Operating Budget (HB 75)

The full Senate voted on the operating budget this week. There are significant differences in the two versions. A conference committee has been set up to work out the differences. The House committee members are Rep. John Harris of Valdez, Rep. Bill Williams of Saxman, and Rep. Eric Croft of Anchorage. The majority caucus will meet over the weekend and early next week to work on these changes.

In the education portion of the budget, the Senate flat-funded pupil transportation at last year's level of $53.9 million, they raised the K-12 Foundation Formula by $32 million ($4,010 to $4,169 per student), kept the Alyeska Central School alive but cut the summer program, added $9.5 million to the University of Alaska, and restored school construction debt reimbursement to the 70% level. I will be fighting in the caucus to keep the education and university funding as high as possible. But neither side can go higher than the highest number in either version of the budget.

The Longevity Bonus is funded in both versions. The Senate is still considering making it a needs based program.

Capital Budget (SB 100)

The capital budget originates in the Senate. It has not been read out and is still a work in progress on the Senate side. When complete it will face a full Senate vote before coming to the House side. Along with our staff, Senator Gary Stevens and I have worked on the items to put in for Kodiak and the Alaska Peninsula. At this point we are not sure what the dollar limits are for the district budgets, but we are ready with the communities' projects. And as soon as it gets to the House I will be working to get our district's share of projects funded.

Kodiak LIO

Thanks to Lorna Steelman and Heather Fincher in the Kodiak Information Office. I couldn't be as responsive to the concerns of Kodiak if it weren't for the hard work and dedication of these two individuals. They are available to answer your questions and provide timely information about legislation, budget items and ongoing committee hearings. Public Opinion Messages (POM's) may also be sent to one or all 60 legislators on any subject of interest. To take advantage of their expertise, please call 486-8116. The LIO is located across from Subway at 112 Mill Bay Road.

Education Grant Available

The U. S. Department of Education is accepting applications for the Early Childhood Educator Professional Development grant program. Deadline is May 16. Almost $15 million in funding is available for up to 12 grants nationwide to enhance the school readiness of young children, particularly disadvantaged children. For more information or an application go to: www.ed.gov/offices/OESE/SASA/ecprofdev.html.

On the Radar

The issues below are being discussed in committees and caucuses. Please let me know how you feel about them.

• A statewide sales tax of 3% is being heard as a way to raise additional revenues for the state. Do you agree with this concept?
• HB 157 - An Act eliminating the Alaska Public Offices Commission by transferring campaign, public official, and lobbying financial disclosure record-keeping duties to the division of elections. Do you approve?
• The Senate is considering making the Longevity Bonus needs based. Do you agree?

Visitors

Neighbors from Kodiak who have come by the office were Mayor Carolyn Floyd, Dave Woodruff, Charlie Davidson, Linda Freed, Don Roberts Jr., Pat Branson, Tom Abell, Greg Razo, Craig Baker, Betty Walters, Norm Wooten, Barry Still and Kodiak's former Senator Jerry Mackie. Rebecca Jensen and Steve Atwater, both from the Lake and Peninsula School District, were also by to confer.

If you would like to receive an advance copy of this article via email, please email Cliff Stone of my staff at:

Your Representative Dan Ogg

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