Press

NEWS: Senate Continues Bipartisan Coalition and Announces Leadership Positions

ANCHORAGE, AK – Today, Senate President Gary Stevens announced the continuation of the Alaska State Senate Bipartisan Coalition for the 34th Alaska State Legislature. The coalition was originally established in November of 2022 with eight Republicans and nine Democrats. As many races have outstanding ballots and still need to go through the ranked-choice voting tabulation, […]

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NEWS: Alaska’s Seafood Industry Task Force Discusses Key Industry Challenges and Opportunities with Stakeholders During Second Round of Meetings

ANCHORAGE, AK – This week, the Joint Legislative Task Force on Evaluating Alaska’s Seafood Industry held its second round of meetings to continue discussing issues affecting the state’s seafood industry. Task force members include Senator Gary Stevens, Chair, R-Kodiak, Senator Jesse Bjorkman, R-Nikiski, Senator Jesse Kiehl, D-Juneau, Senator Bert Stedman, R-Sitka, Representative Bryce Edgmon, I-Dillingham,

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NEWS: Joint Legislative Task Force on Evaluating Alaska’s Seafood Industry Holds First Meeting

Anchorage, AK – On Wednesday, September 18, and Thursday, September 19, the Joint Task Force on Evaluating Alaska’s Seafood Industry held its first round of meetings in Anchorage to begin understanding the impacts on Alaska’s seafood industry and what tools the state has in its toolbox to strengthen it. The task force was created through

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NEWS: Legislation Providing Peer Mental Health Support for Law Enforcement and First Responders Becomes Law

Anchorage, Alaska — Yesterday afternoon, Senate Bill 103 became law without the Governor’s signature. Sponsored by Senator Forrest Dunbar, D-Anchorage, this legislation showcases support for the mental health and well-being of Alaska’s law enforcement officers and first responders by establishing a process for public safety officers to seek mental health counseling from trained peer counselors while ensuring

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NEWS: Legislation Becomes Law to Expand Access to SNAP Benefits

Anchorage—On August 30, House Bill 344 became law without the Governor’s signature. Governor Dunleavy sponsored the bill, which allows the Alaska Department of Health to apply for a waiver from the federal government to establish a demonstration project that uses Medicaid funding in unique ways, including supporting workforce development and food security. 

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NEWS: Alaska Honors Those Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice

Nikiski, AK – On Tuesday, Governor Dunleavy signed Senate Bill 174 into law to honor Alaskans who have lost their lives in service to our country and communities. The bill, which passed both the House and Senate unanimously, would establish in statute the Honor and Remember and Honor and Sacrifice Flags as official state symbols and

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NEWS: Comprehensive Local Tax Exemption Legislation to Benefit Farmers and Homebuyers Signed into Law

Nikiski, AK – Yesterday, Governor Mike Dunleavy signed Senate Bill 179 into law. Sponsored by Senator Jesse Bjorkman, R-Nikiski, this legislation is a result of extensive discussions with realtors, farmers, and municipal representatives. Senate Bill 179 prohibits local governments from adding transfer taxes to the sale of houses and other real property, improves the program

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NEWS: Bill to Expand Renewable Energy Access in Alaska Signed Into Law

Anchorage, AK – Today, Governor Mike Dunleavy signed Senate Bill 152 into law, legislation designed to increase renewable energy options, lower electric costs for Alaskan ratepayers, and reduce natural gas usage. The bill, sponsored by Senator Bill Wielechowski, D-Anchorage, establishes a virtual net metering program for small-scale renewable energy generation, making it a significant step

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NEWS: Easier And Less Invasive Drug and Alcohol Testing Method Becomes Law

Nikiski, AK – On Tuesday, July 30, 2024, Governor Dunleavy signed SB 196 into law, providing a simpler way to conduct drug and alcohol testing of employees when necessary. Sponsored by Senator Jesse Bjorkman through the Labor and Commerce Committee that he chairs, the bill would add saliva or “oral fluids” to the samples an

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