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 »
Senator Löki Gale Tobin and Mike Mason talk climate change and renewable portfolio standards with Chris Rose, the founder of the Renewable Energy Alaska Project.
The Empty Office Podcast – Episode #13 Read More »
I am writing this special edition of my newsletter to ask for your support and testimony on Senate Bill 114, the oil revenue reform bill that will help solve our fiscal crisis, fund the needed school funding increase, and get our state back on track.
Capitol Brief: Your Testimony Needed on SB 114 Read More »
Dear Friends and Neighbors, It is day 101 of the legislative session. I’m very careful about not inundating you with emails. As session gets closer to end (20 days left until Day 121 Constitutional endpoint), I want to be sure you know what’s happening as close to timely as possible.
Senate Operating Budget! Read More »
Today is Day 101 of the legislative session and the legislature continues its work. The Senate Finance Committee is working on the FY24 budget this week. The Senate Labor and Commerce Committee continues to consider the proposal to return Alaska to a defined benefit pension retirement plan for public employees and teachers. Read our update
Alaska Matters: Senate Budget & Pension Legislation Update Read More »
Dear Friends and Neighbors, I appreciate the emails that I receive every day from constituents and readers of this newsletter. I manage my own email, which means I am the only person in my office who reads and responds to emails. (Some offices have staff doing that work.) I can’t respond to every single email,
Legislative Challenges, Budget, 404 Primacy and lots more! Read More »
