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Wednesday, February 15th, 2023
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Friends & Neighbors in District L --
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Senator Merrick's swearing in, along with Senators from neighboring districts.
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We're nearly a month into the 2023 Legislative Session. Everyone's settled into their new offices and committee routines. Budget subcommittees are starting to dig into the Governor's budget proposal, and that's just one of the hot topics around the building.
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1. FY24 Budget
The Governor submitted his budget on December 15th, as required by law, and just announced his amended budget request today. The House begins with the operating budget, and the Senate starts with the capital budget. Reach out to any of us in the CER delegation with your thoughts on particular pieces of the budget.
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2. Education Funding
The Senate Education Committee has held hearings on education funding that have been big and well attended. Increases to education funding is the goal of many organizations and those in the capitol. There's a lot to look into on this, as it's a huge budgetary increase in one of our few constitutionally-required duties as a state. I, like many of you, want to make sure this results in safer buildings and better outcomes for our students and teachers.
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3. Public Employee Retirement Systems
Many meetings and committee hearings have touched on the desire to see changes in the state's retirement system, particularly Tier IV. There is a bill making its way through the House that specifically addresses first responders. There have been lots of conversations about one for teachers, though changes to the retirement system have been highlighted by public employees as well, to help with recruitment and retention. This will continue to be a big conversation topic throughout session, I'm sure.
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4. Workforce Challenges
In addition to Senate Finance, I sit on the State Affairs and Labor & Commerce committees. Workforce challenges across industries have been the focus of L&C this first month of session and there will be more presentations to come. I've linked some hearings from these committees below for those interested in learning more.
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5. Starner Bridge
While I was disappointed to see the funding vetoed last year, I am committed to restoring funding. I've already had conversations with every member of Senate Finance and most of their staff about the importance of this funding for not only us, but the Municipality of Anchorage as well.
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I appreciate how many of you have called, emailed, or stopped by already; I love having visitors from the district! I look forward to seeing more of you at my town hall with Representative Saddler (HD24) on the 17th. Scheduling a full delegation event didn't work out this time, but stay tuned for one in the future.
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If I can be of service, please do not hesitate to contact me.
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Senator Kelly Merrick
Senate District L - Chugiak/Eagle River
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Alaska's 33rd Legislature was sworn in on January 17th.
Senator Merrick sits on the Senate Finance, Senate Labor & Commerce, and Senate State Affairs committees, along with the Joint Armed Services Committee.
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Thanks to folks from AARP (including ER Neighbor Dan) for visiting!
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The Alaska Department of Labor publishes a monthly magazine on a number of economic trends. Sign up for a free digital edition here.
The February edition follows the Class of 2005 as they've moved through their careers.
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Legislative Finance has developed an email notification system if you'd like to be updated on the reports they publish.
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Your District L office staff with Lt. Governor Dahlstrom!
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So great to drop the puck at a CHS vs. ERHS hockey game!
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Community Council Schedule:
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You can track legislation online, or through text message by texting a bill number (i.e. SB1) to
559-245-2529.
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