As I write this, the second session of the 21st Alaska Legislature is chugging and lurching towards the end of the line. The legislature is planning an early adjournment as soon as next week. The Governor though may temporarily derail this fast track by calling the legislature back into special session to deal with state employee contracts. I'm all in favor of leaving early, but only if we have completed our work. I think it is incumbent upon us as legislators to fulfill our obligations to the people of this state.

Even though several other legislators and I have stepped forward with a bold long-range budget plan embodied in part by HB 411, the majority is refusing to give it serious consideration. They would rather blindly cut another $30 million from next year's fiscal budget and walk away from a problem that will only get worse down the road. Most of them will tell you its because they want to get reelected, so they don't even want to mention the "tax" word or they will use the September 14th vote last year as a cloud to hide behind. Meanwhile our roads continue to deteriorate, our kids continue to be at risk from inadequate funding to both our schools and to the social workers protecting them. Further budget cuts affect the ability of the child support division to collect payments and state troopers can't properly serve and protect our citizens. The list goes on and on. Those of you that know me, know that I'll continue to fight for the right thing -for Kodiak and Alaska.

KEA, 4-Dam Pool and PCE

The State Alaska acquired land and constructed four hydroelectric facilities referred to as the Four Dam Pool in the early 1980's. They provide power to the communities of Copper Center, Glennallen, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Port Lions, Valdez, Wrangell and Kodiak. Ongoing negotiations to sell the 4-Dam Pool have finally resulted in the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the purchasing utilities and the Alaska Energy Authority. The utilities would wind up paying $73 million to the state for local ownership. This money would then provide seed money to endow a fund to pay for the state's power cost equalization (PCE) program. These PCE subsidies reduce the rates of 193 rural communities across Alaska. Without these appropriations, the cost of power to many of these villages would be as much as five times the cost of bringing power to the urban areas. Any chance at economic development in the bush would be shackled by these high energy costs. The legislature is conducting hearings into the feasibility of this plan.

Monashka Bay Road

Thanks to everyone who has called this office and the Alaska DOT in regards to this roadway. Several unanswered questions remain about DOT and its intentions this summer to temporarily fix the Rezanof Drive section that is commonly referred to as the Monashka Bay Road. My first concern is that they do it right! DOT has let this entire 3 mile stretch of road go so long, that if they aren't careful they could create an even larger problem down the road. DOT needs to identify the scope of work. Parts of this road need to be completely tore up, dug down and then the proper drainage tile needs to be in place before they even think about overlaying any of these sections. DOT itself doesn't have the expertise, manpower or resources to do the work themselves. This job needs to be put out to bid for a private contractor to do the work and do it right! I want this work done as soon as possible. I will be conferring with DOT on an appropriate time frame. I will also request that DOT impose a reduce speed limit in all of the affected areas. In the end, DOT is responsible for the proper maintenance of the roads. If you as citizens see DOT doing something you don't understand or don't see anything being done, call the local DOT to express your concerns. The Kodiak number is 487-4952 or 487-2208. Their fax number is 487-4913. You can make a difference.

New Roof & Peterson Elementary

I have been successful in placing money into the budget for a new roof at the high school and an addition to Peterson Elementary. These money's are somewhat tenuous at this time, although I have been given assurances by Senator John Torgerson, the Co-Chair of Senate Finance, that they should survive, if the bill itself survives.

PFD News

Recent action by the House places $250 million from the Earnings Reserve Account (ERA) of the Permanent Fund into its principal. I supported this measure only because it will not affect the ability of future legislatures to tap into the undistributed earnings of the ERA to help run government some day. This boost of $250 million will bring the total amount that the legislature has deposited into the principal of the PF to almost $7 billion dollars. Had it not been for the legislature making these special deposits over the years, our permanent fund checks would be substantially less than they are now.

ASAP

The Alaska Department of Revenue is offering a new service for businesses to pay their state taxes and fees simply by calling a toll-free line. The new system is call Alaska State Automated Payment, or ASAP. Please visit the division's website at www.revenue.state.ak.us/iea/Forms/index.htm to request an enrollment packet.

Survey

If you haven't mailed off my year 2000 survey yet, please take the time to let me know how you feel. You may also fill out the survey online at http://www.akrepublicans.org/pastlegs/surveyausterman03072000.htm. I will be tallying this survey very soon and letting you know the results. Thanks again to everyone who has taken the time to fill one out and send it in.

Harriman Expedition

The retracing of the 1899 Harriman Expedition to Alaska will take place this summer. This is a joint effort of Smith College and Florentine Films in which ARCO Alaska has been involved in. The World Discover sets sail on July 10th. Along with the passengers on board will be nineteen Harriman scholars, seven of whom are Alaskans. In addition, two Alaskan teachers and four high school students will participate as members of the expedition. Watch for a statewide competition among students and teachers in the near future to select the "expeditioners." Visit the website at www.institutenorth.org/harriman

Visitors

Those folks from Kodiak stopping by to visit and confer on a variety of topics were Tish Raub, Dave Jones, Walter Sapp, Darron Scott, and Pam Foreman. Three Kodiak High School students were also by representing the Alaska Youth for Environmental Action. They were Mekaela Mahoney, Samantha Marlar, and Ron Jackson.

Remember-my door is always open.