The 30^th Alaska Legislature gavels in on Tuesday, and we’d like to take a moment to wish our Kenai Peninsula legislators good luck over the coming months in Juneau.

Alaska lawmakers certainly have their work cut out for them, and their primary focus is sure to be the state’s fiscal situation, and taking significant steps to address a $3 billion or so budget gap. In addition, there are a number of other issues that will require lawmakers’ attention, and we hope they are able to complete their work in the allotted 90 days — dragging out sessions in recent years, and convening special sessions, has done little to move Alaska closer to solutions.

We’d like to remind Kenai Peninsula residents that just because lawmakers are in Juneau and the session is under way, it doesn’t mean that our elected representatives should stop hearing from you. In fact, as they consider legislation that will have far-reaching impacts, now is the most important time to keep in touch.

For those interested in following the proceedings in Juneau, a good place to start is the Legislature’s website, akleg.gov. The site includes information about bills, hearing schedules, and contact information for government officials.

For finding information in person — without flying to Juneau — visit the Legislative Information Office, 145 Main Street Loop, Suite 217 in Kenai. Peninsula residents also are able to participate in many legislative hearings from the LIO via teleconference; for questions, reach the LIO at 907-283-2030 or email LIO.Kenai@akleg.gov.

Our lawmakers also are accessible during the session — and again, they want to hear from you:

Sen. Peter Micciche, District O (Central and eastern Kenai Peninsula) — Phone: 907-465-2828; Email: Senator.Peter.Micciche@akleg.gov.

Sen. Gary Stevens, District P (Sourthern Kenai Peninsula and Kodiak) — Phone: 907-465-4925; Email: Senator.Gary.Stevens@akleg.gov.

Rep. Mike Chenault, District 29 (Nikiski, Sterling, eastern Kenai Peninsula) — Phone: 907-465-3779; Email: Representative.Mike.Chenault@akleg.gov.

Rep. Gary Knopp, District 30 (Kenai-Soldotna) — Email: Representative.Gary.Knopp@akleg.gov.

Rep. Paul Seaton, District 31 (Southern Kenai Peninsula) — Phone: 907-465-2689; Email: Representative.Paul.Seaton@akleg.gov.

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