jenn.gifford, Author at Alaska Senate Majority

NEWS: Senate Passes Balanced Operating Budget That Meets the Diverse Needs of Alaskans

Press, Stedman-Press, Stevens / jenn.gifford

JUNEAU – This afternoon, the Senate passed its version of the state’s operating budget, House Bill 268, on a vote of 17-3. The $6.25 billion operating budget leaves $196 million in surplus revenue available for pending legislation, including the state’s capital budget. The operating budget, crafted by Senate Finance Co-Chair Senator Bert Stedman, R-Sitka, demonstrates […]

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NEWS: Legislature Establishes the Friday before Memorial Day as Veterans’ Poppy Day

Dunbar-Press, Press / jenn.gifford

Last Friday, the House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 159, sponsored by Senator Forrest Dunbar, D-Anchorage. The legislation establishes the Friday before Memorial Day as “Veterans’ Poppy Day.” Inspired by historical traditions and the desire to honor and support American soldiers who died in battle.

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Juneau Note: Heavy Haul Trucking, ALS, Prop A and More!

Kawasaki-JuneauNote / jenn.gifford

The Legislature is now in the final two weeks of session meaning many of the bills will either pass or fail abruptly.

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Alaska Matters: Approved Legislation and Municipal Run-Off

Leave a Comment / Claman-AKMatters / jenn.gifford

Last week, the governor signed two important bills into law. SB 24 establishes March as Brain Injury Awareness Month, and SB 93 changes the maximum payout for injured fishermen from the Alaska Fishermen’s Fund.

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NEWS: Senate Judiciary Committee Introduces Omnibus Crime Package

Claman-Press, Press / jenn.gifford

Juneau – Today, the Alaska State Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 236, sponsored by Senator Jesse Kiehl, D-Juneau. The bill addresses critical gaps in aid for state-only disasters, providing much-needed support for individuals and communities grappling with the aftermath of natural catastrophes.

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NEWS: Alaska State Senate Passes Legislation Enhancing Disaster Relief for Alaskans

Kiehl-Press, Press / jenn.gifford

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The Empty Office Podcast – Season 2, Episode 16

Leave a Comment / Tobin-TheLatest / jenn.gifford

Sen. Löki Gale Tobin and Mike Mason welcome former DEED Commissioner and UAF Chancellor Emeritus Marshall Lind to the podcast to get a historical perspective on public education in Alaska.

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On the Kenai: Weekly Legislative Update

Leave a Comment / Bjorkman-OnTheKenai / jenn.gifford

After passing the legislature 59-1, I’m thankful that my bill Senate Bill 93 was signed into law last week! This bill increases the limits on payouts for commercial fishing injuries and better ensures fishing crew members’ medical costs are covered.

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NEWS: Senate Acts to Provide Timely Benefits to Injured Workers

Bjorkman-Press, Press / jenn.gifford

JUNEAU – The Alaska Senate moved today to better ensure injured workers receive timely benefits payments with the passage of Senate Bill 183 by a vote of 17 to 1. Sponsored by the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee, the bill would allow the Workers’ Compensation Benefits Guarantee Fund to retain its fiscal year-end balance to

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NEWS: Alaska Senate Takes Steps to Address Crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples

Olson-Press, Press / jenn.gifford

Juneau – For decades, Alaska has grappled with the harrowing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples (MMIP), tearing families apart and leaving communities shattered.

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