March 28th, 2009

Greetings From Juneau!

We have just over three weeks before the end of the first session of the 26th Alaska State Legislature.  I have kept very busy this session, and am glad to be able to update you on our work on behalf of the district.    

Operating and Capital Budgets

The Senate Finance Committee has been hard at work crafting the Operating and Capital Budgets.  These budgets finance day to day operations of government and make important infrastructure investments.  Together they constitute the most important policy documents state government considers every year.  While the low price of oil has put a great deal of stress on state finances, I’ve been actively working with colleagues to ensure issues important to our district are addressed in the budget.

This year I was directly responsible for drafting the Operating Budgets for the Departments of Law, Revenue, and Transportation.  The Department of Transportation received an additional $1.7 million for their maintenance budget for Southeast Alaska.  This funding will allow for more regular and responsive road maintenance in our communities.  We also inserted $3.5 million for the Department of Law to continue Alaska’s response to the wide-spread pipeline corrosion damage in areas of Prudhoe Bay, and $100,000 to improve customer service at the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend Division.  The Finance Committee passed the Operating Budget out of committee to be considered on the Senate floor next week.

Economic Stimulus Package

A major policy discussion this session has been the question of what funding is available to the State of Alaska through the federal economic stimulus package - the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).  Alaska is eligible for federal funding for infrastructure, education, job training, energy efficiency, law enforcement, public safety, unemployment and public assistance programs. I believe the Legislature and the public have a responsibility to participate in the state’s spending decisions and I encourage that involvement.  I am actively working with my colleagues to facilitate a better public process:

1. I introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 4 to reserve the Legislature’s right to review all funds available through the ARRA.  The tight time constraints contained in the federal law, make a thorough examination difficult before the legislative session concludes on April 19th. Governor Palin has proposed turning down approximately $270 million in stimulus funding available to our state. This resolution helps keep our options open as we analyze how best to deploy federal stimulus funding.

2. The ARRA provides both operating and capital funding and impacts a broad array of programs and investments.  The Finance Committees are jointly working to quickly review the bill and thoroughly assess its financial impact on Alaska. We have held several hearings on the governor’s spending request and next week we will build on the good work being done in House Finance this weekend. 

3. The economic stimulus package contains a variety of grants that can be accessed independently from the legislative budgeting process. The Legislature has partnered with the Denali Commission to create a clearinghouse to provide non-profit organizations and other interest groups with information about what funding is available.  These grants will only be available for a short period of time and this partnership should help provide Alaskans with the background they need to be more competitive.

I look forward to working with you on an expedited appropriation process that puts stimulus money to work quickly, prudently and to the benefit of all Alaskans.

Happenings

Southeast Conference held their mid-session summit last week in Juneau.  The conference is a regional, nonprofit corporation that works to advance our region’s interest through promoting economic and community development.  I enjoyed the chance to meet with several community leaders during their time in the Capital.

The Senate Finance Committee passed Senate Bill 24 and Senate Bill 25 out of committee today.  These bills would honor two Petersburg citizens by naming the “Louis Miller Bridge” and the “Richard ‘Dewey’ Duvall Ferry Terminal.”  It is important to recognize Alaskans who give of themselves to make a difference in our state.  I will continue working with colleagues to move these bills forward. 

I had the opportunity to address the Juneau Chamber of Commerce last week and discuss the future of state finances with local business leaders. 

Portraits of legislators from Sitka were installed at the Sitka Legislative Information Office last week.  The display honors the service of those who have represented Sitka in the legislature, many of whom served with distinction.  Among them include a Speaker of the House, Senate President, Senate Finance Chairman, and the first Alaska Native elected to the legislature.  Southeast Alaska has a rich history, and I’m pleased these portraits were erected to help preserve it.

Reminders

Petersburg Airport Maintenance

The Petersburg airport will be closed from March 23rd to April 21st for runway repairs and maintenance.  The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities will provide transportation to connect travelers to the Wrangell airport in the interim.  The service is of no cost to travelers, and entails bus rides and ferry shuttles on the Inter-Island Ferry Authority.  DOT has established an office in Petersburg to facilitate transportation during the closure.  You can find out more information on their website or by calling 907-772-2950.

Applications for the 2009 Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend are due by this Tuesday March 31, 2009

If you haven't before, I strongly encourage you to apply online this year. It's simple, fast and the best way to get an immediate digital confirmation of your application from the Permanent Fund Dividend Division.   New to the on-line application this year is a feature which allows Alaskans to donate part of their dividend to charity.  Some of the charities in our district participating in the program include:

• Ketchikan Area Arts & Humanities Council
• Sitka Historical Society & Museum
• Southeast Alaska Indian Cultural Center
• Petersburg Children’s Center

You can see the complete list and find out more about the program at http://www.pickclickgive.org/ 

Whether you use the online application process or not, please don't forget that you MUST apply for the 2009 Dividend by March 31st. My office gets calls every year from folks who have been denied their PFD simply because they didn’t complete their application on time. The state has tightened the rules significantly over the past several years and late applications will almost certainly be denied.

If you have any questions about the Permanent Fund Dividend application, contact them online at www.pfd.alaska.gov or by phone at (907) 465-2326 or (907) 269-0370.

Regards,