Conference - Palmer lawmaker invited to Council on Foreign Relations

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:25:11 -0800

Representative Carl Gatto, R-Palmer, will participate in a global governance roundtable at the Council on Foreign Relations.

Gatto was invited by Dr. Scott Borgerson, CFR's Visiting Fellow for Ocean Governance. The event is led by Alaska Senators Lisa Murkowski and Mark Begich, and will focus on considering Alaska's role in setting national Arctic policy and determining Alaska's response to climate change. The agenda includes discussions regarding President Obama's Interagency Policy Task Force, proposed federal legislation affecting Arctic issues, state and local plans and private sector initiatives that could have impact on Alaska.

"I go to conferences across the nation and hear people advocating policies that would devastate the Alaska way of life," Gatto said. "We need to hear first-hand what these groups are selling and we need to advance our own plans, before they get everything they want at our expense."

House Majority Audio Actualities for Friday - Resources Co-Chairs Comment on Value of Attending Energy Council

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:41:45 -0800

House Resources Co-Chairs Craig Johnson, R-Anchorage, and Mark Neuman, R-Su-Valley, are the featured members for the daily House Majority Caucus audio actualities.

The co-chairs comment on the value they see in attending the Energy Council meetings held annually in Washington, D.C.

Majority Audio Actualities For Thursday, Feb. 25, 2010 - Judiciary Committee Members Comment on AG Confirmation Hearing

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:09:24 -0800

House Judiciary Committee Vice Chair Nancy Dahlstrom, R-Anchorage, and Representative Bob Lynn, R-Anchorage, are the featured members for the Alaska State House Majority Caucus daily audio actualities.

Both legislators as members of the House Judiciary Committee discuss their endorsements of Attorney General designee Daniel S. Sullivan after the committee's hearing regarding his confirmation. The committee voted to forward his name on to the full legislature for confirmation.

The actualities are currently available online for listening and download at http://housemajority.org/press.php?p=media.

HB 259 Heading For Hearing In HSS - Adult Public Assistance Eligibility to go in front of Health & Social Services Committee

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 17:20:42 -0800

Representative Wes Keller, R-Wasilla, will present House Bill 259 to the House Health & Social Services Committee tomorrow.

HB 259 was introduced at the beginning of this year's session, and would require mandatory drug testing for adults abusing drugs and alcohol while receiving public assistance. "I introduced this bill to give the Department a tool to help people addicted to illegal drugs or alcohol," Keller said. "The goal of public assistance is to help a person and their family out during tough times and to return them to productive members of society. The funds provided are intended for life's necessities. The state should be doing everything it can to make sure that what is intended as assistance is not instead enabling substance abuse, thereby creating—instead of solving—a problem."

WHO:Rep. Wes Keller, R-WasillaWHAT:Hearing, HB 259, House Health & Social Services CommitteeWHEN:Thursday, February 25 - 3:00 p.m.WHERE:State Capitol Room 106