April Showers Bring May… Adjournment?
Our rain came back this weekend. I wouldn’t know what to do if we didn’t have April showers to bring May rainfall.
April Showers Bring May… Adjournment? Read More »
The Empty Office Podcast – Season 3, Episode 13
Today’s episode includes two recent speeches delivered by Senator Tobin on the importance of Alaska’s public education system and the urgent need for additional education funding.
The Empty Office Podcast – Season 3, Episode 13 Read More »
House and Senate Approve Public Education Bill
Dear Friends and Neighbors, On Friday afternoon, the Senate passed House Bill 69 with a $1,000 increase to the Base Student Allocation. The House approved the same legislation soon after the Senate vote. The legislation now goes to Governor Dunleavy for his consideration. There is more work to be done to support public education in Alaska.
House and Senate Approve Public Education Bill Read More »
PFD, HB 69 and Federal Cuts
Today is day 81 of the 120-day Alaska Legislative session and only 1/3 of the session remains. Boy how time flies.
The House Finance Committee has been trying to approve an operating budget, which is a difficult task, given that the state is facing financial straits and a deficit of $1.9 billion. The House Majority and Minority are deeply divided on how to deal with Alaska’s fiscal problems. There has been some contention this week, as House Finance tries to compromise on a budget to send over to the Senate. Both the House Minority and Majority held separate press conferences on the issue and painted two very different pictures for the people of Alaska.
PFD, HB 69 and Federal Cuts Read More »
Town Hall topics, Credit Rating, Gas Pipeline Questions and lots more!
Dear friends and neighbors, Mike Sfraga, PhD., former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs, presented to Senate Special Committee on Arctic Affairs. Great insights and recommendations.
Town Hall topics, Credit Rating, Gas Pipeline Questions and lots more! Read More »
State budget
Dear Friends and Neighbors, This week, we take another look at the West Anchorage constituent survey responses and overall trends in budget priorities. Over several years, the dividend has become a lower priority and state services – including public education and public safety – have become more important to Alaskans.
On the Kenai: Weekly Legislative Update for April 7
Hello! This week the Senate Education Committee forwarded a bill that will secure stable and predictable funding for schools. The bill provides a 4.6% increase in state funding compared to last year. These additional dollars are vital to empowering successful learning outcomes.
On the Kenai: Weekly Legislative Update for April 7 Read More »
The Empty Office Podcast – Season 3, Episode 12
Senator Tobin is joined by former State Representative Beth Kerttula for a wide-ranging conservation about the conservation movement and the work of the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators.
The Empty Office Podcast – Season 3, Episode 12 Read More »
NEWS: Alaska Legislature Expands Who Can Serve Alcohol in Licensed Establishments
JUNEAU, AK – On Wednesday, the Alaska House passed Senate Bill 15, sponsored by Senator Kelly Merrick, R-Eagle River, by a vote of 32-8. The bill amends current statutes to promote responsible alcohol service, increase employment opportunities, and bring more public safety awareness to consumers. Last year, a similar bill, House Bill 189, passed the
NEWS: Alaska Legislature Expands Who Can Serve Alcohol in Licensed Establishments Read More »
Executive Order, Bycatch, SB 129, Women’s History Month
Today is day 74 of the 120-day Alaska Legislative session. Now that it is April, we are in our penultimate month of this session, so we are really starting to focus on getting things buttoned up. My office had two bill hearings this week. One for SB129, which is discussed later in this newsletter and the other for SB110 which establishes a museum construction grant fund. Both bill hearings were successful, and I expect to have these bills heard again in committee soon. The bill hearing process may seem overly long and onerous, but it is essential to ensure that good policy is leaving the legislature, and my office is dedicated to shepherding these bills through.
Executive Order, Bycatch, SB 129, Women’s History Month Read More »