The Last Week of the Regular Legislative Session

Protecting Your Rights: Serving West Anchorage

May 14, 2024

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

This week is the last week of regular session. Several important bills have already passed the Legislature, while we consider more legislation. Stay tuned for updates to issues including energy, education, and crime.

And please remember to vote in the Anchorage Mayoral Runoff Election TODAY!

Legislation Updates

With only a few days left in session, the Legislature has already passed important bills that now await the governor's consideration.

House Bill 17: Twelve-month contraception. This bill allows for orders of up to twelve months of prescription contraceptives. This insurance law change is especially important for women in rural Alaska with limited access to pharmacies. My office carried this legislation for seven years in the House, and I'm very pleased that the Legislature has finally passed the Legislation. Special thanks to Representative Carrick and Senator Tobin for sponsoring the legislation this year. The bill passed the Senate 16-3.
Senate Bill 127: Vehicle Rental Taxes. This bill requires vehicle rental platforms such as Turo to collect and remit the existing vehicle rental tax to the state. While Alaska currently taxes all rental vehicles, current law does not provide a structure for Turo renters to comply. This bill will require Turo and other similar platforms to collect the tax on their app and remit the tax to the state. It will ultimately benefit state parks and roads, where the Legislature historically appropriates the funds. My office sponsored this bill, which will help keep Alaska open and ready for business. SB 127 passed the House on Friday by a vote of 36-2.
House Bill 228: Psychedelics Task Force. This bill, sponsored by Turnagain-Spenard Representative Jennie Armstrong and Senator Dunbar, establishes a psychedelics task force to make regulatory recommendations should the federal government legalize psychedelic medicines, as it is soon expected to do. This bill passed the Senate 18-1.

Anchorage Mayoral Runoff Election

TODAY is the last day to vote in the Anchorage Municipal Election runoff election.

If you mailed in a ballot, you can track it by visiting this page.

You can also vote in person at the following locations:

Loussac Library, 3600 Denali St, 99503
Anchorage Town Hall, 632 West 6th Avenue, 99501
Eagle River Town Center, 12001 Business Boulevard, Community Room #170

Voting locations will be open until 8pm today.

For questions about the Anchorage runoff election, please visit the Anchorage Municipal Elections page.

Capital Budget Passes

Last week, the Legislature passed the capital budget. The capital budget determines how the state will spend money on long-term projects - typically infrastructure and maintenance projects.

This year's $4 billion capital budget includes substantial federal funds.

The capital budget includes significant funding for school maintenance. The Department of Education and Early Development submitted requests for deferred maintenance in schools across the state, and the capital budget funds the top 26 projects. It places an emphasis on repairing rural schools, with $30 million dedicated to a specific fund for rural school maintenance. Other education maintenance funding includes $28 million for the University of Alaska system.

Other capital budget items include:

$15 million for a nursing facility at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
$14.5 million for renewable energy projects across the state
$7.5 million for purchasing surplus seafood for food banks
$7.5 million to replace the online application for the Permanent Fund Dividend
$10 million for home weatherization projects

The capital budget passed the Legislature on Wednesday. The operating budget is still moving through conference committee, and the legislature will likely vote to approve it by Wednesday evening.

Community Events:

Bayshore/Klatt Community Council

When: Thursday, May 16th from 7:00 - 8:30 PM

Where: In person at the Bayshore Clubhouse (3131 Amber Bay Loop). Click here for details.

Anchorage Bike to Work Day

When: Friday, May 17th from 7:00 - 9:00 AM and 4:00 to 6:00 PM

Where: Various locations around Anchorage bikepaths

For more information and a map of participating stations, visit the event webpage.

Anchorage Parks and Trails Challenge Grants Celebration

When: Friday, May 17th noon to 1pm

Where: Fairview Lions Park, 1201 E 8th Ave

The purpose of the May 17 event is to celebrate grantees AND take professional photos to launch the communication about the important work we are doing together. We encourage grantees to bring a few members of your team and potentially some props for the photos. We will bring shovels, rakes, a few tree seedlings and a Neighbor Power sign if you want to use. We also want to take a photo of our partners at Parks and Recreation, US Forest Service State and Private Forestry, Landscape Architects and Rasmuson Foundation. We will thank our funders and partners and we will take a group photo of all. We will provide beverages and Becky’s Original Kettle Korn!

Spenard Community Council

When: Wednesday, June 5th from 7:00 - 8:00 PM

Where: In person at Spenard Rec Center (2020 W 48th Ave, Anchorage AK 99517). Click here for details.

Turnagain Community Council

When: Thursday, June 6th from 6:30 - 9:00 PM

Where: Online via zoom. Click here for details.

Sand Lake Community Council

When: Monday, June 10th from 6:30 - 8:30 PM

Where: In person at the Sand Lake Elementary School Library (7500 Jewel Lake Rd). Click here for details.