LT. GOVERNOR'S REPORT

Loren Leman
State of Alaska Lt. Governor

Juneau, AK
Mar. 17, 2005

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

ANWR SUCCESS!:
Yesterday the U.S. Senate on a 51-49 vote defeated an amendment by Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) that would have removed authorization in the Senate budget resolution to open the 1002 Area of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil exploration. The measure still needs to pass the Senate. Once approved, it will then go to a House-Senate conference committee where the provision is expected to be included in the bill that will go to President Bush for his signature. While I am not willing to celebrate yet, this is a huge step to end the decades-long fight to open up this important area and provide a new source of energy, jobs and security for America. Congratulations Senators Stevens and Murkowski!

WILD IN BOSTON:
Carolyn and I represented Alaska at the International Boston Seafood Show last weekend. This is one of the largest seafood venues in the world. The State of Alaska hosted more than 700 people at our opening day "Go Wild in Boston" reception featuring wild Alaska seafood, actor Tom Skerritt, Alaska balladeer "Hobo" Jim, Mrs. Alaska Whitney Brewster and the King Cove Dancers. Special thanks go to Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development Commissioner Edgar Blatchford and Communications Specialist Tina Dickinson for a job well done. With the help of the Alaska seafood industry and their suppliers the reception was a tremendous success and created a huge "buzz" at the conference.

I am pleased to announce that the Lieutenant Governor's Report has a new feature beginning this week--audio files of my speeches and comments. There will be a variety of audio material in future Reports.

UNDER THE BURLED ARCH:
Congratulations to Robert Sorlie of Hurdal, Norway, winner of the 33rd Iditarod Sled Dog Race! Sorlie also won the race two years ago and joins an elite group of multiple winners. As I write this several mushers are still on the trail pushing to complete a race where just finishing is a triumph in itself.

BY THE BYWAY:
Today Deputy Commissioner John MacKinnon and I helped dedicate the North Richardson Byway in Interior Alaska. The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities recently designated this roadway an “Alaska Scenic Byway,” enhancing opportunities for tourism. Local, State and military officials met us for celebratory events in Delta Junction/Fort Greely, North Pole and Fairbanks.

SPECIAL OLYMPIANS:
I gave welcoming remarks at the 2005 Alaska Special Olympics on Friday—and declared the Games “officially open” for the 180 athletes. I have attended many Special Olympic events, including the World Games in Anchorage in 2001, and admire these athletes for their determination and skill, and commend their families and coaches for their encouragement and support. Each athlete who does his or her best leaves a winner.

YOUTHFUL DISCRETIONS:
Often we hear stories of young people who fail through making bad choices. The Spirit of Youth Foundation and its many sponsors celebrate young people who are doing good things, including volunteering for Youth Vote, media training and demonstrating leadership. Carolyn and I joined a packed crowd in the 4th Avenue Theater in downtown Anchorage Saturday to commend these leaders and their award winners.

DENALI COMMISSION LISTENS:
Tuesday afternoon federal co-chairman Jeff Staser and I listened to public testimony in Fairbanks on the Denali Commission's work, primarily in energy, health care and workforce training. This was one of several statewide hearings; the next will be April 27 in Kodiak. This is an opportunity for Alaskans to give feedback to the Denali Commission on its effectiveness. For additional information and a link to offer comment, visit the Commission’s website.

TO YOUR HEALTH:
On Tuesday evening Carolyn and I joined Dr. Brian Green, his co-worker Brenda Moore, their staff and friends at Christian Health Associates for a dinner celebrating the 10-year anniversary of this health care group. Dr. Green and Brenda Moore have been valuable contributors to the work of the FBCI Task Force. CHA provides medical, mental health and counseling services. Happy Birthday!

ALASKA SPRUCE MAKES THE GRADE:
Thanks to testing by the Ketchikan Wood Technology Center, the American Lumber Standards Committee has accepted Alaska Spruce as a unique timber species designation. Alaska Spruce will get its own grade stamp and trademark, a development that should help open new markets for Alaska wood.

HELPING THOSE WHO SERVE:
The House Military and Veteran’s Affairs Committee heard two important bills today-- HB 181 by Rep. John Coghill, to allow for waiver of continuing education requirements for occupational licensees who are on active military service, and SB 90 by Sen. Charlie Huggins, establishing October 18 as Alaska Territorial Guard Day. Both are worthy of support.

UPCOMING EVENTS:
Tomorrow morning I will attend a meeting with Deputy Commissioner of Health & Social Services Karleen Jackson and others on improving access to services for homeless families. On Saturday I will participate in the awards ceremonies at the Alaska State High School Basketball Championships at Service High School. Next Monday through Wednesday I will be in Juneau meeting with constituents and speaking to legislators about pending legislation.