I hope you and your family have been staying safe and warm this remarkable winter. Even in Juneau, we've experienced record levels of snow.
I recently had an emergency meeting with the Governor and ENSTAR about our fragile Cook Inlet gas situation. I also talked with the CEO of Chugach Electric about the situation, which you can watch the video of here.
This weather is just another indication of how critical our need for energy and secure, reliable transmission is.
Senate Passes Fiscally Conservative Retirement Bill
This week, my colleagues and I on the Senate floor debated and passed SB 88, an act to allow public employees to choose between defined contributions and defined benefits programs. This was a top priority for the Senate Majority, and the bill will now go to the House for consideration. You can watch my floor speech online here.
Alaska has the worst retirement system for public employees in the nation. We are losing young firefighters, police, and teachers to other states that offer them retirement with dignity. SB 88 will bring back defined benefits for public employees. And based off the latest modeling will actually save the State of Alaska, conservatively, $72 million per year if passed.
Upcoming Constituent Meetings
On Saturday, February 10, from 4 pm to 5:30 pm, I am hosting a Senate District K town hall meeting at Chester Valley Elementary with Rep. Mears and Rep. Wright. Pizza and refreshments will be provided. Bring your questions, comments, and neighbors, I look forward to seeing you!
The Anchorage Delegation will host an areawide town hall on Saturday, March 9, from 2 pm to 4 pm at Cuddy Hall in UAA. I hope to see many of you there!
3400 Seawolf Dr. Anchorage AK 99508
Please feel free to reach out to me or my staff anytime if we may be of assistance to you.
