Dear Friends and Neighbors,

At midnight on Wednesday, the legislature adjourned without passing a responsible action plan for Alaska and Governor Walker immediately called a special session. The Governor called the special session to address a comprehensive fiscal plan and a limited number of other matters important for Alaska.

Special Session Begins on Monday

In 2006, Alaska voters changed the length of the legislative session to 90 days under the Alaska Statutes; but the Alaska Constitution still specifies a 120-day session. The legislature continued to meet after the 90th legislative day based on our Constitution. After 120 days, the Alaska Constitution also allows the legislature to extend for 10 more days by a 2/3 vote in both the House and the Senate. On Wednesday night, a motion to extend for 10 days did not receive the required 2/3 vote in the House. Both the House and the Senate then adjourned just before midnight.

At 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, Governor Walker signed an executive proclamation calling the legislature into special session in Juneau to consider ten specific matters. These matters include:

• a comprehensive budget (including general government budget, the mental health trust budget, and capital budget);

• restructuring the Permanent Fund to include a sustainable draw;

• reforming the state’s oil and gas tax and subsidy system;

• a state income tax and changes to existing taxes on motor fuels, fisheries, mining, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, and marijuana;

• improving adoption and guardianship procedures for children;

• making reforms to the foster care system;

• making reforms to the state’s insurance laws; and

• providing medical insurance coverage for the families of police officers and firefighters who die in the line of duty.

The legislature has been considering all of the matters on the special session call throughout the legislative session.

It is disappointing that the legislature did not complete its work within the 90-day voter-mandated limit or the 120-day constitutional limit on the legislative session. I heard from countless Alaskans who are frustrated because the legislature did not complete its work in 90 days. I share the public’s frustration with this slow progress, particularly given the magnitude of Alaska’s fiscal challenges. During the special session, I will remain committed to a responsible action plan for Alaska. Working together, we can reach an agreement about a comprehensive fiscal plan that puts Alaska first!

As always, please feel free to contact me with any suggestions or concerns.

Sincerely,

    Rep. Matt Claman

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