Friends and Neighbors,

This week I wanted to send out a quick update on the Operating Budget that passed the House this week. The Operating Budget will now be passed to the Senate for their amendments.

In reaction to the devastating events in Japan we are all sending our thoughts and wishes to those across the ocean. Please check out the section on what do to in an earthquake.

Members of the House who supported HCR 8 “TSA Screening Procedures”, which sends a message to Congress to find a less invasive way to carry out pat down procedures.

Operating Budget Passes the House

The FY 2012 Operating Budget passed the House this week and will head over to the Senate. The Budget has never been an easy process but from my time as a staffer in the early nineties it has become a lot more transparent.

This year from my seat on House Finance I was able to fight to put money back in for the University, Fairbanks and Statewide programs. While not every program made it, we did secure funding for many important programs previously cut:

• UAF summer camps for math and engineering
• Partial restoration of broad education cuts
• Therapeutic Courts
• Public broadcasting for rural Alaska
• Child Protection programs
• University of Alaska Honors College

Many individuals and groups testified in support of numerous programs. I appreciate everyone who did so and urge you to contact the Senate Finance Committee to keep up the pressure. The Budget now heads to the Senate where another opportunity will arise to secure funding for any programs that were not funded by the House, or to keep items funded. Please contact the office of Senator Thomas at 456-8161 for information on the Senate hearing schedule.

A Little Planning Can Save A Life in an Earthquake

The horrible events in Japan are a reminder that we must all be prepared for a major earthquake in Alaska. Alaska experiences more earthquakes than any other state in the U.S. Earthquakes can happen at any time of year so it is important to have a safety plan for you and your family. The other day I came across this quick fact sheet . Please take a moment to look at it, it may save your life.

Alaska and Hawaii have very advanced earthquake and tsunami monitoring systems. Right in Fairbanks the UAF Geophysical Institute monitors activity across the world. Their website provides interesting information on earthquakes and more information on being prepared.

Thank you for reading and please feel free to call my office and share your ideas.