Guns and money on senator’s mind

A step backward was taken last week in regard to the Second Amendment — your right to keep and bear arms — when a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking a Bush administration rule that would have allowed the carrying of concealed weapons in National Parks. The rule took effect Jan. 9, just as Bush was leaving office. The reasoning behind it is that if a person is allowed to carry a concealed weapon in public areas under a state-issued permit, he or she should be able to carry it in a National Park.

The Bush rule was challenged by two environmental groups, including the National Parks Conservation Association and the Coalition of National Park Service Retirees, along with the gun control group, Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. They challenged the process by which the Interior Department adopted the rule, arguing that Interior should have provided an environmental analysis to determine the environmental impacts of the proposed rule. The Bush administration argued that the rule does not authorize any environmental impacts. Clearly, the environmental and anti-gun groups have a new and creative definition of what constitutes an environmental impact, and found a sympathetic ear in the court.

Earlier this session, I introduced a resolution, SJR 3, to express appreciation to the Bush administration for implementing the new rule, and to encourage the Obama administration to improve on the rule by allowing open carry. It looks like we might have to update that resolution.

On another front, the governor surprised Alaskans last week by announcing she would not apply for $288 million of the approximately $960 million in federal stimulus funds available to the state. In announcing her decision, she said she was concerned that the $288 million would have obligated the state to continue funding these programs once the federal funds stop. She was also concerned that some of the strings attached amount to federal dictates to expand existing programs. I think she was right in questioning these federal carrots, and kicking the ball to the Legislature’s side of the court will allow for an open debate on whether we want to accept the dollars and the policy changes that come with them.

During her press conference, the governor indicated she would work with the Legislature as we proceed through our review of the remaining stimulus funds. The federal Office of Management and Budget has advised state legislatures that they have an open-ended timeline for requesting the funds. To facilitate this process, the governor has submitted a generic federal funds request that the Legislature can expand to accommodate accepting additional stimulus dollars. Rather than trying to dictate to the Legislature what level of stimulus dollars should be accepted, the governor has clearly indicated her preference, without precluding the Legislature from reaching a different conclusion.

With all of the current uncertainty about what strings may or may not be attached to the stimulus money, it is appropriate that the Legislature use our committee process to review the remaining funds. Such a process is no different than the one we go through each and every year as our Legislative Budget and Audit Committee debates adjustments to the budget by considering unanticipated federal funds. One of the primary questions that is asked in that LB&A process is whether receipt of the funds will obligate the state in any way in the future. This is the same question the governor is now asking, and the same question some of my legislative colleagues are reacting in horror to.

Again, I look forward to hearing from you if you have questions or concerns about the issues facing Alaskans. Call 800-860-4797 to contact me or one of my staff, or send an e-mail to Senator_Gene_Therriault@legis.state.ak.us any time.

Sen. Gene Therriault is a Republican representing North Pole.