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Each week we will try to send out a small newsletter to keep you informed of what's happening here in Juneau. If you would like to add a name, your own name or a friend's name, please send us an email to include whomever on your email list.
If this newsletter does not turn out or appear clear on your computer, please let us know. Each computer has different fonts and abilities, if need be we can send a plain text message if necessary. Thanks.
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The first session of the 23rd Alaska Legislature is now under way here in Juneau. We are off to a fast start. On the first day we introduced House Bill 51, an act requiring generic labeling on all prescription medications.
Click the following to see the bill
As the new Chair of the Fisheries Committee, I am learning "the ropes," organizing the committee and setting a clear agenda to educate and work on our troubled fisheries. I sit on three other committees, Special Committee on Education, Health, Education and Social Services Committee, and the State Affairs Committee. I am also serving on the Finance Subcommittee for the Dept. of Fish & Game, Dept. of Revenue and the Dept. of Transportation and Public Facilities. Our office should have a great deal to offer regarding the budget process
While we are settling-in, here in the Capitol, some of you have quickly found my staff and myself available for personal meetings and phone calls. We have encountered a diverse list of issues already, from assault victims seeking assistance to folks concerned about proposed budget cuts. I am thankful that you feel there is an open line of communication between us. Below you will find some information about my staff, so please feel free to contact them at anytime. Also feel free to use our toll-free number or check out my website. I look forward to hearing from each and every one of you in the future.
Best Regards,
Paul Seaton
Below you will find some information on my staff.
Staff, Lauren Radcliffe, a resident of Homer works as the Operations Manager at Mako's Water Taxi in the summer. You may recognize her voice if you call the office or schedule an appointment. Lauren will certainly keep our office running smoothly while providing me with solid information on the HESS committee. Lauren's persistence will greatly benefit our office as she tackles many of the difficult issues surrounding constituent work. Email: Lauren Radcliffe,
Staff, Cameron Yourkowski, also from Homer, will be my Fisheries Committee Aide, helping organize the committee while providing useful insight on many of the complex issues surrounding fisheries. I expect that when we return to Homer and Seward, Cameron be the office staff through the Summer and Fall. Cameron's strong educational background coupled with his many past job experiences in our Commercial Fisheries, will be a key asset this legislative session. Email: Cameron Yourkowski,
Staff, Chris Knight, a seasoned legislative staffer and commercial fisherman, has been instrumental in helping me learn the legislative process and getting our office up and running. Chris will be my lead staff, keeping us on track with many of the important issues and bills heading our way.
Email: Chris Knight,
NEW EDUCATION ACT TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN ALASKA
The Act could bring in more money
As a member of the Health and Social Services Committee, I am reviewing the new Federal "No Child Left Behind" Act, which aims to improve the education of our children within the public schools. Unfortunately, the act would be very difficult to implement in Alaska for many reasons including the following two: (1) the number of small and rural schools in our state and (2) the language diversity within the state. The State Department of Education and Early Development has addressed these concerns in a plan presented to the United States Secretary of Education. Ideally, Alaska's huge educational needs will be addressed by an amended Alaska version of the new act to accommodate Alaska's special circumstances.
Click the following to view the act and additional information
STUDY ON COST OF EDUCATION RELEASED
"The new study which figures the cost of education in different areas could bring in more money for the peninsula," said Rep. Seaton.
As many of you have probably heard, the Alaska School District Cost Differential Study was published this month. Later in the session both the House and Senate Education Committees will be reviewing it. Under the new study, our school district could gain an additional $1.7 million. I am concerned about the methodology used for this study. The recommendations include a phase-in period so that if adopted, we would not see the full amount for a couple of years. Currently, I am investigating other sources of school funding.
Click the following to see the Cost-Differential Study.
FISHERIES INFORMATION
As Chair of the House Special Committee on Fisheries, I am committed to working aggressively on legislation to improve the fishing and mariculture industries. The Joint Legislative Salmon Industry Task Force (see website) meeting on January 23rd moved forward with several draft bills that I am interested in and will be reviewing in the Fisheries Committee. The Fish Caucus, a broad educational forum, will be conducted weekly in the Capitol Building by Senator Austerman's office and mine. The fish caucus is an important means of educating the public about fisheries related issues. Currently, there are also draft bills relating to tendering, boat and permit brokering, wanton waste, and fish farming.
Click below to see the recommendations from the Salmon Task force.
Click below to see the agenda for the House Fisheries Committee, which Rep. Seaton is the Chair.
******ADF&G Habitat Division is Moving?******
In the State of the State Speech, the Governor recently recommended moving the permitting functions of the Habitat Division out of the Dept. of Fish & Game to the Dept. of Natural Resources. There are a lot of concerns about this proposal. I will be looking at the change very carefully and I hope there will be some sort of resolution by the end of session. My biggest concern is that the standards on which permits are granted are not changed. Fisheries and human habitat are of the utmost importance to all of us.
Click below to see the Governor's speech.
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