Veteran Alaska State Senator Bill Wielechowski returns to The Empty Office Podcast to discuss the high priority bill to reinstate a defined benefit pension plan for Alaska’s public employees.
The Empty Office Podcast – Season 4, Episode 16 Read More »
Dear Friends and Neighbors, This week, the Legislature passed House Bill 78 to establish a pension retirement plan for public employees. The Senate Judiciary Committee also passed a consolidated crime bill that includes legislative priorities to improve public safety. Yesterday, the Governor vetoed the elections bill.
House and Senate Approve Pension Retirement Plan Read More »
The Alaska State Senate approved Senate Bill 214, the Fiscal Year 2027 Capital Budget. This budget allocates a total of $248 million from Unrestricted General Funds (UGF) and leverages nearly $2 billion in federal matching funds. A primary focus of the budget is Alaska’s public education, with $83.5 million going directly toward K-12 to ensure
Elvi’s Updates – May Newsletter 2026 Read More »
Senator Tobin unfortunately needs to cancel this weekend’s constituent meeting due to a Saturday morning bill hearing! She will be presenting Senate Bill 169, to establish a Welcoming Office in Alaska to help new citizens and refugees integrate into our communities, in Senate State Affairs. You can watch the bill hearing on AKL.tv or ktoo.org/gavel/
Saturday May 2nd Constituent Meeting Cancelled Read More »
JUNEAU, Alaska — Today, Governor Mike Dunleavy vetoed Senate Bill 64, a bipartisan election reform package nearly a decade in the making that passed the Legislature 39-20 with support from Republican, Democratic, and Nonpartisan lawmakers. The bill addressed long-standing issues in Alaska’s elections, from bloated voter rolls, rejected military ballots, slow results, and gaps in
NEWS: Governor Dunleavy Vetoes Bipartisan Election Reform Bill Read More »
JUNEAU, AK — Today, the Alaska State Legislature passed Senate Bill 40, by Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson (D-Anchorage), formally recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month, observed annually from September 15 to October 15. The legislation celebrates the rich cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities across the state.
NEWS: Alaska Legislature Passes Senate Bill 40 Recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month Read More »
Dear friends and neighbors, House agrees with Senate changes in HB 78. There’s a section on this topic in a section below.
Pension Passes, Gas Pipeline Work, State Audit, and lots more! Read More »
JUNEAU, AK – Yesterday, the Senate passed House Bill 78, reestablishing a defined benefit retirement plan for teachers, public safety officers, and public employees, by a vote of 12-8. Today, the House of Representatives concurred with the Senate version. House Bill 78, sponsored by the House Finance Committee, is a fiscally responsible path to recruit
NEWS: Legislature Passes Modest Defined Benefit Pension Plan for Public Employees Read More »
Hello! There has been a lot of activity in the Capitol. Many of my bills are advancing, the budget is taking shape, and serious discussions continue about the future of the AKLNG project.
On the Kenai: Weekly Legislative Update for April 28 Read More »
I’ve taught in Alaska’s public schools. I’ve watched students succeed when they’re supported and fall behind when they’re not. Today, as a legislator and a parent, I hear the same concern everywhere I go: Are our schools delivering for our kids?
Anchorage’s shrinking schools aren’t inevitable — they’re the result of policy choices Read More »
