INTERIM REPORT

Senator Loren Leman
Senate Majority Leader
Anchorage, AK
November 1, 2002

WORKING TOWARD SELF-SUFFICIENCY: On Monday, October 28, I attended a joint meeting of the Senate and House Health, Education and Social Service committees, co-chaired by Sen. Lyda Green and Rep. Fred Dyson. We heard testimony from Alaska Division of Public Assistance (DPA) management on their implementation of House Bill 402, passed last May, which continues our efforts to emphasize work and self-sufficiency as the goal of State temporary assistance programs.

While progress has been made in shifting emphasis from benefits to employment, some legislators questioned whether DPA is using the sanctions and other tools given to them in HB 402 as intended to help recipients meet family self-sufficiency plans. This issue will need to be revisited during transition to the next Administration and during the next Legislature.

BACK TO SCHOOL: One of the things I've enjoyed most during my travels across Alaska this fall is visiting with students and discussing government and the legislative process. These include high school students in Valdez, Ninilchik, Healy, Bethel, and Service, Dimond, East and Grace Christian in Anchorage, as well as University students in Fairbanks, Anchorage, Juneau, Glennallen and Valdez. I've met many outstanding young people on these visits, and I expect to see some of them in leadership positions in our State.

TALKING SALMON: The Joint Salmon Industry Legislative Task Force, formed during the last legislative session, has continued its work this fall with a number of hearings around Alaska. Subcommittees on production, quality, finance, marketing and governance have produced reports that are available, along with public comments and other information, at www.ufa-fish.org.

You can send comments through the end of November to the website or to: Joint Salmon Industry Legislative Task Force, 716 W. 4th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501. The full Task Force meets December 15 and 16 to discuss how to integrate this information into a program to improve the economics of this important industry.

ELECTION TUESDAY! An election to determine our new Governor and Lieutenant Governor, 57 members of the Legislature, and two members of our Congressional delegation will be held on Tuesday, November 5.

In addition, the ballot contains three bond issues, three propositions and retention questions for judges.

The bond issues are: Proposition A, Veterans Residential Mortgage Bonds Proposition B, Transportation Projects Proposition C, Educational and Museum Facilities

The propositions are: Ballot Measure No. 1--Shall there be a Constitutional Convention? Ballot Measure No. 2--Moving Location of Legislative Sessions Ballot Measure No. 3--Gas Pipeline Development Authority

For details on propositions, issues and candidates see here:

This site also provides information on precincts and election law. I encourage you to get educated and vote like your future depends on it! it does!