Representative Moses's Bill to Aid Workers in
Southwest Alaska Passes Senate

Representative Carl Moses

House Bill 123, sponsored [sponsor statement] by Representative Carl Moses (D-Unalaska), would add the Southwest Alaska Vocational & Education Center in King Salmon to the roster of entities eligible for allocated funding under the Alaska Workforce Investment Board (formerly Alaska Human Resource Investment Council). These entities are not currently among the program participants afforded a regular allocation under the Alaska Workforce Investment Board. In the case of the Center at King Salmon, it is a struggling regional training center in the heart of the worst failed salmon fishery in Alaska. This bill would require the expenditure of no new money, only reallocate whatever funds are appropriated to the program.

The Center at King Salmon provides ongoing skill development and retraining services in several areas of potential reemployment for local residents, including skills in the construction trades, energy development, heavy equipment operation, computer hardware, commercial operators' licenses, refrigeration, and welding, just to name a few. The center is uniquely positioned to train the workforce likely needed to support oil and gas development now identified in this region.

House Bill 123 now goes to the Governor for his signature.

Gruenberg's Lifesaving CO Detector Bill Passes Senate

House Bill 351, sponsored [sponsor statement] by Representative Max Gruenberg (D-Anchorage) and Representative Carl Gatto (R-Palmer), will require carbon monoxide detection devices in dwellings already required to have smoke detection devices. A recent tragedy in Anchorage where all five members of a family were killed prompted the introduction of this legislation.

The bill adds carbon monoxide detection devices to the requirement in Alaska state stature (AS 18.70.095) that homeowners install and maintain smoke detectors and adds that landlords shall install the devices to be maintained by their tenants.

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, carbon monoxide poisoning is the leading cause of accidental poisoning in American annually and is responsible for 40,000 emergency room visits nationwide.

House Bill 351 now goes to the Governor for his signature.

Olson's Resolution to Recognize the Late
Senator Frank Ferguson Passes Senate

Senator Donny Olson

Senate Joint Resolution 3, sponsored by Senator Donny Olson (D-Nome), Commemorates the many important contributions of former Senator Frank Ferguson. Senator Ferguson served in the Alaska State Legislature for sixteen years, in the House of Representatives from 1972 until 1976 and in the Alaska Senate until 1987. His area of responsibility included the vast regions of Alaska served by the regional hubs of Nome, Kotzebue and Barrow.

The resolution is to give recognition to Senator Ferguson, who passed away this summer, and to establish a large plaque in the capitol for recognizing Senators in the future since the possibilities for naming committee rooms, etc. are limited.

Upcoming Events-
Monday, May 10th - The Joint Legislative Health Caucus, co chaired by Rep.
Cissna and Senator Donny Olson, will hold a statewide teleconference.

'Targeting Access: Alaskans Talk About the Week of the Uninsured' will coincide with the kick off of the National Cover the Uninsured Week. All Alaskans are encouraged to call in and share their perspective on access to affordable health care insurance. For information on how to participate, please call Representative Sharon Cissna's Juneau office toll free at 1-800-395-5073.

Tuesday, May 11th - 23rd Legislature Adjourns!! Or will we? Stay tuned.

Putting Alaskans First - Moving Alaska Forward