CRIME BILL UPDATES COMPUTER PRIVACY PROTECTIONS

Common hacking method, keystroke logging, becomes illegal July 1

Today Governor Sean Parnell made keystroke logging, a common computer hacking method, illegal when he signed HB 127, the omnibus crime bill, into law. This language, which was originally proposed by Reps. Pete Petersen and Lindsey Holmes (both D-Anchorage), updates Alaska’s computer hacking laws to make it illegal to use a keystroke logger to steal information as it is being entered into a computer.

Rep. Kerttula’s Juneau Newsletter: There is Still Time to Save Coastal Management

Last week, Representative Berta Gardner and I wrote an opinion piece about coastal management. The piece appeared in the Juneau Empire on Sunday, but I thought I’d send it to you just in case you missed it.

Thank you for reading my newsletter. I enjoy hearing from you, so please stop by the office, call, write or email.

Representative Kawasaski to Meet with President Obama and Administration Officials in Washington

Representative Kawasaski to Meet with President Obama and Administration Officials in Washington Fairbanks, AK—Representative Scott Kawasaki will travel to Washington, D.C. Friday to meet with members of the Obama administration and attend an intimate reception with the president. Kawasaki is one of a small number of members of People For the American Way Foundation’s Young [...]

Holmes to Meet with U.S. President, White House Officials

Meetings to include policy briefs, Presidential Reception

Anchorage—Representative Lindsey Holmes travels to Washington D.C. this week to meet with senior White House and Administration officials, followed by a reception with President Obama in the White House. The discussions will cover such critical topics as the economy and energy policy. Rep. Holmes is part of a small group invited to this unique event as a member of the Young Elected Officials Network.

Rep. Doogan in Anchorage: SPECIAL BIG, BIG, BIG BUDGET EDITION

In case you missed it, here’s a Compass piece I wrote earlier this week.

State Budget, Spending Generate a Bunch of Exceptions

I don’t know if you’ve got enough money to be worth talking about. I don’t. But together, we — and every other Alaskan — have a pile of money. Not a Denali-sized pile, but nothing to sneeze at.

Rep. Kawasaki to Address Young Elected Officials in Washington D.C.

200 young elected officials from across the U.S. to discuss policies, leadership

Representative Scott Kawasaki (D-Fairbanks) and Representative Lindsey Holmes (D-Anchorage) will join more than 200 young elected officials from across the country in Washington, DC at the sixth annual convening of the Young Elected Officials (YEO) Network. The YEO Network Convening is the largest gathering of young progressive elected leaders in the country. From June 2-5, young leaders will share their experiences, policy initiatives, and best practices and build a lasting network with other young elected officials from across the country.

Ground Broken for New Northeast Anchorage Fire Station

Legislative funding leads to new station, increased safety for Northeast neighborhoods

Today, the Northeast Anchorage legislative delegation attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Fire Station #6 in East Anchorage. This project is funded by a $6 million legislative grant secured last year by Sen. Bill Wielechowski and Reps. Max Gruenberg and Pete Petersen. Fire Station #6 is one of Anchorage’s oldest and busiest fire stations, and replacing the outdated building has long been a top priority for the Northeast Anchorage area.

Rep. Kerttula Comments on Cancelled Special Session

“Alaskans elect us to be statesmen and women and to work together to resolve issues for Alaska’s benefit. That is not happening with coastal zone, and it hurts all Alaskans. The coastal zone program is essential if Alaska is to have any say in planning federal projects off Alaska’s coast. It’s past time for those holding the fate of the program, and the jobs of its 33 employees, in their hands to put their differences aside and enact a strong coastal management program for Alaska.”

STUDENT CONCUSSION BILL SIGNED INTO LAW

Doogan bill will protect athletes from serious brain injuries

JUNEAU – Today the governor signed a bill sponsored by Representative Mike Doogan (D-Anchorage) to protect student athletes from serious brain injuries resulting from multiple concussions.

The bill (HB 15) requires that a student with a suspected concussion be removed from play or practice and not return until cleared by a qualified medical professional. It will prevent potential serious brain injuries that can be caused by multiple concussions.

Note from Rep. Gara: Pre-Saturday Rapture?!?!, Post-Unspecial Session Newsletter

You were probably as surprised as I was to wake up and find out there’s a guy in Florida who says the rapture will be tomorrow. I guess I always thought I’d get more notice before the end of the world.

I owe you a post-session e-news, and given what might happen tomorrow, I don’t think I have any more time to procrastinate on this. Though it would be nice to get more notice next time if this guy is wrong, like he was in 1994. I’d like to have my house and chores in order before an apocalypse. But I guess, so would everyone else.