Friends and Neighbors,

I hope that everyone had the chance to get out and enjoy the Tanana Valley State Fair and sunshine this summer. I also would like to extend a big thank you to all of our teachers and staff returning to the schools this month!

Wells Fargo Health Insurance

On July 1st, 2010 Alaska Regional Hospital replaced Providence as the preferred provider for Wells Fargo Health Insurance. While this does not affect Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, members may need to travel to Anchorage for certain procedures not available locally. My office heard from a number of constituents who were concerned with a possible price increase in services due to Alaska Regional’s for-profit status. Wells Fargo now manages AlaskaCare, our insurance program for state employees and retirees. I wrote a letter to Commissioner Annette Kreitzer who oversees AlaskaCare to request an explanation of the situation. Please click here to read the letter and the response I received from the Commissioner.

A Watchful Eye on Oil Spill Preparedness

While the media and Congress have continued to peruse Alyeska’s management practices it is time for the State to do the same. I have written a letter to the Co-Chairs of House Resources to hold a hearing on the issue of Alyeska’s spill response preparedness.

Recent events including the spill at Pump Station number 9, have brought the need for scrutiny into the safety of the aging pipeline. A pipeline spill in Alaska not only could be detrimental to the environment, but also to the hundreds of oil industry employees and the state coffers. In July I was invited to testify before Congress on this issue and have continued to follow through on bringing this issue to the forefront.

Probate Issues in Alaska

It has come to my attention that the level of difficulty in resolving probate issues in Alaska is high. In our busy lives we sometimes do not take the time to set up wills and advance directives. Probate is the process of moving assets from the deceased to an appointed person. The process is made cumbersome by the amount of red tape and the lack of direction. I have asked that the Department of Law seek out a way to create a booklet on the processes of probates and wills in the State of Alaska, much like the landlord tenant handbook currently available. For more information on advance directives please visit my website http://guttenberg.akdemocrats.org/

The Passing of Senator Ted Stevens

We mourn the loss of former Senator Ted Stevens. His unique ability to provide assistance building Alaska’s infrastructure during and after Statehood was much appreciated. He will be missed as a pioneer of Alaska.

Thank you for reading and please feel free to call my office and share your ideas.