Senator Gary Stevens Interim Report

Posted on: September 17, 2009 | senatorgarystevens | 2 Comments | Print Article | Rate Post:

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Senator Gary Stevens Interim Report
September, 2009
by
Senator Gary Stevens

Hello again. A busy summer is giving way to an active autumn as cooler temperatures settle in over the region and the leaves change color, a reminder that it won’t be long until we’re preparing to head back to Juneau for another legislative session. Over the next few months, we’ll get a better picture of what’s ahead for Alaska in 2009, including a look at Governor Parnell’s operating and capital budgets for the coming year in December. I look forward to sharing my thoughts with you and getting your perspective on these issues.

August Special Session

The Legislature held a one day special session Monday, August 10th in Anchorage. During that time, members overrode former Governor Palin’s veto of $28 million dollars in funding from the federal stimulus program for energy programs. We also confirmed General Craig Campbell as Lieutenant Governor.

Senators Visit Kodiak and Ouzinkie

On September 1st, members of the Senate Resources and Energy Committees traveled to Kodiak to get a first-hand look at the Kodiak Electric Association’s wind project on Pillar Mountain, as well as the state-owned rocket launch facility at Narrow Cape. That evening, several community members turned-out for a public hearing, offering their insight on the future of the state’s energy policy.

The next day, we traveled to Ouzinkie, where we had the opportunity to see the community’s hydro-electric facility and gather local input on the energy matters. We also had the chance to hear about alternative energy projects involving waste cooking oil, fish oil and seawater going on in Kodiak.

Thank you to all who took time out of their days to meet with us. Your comments are of great value to the senators. Thanks also to the employees of the Kodiak Island Borough, the Ouzinkie Native Corporation and the Ouzinkie Tribal Council for their invaluable assistance.

Honoring Senator Inouye

I was proud to be among a group of state lawmakers and Alaskans honoring U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) on Tuesday, September 8th in Washington, D.C. for his many contributions and friendship to the state over the years. During this year’s session, the legislature unanimously approved a resolution commemorating September 7, the Senator’s 85th birthday, as Senator Daniel Inouye Day.

Serving the State

Congratulations to Pat Branson of Kodiak, who has been reappointed to the 11-member Alaska Commission on Aging. I am pleased that Pat will continue to bring her energy and insight to the commission’s work. Pat serves on the commission with two other District R residents, Sharon Howerton-Clark of Homer and Iver Malutin of Kodiak.

(Throughout the year, there are vacancies on the various state boards and commissions. You can find out more about these positions on the Internet at http://gov.state.ak.us/boards, or contact the governor’s office at (907) 465-3500.)

PFD Amount to be Announced Soon

The 2009 Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) amount will be announced Monday, September 28th. Direct deposited PFDs will be issued on Thursday, October 8th. Checks will be mailed starting October 22nd.

Should you have any questions about the status of your dividend, you can contact the Permanent Fund Division at 1-800-733-8813, or e-mail them at dor.pfd.info@alaska.gov (please include your full name, the last four digits of your social security number and your year of birth). My office can help you find out information on the status of a PFD application or appeal, however, by law, decisions regarding eligibility and appeals fall to the Permanent Fund Division itself.

Municipal Elections

Voters throughout Senate District R will head to the polls Tuesday, October 6th to elect municipal leaders and vote on ballot measures for their community. I encourage you to take the time to vote and congratulate all those who have entered the races; thank you for your willingness to make our communities a better place to live.

Contact Information

My staff is available to assist you with issues involving state government. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call.

The phone number for my Kodiak office is 486-4925. The fax number is 486-5264.

My Homer office can be reached at 235-0690. The fax number is 235-4008.

My Capitol building office can be reached toll free at 1-800-821-4925. The fax number is 465-3517.

E-mail any time at: senator_gary_stevens@legis.state.ak.us.

Thank you for reading this edition of the Interim Report. If you would like to receive this news column via e-mail, please contact my Kodiak office, or e-mail me.

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