Author: Crystal Fontaine

In less than a century, people advanced from horses and carriages to automobiles and airplanes. The turn of the century brought about a technological explosion with advancements emerging in every direction as demand for more efficient and swifter ways of doing things increased exponentially. Computers arrived with the internet not far behind, providing more fruitful ways to communicate across the boarder and file documents.

Unfortunately, Governor Palin does not show much of an opinion concerning the issue of technology and the internet. Perhaps it is not exactly high up on her priority list. As Governor, Sarah Palin record comes up short of incorporating any kind of technological policies. Nevertheless, Governor Palin has taken advantage of the internet some by creating an online training program for the workforce. The program, Alaska Career Ready, gives users the capacity to take a set of surveys to discover what abilities they have or may need for an assortment of preferred jobs. In addition, these users may select online courses for developing weak or under-skilled areas. This program allows for a faster and more efficient way for workers to evaluate their own skills and it provides a way to help them improve weaker areas. Despite these details, however, Governor Palin has not really taken any initiative on broadband policy. Unfortunately, Alaskans connect at a slow rate. She has also helped Alaskan residents’ access affordable healthcare through the Alaska Health Care Transparency Act. The act provides tele-medicine and tele-health initiatives that provide care to Alaska’s most remote residents. According to Palin, it is vital to the economy to improve and expand more efficient transportation.

Senator Joe Biden looks to have taken a bit more interest on the subject. Biden is a supporter of clean technology, co-sponsoring the Senate Bill 1177. The legislation would amend the Clean Air Act to establish a nationwide uniform air pollutant rigid program for the electric generating zone. In a 2006 hearing, Biden proved to be a skeptic of net neutrality as he questioned the need for preventative measures when no evidence presented itself. He believes that if everyone who felt those rights were being violated and were given a hearing, it would be impossible to handle every case. Senator Biden is also a strong supporter of copyright. In 2002, he asked the Justice Department to take a harsher position on copyright violation. A noteworthy effort on Biden’s part is the PROTECT Act of 2003, which made it a felony to forge keys to use for counterfeit software or to operate unauthorized computer programs. He also co-founded and co-chaired the Congressional International Anti-Piracy Caucus. Other noteworthy legislation on Biden’s repertoire includes S.1738 and S.223. Biden sponsored Senate Bill S.1738 to increase resources for regional computer forensic labs, among other things. S. 223, which he co-sponsored, requires senate candidates to file designations, reports, and statements in electronic form. Senator Biden was also a challenger of the FISA reform bill, strongly opposing warentless wiretapping.

On one hand, we have the fresh face of Sarah Palin, who seems more concerned about oil than technological and internet issues. On the other hand, there is the well-known face of Senator Biden, who seems to have realized the importance of these issues. Who will have your vote?

AUTHOR: Crystal Fontaine

Each of us takes for granted everyday such simple things as driving to the store or flying towards that summer destination.  We are surrounded by means of transportation, or should I say machines of transport everywhere we go. Today, prices are outrageous concerning these machines and regulations pop up everywhere. Nevertheless, without them, I believe we would not know what to do with ourselves. Bill SB 930 deals with these modes of transport and their regulations.

Under the bill, SB 930 states that materials purchased for the repair, maintenance, or manufacture of aircraft that are used as general carriers of people and property will be exempt from local and state sales tax. Along with this exemption, the Aviation Trust Fund has a new cap of $10 million that may be credited from generated jet fuel sales tax. The act also allows the use of $2 million from the Aviation Trust Fund to be employed towards the study and promotion of extended domestic or international commercial service and to aid sponsors who partake in the federally financed air service program supporting intrastate service. According to the act, there must be at least $6 million in the fund from the previous year before the fund can be utilized for the objectives mentioned above.

In addition to aviation, the bill recommends certain criteria for everyday road vehicles. The bill proposes a requirement for state patrol to establish a program that will certify local law enforcement concerning commercial motor vehicle laws. These measures are to meet any requirements established by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance. As of January 1, 2009, only law enforcement officers who are certified may be able to conduct roadside inspections to determine compliance with commercial vehicle laws. However, those officers not certified in commercial vehicle laws can stop the vehicle if there is any visible defect that may cause harm to the public around them.

The act also proposes to remedy the latest Supreme Court ruling which asserted that a defendant’s previous plea of guilt may not be employed to enhance the penalty for the defendant’s new intoxication offense.  Under section 577.023, a previous verdict of guilt combined with a fine, imprisonment, and so forth may be treated as finding prior guilt for the purpose of enhancing punishment. Currently there is an ignition interlock device law for repeat DWI offenders. SB 930 aims for the law to be an administrative requirement that will be enforced by the Department of Revenue. Offenders must provide proof that their vehicles are equipped with these devices and the devices must be operational on all vehicles operated by the person for at least six months. The moral of this story is: Be Smart. Please don’t drink while driving.

In concluding, it is important to maintain and establish rules from the air to the ground. It is also our duty as citizens to recognize these rules and to stand by them.