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Greetings from Juneau! After an adventurous and stunning drive through hundreds of miles of snow, ice, and sub-zero temperatures, Sue and I arrived safely in Juneau for the start of the second session of the 23rd Alaska State Legislature.
Our primary concern this session will be examining solutions to the state's current fiscal problems. In his "State of the State" address, Gov. Frank Murkowski said he intends to convene a special session to look closely at changing the way the Permanent Fund is managed. Whether or not that is the solution, I am confident that both parties will be able to work together to forge a plan that we can all support.
New Committee Assignments
I was recently selected as the Vice-Chair of the House Transportation Committee. I am honored to be chosen for this leadership position and will continue to work hard to support Alaska's growing infrastructure.
I was also appointed to the House Ways and Means Committee. This committee is very important to the state's fiscal future. We will be working on ways to balance the state budget and will lead the effort in developing a long-range fiscal plan for Alaska.
I will also continue to serve on the House Judiciary Committee, the House Special Committee on Fisheries, and the House Special Committee on Education.
Afognak Land Deals
After lengthy negotiations during the interim, Gov. Murkowski and his administration assured me that receipt authority for federal wetlands grants critical for the sale of the Waterfall Parcel on Afognak Island will be in the upcoming supplemental budget.
The next step will be for the Native corporations involved to take votes on selling the property. I will continue to work with all parties to seek out additional federal funds to assist in the transfer of the larger parcel, which was originally slated for sale.
Longevity Bonus
Although I supported holding a special session to reinstate the longevity bonus this summer, it is now clear that the legislature does not have the votes to move in that direction. Instead of continuing to fight a losing battle, I will focus my efforts on HB 374, an act that establishes a Senior Care program to ensure seniors in need receive cash assistance and prescription drug benefits. As written, this bill gives up to $140.00 per month to seniors for prescriptions.
New Kodiak Fish and Game Building
I met with Alaska Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Kevin Duffy last week to discuss the department's needs in Kodiak. The current Fish and Game building in Kodiak is overcrowded and does not have the laboratory space the biologists need to do their jobs. Commissioner Duffy supports building a new Fish and Game building in Kodiak. I will continue to work closely with him to ensure that progress continues on the specifics of a new facility. We just need to find the money.
VPSOs
I also recently met with Public Safety Commissioner Bill Tandeske to discuss the importance of the Village Public Safety Officer program in our area. We talked about VPSO and trooper strength on the island. It is vital to have a proactive VPSO force in the villages rather than reactive law enforcement from a centralized location. I will work to get our VPSO program back in the state budget.
On the Radar
On Jan. 18, the Salmon Industry Task Force moved my resolution forward to the Alaska State Legislature urging Congress to make the necessary changes to the TAA programs for salmon fishermen. In addition the Task force forwarded my bill allowing formation of regional fishery marketing associations. Senator Gary Stevens Bill on changes to ASMI is also forwarded to the legislature. I will keep you informed on these issues.
I continue to work with Sen. Lisa Murkowski and her staff on needed adjustments to the Trade Adjustment Assistance program to make it a better fit for Alaska fishermen.
TAA Applications for salmon fishermen
I encourage any salmon industry workers affected by the downturn in the salmon industry to apply for assistance under the National Emergency Grant, which is being administered by the Alaska Department of Labor. This program is designed to help those who were denied under the TAA program and covers all affected workers, not just fishermen. To apply for the program, contact Kodiak Job Services at 486-3106.
PFD applications
It's that time of year again! Don't forget to turn in your Permanent Fund Dividend applications by March 31. If you didn't receive one in the mail, you can pick an application up at the Legislative Information Office, the post office, or the library.
Visitors
I'm happy to have already encountered a few friendly faces in Juneau. Ann Dailey, a physician's assistant in Iliamna Bay, was our first district visitor this session. I was also happy to see Jack Walsh of the Kodiak Island Borough School District, Chamber of Commerce executive director Wayne Stevens, and Duncan and Isaac Fields. Please drop by my office, Room 409 in the Capitol Building, when you're in Juneau.
And remember, my ears and door are always open to you.
~ Dan Ogg
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