Claman-AKMatters

Dear Friends and Neighbors, This week, the Senate unanimously passed the Supplemental Budget to fund transportation, wildfire and Western Alaska disaster response, and the Higher Education Investment Fund. This $373 million appropriation will fill a deficit in the current fiscal year and will be paid from the Constitutional Budget Reserve with other increased expenses paid from […]

Dear Friends and Neighbors, This week, the Senate Judiciary and State Affairs Committees held a joint hearing on the release of Alaskans’ confidential voter data to the federal government in December. Releasing the confidential, personal information of thousands of registered voters in Alaska raises concerns about protecting against identity theft and breaches our constitutional right to

Dear Friends and Neighbors, This week, the House voted to pass the supplemental budget requested by the Governor, but failed to approve an appropriation to pay for the bill from the Constitutional Budget Reserve.

Dear Friends and Neighbors, This week, Senator Sullivan gave his annual address to the Legislature. The Resources Committee made significant changes to the Governor’s tax bill. And in the Judiciary Committee, we will hear a report today about the rates of Alaska Native and American Indian people in Alaska’s jails. Please read on for more.

Dear Friends and Neighbors, This week, Alaska’s Chief Justice Susan Carney delivered her second State of the Judiciary Address to the Legislature. She is the second female Chief Justice in Alaska.

Dear Friends and Neighbors, Last week, the Anchorage School District released their budget with reduced staffing and programming to cover a $90 million deficit. Public schools across the state are looking for funding boosts to save essential programs, services, and staff.

Dear Friends and Neighbors, Last week, we started the 2nd regular session of the 34th Legislature. Soon afterwards, we met in Joint Session to consider overriding Senate Bill 113, as required by Article II, Section 16 of the Constitution. That evening, Governor Dunleavy gave his final State of the State address and talked about his package

Dear Friends and Neighbors, On Tuesday, we gaveled in for the 2nd Session of the 34th Legislature. 2026 marks my 12th year serving in the Alaska Legislature, and public service continues to be a true honor.

Dear Friends and Neighbors, Next week, on Tuesday, January 20th, the Legislature will convene and gavel into the 2nd legislative session of the 35th Legislature.

Dear Friends and Neighbors, As the year draws to a close, we want to extend our best wishes to you for a safe, warm, and happy holiday season.