Wednesday, February 11, 1998
Knowles
releases supplemental budget
Governor Tony Knowles yesterday released his supplemental budget proposal for Fiscal Year
1998, and the bill proposes to invest $22.8-million in reallocated Medicaid funds to
several areas, including strengthening domestic violence prevention efforts, depositing
$2-million into the Alaska Children's Trust for community programs aimed at preventing
child abuse and neglect, and bringing more state buildings into compliance with the
Americans with Disabilities Act. Debate broke out on the House floor today in
response to the package, with republican Gene Therriault (terry-oh) of Fairbanks saying
it's irresponsible and full of politically motivated projects. Democrat Ethan
Berkowitz defended the plan, saying it puts kids above budget cuts.
Tourist
salmon-limit plan scrapped
A plan to limit the number of salmon that can be taken by tourists has been dropped by the
state Fisheries Board. The plan was formulated following complaints from Southeast
and the Kenai Peninsula of tourists taking too many salmon, then shipping them south for
sale. The restrictions were dropped following public testimony that the real problem
is under funded enforcement efforts. $150-thousand has been earmarked for enforcement in
key areas around the state.
New
flu arrives
If you got a flu shot, and still caught the flu, chances are it may be the A-Sydney Flu, a
strain that showed up in Australia last summer and has since spread to the U.S. The
flu has emergency rooms and doctors offices statewide filling up with complaints of fever,
fatigue, coughing and achiness. The Sydney flu may be more potent than other
strains, with higher fevers, and a longer recovery time.
It's
time to license your dog
As of March 31, all dogs in the City and Borough of Juneau must be licensed, or face a $75
dollar fine. Dog licenses cost $10 for spayed or neutered dogs, and $25 for
unaltered dogs. Owners of animals that were licensed last year should receive a
notice in the mail, but computer problems have the staff at the Gastineau Humane Society
scrambling. If you did not receive one, call the shelter and they will send you a
notice.
Processors
offer community grants
American Seafoods Company has $50-thousand it is looking to distribute to worthy programs
and projects statewide, as a way of giving back to the community. The company's
Community Advisory Board will look at written requests for funding during their March
first meeting in Kodiak. All requests must be submitted in writing to their
Anchorage office, and must specify the purpose of the donation, and the amount of funding
needed.
Museum
exhibit closes early
Earth 2 U, the popular children's exhibition at the Alaska State Museum, will close a day
and a half earlier than planned, due to shipping conflicts. The exhibit will close
Friday afternoon at 1, and the entire Museum will be closed Saturday to accommodate moving
the exhibit.
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