Jeannette's Gazette District 34: Birch Lake, Harding Lake, Salcha, Eielson AFB, Moose Creek, North Pole, Anderson, Ferry, Rex, Clear, Healy, Usibelli, Denali Park, Mt. McKinley, Kantishna, and Cantwell |
Note from Jeannette
SB 36, An act relating to the Public school funding program — is currently being heard in House Health and Social Services Committee (HESS). This bill in its current form makes some major and minor changes in the education structure. The major formula changes for funding education is as follows: Funding is allocated based on per student rather than instructional unit. Size adjustment is based on individual schools rather than funding communities. Adjustments for geographical cost differences are based on a 1998 McDowell study of actual costs of operating the school district rather than household cost of living. The local contribution is at four mills of assessed value or 100% of district support, whichever is higher. Categorical funding is set at 20% state support for intensive needs student.
Funding for statewide correspondence study programs are set at .65 times the average daily membership (ADM), and provide reimbursement for district operated pupil transportation at 90% of actual cost. Districts are required to spend at least 70% of school funding on instructional costs.
This program has a two-year phase: in the first year FNSB School District will get an increase in funding of 4.16%, then the following years a 7.33% increase. Denali School District will have a .53% decrease the first year and .54% increase the following years. In the first year big winners are Craig +10.71%, Annette Island +15.28%, Haines +13.49%. From then on the big losers are Chugach –23.38%, Nenana –25.99% Skagway –29.36% Lower Kuskokwim –18.87% and Yupik –19.46%. Ketchikan +23.48%. Big losers are North Slope –100%, Skagway –32.80% and Valdez – 44.61% (See survey for questions about SB 36).
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Subsistence — We need an Alaska Solution NOW!
Over these last two years I have talked with many people all over this state on every side of this issue. I see a common thread between us and I believe it provides a great opportunity to craft a solution to solve the subsistence impasse. I honestly believe that Alaska can ensure protection of the subsistence lifestyle even better than spelled out in ANILCA, and be more fair.
For years now our Congressional delegation has been urging an Alaskan solution; however, there are only two solutions on the table: (l) amend our Constitution to authorize a rural priority, or (2) do nothing and let the Federal Government take total control of management of fish and game on federal lands. This would include control over all other waters that may effect the fish populations in waters flowing through federal lands. I believe a sound and unified future for our state depends on a third option.
Due to the turmoil on this issue, trust and respect between rural and urban, and Native and Non-Native populations, has been largely destroyed. A better solution can establish new trust and respect for each other that are essential for the economic and social health in our state. We must define what a subsistence lifestyle means to Alaskans. Once a definition is agreed upon, the balance of the issue will fall into place and all Alaskans will benefit.
We need Native voices to join in; the legislature cannot solve this issue without them. The right people must come to the table in an open work session format, not in a hearing format. Serious negotiations between the stakeholders are urgently needed. It is time for total willingness to listen and total willingness to understand. We need an Alaskan solution to subsistence now. We either settle it now or we will have Federal take over. What do you want?
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President Clinton first announced his American Heritage Rivers Initiative on February 4, 1997 in his State of the Union message. It was a feel good program that promised federal funds and expertise to communities to clean up their rivers. However, there are already programs to clean up American rivers, and no good reason to add more to the list. Therefore, I have introduced HJR 52 to oppose the designation of any rivers in Alaska to the American Heritage River Initiative Program. There are three major areas of concern: 1) the lack of congressional approval, 2) the vague language and absence of definitions, and (3) the excess federal control over private property and state water rights. This also conflicts with our rights to control and manage our navigable waters. HJR 52 is now in House Rules.
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Administration Regulation Review Committee
The Regulation Review Committee reviews regulations proposed by all State agencies. We solicit complaints about regulations, then research problem regulations and try to find workable solutions. We currently have the following bills going through the process.
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Permanent Fund Dividend Deserves Stability
You may recall the tremendous turnover in the top management of the Permanent Fund Board with both the Hickel and Knowles Administrations. Gov. Hickel wiped out the board entirely while Gov. Knowles retained only one member.
Presently, I am engaged in an effort to provide continuity to the Board of the Alaska Permanent Fund. My measures (HJR 50 and HB 81) establish staggered terms for public members and a requirement that those members be removed only for cause.
This approach seems to have worked well with other boards where the success depends on maintaining a long-term strategy. The Permanent Fund’s investments usually require a multiple year investment strategy. My bills do not unduly limit a Governor’s power—in fact, they may increase a Governor’s effectiveness.
The Permanent Fund is a commonly owned asset created from the wealth of other commonly owned assets. It is important that Alaska as an "owner state" manage these assets professionally and for the benefit all.
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The Economic Development Committee asked the question about if the Department of Resources is living up to its constitutional mandate by selling Alaska’s royalty oil to a business outside the state, who then goes and sells a refined product back to Alaskans at almost double the price outside. Oil was at $13.65 per barrel on Monday, March 23, yet we are still paying over a dollar at the pump.
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I introduced HB 228 last year, establishing a Board of Agriculture composed of people from the agricultural industry. Many hearings were held to gather input from around the State of Alaska, and the response to the CONCEPTS in HB 228 has been generally very positive, especially to the idea of doing away with the overlap and redundancy we currently have. The whole concept is such a good one! It would eliminate a great deal of the conflict and confusion that has become a huge stumbling block for agricultural development, and could give us an efficient and effective support organization.
We all know that if the Board of Agriculture is just a token board with no authority, why bother with it? But working out the details on how to achieve the needed statutory and regulatory authority is mind boggling. The bill drafter told us we need more concrete direction before she can do any revisions. We keep running into problems with how to interface with local Planning and Zoning boards, Municipal authorities, and DNR. We're working on this now, but we could surely use your input.
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HB 349 — Social Worker Licensure
My HB 349 is a bill designed to prohit the use of the the title of "social worker" unless the person has a license to do so.
Here are some key points on "Multi-level" licensure for Social Workers in Alaska. It requires the State of Alaska to recognize social work as a profession, and social workers as professionals.
Social Work licensure will promote professional social work practices by setting educational and ethical standards for professional social workers, and by offering consumers a legal recourse against unethical or damaging social work services.
The State of Alaska has the goal and the responsibility to provide the best care possible for its people and this legislation, I believe, will help us to achieve that goal.
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This is my fourth year as Chair of the House State Affairs Committee. It is one of the busiest committees in the Legislature. All bills that pertain to the affairs of the State are referred here and we are the first committee of referral for many interesting and controversial bills.
Since my last newsletter, my committee has heard bills dealing with abortion, subsistence, charitable gaming, concealed handguns, tobacco tax, domestic violence, agriculture, regulation reform, term limits, deferred maintenance, ethics and campaign finance reform, and health insurance reform.
In my committee I try to encourage a good public hearing with testimony from both sides of each issue, because I believe YOU and YOUR IDEAS deserve to be heard. I believe we Legislators owe it to you to listen and weigh your input as we make up our minds how to vote on all the issues.
Serving as State Affairs Committee Chair has allowed me to provide an important open forum for the public to be heard. I urge you to participate whenever you can!
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Truth, Lies & the Highway Sign Bill
The Legislature overrode Governor Knowles’ veto and enacted into law Senate Bill 56, the Tourist Oriented Directional Signs (TODS) bill. This legislation was introduced at the request of Alaska’s visitor industry, a crucial part of our state’s economy.
Highway Sign Bill: Here’s what the bill requires –
These are the facts. If you wish to personally read the bill I will be happy to provide you with a copy.
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Fifty years ago, on February 16, 1948 Jim and Jeannette James were wed in Washington. In 1975, Jim and Jeannette moved to Alaska, and since 1980 have lived in North Pole, Alaska.
Jim and Jeannette have three children, Jim Jr., Jeannie, and Alice, granddaughters Jennifer, Rebecca, and grandsons, Jim III, Ryan, and great grandchild, Issac.
On Sunday, February 15, 1998, Jim and Jeannette renewed their wedding vows at the Chapel by the Lake Presbyterian Church in Juneau. Here to celebrate with them were their three children and spouses, their grandchildren and great grandchild from Oregon. Two of her staff members, Myrna McGhie and Barbara Cotting, sang for the occasion with guitar accompaniment, and with Jim Hornaday singing harmony.
On Monday, February 16, family and friends gathered at the Juneau Elks Lodge for a potluck dinner and reception. Music was provided by Compass Rose.
Jim and Jeannette wish to thank all who celebrated with them on their special day, especially her family who made the long trip from Outside to the Great Land.
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Representative Jeannette James
In Juneau
State Capitol
Room 102
Juneau, Alaska
99801-1182
e:mail: Representative_Jeannette_James@legis.state.ak.us
1-800-565-3743
907-465-3743
Fax 907-465-2381
In North Pole
Beaver Brook Mall
Suite 290
PO Box 56622
North Pole, Alaska
99705
907-488-1546
907-488-4271
Office Staff
Barbara Cotting
Myrna McGhie
Walter Wilcox
Patrick Lounsbury
Committees
State Affairs,
Chair
Regulation Review, Chair
House Judiciary
DOE Grant Review and Bond Reimbursement
NCSL - Agriculture and International Trade
ASMI Board
CSG West Smart States
Telecommunications
House State Affairs Committee
Rep. Jeannette James, Chair
Rep. Ivan Ivan, Co-Chair
Rep. Al Vezey
Rep. Joe Ryan
Rep. Mark Hodgins
Rep. Kim Elton
Rep. Ethan Berkowitz