August 30, 2010 Senator Begich Newsletter
Posted: August 30th, 2010 | Author: KSDP Public Affairs | Filed under: 2010
August 30, 2010
Anchorage
August 31, 2010
TELE-Town Hall
Sen. Begich joins Alaska seniors to discuss important issues
6:30 p.m. (Alaska)
Defending Alaska’s Interests
Although Alaska’s economy is doing better than most states, many Alaskans continue to struggle to make ends meet as we head into the fall with continuing high energy prices forecast. I’ll be discussing my efforts in the Senate to create jobs for Alaskans at today’s Anchorage Chamber of Commerce meeting at noon in the Dena’ina Center. Alaska is just one of six states to add construction jobs over the past two years, thanks in part to the federal Recovery Act. In fact, the $1.6 billion Alaska is receiving under the Act is the most per capita of any state, which is improving roads, hospitals and public facilities. I continue to work for approval of a national energy bill, in which I’ll push for new oil and gas development in Alaska and incentives for our natural gas pipeline. In my remarks to the Chamber, I’ll also discuss my efforts to make sure our servicemen and women have everything they need to fight the War on Terror in Afghanistan. The defense authorization bill we’ve passed includes nearly half a billion dollars for Alaska military projects. The Senate resumes work in Washington, D.C., Sept. 13.
Sincerely,
Senator Mark Begich
WebVideo: Visiting Kotzebue and Nome
Begich Calls for Quick Approval of Offshore Development
Saying Alaskans have developed cutting-edge technologies to reduce the footprint of development, Sen. Begich last week urged top federal officials to quickly approve oil and gas development in Alaska’s Arctic waters. In testimony before the director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement, Begich said Alaska’s Arctic waters hold enormous energy resources needed by the nation – 24 billion barrels of oil and more than 100 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. He criticized the Obama administration for shutting down all offshore development after this summer’s Gulf of Mexico oil spill, saying the nation needs Alaska’s energy resources. The senator has introduced numerous bills to better prepare for Arctic energy development, including more Coast Guard facilities, better oil spill response and citizen involvement.
Begich in Toksook Bay
Alaska’s View From The Hill
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Sen. Begich joins Matt Felling to discuss hot topics, including Alaska's primary election, the troop draw down in Iraq and efforts to address the budget deficit.
Aviation Grants Bring $59 million to Alaska for Airport Improvements Statewide
On the heels of a summer where Alaska has seen multiple plane crashes around the state, Sen. Begich joined FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt in announcing $59 million in Airport Improvement Program Grants for Alaska. The funds will enhance aviation safety, reduce noise and improve facilities for future aviation growth throughout the state. The announcement came last week during Babbitt’s first visit to Alaska since becoming administrator. The largest of the grants is $30 million for upgrades to the Sitka airport, where the current runway safety area does not meet current FAA standards and needs to be extended. Babbitt and Begich met with representatives of several aviation-related groups to talk about how to better educate pilots and distribute information statewide on aviation safety issues.
Begich in Newtok
Begich Calls for Education Reform Reflecting Alaska’s Needs
Sen. Begich is joined by Anchorage School Superintendent Carol Comeau, ANSEP's Mike Nabers and Barb Angaiak, of Alaska-NEA.
In an effort to overhaul the No Child Left Behind Act and better prepare Alaska’s students for a successful future, Sen. Begich is calling for education reform recognizing the unique needs of Alaska. Begich plans to introduce two new pieces of education legislation following the August Congressional recess. To promote Alaska’s unique education needs, Begich is working with his colleagues to draft a reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the federal education law outlining education standards, expectations and levels of funding. Some of Begich’s priorities include an emphasis on innovation and improvement at the local level, investing in early learning and creating flexibility for struggling schools. At a news conference in Anchorage, Begich also will introduce a bill focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and expanded funding for innovative ideas with a record of improving student outcomes.
Begich Joins the Boys and Girls Club
Last week, Sen. Begich received a 'lifetime membership' from the Boys and Girls Club in Anchorage.
Croatian Ambassador Visits Alaska
Last week, Sen. Begich hosted Kolinda Grabar - Kitarovic, the Croatian Ambassador to the United States, in Anchorage. Sen. Begich is the first Croatian-American U.S. Senator.