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Alerts Page "An Informed Voter Is The Best Defense Against Bad Government"
22nd Legislature 2001-2002
Color code: Red = Tax bill; Green = Spending or excessive budget bill; Pink = Constitutional amendments; Gold = Bills GOOD for Alaska HOUSE BILLS
HB 10 Income TAX Bill Sponsored by Representative MOSES. “For each taxable year or fractional part of a taxable year after December 31, 2001, there is imposed a tax upon the taxable income of every resident, nonresident, and part-year resident individual and fiduciary of the state. Rate begins at 5% to 10%, by 2004 it’s 15% to 20
HB 20 Aid to Municipalities and Others SPENDING bill Sponsored by Representatives MOSES, Davies, Foster, Wilson, Hudson, Mulder, Bunde, Stevens, Joule, James, Kapsner, and Lancaster. "An Act relating to state aid to municipalities and certain other recipients, and for the village public safety officer program; relating to municipal dividends; relating to the public safety foundation program; and providing for an effective date." Increases funding from $51,000,000. to $89,000,000. and changes funding source from General Fund to Surplus of the Earnings Reserve Account of the Permanent Fund.
HJR 25 Amend constitution making it more DIFFICULT to petition the government Introduced by Representative WILLIAMS, and Wilson, and similar to HB 213. Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to initiative and referendum petitions. This bill will make it more difficult for us to petition our government. Who will benefit by this change to our constitution?
HJR 34 Resolution encouraging US Congress to SPEND more tax money! Sponsored by Representative JAMES. Requesting the members of the Alaska delegation in the United States Senate to urge the Majority Leader of the United States Senate to allow President George W. Bush's economic security package to receive a vote. This resolution encourages our National Congress to support another irresponsible spending bill. In the past, our State Legislature has failed to show any fiscal constraint. Now they are encouraging the National Congress to do the same (not that they need much encouragement!).
HB 35 Distribution of Permanent Fund Income for more government SPENDING Sponsored by Representative HUDSON. "An Act relating to the market value of the permanent fund and to distribution of income of the permanent fund; and providing for an effective date."
HJR 36 Amend Constitution to cap new TAXES Sponsored by Representatives CROFT, and Hayes. Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to limiting the rate of state individual income taxes and sales taxes. The rate of an individual income tax levied by the State may not exceed five percent of federal adjusted gross income, as that term is in federal tax law. The rate of a sales tax levied by the State may not exceed five percent of the sale price. This subsection does not limit the rate of a sales tax levied by a municipality.
HB 96 Begins process of purchasing and renovating the Jesse Lee Home. Sponsored by Representative LANCASTER. Initial cost is $45,000 but will cost millions before completed.
HB 103 Operating Budget for fiscal year 2002. Sponsored by the House Finance Committee: (MULDER/WILLIAMS, Bunde, Foster, Harris, Hudson, Lancaster, Whitaker, Croft, Davies, and Moses). Our total cost: $4,501,977,100 ($4.5 BILLION dollars!)
HB 104 Mental Health Budget for fiscal year 2002. Sponsored by the House Finance Committee: (MULDER/WILLIAMS, Bunde, Foster, Harris, Hudson, Lancaster, Whitaker, Croft, Davies, and Moses). Our total cost: $146,277,500.
HB 117 Supplemental SPENDING bill. Sponsored by the House Rules Committee: (KOTT, Kohring, McGuire, Morgan, Porter, Berkowitz, and Joule), at the request of Governor Knowles. Our total cost: $28,160,769.
HB 175: GRANTS or NO INTEREST LOANs to UTILITIES. Sponsored by Representatives LANCASTER, Harris, Green, Kookesh, and Mulder. Takes an additional $95,700,000 of OUR dollars from the Constitutional Budget Reserve account and GIVES it AWAY!!!
HB 189 repealed statutory provisions relating to term limits and term limit pledges. Sponsored by the Judiciary Committee. Referred to two committees in the House and one in the Senate.
HB 193 CLOSED PRIMARY ELECTION. Sponsored by the House Rules Committee: (KOTT, Kohring, McGuire, Morgan, Porter, Berkowitz, and Joule), by request of Governor Knowles. Additional cost to administer a closed primary system are: $5,200 in even numbered years, and $269,500 in odd numbered years!
HB 199 Another Income TAX Bill Sponsored by Representatives HUDSON, and Scalzi. “For calendar year 2002, the tax under this section is one percent of the individual's income; for each calendar year after 2002, the tax under this section is two and one-fourth percent of the individual's taxable income.
HB 208 State pays to organize aquatic site leases for farming of shellfish Sponsored by Representatives SCALZI, Chenault, Lancaster, Harris, Hudson, James, McGuire, Green, Senators Leman, Taylor, and Austerman. Cost for first two years is $222,200. Benefits a few fisherman and two full time state employees at the expense of everyone else.
HB 213 Makes petitioning the government more DIFFICULT Introduced by Representative WILLIAMS. "An Act relating to initiative and referendum petitions; and providing for an effective date." This bill make it more difficult for us to petition our government. Who will benefit by this legislation?
HB 225 Alcohol TAX Sponsored by Representatives MURKOWSKI, Hudson, Halcro, and Crawford. Taxes $1.07 a gallon for malt or cider beverages; $2.50 a gallon for beverage with less than 21% alcohol content; and $12.80 a gallon for beverage with 21% or more alcohol content.
HB 229 Education TAX Bill Sponsored by Representative STEVENS. “There is imposed a tax of $100 a year on each individual 19 years of age or older and employed, including self-employed, in the state”.
HB 241 Rail and Utility Corridor to Canada
Sponsored by Representatives JAMES, Dyson, McGuire, Scalzi,
Wilson, Foster, Whitaker, Fate, Morgan, Davies, Hayes, Harris, Green, and
Senator Therriault.
Act
relating to a railroad utility corridor for extension of the Alaska
Railroad to Canada and to extension of the Alaska Railroad to Whitehorse,
Yukon, Canada." Instead of spending hundreds of millions of OUR dollars
on this "project to nowhere". Why don't we sell the choo choo trains,
and let someone else wear the funny striped hats? Current management
has been having a hard time keeping the trains on tracks anyway.
Let's get out from under all that liability, and let PRIVATE
ENTERPRISE take over! No cost estimate is available at this
time, but it's safe to assume there will be a HUGE pile of tax
dollars involved. HB 258 A 2% TAX on Gross Business Receipts Sponsored by Representatives SCALZI, and Hudson. “In addition to the $25 due (business license fee) under (a) of this section, a person shall pay a tax equal to two percent of the gross receipts from the business during the year for which the license is issued”.
HB
302: Creates the Alaska Gas Corporation.
HB 303 Income TAX Bill Sponsored by Representatives WHITAKER, Davies, Fate, and Lancaster. “An Act relating to taxation of individual income; etc."
HB 304 Distribution of Permanent Fund Income for more government SPENDING Sponsors are Representatives WHITAKER, Davies, Mulder, and Fate. "An Act relating to disposition of income of the permanent fund; and providing for an effective date." This would raid the earnings reserve account of the permanent fund for general state spending.
HB 324 Homeland “security” SPENDING bill Introduced by the House Rules Committee: (KOTT, Kohring, McGuire, Morgan, Porter, Berkowitz, and Joule), by request of Governor Knowles. In the legislation it clearly states; “No community, state, or nation will ever have the wealth to meet all responsibilities of government while building a stand-alone system that focuses solely on protection from terrorism”. There are already over 20,000 armed forces personnel, troopers, fish & wildlife protection officers, air guard, army guard, state guard, local police, village public safety officers, etc. protecting Alaska. This means one well armed and equipped uniformed guard for every thirty citizens. How much MORE do we really need? Our total cost: $102,138,100 .
HB 333 Extend the Regulatory Commission of AK SPENDING bill
Sponsored by House Finance
Committee: (MULDER/WILLIAMS, Bunde, Foster, Harris, Hudson,
Lancaster, Whitaker, Croft, Davies, and Moses).
"An Act extending the termination date of the Regulatory Commission
of Alaska; to June 30, 2006".
This bill will cost us $30,015,500
in fees and taxes over the next 5 years!!! How much regulation
can we really afford these days? I see it on my utility bills every
month and wonder why we need them! HB 334 GRANT to oil industry lobbyist Sponsored by the House Finance Committee: MULDER/WILLIAMS, Bunde, Foster, Harris, Hudson, Lancaster, Whitaker, Croft, Davies, and Moses. "An Act making appropriations for a GRANT to Arctic Power to promote the opening of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil and gas exploration and development; and providing for an effective date." Total bill cost: $1,100,000
HB 335 Operating budget SPENDING bill Introduced by the House Rules Committee: (KOTT, Kohring, McGuire, Morgan, Porter, Berkowitz, and Joule), by request of Governor Knowles. "An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state, for certain programs, and to capitalize funds; making appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska, from the constitutional budget reserve fund; and providing for an effective date. Total spending: $4,809,926,400.
HB 336 Mental Health Budget SPENDING bill Introduced by the House Rules Committee: (KOTT, Kohring, McGuire, Morgan, Porter, Berkowitz, and Joule), by request of Governor Knowles . "An Act making appropriations for the operating and capital expenses of the state's integrated comprehensive mental health program; and providing for an effective date." Total spending: $155,833,800.
HB 337 Re-appropriations & Capital appropriations SPENDING bill Introduced by the House Rules Committee: (KOTT, Kohring, McGuire, Morgan, Porter, Berkowitz, and Joule), by request of Governor Knowles. "An Act making capital appropriations and reappropriations, and capitalizing funds; making appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska, from the constitutional budget reserve fund; and providing for an effective date." Our total cost: $954,811,973.
HB 344 Increases Driver's License TAX by 50%. Sponsored by the House Rules Committee: (KOTT, Kohring, McGuire, Morgan, Porter, Berkowitz, and Joule). "An Act increasing fees for driver's licenses, instruction permits, and identification cards; and providing for an effective date."
HB 349 Require State Agencies to prioritize services, become more efficient Sponsored by Representative DYSON, Ogan, Foster, James, Meyer, and Rokeberg. "An Act relating to agency programs and financial plans." The agencies shall assure the development of a statewide system of results-based government designed to increase efficiency and effectiveness of state programs and services. This forces each agency to prioritize the service offered, and allows the legislature to review, and make cuts as dictated by the budget. Definitely worthy of our SUPPORT!
HB 355 Mobile Telecommunications TAX Sponsored by the House Labor & Commerce Committee: MURKOWSKI, Halcro, Kott, Meyer, Rokeberg, Crawford, and Hayes. "An Act relating to the taxation of mobile telecommunications services by municipalities; and providing for an effective date."
HB 359 Marketing GRANT for tourism industry Sponsored by the House Finance Committee: (MULDER/WILLIAMS, Bunde, Foster, Harris, Hudson, Lancaster, Whitaker, Croft, Davies, and Moses). “An Act making a supplemental appropriation for tourism marketing efforts; and providing for an effective date." Our total cost is: $6,000,000.
HB 360 GRANT to private industry. Sponsored by Representative STEVENS. "An Act making appropriations to the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute for generic salmon marketing; and providing for an effective date”. Our total cost: $12,000,000
HB 366 17% rate increase SPENDING bill for assisted care facilities Sponsored by Representatives COGHILL, James, and Dyson. "An Act relating to assisted living homes; and providing for an effective date." This bill gives assisted living facilities a 17% rate raise. Can we really afford to consider this cost increase given the huge budget deficit?
HB 368 Fisheries enhancement loans & GRANTS Sponsored by Representatives HARRIS, Dyson, Hudson, Kookesh, Masek, Williams, Scalzi, Stevens, Wilson, McGuire, and Kerttula. This bill will "make grants for organizational and planning purposes to qualified regional associations that have formed a nonprofit corporation, in amounts not exceeding $100,000 per region and up to an additional $100,000 on a 50/50 cash matching basis with the regional associations". Source of funding? Our total cost?
HB 380 Reimburse Certain Retiree Medicare Charge Sponsored by Representatives JAMES, Hayes, and Hudson. "An Act relating to reimbursement for certain Medicare premium charges for persons receiving benefits from the teachers' retirement system, the judicial retirement system, the elected public officers retirement system, and the public employees' retirement system." Where is this money coming from?
HB 398 Distribution of Permanent Fund Income for more government SPENDING Sponsors are representatives SCALZI, Mulder, and Stevens. "An Act relating to disposition of income of the Alaska permanent fund; and providing for an effective date."
HB 401 : Motor Vehicles And Motor Fuel TAX Sponsored by Representative DAVIES. An Act increasing the motor fuel tax levied and collected on motor vehicles and on certain fuel for internal combustion engines not used in or in conjunction with a motor vehicle; directing separate accounting of amounts derived from motor vehicle licensing, registration, and transfers and related activities; authorizing the appropriation of the proceeds of the motor fuel tax on motor vehicles and the amounts separately accounted for in the special highway fuel tax account to meet the costs of activities relating to motor vehicle licensing and registration and for the uses identified in the law establishing the account; and providing for an effective date.
HB 402 Alaska Temporary Assistance Program Sponsored by the House Health, Education, & Social Services Committee (DYSON, Wilson, Coghill, Kohring, Stevens, Cissna, and Joule). "An Act relating to diversion payments, wage subsidies, cash assistance, and self- sufficiency services provided under the Alaska temporary assistance program; relating to the food stamp program; relating to child support cases that include persons who receive cash assistance or self-sufficiency services under the Alaska temporary assistance program; and providing for an effective date."
"Although this proposed legislation may allow more than 20% of the eligible ATAP caseload to receive benefits beyond 60 months, there are no projected financial impacts. The ATAP program is funded in part by the federal TANF block grant which does not vary regardless of the number of families served. Also, federal law requires the State to contribute a fixed amount of state funds toward the program, called maintenance of effort (MOE). Additionally, the provision that will allow the Department to offer transitional supportive services to clients no longer receiving a cash benefit will result is more families remaining off the program, thus reducing costs in the Temporary Assistance benefits component."
HB 403 Operating Budget SPENDING bill Introduced by the House Finance Committee (MULDER/WILLIAMS, Bunde, Foster, Harris, Hudson, Lancaster, Whitaker, Croft, Davies, and Moses). This bill adds 628 new permanent full time, 37 temporary, and cuts 24 permanent part time employee positions from the FY 02 enacted budget. It also INCREASES SPENDING of general purpose funds by $1,550,500, of Federal restricted funds by $237,200,400, and "other funds" by $396,457,900. Major funding source this year is the constitutional budget reserve fund which is where the PFD comes from. Total spending INCREASE from FY 02: $635,208,800 plus 614 new positions!
HB 404 Mental Health Budget SPENDING bill Introduced by the House Finance Committee (MULDER/WILLIAMS, Bunde, Foster, Harris, Hudson, Lancaster, Whitaker, Croft, Davies, and Moses). "An Act making appropriations for the operating and capital expenses of the state's integrated comprehensive mental health program; and providing for an effective date." Our total cost: $155,833,800
HB 413 Income TAX Bill Introduced by the House Rules Committee (KOTT, Kohring, McGuire, Morgan, Porter, Berkowitz, and Joule), by request of Governor Knowles. "An Act relating to the imposition of an income tax on individuals, estates, and trusts. Our cost is between 5% and 20% depending on how thrifty the legislature is.
HB 414 Supplemental Appropriations: fast track” SPENDING bill Introduced by the House Rules Committee (KOTT, Kohring, McGuire, Morgan, Porter, Berkowitz, and Joule), by request of Governor Knowles. "An Act making supplemental and other appropriations; amending appropriations; and providing for an effective date."
HB 415 Supplemental Appropriations SPENDING bill Introduced by the House Rules Committee (KOTT, Kohring, McGuire, Morgan, Porter, Berkowitz, and Joule), by request of Governor Knowles. "An Act making supplemental and other appropriations; amending appropriations; making appropriations to capitalize funds; and providing for an effective date."
HB 423: Allows Alaska Railroad Corp. to finance construction of the Natural
Gas Pipeline. HB 459 TAX Permanent Fund Dividend An Act taxing permanent fund dividends. Sponsored by Representative HUDSON. Here's a new twist on generating revenue without "taking" OUR permanent fund. Rep. Hudson wants to give it to us and then collect tax to take half of it back! The bill clearly states, "An individual receiving a permanent fund dividend shall pay a tax of 50 percent of the amount of the dividend. The department shall deduct the tax from each dividend." What part of NO does he find most difficult to understand?
HB 498 Gives $1,000,000,000 to private company Sponsored by the House Finance Committee (MULDER/WILLIAMS, Bunde, Foster, Harris, Hudson, Lancaster , Whitaker, Croft, Davies, and Moses). "An Act expressing legislative intent regarding privately operated correctional facility space and services; relating to the development and financing of privately operated correctional facility space and services; authorizing the Department of Corrections to enter into an agreement for the confinement and care of prisoners in privately operated correctional facility space; and providing for an effective date."
HB 519 Gives $600,000,000 TAX break to Oil Companies Sponsored by the House Rules Committee (KOTT, Kohring, McGuire, Morgan, Porter, Berkowitz, and Joule). "An Act authorizing priority treatment under the Right-of-Way Leasing Act for an Alaska North Slope natural gas project; authorizing the Alaska Railroad Corporation to provide financing for the acquisition, construction, improvement, maintenance, equipping, or operation of facilities for the transportation by others of natural gas resources within and outside the state and to issue its bonds to finance those facilities; exempting an Alaska North Slope natural gas project from state and municipal property taxes during construction and initial operation, and eliminating the authority of a municipality to levy a sales or use tax on property or services used or to be used on the project; providing, through the Department of Community and Economic Development, emergency financial assistance for municipalities affected by natural gas development;"
HB 524 If passed, would put $152,914,583 bond on the November 2002 ballot. Sponsored by the House Finance Committee (MULDER/WILLIAMS, Bunde, Foster, Harris, Hudson, Lancaster, Whitaker, Croft, Davies, and Moses). "An Act relating to the issuance of general obligation bonds for the purpose of paying the cost of design, construction, and maintenance of schools and state facilities; and providing for an effective date." If you look at SB 247 below, it will be obvious why there is no money left over to fund schools and other fundamental government services!
HB 525 BONDS for state transportation projects. Sponsored by the House Finance Committee (MULDER/WILLIAMS, Bunde, Foster, Harris, Hudson, Lancaster, Whitaker, Croft, Davies, and Moses). Puts a $123,914,500 general obligation bond on the November ballot. Another budget busting method for increasing state spending?
HB 528 GIVES away ownership of state ports and harbors, plus MILLIONS to utility companies. Sponsored by the House Finance Committee (MULDER/WILLIAMS, Bunde, Foster, Harris, Hudson, Lancaster, Whitaker, Croft, Davies, and Moses). Total cost $316,328,401, which includes $106,213,500 in municipal welfare and major utility project funding. Also gives UAA $14,000,000 to buy one portion of a mall in Anchorage that was purchased a few months earlier by some clever investors for only $7,000,000!
HB 2001 Extends Regulatory Commission of Alaska through 2006. Sponsored by House Finance Committee (MULDER/WILLIAMS, Bunde, Foster, Harris, Hudson, Lancaster, Whitaker, Croft, Davies, and Moses), by request of Governor Knowles. Would cost us $30,015,500 in fees through 2007 to regulate businesses that have been de-regulated.
HB 2002 Bonds for schools and museums. Sponsored by the House Finance Committee (MULDER/WILLIAMS, Bunde, Foster, Harris, Hudson, Lancaster, Whitaker, Croft, Davies, and Moses) AFTER regular session was over. This puts a $236,805,441 general obligation bond on the November ballot. IF these projects are really needed, why were they not introduced early in the regular session and funded BEFORE pork projects? Is there something VERY wrong with our legislators priorities?
HB 2003 Using BOND indebtedness to pay for future school construction and maintenance instead of general funds. Sponsored by the House Finance Committee (MULDER/WILLIAMS, Bunde, Foster, Harris, Hudson, Lancaster, Whitaker, Croft, Davies, and Moses). Another example of questionable legislative priorities?
HB 3001 Extend the Regulatory Commission of Alaska. Sponsored by the House Rules Committee (KOTT, Kohring, McGuire, Morgan, Porter, Berkowitz, and Joule), by request of Governor Knowles.
SENATE BILLS
SJR 13 SPENDING from the account that funds Permanent Fund Dividends Sponsored by the Senate Rules Committee: (PHILLIPS, Cowdery, Halford, Therriault, and Ellis), by request of Legislative Budget & Audit. Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to inflation-proofing the permanent fund. This bill will limit ability of legislature to tap into the Permanent Fund earnings reserve account. This account is where PFD’s and fund inflation proofing come from.
SCR 28: Fund
a salmon industry task force.
SCR 29 Relating to urging the Governor to institute a hiring freeze on state government. Sponsored by Senators KELLY, Phillips, Donley, and Leman.
SB 29 Capitol Budget for fiscal year 2002 (THE PORK!) Sponsored by the Senate Rules Committee: (PHILLIPS, Cowdery, Halford, Therriault, and Ellis), by request of Governor Knowles. Our total cost: $1,529,315,682 ($1.53 BILLION dollars)!!!
SJR 32 Constitutional amendment to establish a dedicated fund for Railroad and Ferry receipts Sponsored by Senators WARD, Austerman, Cowdery, and Taylor. Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to a marine and rail transportation fund." "The legislature may create a marine and rail transportation fund as a separate and dedicated fund in the state treasury. The principal of the fund may consist of money, land, and other assets, as provided by law". Maybe we should get out of the ferry and railroad business, and turn it over to private enterprise. This could save us hundreds of millions of our tax dollars.
SJR 37 Hiring freeze in the executive branch Sponsored by Senator KELLY. Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to officers and employees of the executive branch.
SJR 38 Constitutional Amendment requiring priority of appropriations. Sponsored by Senator KELLY. "The governor shall submit to the legislature, at a time fixed by law, a budget for the next fiscal year setting forth all proposed expenditures and anticipated income of all departments, offices, and agencies of the State. The governor, at the same time, shall submit a general appropriation bill to authorize the proposed expenditures, and a bill or bills covering recommendations in the budget for new or additional revenues". This is an attempt by the Legislature to control HOW the Governor spends our money. A simple solution to control our Governor's spending is to restrict the amount of money given him. If the Governor is a good administrator, essential services will be preserved. If not, the Governor will cut essential services and keep non-essential services; which will force us to FIRE him for failure to be a good administrator.
SB 115 Extend Board of Storage Tank Assistance Fund SPENDING bill Sponsored by the Senate Rules Committee: (PHILLIPS, Cowdery, Halford, Therriault, and Ellis), by request of the Legislative Budget and Audit. "An Act extending the termination date of the Board of Storage Tank Assistance." This bill will cost taxpayers an additional $51,400
SB 153 Storage Tank Loan Fund SPENDING bill Sponsored by Senator LEMAN. "An Act replacing the storage tank assistance fund with the underground storage tank revolving loan fund and relating to that revolving loan fund; repealing the tank cleanup program and the tank upgrading and closure program; and providing for an effective date." There are no fiscal notes attached to this legislation, making it a “blank check” clearly benefiting a few, at the expense of us ALL. Our cost $2,000,000+
SB 185 Power Cost Equalization Grants $80,575,700 to utilities! "An Act relating to the basis for determining eligibility for and the amount of power cost equalization payments; and providing for an effective date." Sponsored by the Senate Finance Committee (DONLEY/KELLY, Ward, Austerman, Green, Leman, Wilken, Hoffman, and Olson).
SB 236 Senate Version of HB 324 Homeland “security” SPENDING bill Sponsored by the Senate Rules Committee (PHILLIPS, Cowdery, Halford, Therriault, and Ellis), by request of Governor Knowles. In the legislation it clearly states; “No community, state, or nation will ever have the wealth to meet all responsibilities of government while building a stand-alone system that focuses solely on protection from terrorism”. There are already over 20,000 armed forces personnel, troopers, fish & wildlife protection officers, air guard, army guard, state guard, local police, village public safety officers, etc. protecting Alaska. This means one well armed and equipped uniformed guard for every thirty citizens. How much MORE do we really need? Our total cost: $102,138,100.
SB 245 Operating Budget SPENDING bill Introduced by the Senate Rules Committee (PHILLIPS, Cowdery, Halford, Therriault, and Ellis), by request of Governor Knowles. "An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state government, for certain programs, and to capitalize funds; making appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska, from the constitutional budget reserve fund; and providing for an effective date." Our cost $4,809,926,400
SB 246 Mental Health budget SPENDING bill Introduced by the Senate Rules Committee (PHILLIPS, Cowdery, Halford, Therriault, and Ellis), by request of Governor Knowles. "An Act making appropriations for the operating and capital expenses of the state's integrated comprehensive mental health program; and providing for an effective date." Our cost: $155,833,800
SB 247 Appropriations and re-appropriations SPENDING bill Sponsored by the Senate Rules Committee (PHILLIPS, Cowdery, Halford, Therriault, and Ellis), by request of Governor Knowles. "An Act making capital appropriations and re-appropriations, and capitalizing funds; making appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska, from the constitutional budget reserve fund; and providing for an effective date." This will cost taxpayers a whopping $1,130,211,901. Take a look at full bill, and pick out the lines you don’t want to pay for. There's plenty of fat in this bill!
SB 248 Extend Council on Domestic Violence SPENDING bill Sponsors are Senators AUSTERMAN, Halford, and Ellis. "An Act extending the termination date of the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault; and providing for an effective date." Extend to June 30, 2006.
SB 271 Establish a Marine and Rail Transportation Authority Sponsored by Senators WARD, Austerman, Cowdery, and Taylor. "An Act establishing the Alaska Marine and Rail Transportation Authority; establishing the marine and rail transportation fund; relating to ferries and ferry terminals; relating to the Alaska Railroad Corporation;"... This 7 member board will cost us at least $2450 ($350 each) a day, plus travel and per diem. Why not sell the Railroad, and SAVE this money? Railroads should be a PRIVATE business, not a government function.
SB 272 Marketing GRANT for tourism industry Sponsored by the Senate Finance Committee (DONLEY/KELLY, Ward, Austerman, Green, Leman, Wilken, Hoffman, and Olson). "An Act making a supplemental appropriation for tourism marketing efforts; and providing for an effective date." This bill is similar to HB 359, except the cost to taxpayers in this bill is $9,000,000!
SB 273 Extend board of Governors of AK Bar Association SPENDING bill Introduced by the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee (STEVENS, Austerman, Leman, Torgerson, and Davis). "An Act extending the termination date of the Board of Governors of the Alaska Bar Association." to June 30, 2006 (4 more years).
SB 280: Provides GRANTS to utilities.
SB 282 Extend ASMI board of directors Sponsored by Senator STEVENS. "An Act relating to the membership of the board of directors of the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute; extending the termination dates of certain activities and salmon marketing programs of the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute and of the salmon marketing tax"... Why is this a government function? Let the fisherman, and processors do their own marketing using private funds.
SB 288 Mental Health budget SPENDING bill Introduced by the Senate Finance Committee (DONLEY/KELLY, Ward, Austerman, Green, Leman, Wilken, Hoffman, and Olson). "An Act making appropriations for the operating and capital expenses of the state's integrated comprehensive mental health program; and providing for an effective date."
SB 289 Operating Budget SPENDING bill Introduced by Senate Finance Committee (DONLEY/KELLY, Ward, Austerman, Green, Leman, Wilken, Hoffman, and Olson). "An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state government, for certain programs, and to capitalize funds; making appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska, from the constitutional budget reserve fund; and providing for an effective date."
SB 291 Supplemental Appropriations: “fast track” SPENDING bill Sponsored by the Senate Rules Committee (PHILLIPS, Cowdery, Halford, Therriault, and Ellis), at request of Governor Knowles. $161,240,230 is the amount Governor Knowles OVERSPEND THE FY 02 BUDGET!!! Sure wish I could do that with MY budget every year, and have someone else come along and pay the bills!
SB 292 Supplemental Appropriations SPENDING bill Sponsored by the Senate Rules Committee (PHILLIPS, Cowdery, Halford, Therriault, and Ellis), at request of Governor Knowles. "An Act making supplemental and other appropriations; amending appropriations; making appropriations to capitalize funds; and providing for an effective date."
SB 293 AK Temporary Assistance WELFARE program Sponsored by the Senate Health, Education & Social Services Committee (GREEN, Leman, Ward, Wilken, and Davis). "An Act relating to diversion payments, wage subsidies, cash assistance, and self- sufficiency services provided under the Alaska temporary assistance program; relating to the food stamp program; relating to child support cases that include persons who receive cash assistance or self-sufficiency services under the Alaska temporary assistance program; and providing for an effective date." Our cost about $50,000,000 a year.
SB 323 Mandatory Incorporation of Boroughs Sponsored by Senator WILKEN. An Act relating to the mandatory incorporation of certain boroughs in the unorganized borough; and providing for an effective date." This will allow for new TAX jurisdictions.
SB 360: Alaska Railroad to finance construction of a Gas Pipeline. Public funding of a private project AGAIN! Sponsored by the Senate Resources Committee (TORGERSON, Wilken, Halford, Stevens, Taylor, Elton, and Lincoln). The bill is similar to HB 423 (discussed in the April 8 newsletter) which allows the Alaska Railroad finance construction of a natural gas pipeline. Major difference is the bonding limit for SB 360 is $18 BILLION instead of $17 BILLION!
If this bill passes, Alaskan's will NOT have a vote to authorize these bond. Why does our legislature fear the public voting on this issue? Because SB 360 / HB 423 will FAIL just like the "private for profit prison" scams did in every community where a vote was eventually taken over the objection of local politicians!!!
SB 2001 Adds the word "veterans" to Alaska Pioneers' Home and Alaska Pioneers' Homes Advisory Board. Introduced by the Senate Rules Committee (PHILLIPS, Cowdery, Halford, Therriault, and Ellis). This change will cost about $3,000,000 per year.
SB 2003 State Troopers supplemental appropriation for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2002. Sponsored by the Senate Rules Committee (PHILLIPS, Cowdery, Halford, Therriault, and Ellis) by request. Total cost $484,700.
SB 2004 Shifts school construction and major maintenance cost from general fund to BONDS! Sponsored by the Senate Finance Committee (DONLEY/KELLY, Ward, Austerman, Green, Leman, Wilken, Hoffman, and Olson). Bond cost $152,914,583 plus sales and finance fees.
SB 2006 Capital Budget for fiscal year 2003 (THE PORK!). Sponsored by the Senate Finance Committee (DONLEY/KELLY, Ward, Austerman, Green, Leman, Wilken, Hoffman, and Olson). Introduced AFTER the regular session ended with full knowledge we had an almost one BILLION dollar deficit in the operating budget! This one bill alone will cost us $1,290,378,015!
SB 2007 This bill would tap the constitutional budget reserve of the permanent fund to pay for budget excess spending. Sponsored by the Senate Finance Committee (DONLEY/KELLY, Ward, Austerman, Green, Leman, Wilken, Hoffman, and Olson).
SB 2009 Forms a veterans advisory council and pays annual meeting expenses. Sponsored by the Senate Rules Committee (PHILLIPS, Cowdery, Halford, Therriault, and Ellis). Estimated cost over 6 year $21,000.
SB 2011 Authorizes the Alaska Railroad to issue BONDS for constructing a natural gas pipeline (oil companies don't want) from the north slope to southern markets. Estimated cost: $18 to $20 BILLION dollars! This pipe dream was sponsored by the Senate Transportation Committee (COWDERY, Ward, Taylor, Wilken, and Elton).
SB 2012 This bill would authorize the state Department of Corrections to
pay for building a prison in Whittier with no limit on construction
cost, and no competitive bid process. The state
would then hand over the keys (at no cost) to Texas based Cornell
Industries, and pay them twice the current daily amount for housing
prisoners. This "good deal" for Cornell Industries, Neeser,
VECO, et all was sponsored by the Senate Transportation
Committee (COWDERY, Ward, Taylor, Wilken, and Elton). Total cost
over life of contract: $1 BILLION plus! |
