Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Today was the first day of the second regular legislative session. Over the next 90 days, the Legislature will make decisions that will have an impact on Alaskans and Alaska for many years. I am committed to a responsible fiscal plan for Alaska and believe we can no longer live off of the volatility of the oil market. We face great fiscal challenges and need a responsible action plan for Alaska.

Meet Our Staff

When the House of Representatives gaveled into session today, I had the pleasure of informing the Governor that the House is “ready to do business.” This message is a somewhat archaic tradition, but it’s always great to meet with Governor Walker! 

Rep. Claman informs Governor Walker that the Legislature is ready for business in its second regular session.

I would like to introduce my staff, Lizzie Kubitz and Meghan Cavanaugh. Lizzie is a West High Graduate who recently finished her political science degree at Willamette University. Meghan is an East High graduate who attended Northwestern University. This session will be Meghan’s fourth session with the Legislature. When you call, write, or email my office Lizzie or Meghan will be available to assist you.

Meghan Cavanaugh (left) and Lizzie Kubitz (right) are available to answer questions and help constituents whenever possible.

Fiscal Outlook and Tools to Stay Informed

Over the next 90 days, many important decisions will be made regarding Alaska’s fiscal state. I will do my best to keep you informed as the budget makes its way through the legislative process. Over the next few days, the House Finance Committee is hosting overviews of the Governor’s budget. These presentations will be insightful and informative. You can watch these presentations online at 360north.org or on your television by accessing your local 360 North channel. Additionally, the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget website has many helpful tools and presentations that you can access, here.

Watch presentations live at 360north.org to stay up to date and informed about the budget and many other issues facing the Legislature.

90 Day Session

I have introduced a resolution that proposes a constitutional amendment to limit regular sessions of the Legislature to 90 days. In 2006, Alaska passed a ballot initiative that changed the legislative session length under the Alaska Statutes to 90 days. In the Alaska Constitution, however, the regular session is 120 days. This resolution would give Alaska voters the opportunity to align the constitution with the 2006 ballot initiative. The Legislature cannot change the constitution without a vote, so if the resolution passes the Legislature, Alaskans would vote on the constitutional change in the 2016 general election. Last year, the Legislature spent $153,000 on legislator per diem and other costs by running over the 90-day statutory limit by 8 days.  This resolution will let Alaska voters decide, once and for all, if they want the Legislature to complete its work in 90 days.

Listen more about the 90 Day Constitutional Amendment legislation in this clip of Rep. Claman from KTUU Channel 2 News.

As always, please let us know if you have suggestions or concerns.

Sincerely,

    Rep. Matt Claman

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