Berta's Briefings: Bye, Bye Session that wouldn't Die!!!

BERTA'S BRIEFINGS
Representative Berta Gardner
Serving Geneva Woods, College Village , Green Acres, Tudor, Taku and Campbell Park

The End of the Endless Special Session

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

In the past four years I’ve participated in nine special sessions, each important in its own way. This session in particular offered an opportunity for immediate assistance to every Alaskan. The debate has been intense and far-reaching, the sums of money immense, and the result was anti-climatic for many of us.

The debate on the House floor opened with a prayer by Representative John Coghill (R-North Pole). He said “We are always mindful of the privilege of serving our people while remembering our duty – as one generation to another.” I took it very much to heart as I considered the discussion and the vote.

I believe the Governor’s proposal of a $1,200 payout per person is immensely popular across the state but I also believe it is very poor public policy.

Representative Gardner, Nelson and Kerttula during a caucus just before the House of Representatives concurred with the Senate changes to the Energy Relief bill.

-- Cash payouts without regard to need encourage an unhealthy reliance on government.

-- The payouts are taxable under federal law so we lose about a third of the benefit right off the top.

-- Payouts create an expectation of future government payouts.

-- Payouts are unsustainable.

-- Payouts are probably the least effective way for the state to provide energy relief.

On Wednesday night, after six amendments had been turned down on party line votes, when the cash payout was the only substantive offer on the table, I voted no. The bill passed with a vote of 30/7.

Although high oil prices, coupled with changes to the state’s oil tax structure, leave us in an enviably flush position, we can already see the reality that having more money to spend means there is more to fight over. Instead of short term cash payouts, we should have focused on long term solutions such as encouraging conservation, developing renewable energies, assisting the most fragile and vulnerable Alaskans to heat their homes in winter and planning for the future needs of this state. The payout does the opposite of that. I believe we failed in our higher duty of creating good policy, planning ahead and of being good stewards of the state’s assets.

Representative Gardner with staff, Noah Hanson, shows
the “Endless Session” t-shirts that were handed out
the afternoon of the last day of the Special Session.

As a legislator for Midtown Anchorage, I work hard to understand what my constituents want and then to translate that into good policy I can support. The people who have contacted me about energy issues have been split. However, I know that outside of Anchorage , where energy costs are steeper and people have fewer employment options, energy prices have had a profound impact on people’s lives.

Yesterday, when the House on reconsideration included improvements to PCE (Power Cost Equalization), I found my way to a yes vote. In the end, I have to agree with those who say that as winter approaches we cannot sit by doing nothing for those who are genuinely in need, even if it means we give state resources to those who are not in need. During next session, should I be re-elected, I will work diligently with my colleague to create good public policy that helps Alaskans who are in need.

I’m Berta and I’m still listening.

From the Desk of Senator Johnny Ellis:

I am fortunate enough to live in Midtown Anchorage, District 24 which is served by Alaska Progressives Senator Johnny Ellis and Representative Berta Gardner. I am also lucky in that both of them send out informative newsletters, frequently discussing issues on which they are much better informed.

Here's Senator Ellis's newsletter regarding the huge step taken by the Senate to endorse TransCanada as the constructor of our gas pipeline.

Note: I'm one of the folks who wanted--still wants--an All-Alaskan pipeline. I will continue to hope that this vote does not close the door on that possibility.

August 1st, 2008

SENATE MOVES GAS LINE FORWARD

Friends and Neighbors,

This afternoon the Alaska Senate voted 14-5 to grant a license to TransCanada to pursue a natural gas pipeline in line with the state’s requirements. I was a “yes” vote on this bill, and I believe this is the beginning, not the end, of a race to a gas line. Alaska is closer than ever to realizing this long-held dream. This process has given us two pipeline projects racing toward the finish line.

Over the nearly two months that the Legislature discussed this issue I kept an open mind about TC Alaska’s proposal, as well as those from the Alaska Gasline Port Authority and the Denali group (British Petroleum and ConocoPhillips). After countless hours taking testimony from oil industry consultants and executives, Administration officials, and Alaska residents, I believe the Legislature has chosen the best course to deliver a gas line.

Some of the most convincing testimony we heard came from Dan Dickinson, who was an oil and gas consultant for Governor Murkowski, and who now consults with the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee. Mr. Dickinson and nearly every other expert we consulted said TC Alaska’s proposal can only move a pipeline forward, and will not crowd out competing proposals, like Denali .

Under the state’s terms, TC Alaska will receive $500 million to take it through an “open season” and to apply for a federal (FERC) license. The terms that come along with this money include some of the “must haves” in my book: Alaska hire, a pipeline with an expandable capacity, enforceable benchmarks, distance-sensitive rates, reasonable transportation rates, the possibility of an LNG Y-line from Delta to Valdez , and take off points for spur lines around the state. It has always been my priority to build a gas line on Alaska ’s terms, and today we took a major step in that direction.

It’s important to keep in mind what today’s vote did not do. It did not crowd out alternate proposals like the Port Authority and Denali . It did not inhibit a bullet line to deliver in-state gas to Southcentral. And it was not a “giveaway” of $500 million. This money buys the Alaska must haves listed above and will be recouped in the form of lower transportation (tariff) rates.

Over the last year I have voted on two of the most important issues during my time in public service. Last fall we reworked the state’s oil tax regime to give the state a more equitable share of our oil resources. And today the state moved closer than ever to a natural gas pipeline. We’re trying to spur new exploration for gas, or a “Gas Rush,” and I believe we are moving closer to making that a reality.

Next up: we’ll be working all weekend on energy relief.

Berta's Briefings: Energy Plans and Savings Programs

My State Rep. Berta Gardner puts out a great newsletter for her constituents. I like to post it when there is especially good information for all Alaskans.

AHFC Weatherization and Energy Rebate Programs:

Helpful Suggestions to Save on Energy Costs

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Last month, I sent out a postcard to get your feedback on Governor Palin’s energy relief program. Although the Governor’s plan has changed, I was pleased by the number of responses I received and I thank everyone who sent me comments by phone or email and those who participated in the online survey. I will try to respond personally to each of you, though I hope you will be patient as it will take me some time to do so.

On the questions of the proposed $100/month for each Alaskan, and of energy assistance to individuals and Alaskan businesses, respondents were about evenly split. It was clear that respondents did not want to see the State pick up 60% of the energy costs for individuals, businesses and government offices.

Representative Gardner speaks with a member of the public who participated in the public testimony on TransCanada in Anchorage two weeks ago.

The best part of the responses were the comments. People were concerned about the risk of establishing a new government giveaway program, especially when money is given to people regardless of need. Some expressed a desire to see the money used to support schools, nonprofits or public transportation. Others focused on projects with long-term benefits, such as weatherizing homes, enhancing public transportation, increasing use of renewable energy or building a bullet line from the North Slope. Several people expressed frustration that the survey forced either or answers when none of the options were accurate for them. I apologize for that and will try to improve the structure of any future survey.

This week the Governor has announced she is adding energy issues to the renewed Special Session beginning July 9. Your responses and suggestions will be part of my consideration as I listen to the proposals and the testimony.

In the meantime, the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) weatherization program is available to help all Alaskans save money and energy by improving the energy efficiency of our homes.

An energy auditor will inspect the home and make recommendations on how to bring it up to energy efficient standards. A crew then will come and do the repairs, all at no direct cost to those qualify under the income guidelines.

People below 100% of the median income in their region qualify for the Weatherization program. In Anchorage, the median incomes are as follows:

Household Size and Income Limit:

1 person - $55,100

2 people - $63,000

3 people - $70,800

4 people - $78,700

5 people - $85,000

6 people - $91,300

7 people - $97,600

8 people - $103,900

Priority is given to the elderly, disabled, young children and families under 60% of median income. When an individual or family gets to the top of the waiting list, a weatherization crew comes in and does the needed work on the home.

To find out more information on the weatherization program please visit http://www.muni.org/cdbg/weatherization.cfm

Best regards to each of you,

I'm Berta, and I'm listening.