Fairbanks: Veto Sustained, Revenue Forecast, Helping the Military and More!

March 19, 2024

Dear Neighbors,

The Alaska Legislature is just past the half-way point of the 121-day session and the office has been extremely busy last week as the House will begin to finalize the budget and my legislation in support of our military begins to move. The first day of spring also bring about a renewal of hope as the sunny days are longer, the temperatures rise and Alaskans begin to make summer plans. I was able to fly home to celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of the Alaska Trappers Association at their annual spring fling. The education veto override ‘failed’ but the hopeful message is that nearly 2/3 of the legislature voted in support of a brighter future for our school children. Check out the latest news going on in Juneau in the latest edition of the e-news!

Governor's Education Veto Sustained

After two weeks of anxiously waiting, a joint session was held to consider overriding the Governor’s veto of SB 140 that provides education support to K12 schools, charter and homeschools.

Unfortunately, the veto was sustained by a 39-20 vote. My office received well over 600 emails from all over the state asking for an override of the veto. It is disheartening and difficult to come to terms with the fact that one vote made a difference to our schools in Fairbanks, whose fate of which is potential closure of Ticasuk Brown, Ben Eielson, Two Rivers and Pearl Creek. Without the $680 BSA increase many schools remain underfunded and uncertain of what years to come may look like.

A Small Hand to Military Families

I am happy to sponsor a bill with Representative Will Stapp to create the Alaska Military Affairs Commission. The Commission would be a new statutory commission to replace the Alaska Military Force Advocacy and Structure Team which has been scheduled to be eliminated at the end of the fiscal year. These types of public commissions help to engage stakeholders, the public, local and state government and the military leaders to make the state a better place for our military.

SB 185 will be heard in Senate State Affairs this Thursday, March 21^st at 3:30pm. There will be an opportunity for public testimony during this hearing and I hope I hear from you then. You may also provide public testimony online by sending an email to ssta@akleg.gov.

Trapping is a Way of Life, for Some!

I was excited to attend the Alaska Trappers Association Spring Fling with my legislative colleague Representative Mike Cronk. While Mike is a real, live Alaskan trapper, my personal experience was when I used a live-trap to catch an annoying red squirrel in the woods near Creamer’s Field which I later released near the home of a local bully. The ATA celebrated the 50^th Anniversary and even Norm Philipps Sr., an original founder, was there to celebrate. The Alaska Legislature passed a citation honoring the occasion and an organization that represents ethical and responsible trapping through education and awareness.

Seniors In Need Ask for Help!

My bill, SB 170 extending Senior Benefits, passed the Senate unanimously and is now in the House Finance Committee, the final committee before passage and signature by the Governor. Fairbanks is fortunate to have three members of the House Finance Committee including Representatives Will Stapp, Frank Tomaszewski and Mike Cronk. Many seniors, some of whom live in Fairbanks on a small, fixed income, are depending on the outcome of the session and this bill to decide whether to remain in Fairbanks or move south to a place with a lower cost of living. The Senior Benefits are a small income-tested bonus that is given to seniors and elders who apply to be used on food, shelter and fuel. Email the Committee at House.Finance@akleg.gov today and ask that the bill be heard!

What is in the Revenue Fiscal Ball?

Some good news was presented by the Department of Revenue that the state treasury should see about a $200 million boost from higher oil prices over the next two fiscal years. The spring revenue forecast, used by the Legislature to finalize the budget, was published on March 15^th by law. It projects that oil prices will be $2 per barrel higher over the fiscal year that starts in July, compared to an earlier December forecast. For the current fiscal year, the department projects that the state will get an additional $58 million from higher oil prices, helping to boost a projected surplus. For the upcoming fiscal year, oil revenue was anticipated to be $140 million higher.

Last year, my colleagues and I approved using unanticipated oil revenue to boost state savings and to pay an extra energy relief check this year. Last month that was expected to be $175 per recipient, but with higher oil prices, the extra check is expected to be $220. I am very excited to see some of the additional revenue going to Alaskans families especially to help with our higher energy costs, but I am also happy to see additional money that can got to road maintenance, K-12, childcare, senior services and many other areas where we have been constrained from providing adequate funding for far too long.

Get Your Health On!

This Saturday, March 23, from 8:00am-11:00am Anne Wien Elementary school will host the Alaska Health Fair! The Alaska Health Fair is a nonprofit serving Alaska for over 40 years. The Health Fair is a great place to get affordable and accurate blood tests, from comprehensive blood chemistry to A1C. Make an appointment here.

My Staff and I are Here for You

As always, I and my staff are are still working for you. Feel free to contact my office and we will assist you with issues important to you and your family.

Working Hard for Fairbanks Families,