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The primary election is nearing, with races heating up on both the state and national level. I would like to take this opportunity to remind you to vote on Aug. 24, and ask your friends and neighbors to do the same.
Although voting is one of the most cherished and envied parts of our democracy, too often Americans do not exercise their right to vote. In 2000, only17.2 percent of registered voters in Alaska turned out for the primary election and in 2002 just 25.5 percent chose to vote.
If you think a single vote doesn't count, keep reading. On a national level, one vote brought Texas into the union in 1845, and in 1960 just one vote per precinct elected John F. Kennedy President. In Alaska, Jay Hammond won the nomination for Governor over Walter Hickel in the primary by just 98 votes statewide - less than ¼ vote per precinct!
So please, make your voice heard by voting in the primary election Aug. 24 and in the general election Nov. 2.
Informed Consent
I have received several inquiries concerning Senate Bill 30, the bill that requires informed consent for abortion. It seems that there is a great deal of misinformation circulating concerning this bill. SB 30 was thoroughly scrutinized and revised by the House Judiciary Committee, on which I serve.
The original bill contained many provisions that were deemed unconstitutional by the state Attorney General's office. Chief among those was a 24-hour waiting period, which I and other Judiciary Committee members worked diligently to remove from the bill.
SB 30 creates a state-maintained website with information on facilities designed to assist women with their reproductive choices, including adoption agencies, abortion clinics, and family planning clinics. The site also provides information on medical assistance benefits; child support; fetal development; medical and psychological risks of pregnancy, childbirth, and abortion; and harmful effects of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs. All of the information on the site is reviewed for medical accuracy and approved by obstetrical and gynecological specialists designated by the State Medical Board.
The informed consent section of the bill requires physicians to provide the Internet information OR information a reasonable patient would consider material to making a voluntary and informed decision of whether to undergo the procedure. From the testimony we heard in committee, this is nothing more than the information a conscientious doctor already provides. There is NO requirement that women must watch a video before undergoing an abortion.
After SB 30 was thoroughly examined and the appropriate changes were made, I voted for the bill. It received bipartisan support.
To read this or any bill in its entirety, go to and enter the bill number in the blank provided.
PFD Notices
In past years, the Permanent Fund Division mailed out notices indicating a person's Permanent Fund Dividend application had been received. To cut costs this year however, the Division did not mail out the cards.
You can get answers to commonly asked questions and check the status of your PFD application online at . If you have additional questions, call 1-800-733-8813.
Farewell Melissa, Welcome Heather
Staff member Melissa Dover will be leaving my office on Aug. 13 to pursue a career as an English teacher at Kodiak High School. I am sorry to see her go, but I know that she will continue contributing to Kodiak's wellbeing as a teacher and as an active community member. Good luck, Melissa!
I am happy to announce that Heather Fincher will replace Melissa in the Kodiak office. Heather has worked in my office previously and has worked as a legislative information assistant in the Legislative Information Office for three sessions. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience, so please don't hesitate to call her if you have questions or need assistance, 486-8872. My chief of staff, Cliff Stone, continues to man my Juneau office, 1-800-865-2487.
And remember, my ears and door are always open to you.
Dan Ogg
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