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Since the first day of session on January 9, 2006 until March 1, 2006 my office has received over 300 phone calls and had over 200 contacts with constituents. This can range from assistance in dealings with a state agency or service to taking down input on a particular piece of legislation. Currently the resources committee is busy with a proposed oil production tax. While we are very diligent about hearing from groups and individuals with expertise in a variety of fields, I never lose sight of the fact that the State of Alaska's greatest resource is its people.
The House Special Committee on Fisheries
, an act relating to Forest Resources & Practices Standards, passed out of the Special Committee on Fisheries.
, which deals with the Exxon Re-opener was heard in the Special Committee on Fisheries on February 22, 2006 and passed. The bill is now awaiting a hearing in the House Resources Committee. I am a co-sponsor of this resolution that urges the United States Department of Justice and the Alaska Department of Law to identify all natural resources damages from the Exxon Valdez oil spill that were unanticipated at the time of the 1991 settlement. There is $100 million dollars available through what is known as the "Reopener for Unknown Injury" clause of the 1991 civil settlement to carry out plans to both identify and remedy damages.
Kimberly Wallace is my Fisheries Committee Aide and if you would like to be added to the Fisheries e-mail list or if you have any questions or input on pending legislation you can contact her via e-mail at: Kimberly_Wallace '' @ '' legis.state.ak.us.
Personal Legislation
, which bans the sale or importation of orange hawkweed and purple loosestrife, was heard in House Resources on February 15, 2006. It passed out with a technical amendment. On February 27, 2006 HB 324 was heard in the House Finance Committee and will be considered again on March 7, 2006.
, which extends the Seismic Commission, is awaiting a hearing in the Senate Finance Committee, which is chaired by Senator Lyda Green (R-Wasilla) and Senator Gary Wilken (R-Fairbanks).
Petroleum Production Tax
Upon request of the Governor, the House is considering /, which looks to replace the current oil and gas production tax with a profit based production tax. This is an important piece of legislation that will affect the entire state. If this new structure is adopted, Alaska can expect significant increases in revenue. There are a multitude of details to be worked out. I sit on the House Resources Committee and have spent many hours in committee learning about the oil industry, hearing arguments for and against particular details in the bill and listening to people with expertise who have thoughts on the ways this legislation will be enacted.
The State of Alaska's dealings with oil companies today, must stand the test of time. It is important to hear from experts but it is also important to hear your perspective. If you would like to learn more about the profit based production tax, you can take a look at some of the same documents I have before me when sitting at the House Resources Committee meetings. Those documents are located at http://www.akrepublicans.org/info/ongtax.php. When you go to the webpage, click on "House Information" and you will see links to a variety of reports, presentations and opinions. I welcome your input.
Boards & Commission
There are several appointments to boards and commissions that I will review as a member of the House Labor and Commerce Committee. Your input is important. Please contact Suzanne Hancock at suzanne_hancock '' @ '' legis.state.ak.us if you would like a complete list of appointees or if you would like to weigh in with your comments.
The Governor appoints people to boards and commissions and the Alaska State Legislature approves the appointments. Some of the boards and commissions with new appointments include: Board of Barbers and Hairdressers, Board of Dental Examiners, Alaska Labor Relations Agency, Board of Marine Pilots, Board of Nursing, Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers, and the Alaska Worker's Compensation Board.
For more information on boards and commissions, information is online at http://gov.state.ak.us/boards/.
The Vietnam 'Moving Wall' is Coming
The Vietnam Memorial, 'The Moving Wall' is coming to Alaska as a project entitled, "A Summer of Honor - A Season of Gratitude" from May 24 to July 15, 2006. This exhibit is a half-size replica of the Washington, DC Vietnam Veterans memorial and has been touring the United States for over twenty years. The exhibition is scheduled to be in Kodiak, June 15-21.
Joe Fields, a member of the Governor's Veterans' Advisory Council, is coordinating the 2006 journey of the "Moving Wall" to Fairbanks, Mat-Su Valley (Wasilla), Eagle River, Kodiak, Cordova, Bethel and Auke Bay.
Visitors
It is always a pleasure to see you in Juneau. Please come visit the office if you are in town. Many thanks to the following people for stopping by: Lorna Steelman, Duncan Fields, Robin Heinrichs, Cid Blase, Cindy Harrington, Tamie Fogle, Oliver Holm, Kevin Brennan, and Duncan Fields.
ComFish
I will be in Kodiak during ComFish, March 16-19, 2006. I'm looking forward to being home, attending the Gubernatorial Debate, and meeting with you face-to-face. My thanks to the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce organizing this event.
Contact Us
Juneau is only a phone call away and my office is always happy to assist you. You can contact us toll free at 1-800-865-2487, or via e-mail at: representative_gabrielle_ledoux '' @ '' legis.state.ak.us. I can be reached by fax at (907) 465-4956 and by U.S. Mail at:
Representative Gabrielle LeDoux
Alaska State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
If you are interested in listening in on a teleconferenced committee meeting, obtaining hard copies of current legislation, or Permanent Fund Dividend applications Lorna Steelman and Heather Fincher at the Legislative Information Office located at 112 Mill Bay Road can assist you.
I would like to thank the Kodiak Daily Mirror and the Bristol Bay Times for providing this space to keep you informed. Past editions of Your Representative's Report are available on my webpage at http://www.akrepublicans.org/ledoux/dis-ledoux.php#District. If you would like to receive an e-mail version of this column, please contact Christine R. Marasigan in my office at: christine_marasigan '' @ '' legis.state.ak.us.
Thank you for reading your Representative's Report. # # # |
