Hello again from Juneau. We’ve settled into a frenzied rhythm for the duration of the session. Three of my bills have been heard this week, but only one successfully passed out of committee. The other two are being held for more work.
My ‘Sea Otter Management’ resolution, HJR 26 urges federal agencies to work with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Southeast Alaska Native leaders, and other interested parties to establish strategies and plans for the sustainable management of the growing sea otter population of Southeast Alaska. Most of us recognize that the sea otter population in Southeast is exploding, and we need to make management changes that will bring it under control and save our dive and crab fisheries.
The first hearing on this bill made front page news last week, when some of the testimony caught the attention of reporters. From the input we received during the first committee hearing, we made some changes to the bill that will make it more agreeable to all parties. I’m glad that there is public interest on this; but want to remind people that this resolution simply asks groups and agencies to work together to come up with sea otter management solutions. It does not advocate any particular strategies for management. It will be heard again, in Resources, on Monday, February 13.
House Bill 184: ‘Refund of Fish Business Tax to Municipalities, passed out of the Community and Regional Affairs committee on Thursday. HB 184 will increase municipalities’ share of the Fisheries Business Tax and the Fisheries Landing tax from 50% to 75%. These are the taxes paid by the processors, and this bill will NOT change the taxes levied. It just deals with the distribution of the collected revenues. It is my intent that these funds will be used for port and harbor infrastructure maintenance.
In addition to changing the split between the state and the municipalities, this bill directs that the Fisheries Resource Landing Tax and the Fisheries Business Tax on “unprocessed” fisheries resources go back to the incorporated port or borough where the fish were landed. By tying the Fisheries Landing Tax revenues directly to the municipality where the landing occurred, HB 184 ensures that ports are compensated fairly for their efforts and the tax revenues they generate.
If HB 184 passes, the positive financial impact to the communities in District 2 could be substantial. Petersburg could receive more than $300,000; Sitka over $400,000; and Wrangell over $92,000 every year to help maintain their ports and harbors.
I’d like to mention a few items of public interest. If you are 65 years or older and have a monthly income lower than $1,984 or married with a monthly income of $2,680 or less, you qualify for up to $250 monthly payments from the State of Alaska. For an application, contact Social Services Coordinators at 1-888-528-9488 or via email at askssc@sscincorporated.com.
Crowley Marine is taking applications for qualified Alaskans for the 2012 Alaskan Ocean Ranger Program. For more information, or to see if you qualify, contact lester.williams@crowley.com. Or go to Crowley Marine’s website at http://www.crowley.com/Careers/Seagoing-Jobs/Seagoing-Jobs/Ocean-Ranger.
I have had visits this week from a number of people, including delegations from Sitka and Petersburg, and the Head Start program. Oh, and a special congratulations go out to Carrie Wallace, of Wrangell, for being Alaska’s Head Start teacher of the year. Yeah, Carrie. I’m so proud of you.
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