Bill to Restrict Problem Drinkers Passes House Unanimously

        This weekend, the House of Representatives voted unanimously for my bill to reduce drunk driving deaths and injuries.  House Bill 14 requires a mark to be placed on driver’s licenses and State ID cards of drunk drivers under court order not to drink.  My proposal targets drunk drivers who have proven to the courts that their ability to consume alcohol should be restricted.  These new, marked licenses will alert bars and liquor stores that it is illegal for that person to buy alcohol, and people who violate their court orders can be punished with a $1000 fine.  

        Fourteen members of the House co-sponsored my bill.  House Bill 14 will be heard next by the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee.

Fair Share for Alaska’s Oil

        Recent allegations that some legislators accepted bribes in exchange for votes on last year’s oil tax legislation have cast a dark cloud over the Capitol.  These accusations call into serious question the merits on which the oil tax legislation passed the Legislature last year.  I stood against the change to a Petroleum Profits Tax (PPT) because it does not ensure Alaskans get a fair share of our oil revenue. 

        Alaskans get the maximum benefit when we collect revenues based on the gross value of our oil.  At the beginning of this session, I sponsored House Bill 89 to return to a tax on the gross, and that bill has languished in the House Oil and Gas Committee.  Now, many Alaskans are questioning the activities that contributed to the passage of the PPT.  In light of this, I believe the Governor should call us into a special session to consider returning to a tax on the gross.

Wind Energy Blowing Your Way

        The Legislature is making progress on bringing affordable wind power to Anchorage.  Chugach Electric may soon receive funding from the Legislature to begin construction of a wind farm on Fire Island.  The funds proposed in this year’s capital budget will come from the Railbelt Energy Fund.

        I have long supported the Fire Island Wind Farm to bring clean, renewable and affordable energy to power Anchorage homes. 

Goal: Youth Soccer Fields

        Eastside residents have longed for neighborhood soccer fields where our children can play.  This dream will soon become a reality as construction of the Totem Soccer Fields, near 36^th and Muldoon, will begin this summer.  I have worked with the Anchorage School District, the Municipality of Anchorage and the Legislature to bring this idea to fruition.  I am also working with Operating Engineers, Laborers and other members of our community to secure volunteer labor to keep costs down.         

        The capital budget, which should be approved by the Legislature in the next few days, will provide the funds necessary for the fields to be constructed.  Soon, our families will be able to enjoy youth soccer games on neighborhood fields.