Democrats’ Bill to Extend Voting by Mail Passes Committee

Bill would make it easier for seniors, rural Alaskans and people with disabilities to vote

JUNEAU – Representative Max Gruenberg’s bill to make voting by mail easier passed the House State Affairs Committee today. The bill would allow all Alaskans the same right as military and overseas voters whose applications to vote by mail remain effective for two general elections (up to four years).

“Participating in our democracy is a right of citizenship,” said Rep. Gruenberg (D-Anchorage), “and it should not be made difficult or inconvenient. Reducing the paperwork to vote by mail makes it easier for Alaskans to vote, especially those who have a hard time getting to their polling place.”

House Bill 260 “Permanent Absentee Voting”

This act will streamline the absentee voting process for Alaskans by giving voters the option to register for permanent absentee voting status for state elections. Once a voter is on the permanent absentee voter roll, they will not have to fill out an absentee request form for each election cycle. Instead, an absentee ballot will be automatically sent to them by the Division of Elections…

House Bill 278 “Sex Offender Probation Conditions”

This act will amend the current statute AS 12.55.100(e) to include a provision that will prevent individuals registered as a sex offender to live in a residence where outdoor equipment is located on the property. This act will give judges the opportunity to restrict specific sex offenders from having any item a child would want to play on like a trampoline or a jungle gym. These items can be used to lure children into a situation where a past offender could create a relationship with the child, leading to a repeat offense. Under current law, registered sex offenders may be required to refrain from using or creating a web site, communicating with children less than 16 years of age, possessing or using a computer, and residing within 500 feet of a school…

Democrats Work to End Unlimited Campaign Spending

Legislation would make Alaska a leader in national effort to rein in big-money politics

(JUNEAU) – Today, 13 House and Senate Democrats introduced legislation aimed at scaling back rules allowing corporations, wealthy donors, and unions to spend unlimited amounts of money, sometimes in the millions, to get candidates elected. Companion resolutions (HJR 33 and SJR 13) introduced today in the Alaska House and Senate call for a federal constitutional amendment to reverse the Citizens United case that opened the corporate and union campaign spending floodgates. A separate House bill would return Alaska’s right to limit corporate contributions by making corporations not considered “persons” for purposes of Alaska election law.

Rep. Petersen’s Report from the Capitol: Legislative Session Begins: Petersen’s Priorities Are Cheaper Energy, Safer Neighborhoods, and Better Schools

The Legislature just gaveled into session yesterday. The top priorities I have heard from your emails, and from going door to door throughout our neighborhoods, are the need for lower energy costs, safer neighborhoods, and improving our neighborhood schools. These will be my top priorities for this session. I have a couple of new bills this session, and I have some important bills from last session that I will continue to push.

Democrats: Today’s Resources Build Tomorrow’s Opportunity; Democratic Response to the State of the State shows vision for Alaska

JUNEAU – In her response to the governor’s state of the state speech tonight, House Democratic Leader Beth Kerttula (Juneau) told Alaskans that Alaska must use today’s resources to build tomorrow’s future.

“You’ve elected us to lead, and it’s our job to lead in a way that honors Alaska’s courageous spirit by using today’s resources to build tomorrow’s opportunities,” said Rep. Kerttula.

Rep. Petersen Introduces Permanent Absentee Voting Legislation

Bill would make it easier for seniors, rural Alaskans and people with disabilities to vote

JUNEAU - In order to make voting easier for Alaskans who have difficulty getting to their polling place, Representative Pete Petersen (D-Anchorage) introduced legislation today to allow Alaskans the option to register as permanent absentee voters.

Rep. Petersen Introduces Child Protection Legislation; Measure would make it harder for sex-offenders to bait children

JUNEAU – Today, Representative Pete Petersen (D-Anchorage) announced legislation to protect children from sex offenders who bait children to their residences with toys and play equipment. The legislation would give judges the option to prohibit certain sex offenders from having jungle gyms, trampolines or similar children’s play equipment in their yards as a condition of their parole.

Democrats Welcome Agreement on New NPR-A Oil Development – Agreement between federal agencies and ConocoPhillips means more exploration, jobs

Representative Berta Gardner • Representative Bob Miller • Representative Les Gara • Representative Pete Petersen

Today, Alaska House Democrats welcomed news that federal agencies have reached an agreement in principle with ConocoPhillips that could allow the company to go forward with its plans for a major new development in the National Petroleum Reserve – Alaska (NPR-A). ConocoPhillips first applied for its permit to expand the Alpine field into the NPR-A over a year ago.

Army Corps Indicates It May Allow Conoco Expansion into NPR-A

House Democrats welcome the signs of progress and new exploration

Today, Alaska House Democrats released a letter from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that indicates the agency may be prepared to approve ConocoPhillips Alaska’s plans to expand the Alpine unit into the National Petroleum Reserve – Alaska (NPR-A).

“We know there is more work to be done, but we take this as a very positive indication that this important development for Alaska could be moving forward soon,” said Rep. Bob Miller (D-Fairbanks).