With Session One-Third Over, Many Issues Still on Table

Jay Barrett/KMXT

The Alaska State Legislative session is one-third over. Lawmakers have about two months left to wrap up its business and avoid a special session. Being an election year with all but a lone senator facing re-election, that’s something they’ll want to avoid.

Kodiak Senator Gary Stevens said a lot of work is being done on the oil production tax, which oil companies and the governor want lowered.

— (Gary 1 49 sec "We’ve had some fascinating … putting more oil in the pipeline.")

In another resource issue, a Pebble mine spokesman last week said his company is prepared to begin applying for permits as early as this summer. Stevens said he was surprised that the company was moving so quickly:

— (Gary 2 32 sec "Yeah, we’ll watch that very … going to impact the fishery.")

Kodiak’s mayor and several city council members were in the capital as part of the Alaska Municipal League’s annual lobbying trip to Juneau recently. One of their goals was to get Kodiak’s Pier 3 replacement project included in a general obligation bond for ports and harbors that will be before voters this fall. Stevens said it was premature for him to say if it will get included.

— (Gary 3 24 sec "We all know we’ve neglected … see how that finally turns out.")

He said the number of legislators who are seeking funding is quite large, and the amounts they want are even bigger:

— (Gary 4 36 sec "We’ve never had a bond issue … I think it will pass the public.")

Being an election year with brand new legislative districts, Stevens says incumbents will likely try to spread around the money for projects back home. He said that "when there is an election, ‘restraint’ isn’t a key word," around the legislature.

The house and senate have about 60 days left in their 90 day session.

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