Protecting Your Rights: Serving Sand Lake, Spenard and Turnagain

May 14, 2022

House Declines to Adopt Senate Budget

On Tuesday, the Senate passed House Bill 281, a bill that includes the operating budget and capital budget.

In early April, the House took the first step and passed the operating budget. This budget included essential investments in public education, additional funding for public safety, and support for Alaskans at a time of high energy costs. The House budget included a $1,250 Permanent Fund Dividend and a one-time $1,300 Energy Relief Check. The House version also included putting money into the state's savings account.

The Senate version of the budget includes a $4,200 Permanent Fund Dividend in addition to the $1,300 Energy Relief Check that was passed by the House. This increase in Permanent Fund Dividend payouts increased the budget by over $1 billion and requires the state to use money in the state's savings account. The Senate budget is based on the current price of oil revenue, but there is concern that if oil prices fall, the state's savings and Alaska's future are at extreme risk.

The House voted 22-18 to not concur with the Senate version of the budget. The budget now moves to a conference committee, made up of members of the House and Senate, to negotiate a compromise budget.

Crisis Residential Center Legislation Passes the House

This week, the House passed legislation that establishes crisis residential centers and crisis stabilization centers in Alaska. House Bill 172 establishes an alternative placement option for individuals experiencing mental and behavioral health crises.

In 2020, our office assisted in passing legislation that established crisis stabilization centers—a much-needed intermediate treatment option for those facing mental health crises. An emerging component for improving the behavioral health continuum of care, these centers are open 24/7, staffed by mental health professionals, and designed to provide prompt mental health evaluation and stabilization.

HB 172 builds off the previous legislation by increasing the number of beds available for treatment and helping our public safety officers focus on crime prevention while emergency healthcare professionals focus on Alaskans in need. Major health care providers in Alaska are already moving forward with setting up these facilities.

This legislation is the next step in addressing the mental and behavioral health needs of every Alaskan. HB 172 is now waiting consideration by the Senate. We are hopeful for its passage this session.

The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority has an in-depth informational video about the Crisis Now model of care. We look forward to this legislation making a positive difference in the lives of Alaskans.

Behavioral Health Crisis System of Care in Alaska (Crisis Now)

Community Information

→ Special Election for U.S. Congress

A special primary election will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2022. Ballots for this election were mailed automatically to all registered voters starting on April 27. On this ballot, voters choose one candidate and the top four will proceed to the August 16 special election. A special election will be held on Tuesday, August 16, 2022. This election will occur on the same ballot as the regular primary election. This election will be the first to use the ranked-choice voting system.

Special Election Information

ADN Candidate Questionnaire

→ Foraker Group Pre-Development Toolkit

The Foraker Group recently shared their Pre-Development Toolkit, which provides Alaska organizations (local and regional governments, tribes, nonprofits, and collaboratives) taking on capital projects with the information they need to succeed.

It is very easy to use with simple navigation and packed with step by step guidance and resources. This tool is the first in the country and it’s available at no charge to anyone who wants to use it.

→ 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. Individuals and businesses are encouraged to nominate Alaska youth by submitting a nomination form by June 17.

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

Community Events

Mark your calendars for this upcoming event:

Turnagain Community Council - Community Meeting

The Municipality of Anchorage is proposing to dispose (sell to a private party) parcels on the south side of West Northern lights between Turnagain Street and the Alaska Railroad Overpass Bridge (legal name: Woodland Park subdivision). The Muni ordinance is being considered and will be voted on June 7, 2022: AO 2022-21.

Click here to take Turnagain Community Council's online survey about the proposal. View the property. Download the ordinance.

When: Thursday, May 21 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Where: 2801 Turnagain Street