The 2nd regular session of the 33rd Alaska State Legislature came to a close last Wednesday night. Below is a rundown of what was accomplished.
Update on My Legislation
SB 99- My bill for financial literacy curriculum was stalled in the House Finance Committee during deliberations of larger, more complicated bills at the end of the session. While this bill failed to pass both chambers, I am pleased with the progress we made in bringing attention to the importance of teaching young people about personal finances.
SB 135 - The Alaska Work & Save bill passed through the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee and received a hearing in the Senate Finance Committee. This legislation would make it easier for people to save for retirement, and I plan to continue working towards a secure and dignified retirement for everyone.
SB 152 - This community energy bill passed both the Senate and House this year and heads to the Governor for consideration.This bill allows for virtual net metering, enabling multiple ratepayers to pool resources and benefit from a single renewable energy project. This will enable homeowners and tenants who lack access to individual renewable energy installations to enjoy cost savings and reliability benefits.
SB 154 - This veterans' bidder preference bill passed both the Senate and House - where Rep. Groh added an amendment to establish a Military Family Help Desk. This bill heads to the Governor next for consideration.
Other Legislation
The legislature passed dozens of bills for the Governor to consider. A full list of bills passed can be found here. Below are some highlights of bills passed that will head to the Governor for consideration:
Education
$175 million one-time boost for Alaska's public education system was included in the operating budget. This is equivalent to a $680 BSA increase for one year. While I'm disappointed a permanent increase was vetoed by the Governor earlier this session, I am hopeful for progress on this issue next legislature.
HB 202 - This bill addresses opioid overdose prevention in public schools. The Senate amended it to include language that directs DEED to write regulations that align Alaska's correspondence allotment program with the Alaska Constitution.
HB 230 - This bill will make it easier to hire teachers and substitutes with out-of-state experience to fill vacancies. The Senate also added a provision to create teacher incentive payments for national board certification.
HB 148 - This bill removed many barriers to the Alaska Performance Scholarship and increases the maximum award given each year.
Energy
HB 307 - Establishes the foundation for a Railbelt Transmission Organization, creates Alaska Energy Association board, increases RCA commissioner qualifications, and updates RCA's budget.
HB 50 - Creates framework for carbon capture and storage in Alaska. The Senate also included several provisions to help the Cook Inlet energy crisis.
Criminal Justice
HB 66 - Omnibus crime bill that includes many updates to crime legislation in Alaska. This includes tougher sentences for distributors of fentanyl and methamphetamine; requiring out-of-state sex offenders who move to Alaska to register here; and provisions to criminalize inducement into sex trafficking.
SB 151 - Establishes permanent investigators for Murdered and Missing Indigenous Persons (MMIP) reports, creates new reporting requirements, and other provisions to resolve these tragic cases.
Other Topics
SB 147 - This bill extends the Senior Benefits program by 10 years; and includes several important provisions to improve workers' compensation.
SB 189 - In addition to extending 4 boards and commissions, this bill also includes Child Care Tax Credits.
HB 344 - This bill includes a fix to improve the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Capital Budget Projects
The House and Senate also worked together to pass SB 187, the Capital Budget. I worked with the Senate Finance Committee to include important investments for East Anchorage:
$1,835,000 to construct a multi-purpose shelter and a destination playground at Cheney Lake Park.
$250,000 for improvements at the Alaska Native Heritage Center.
$150,000 to install a new scoreboard at the baseball field at Bartlett High School.
$300,000 to improve the playground at Nunaka Valley North Park.
$300,000 to improve the playground and trails at Windsong Park.
$50,000 to repair and improve the exercise equipment at Arnold Muldoon Park.
$50,000 for repairs and improvements at Chugach Foothills Park.
$40,000 for improving and marking trails between Cheney Lake Park and Chanshtnu Muldoon Park.
$5,000 each for the Nunaka Valley and Northeast Community Patrols.
I also worked with fellow legislators to include a total of $13 million towards the Alaska Long Trail project.
More details on the many projects included in the capital budget - from statewide items to specific districts - can be found here. The capital budget is now being reviewed by the Governor and may be subject to line-item vetoes before the end of June. The fiscal year begins on July 1.
Operating Budget
Back at the beginning of session, legislative leaders established an agreed-upon timeline for each step along the budget process so that we may pass both the operating and capital budgets in a smooth, timely manner. I am very pleased to say the budget process was indeed smooth, on time, and yes, even under-budget with a $100 million surplus. Thanks to all legislators, staff, departments and the public for helping to make this happen.
To learn more about how the budget process works, you can watch a short video I made about it here.
Full reports for the operating budget as it passed the legislature can be found here. The budget included $1,360 plus $295 Energy Relief payment for a total of $1,655 per eligible Alaskan for the PFD. The Governor and his team will now take time to thoroughly review the budget and consider line-item vetoes before the end of June. The fiscal year begins on July 1. Please feel free to contact me if you have any specific questions about the budget, or any other issue.
It's great to be back home with family and friends for the summer. Please join Rep. Mears and me for pizza in Chanshtnu Muldoon Park on Wed, June 19, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. Bring your questions, ideas, family and neighbors!
