Claman-AKMatters

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.

Woof woof! This week, my dad, Senator Claman, let me visit the Legislature. I got to sit in on his committees and learn about the Legislature. I also got lots of tummy scratches from friendly legislators and staff.

The last day of the Anchorage Municipal Election is April 1st. Voters in West Anchorage will decide an Assembly seat, two School Board seats, multiple bond propositions, and two special tax levies. Please be sure to vote!

This week, the House and Senate met in Joint Session three times: to hear the annual Legislative addresses from U.S. Senators Murkowski and Sullivan and to vote on the Governor’s executive order to create a Department of Agriculture. Read on for more information.

This week, the House passed House Bill 69, which will increase education funding. The House approved several amendments in the House Rules Committee and on the House Floor. A bipartisan group of representatives passed the bill 24-16. It raises the Base Student Allocation by $1,000 and contains policy changes for public and charter schools.

Dear Friends and Neighbors, Last week, Senate President Gary Stevens and House Speaker Bryce Edgmon sent a joint letter to Alaska’s Congressional Delegation urging them to block cuts to federal programs and grants in Alaska.

The State is facing a budget shortfall of over $536 million over the next two years. Meanwhile, our public schools are in dire need of additional funding and many federal grants and loans may be disappearing. The Legislature is considering how to balance our state’s budget with multiple challenges. Read on for some of the

Last week, Chief Justice Susan Carney addressed the Legislature in the annual State of the Judiciary address. Recalling United States Chief Justice John Roberts’ visit to Alaska, our nation is best when all three branches of government -the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary – are independent and strong.

Happy Valentine’s Day! We hope your day includes time with loved ones and good chocolate.

Happy Black History Month! This year, the theme of Black History Month 2025 is “African Americans and Labor.”