NEWS: House Democrats Laud Successful Cook Inlet Lease Sale

Today, four members of the House Democratic Caucus said that today’s successful Cook Inlet lease sale was another reason for Alaskans to be optimistic about Alaska’s ability to meet long-term local energy needs with Alaskan gas.

“The industry’s renewed interest in Cook Inlet is not surprising given the incentives we’ve put in place and the real potential to find large amounts of untapped oil and gas,” said Representative Pete Petersen (D-Anchorage). “It shows they think there’s a lot of gas there, and that they’re willing to produce it. That’s good news for Alaska’s energy future.”

Rep. Kawasaki’s Juneau Note: Back in Action; FY13 Budget Review

Energy a Fairbanks Focus

Just yesterday, the Governor released the FY13 budgets and a bond bill for voters in November. While he admitted it is ‘healthy’, I am pleased both the Senate and the House stayed within the budget cap agreed upon before the session. To do this takes a strategic plan that covers the essentials needed to keep the state going, while promoting businesses, organizations, and projects that create strong commerce and communities.

Berta’s Briefings from Rep. Gardner: Gov’s Budget Announcements: Waldron Lake Approved, Voluntary Pre-K and Alcohol Treatment Cut

Today, the Governor announced his budget decisions, and I am very pleased to let you know that Waldron Lake has been saved and will remain an open space for children, families, fire-fighters, dog training clubs, varied wildlife and all the other users of this wonderful green space in the heart of our district. My deep gratitude goes to Senator Ellis who has championed this project, to Cherie Northon who has organized the support and to each and every person who wrote letters and emails to urge support of the project. Your effort shows that citizens can indeed make this happen.

Other approved projects in midtown Anchorage may have interest you…

Rep. Tuck’s Community Connection: Texting While Driving Banned Again and Info on Traffic Delays

As you prepare to start your weekend here are a few things to help make your travel safe and hassle free.

First, texting while driving became illegal again starting today. A previous law had not withstood court challenges, so the legislature rewrote the law this year and the governor signed it into law yesterday. From now on, reading or typing a message on a screened device while driving a moving vehicle is against the law.

Second, with the start of the summer construction season, traffic delays and road closures are going to increase. You can get information about which areas to avoid and alternate routes at the following link: Road Project Traffic Delays

Note from Rep. Gara: I’m Back and Reporting for Duty Sir / Ma’am!

Sorry I’ve been out of touch for a bit. As you may know, I had to leave Juneau a few days into special session for surgery, which turned out great. I’m on my way home today – to the relief of my nephews who’ve been humoring me, and listening to me gripe about the Red Sox for two and a half weeks. They’re Yankee fans. Booo!

NEWS: It’s Official: Texting While Driving Is Illegal in Alaska

Ban Signed Into Law Today

Today, thanks to legislation led by Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) and Representative Bill Thomas (R-Haines), Alaska’s strong anti-texting law is officially back on the books. Last year, a number of judges questioned whether the law at the time covered texting while driving, but the new law is clear—it is illegal to text while driving in Alaska.

Rep. Guttenberg’s Legisaltive Report: Insurance Coverage for Children, Moving Wall Dates, Redistricting Update

Friends and Neighbors,

The 27th Alaska State Legislature is finally over. Marilyn, Lily the Great Pyrenees and I have returned home to Fairbanks. We are taking advantage of this good weather and trying to get our garden ready.

I am working on a print newsletter that should be ready soon, to give you a look at what happened this year in Juneau. Please be on the lookout for that and important information on upcoming constituent meetings.

NEWS: House Democrats Call on NOAA to Assist With Tsunami Debris

“Tsunami debris threatens Alaskan coastal resources, communities and economies”

JUNEAU – Today, eight members of the Alaska House Democratic Caucus called on the federal government to create an aggressive plan to protect Alaska’s coastline from the threat posed by debris from last year’s tsunami in Japan.

“This debris could cause serious ecological, health and safety concerns for our coastal communities, not to mention significant economic impacts that could ripple throughout the state,” said House Democratic Leader Beth Kerttula (Juneau). “We know it’s coming—the first of it is already here. We need federal resources to get an idea of what we’re up against so we can develop the best way to deal with these waves of debris that could keep coming for months or more.”

Berta’s Briefings from Rep. Gardner: Public Meeting on Seward Highway Project This Thursday, May 3rd

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I wanted to give you a quick update on the Seward Highway Project (upgrading the stretch from from Dowling Road to Tudor Road). We just got word that a public open house is scheduled for the project on Thursday, May 3rd, between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm, at the Dimond Center Hotel, large conference room.

This phased multi-year highway widening project will involve construction and construction-related detours throughout the summer seasons of 2012 and 2013.

Rep. Tuck’s Community Connection: House Adjourns at 5:26 PM, Monday, April 30; Weekly Coffee Meetings to Resume

Dear Neighbors,

Yesterday at 5:26 pm the house adjourned from special session. With the passage of legislation toughening laws against sex trafficking and the Governor’s unprecedented withdrawal of his oil tax bill, the only issue remaining before the legislature was legislation promoting a small diameter gas pipeline from the North Slope to Nikiski.