Twenty-ninth Legislative Session Begins

Dear Neighbors,

Today, Tuesday January 20, 2015 marks the beginning of the twenty-ninth legislative session. And what a session it promises to be! I’ll be keeping you updated throughout, and I appreciate hearing from you. Here are some quick highlights from the office to kick things off.

Settling in to the new session.

Legislative update
Here are a list of pre-filed bills that I am sponsoring:

HB 18 – Expanding Medicaid.
HB 23 –Sexual assault awareness and prevention in schools, also known as Erin’s Law.
HB 24 – Quality based selection for architectural, engineering, or land surveying services under state-funded contracts.
HB 25 – Designating the House of Wickersham as the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor.
HB 36 – Prekindergarten programs and establishing a statewide early education plan.

The budget is going to be of particular concern this year, with declining oil revenues creating at least a $3.5 billion dollar deficit in our budget.  We will all be working hard, and I am committed to collaborating with my colleagues in the Legislature as well as working closely with the Governor and Lt. Governor to make sure we are able to move our state forward to a stable economy.

We will also need to spend some time this session to receive briefings on the Alaska Liquefied Natural Gas Export project in anticipation of contract approvals expected towards the end of 2015, or the beginning of 2016.

Community updates

A Lifetime to Master
“Carved from interviews with nearly 60 people–including those who are/have been homeless, leaders on the Juneau Homeless Coalition, politicians, concerned citizens and businesses owners–A Lifetime to Master is an attempt to better understand our neighbors, our challenges and the complicated issue of homelessness in Juneau, Alaska.”

Playing at McPhetres Hall this week only.

• Thu Jan 22, 2015 | 7:30 PM
• Fri Jan 23, 2015 | 7:30 PM
• Sat Jan 24, 2015 | 7:30 PM
• Sun Jan 25, 2015 | 2:00 PM

Sealaska Scholarship
Deadline: March 1, 2015
Website: http://www.sealaskaheritage.org/programs/scholarships.html

Office staff
There are some new faces in my office. They are here to help you and look forward to hearing from you. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to call, email, or visit us in Room 422.

Bianca Carpeneti – Legislative aide, year-round. Office: 465-4767. Email: Bianca.Carpeneti@akleg.gov
Johnny Stickman – Legislative intern, session only. Office: 465-4766. Email: Johnny.Stickman@akleg.gov
Tally Teal – Legislative aide, session only. Office: 465-4875. Email: Tally.Teal@akleg.gov

With Regards,

Sam Kito III