Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The House Finance Committee will be taking public testimony this week on the FY 16 Operating Budget. Due to the cuts being made, it is imperative that legislators hear from our constituents.

Testimony time for Fairbanks:

Date: Wednesday, March 4th
Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Where: Fairbanks Legislative Information Office, 1292 Sadler Way, 3rd floor of the Alaska USA Federal Credit Union across from Home Depot

For more information on the LIO or how to testify please call 907-452-4448.

Please arrive 15 minutes early prior to the end of allotted time for testimony. If you are unable to make it to the LIO, please send your written testimony to the House Finance Committee at lhscfin@akleg.gov

Just a few of the cuts that may impact our area and services:

• Parents as Teachers Program- Eliminated
• Best Beginnings- Eliminated
• Education Broadband Access- Eliminated
• Medicaid Expansion Language- Eliminated
• Construction Academy- Eliminated
• Youth Court- Eliminated
• Wildland Fire Academy- Eliminated
• 50% General Fund reduction to Public Broadcasting
• $500,000 cut to Adult Day Services and respite care
• Family Preservation Grants (reuniting kids with families to keep them out of foster care)- Eliminated
• K-3 Literacy Project, Statewide Literacy Program and all Pre-K grants- Eliminated

Alaska’s Minimum Wage Now $8.75

Starting last Tuesday, the minimum wage increase to $8.75. On January 1st of 2016, the minimum wage will increase another dollar to $9.75. The initiative has some exemption to the increase, including an exemption for minors working no more than 30 hours a week and for individuals who provide voluntary emergency services.

Numbers vary, but the Alaska Department of Labor estimates that about 16,000 positions were paid at $8.75 or less prior to yesterday. Alaska’s new minimum wage will rank ninth, along with New York, among the 50 states.

Marijuana Legalization

Alaska joined Colorado and Washington in legalizing the sale and use of marijuana. There is a still a long way to go before commercialized marijuana will be available. Specifically, there is a sixteen-month waiting period before commercial marijuana businesses may begin operating while the control board creates licensing and regulations processes.

Under the initiative, possession and transportation of up to one ounce of marijuana in public is now legal for persons over 21; however, there are still a few things to remember. Consumption and driving is illegal (just like alcohol) and you may not transport over state lines. I expect that the transportation aspect will continue to be clarified by the Legislature.

Employers may also decide to continue to deny marijuana use and drug test for the substance. Check with you employer for any changes to their drug policy. Public consumption remains illegal.

For more helpful tips on marijuana use in Alaska see the governor’s public service announcement or the helpful FAQ from the Alcohol Beverage Control Board.

The House Judiciary Committee is still hearing HB 79 “Marijuana Reg;Cont. Subst;Crimes;Defenses”  which removes marijuana for the controlled substances list and modifies criminal statues affect by legislation.

Representative Guttenberg speaking on the House Floor

Peonies: An Economic Opportunity

Last Friday, I introduced House Concurrent Resolution 6 “Proclaim July 2015 as AK Peony Month”. This bill will give recognition to an up and coming industry in our state.

Currently, Alaska is able to grow the peony flower at a time when the rest of the world cant. Given our strategic location for shipping, peony growers are hounded by brides, event planners and flower shops from around the world.

I hope that my colleagues will help promote and celebrate this beautiful industry.

Thank you for reading and please feel free to call my office and share your ideas.