Dan's Dispatch

From the beginning of this legislative session, everyone knew the $3.5 billion budget deficit would be the driving force behind nearly all legislative considerations. With oil tax revenue making up over 90% of all state revenue, and oil prices dropping from an average of $110 a barrel to approximately $50 a barrel, there was no escaping the necessity of making some extremely difficult budget reductions. The decisions made in each legislative committee resulted in budget cuts across the board to all regions of the state. However, because of the strong impact of public testimony coming from the community of Wrangell, we were able to make some significant gains back from the initial proposed cuts.

Although originally they suffered a 100 percent cut, our timber sales offices will be able to remain open. A successful amendment furthered by myself and others restored some funding for this program, allowing three positions to remain. This is a good thing for all of Southeast, as partial restoration will allow lumber mills and other processors to purchase state, Mental Health, and University of Alaska timber efficiently.

The Alaska Marine Highway System was initially targeted for a $9.8 million cut from the already-reduced Governor Walker budget. After intensive public testimony, $0.8 million of general funds money was restored. This, coupled with a shift of existing funds within the AMHS, will allow the ferry system to restore some of the projected reductions in ferry service for Southeast.

Representative Kito and I pushed an amendment on the house floor that would have removed $5 million from the Juneau Access road. That $5 million would have been redistributed—$3 million to aid the state deficit and $2 million to the Alaska Marine Highway System. The amendment did not pass. I also offered an amendment on the floor to reinstate the Wrangell trooper position. I fully recognize the necessity and importance of the trooper position for Wrangell. This amendment also did not pass, to my disappointment.

There is good news. We were able to restore funding to the Wrangell city jail, which will remain in operation and will continue to serve Southeast. We also had a successful showing in the House Transportation Committee during the public testimony portion of the hearing. Many folks from Wrangell and outlying areas called in to show their support for HB 53, sponsored by Rep. Kreiss-Tomkins and myself, which calls for DOT to hang public notices and hold a town hall meeting if requested, before spraying broadcast chemicals along roadways.

I’d like to thank everyone who showed to up the LIO to testify, attended the “town hall” style meeting with me, and those who call or write my office with their concerns and ideas. I very much value your input and couldn’t do my job without it.