Democrats Call on Governor to Make Stronger Commitment to Education

Keeping up with inflation allows schools to focus on where to improve, not where to cut

JUNEAU – Today, House Democrats called on the governor to join them in an effort to prevent Alaska’s school districts from having to make more cuts in the classroom due to inflation. The legislators sent a letter to the governor earlier today requesting that he be open to meeting school district needs by increasing the per-student allocation enough to cover the costs of inflation.

Democrats’ Bill to Extend Voting by Mail Passes Committee

Bill would make it easier for seniors, rural Alaskans and people with disabilities to vote

JUNEAU – Representative Max Gruenberg’s bill to make voting by mail easier passed the House State Affairs Committee today. The bill would allow all Alaskans the same right as military and overseas voters whose applications to vote by mail remain effective for two general elections (up to four years).

“Participating in our democracy is a right of citizenship,” said Rep. Gruenberg (D-Anchorage), “and it should not be made difficult or inconvenient. Reducing the paperwork to vote by mail makes it easier for Alaskans to vote, especially those who have a hard time getting to their polling place.”

Committee to Hear Democrats’ Bill to Create Non-partisan Primary Election

Bill would give Alaskans freedom to vote for any candidate, regardless of political party

JUNEAU – Today, the House State Affairs Committee is scheduled to hear Democratic legislation (HB 77) to establish a non-partisan primary in Alaska so Alaskans can have the freedom to vote for whomever they want in each election, regardless of their, or the candidate’s, party affiliation. Representative Max Gruenberg (D-Anchorage), Representative Sharon Cissna (D-Anchorage) and Representative Scott Kawasaki (D-Fairbanks) sponsored the legislation, and Representative Pete Petersen (D-Anchorage) is a co-sponsor.

[BILL] HB129: Death Certificates for Deceased Veterans

House Bill 129 provides a death certificate, without cost, to a surviving spouse, next of kin, or other relative of a deceased veteran. The bill is modeled after an Arizona statute and will provide one copy to the eligible recipient.

[BILL] HB72: Antitrust Actions and Penalties

The purpose of HB 72 is threefold:
1. Increase the penalties for antitrust violations
2. Allow recovery for parties injured indirectly, as well as directly, by antitrust violations
3. Allow the attorney general to bring an antitrust action for additional equitable and monetary relief.

[BILL] HB56: Include Arson in Crimes of Conspiracy

House Bill 56 adds first and second degree arson to Alaska’s conspiracy statute, which will provide strong deterrents to committing arson and close a loophole in current law. HB 56 was drafted after it became apparent during a committee hearing last session that arson is not currently included in Alaska’s conspiracy statute.

[BILL] HB14: Executive Ethics: Legal Fees/Family Travel

House Bill 14 sets forth in statute the substance of the Attorney General’s recently-enacted regulations establishing standards for (1) reimbursement of legal fees and costs for any executive branch employees accused of ethical violations, and (2) payment of travel expenses for the families of only the governor and lieutenant governor.