Alaska Matters: End of Session Update

Protecting Your Rights: Serving West Anchorage

June 9, 2023

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

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.

End of Session

The legislature has adjourned until January. We are happy to be back home in Anchorage and looking forward to reconnecting with friends and neighbors in the community.

For a full list of legislation that passed this session, click here. A few notable pieces of legislation that passed include:

Senate Bill 48 enables the state to pursue a carbon offset program, including leasing state lands to private parties for the purpose of carbon offset and management and allows the Department of Natural Resources to pursue its own carbon offset projects on state land.
Senate Bill 58 extends Medicaid postpartum coverage from 60 days to 12 months for eligible beneficiaries. The Alaska Maternal Child Death Review Committee recommended this change in 2018.
Senate Bill 119 improves access to identification cards for prisoners who are re-entering upon release. The legislation allows the Department of Corrections to issue state IDs to anyone leaving their custody who does not have an ID in their possession. Being without a valid ID is a barrier to receiving housing, employment, accessing a bank, driving a car, and more.
House Bill 62 extends the authorization of the Renewable Energy Grant Fund and Recommendation Program until 2033. This program distributes grant funds for renewable energy projects across the state and is an important component for Alaskans to access stable and affordable energy costs into the future.

For an update on the pension legislation, our office's public safety legislation to close dangerous loopholes, and the Base Student Allocation increase legislation, read our last newsletter here.

Budget Overview

The approved versions of the combined operating and capital budget bill and the mental health budget bill contain approximately $14.3 billion in total spending. This balanced budget leaves the state with a $84.2 million surplus with oil at $73 per barrel. The budget does not draw from savings, includes a substantial increase in school funding, continues to invest in public safety, pays an affordable dividend, and does not require new taxes.

For our full breakdown of the FY24 budget, read our last newsletter here.

Community Information

→ People Mover Public Meetings

The People Mover is hosting public meetings in advance of the October 2 service change. View full information about the proposed change and ways to submit public comments here.

→ In Search of Alaska’s Youth Heroes

Alaska Communications and Boys & Girls Clubs – Alaska are seeking youth heroes who make a positive difference in their Alaska community. Up to six selected youth each will be awarded a $2,000 scholarship through Alaska 529 and given special recognition in their local communities.

Anyone can nominate a young hero in their life. Tell us about a child or teen, age 6-18, who is improving life for those around them. Whether it was to support others during a critical season, volunteering where there was an important need or an ongoing effort, or taking action on other's needs before their own. Our goal is to shine a spotlight on youth who are doing good around us. Individuals and businesses are encouraged to nominate Alaska youth by submitting a nomination form by June 18.

Learn more about the Summer of Heroes program and obtain a nomination form at www.alaskacommunications.com/summerofheroes.

Community Events

Mark your calendar for this upcoming event:

Live After Five Summer Concert Series

Hosted by Anchorage Downtown Partnership in collaboration with Alaska Airlines and Humpy's Great Alaskan Alehouse, celebrate your Thursdays this summer with music, a beer garden, food, and the chance to win one free round-trip ticket on Alaska Airlines. View the Facebook event for more details.

When: Thursdays starting at 5:30 PM

Where: Town Square Park, 544 W 5th Avenue

ANC Market Social

Anchorage Downtown Partnership is hosting a weekly outdoor market and street fair this summer. Expect live music, local vendor booths, a beer garden and more. View the Facebook event for more details.

When: Sundays from 11 AM to 5 PM until September 3

Where: E Street between 5th and 6th Avenue

As always, please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,