Southeast Spotlight: Call to Action

Dear Neighbors,

The House Independent Democratic Coalition and the Senate Democrats are holding public hearings across Alaska in response to the disappointing lack of progress and opportunity for public involvement in the special session. The public hearings will focus on listening to the Alaska public on the special session issues of the state budget, Medicaid expansion, and Erin's Law.

Here are the details on the first hearing in Juneau, sponsored by my office and Sen. Dennis Egan’s office:

•   WHAT: Public testimony on the issues of the special session

•   WHERE: The Beltz Committee Room (Rm 105), Tom Steward Legislative Office Building, 4th Street (next door to the Capitol building)

•   WHEN: Thursday, May 14th, from 5:30-7:30 pm

•   For those unable to attend in person, the call-in number is: 844-586-9085

On April 30th the Republican led House and Senate majorities, over Democratic and Independent objections, voted to authorize a 13 day break from work in Juneau. Their reasoning was to go home and hear from the public on the road system. That has not happened. Without all legislators working together in one place, the current break is getting Alaska no closer to a budget. Alaska needs a plan of action.

Since special session convened on April 27th, there have been few public hearings. Four hearings, without public testimony, have been held on the state budget with nothing new to present. Three hearings, without public testimony, have been held on Medicaid with nothing new to present. The special session is scheduled to end May 26th.

To be clear, the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition and the Senate Democrats have offered a plan to reprioritize the current budget to protect children and seniors by cutting wasteful spending. Instead, the Majority is moving forward with devastating cuts that hurt regular Alaskans but don’t do anything to balance the budget, they have held the oil industry harmless, agreeing to pay them $700 million dollars in tax credits in the next fiscal year.

Please join Sen. Egan and me this Thursday (in person or call in) and let the legislature know the public supports a reasonable approach to government spending and the special session.

With Regards,

Sam Kito III