Dear Friends and Neighbors,

With less than two weeks left of the regular session, the House and Senate are moving bills and budgets swiftly. It has been helpful to hear from many of you directly about bills of interest to you. Please feel free to continue reaching out with your comments, questions, and concerns. Below is a quick update on some major legislation and upcoming events in the district.

Elections Reform Update

On Monday, May 4, the legislature met in joint session to consider overriding the governor's veto of SB 64, the elections reform bill that I sponsored as Senate Rules Chairman. This was the result of a decade of working across the aisles, the administration, and dozens of stakeholders across the state to find a compromise to improve security and accountability in our elections systems. Two previous supporters - Rep. Bynum of Ketchikan and Sen. Stedman of Sitka - flipped their votes to defeat the override with a vote of 38-22. An override requires 40 votes. You can watch my floor speech online here.

Senate Passes Operating Budget

Yesterday, the Senate passed its version of the state's operating budget. This budget allows for some funding to be set aside in the event of unforeseen disasters. It also provides additional funding to school districts and a modest increase to the PFD to help with the higher cost of fuel for schools and families. Read the Senate Finance Committee's press release here.

This budget is not yet final. Next, a conference committee will be appointed to work out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the budget. The budget is on track to pass on time ahead of the constitutional last of session on Wednesday, May 20.

Gasline Project Update

Yesterday, the Senate Resources Committee completed our 26th hearing on the Governor’s property tax bill for the AKLNG gasline project: SB 280.

In recent hearings, we’ve heard testimony from the Department of Revenue, project developer Glenfarne, and our oil and gas consultants at GaffneyCline. While the Governor continues to promise natural gas at $5 per unit, the Department of Revenue is projecting costs closer to $23 per unit during Phase 1 in 2033. For comparison, Southcentral residents currently pay between $10–13 per unit.

At the same time, the Governor is asking the Legislature to approve roughly $1 billion per year in property tax breaks for the gas pipeline project. Yet for the past two years, we’ve repeatedly been told this project could move forward without tax breaks or legislative approval.

Alaskans deserve affordable, reliable energy. You also deserve protection from price gouging. Before the Legislature gives away billions in tax revenue, we need clear answers about what this project will actually cost families and communities across the state.

On Wednesday, the House Resources Committee advanced the House version of the bill, HB 381, to the House Finance Committee. Its first hearing is today.



The photo above is a price sensitivity matrix provided by the Department of Revenue to the Senate Resources Committee on April 29, 2026.

Community Events

The Anchorage Bike Rodeo will be this Saturday, May 9, starting at 10:00 AM from Chanshtnu Muldoon Park. Learn more and register for this free event here.

SAVE THE DATE: Russian Jack Springs Park Cleanup will be held on Saturday, May 23, from 10 AM to 1 PM. Watch for more info from the Russian Jack Community Council. It is my privilege to sponsor pizza for those able to attend.

Community Councils

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.

Scenic Foothills Community Council last met on May 7 and is now taking a summer break. The next scheduled next meeting is Thursday, September 3, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, 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). Please reach out if you need any assistance navigating the state agencies. I'm always happy to help.

Warmly,