Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As the legislature approaches its final month, bills and budgets are moving full steam ahead. Here's a quick update on what's going on with some legislation I've introduced, the budget process, and the Senate Resources Committee, which is meeting daily.

Budget Process

The House recently passed the operating budget to the Senate, and the Senate plans to pass the capital budget to the House this week. The Senate Finance Committee will introduce its first draft of the operating budget this week before considering amendments in committee. While oil prices have increased since the Iran conflict began, the legislature is exercising caution in counting on oil revenue to allow for additional spending. I expect the final budget to ensure any unexpected revenue to be directed toward savings in the likely event oil prices fall again in the near future, as we experienced this past fiscal year.

As a member of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on the Department of Transportation, I passed an amendment that directs the department to begin cleaning up the Muldoon Wall. The department will now be able to use existing funds for cleanup and repairs. Thanks to East Anchorage neighbors for bringing this to the agency's attention. Watch me introduce the amendment here.

Personal Legislation on the Move

Today, the Senate unanimously passed my bill SB 187, which will require school lunch programs to remove petroleum-based food dyes from the meals served in school. There is an abundance of evidence telling us these food dyes lead to adverse health effects that disproportionately affect children. The bill heads to the House for consideration.

SB 21 would establish the Alaska Work and Save Program, which would set up an automatic statewide retirement program for qualified employees. This means any qualified worker who is not offered a private retirement program through their employer may be enrolled in an individual retirement account (IRA) program. It allows Alaskans to save for a dignified retirement, and reduce the strain on government assistance programs in the future. I expect this bill to be on the Senate Floor in the week ahead as well.

Honoring Sandy Snodgrass

Last week, I hosted Eastsider Sandy Snodgrass for a Lunch & Learn about her work on fighting opioid abuse, which included passing federal legislation into law. I presented her with a citation to honor her advocacy. Watch the Lunch & Learn here, which was recently highlighted in the Alaska Beacon.

Proposed LNG Gasline Project Update

The Senate Resources Committee has been busier than ever, now meeting daily through the beginning of May.

In our hearings, we are reviewing the governor's tax bill for the proposed gasline project, SB 280, and the Senate Resources Committee's bill on transparency and accountability for the project, SB 275.

Last week, we heard from the Alaska Department of Revenue and the legislature's oil and gas consultants, GaffneyCline and Pegasus. They provided comparative and fiscal modeling on financial frameworks, tax incentives, and transparency laws.

Check out my video below talking about the importance of protecting Alaskan ratepayers and ensuring that we get the most value out of our resources.

Community Councils

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.

Russian Jack Community Council's next meeting is tonight, Wednesday, May 13, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, in person at Williwaw Elementary School (new location) and Zoom. Learn more here.

Northeast Community Council's next meeting is Thursday, May 21, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, in person at Creekside Park Elementary Gym (7500 E. 6th Ave) and Zoom. Learn more here.

Please feel free to drop me a line via email, Facebook, or phone (465-2435). I welcome your thoughts and questions regarding bills on the move or budget concerns. Please reach out if you need any assistance navigating the state agencies. I'm always happy to help.

Warmly,