Wielechowski-Press

NEWS: Senate President Gary Stevens Issues Statement on Governor Dunleavy’s Proposed FY2026 Budget

Anchorage, AK – Earlier this afternoon, Governor Mike Dunleavy released his proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget, which must be submitted to the legislature by December 15 each year. The legislature will convene on January 21, 2025, to consider the proposed budget and other legislative priorities. Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, issued the following statement:

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NEWS: Senate Majority Announces Committee Chairs and Priorities for the 34th Alaska State Legislature

ANCHORAGE – Today, the Alaska Senate Majority announced committee chairs for the 34th Alaska State Legislature. In November, the Senate Majority announced their leadership structure with Senator Gary Stevens (R-Kodiak) as Senate President, Senator Cathy Giessel (R-Anchorage) as Majority Leader, Senator Bill Wielechowski (D-Anchorage) as Rules Chair, Senator Kelly Merrick (R-Eagle River) as Majority Whip,

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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: 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: Alaska Senate Passes Community Energy Legislation that will Promote Renewable Energy and Lower Electric Costs for Ratepayers

Juneau – The Alaska Senate passed Senate Bill 152 unanimously today. Sponsored by Senator Bill Wielechowski, D-Anchorage, this legislation aims to expand options for renewable energy development, reduce electric costs for Alaskan ratepayers, and mitigate natural gas shortages by establishing a virtual net metering program for small-scale renewable energy generation.

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NEWS: Senate Concurs with Comprehensive Education Package

JUNEAU – Today, the Alaska State Senate concurred with the House changes to Senate Bill 140, effectively passing the largest increase to school funding in state history with a $680 increase to the Base Student Allocation. Senate Bill 140 will also significantly improve internet connectivity in rural Alaska, provide $10 million in additional funding for

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NEWS: Senate Leadership Emphasize Priorities After Governor Dunleavy Releases FY25 Budget Proposal

Anchorage, AK – Earlier this afternoon, Governor Mike Dunleavy released his proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget, which must be submitted to the legislature by December 15 each year. The legislature will convene on January 16, 2024, to consider the proposed budget and other legislative priorities. Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, and members of Senate leadership

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NEWS: Senate Leaders Mourn the Loss of Former Colleague Representative Kurt Olson

NIKISKI, AK – Today, members of the Alaska State Senate learned that former Representative Kurt Olson, R-Soldotna, passed away from a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Representative Kurt Olson served the Central Kenai Peninsula in the Alaska House of Representatives from 2005 through 2016. Members of the Alaska Senate Majority issued the following statements:

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NEWS: Bipartisan Group of Alaska Lawmakers Urge Federal Trade Commission to Block Kroger-Albertsons Merger

ANCHORAGE – On Monday, twenty-four members of the Alaska State Legislature wrote to Lina Khan, chair of the Federal Trade Commission, urging the federal government to block the Kroger-Albertsons grocery store merger.

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