We now have a week to go until the end of session. All of us have been putting in 14-18 hour days to keep up with the hectic pace. I am committed to Kodiak and watching out for her concerns. Besides the budget work, the Legislature still has to confirm the Governor's various board and commission appointments, including the Board of Fish. I will report to you next week on the outcome of these actions.

Operating Budget

At the time of this writing, the budget of most of the state's agencies or operating budget has been finalized by the Joint Budget Conference Committee. This is a process in which three Senators and three Representative choose from the Senate and House Finance Committee close-out budget numbers.

On Monday, the conference committee reinserted $515,900 of general funds into ASMI's budget for the salmon export program. Although this is a reduction from last years match, it is a relief to those of us who watch out for the industry and saw a big fat zero in dollars for this vital program. I have spent quite some time arguing for this money.

Capital Budget

There are no fewer than three working bills that contain the capital projects for the state this session. We are monitoring each one very closely to be sure all of Kodiak's projects have been included. A new draft of SB 290, the Governor's capital budget bill, was released in Senate Transportation on Monday. This version C, includes all of the major Kodiak projects within it (well over $7 million, which includes the $500,000 for the hospital), but I am watching to see if this is the version that survives Senate Finance when it moves out of Transportation. One of these three capital bills that I mentioned, will be the vehicle that carries home what is so vital to Kodiak. These projects will improve the health and safety of all of our lives. I will give you specifics next week, as it is changing almost hourly around here right now. With only days left, I will remain vigilant for all the great projects planned for Kodiak Island.

Rip & State Employee Contracts

Early retirement and the state employee contracts are still being actively discussed. The Senate has an all encompassing bill that is scheduled for Senate Rules on Thursday, it would then go right over to the Senate Floor for a vote. The contents of this bill are changing as I write this, so I will watch the final results very closely.

Fisheries

Two fish bills have moved significantly in the last few days. Both HB 397, which rearranges the fish landing tax and .3% ASMI assessment and HB 538, the Hair Crab bill are very close to making it through the legislative process this year and becoming law.

I still have another three fish bills which may or may not pass this session. Those are HB 175, Sport Fish Guide and Operator Licensing, HB 284, Alaska Commercial Fishing and Agriculture Bank and HB 366, the AMSEA bill. These pieces of legislation are all bogged down in the Senate Finance Committee.

I am also watching for sudden movement of SB 285, Senator Halford's bill, "Management of Discrete Salmon Stocks".

Safety Advisory Council

My office was informed that Hank Pennington was chosen as a finalist for Safety Professional of the Year by the Alaska Safety Advisory Council. The Council acknowledged Hank's performance in the field of safety and health by presenting him with a Certificate of Recognition. Many of you may not know, but Hank was the founding chairman of the Alaska Marine Safety Education Association (AMSEA). He was also co-developer of the University of Alaska Marine Advisory Program "Fishing Safety and Survival" video series. This series has won over 20 national and international awards and has become standard training material for diverse safety programs in Alaska, throughout the coastal U.S., and overseas.

Visitors

Visiting the office this past week was Ruth Breckberg. Larry Malloy and Bill Fern were also by, as well as former resident Jim Balamaci.