House Majority E-News Headlines

House OKs Bill Setting Performance Reviews of State Depts - HB 30 Lays Out Schedule, Details to Make Sure State Funds are Spent Responsibly

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 18:21:50 -0600

The Alaska House today unanimously passed a bill to ensure that public funds are being best spent by the State's various departments and agencies. House Bill 30 calls for each department to be reviewed once every ten years to make sure they are complying with their missions, core values, upholding their constitutional duty, and aren't being duplicative.

Alaska Speaker of the House Mike Chenault, R-Nikiski, sponsored the bill, which passed the House during the first session of the 27th Legislature as House Bill 166. The bill re-institutes and defines the performance review process that was ceased in the early 1980s.

"House Bill 30 forces the legislature and administration to refocus on each agency to decide whether the money being spent is necessary and what's not," Speaker Chenault said. "Instead of trying to look at a multi-billion budget over the first half of the 90 day legislative session, we can better focus our efforts, department by department, especially in a time of declining oil production leading to declining revenues. We will better position ourselves to make the best, most fiscally responsible budgeting decisions year to year."

Guiding Principles for the 28th Legislature to be Released - Caucus to Debut Core Values at Friday's Weekly Press Availability

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 18:52:48 -0600

Leadership and members of the Alaska House Majority Caucus will lay out their Guiding Principles for the 28th Alaska Legislature at tomorrow's weekly press availability.

House Majority Leader Lance Pruitt, R-Anchorage, will be joined by Caucus leaders and other members at 9:00 a.m. Friday, Feb. 15, 2013 in the Speaker's Chamber.

Caucus members have met extensively throughout the opening month of the First Session to discuss the issues and challenges facing Alaska and ways to address them. A similar process was undertaken during the 27th Legislature, and helped that Caucus prioritize their work and gain a deeper understanding of the diversity represented within the caucus.

House Approves "Vietnam Veterans Day" - HB 67 Sets Aside March 29 Annually to Honor Servicemen and Women

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 14:26:58 -0600

A bill marking March 29 of every year as "Vietnam Veterans Day" is heading to the Alaska Senate after winning unanimous passage today in the House.

House Bill 67, sponsored by Joint Veterans Caucus Co-Chair Steve Thompson, R-Fairbanks, is meant to honor Vietnam veterans on the anniversary of the U.S. Armed Forces' withdrawal from South Vietnam.

"The bravery and sacrifice of our Vietnam vets will be officially recognized with the passage of this bill," Thompson said. "It is time that we identify with our Vietnam vets and help with the healing over that tremulous war and times. This March 29 marks the 40th anniversary of our troops' withdrawal from Vietnam. More than 58,000 gave their lives in service to our Nation and this bill is just one more way we can honor them."

House OKs Bill Changing Definition of Commercial Vehicles

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 18:19:16 -0600

The Alaska House of Representatives today unanimously passed a bill to help small businesses. House Bill 15, sponsored by Representative Wes Keller, R-Wasilla, changes the definition of commercial motor vehicles so one-ton pickups and vans can be used by Alaska businesses without unnecessary and burdensome regulations.

"This is a bill that we started working on last session and it was met with almost no opposition. Time ran out before it could make it to the other body's floor and so it died at the end of session," Keller said. "Work on this bill has been a continued team effort with input from the departments, commercial truck companies, the Alaska Truckers Association and small business owners. It is a win-win for companies using standard heavy duty pickups and vans for their business."

HB 15 takes into account that today's pickups are larger and safer than in the past. The original language was written in 1999. Not having to register a smaller truck as commercial saves business owners money for insurance and inspection fees. For the state, enforcement officers will be able to devote more time to true commercial designed vehicles.

House Passes Bill Adopting People First Language - HB 88 Removes Terms "Mental Retardation" & "Mentally Retarded" from Policies

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 19:33:50 -0600

The House of Representatives today unanimously passed legislation by Representative Charisse Millett, R-Anchorage, that would update state health, education and labor policy by removing the terms "mental retardation" and "mentally retarded" and replacing them with "intellectual and developmental disabilities."

"Mental retardation has been transformed into a derogatory term that is sometimes used to degrade and insult people with intellectual disabilities," Millett said. "We have recognized the power of words to inflict pain with regard to race, and have taken great strides to foster an environment that rectifies the wrong. Yet even today, many do not recognize the hurtful, dehumanizing and exclusive effects of the word retard."

The changes HB 88 includes will make state statutes consistent with language in federal law, the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, and the White House through the President's Committee for people with Intellectual Disabilities.

Farm Exemption Bill Passes House - HB 40 Reduces or Eliminates Taxes for Qualifying Food Storage & Processing Facilities

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 18:56:44 -0600

The Alaska House of Representatives today passed House Bill 40 by Representative Shelley Hughes, R-Palmer. The bill creates opportunities for municipalities to reduce or eliminate taxes for qualifying food storage or processing structures, in turn facilitating the reduction of operational costs for farmers. It aims to encourage storage and production of food products without significantly diminishing taxes for local governments.

"HB 40 provides an opportunity to strengthen the agricultural sector of our economy while at the same time increasing access to locally grown food," Hughes said.

Hughes pre-filed the bill before the start of session to address problems that the Alaska farming community faces in bringing their products to market and the impact on the food available for families in Alaska.

Pick-up Trucks & Step Vans May Soon be Exempt from Commercial Regulation

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 19:50:34 -0600

Today the House Transportation Committee unanimously passed House Bill 15 by Representative Wes Keller, R-Wasilla. HB 15 would change the commercial vehicle gross vehicle weight minimum from the current 10-thousand pounds to 14-thousand pounds.

"This bill is important for a lot of small businesses as well as some of our larger trucking companies," Keller said. "In Alaska nearly everything from the Slope to Southeast moves by truck. Often larger vehicles need the safety support of pilot vehicles. The current weight restrictions on these basic pick-up trucks classify them as commercial which imposes rules and regulations on both the driver and the vehicle. Raising the limit to meet the standards of today's larger and safer trucks is simply good policy. Younger drivers interesting in getting into the business will now have a chance without the stringent requirement of a CDL."

HB 15 now heads to the House Rules Committee for scheduling a floor vote.

House OKs Bill Supporting our Military Training Facilities - Rep. Tammie Wilson's HB 36 Clarifies Statute for Ammunition Discharges

Mon, 4 Feb 2013 16:18:46 -0600

The Alaska House of Representatives today unanimously passed a bill making a critical change to state law to clarify concerning military munitions discharges.

House Bill 36, sponsored by Representative Tammie Wilson, R-Fairbanks, clarifies the Alaska Clean Water Act such that the law cannot be misinterpreted to restrict exercises on ranges other than instances where the federal Clean Water Act would apply.

"This legislation is for the U.S. military, ensuring Alaska provides unsurpassed training facilities for military exercises and stays competitive in an environment of defense spending cuts and base closures," Wilson said. "With passage of House Bill 36, Alaska will still maintain primacy, protect the environment, and also protect the military from potential litigation if state law wasn't clear."

Higgins to Chair Interior Delegation

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 13:51:44 -0600

Representative Pete Higgins, R-Fairbanks, was recently selected by his fellow Fairbanks/North Pole legislators to chair the 28th Alaska Legislature's Interior Delegation.

"What an honor," Higgins said. "I'm grateful for the trust my colleagues have placed in me. It's an important position, and one I hope to use to increase the dialogue between groups and members of our communities and my peers here in Legislature. We've got a lot of issues that are priorities for the delegation, like affordable energy, access to energy, the University, and education. It's going to be a challenge, but one I welcome. We've got a great group and we're already beginning those planning discussions."

Higgins, entering his first term, represents House District 5, which encompasses western Fairbanks and surrounding suburbs.

Gattis Introduces Bill to Enhance Public Charter Schools - HB 93 Allows Multiple Authorizers of Public Charter Schools in Alaska

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 14:02:46 -0600

In celebration of National School Choice Week, Wasilla Representative Lynn Gattis has filed a bill to allow multiple authorizers of public charter schools.

Authorizers can be government agencies, universities and/or nonprofit organizations. Authorizers will be approved by the Department of Education and Early Development and will have the same role and responsibilities as the current school districts to approve, monitor, renew, or terminate a public charter school.

"When we give parents and members of our communities more choices to meet the needs of all of our children, it becomes a win-win situation for everyone involved," Gattis said. "Current law only allows local school districts to approve or reject charter school applications."

Alaska Still Waiting for Comprehensive Legacy Well Plan - Resolution Reminds BLM to Clean up Contaminated Well Sites

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 17:53:53 -0600

A year after the Alaska Legislature unanimously passed a resolution calling on the federal Bureau of Land Management to clean up and plug dozens of old oil and gas drilling sites in the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska, Alaskans are still waiting for a comprehensive cleanup plan. Representative Charisse Millett, R-Anchorage, yesterday introduced House Joint Resolution 6 which calls on BLM to plug and remediate the well sites to protect the land, sea and wildlife.

"How many decades have to pass before BLM makes protecting NPR-A one of its priorities?" Millett said. "There are wells leaking natural gas, littered with trash and let's not forget the wells BLM can't even find. Hardly any progress was made last year and that will continue as long as the agency fails to create an aggressive cleanup plan and back it up with adequate funding."

Legacy Wells were drilled by the federal government from 1944 to 1981. Since drilling ceased only a handful have been correctly plugged and remediated.

Reps Millett and LeDoux Named Anchorage Caucus Co-Chairs

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 15:34:55 -0600

Anchorage Representatives Charisse Millett and Gabrielle LeDoux have been named the new republican co-chairs of the Legislature's Anchorage Caucus. Millett and LeDoux will replace outgoing Co-Chair Lance Pruitt.

Millett will chair the caucus for the first session of the 28th Legislature and LeDoux will chair the second session.

"I am honored to be able to chair this caucus with my good friend from Anchorage," Millett, R-Anchorage, said. "I'm working on many issues that directly affect Anchorage including energy, education and community improvements. Being co-chair of Anchorage Caucus will allow more input from my constituents on important issues facing Anchorage and Alaska."

Nageak Applauds Adam's Appointment to AK Arctic Policy Commission

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 02:26:15 -0600

Representative Ben Nageak, D-Barrow, released the following statement today about Jacob Adams's appointment to the Alaska Arctic Policy Commission. Alaska Speaker of the House Mike Chenault, R-Nikiski, made the appointment during today's House floor session. Adams is named as the final alternate. The Commission was created through passage of House Concurrent Resolution 23 during the second session of the 27th Legislature. Former Representative Reggie Joule, D-Kotzebue, sponsored HCR 23, which set up the 24-member Commission within the Legislature to work with stakeholders and governments to create a statewide Arctic policy. Find out more about HCR 23 here. A list of appointees is available here.

Statement:

"Jacob Adams is the perfect representative of the Inupiat people to serve on the Alaska Arctic Policy Commission. Born and raised in the Arctic, Jake has served his communities in many public service leadership positions, from North Slope Borough Mayor and Borough Assembly President to Whaling Captain. His commitment to sustainable Arctic communities has strengthened Alaska's positive relationships with industry and other Arctic nations. Jacob brings a wealth of knowledge to the Alaska Arctic Policy Commission and will be a strong advocate for advancing concerns and solutions that will benefit the long term health of all Arctic peoples."

Rep. Bryce Edgmon Named Bush Caucus Chairman

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 18:04:01 -0600

The Alaska Legislature's House Bush Caucus is pleased to announce the selection of Representative Bryce Edgmon, D-Dillingham, as chair. Edgmon takes over from former Representative Reggie Joule. The bipartisan group of House members — all with substantial rural constituencies — has already begun a series of meetings to establish shared policy goals for the 2013 legislative session.

Rep. Edgmon is in his fourth term in the Alaska House and now represents the new District 36. His constituency spans from the eastern shore of Cook Inlet west across Lake Illiamna to Bristol Bay and northward across the Kuskokwim to the Yukon.

"As a member of the Bush Caucus since first entering the legislature in 2007, I am truly honored to be given this responsibility," Edgmon said. "The Bush Caucus provides a valuable forum for legislators to develop opportunities for rural Alaskans and to collaborate on solutions for the many challenges our communities face."

Resolution Opposes New Federal Gun Control Laws - HJR 4 Also Asks President to Revoke 23 Executive Orders

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 12:51:01 -0600

Alaskans have the individual right to keep and bear arms under the United States Constitution and the Alaska State Constitution. Rep. Charisse Millett, R-Anchorage, today introduced a resolution urging the Obama Administration and the United States Congress to defend that right by rejecting any legislation or executive orders that will weaken that right.

"Alaskans take the Second Amendment very seriously and expect their elected officials to stand up and protect it," Millett said. "While the hearts of all Alaskans go out to the victims and the families left behind in the wake of the tragedies in Newtown, Connecticut and Aurora, Colorado, we believe that the best approach to preventing these incidents from happening again should come at the state level."

Earlier this month President Obama issued 23 executive orders related to gun control. Many of those orders could restrict the ability of law abiding Alaskans, who use firearms responsibly, from having access to them.

HB 4 Sponsors Welcome Parnell's Commitment to AGDC - Governor's State of the State Address Gives New Momentum for Effort to Bring Gas to Alaskans

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 11:51:06 -0600

Representative Mike Hawker and Speaker of the House Mike Chenault, sponsors of House Bill 4 empowering the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation (AGDC) to connect Alaskans with Alaskan gas, issued the following statement in response to Gov. Sean Parnell's State of the State Address.

"We commend Governor Parnell for his call on AGDC to build an Alaska natural gas pipeline," Rep. Hawker, R-Anchorage, said. "This has long been our vision - and that of many of our colleagues who have supported AGDC and instate gas development. Through House Bill 4, we have structured a strong and flexible AGDC to advance the interests of Alaskans-Whether that means pursuing an instate gas pipeline, or joining Alaska's gas producers and TransCanada in a larger project."

"It is encouraging to hear the Governor voice his support for AGDC. When we passed House Bill 369 in 2010, nearly the entire legislature sent AGDC on a mission," Speaker Chenault, R-Nikiski, said. "AGDC delivered a plan to connect Alaskans with their gas - and now we are proposing legislation that calls on AGDC to implement that plan. An AGDC pipeline, whether large or small, will move Alaska forward, delivering reliable, reasonably priced energy to our communities, sparking economic development, and giving new industries fresh opportunity."

Speaker Intros State's Rights Bill Protecting Alaskans' Right to Keep and Bear Arms in Light of Obama Plans

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 21:15:07 -0600

Alaska Speaker of the House Mike Chenault, R-Nikiski, today introduced a bill defending Alaskans' Second Amendment rights in light of President Barack Obama's announced plans to curb gun violence.

"We began work on this bill before the President's announcement today, and now I'm extremely glad we did. Twenty-three Executive Orders have been signed into law without a review from Americans' elected representatives," Chenault said. "Tragedy is not a license for federal encroachment of constitutionally protected freedoms. We can all agree that what happened in Newtown, Connecticut was an absolute tragedy. But what we fundamentally disagree on is how you meet the challenge it presented. The President is using it to further his liberal agenda to try and disarm and disenfranchise law-abiding Americans from their enshrined Second Amendment rights. No one should be comfortable with that, regardless of where you sit on the issue."

"As a father, I prayed for those who lost children in the incident, and was sickened that someone would prey on our children," Chenault said. "The President shouldn't parade out children and pull on emotional heart strings on something as important as executing orders to circumvent the Congress and weaken the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Former Fairbanks Representative Mike Kelly stood up for Alaskans' gun rights during the 26th Legislature, and I hope to carry on his legacy with this new bill."

Speaker Chenault, Rep. Hawker File In-State Gas Pipeline Bill - House Bill 4 Calls on AGDC to Implement Instate Natural Gas Pipeline Plan

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 01:08:23 -0600

Rep. Mike Hawker and House Speaker Mike Chenault prefiled critical legislation calling on the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation (AGDC) to implement its plan for an in-state natural gas pipeline. AGDC is a public corporation created by legislation passed in 2010 to develop a project plan for an in-state natural gas pipeline from the North Slope to tidewater.

House Bill 4 is the next step towards an instate natural gas pipeline serving Alaskans, including Fairbanks and Southcentral. The AGDC pipeline will provide a competitively priced, secure source of clean energy for decades; will encourage a robust private sector and economic development; and will benefit the entire state by commercializing Alaska's rich North Slope natural gas resource.

By defining AGDC as an independent, stand-alone public corporation of the state, House Bill 4 empowers the entity to implement its instate gas pipeline project plan, while retaining the flexibility to participate in other gas projects that further Alaskans' interests.

House Majority Welcomes Rep. Lindsey Holmes to Caucus - Rep. Holmes to Join House Majority Caucus

Sun, 13 Jan 2013 02:15:45 -0600

Today House Speaker Mike Chenault announced that Rep. Lindsey Holmes will be joining the House Majority Caucus and will have a seat on the House Finance Committee. With the new addition the Majority now has 30 members.

"Lindsey has worked hard for Alaskans since she's been in Juneau," Chenault, R-Nikiski, said. "With this move she's putting Alaska and Alaskans first to achieve what is best for her constituents; that shows true leadership."

"Working as a member of the majority is the best way to move Alaska forward on many important issues," Holmes, R-Anchorage, said. "I look forward to strengthening and continuing to build my working relationships with other members of the House Majority."

Rep. Holmes Announces Decision to Join House Majority - Rep. Holmes Joins House Majority

Sun, 13 Jan 2013 01:40:41 -0600

Representative Lindsey Holmes today announced that she has changed her party registration to Republican and is joining the Alaska House Majority.

"I am making this change to work for the best of Alaska and my constituents on the many important issues facing the state," Holmes, R-Anchorage, said. "I believe that the best way forward for Alaska's future is as a member of the House Majority."

"I've enjoyed a close working relationship with the Majority for many years and have found that we share a common vision for Alaska. I look forward to working closely together to ensure Alaska's future."