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The State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) refused to hold public hearings on their proposed regulations that would allow the aerial application of pesticides for forestry purposes. Citizens wanting to weigh in on the proposed regulations feel the department is acting irresponsibly by not holding public hearings.

In response to requests from constituents and concerned citizens Senators Johnny Ellis (D-Anchorage) and Kim Elton (D-Juneau) decided to sponsor a public meeting so that individuals could have the forum they requested to express their thoughts. The "People's Public Hearing" was held Tuesday night. Senator Hollis French (D-Anchorage) and Representatives Les Gara (D-Anchorage), Beth Kerttula (D-Juneau), Ethan Berkowitz (D-Anchorage), Sharon Cissna (D-Anchorage), David Guttenberg (D-Fairbanks) and Paul Seaton (R-Homer) also attended. Over 60 people spoke at the meeting from Legislative Information Offices in Anchorage and Sitka, at the capitol in Juneau, and by telephone. The overwhelming majority of the participants said no to DEC's proposed regulations.

Comments on the regulations are due tomorrow, May 1. You can send comments to the State, via Kimberly Stryker, Division of Environmental Health, Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, 555 Cordova St, Anchorage, Alaska 99501, by facsimile at (907) 269-7510, or by e-mail at Kimberly_Stryker@dec.state.ak.us. You can view the proposed regulations at http://www.state.ak.us/dec/dec_cal.htm#90.

Senator Guess's Commemorative License Plates for Veterans Bill Passes Senate Finance

Senator Guess's Senate Bill 146, which will allow the DMV to issue special request plates commemorating Alaska veterans, passed the Senate Finance committee today. The license plates could be purchased for a one-time fee of $100, with a biennial renewal fee of $35. The money raised would be available to support programs benefiting Alaska veterans, including an Alaska Veterans’ Home.

Senate Bill 146 goes to the Rules committee and then the Senate floor.

UPCOMING:

Thursday, May 1, 2003-

Senate Bill 13, sponsored by Senators Kim Elton (D-Juneau) and John Cowdery, to limit the practice of credit scoring by insurance companies will be heard in the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee at 1:30 pm.