Dear Friends and Neighbors,

While the legislative session is always a busy time, this week was especially productive in the Senate. This is a quick recap on business moving through the legislature.

I also invite you to join me for coffee on Friday, April 3, at 8:00 AM at Flo's Pancakes, 335 Muldoon Road in East Anchorage.

Elections Reform Passes Legislature

After a decade of working on a bipartisan compromise to strengthen the security and access of Alaska's elections, I am pleased to share SB 64 has successfully passed the legislature this week. It will soon be heading to the governor's desk for consideration.

The ADN published an editorial today about the bill, noting SB 64 "makes it easier to vote, and harder to cheat," and "improves the system without undermining it." Read the joint press release I published with House Speaker Bryce Edgmon (I-Dillingham) and Rep. Sarah Vance (R-Homer) here.

Budget & Fiscal Plan Updates

This week, the legislature came to an agreement on the supplemental budget to pay the bills for the remainder of the current fiscal year, which ends on June 30. A conference committee was appointed to work out the differences between the House and Senate. The $449 million budget includes state match to leverage federal dollars for construction projects, as well as cover expenses from last year's wildfire season and the state response to former Typhoon Halong in Western Alaska.

It is unusual for the legislature to appoint a conference committee an a supplemental budget. The reason for this is because recent news in the Middle East caused the state's revenue forecast to project an influx of funding, such that some disagreed in using the state's Constitutional Budget Reserve savings account that required a 3/4 vote to access. While the approved supplemental budget was leaner and does not access this account, the forecasted windfall from the Iran War is nearly $550 million -- that is nearly the precise amount needed to cover the supplemental budget. It is clear the state cannot bet on wars and pandemics to drive up our revenue.

Because of that, the Senate also advanced a measure to close the S-corporation tax loophole, which may generate up to $150 million in revenue. Listen to my floor speech below.

Gasline and Energy Updates

The Senate Resources Committee has also been busy reviewing proposals relating to the Alaska Liquified Natural Gas (AKLNG) line, including bills sponsored by the Senate Resources Committee (SB 180 and SB 275) as well as the Governor (SB 280).

It is important to the whole legislature that any momentum forward on a gasline is very closely and thoroughly vetted with fiscal responsibility. The Senate Resources Committee is hearing from the gasline's lead developer, Glenfarne, on Monday, March 30, at 3:30 to get further updates - watch live at www.akleg.gov.

Community Councils

Russian Jack Community Council's next meeting is tonight, Wednesday, April 8, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, in person at the Village Rec Building (4430 Reka Dr) and Zoom. Learn more here.

Northeast Community Council's next meeting is Thursday, April 16, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, in person at Creekside Park Elementary Gym (7500 E. 6th Ave) and Zoom. Learn more here.

Scenic Foothills Community Council's next meeting is Thursday, May 7, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, in person at Congregation Beth Sholom (7525 E. Northern Lights) and Zoom. Learn more here.

Please feel free to drop me a line via email, Facebook, or phone (465-2435). The Legislative Information Office has staff available to the public during session, but do reach out to us to schedule a meeting if you find yourself in Juneau through May. Keep an eye out for more townhall opportunities in the district.

Warmly,