Legislature(1997 - 1998)
1998-03-04 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf1998-03-04 Senate Journal Page 2735 SB 333 SENATE BILL NO. 333 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: An Act relating to the temporary establishment of the Alaska Disaster Assistance Program; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce, Judiciary and Finance Committees. Governors transmittal letter dated March 3: 1998-03-04 Senate Journal Page 2736 SB 333 Dear President Miller: The 1997 fish returns to the Bristol Bay and Kuskokwim River regions were extremely low, causing a serious loss of income to those area residents involved in the fishing industry. Last July, I declared an economic disaster in these regions. The federal government later made a similar declaration. To assist those suffering from income loss due to this disaster, I transmit this bill establishing the Alaska Disaster Assistance Program (ADAP). Under this temporary program, the Department of Labor may provide to eligible individuals one-time benefits of up to $1,400 over a two-month period. This benefit amount mirrors the payments that would be provided under the federal disaster unemployment assistance program, had that been made available for this disaster. Funds for this state assistance program are included in the supplemental appropriation bill. In order to qualify for the disaster funds, applicants must demonstrate they participated in, or planned to participate in the Bristol Bay salmon drift or set gillnet fisheries, or in the Kuskokwim River salmon gillnet fisheries during the 1997 season, and had some employment connection to the fisheries in the previous two years. Applicants must also have a family income that does not exceed 185 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. Those receiving public assistance or unemployment insurance benefits will not be eligible for this program. The program is designed to make funds available as soon as possible and be repealed January 31, 1999, after the 1998 tax statements have been issued to recipients. I urge your prompt consideration of this bill. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor