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.
Read More →Juneau – Last Friday was the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Alaska Constitution. The convention in Fairbanks featured 55 Alaskans, elected from all regions and walks of life. These far-thinking delegates came together as one and crafted a document that has guided not only the state government, but also Alaska’s institutions and people. The constitutional example is being followed today by the Alaska Senate Democrats and the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition as they propose a new structure for the 29th Alaska Legislature.
Read More →JUNEAU – Today, the Alaska State House of Representatives passed legislation that reforms the Alaska National Guard by creating a Code of Military Justice. House Bill 126 provides a framework of processes and consequences for members of the Alaska National Guard who violate military rules and orders.
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Juneau – A community engagement meeting will be held in Juneau on Sunday for area residents to share concerns and issues with their elected Representatives and Senator in the Alaska Legislature. The meeting is open to the public. It will be held on Sunday, January 31 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m at the Mendenhall Valley Public Library.
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The second session of the 29th Alaska Legislature is underway and the building is full of activity. This year, the focus is on the state’s widening budget deficit – with the deficit estimated at more than $3.5 billion, we have our work cut out for us.
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JUNEAU – Today, Rep. Scott Kawasaki (D-Fairbanks), Rep. Sam Kito (D-Juneau), and Rep. Matt Claman (D-Anchorage) introduced HCR 16 to establish the House Standing Committee on Ways & Means to consider methods to control state spending, identify ways to make government programs more efficient, and review measures that raise state revenue.
Read More →Juneau – The Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition (AIDC) and Alaska Senate Democrats will hold a press availability before the start the Second Session of the 29th Alaska Legislature. The availability will allow lawmakers to discuss specific issues and take questions from the media. The press availability will be held Tuesday, January 19, at 9 am in the Fahrenkamp Room of the Capital Building in Juneau. The press availability will feature Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition Leader Rep. Chris Tuck (D-Anchorage) and Alaska Senate Democrats Leader Sen. Berta Gardner (D-Anchorage).
Read More →ANCHORAGE – On Saturday, the members of the Alaska Legislative Council are scheduled to discuss the available options to save money on office space for lawmakers and staff in Anchorage. The current Anchorage Legislative Information Office (LIO) building on 4th Avenue in downtown Anchorage has been criticized as too expensive, and many lawmakers including Rep. Sam Kito (D-Juneau), believe it’s time to embrace budget savings and end the lease on the current building. Rep. Kito is the only member of the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition (AIDC) on the Legislative Council. He notes that available space in the state-owned Atwood Building in Anchorage is the most viable option under consideration as an alternative to the continued leasing or purchase of the 4th Avenue building.
Read More →ANCHORAGE – Today, Alaska Governor Bill Walker unveiled an ambitious budget plan called “The New Sustainable Alaska Plan” that shifts much of the burden of paying for state government from the oil and gas industry onto the backs of hard-working, average Alaskans. The Governor’s proposal includes fundamental changes to how vital state services in Alaska are funded including new or increased taxes on income, fishing, mining, tourism, alcohol, tobacco, and motor fuel. The Governor’s proposal also makes drastic cuts to vital early education opportunities in Alaska and would result in significantly reduced Permanent Fund Dividends. The 13 members of the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition thank Governor Walker for his leadership and the public process used to come up with the proposed budget plan but will insist that every proposed change be thoroughly vetted by the Alaska Legislature.
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This moment in Alaska’s history is pivotal in determining what our future as a state will look like. The sudden drop in oil prices and the broken promises of increased oil production in return for excessive tax cuts and credits have resulted in a nearly $3.5 billion budget gap that must be closed. Alaska is required by law to produce a balanced budget. However, a budget is more than just numbers on a page. It should reflect the basic values of the people.
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