jenn.gifford, Author at Alaska Senate Majority

Juneau Note: Bills are moving! AAPI Month, Graduations and More!

Dear Neighbors, we’ve made it to May! There are about two weeks before we pack up and leave Juneau. While that does not seem like a lot of time to get things done, bills are still moving quickly and even being introduced. Session is not over and most of the 360 bills that have been introduced this 33rd Legislature will not pass and be taken back up when the Legislature reconvenes in January of 2024. There is only one item that MUST pass before May 17th and that is the Operating and Capital Budget to keep the state running.

Juneau Note: Bills are moving! AAPI Month, Graduations and More! Read More »

NEWS: Alaska Legislature Passes Legislation Allowing Sawmill Operators to Produce Dimensional Lumber for Residential Construction

Bjorkman-Press, Press / jenn.gifford

JUNEAU – Today, the Alaska House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed Senate Bill 87, sponsored by Senator Jesse Bjorkman (R-Nikiski), with a vote of 38 to 1. The bill allows Alaska sawmill operators to become certified to grade and sell certain types of dimensional lumber they produce for residential construction.

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On the Kenai: Weekly Legislative Update

Bjorkman-OnTheKenai / jenn.gifford

Our local lumber grading bill, SB 87, passed the Senate unanimously early this week and passed the House Finance Committee without objection. The bill would create economic opportunities for our local sawmill operators and give Kenai Peninsula residents (and all Alaskans) the opportunity to build their home with locally harvested dimensional lumber. Alaska homes should

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The Empty Office Podcast – Episode #13

Tobin-TheLatest / jenn.gifford

Senator Löki Gale Tobin and Mike Mason talk climate change and renewable portfolio standards with Chris Rose, the founder of the Renewable Energy Alaska Project.

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Capitol Brief: Your Testimony Needed on SB 114

Wielechowski-Capitol-Brief / jenn.gifford

I am writing this special edition of my newsletter to ask for your support and testimony on Senate Bill 114, the oil revenue reform bill that will help solve our fiscal crisis, fund the needed school funding increase, and get our state back on track.

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Alaska Matters: Senate Budget & Pension Legislation Update

Claman-AKMatters / jenn.gifford

Today is Day 101 of the legislative session and the legislature continues its work. The Senate Finance Committee is working on the FY24 budget this week. The Senate Labor and Commerce Committee continues to consider the proposal to return Alaska to a defined benefit pension retirement plan for public employees and teachers. Read our update

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