Afternoon,
We have been busy this last week with the closing of the finance subcommittees this week. The subcommittee reports will be forwarded to the full finance committee for their consideration. I proposed several amendments to slow the growth of our operating budget. Unfortunately, none of those reductions were accepted. I am committed to making sure every dollar we spend of the public’s money is scrutinized and accounted. I also introduced the concept of “short funding” or “Freemanizing” (after our own late Representative Oral Freeman) the operating budget. Simply put, we would appropriate money to last 9 months and then next session ask them what they did with that before we gave them the final 3 months worth of funding. We need to ask what are we getting for our money now before we blindly give government more.
I introduced a resolution, on the behalf of local business, to urge federal agencies to amend regulations regarding small vessels that are crucial to the economy of coastal Alaska. Federal law currently prohibits small vessels in Alaska to carry fuel, cargo and passengers simultaneously and also forbids vessels that carry fuel be constructed with aluminum. There are settlements, homes, and businesses in Alaska that cannot be served by the large barge companies and we must allow them to be serviced by smaller vessels. These federal restrictions impede the economy and the must be amended.
I also introduced a bill that would tighten up the mandatory insurance laws we have here in Alaska. HB 380 would create an online, up-to-date database that would allow the DMV and law enforcement to check on the validity of a driver’s insurance. We have laws that require automobile insurance, but these laws are difficult to enforce because of the loopholes in the system. Drivers can obtain insurance, receive their insurance card, then turn around and cancel their insurance. The current system does not allow licensing agencies and law enforcement to verify insurance. HB 380 enables the State of Alaska to enforce laws that are already on the books.
The Arts Council bill, HB 311, was passed out of the Education Committee on Monday. Its Senate companion, SB 209, is going to be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday of next week. I look forward to an easy passage that allows the State Council on the Arts to continue their good work with our local communities.
The Transportation Committee is very busy. We’ve heard various bills such as the banning of cell phone use while driving, winter tire requirements, and the creation of a transportation permanent fund. The latter has taken up a lot of the committee’s time. It is an interesting idea but I do have some reservations. I will monitor the plan closely and work with my colleagues to provide safe and reliable transportation infrastructure for Alaska.
Doug Ward from Alaska Ship & Drydock came to Juneau this week to make a presentation to the Economic Development, Trade, and Tourism committee. It was a great forum for Ketchikan and I’ve received many compliments from around the state about our operation and support of our State-owned shipyard. We have worked hard to create a manufacturing industry in Southeast Alaska.
Southeast Conference’s Mid-Session Summit is this week, and I look forward to meeting with folks from the region. I am also heading to Washington DC for the annual Energy Council meeting. The Energy Council is made up of 11 energy-producing states, five Canadian provinces, and Venezuela. I will take the opportunity to meet with all three of our Federal Delegation as well as various administration officials.
Feel free to contact my office at any time.
Regards,
