President Bush's appointment of Gale Norton to serve as the U.S. Secretary of Interior is important to our State. A large proportion of our state lands and natural resources are controlled by the federal government in general, and by the Department of the Interior in particular. The person appointed to this position will have a direct impact on the future of Alaska. Gale Norton has a strong background in public lands and resource issues, and her record shows that she will bring a balanced approach to issues facing Alaska. As the Twenty-Second Alaska Legislature progresses into its final stages of the first session, I am pleased to report the House of Representatives is making steady progress on issues Alaskans have identified among their highest priorities this year.
Alcohol extracts huge social, financial and personal costs from the state.
Our efforts to lessen the devastation alcohol brings to Alaska may well be the most significant steps the state legislature has taken in a decade to address the wide swath of destruction that alcohol leaves in its wake. On the education front, I am pleased to report that Alaska s educational system is working well in many respects, but may benefit from additional resources and fine-tuning to deliver the results Alaskans want and deserve. We have spent extensive time and effort reassessing the high school competency testing process, and remain committed both to helping all students possible earn meaningful diplomas and providing the time, resources and instruction necessary to do so. I appreciate your interest and encourage your continued attention to the Legislature s progress. Ken Erickson Bud Curtis Snap Poll Non-profit organizations that engage in political activities are the only organizations not required to disclose their sources of income.