A lot has happened since our last newsletter. We’ve had a number of bill hearings in Senate and House committees and even passed a couple of our bills unanimously across the Senate floor!
The Final Weeks of Session Read More »
Last week, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a follow up hearing to receive an update for the state of Alaska on their work to improve Alaska’s behavioral health system for children. More below.
Alaska Matters: Pension Plan Legislation & DOJ Investigation Update Read More »
Dear Friends and Neighbors, The Governor is now advocating for a broad sales tax. The 2% sales tax the Governor talks about would have no exemptions for purchases of food, medical services, winter clothes, etc. But he has not written any legislation to move it forward. Representative Carpenter (Nikiski) has also proposed a 2% sales
Sales Tax, Defined Benefit Pension, POMV Split and lots more! Read More »
JUNEAU – Today, the Alaska Senate passed Senate Bill 22, sponsored by Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson, D-Anchorage, establishing Juneteenth, June 19, as an annually observed state holiday. In 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, proclaiming the civil war had ended and that any enslaved people were now free. This day became known as Juneteenth, a
Dear Neighbors, we’ve made it to May! There are about two weeks before we pack up and leave Juneau. While that does not seem like a lot of time to get things done, bills are still moving quickly and even being introduced. Session is not over and most of the 360 bills that have been introduced this 33rd Legislature will not pass and be taken back up when the Legislature reconvenes in January of 2024. There is only one item that MUST pass before May 17th and that is the Operating and Capital Budget to keep the state running.
Juneau Note: Bills are moving! AAPI Month, Graduations and More! Read More »
Dear Friends and Neighbors, As some of you know, Alaska’s election system, which includes open primaries, has been under serious threat during this legislative session. Right now, members of the House of Representatives are pushing forward legislation to repeal the system that Alaskans voted for in 2020.
JUNEAU – Today, the Alaska House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed Senate Bill 87, sponsored by Senator Jesse Bjorkman (R-Nikiski), with a vote of 38 to 1. The bill allows Alaska sawmill operators to become certified to grade and sell certain types of dimensional lumber they produce for residential construction.
We are quickly approaching the end of the session. With only 16 days left, much has been accomplished thus far (see more below).
Elvi’s Updates: May Read More »
The session has hit triple digits now—Friday was day 102 of 121. With Finance meeting twice per day, other committees still hearing bills, and some of my own legislation up for hearings in the House, there are several times this coming week I need to be in three places at once.
The Real Deal with Kiehl: The Big Stuff Read More »
Our local lumber grading bill, SB 87, passed the Senate unanimously early this week and passed the House Finance Committee without objection. The bill would create economic opportunities for our local sawmill operators and give Kenai Peninsula residents (and all Alaskans) the opportunity to build their home with locally harvested dimensional lumber. Alaska homes should
On the Kenai: Weekly Legislative Update Read More »
