HCR 23 and the 24 Hour Rule

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this finds you well.  I have a couple quick updates for you on happenings in the legislature over the last week.  As always, please feel free to contact me with questions or concerns.

House Concurrent Resolution 23

Earlier this week, the House passed House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) 23, changing the rules which govern the Legislature.  Bills not related to the budget will not be heard until the House passes the Operating Budget, likely in early March.  As a result, most of our committee meetings are cancelled until we pass a budget.  The only bills that will be considered are bills that save money, and bills that raise revenue.  In the spirit of cooperation, I am cautiously optimistic about HCR 23.  While the legislature does not yet agree on the details of how to address the deficit, there is consensus that the challenge ahead requires vision, courage, and commitment to a strong Alaska.

February 11, 2016: Alaska Federation of Natives Community/Legislative reception at the Elizabeth Peratrovich Center.

24 Hour Rule

Part of HCR 23 was a temporary suspension of some of the notification requirements for committee hearings and action. This would allow the legislature to move more quickly on the budget.  This is referred to as the 24 hour rule because it sets a minimum of 24 hours for public notice rather than the standard five day noticing. This usually doesn’t happen until the end of session.  I am concerned that this could make it hard for our constituents to follow the process, and I will do my best to keep you informed of what is happening. You can also follow which bills are moving by following BASIS and the legislature’s website.

February 9, 2016: Took a tour of the UAS School of Career Education, including trying out the simulator in the Center for Mine Training.

Shout outs/heads up

If you have community announcements or news to share, let me know so I can include it in my newsletter.

•  Fireside Chat on humpback whales, 2/12 at the Mendenhall Glacier, 6:30 & 8PM, check out the Juneau Empire story.
•  The Gastineau Channel Historical Society will preview Damon Steubner’s documentary “The History of the USCGC Storis” on Saturday, 2/20, 1-3pm, at the Juneau Yacht Club.
•  Have thoughts on the budget?  844-414-5949 is the place to call and share your thoughts with the Majority; 907-465-4766 is reaches me in my office – I always appreciate your input.
•  Congratulations to Lt. Governor Byron Mallott on his recent Native American Leadership Award from the National Congress of American Indians.  Click here for more information.
•  PFD application is open! You can apply online at http://pfd.alaska.gov/, or call the Permanent Fund Dividend office at 907-269-0370 to find your nearest location and fill the application out by hand.

Sincerely,

Sam Kito III