REPORT FROM JUNEAU: Week 8
By Senator Loren Leman
March 2, 2001

WHAT’S NEW: Two bills I introduced this week will assist us in achieving our Majority legislative priorities. Senate Bill 121, Right-of Way Leasing Act, clarifies an important term that otherwise might cause unnecessary delays in permitting for a gas commercialization project. Right now a "substantial change" in an application can force it start over at the beginning, but there is no definition of "substantial change." SB 121 rectifies that.

Senate Bill 128, introduced Thursday, addresses some of the challenges that have come up in discussions of the competency tests that will be required for a high school diploma. This bill maintains mandatory testing but extends the date for required passage to receive a diploma two years to 2004. Students who pass the exams will receive endorsements of their competency in each area passed (reading, writing and math) on their diplomas and transcripts starting next year. This endorsement provision sunsets in 2004, after which passage of all three parts of the test will be required for a diploma.

Finally, on Wednesday I introduced SCR 6, which declares April 2001 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. It is a companion to a resolution (HCR7) introduced in the House by Rep. Kevin Meyer. Sexual assault and the sexual abuse of women and children are far too common in Alaska, and this measure will help increase awareness and get people involved in preventing these devastating crimes. You can track legislation at www.legis.state.ak.us/basis

TWO GREAT BILLS PASS ON: I refer not to legislation this time but to two great Alaskans who passed away this week. Bill Wood, former President of the University of Alaska and mayor of Fairbanks, died Sunday at 94. He helped build our University from a single campus of 921 students in 1960 to a statewide institution of over 5,000 when he retired in 1973. Later, he accomplished an enormous amount to improve life in his hometown of Fairbanks. Bill Stolt, three-term mayor of Anchorage during the 1940’s, died Tuesday after 100 years of life, 83 of them in Anchorage. He often said that at one time he knew practically everybody in town. Both Bills contributed greatly to Alaska, and I will miss them.

NEW ALASKAN IS BORN: Paul Roetman, a member of my staff, and his wife Jenny are the proud parents of a baby boy born Thursday. Ethan, their fourth son, weighed 8 lbs. 13 oz. He and his mother are doing fine. Congratulations!

WELCOME NEW YOUNG CITIZENS: In a special program on Wednesday in Anchorage, 50 young children adopted by Alaskans became citizens. Two of the families are dear friends of ours whose daughters came from Russia. They have a special place in our hearts.

MEETINGS AND GREETINGS: Alaska school boards and representatives were in Juneau this week and I met with a number of the delegations. The main topics were, not surprisingly, budgets and the high school competency exams. On Thursday I met with United Fisherman of Alaska and we talked about the challenges the industry is facing and how it can plan for a viable future. In a world badly in need of protein there must be a way for Alaska fishermen to prosper, and we will find it. To learn more about UFA go to www.ufa-fish.org

MONEY MATTERS: The budget process is moving along steadily and fairly smoothly. The Senate Finance Committee held hearings on the capital budget and both of the supplemental bills (fast track and "slow track") this week. I expect the fast track supplemental to reach the Senate floor the week of March 12. As I mentioned two weeks ago the Governor requested $2 million for his Gas Gang (Pipeline Office) but we have decided that the job can be done for $600,000, saving the State $1.4 million. As former U.S. Senator Everett Dirksen once said, "A million here and a million there and pretty soon you're talking about real money."

The Legislature will not be on its usual schedule next week. Some legislators will be in Washington D.C. for Energy Council meetings and there will be no floor sessions until Wednesday. I'll be helping the Special Olympics. If you have a chance I encourage you to visit the events during the week. Best wishes to our Alaska athletes!

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