We are now well in to election season, and it is time for us to exercise our civic responsibility to vote. Below you will find information about elections and voting in District 33 communities.
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Fall is in the air, and school has started for students in northern Southeast Alaska. A very big welcome to the teachers, staff, students, and families that have transitioned back to school! While summer has passed, it is exciting to think about students and teachers getting to know their new classes and gearing up for the year ahead. It is time to enjoy those early morning swim practices, after school activities, and evenings of homework. With school in full swing again, please be aware of changes on the roads: watch for school buses, keep an eye out for speed limits in school zones, buckle up, and put away your cell phones.
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With special sessions concluded, I have been busy visiting communities, settling in to new temporary office space, and catching up with constituents. I have also hired Crystal Koeneman, who will be working in my Juneau office this interim with Bianca. Please say hello to her when you call my office.
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On Wednesday, the House sent a letter to the Senate inviting them to join us in a joint session on Friday to review the Governor’s budget vetoes – Friday being the last day for the Legislature to vote to override any of the Governor’s decisions. The Senate declined the invitation, effectively allowing the vetoes to stand. On Friday, after a week of few public meetings or hearings, the House adjourned, sine die, thus ending the 5th special session.
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We all know Alaska is in a bind. Oil prices are currently stabilized, but at a relatively low level, which means that our state income from oil is now in the neighborhood of $705 million unrestricted general funds (UGF). Add in $500 million from non-petroleum revenue and we have about $1.2 billion UGF. While that sounds like a lot of money, we are looking at a General Fund budget of around $4.5 billion. This means that we have a hole of more than a $3 billion in our state budget.
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