This past Tuesday, the 21st Alaska State Legislature convened amidst anxiety concerning a budget shortfall of nearly $1.2 billion dollars for this next fiscal year. The degree of recent reductions in oil production and record low prices has created a revenue crisis for Alaska. It is imperative that we all work together to address this situation. Now is not the time for partisan politics. You the people, will play an important role in helping the Legislature, the Governor, and business leaders in determining how the destiny of this great state will be forged. We can't be complacent about this budget crisis. All citizens need to be brought into the loop to define how Alaska will usher in the 21st century. Will Alaska be carried in on a stretcher or will we have the character to stand up any say: We will survive! It's going to be up to each and every one of us. A statewide economic summit will soon be convened. I will let you know the time and place.

As some of you know, I was successful in being named to a seat on the powerful House Finance Committee. The sub-committee chair appointments have not been set as of this writing. I will continue working with my fellow finance members to chair those seats that are most advantageous to Kodiak. I will let you know in a future "update" as to those assignments.

As in the past, I will provide articles for publication that are both informative and easy to read. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Thanks again to the Kodiak Daily Mirror for providing the space for this article. An informed public becomes a smarter and stronger advocate for the things that really matter in their lives and in their community.

Staff

Cliff Stone will again be my Chief of Staff. Cliff has lived on Kodiak for almost 25 years serving and volunteering in many capacities. He will be the chief liaison with the Governor's office as well as the numerous state agencies. Cliff's responsibilities will include; coordinating and delegating office assignments, general constituent concerns, research, and preparing briefs on pending legislation. Cliff will continue to work closely with the Kodiak Island Borough and the City of Kodiak on our community's priorities. Cliff's son Jeremy is a fisherman and his daughter Katrina is a sophomore this year at Kodiak High School.

Melanie Lesh has rejoined my staff to serve as my Finance Committee Aide. She will be responsible for researching the operating and capital budgets and coordinating the subcommittees I will be asked to chair. She will also handle education matters. Melanie is a longtime legislative staffer and Juneau resident who worked in my office during the session of 96 and 97. She lives in Juneau with her husband Jim and their two children John and Carter. Melanie says she is thrilled to be working on behalf of Kodiak once again, and looks forward to hearing from you.

Joanie Waller will be returning this year as my secretary. She is responsible for my scheduling and coordinating activities throughout my hectic day. Along with various other duties, Joanie will be watching fish issues, responding to fish constituent concerns, and following resource issues in general. She moved to the Juneau area, to the small town of Gustavus, after a 12-year history in Kodiak's commercial fisheries. Some of you may have seen Joanie in Kodiak this past summer. She was back in the district to help out with the tremendous workload that is generated by citizen's request for assistance.

Juneau Office Numbers

If you would like to talk, schedule an appointment or get a message to me, please call toll free at 1-800-865-2487. The office fax number is: (907) 465-4956.

The Internet

My E-mail address remains the same. It is: Representative_Alan_Austerman@Legis.state.ak.us. The legislature can be accessed on the web with the following address: http://www.state.ak.us. My web page along with other majority legislator's can also be accessed with the following web address: www.akrepublicans.org. When you click onto my web page, you will be able to pull up this "update" along with sponsor statements, press releases and other pertinent legislative information.

Teleconferences and Radio Programs

After the finance sub-committee assignments have been set, I will coordinate with Senator Jerry Mackie on the best time to conduct constituent teleconferences. Kodiak's radio stations, KMXT and KVOK have graciously offered us airtime again this session to give Kodiak residents a chance to call in with their questions or comments. If you have any ideas on the best time and format for these programs, please give me a call in Juneau.

Gavel to Gavel

As a reminder, folks in Kodiak can tune in to the Alaska State Legislature. Floor sessions and committee meetings are just some of the events covered by KTOO-TV here in Juneau. What began as a demonstration project in 1994, Gavel-to-Gavel has become a significant component of shaping an informed citizenry. Many thanks again to GCI for airing this program in Kodiak. Call GCI for the proper cable channel in your area.

New Press Secretary

Another long-time Kodiak resident is working down in Juneau for the session. Award-winning journalist Maggie Wall is the new Press Secretary for the Senate Majority. Maggie is a former radio reporter and producer. She founded and published HomePort Kodiak, a locally based commercial fisheries paper, which she operated in the early 1990's. More recently she worked at the Kodiak Harbormaster's Office as Marty Owen's secretary, and hosted KMXT's Sunday Country program.

In Juneau, Maggie will work closely with the Senate President, Republican Senator Drue Pearce, and other Senate Republicans to keep the public informed on vital issues affecting them. Maggie's E-Mail address is Maggie_Wall@legis.state.ak.us. If your travels take you to Juneau, feel free to stop by her office in Room 413 of the Capitol Building.

Kodiak LIO

An invaluable resource is just a phone call away. Lorna Steelman and Mary Lund are at the legislative offices and available to answer your questions and provide timely information about legislation, budget items and ongoing committee hearings. To utilize their expertise, please call 486-8116. The LIO is located across from Subway at 112 Mill Bay Road.

PFD On-line

Eligible Alaskans can go to the PFD's web page at www.revenue.state.ak.us/pfd to download the 1999 PFD applications, complete them, and then print them out for mailing. Users will need a recent version of Netscape or Internet Explorer to call up the forms. Apparently the system will not let someone print an incomplete application. This should save time and money, as hundreds of applications are received every year by the division that are not filled out properly. The division is working toward someday making it possible for Alaskans to actually file their applications on-line, but is waiting for technology that would enable people to transmit an "electronic signature" and allow the state to receive and verify the information.

Mt. Edgecumbe Applications

Mt. Edgecumbe High School, Alaska's statewide boarding high school in Sitka, is accepting applications for the 1999-2000 school year. The deadline is March 1, 1999. For information and applications, please call 966-2201, or write the school at 1330 Seward Ave., Sitka, AK. 99835.

Volunteer Nominations Sought

Nominations are being accepted for the 18th annual First Lady's Volunteer Awards. The awards honor Alaskans who have volunteered countless hours to programs, events and services that make Alaska a better place. First Lady Susan Knowles will announce the awards in April. Forms are available from the Anchorage Office of the Governor by calling (907) 269-7450 or by writing to 3601 C Street, Suite 758, Anchorage, AK. 99503-5990.

VisitorsThis year's first and only visitor from the district, so far, was Joanne Brodie. Please call if you're going to be in Juneau. My office stands ready to assist you in any way we can.

Remember - my door is always open.