January 29, 1997

Rep. Therriault Works for Flexible Schedules

Some of the excitement in Juneau this week has focused on HB 68, concerning voluntary flexible work plans for metal mine employees. Current law allows employees in any industry working under these plans to work 10 hours a day voluntarily, up to 40 hours a week without overtime pay if approved by the Department of Labor Commissioner. HB 68 will allow surface mine workers to be employed for blocks of 12 hour shifts with more days off.

Representative Gene Therriault was approached by Fort Knox representatives with a petition signed by more than 95% of the employees. Employees would like to work the same number of hours in 14 days that they currently work in 21. Benefits of this change include more time with families and fewer hours commuting. Most individuals would also see a slight increase in their monthly take-home pay.

HB 68 includes provisions to help the mine and its employees reach their goal as well as limit the potential abuses. The bill will allow a 12 hour exemption only if the following criteria are met:

1. A voluntary work plan must be written and approved by both parties agreeing that no more than 40 hours per week will be worked without overtime compensation;
2. The plan must be filed with the Department of Labor; and
3. The Commissioner of the Department of Labor must issue a certificate of approval for the plan.

The legislation is geared for the Fort Knox Mine. HB 68 was referred to the House Labor and Commerce Committee where hearings are being held this week. Other Interior legislators who have agreed to co-sponsor this bill are Reps. Kelly and Vezey.

Reps. Kelly and Therriault Lessen Mining Bureaucracy

House Bill 46: Mining Claims on Public Lands sponsored by Rep. Pete Kelly and co-sponsored by Rep. Therriault provides technical corrections to language in the existing mining code, that reflect the actual practices of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). These positive changes allow government to operate more efficiently.

HB 46 reduces paperwork within DNR, and provides a clean $5 unit for increase or changes in land rental fees. The current language could make the calculation of rental payments needlessly cumbersome for both the claim holder and the state. DNR will be better able to issue mill site leases like the one necesary to develop Fort Knox. HB 46 also eliminates redundancy by deleting those portions of the production license paperwork now better achieved in existing requirements of the Dept. of Revenue.

Kelly's Bill Provides Certainty to Public in Enforcement of Water Quality Standards

Rep. Pete Kelly is the prime co-sponsor of HB 51, an important piece of economic development legislation and regulatory reform that is long overdue. This bill lists a number of water quality standards and measurements that must be considered when proposing, adopting and applying water quality standards. HB 51 establishes the volumetric Imhoff Cone method as the measurement of settleable solids in discharged water. This legislation is necessary for water quality standards to remain

Economy Depends on Mining

The old adage says if it can't be grown it must be mined. Minerals played a large role in Fairbanks history and have been important for a healthy economy. Oil, coal and gold are currently the three most important minerals for the Interior. In the future, other minerals may grow in importance as natural resource development, technology, civilization and human needs evolve. Those directly involved in the oil, coal, or gold industries tend to receive a very good living. In addition, their industries form major underpinings to other businesses and jobs that are created in support for, or as a result of, mineral development. Crucial to the public employment sector are oil taxes and royalties, with coal and gold making increasingly larger contributions. We all need minerals to live, and in the Interior, we all need a healthy mineral industry to maintain a stable economy. This makes legislation impacting the industry critically important to all of us. Minerals are key to opportunities and prosperity for the Interior.

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Your Interior Delegation

Rep. Pete Kelly, Chair
phone: 465-2327 fax: 465-5241

Senator Mike Miller
phone: 465-4976 fax: 465-3883

Senator Bert Sharp
phone: 465-3004 fax: 465-2070

Senator Gary Wilken
phone: 465-3709 fax: 465-4714

Rep. Tom Brice
phone: 465-3466 fax: 465-3466

Rep. John Davies
phone: 465-4457 fax: 465-4457

Rep. Jeanette James
phone: 465-3743 fax: 465-2381

Rep. Gene Therriault
phone: 465-4797 fax: 465-3884

Rep. Al Vezey
phone: 465-3719 fax: 465-3258