Claman-AKMatters

Next week, students in the Anchorage School District go back to school! Thank you to our hard-working teachers for all they do for our schools and community.

ore and more Alaskans support the Alaska Long Trail project and I consistently support investing in this important effort. The Alaska Long Trail project has broad support from local communities, economic development groups, and the tourism industry.

This week, the governor announced nearly $200 million in vetoes to the capital and operating budgets passed by the legislature. The vetoes include cuts to education, public safety, and public health services. We discuss his vetoes and the final budget picture below.

This session, the legislature passed a balanced budget that does not overdraw our state savings, invests in public education and public safety, and pays an affordable dividend. And we made progress on critical legislation.

This week, the legislature passed the state’s operating and capital budgets. The balanced budget does not overdraw the Permanent Fund Earnings Reserve Account, does not draw from savings accounts, and includes a $1,304 dividend.

Last week, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a follow up hearing to receive an update for the state of Alaska on their work to improve Alaska’s behavioral health system for children. More below.

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

This week, the Senate passed Senate Bill 58. This legislation will extend postpartum Medicaid coverage for new mothers from 60 days to 12 months.

In this week’s newsletter, we discuss legislation that has passed the Senate, provide a personal legislation update, and share upcoming community events.

Our work on the budget continues. Thank you to all who took the time to participate in the constituent survey and share your thoughts. The results are below.