LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR'S REPORT

Lt. Governor Loren Leman
Juneau, AK
June 24, 2004

SPECIAL SESSION DEVELOPMENTS:
The Legislature gaveled in on Tuesday for the start of its special session called by Governor Murkowski. As of this writing, the House passed a tobacco tax bill which the Senate generally concurred with except for Court Rule changes which were defeated in a 9-9 vote. Both houses agreed to work with the Administration to address fuel issues in rural Alaska and adjourned the special session. In committees these last few days, the Legislature debated proposals changing how earnings from the Permanent Fund are calculated and distributed; workers’ compensation changes; the tobacco tax increase and a proposed bond package. Updated information is available at the Legislature's website.

A WHALE OF A TIME:
The fine folks in Barrow picked the longest day of the year for their whaling festival, Nalukataq. I was pleased to be invited to join in this celebration, as well as meet with City, Borough and Arctic Slope Regional Corporation leaders to discuss a proposed stratigraphic well near Camden Bay, other oil and gas development and local search and rescue operations. I toured the new “One-stop” Job Center with Employee Service Manager Noni Burno. I experienced some new tastes of whale, including the intestine, kidney and heart. Plus goose, caribou and reindeer soup. Everything was delicious--and it was good to see such strong community support for local hunting traditions. I am especially thankful to Arnold Brower, Jr. for his hospitality and transportation around this community of 4,500, the farthest north community in Alaska. Senator Donny Olson, whose district includes the North Slope Borough, was able to attend as well, before we both headed to Juneau for the start of the special session.

PENINSULA PREPARES PUPILS:
On Friday I was in Homer to speak to students who completed Project GRAD's two-week Summer Institute. The program introduces high school students to the culture of college through instruction in math, writing, resume building and study skills. Students also have an opportunity to earn scholarship money for college. I was joined by Dr. Donna Peterson, Superintendent of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, and Heather Pancratz, Executive Director of Project GRAD. It was exciting to see young people from different cultures become friends and work together to complete their projects, including construction of a Mongolian yurt, using math principles learned in class. The Summer Institute is just one aspect of Project GRAD, which works with teachers and parents in Nikolaevsk, Voznesenka, Tyonek, Nanwalek, Ninilchik, Razdolna and Port Graham to help support academic achievement.

KOKRINE HILLS TURNS 40:
On Sunday, June 13 I joined my friends, pilot Art Mathias and passenger John Binkley, in flying from Anchorage to Kokrine Hills Bible Camp on the Yukon River to celebrate the 40th anniversary of this camping ministry. Former Governor Jay Hammond was the featured speaker. We also heard encouraging words from founders, Russ and Freda Arnold and current directors Roger and Carole Huntington.

38th ALASKA BOYS STATE:
I joined the attendees, their parents and siblings at the closing ceremonies for Boys State last Saturday in Wasilla. This annual event teaches young people about our representative form of government and is sponsored by the American Legion. I shared thoughts about the price of freedom and the challenges facing our State before "inaugurating" the impressive, newly elected leaders. I attended the first Alaska Boys State 37 years ago. We were assisted then by State Representative Ted Stevens and Anchorage Mayor Elmer Rasmuson, among other Alaskan leaders.

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION:
I joined my former colleague Senator Bettye Davis and spoke last Saturday at the Juneteenth celebration in downtown Anchorage. This event celebrates freedom attained by former slaves following the Civil War.

FATHER’S DAY:
I hope you enjoyed Father's Day as much as I did. I was treated to an outdoor lunch on a beautiful day at home after attending church with my family. Later I was able to talk with my father, who has been a very big influence in my life.

STAFF TRANSITION:
Next Thursday, July 1, my scheduler Janine (Smith) Wilkinson will leave my office as she prepares to relocate with her husband Ryan to Arizona for Ryan’s graduate school. Janine has been a valuable part of my office, and I will miss her. Kris Showalter takes over her duties. Welcome, Kris!

ART PHOTOGRAPHY:
I mentioned the quality oil paintings by Ninilchik students in my last Report, and received requests for photos. These paintings deserve a wider audience, and here are some samples.

UPCOMING EVENTS:
Next Tuesday I will participate in the opening of Concourse C at Anchorage International Airport and join members of the Faith-Based & Community Initiatives Task Force in teaching a seminar at the Leadership Forum: Building Knowledge-Based Economies conference being held at the Captain Cook Hotel.