With only 5 days left in the session, my colleagues and I in the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition continue to push on our commitment for quality education, accessible health care, safe communities and a sustainable and comprehensive fiscal plan. Here’s an update on some fast-moving bills in the final days.
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There are only 10 days left in regular session, but Republican leadership has already warned us about another special session. The Senate passed a resolution calling for a special session on the road system-which likely means Anchorage-over one week ago. Many of my Independent Democratic Coalition members and I have called on legislators to focus, work hard and get the job done within the 90-day voter-mandated deadline. During these last several days, the legislature is also under a shorter schedule to notify the public of important bills and public testimony. While this is supposed to be helpful for the legislature to complete the work on time, it has also been used, in my opinion, to undermine the public process and short circuit public input. If you have any questions on a certain piece of legislation, please contact my office at 907.456.7423.
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Last week, during two 20-hour days in Finance Committee and on the House Floor, my colleagues and I in the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition fought against cuts to services for seniors and the disabled, education opportunities from Pre-K to UA, and public safety. We also introduced millions of dollar in cuts for costly megaprojects, such as the Kodiak Rocket Complex and the Knik Arm Bridge. During this time of fiscal crisis, it made no sense to cut vital services yet keep these special pet projects moving.
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My colleagues in the Senate Finance Committee will hear public testimony from across the state this week. You can testify in person at your local Legislative Information Office (LIO). If you live off the road system or there isn’t an LIO in your community, you can send written testimony to Senate.Finance.Committee@akleg.gov or call (907) 465-3753 for assistance.
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As we near the halfway mark of the session, the legislature bears down on the budget. The next couple of weeks will be a critical stage in the budget process as the House Finance Committee hears public testimony next week before heading to the House floor.
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