News from Senator Begich: February 8, 2010
Posted: February 9th, 2010 | Author: KSDP Public Affairs | Filed under: 2010, 2010News from Senator Begich: February 8, 2010
Upcoming Events:
February 11, 2010
Washington D.C.
Constituent Coffee
Alaskans in D.C. visit
with Sen. Begich
8:30 – 9:30 a.m. (EST)
Dirksen Senate Office Building
Room G-11
February 16, 2010
Anchorage
Field Hearing of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee
Determine how to better serve Alaska’s Veterans and to review progress of the
Anchorage VA audit
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Alaska)
Loussac Library
February 17, 2010
Fairbanks
Field Hearing of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee
Determine how to better serve Alaska’s Veterans and to review progress of the
Anchorage VA audit
1:00 – 2:30 p.m. (Alaska)
Fairbanks Borough Assembly Chambers
February 25, 2010
Washington D.C.
Constituent Coffee
Alaskans in D.C. visit
with Sen. Begich
8:30 – 9:30 a.m. (EST)
Dirksen Senate Office Building
Room G-11
Priority Number One: Job Creation
There was good economic news last week, with the national unemployment rate dropping below 10 percent and overall economic growth on the up-tick. Still, Alaska’s jobless rate remains unacceptably high which is why my focus is on creating Alaska jobs and keeping our economy healthy. I’m joining my colleagues and the national administration in pushing a new five-part jobs initiative: tax incentives to spur immediate job growth; helping small businesses grow; creating jobs through energy efficiency and more domestic energy development; rebuilding America’s roads and bridges; and investing in critical services such as police, firefighters and summer
youth employment. In Alaska, one of the best ways to create more jobs is more oil and gas production with new off-shore development and getting our natural gas to market. President Obama’s appointment of a new federal gasline coordinator (see story below) is a positive step.
Sincerely,
Senator Mark Begich
View from the Hill
Every two weeks Sen. Begich joins Matt Felling of KTVA Channel 11 for “View from the Hill.” During the 10-minute interview Sen. Begich answers questions about the week’s hot topics in the U.S. Senate. In this edition, filmed before the President’s State of the Union, Sen. Begich discusses efforts to spur job creation, the need for comprehensive energy legislation and work to address the national debt.
Gas Line Coordinator Heads for Confirmation
The largest jobs-producing project on Alaska’s horizon took a step forward last week with the confirmation hearing of Larry Persily before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. The committee is scheduled to vote Wednesday on Persily’s nomination to the position of Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Project Federal Coordinator. Persily was nominated by President Obama after being suggested by Sen. Begich. Speaking in support of the nomination Sen. Begich said, “Simply put, I can think of no other Alaskan or American who is better qualified or more capable of handling this task. Larry’s strengths are particularly suited to the task at hand.
With his knowledge of the project and government process and critical thinking skills, he’s well equipped to use the tools provided under ANGPA – the Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline Act of 2004 – to save time and money without short-changing the public’s interest.”
‘No’ to Bernanke
Sending a message to the President that Wall Street’s irresponsible financial practices have failed Alaskans and Americans, Sen. Begich voted against the confirmation of Ben Bernanke for a second term as chairman of the Federal Reserve Board. Installed by President Bush and re-nominated by Obama, Bernanke’s four-year term gave Alaskans record levels of unemployment while all of America saw an unsustainable growth of the federal deficit, and a failure to enforce regulations on Wall Street. Sen. Begich sided with the pocketbooks and bank accounts of Alaskans by sending the message that the federal government needs to do more to help everyday Americans and keep our economic recovery on track.
Coffee with Sen. Begich in D.C.
On Feb. 4, Alaskans visiting Washington D.C. joined Sen. Begich for conversation, photos, snacks and coffee. Sen. Begich hosts his Constituent Coffees every Thursday at 8:30 a.m. For a full listing of locations and times:
http://begich.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=ConstituentCoffees
Energy Efficiency Grants Available
The State of Alaska has recently announced it is accepting applications for energy efficiency block grants funded through the Economic Recovery Act that passed last year. More than $5 million dollars will be available to local communities to help fund efficiency improvements to buildings and other public facilities, including lighting, heating, appliance, and other improvements. Grants will range from $10,000 to $200,000 based on population. For more information visit the Alaska Energy Authority website at www.akenergyauthority.org/efficiency.
Senate Confirms Rob Heun as new U.S. Marshal for Alaska
After a unanimous consent vote of the Senate last week, former Anchorage Police Chief Rob Heun is now ready to take the post of U.S. Marshal for Alaska. Another recommendation of Sen. Begich, Heun was nominated by President Obama last year. “Rob has a long and distinguished career of public service to our state and military service to our country, making him an outstanding choice for this position,” Begich said. Heun served as Anchorage police chief from 2006-2009 capping a 26-year-career at the department. He was a 1977 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He entered the U.S. Army in 1972, becoming a ranger, infantry platoon leader, and eventually a commander.
Begich Co-Chairs First Meeting of General Aviation Caucus
Promoting an industry vital to Alaska, Sen. Begich co-chaired the first meeting of the Senate General Aviation Caucus. Working to better coordinate and highlight the priorities of the General Aviation community in the meeting addressed role that GA currently serves in the U.S., how to elevate the concerns of the GA community in the Senate, and ways the General Aviation Caucus can work with government agencies.
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