Protecting Your Rights: Serving West Anchorage

April 27, 2023

Senate Budget Update

This week, the Senate Finance Committee introduced a committee substitute (CS) for the state's operating budget, House Bill 39, and capital budget, Senate Bill 41. The CS provides for a 75/25 split of the percent of market value draw from the Permanent Fund Earnings Reserve. 75 percent of the split covers the state budget, including public safety, public education, and public health. 25 percent goes toward a dividend of roughly $1,300 per resident. This budget is based on a spring revenue forecast of an average $73 per barrel of oil in fiscal year 2024. The surplus expected with the CS is approximately $90 million. This is intended to insulate the budget from unforeseen changes in the projected oil revenue.

Education advocates have been staunch in their support for a raise in education funding this year. After years of maintaining flat funding for education, school districts across the state cannot keep up with the rise in inflation while maintaining our schools' basic functions. The Senate operating budget CS includes an increase to education funding of approximately $174 million, which is a $680 increase in the base student allocation formula per student.

The Senate capital budget CS includes approximately $30 million for major school maintenance and $32 million for the University of Alaska capital needs. This budget captures as many federal funds possible by providing "matches" to projects when possible.

Work on the budget will continue. The current timeline is for the full Senate to review the budget next week.

Pension Plan Legislation

Senate Bill 88 would establish an improved retirement system for public employees and teachers. The legislation would create a new pension system for public employees and teachers and provide an option for current Tier IV employees to convert their defined contribution plan to the new pension (defined benefit) system.

SB 88 has been reviewed thoroughly in the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee. The next hearing of the bill is Friday at 1:30 PM. You can watch Friday's hearing live here. To review previous hearings, documents related to the bill, and the full text of the bill, click here.

The committee will be considering an updated committee substitute (CS) for the legislation. The CS proposal includes new sections about teachers electing to participate in the defined benefit retirement plan created by the legislation. We look forward to learning more about the legislation during the hearing.

ICYMI: Video Update

Last week I discussed Senate Bill 58 (Medicaid postpartum extension for new mothers), House Bill 17 (12-Month Birth Control), and anti-abortion language in Alaska state budgets historically.

Congratulations, Anchorage Assembly members!

Five newly elected Assembly members and two re-elected Assembly members were sworn in to the Anchorage Assembly last night. The meeting included a certification of the election results. Members sworn in last night are Anna Brawley (West Anchorage), Zac Johnson (South Anchorage), George Martinez and Karen Bronga (East Anchorage), Scott Myers (Eagle River), Christopher Constant (North Anchorage), and Felix Rivera (Midtown). Assembly member Constant was elected unanimously as chair of the assembly. Congratulations to those elected. We appreciate your commitment to our community and look forward to your success on the Anchorage Assembly.

Out-going members are Chair Suzanne LaFrance, Austin Quinn-Davidson, Pete Petersen, and interim members Joey Sweet and Robin Dern. Their service to our Anchorage community is commendable. We celebrate their hard work and dedication.

Community Information

→ Alaska Job Centers

Alaska Job Centers offer free services to help Alaskans find sustainable, rewarding employment.

The free services available include:

• Aptitude, skill, and interest assessments
• Funding for training and support services using state and federal grants with ongoing case management
• Occupational skills training
• Short-term training to upgrade or enhance your current job skills
• Apprenticeship opportunities with key trades
• On-the-job training with private employers
• Relocation assistance for full-time permanent employment
• Support services during training or to obtain/maintain employment
• Workshops to enhance your job search, resume, and cover letters
• Resource rooms that provide easy access to computers, copiers, fax machines, and phones
• Internet access to current jobs listings that exist locally, statewide, and nationwide
• Assistance from trained staff with your job search activities

The program also provides referrals to community partner services for:

• Adult education and GED services
• Young Alaskans age 14-24
• Mature Alaskans Seeking Skills Training (known as MASST for workers age 55 and older)
• English language learners

Contact or visit the Anchorage Midtown Job Center!

Call: (907) 269-4800

Address: 3301 Eagle Street, Suite 101, Anchorage

Community Events

Mark your calendars for these upcoming events:

Spenard Community Council

When: Wednesday, May 3, starting at 7:00 PM

Where: Spenard Recreation Center, 2020 W 48th Ave

Turnagain Community Council

When: Thursday, May 4, starting at 6:30 PM

Where: Virtually via Zoom

Anchorage Bike Rodeo

Anchorage Parks and Recreation and the Anchorage Health Department are teaming up to hold the first-ever Anchorage ​Bike​ Rodeo at Chanshtnu Muldoon Park! Bring your kids and their bikes and join them for a day full of fun and learning! Kids will learn what they need to know to cycle safely in our community, including getting their helmets and bike fit, the rules of the road, using hand signals, and more! Register at https://signup.com/go/ueHYFNW.

View Facebook event page and learn more here.

When: Saturday, May 6 from 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Where: Chanshtnu Muldoon Park, 1301 Muldoon Rd.

Sen. Matt Claman

CONTACT INFORMATION

(907) 465-4919

Sen.Matt.Claman@akleg.gov

State Capitol Bldg. Rm 429

Juneau, Alaska 99801

https://www.alaskasenate.org/matt-claman/