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The 26th Alaska Legislature gaveled out on April 19. My first priority is to protect Juneau's economic interests. Keeping state jobs secure and protecting against capital move legislation is number one. Early on, I received the commitment from the speaker that the capital move issue would not receive caucus attention. This enabled me to focus on other critical issues without the emotional roller coaster of a capital move fight.

The subport building legislation, HB 161, was the top legislative priority. It passed the House unanimously with bi-partisan support and moved quickly through the process to Senate Finance. The timing of the legislation is critical since the construction schedule must continue to go forward to meet the 2012 lease expiration date on the Department of Labor building. Following adjournment, I met with our new senator, Dennis Egan, and Department of Administration officials to discuss our options for keeping the project on track. The Mental Health Trust has committed to continuing the permitting process over the summer, and House leadership has identified HB 161 as a top legislative priority when we reconvene next January.

The federal stimulus package helped to bolster an otherwise austere capital budget. Juneau received funding for a transit center, Glacier Highway reconstruction in two locations, Whittier to Main Street improvements, the Auke Bay seawalk, cruise ship dock repairs, the Glacier spur road and several water and sewer upgrades. In addition, the Marine Exchange will receive $450,000 for infrastructure improvements for commercial ship monitoring.

The relationship between the state and tribal entities was another area where I focused my attention. Early in the session, I met with representatives of Tlingit and Haida to identity a strategy for better communication between the Department of Law and tribal courts on matters pertaining to child custody. I also worked with officials of the Department of Transportation and tribal road entities to find opportunities to maximize funding and cooperative work. This led to legislation sponsored by Sen. Albert Kookesh that clarifies liability on road projects so that a memorandum of understanding between the parties could be finalized. I was honored to be able to carry the legislation on the House floor.

Other key legislation that I supported and worked on included increasing funding for power cost equalization, the alternative energy fund, cruise ship wastewater discharge permitting, state employee retirement defined benefit legislation, and raising Alaska's compulsory attendance age to help address Alaska's high drop-out rate. I was also pleased to support the Kensington Mine with a resolution calling on the governor to help reinstate any affected permits that were held up during the litigation phase on the mine's tailings plan.

The administration brought forward legislation and funding requests that lay the groundwork for an in-state gas pipeline. A four-phase plan for the development of the project was presented on March 3, and work continues on the legislation that will form the initial statutory framework for its development. The legislature approved $7.1 million to continue progress toward construction of an in-state gasline.

During the interim, staff Shannon Fields and Kendra Kloster and I will delve into several upcoming legislative projects. We have been asked to carry legislation on the WICHE scholarship program, which would allow funding opportunities for individuals interested in medical careers, improving rate reimbursement and equity for small business pharmacies and legislation that would make hazing on school property or during school-sanctioned events a class A misdemeanor.

Most importantly, we are here to help you with your issues and concerns. If you need assistance getting through the maze of state government, please let me know. It is an honor to serve my hometown community. Thanks so much for your support during this hectic session.

• Cathy Muñoz represents Juneau in the Alaska Legislature.