Hey East Anchorage,

The legislature is going full speed as we head toward the 90-day mark. I expect the final month of session to be even busier. Below is an update on education funding, the legislature's budget process, and bills I introduced this session.

Education Funding

Last week, the Senate and House agreed to pass a $1,000 increase to the Base Student Allocation (BSA). On April 5, the Anchorage Delegation held a packed townhall event and we heard you loud and clear: Alaska cannot afford to flat-fund education any longer, which has become an effective cut to education while every other department has grown over time. In fact, adjusted for inflation, Alaska really should increase the BSA by $1,808. The Governor called the bill "a joke" and said he'll veto it before we even passed it. Watch my floor speech below about why this BSA increase is essential to all Alaskans statewide.

The Governor must decide whether to veto or sign HB 69 by April 30, or else it becomes law without signature. If and when he vetoes the bill, I expect a joint session to be held in the attempt to override. While the bill passed with 32 combined votes in favor, a successful override requires 40 votes. We still have a long road ahead to provide reliable support to Alaska's schools.

Budget update

Yesterday, the Senate passed an extra-lean capital budget unanimously, 20-0. Due to the looming $700 million deficit, this budget contained no discretionary or district projects.

Meanwhile, as I write this, the House just passed its version of the operating budget. Next, the Senate will take a careful look at state operations to ensure efficiency without major sacrifices to essential state services. The House and Senate will later meet in a conference committee to work out the differences between the two chambers' budget proposals. The last day of the regular session is Wednesday, May 21.

From top left: Interviewing with Trill Gates for Your Alaska Link, visiting with Ashley from the Board of Pharmacists.

Bottom left: Meeting with the Alaska Pharmacy Association, meeting with the Nature Conservancy.

Legislation Update

SB 18 - This bill requires school districts to implement a policy to limit cell phones in schools. As noted in a previous newsletter, my ASD intern Dersu Seater did a great job testifying to Senate Education last month. Rep. Fields' companion bill, HB 57, is currently pending for a vote on the House floor.

SB 21 - Last week, the Alaska Work & Save Program was passed out of the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee. The bill is now waiting for a hearing in the Senate Finance Committee.

SB 22 - Financial Literacy in Schools had its first hearing in the Senate Finance Committee last week. Fellow Eastsider Rep. Eischeid sponsors the companion bill, HB 90, which is expected to move out of the House Education Committee next week.

SB 64 - Following passage from the Senate State Affairs Committee, my Elections Reform bill had its first hearing in the Senate Finance Committee last week. I have been working closely with all caucuses and the Division of Elections to find a compromise.

SB 112 - My legislation to reduce the per-barrel credit for oil companies from a maximum of $8 to $5 is currently in the Senate Resources Committee. Alaskans across the state have made it clear: continuing to subsidize oil corporations and out-of-state billionaires with billions of dollars is no longer sustainable.

SB 113 - This bill passed the Senate just yesterday on bipartisan lines, 16-4, and is now headed to the House for consideration. The bill may generate $25 million to $65 million in revenue from outside corporations doing business in Alaska online. Watch my floor speech here.

SB 149 - I recently introduced a Renewable Portfolio Standards bill, alongside Rep. Holland's HB 153, to address the Cook Inlet energy crisis. By investing in alternative energy production, we can reduce our dependence on imported natural gas and enhance our energy security. This bill is waiting for its first hearing in the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee.

SJR 10 - Congressional Medal of Honor for Hmong Veterans. This resolution is pending before the House for a floor vote.

Thank you, Josh!

UAA student Joshua McHoes served in my office this session for his Ted Stevens Legislative Internship Program. Josh is an excellent writer and dependable researcher! He also helped us on SJR 10, which is now waiting to be passed by the House. Josh is no stranger to East Anchorage, and I expect to see him in the district after he finishes his studies. Thanks for your hard work and dedication, Josh!

Please feel free to reach out to my office if you need assistance, want to share an idea, or have a question. If you're in Juneau, be sure to drop by our office in Capitol Room 103, and you're welcome to set up an appointment by calling 465-2435.

Warmly,