Energy Committee Meeting in Bethel

As most of you know, the House Energy Committee meeting scheduled for Feb. 28^th in Bethel had to be postponed due to uncooperative weather.  I was looking forward to the opportunity for the Committee to hear directly from my friends and neighbors in the YK Delta, and was disappointed with the delay.  I have been assured that the Energy Committee will reschedule the Bethel meeting, possibly for some time before the spring barge.  I will keep you updated as plans develop. 

Bypass Mail

I am paying very close attention to the issue of Bypass Mail.  On Monday I sent in a letter to Dan Blair, the Chairman of the Postal Regulatory Commission, urging him to consider the effects of a rate increase on Bypass Mail.  Here are excerpts from my letter:

Dear Mr. Blair:

I am writing in my capacity as an Alaska State Representative to urge you not to increase the rates for Parcel Post, and by extension, Bypass Mail.  I represent Alaska House District 38, which includes the Kuskokwim and Johnson Rivers, Kuskokwim Bay, and Nelson Island.  My district includes one hub community, Bethel, and 26 villages.
Rural Alaska is suffering through an energy crisis which threatens the health and safety of its residents.  With heating fuel costing $8-$10 a gallon in some places, my constituents have to decide between keeping their houses warm and buying groceries.  The increase in rates for Bypass Mail would mean an increase in the cost of essentials, and would have a devastating effect on those who are already coping with an untenable situation.
Raising the rates would strain an economy already suffering from the national downturn, as well as a critical lack of jobs.  It would also impact the number of people flying in and out of rural Alaska, further harming the economy.
I know we are struggling with a challenging economic climate, but I urge you to consider the effect this rate increase will have on rural Alaska.  Thank you very much for your consideration in this matter.

Chinook Bycatch

Like many in our district, I am deeply troubled by unmitigated catches of Chinook salmon by the Bering Sea pollock trawl fleet.  Chinook bycatch has serious economic and cultural ramifications for our district, and it is imperative that we put in place safeguards to ensure healthy salmon runs.  I am working with other rural legislators to deliver a letter to the Chair of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council and the Administrator of the National Marine Fisheries Service.  We are requesting that a hard cap of 30,000 salmon be put into place, a cap that sets a bar with which the pollock industry must comply, and which is absolutely essential to protect the subsistence fisheries upon which our communities depend.  The need for a cap is exacerbated by the poor salmon runs last year and the subsequent decision of the Department of Fish and Game not to declare a fishery disaster on the Yukon River.  When fish numbers are low, subsistence is the first priority, and a hard cap reflects this priority.  The North Pacific Management Council will take action this April on the Chinook Salmon Bycatch Environmental Impact Study, and I am hopeful that they will heed our concerns.    

HJR10

Next Tuesday I have scheduled HJR 10 to be heard in the Health and Social Services committee.  This important resolution urges Congress to provide our veterans with adequate and improved health care.  Information on the bill can be found at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?bill=HJR%2010&session=26.

Operating Budget Testimony

Thank you to all the people who testified on cuts to the state operating budget via teleconference to the House Finance Committee on March 3^rd.  Testifiers included:

Thor Williams, who appealed for the committee to fully fund the Troopers, public safety, women’s shelters, the Office of Children’s Services, VPSOs, the Department of Education, and juvenile justice and behavioral health programs.

Monica Leinberger, Michelle Dewitt, and Dr. Elizabeth Roll, of Tundra Women’s Coalition (TWC), voiced concern with the Legislature’s decision to cut the $1.7 million the Governor had allocated for the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault to $296,000.  While they appreciate the small increase, the larger number in the Governor’s budget was based on hard data reflecting what the real need is.   In 2008 the shelter provided over 5000 shelter nights to those in need.  It is now over capacity and needs increased funding to fully staff the shelter.

Dan Leinberger, Vice Mayor, on behalf of the City of Bethel, praised the Legislature for including $60 million this year for Community Revenue Sharing, and for increasing funding for PCE to $32 million.  He would like to see PCE expanded to all users, not just residential users. 

Alvin Jimmie Sr., AVCP VPSO Program, eloquently described the need for these public safety officers in villages and noted that for the 56 villages under the aegis of AVCP there are only 19 VPSOs available. 

Ann Applebee, YKHC, thanked the Governor for her $2 million increase for infant learning programs and encouraged the legislature to keep that funding in the budget. 

4^th WWAMI Annual PreMed Summit:

Saturday, March 28, the University of Alaska is hosting a PreMed Summit.  Anyone interested in a medical career should look into this exciting program.  The event is offered n Juneau and Fairbanks, and will be videoconferenced in Kodiak.  For more information check out: http://biomed.uaa.alaska.edu. 

This Week’s Visitors from Home:

Brad Allen, Superintendent, Kuspuk School District, Aniak

Gary Baldwin, Superintendent, Lower Kuskokwim School District, Bethel

Wally Baird, Past Bethel City Manager and Susan Baird, Assistant Director, UAF College of Rural and Community Development, Kuskokwim Campus, Bethel.  The Kuskokwim Campus of the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) in Bethel serves a population of 25,000 people in 47 rural villages.  In the Fall of 2008 there were 310 students, 70% of which were native Alaskan – the highest native proportion on any UA campus.  The campus awarded nearly 60 degree certificates and credentials in FY08, almost two and a half times the number delivered in FY01. Kudos to the students, faculty and alumni of the Kuskokwim Campus for making this college such a robust asset to the Y-K Delta and Alaska. 

John Chase, Community Planner & Coastal Area Specialist, Northwest Arctic Borough, Kotzebue, (Home Town – Nunapitchuk) and Glenn Gray, Consultant on Environmental and Land Use Solutions 

House Special Committee on Energy Meeting in Bethel Postponed

Unfortunately, the Energy Committee meeting scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday February 28th has been subject to a weather-related postponement.  Rescheduling details for a later date will be forthcoming.  This office and the energy committee are still receiving written testimony.  Please email Irene in my office at irene.lampe@legis.state.ak.us if you have any written testimony.

Thanks and sorry for any inconvenience.

News from Representative HerronWe’re 38 days into session and with only 52 days left, the pace around the capitol is stepping up.  Budget subcommittees are closing out, and sending their recommendations to the Finance Committee, which will consider the operating budget next week.  My two standing committees, Health & Social Services and Community & Regional Affairs, are likewise ramping up, and we’re keeping busy hearing bills on a range of topics.   

House Special Committee on Energy Meeting in Bethel Saturday

I have asked the seven members of the House Special Committee on Energy, joined by myself, Speaker Mike Chenault, and Rules Chair John Coghill (25% of the Alaska House of Representatives) to come to Bethel to listen to the residents of the YK Delta region talk about the region’s energy challenges. 

Details are as follows:

• Date: Saturday, February 28, 2009.
• Time: 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.  A public reception is scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to noon.
• Place: Council Chambers in Bethel City Hall.

The meeting is open to the public.  The legislature will hear testimony from community leaders, followed by public testimony from individuals and organizations.   I encourage everyone to attend; it is a great opportunity for legislative leaders to hear from people in our area, and to learn about the energy challenges and opportunities facing the residents of the YK Delta.  The Committee wants to hear not only about the energy issues, but the strategies that have been considered, deployed, and realized.  What’s been successful?  What programs need work?

This hearing will be broadcast live in its entirety on KYUK Radio.  The verbal testimony will be time-limited but detailed written testimony is encouraged.  Please either bring your written testimony to the meeting or email it to my staff at irene.lampe@legis.state.ak.us and we will get your testimony to the offices of Representative Bryce Edgmon and Representative Charisse Millett, Co-Chairs of the Energy Committee.  I look forward to seeing you there.

State Operating Budget Public Testimony

Next week the Finance Committee will receive public testimony on the proposed operating and mental health budgets.  The schedule is:

• Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2009 
• Time:  3:00 to 3:45 p.m.   
• Testimony open to residents from:  Bethel, Kotzebue, Barrow, Nome, Offnet

Community members in Bethel interested in testifying should meet at the Legislative Information Office (LIO) if possible. If there is not a LIO in your community call the offnet toll free number: 1-888-295-4546.  Please sign up thirty minutes prior to the end of the scheduled time to testify. (Each individual is limited to three minutes.)

Bypass Mail

I am very concerned with the upcoming rate hike instituted for parcel post by the US Postal Service.  As most of you know, bypass mail is considered parcel post, and the effects of this hike have the potential to be very harmful for our region.  As this is an issue that is decided at the federal level, I have been in close contact with each member of our congressional delegation.  Senator Ted Stevens was a tireless champion of bypass mail, and I am hopeful that Senators Begich and Murkowski will continue to make this important issue a priority. 

Budget

Budget subcommittees are closing out this week, with adjustments made to the Governor’s operating budget.  For the most part, we are erring on the side of caution; in this deficit climate new or untried programs probably won’t get funded.  That said, I am heartened by the awareness for the VPSO program.  Currently there is $2.6 million in the budget; the money will go to fund eight new VPSOs, as well as to establish annual merit increases in their pay.    

Stimulus

We are still grappling with the implications of the stimulus money – how and where it will be spent, and how much the state will accept.  I think it is paramount to leverage every dollar we can to improved the lives of Alaskans in these tough times.  The legislature has the power to appropriate, and we must oversee this process to ensure that any money which can be leveraged is, for the maximum benefit of Alaskans. 

House Bill 106, Village & Regional Public Safety Officers

A bill sponsored by my friend Representative Reggie Joule of Kotzebue passed out of the House Community & Regional Affairs Committee (which I co-Chair) this week.  The purpose of HB 106 is to provide flexibility in the implementation of the VPSO Program.  As those in our district know, VPSOs play a critical role in preserving village safety.  Many also know that there are far too many villages in the state that lack a VPSO.  Currently, regional nonprofit corporations receive grants to administer the VPSO Program.  However, not all regional nonprofit corporations wish to run the Program; HB 106 would amend the law to allow rural municipalities with fewer than 10,000 residents to administer the Program.  This would not interfere with existing nonprofit implementation of the Program where the sentiment from effected communities is that the Program should be housed in the nonprofit.  All Alaskans deserve to be safe and secure.  This bill aims to make that possible in yet more villages.

Ombudsman’s Office

Are you having problems with state government?  No matter where you live in Alaska, you can contact an office that investigates complaints against state government agencies and employees. The Office of the Ombudsman was create to ensure that the government follows the rules and treats all citizens fairly and reasonably.  To reach the ombudsman by phone, dial 1-800-478-2624 toll-free anywhere in Alaska. You can also contact the office through its Internet web site at www.state.ak.us/ombud. You can also write to the Ombudsman at Post Office Box 102636, Anchorage, 99510-2636, or fax at (907) 269-5291.  The Ombudsman is an additional resource to our office.   Please do not hesitate to contact us or the Ombudsman’s office with any questions or concerns. 

PFD Time

Don’t forget to fill out your PFD; you can do it online at: https://www.pfd.state.ak.us/.  The deadline is March 31^st. 

Representative Herron’s Staff:

Marianna Carpeneti was born and raised in Juneau.  She staffs the Health & Social Services Committee for Co-Chair Herron, and is excited to be working for the district again (she worked previously for former Rep. Mary Nelson).  She hopes to attend law school in the fall. 

Rob Earl, UAF graduate and life-long Alaskan, is working his sixth session at the Capitol. Rob is staffing the Community & Regional Affairs Committee for Co-Chair Herron. Last session he worked for Mary Nelson.

Irene Lampe has worked for southeast Alaska Native Corporations Goldbelt, Inc. and Huna Totem Corporation, and for the Department of Fish & Game.  A life-long Juneau resident, she is enjoying her first session working at the Capitol.    

Energy Committee Meeting in Bethel

Mark your calendars!  This Saturday, February 28^th, I am hosting the House Energy Committee meeting from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the City Council Chambers in Bethel.  House Speaker Mike Chenault and Rules Chair John Coghill will be accompanying the Committee.  In total 10 legislators, including the Speaker of the House, the Majority Leader, and the Rules Chair – a full 25% of the House of Representatives – will be in Bethel to listen to energy concerns.  I encourage anyone who is interested to stop by or to tune on KYUK. 

Renewable Energy Fund Projects

On February 17^th, the Legislative Budget & Audit Committee approved moving forward with 77 recommended projects from the first round of applications to the Renewable Energy Fund.  Seven projects in District 38 (all wind energy) were approved, totaling over $14 million for our district.  This is an exciting step in the effort to contain our rocketing electricity costs.  The projects include:

·        Bethel Wind Power Project Times 4, City of Bethel, $2,598,320

·        Kongiganak Wind Farm Construction, Puvurnaq Power Company, $1,700,000

·        Kwigillingok Wind Farm Construction, Native Village of Kwigillingok, $1,600,000

·        Quinhagak Wind Farm Construction, Alaska Village Electric Cooperative (AVEC), $3,882,243

·        Mekoryuk Wind Farm Construction, AVEC, $3,155,765

·        Toksook Bay Wind Farm Expansion Construction, AVEC, $1,037,750

·        Hooper Bay Wind Farm Construction, City of Hooper Bay, $ 80,000

These projects include design, purchase, construction and installation of wind turbines to increase available renewable energy.  They also include implementation of design efficiencies, upgrades to existing diesel systems, and feasibility studies for future projects. 

Capital Budget Projects

The Governor’s amended Capital List came out this week.  Total spending for our district comes to almost $62 million, and includes water and sewer improvement projects in 12 communities (Akiakchak, Eek, Kasigluk, Kongiganak, Lower Kalskag, Nightmute, Nunapitchuk, Quinhagak, Toksook Bay, Tuluksak, Tuntutuliak, and Tununak).  There is also Department of Transportation money for airport improvement projects in Quinhagak, Akiachak, Bethel, Chefornak, Kipnuk, and Newtok.  You can get project details at: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/omb/10_omb/budget/10amd_electiondist.pdf  

ANHB and ANTHC   Mega Meetings

The Alaska Native Health Board and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium had their “mega meetings” this week in Juneau.  These meetings take place each February in Juneau, and are an opportunity for state, federal and tribal organizations to discuss ongoing collaborations.  I had the privilege of speaking to a gathering which included tribal health directors, representatives from health boards, the federal Indian Health Services, and the state Department of Health and Social Services.  Our tribal health organizations play a critical role in providing health care in both the villages and the urban centers, and I appreciated the opportunity to listen to their ideas and concerns. 

Economic Stimulus Highways/Bridges/Airports Funding

Transportation-related federal stimulus funding is coming to the state Department of Transportation and Public Facilities.  The rules regarding how the money is spent are somewhat complex, but at this point it seems likely that the Napaskiak Sanitation Boardwalk will be funded with construction beginning in 2009.  The Kipnuk Boardwalk improvement will likely also be funded, with the project slated for the 2010 construction season.  You can learn more at: www.dot.state.ak.us/econstim/.

Senator Murkowski Addresses the Legislature

Senator Murkowski addressed the Legislature on February 19^th.  In her speech she acknowledged the “triple whammy” faced by the YK this year: high fuel prices, bad salmon runs, and early river ice preventing barged fuel shipments.  I had the chance to ask her how, given these conditions, we can bring hope to our families that are suffering so much.  She responded first by acknowledging the heartbreak of families in rural communities who are faced with the choice between food and fuel.  She stressed that although we can bring in food as a temporary fix, food from outside won’t offer hope in the long run.  Ultimately, Senator Murkowski maintained, affordable energy is the answer.  She welcomed the $100 million for renewable energy recently approved by the Legislature, and noted that just as we’ve been a leader in supplying fossil fuel energy to the nation, we must now be a leader in supplying renewable energy sources. 

Bethel Yukon Kuskokwim Correctional Center Expansion

Senator Hoffman and I are both very disappointed with Governor Palin’s decision to drop the YKCC expansion project from the FY10 budget.  Unfortunately no advance notice of the Governor’s decision was given so that we might craft options to keep the project advancing.  Sen. Hoffman and I are exploring our options to get that expansion back in the budget. 

Governor Reduces FY2010 Spending Plan

This was a big week for the budget.  The federal stimulus package was signed into law, and while we’re still working to understand the effects that it will have on our state and specifically the YK delta, it has already had an effect on our operating budget.  The Governor came out with her budget amendments yesterday, with General Fund dollars being replaced by federal money from the stimulus package.    

Don’t forget!  PFD Application Deadline is March 31, 2009. Apply on-line at:  http://www.pfd.state.ak.us

Visitors This Week:

I had a number of visitors this week.  Folks from the District included two UAA Engineering students, Brian Glasheen and Audrey Alstrom, both from Bethel, Dan Winkelman from YKHC, Steve Gentle from ASEA in Bethel, and Bill Kristovich from Bethel. 

On February 17^th I met with Evangelyn Dotomain, President/CEO, Alaska Native Health Board (Anchorage), Bill Kristovich & Dan Winkleman, YKHC (Bethel), and Andy Jimmie (Minto).

Steven Gentle, ASEA (Bethel)

In town to discuss Pebble Mine: Apayo Moore (Dillingham), Bobby Andrew (Dillingham), Herman Nelson, Sr. (Koliganek), Luki Akelkok, Sr. (Ekwok), Terry Hoefferle (Dillingham)

Luke Welles, CFO of LifeMed Alaska in Anchorage.

Mary Kay Hughes, University of Alaska.

February 13^th, 2009

Energy Committee Meeting in Bethel February 28^th

I have invited the House Energy Committee to travel to Bethel on February 28^th for a public hearing on the region’s energy concerns.  The meeting will be broadcast live on KYUK.  I will be able to forward an agenda and more specifics as they become available.  I would like to thank the Energy Committee co-chairs Representative Bryce Edgmon (D-Dillingham) and Representative Charisse Millett (R-Anchorage) for preparing and scheduling this trip.  I would also like to thank House Speaker Mike Chenault (R-Kenai) for joining us on this trip.  It will be enlightening for members from urban areas to get a firsthand perspective on the serious energy challenges we face in our region.

Head Start Visit

Senator Hoffman, Representative Edgmon and I had the opportunity to meet with AVCP Head Start leaders this week.  I appreciate the important work they are doing for children in rural Alaska, and recognize that they face many challenges every day.  With the high cost of energy it’s become difficult just to keep the lights on, much less deliver services to children.  Currently the Governor is proposing to add an additional $800,000 into the Head Start program.  In this deficit climate, nothing can be taken for granted, but it is heartening to see recognition of an important and valuable program. 

AFN Board of Directors Meeting

The Alaska Federation of Natives met this week in Juneau for their Board of Directors Meeting.  I enjoyed the opportunity to see familiar faces, including AVCP’s Executive Vice President Mike Hoffman, and I appreciated the chance to join the Bush Caucus in addressing the Board on issues facing rural Alaska.  Our main focus is energy relief, and with five members of the Caucus sitting on the Finance Committee we are strongly positioned to affect change.  The Caucus is also paying close attention to our Coastal Zone Management Program; a bill introduced by Bush Caucus members Representative Reggie Joule and Representative Bryce Edgmon seeks to strengthen the partnership between the State of Alaska and coastal communities. The bill had its first hearing this week in the Community and Regional Affairs Committee.  As a Co-Chair of C&RA, I appreciate the opportunity to hear the opinions from those in the district and in other parts of rural Alaska.  The Caucus is also concerned with the state of our fisheries and the need for further support and development of the VPSO program. 

Palin Budget Cuts Forthcoming

Governor Palin will be coming out with expected budget amendments by February 18^th.  Keeping items important to our region in the budget will be my primary focus and concern. 

Senate Bill 1, Alaska Minimum Wage

SB 1 would raise the minimum wage in Alaska from $7.15 per hour to $8.75 per hour.  Washington state’s minimum wage is $8.55 per hour.  Even given our higher cost of living, 16 states currently have a higher minimum wage than Alaska.  By this July, when the federal minimum wage rises to $7.25 per hour, 39 states will have a higher rate than Alaska.  Raising the minimum wage is an appropriate and important issue to consider in these tough economic times.

Update on HB 91, Alcohol Local Option

As I said last week, this bill from the Governor has the potential for unintended consequences.  If the proposed legislation were to become law in its present form, it may force a damp community to decide to go “wet.”  Furthermore, the street value of alcohol could increase.  The Department of Law must realize that one section of the bill, in effect, removes the “local option” in the local option law. 

Senate Bill 88: Power Cost Equalization (PCE)

Last summer during special session, the legislature raised the ceiling on PCE from 52 cents to $1.  This increased the amount of the PCE subsidy to communities where electricity is most expensive.  The higher ceiling provision is set to expire June 30^th, 2009.  SB 88 extends the provision indefinitely.  The Bush Caucus strongly supports this legislation and is well-positioned to champion it.   

Visits From Constituents

James Angaiak, City Clerk of Nunapitchuk, was in Juneau with a group of UAF Rural Development students for the week long Rural Development Leadership Seminar. 

AVCP Housing representatives: Moses Paukan, Wayne Morgan, Tim Kaganak, and Ron Hoffman, posing in the Speaker’s Chair on the House Floor.

Andrew Guy, Calista Corporation General Counsel, from Napaskiak

Nelson Angapak, Alaska Federation of Natives board member from Tuntutuliak

Senate District “S” Head Start Leaders

Yupiit School District and Kashunamiut School District students, administrators, and teachers: John Atchak (Chevak), Greg Slats (Chevak), Willie Kasayulie (Akiachak), Rebecca Good (Chevak), Feline Mutchian (Chevak), Charity Pingayak (Chevak), and Joseph Slats (Akiachak). 

Lower Yukon School District: John Lamont, Superintendent; Ray Alstrom, School Board Chairman; Vincent Beans, Fred Lamont, and Caroline Ulak, Board Members.

St. Mary’s School District: John Thompson, Board Member; Moses Paukan, Board Member; Dave Herbert, Superintendent 

Conference of Young Alaskans Delegates: Josh Vandagriff (Anch.), Andrea Sanders (Bethel), Andy Christopherson (Anch.), Lee Ryan (Unalakleet)

Lower Kuskokwim School District Board Members

Susan Murphy, Vice Chair; and Richard Curtis, Chair

Rep. Bryce Edgmon, Sen. Lyman Hoffman, and Rep. Bob Herron listen to a presentation by Head Start leaders on village programs

IN JUNEAU:
Phone: (907) 465-4942
FAX: (907) 465-4589
Toll Free: (800) 323-4942
AK State Capitol Rm #415
Juneau, AK 99801

From my family to your family…

Quyana

Bob Herron

“Before and since the start of this campaign, the encouragement and the positive comments have been both kind and very supportive.   We truly appreciate the opportunities that we have here in Bethel and western Alaska for our family.   It has been a powerful experience to listen to your concerns.”

Kendal, Susan, Briella, Buddy, Jalene, Bob, Margaret, and Charles