Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The budget and the legalization of recreational marijuana continue to be big themes this legislative session. The Legislature is waiting for Governor Walker’s detailed budget so we can start discussions and make decisions about program funding. Look for a survey in your mailbox that asks questions like, “What should be the Legislature’s top priorities in funding governmental services?” In the meantime, feel free to call or email me with your comments and suggestions.

Rep. Ortiz and I share a laugh during an Independent Democratic Coalition Meeting

Marijuana Dogs:

In last week’s budget subcommittee meeting for the Department of Public Safety, we learned ten drug-sniffing dogs used by the Alaska State Troopers will have to be taken out of service when recreational use of marijuana becomes legal. Since the dogs cannot be untrained to detect marijuana, they will have to be retired and new dogs will be trained to detect the other illegal substances like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamines. The existing dogs have to be replaced because law enforcement cannot use a dog that alerts to both marijuana and heroin as probable cause to search a private home. The new dogs will not alert to marijuana, and will still alert to other illegal substances.  

The cost to buy and train new dogs is about $50,000 per dog or $500,000 to replace them all. This added expense is one of likely many more interesting issues the State will face when dealing with the legalization of recreational marijuana.

KABATA Hearing:

Last month Governor Walker issued an administrative order to stop all discretionary spending on six “mega-projects,” including the Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority (KABATA). The Governor said this gave the Walker-Mallott Administration and the Legislature the time necessary to evaluate the economic feasibility of these projects. Today, February 5th, in the House Transportation Committee, the Department of Transportation and the Office of Management and Budget will give an overview of the KABATA project. If you would like to testify, go to the Anchorage Legislative Information Office (716 W Fourth Ave) for the start of the committee hearing at 1PM. 

Matt and other members of the Independent Democratic Coalition at last week’s press conference

Constituent Meetings Back in Anchorage:

I will be back in Anchorage this weekend! Please stop by Tastee Freez (3901 Raspberry Road) from 4PM to 5PM, ice cream (or coffee…) is on me!

I got to volunteer last weekend in Anchorage at the Ski for Women. It was a great event!

Community Events and Opportunities:

Know an outstanding volunteer? Nominate that person for the First Lady’s Volunteer of the Year Awards!

Thanks to the Anchorage Ombudsman for this helpful tax preparation calendar!

Fill out this form to have your school’s Art in the Capitol!

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

Sincerely,

    Rep. Matt Claman

    P.S. follow me on Facebook and Twitter

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