Rep. Young Supports Transportation Needs of Alaskans (con't)

     With the passage of the Transportation and Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), Congress increased spending on highways and bridges by 40%. Some may argue TEA-21 was a "pork" bill, but the American public realizes that money spent on roads, bridges, ferry systems and related infrastructure is a good use of their tax dollars. With budgetary fire-walls surrounding the highway trust fund, Congress will find it much more difficult to spend gas taxes on anything other than transportation. The House Transportation Committee would like to provide the same security for aviation taxes. However, with will prove to be very difficult given the tight spending caps Congress must live under.

     The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure passed the Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR-21). AIR-21 would take the aviation trust fund off-budget and spend your aviation tax dollars on aviation improvements. This would greatly expand the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). The AIP fund most capital improvements through either a formula or discretionary grants from the FAA. Under AIR-21 Alaska's entitlement funding is estimated to grow from $18.7 million annually to $56.4 million.

     A fundamental objective is to make an increased investment in airports, increase passenger and employee safety, and stimulate more competition from small carriers. Passing AIR-21 will achieve these and other goals.

Water Resources Development Act

     Alaska has some of the finest ports and harbors in the country, but much more work need to be done. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers works hand-in-hand with local communities to undertake specified projects and programs for flood control, port development, inland navigation, storm damage reduction, and environmental restoration. The House of Representatives has provided the Corps with the authorization to undertake several projects in Alaska. If the Senate agrees to the house provisions, the harbors in Seward, Sand Point, Nome and Ouzinkie will all receive funding authorizations for improvements. Additionally, the Corps is authorized to establish a $25 million pilot program in Alaska to design and construct water-related environmental infrastructure and resource protection and development projects. Projects include wastewater treatment, water supply, and related facilities. Again, this is subject to the Senate acceptance and appropriations.

RURAL HEALTH CARE

Rep. Young and the Rural Health Care Coalition Introduce 1999 Agenda

     A bipartisan group of Congressional Members of the Rural Health Care Coalition (RHCC), introduced the Triple-A Rural Health Improvement Act of 1999. Triple-A stands for the three main goals that the coalition will focus on during the 106th Congress, including Accessibility, Affordability, and Accountability in servicing rural health needs.

     Rep. Young is one of 146 members of the RHCC, which was established in 1986. Alaska's problems of poverty, transportation challenges and economic hardship makes the RHCC an important tool in addressing many of the rural health issues Alaskan communities face.

     Congressman Young included language in the Triple-A Rural Health Improvement Act expressing the Congress' intent to establish an Office of Inactive Reserve for the Public Health Service Corps (PHSC). Currently, there is no office to coordinate the call-up and deployment of inactive member of the PHSC reserve corps. This measure has been endorsed by the Public Service Corps and is estimated to save between $ 8 million and $ 12 million in health costs per year. The use of PHSC reserve corps would increase service and access to health providers in rural and under served areas of Alaska, without increasing the federal health cost.

SOCIAL SECURITY

     Alaska Congressman Don Young took the 60 Plus Association pledge to lock away 100% of the budget surplus for Social Security. The 60 Plus Association is a nationwide senior citizens advocacy group.

     "I am committed to protecting Social Security with a plan that is clear, fair and responsible - not a plan that raises taxes and creates inequitable treatment of beneficiaries. We need to concentrate on Social Security results, not rhetoric."