Web Log by Senator John Coghill

Thank You!

2009-11-16T13:45:00.003-09:00

My wife Luann and I as I was sworn in by Lt. Gov. Campbell October 27th.

I wanted to post a brief thank you to Governor Parnell for selecting me to serve as the new Senator for District F. I am also grateful to the committees in districts 11 and 12 for their hard work during the selection process!

I am trying to get to know as much of the district as possible before I head to Juneau in January, so I will be driving through as regularly as I can. I will also be speaking every other Wednesday at 1:30 on KCAM 790 talk radio in Glennallen. If you would like to meet with me, or have any questions please call my office at 488-5725, or email me at Senator_John_Coghill@legis.state.ak.us

Thank you!
Senator John Coghill

Rep. Coghill's Birthday Party - Update

2009-08-17T13:15:00.004-08:00

Please join Representative Coghill and his family for a birthday party Tuesday August 18th in North Pole.

There will be food and drinks, and of course birthday cake.

When - Tuesday, August 18th, 5:30

Where - UPDATE - due to inclement weather we are relocating to our regular offices in the Beaver Brook Mall - use the side entrance with the stairwell

AK Person Information Protection Act

2009-07-06T10:05:00.002-08:00

AK PERSONAL INFO. PROTECTION ACT TAKES EFFECT
3-year bipartisan ID theft & fraud protection effort culminates July 1

Long sought-after consumer protection legislation takes effect Thursday, July 1. The Alaska Personal Information Protection Act, passed by the 25th Alaska Legislature in April of 2008 and signed into law that June, offers Alaskans comprehensive protections and easy-to-understand steps to follow should their personal information be accidentally breached or stolen.

House Rules Committee Chair John Coghill, R-North Pole, wrote and sponsored the law along with Senator Gene Therriault, R-North Pole, and Rep. Les Gara, D-Anchorage, and worked closely with former Sen. Gretchen Guess, D-Anchorage, to gain passage over the past three-plus years.

“We tried for more than three years to find that balance between providing strong consumer protection measures while not constricting business and government transactions involving personal information,” Coghill said. “We crafted clear rules and guidelines for all parties in the event of a breach or theft. Starting July 1 Alaskans will have cause for greater comfort that their social security numbers, lines of credit, credit scores, and other personal information is safe and well-protected.”

“Our privacy is valuable, but it shouldn’t be for sale,” Gara said. “This bill protects Alaskans from identity theft and credit theft, and it strengthens our consumer protection laws.”

“Protection of Alaskans' personal information has been a high priority for both me and Rep. Coghill,” Therriault said. “The Federal Trade Commission reports that there were 490 reported cases of identity theft or fraud in Alaska in 2008, so I am very pleased that we will now have tools in place to help Alaskan's protect their own information. To continue work in the area of protecting Alaskans I have introduced legislation, Senate Bill 36, based on an Audit Report that I requested on the security of information in state government that will strengthen protection of citizens’ personal and private information collected by the state and further safeguard that information from threats of identity theft.”

Important provisions of the new law include:

Notification of Security Breaches. Requires businesses and government entities that collect your personal data, to notify you if your information is acquired without authorization and it is determined that identity theft may result.

Freeze Access To Your Credit Report. Enables you to choose to protect against identity theft by freezing access to your credit report.

Protecting Social Security Numbers. Limits businesses and government from intentionally communicating your Social Security Number unless authorized by local, state, or federal law.

Disposal of Records. Business and government must take all reasonable measures to protect your personal information by developing policies and procedures for destruction of their records containing your personal information.

Factual Declaration of Innocence after ID Theft. Allows you as a victim of identity theft to petition the court and file a police report to declare your innocence. It allows the state to create a database of claims of identify theft and establish a toll-free phone number for reporting.

Credit Card Numbers. Businesses and government may not print more than the last four digits of your credit card or the expiration date on receipts.

# # #

To contact Rep. Coghill, please call 1-907-488-5725.
To contact Rep. Gara, please call 1-907-269-0106.
To contact Sen. Therriault, please call 1-907-0857.

Bill Signing on Memorial Day

2009-05-22T16:01:00.002-08:00

Governor Palin will be in North Pole Monday May 25th to sign two of Representative Coghill's bills: HB 121 and HB 177.

Please join Governor Palin and Representative Coghill at North Pole City Hall on Monday at 11:45 AM.

HB 121 - authorizing certain municipalities to provide a property tax credit for an improvement that aids in improving air quality

HB 177 - relating to marine products and motorized recreational products.

Jury Nullification

2009-03-02T16:07:00.004-09:00

Rep. Coghill visiting with Fairbanksan Jennifer McBeath

In the last few weeks much has been made of the issue of Jury Nullification. My office received several phone calls asking me to re-introduce past legislation addressing this issue. I introduced HB 140 last week and requested a hearing in the House Judiciary committee.

Following this link will provide up to date information regarding HB 140, or any other bill you’re interested in. To check other bills, type in the bill number, key word, or you may search by sponsor or committee as well.
http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?bill=HB%20140&session=26

House Bill 140 addresses jury nullification. Representative Coghill asks the legislature to consider this legislation as an acknowledgement that the jury is the exclusive judge of the facts and may decide that the law is unjustly applied to the defendant.

This legislation enacts provisions in law instructing the court to allow a defendant the right to inform the jury of their right to judge the defendant and to judge the law as it applies to the defendant.

Current jury instructions for Alaskan jurors require them to “accept and follow the law as instructed by the judge even though they may have a different idea about what the law is or ought to be”.

HB 140 allows a jury to fully understand their role and exercise their responsibility as a jury. A jury is the only thing standing in the way of a government out of check and inherent rights of citizens being judge by the law. Jury nullification allows citizens to have the final say on what is fair in a court of law.

Indiana, Georgia, and Maryland currently have provisions in their state constitutions guaranteeing jurors the right to “judge” or “determine” the law in all criminal cases.

First Month of Session - 2009

2009-02-10T10:15:00.001-09:00

The first month into session and the Legislature is already moving at a rapid pace. My plate is more full than usual this year with my committee assignments. I chair the House Rules committee, which is in charge of scheduling bills for the House floor.

I also serve on the Judiciary, Labor and Commerce, Health and Social Services, Legislative Council, and Ethics committees. I also sit on the Finance Subcommittees for Health and Social Services, Department of Natural Resources, the Legislature and the Governor.

With the heavier committee load, I am taking on less legislation. My main priority is to act as a watchdog on bills going through my committees, and on the budget.

However, I am still sponsoring bills very important to me. I have introduced legislation banning partial birth abortions in the state of Alaska, as well as a requirement for doctors to receive consent from parents when a minor intends to have an abortion. My staff is working on several other bills and I will keep you updated on those as well.

See below for a list of bill numbers and their short titles.
Thanks for stopping by, and if you have any questions, call me or my staff at 877-465-3719.

PRIME-SPONSOR OF THE FOLLOWING BILLS

HB 13
PROPERTY CRIMES
(H) JUD
01/20/09

HB 34
PARTIAL-BIRTH ABORTION
(H) HSS
01/20/09

HB 35
NOTICE & CONSENT FOR MINOR'S ABORTION
(H) JUD
01/20/09

HB 63
COUNCIL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: MEMBERS, STAFF
** FAIRCLOUGH, HOLMES
(H) STA
01/20/09

HB 101
EXEMPTIONS: LIFE INSURANCE; ANNUITIES
(H) L&C
01/30/09

HB 105
STEP PROGRAM
(H) L&C
01/30/09

HB 121
MUNICIPAL AIR QUALITY PROPERTY TAX CREDIT
(H) CRA
02/09/09

Ethics 2007

2007-03-05T15:27:00.000-09:00

Legislative Ethics HB 109

Pictured - First ethics subcommittee meeting

The issue of ethics in government remains on the top of legislative activity this week. We are in the process of moving HB 109 out of State Affairs and into Judiciary next week. It is important that public trust in the three branches of government be restored. We are diligently working to clarify ethics laws so that there will be a ‘bright line’ for both executive and legislative branches as well as lobbyists and other governmental entities.

I believe that it is important that ethics rules are clear and understandable. I am working to ensure that the rules that result will be clear, and comprehensive, yet not so restrictive that it could result in a person being labeled as ‘unethical’ for a process problem.

To this end, my colleagues and I have embarked on a deliberative process in which we are tightening up rules and clarifying language while continually looking ahead for the possible ‘unforeseen consequences’ of the rules. I strongly support a citizen legislature, but recognize that this requires members to have careers outside of the legislative arena. The challenge is to provide transparency for the public, yet allow for us to live and work in our communities as citizens. I welcome your comments and questions as we continue to move this legislation through the house.

Pictured - State Affairs Committee reviewing HB 109

Governor Visits Fairbanks for Ceremonial Signing of AGIA in Fairbanks

2007-06-11T16:46:00.000-08:00

This picture captures a light moment at the Alaska Gas Inducement Act (AGIA) Ceremonial signing on June 6th. The governing came to Fairbanks for the ceremony and more than 100 guests joined her at the Fox Visitor's Center along the Trans-Alaska Pipeline located on the Steese Highway. (Photo Credit: Merrick Pierce)

Governor Palin committed to a competitive, open process for getting a gasline for Alaska's natural gas. With AGIA signed into law the administration put together a package to seek requests for applications from potential builders of the largest construction project in history.

On June 6th, Governor Palin also signed House Bill 185 into law. I sponsored this bill at the request of Mayor Whitaker and the borough assembly to make sure people who use local service roads as access, share the cost of maintenance for those roads.

After the bill signing ceremonies I was assigning to cooking detail for Governor Palin's picnic at Pioneer Park. There was lots of food and live music. The turnout was great despite the rain.

Special Session October 2007

2007-10-31T10:47:00.001-08:00

Lately, and with good reason, many constituents have asked me how I feel about the Governor’s new tax plan for the oil companies, as well as what I believe is the best solution to the natural resources issue before us now. Without getting into the mundane details and numbers, I will try to answer your questions the best I can.

I am not a fan of taxing just so we can redistribute wealth throughout the population. However, as part of the statehood compact the resources of the state were given to us by Congress so that we could afford to govern ourselves, therefore we must get the best value for Alaskans from our resource base.

The PPT debate has three dimensions:
1.) To bring all the debate out in to the open and take a look at the substance without a cloud of corruption
2.) Rethink what is a fair share for Alaska from her resources
3.) To encourage exploration for new fields and also to get heavy oil from older fields.

I should mention that we get money from the oil and gas resources from several different ways:
 Property Tax - $54.5 Million
 Corporate Petroleum Tax - $661.1 Million
 Production Tax - $1.2 Billion
 Royalties (including Bonuses, Rents & Interests) - $1.8 Billion
[Figures taken from Dept. of Revenue FY 2006]
In contrast other revenue generated in Alaska amounts to about $450 Million per year.

My position on this bill is generally in favor of it. I like the Governor’s tax rate, but I am not a supporter of the 10% floor rate for legacy fields mostly because of the need to get the heavy oil out. I like the audit provisions that help us verify investment and expenses and I favor the progressivity that gets Alaska a greater share when the prices go higher.

Rep. Coghill speaks to Badger Road Elementary Students on Constitution Day.

Constituent Meeting November 10th

2007-11-06T12:47:00.000-09:00

Representative Coghill will be holding a constituent meeting Saturday, November 10th at North Pole City Hall from 10:00 a.m. to Noon. He would like to discuss the current special session addressing petroleum production taxes and make time for questions and comments from his constituents in the North Pole area on any subject.

The ACES, Alaska's Clear and Equitable Share, Bills in each house are in the last committee of referral, the Finance Committee, and will not doubt end up in a conference committee to sort out the differences between the Senate and the House versions of the bill.

The following is an email Representative Coghill sent to some constituents that asked his opinion on the Governor's bill:

I am not a fan of taxing just so we can redistribute wealth throughout the population. However, as part of the statehood compact the resources of the state were given to us by Congress so that we could afford to govern ourselves, therefore we must get the best value for Alaskans from our resource base.

The PPT debate has three dimensions: 1.) To bring all the debate out in to the open and take a look at the substance without a cloud of corruption 2.) Rethink what is a fair share for Alaska from her resources 3.) To encourage exploration for new fields and also to get heavy oil from older fields.

I should mention that we get money from the oil and gas resources from several different ways*:

* Property Tax - $54.5 Million

* Corporate Petroleum Tax - $661.1 Million

* Production Tax - $1.2 Billion

* Royalties (including Bonuses, Rents & Interests) - $1.8 Billion

*Figures taken from Dept. of Revenue FY 2006

In contrast, other revenue generated in Alaska amounts to about $450 Million per year.

My position on this bill is generally in favor of it. I like the Governor’s tax rate, but I am not a supporter of the 10% floor rate for legacy fields mostly because of the need to get the heavy oil out. I like the audit provisions that help us verify investment and expenses and I favor the progressivity that gets Alaska a greater share when the prices go higher.

Representative Coghill discusses ACES with Steve Quinn from the Associated Press.

Coghill and Dyson Announce Move to Protect Parental Rights From Activist Court

2007-11-07T11:56:00.000-09:00

Legislators attending the press conference today are from left to right: Rep. Bill Stoltze, Senator Donny Olson, Rep. Kevin Meyer. Senator Fred Dyson, Rep. John Coghill, Rep. Nancy Dahlstrom, Rep. Mike Kelly, Rep. Craig Johnson, and Rep. Bob Lynn.

Senator Fred Dyson and I held a press conference today announcing our plan to restore a parent's ability to direct and control the medical care of their minor children, better known as parental consent.

Senator Dyson and I are both prefiling a constitutional amendment this winter that will ask the people of Alaska to reverse the Alaska Supreme Court decision denying parents the right to properly guide their children in abortion decisions.

The decision was a blatant example of how the Alaska Supreme Court continues to make law, not by deciding the constitutionality, but by personal preference.

Parents are a child's guardian and protector. This Court's decision would deny the dignity to the family by forbidding parents to give guidance to a child in such a large decision.

Alaska's parental consent law was passed in May of 1997 after the legislature voted to override the veto of the bill by then Governor Tony Knowles. The law was carefully crafted to conform with the U.S. Supreme Court decision that required such a law to provide for a judicial bypass for a minor seeking an abortion without the consent of a parent, guardian, or custodian.

Four days before the law was to take effect, a Superior Court Judge (Sen Tan) ordered the law unconstituional and it never became effective law.

Justice Walter Carpeneti wrote a dissenting opinion and was joined in his opinion by Justice Warren Matthews. Carpeneti began his dissenting opinion with the following remarks:

"In 1997, faced with competing interests of the highest constitutional level - an underage pregnant girl's constitutional right (and duty) to protect her best interests, and the state's compelling interests in protecting children against their own immaturity - the Alaska Legislature carefully crafted the Alaska Parental Consent Act in an effort to recognize and protect all these interests. That law is fully consistent with the United States Supreme Court precedent, yet today's opinion strikes it down. Because this court's rejection of the legislature's thoughtful balance is inconsistent with our own case law and unnecessarily dismissive of the legislature's role in expressing the will of the people, I respectfully dissent."

Carpeneti also criticized the majority decision stating the Court "quickly passes over" the state's compelling interest in the "protection of children and of parents' right and duty to raise their children."

Once the resoltuion is passed by a two-thirds vote of the legislature, the language in the resolution would be placed on the November 2008 General Election Ballot. Passage of the ballot measure would place parental consent in the Constitution to protect the family from the Courts.

The language as proposed reads:

"Notwithstanding any other provision of this Constitution, a parent or guardian is entitled to direct and control the medical care of their minor child, subject only to emergency situations as defined by the legislature, and a judicial bypass procedure as created by the legislature which is consistent with the criteria set forth in Bellott v. Baird, 443 U.S. 622 (1979)"

I think it was no accident the Court announced their decision in this case two days after the retirement of a Knowles appointee to the Alaska Supreme Court who joined in the majority decision. The judicial activism of this Court dominated by Knowles appointees must be challenged. I look forward to Governor Palin being able to make appointments to the bench that will confine themselves to uphold the constitution and reasonable interpretation of the law, not creating law.

I have not ruled out introducing legislation revising the existing statute to further challenge the Alaska Supreme Court or anything else I can do to restore the right to legislate to the legislature.

For more information on parental rights and the recent court decision, go to the Alaska Family Council website below:

http://www.alaskafamilycouncil.org/

North Pole Candle Lighting Ceremony

2007-12-07T16:06:00.000-09:00

Sunday, December 2nd marks the 36th anniversary of the North Pole Chamber of Commerce Candle Lighting Ceremony. The ceremony started with invocation by stand in, Dick Olson, from KJNP. What followed was over two hours of local talent reciting Christmas prose, singing Christmas Carols, and playing "Go Tell it on the Mountain" with a bell choir. It was really inspiring to be in an auditorium full of people who understand what Christmas is all about.

The Christmas Tree was lit at the site of the Ice Sculpture competition near Santa Claus House, right next to the Nativity Scene sculpted that day by Dick Brickley and other ice carvers. Dick is the spearhead behind the North American Ice Carving Championships held in North Pole this year. December 7, 8 & 9 spectators can watch the competition and on Sunday the carvings will be judged.

To see the sculptures via webcam, use this link:

http://www.icealaska.com/videocam/08Cam/np8/NP801.html

Ice sculptering competition in Fairbanks began in the mid 1934 when Kay Hufman and Clara Murray West got community support to start the Winter Carnival held each March along the Chena River. It included a sled dog derby and an ice carnival, including a ice sculptured throne for the Winter Carnival King and Queen.

At the 1934 Winter Carnival, local artist Ted lambert sculptured a realistic looking 12 by 12 foot log cabin of ice complete with a food cache near by.

The most recent revival of ice sculpturing came in 1989 with the formation of Ice Alaska, Inc.

Through the years the sculptures got more intricate and in recent years the competition in international, with Alaskans becoming involved in competition all over the world.

At the left is a close up shot of the nativity scene in North Pole.

In recent years, Bernie and Connie Karl have gained world wide notoriety for their Ice Hotel.

I was very pleased to be asked to speak at the ceremony. It gave me a chance to let people know who I am and why I decided to serve in public office. It has meant sacrifices on the part of my family by having me spend more of the year away from them than with them and sacrifices by limiting my ability to make a living. My family has been through a terrible tragedy with the death of my four-year-old grandson, Joseph, that also tested my willingness to remain in the public sector. In the end, though, it is my children and grandchildren that make me stay in public office trying to promote public policy that allows them the same opportunities I have had by challenging more government and more government spending that places a huge debt on my grandchildren (and yours) before they have even grown up and started making a living. I also challenge a government that challenges our right to celebrate Christmas and the birth of Christ.

Special Sessions 2008 - House Floor speeches

2008-08-20T10:06:00.003-08:00

John debating the resource rebate with Speaker Harris

Select the link below to listen to Representative Coghill's speech on the House floor the final night of debate regarding HB 4002 - Resource Rebate
http://www.box.net/shared/xui3krc6qv

John speaking with representatives from TC Alaska

Select the link below to listen to Representative Coghill's speech on the House floor regarding HB 3001 - Approving a license for TransCanada http://www.box.net/shared/nu4e2u6b7o

Session Begins

2008-01-24T11:48:00.000-09:00

The second regular session of the 25th Legislature began last Tuesday, January 15th. According to my calculations, that means I have 82 days left here in Juneau. All of us down here are racing to beat the clock due to new deadlines, faster committees, and a general sense of haste pervading the capitol building.
Since we have already hit the ground with our proverbial “feet running” my first bill, and priority left unfinished last session, was heard in House Finance today. HB 65 takes steps towards consumer protection through much needed identity theft legislation.
Once that bill passes from the House to the Senate, my next project will be taking on a Constitutional amendment regarding parental consent for minors to receive certain medical procedures, including abortion. Pro-Family and Parental Rights issues are always close to my heart, and I hope my fellow members and the citizens of Alaska will support this important legislation to protect women and children.
My time here in Juneau is time spent away from my family and my home. I appreciate the responsibility and duty my district has given me the past ten years, and I will continue to serve the state the best I can.
Remember, my office door is always open to any visiting constituents, and please call my staff anytime (907) 465-3719. Thanks for another session!

- Representative John Coghill

April Advisory Vote

2007-03-26T08:58:00.000-08:00

The Constitution of the State of Alaska clearly states that “all political power is inherent in the people.” In October of last year, the Alaska Supreme Court ruled in favor of granting employee benefits to same-sex couples, in effect undermining this constitutional provision and establishing its own will as having precedent over the will of the people of Alaska.
I believe the court deliberately ignored the message sent by Alaskan voters in 1998 when citizens overwhelmingly voted to amend the Constitution to read that “a marriage may only exist between a man and a woman.” I believe the key to correcting this misdeed and reestablishing the constitutionally guaranteed series of checks-and-balances is the April 3rd advisory vote on same- sex benefits. I will vote “YES” on the April ballot in order to give legislators the extra push toward amending the constitution again.

Some objections to the vote are based on three different ideas:

1. The advisory vote is estimated to cost one million dollars; the legislature can find a better purpose for the money.

The Supreme Court has ordered Alaskans to pay for a benefit that the majority of people disagree with philosophically. Once the state requires same-sex benefits for partners of state employees, it is only a few more legal steps until private businesses are forced to provide the same benefits lest they “discriminate”. Such a broad-reaching policy decision deserves to be openly debated in a broad public venue – that debate costs money. I believe there is no better way for Alaska’s money to be spent than by furthering the will of the people.

2. Objection to same-sex benefits is a result of religious bigotry.

The issue at hand is not the morality of homosexuality, but rather the court’s deliberate misinterpretation of the will of the people of Alaska. The people voted that same sex unions are not the same as a marriage. The court set no mandates for proof of commitment other than a state employee’s designation on a form.

3. A special election will weary already skeptical voters.

Weariness is not an excuse for apathy. I am weary after every session, but the people elect me to support and defend the Constitution, and I believe fighting for this advisory vote does exactly that.

Third Legislative Week

2007-02-06T14:59:00.000-09:00

The third week here at the Capitol proved exciting for students and teacher's statewide. Juneau has played host this week to different student organizations. I had the pleasure of visiting several times with a group of six students from North Pole Middle School along with two of their teachers. These students from my district took part in the Junior Close-Up program, which gives selected Jr. High students a firsthand look at the legislative, executive, and administrative branches of state government. I also had the opportunity to meet with another group of Close-Up students from the Mat-Su area.

The students from North Pole Middle School are (left to right): Jacob, Madison, Brittany, Joleen, Bethany, and Kelley. The students were accompanied by teachers Mrs. Barbara Nore and Mr. Mark Donker.
Other student organizations around the capitol this week included a delegation from the University of Alaska student government here lobbying for support for the University's budget request.

Last week I was appointed as the Chairman of a Subcommittee on Ethics through the State Affairs Committee. My staff and I have been working on gathering all the ideas and suggestions put forth by the different legislators. We hope to present to State Affairs one extensive ethics bill that combines all the proposals.
Things here are moving at a faster pace than usual, as everyone is working extra hard to meet the ninety-day session rule that will become effective next year, sp please continue checking in each week as there should be updates.

Twenty-Fifth Legislature Begins

2007-01-25T08:54:00.000-09:00

The Twenty-Fifth Legislature began on January 16th. This picture is of me settling in at my new desk on the House Floor.

District 11,
Thank you for the opportunity you have once again given me to represent you here in Juneau. I was sworn in last week for another two years of service, and I am excited to keep things in the state moving.
Since arriving in Juneau my staff and I have been working on five separate bills we have pre-filed. You can read the full text of those bills on the BASIS website sponsored by the legislature:

If you have any questions about these bills, their intent, fiscal impact, etc., please contact my office for answers.

This year presents a big change for my office; instead of holding the position of Majority Leader, I am now the Chairman of the Rules Committee in the House. I will work closely with Governor Palin as a liaison to the House leadership, and all of the bills she sponsors go through the Rules Committee by request. Also in my new position I manage the Capitol building and its contents. Finally, the Rules Committee manages when bills go to the House Floor for a vote.

During the twenty-fifth legislature I will sit on both the State Affairs and Judiciary committees; these committees will be influential on any legislation concerning ethics and the PERS/TERS debate. I am also a part of the Finance subcommittees on Health and Social Services and the Department of Natural Resources.

As well as my leadership position, I also take part in several organizations that provide a variety of benefits for the citizens of Alaska. The Council of State Governments puts me in contact with other legislators from the Western region of the United States, many of whom face similar issues to those we face here in Alaska.

The Pacific Northwest Economic Region includes Canadian officials and other delegates from Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. PNWER is an international collaboration on economic structures. Because the Alaskan workforce often crosses national lines, we work with the Canadian delegates to help coordinate border crossing issues, emergency equipment, mining laws, etc. A major development in the economic structures in the Northwest is the upcoming winter Olympics to be hosted in Vancouver in 2010.
Check my blog for our regular updates during session.

Medicaid Reform Bill Signed Into Law

2006-08-01T15:50:00.000-08:00

Governor Murkowski signed HB 426 yesterday during a press conference. I introduced HB 426 as an effort to tightened up some loop holes I believe have decreased the money available for medical attention for Alaskans who truly need medical assistance, but can't afford it.

In times when federal Medicaid dollars are diminishing, the legislature must review policies for providing for the public health. HB 426 was a joint effort between the adminstration and myself to address the "low hanging fruit" of people who have the ability to pay for medical treatment on their own and should. HB 426 makes it easier for the state to track potential third-party reimbursements for Medicaid services, mandates those who qualify for Medicare to apply for Medicare before applying for Medicaid, and elevates parental rights to consent to medical treatment for children qualified for Medicaid.

To further identify ways to make Medicaid dollars go further in helping those who are truly in need of help with their medical needs, HB 426 instructs the administration to come back to the legislature in 2007 with ways to better assess residential treatment of minors and make parents more accountable for the cost of medical services.

Boarding School Bill is Signed Into Law

2006-06-08T13:35:00.000-08:00

Governor Murkowski signed HB 16 into law June 3rd in Nenana. In the above picture Governor Murkowski is joined at the signing ceremony by Nenana Dean of Students, Ralph Lindquist; Jim Smith, Galena Superitendent; and Rob Thomason, superintendent of Neana School District. I have sponsored this legislation for several years and finally, with the assistance of Senator Wilken and the Deaprtment of Education successfully got HB 16 through the legislative process this session. It establishes a stipend program for statewide secondary residential programs based on five regional rates. This legislation does not attempt to create new programs; it only supports existing programs that are successful and expands the qualifications for stipends. The change would be that a student would not have to pass the current standard for qualification. That standard is that the student cannot have 9-12 available to them and they donâ€™t have to leave the school district. The bill would give students a choice of going to a larger school that has more to offer than what is available in their hometown.

This legislation by statute reimburses to full school year statewide secondary residential programs costs incurred by the district operating the program. Statewide secondary residential programs that would qualify for reimbursement for a per-pupil stipend and one round trip between the studentâ€™s community of residence and the school during the school year if the district expends money for the trip.

New regulations proposed by the Department of Education allow other school districts to apply to establish a secondary residential program and regulate the schools. Boarding school programs are currently operating in Nenana, Galena, and Bethel.

Photo credit: Chris Wyatt, Governor Murkowski's Office.

2006-05-29T10:07:00.000-08:00

Governor Murkowski poses for a picture with my legislative aide, Karen Lidster, and me after the governor signed HB 133 Saturday morning in Fairbanks. I have been working on this legislation for two years to eliminate aggregate votes that dilute the vote of a citizen living in an area an existing municipality wants to annex. Below is the press release issued by the Governor's Office.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 27, 2006 No. 06-091
John Manly, Press Spokesman

Governor Signs HB 133 â€“ Borough Incorporation and Annexation Bill

(Juneau) â€” Governor Frank H. Murkowski has signed into law HB 133, which makes changes in the way the Local Boundary Commission processes municipal incorporations, annexations, detachments, mergers, consolidations, reclassifications, and dissolutions.

The bill, sponsored by North Pole Representative John Coghill, also protects the votersâ€™ right to incorporate, outline the boundaries of their municipality, and select the level of service they want. It also limits the ability of the LBC to impose conditions on an incorporation without an appropriate public process.

â€œThis bill cleans up the process local citizens use to define their own community,â€� Murkowski said. â€œIt is essentially about maintaining local control and putting appropriate sideboards on the Local Boundary Commission to make sure their processes do not usurp or conflict with the direction the communities want to go.â€�

END OF REGULAR SESSION 2006

2006-05-12T11:52:00.000-08:00

End of session means lots of bills going into the limbo file. First thing in the morning on the last day of session, I went over the bills in the Limbo File with Jared Seay. The Limbo File holds House bills that have been amended in the Senate. As Majority Leader, it is my job to bring the bills out for a floor vote to concur or return the bills to the Senate asking them to recede from their action.

Speaker John Harris and I had something in common the last few days of session. Our glasses needed some repairs. I hobbled through one day toward the end of session trying to make my motions on the floor without glasses. Boy it's tough getting old!

Representative Nancy Dahlstrom takes a breaks and visits with Grayson David McGuire Anderson who is already two months old! Can you believe that?

These people were helpful in getting HB 426 passed. HB 426 allows the state to recover medical expenses paid by Medicaid that have third party payors, requires a parent or guardian to apply for Medicaid, and requires people who qualify for Medicare to apply before qualifying for Medicaid. This will save the state over $20 million a year. I will be taking another look at ways to save Medicaid costs over the interim. From left to right: Paul Lisankie, Director, Div of Workers' Compensation; Kris Knaus, Liberty Insurance; Paula Scavera, Dept of Labor; Linda Hall, Director, Division of Insurance, and Charlie Miller, lobbyist for several insurance interests in the state.

Here I am answering questions from the press. They ambushed me outside the Speaker's Office as I came out of the House Chambers.

Representative Jay Ramras gets interviewed by Bill McAllister for the Anchorage 5 o'clock news. He was asking Representative Ramras about his meth legislation which passed on May 5th after both houses adopted the conference committee report.

Robert Dillion from the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner was a regular in my office this session. He diligently tried to stay on top of the issues and report them back to the people of Fairbanks and North Pole.

Joe Balash, Chief of Staff for Senator Therriault, and Tom Wright, Chief of Staff for Speaker John Harris discuss the last few days of sesson.

Here's one of the longest sitting legislators, Representative Richard Foster from Nome. His father was a legislator too.

Here's my chief of staff, Rynnieva Moss, watching Richard Foster roasting Mike Kelly for his birthday from the Speaker's Chambers.

Representative Coghill's Native Allotment Resolution Passes

2006-05-12T11:03:00.000-08:00

I was recently presented with clock engraved with the inscription "In Gratitutde for Your Work and Dedicated Commitment on Behalf of Alaska Native Vietnam Veterans". I was presented the clock and a medal from the Alaska Native Veterans Southeast for my sponsorship of House Joint Resolution 27, which asks Congress to extend the application period for native allotments to Vietnam Veterans. Presenters included Ed Thomas, Carol Yeatman, and Representative Bill Thomas.

Representative Bill Thomas and I are both veterans of the Vietnam War era. I was statitoned in England and Rep. Thomas served in Vietnam.

I want to especially thank Carol Yeatman. Carol has been working on this project for a long time. She works for Alaska Legal Services Corporation and was the word master of HJR 27.

Here I am thanking the group of native veterans for their help with HJR 27. The resolution will now be sent to select members of Congress and the Bush Administration.

Constitutional Convention Survivors Meet in Juneau

2006-04-21T19:08:00.000-08:00

Thursday night my dad came to town. He is here for a reunion with other surviving delegates and staff of the Alaska State Constitutional Convention. Today I have the honor of introducing all of them to the House.

It's great to have my dad in town. Dad is a young eighty-years-old. He stays busy and exercises everyday. He is still sharp as a tack and opinionated.

George Sundborg, his grandson Mike Sundborg, Jack Coghill,Victor Fischer, Katie Hurley, and George Rogers sit in the Peratrocivh Gallery waiting for me to introduce them to the House Session. George Sundborg, Jack Coghill and Victor Fischer were delegates to the constitutional convention. Katie Hurley was the secretary for the gathering and George Rogers was a consultant on economics for the convention.

Here dad joins me for a meeting with Jim Smith from Galena to discuss HB 16 my boarding school legislation that passed the Senate in the last week of session and is on the way to the Governor to be signed into law.

When a former member of the House is introduced, he or she, is allowed to speak to the body from the gallery. As you can see, my dad wasn't shy. He gave them is two cents worth.

Mid-April Update from Juneau

2006-04-19T09:03:00.000-08:00

HJR 27 passed the House unanimously yesterday. The resolution urges Congress to reopen the legislatively approved allotments in the Tongass National Forest, which were closed under the court case, Shields v. United States. This Act also urges Congress to amend the Alaska Native Vietnam Veterans Allotment Act to give a fair opportunity to obtain allotments. Representative Thomas, pictured to the left with Rep. Harris and me during a press conference, spoke in favor of the resolution on the House Floor. Rep. Thomas and I are both Vietnam War veterans.

I recently testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on HB 400 which prohibits confiscation of legal firearms during a disaster. I introduced the legislation to make sure what happened after Katrina in New Orleans doesn't happen in Alaska. The Senate amendment to House Bill 400 changes the penalty imposed on individuals that violate the provisions of this bill. An elected official or individual in a governmental position will forfeit their office or position if found guilty; the Alaska Police Standards Council will enforce sanctions against police officers.

The Senate Judiciary committee also passed out HB 408 the Family Rights Act of 2006. This legislation gets us to the maximum amount of transparency for OCS to disclose multiple reports of harm for multiple victims and multiple perpetrators in a single case. An amendment in Judiciary incorporates HB 346 by Representative Neuman into HB 408. HB 346 requires training of OCS social workers to include learning the constitutional and statutory rights of the children and their parents, require them to work with law enforcement to prevent compromising evidence, and requiring them to disclose to the accused the specific complaint or allegation without disclosing the reporter. The bill also limits who has access to permanent fund dividends that are placed in a trust for children in state custody. Both HB 408 and HB 400 are scheduled to be heard in Senate Finance on Saturday.

I always enjoy having constituents drop in to say hello. Gerry Benshoof was in Juneau recently working with the local Delta Kappa Gamma.

Ethel Stoneman came to Juneau again this year to talk about Interior Alaska weatherization programs. Both Ethel and Gerry live off Badger Road and are neighbors of mine, as well as, constituents.

Here I am comparing pictures of grandchildren with former Senator Johne Binkley. Everyone who comes to visit me has to look at pictures of my three grandchildren, Alexander, Joseph, and Grace.

We like to have a little fun while working hard down here in Juneau. Here we are singing "When I'm 64" to Representative Sharon Cissna on her 64th birthday.

Representative Cissna (in the blue dress) appreciated the song but thought we could improve greatly on the singing.

My dad is coming to town on Thursday to spend some time with other surviving members of the Constitutional Convention. Here he is shown speaking to a gathering of delegates and historians five years ago in Juneau.

This picture was taken five years ago when delegates and staff met in Juneau. Participants who will be returning this year are delegates, Victor Fischer, and George Sundberg, and staff members, Judge Thomas Stewart and Katie Hurley.

Here I am talking to staff during an impromptu staff meeting. My staff is assisting me in carrying twelve pieces of legislation, doing homework for my committee assignments, and responding to constituent requests.

I have been working in Judiciary Committee to get SB 20, the "Laci Peterson Bill", moved out of committee. I am hopeful it will pass out this week. I am also working to move HJR 32 which puts the same sex benefits issue on the ballot as a constitutional amendment. Here I am talking iwth Representative Peggy Wilson who is also a member of the House Judiciary Committee.

Another recent visitor is former Senator Clem Tillion. He came to Alaska on the SS Aleutian right after World War II. His doctor thought Alaska would rid him of his malaria because of the cold weather. In 1961, this commercial fisherman from Halibut Cove entered the political world after then Representative Leo Rhode sent Clem a Bush Line saying "Congratulations, you're running for the house". He served seven terms in the State House and two terms in the State Senate. He was Senate President from 1979 to 1980.

Here I am with Representative Norman Rokeberg, Yoshio Uchiyama from the Consul Office of Japan in Seattle, and Consul General of Japan Kazou Tanaka from the Seattle Office.
Just before coming to Juneau in January I met with Tammy Sandoval, Deputy Commissioner of Health & Social Services and OCS manager, and Dianne Olsen, Chief AG Supervisor for Department of Law, regarding HB 53 and how it has changed the way Child in Need of Aid cases are handled. The result of that meeting is my friendly takeover of the Governor's House Bill 408.

I also met with Fred Van Wallanga, Chair of the Citizen's Review Panel, regarding HB 53 and OCS before coming to Juneau. The Citizen's Review Panel has become very active and recently completed a review of the Mat-Su OCS Office in Wasilla.

Legislators have experienced a huge learning curve this session on the taxation of oil companies and the elimination of ELF. I have been receiving calls from people saying we are not taking this issue seriously. Quite the contrary we have held more committee meetings on the petroleum production tax than any other legislation that has been addressed during my eight years in the legislature. I even have received calls that we are sitting on the contract for the gasline. We haven't seen the contract. Would you have us vote on something we haven't read?

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski was in town several weeks ago to address a Joint Session of the House and Senate. She talked about the issues in the Congress and how they affect Alaska.

It seems like just yesterday that we packed our office in North Pole to move to Juneau for session. In three short weeks we will pack them up again for the move back to North Pole.

2006-04-13T12:07:00.000-08:00

CONSTITUENT MEETING FOR DISTRICT 11

Senator Gene Therriault

Representative Coghill

Saturday
April 15th

9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Dahlman's Family Restaurant