In front of Alaska's Capitol Building, a group from the University of Alaska exhibited a puzzle reinforcing the message of "Get Connected". Senators French and Ellis participated by placing the center piece, an Alaska State Seal.
 

Senator Lincoln Announces Her Retirement
Voice for Rural Alaska Will Not Seek Another Term

Senator Georgianna "Georg" Lincoln (D-Rampart) today announced she would not seek another term in the Alaska State Legislature. The 14-year lawmaker is known as strong voice for rural Alaska and earned a revered reputation for her tireless advocacy for children.

Senators Hollis French and Johnny Ellis hold up the center puzzle piece, the Alaska State Seal, during the event in front of the Capitol
Senator Lincoln announces her decision to not seek another term in the Legislature.
Lincoln made the announcement during a "Native Issues Forum" luncheon at the Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall in Juneau, where she shared the bill with Representative Albert Kookesh (D-Angoon).

The Senator asked the assembled crowd to celebrate the growth and progress of the Alaska Native community. She recalled the years before Native land claims and the ascension of the Native regional corporations. "We have come so far," she said, "and we have so much to look forward to in the future. I have searched my heart and know it is the right time."

Rosita Worl presented Lincoln with a Tlingit blanket, symbolically wrapping the lawmaker in gratitude for her lifetime of accomplishments. "Georg has been serving our community for her entire life," she said gratefully.

Lincoln represents Senate District C, the largest district in the United States.

Representative Moses’s Bill to Give Aid to Municipalities
Passes Community and Regional Affairs

House Bill 431, sponsored by Representative Carl Moses (D-Unalaska), will establish a Municipal Dividend program that would aid municipalities with state appropriations allocated for unrestricted use by local governments in their greatest time of need. Uncertain state funding has affected local governments ability to plan and budget properly, and more recently, to absorb the brunt of many state budget cuts.

This plan would provide approximately $157 million annually to municipalities by accessing surplus earnings of the Permanent Fund. The distribution to municipalities would be made only after Permanent Fund Dividends and inflation proofing are provided for. Based on annual Permanent Fund earnings, if the amount appropriated were not sufficient to fully fund municipal dividends, the amount to each municipality would be reduced on a pro-rata basis. Under HB 431, the amount going to each municipality would be determined by population and a per head allocation. Population criteria would be the number of local PFD recipients and the allocations would be $250 per head, with a minimum to any municipality of $40,000 annually.

House Bill 431 now goes to House State Affairs.

Representative Kerttula’s Bill To Aid Young Employees
Passes House Labor and Commerce


Representative Beth Kerttula

House Bill 430, sponsored by Representative Beth Kerttula (D-Juneau) will change current law that requires parental permission for 18-year-olds who are legal adults to work in establishments that serve alcohol. House Bill 430 would allow 18-year-olds to work in these establishments without parental permission. Under law, they still would not be able to sell, serve, deliver or dispense alcoholic beverages. This change would clear up difficulties that 18-year-olds have had in finding gainful employment.

House Bill 430 now goes to House Judiciary.

Upcoming Events-

Thursday March 4th, Friday March 5th, Saturday March 6th - House Finance Committee will take public testimony on the operating budget. More details soon.

Putting Alaskans First - Moving Alaska Forward