The second session of the 23rd Legislature convened on January 12, 2004. Gayle and I had one of our interesting flights to Juneau, which included an overnight in Sitka, but we arrived safe and sound.

Legislative Objectives: The focus of the Legislature this year will be:

1. Developing a Long Range Fiscal Plan anchored by presenting to the people of Alaska at the November general election, a constitutional amendment for a new spending limit and establishing an endowment plan for the Permanent Fund and future dividends.
2. Passing a budget for Fiscal Year 2005 based on results based budget principals to reduce expenditures.
3. Getting Alaska's stranded natural gas to market and increasing long-term supplies of gas to Cook Inlet.
4. Reviewing insurance programs and costs, particularly workers compensation.
5. Working with the Governor to reform state government to make it leaner, more efficient and cost effective.

Staff: As a legislator, I rely on my dedicated staff to help me assist you. I'd like to take a moment to introduce my 2004 staff members:

A returning member of my staff is Janet Seitz, a life-long Alaskan. Janet serves as my Chief of Staff and the House Rules Committee Assistant. Her many years of legislative experience, knowledge of state government, and experience living in many different locations of our state prove to be a great asset to my office - especially since I have two new staff members this year:

Amanda Wilson, a graduate of Service High School, Oregon State University (BA in Political Science) and the University of Wyoming, College of Law, is handling my personal legislation this year as well as conducting legal research for me. She will also work on constituent questions and issues. Amanda has worked for an Anchorage law firm as well as the Alaska Public Defender Agency.

Neil Clairborne "Charlie" Porter III, a graduate of East High School and the University of Nevada, Reno (BA in Fine Arts), is responsible for my daily schedule, greeting visitors to my office, and a myriad of other office duties. He will also be researching constituent questions and concerns. He serves as an important part of my team as he will be an initial point of contact for you when you contact my office.

If I am not in the office when you call, please feel free to work with my staff. They can and will do the preliminary research necessary for me to review your situation and call you back.

Committee: I serve as Chairman of the House Rules Committee. In that capacity I act as the administrative officer for the House and make decisions regarding staffing, equipment, office space, chamber seating, etc. However, my chief responsibility is drafting the daily floor calendar and deciding which bills should be considered by the House.

If you wish to contact me during the 2004 legislative session, please: write me at: State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801-1182; telephone: 1-800-773-4968 or 907-465-4968; fax: (907) 465-2040; e-mail: Representative_Norman_Rokeberg ''at'' legis.state.ak.us; or call 269-0111 and send a public opinion message.

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