SESSION UPDATE – February 27, 2023
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Happy Monday, all! We’re going for a new newsletter look and a more compact format I hope is easier for you to navigate. Let me know what you think, what features you find most helpful, and what topics you find most interesting. Your feedback is significant because…
We’ll be starting a new feature next week highlighting comments and quotes on issues and bills that we receive from Alaskans: incredibly intelligent and analytical, perhaps poignant and/or out-of-the-box, wise, funny, sensible, kind, mean, or maybe even bizarre. It will give you a taste of the input I receive daily. I hope this addition to the newsletter also will give you a sense of how much I value your input and crave it.
Legislators are Listening: District Accountability and Student Learning Outcomes Must Be Tied to School Funding
I testified under “public testimony” to the Senate Education Committee a couple of weeks ago – which was quite unconventional – and followed that up with a speech on the Senate floor. It turns out, my words did not [continue reading online]
Why is Lady Justice’s blindfold slipping in Alaska? What can we do about it?
We all want our judges to be honest, fair, intelligent, and experienced persons who uphold the constitution and the law without bias. Although some individual judges in our state meet this description, why are an increasing number of Alaskans concerned about our judicial branch? Is Lady Justice’s blindfold slipping? Are her scales no longer balanced?
The people’s concern is not without reason. Alaskans have observed how the process of judicial selection prescribed in our Alaska State Constitution has become more and more…[continue reading online]
Time for a naval base and marine presence in Alaska
After Senator Lisa Murkowski spoke to a joint session of the Alaska Legislature, which included remarks pertaining to the Chinese spy balloon and other objects in US airspace, I raised the question [continue reading online]
Great coffee chat turn-out
Thanks to all that sacrificed part of your weekend to attend Saturday’s coffee chat! We discussed schools, the Department of Corrections, the governor’s carbon bills, dominion voting machines, tobacco regulations and grants, and more. See your friends and neighbors who weighed in.
Willow Project resolution passed House and up today in Senate
A project in the National Petroleum Preserve has suffered some resistance from the Biden administration. The day of reckoning will soon be upon us. Fortunately, the House sent a clear message [continue reading online]
Recording-breaking number of bills up this week
This week is certainly a record for the 33rd Legislature as far as hearing for bills which include public testimony opportunities, but it could be a record over all. If you’re concerned about laws you don’t want passed or do want passed, this just may be your lucky week. Scroll down to see them all.
Scroll, scroll, scroll!
Lots of great info awaits you below – not only articles and photos but hot tips, staff and office contact information, the senate floor chart, public testimony opportunities, bill tracking instructions, bills I’ve filed, and more. Be sure to click on “view entire message” at the bottom, so you don’t miss out on information that may be relevant to you and your interests!
Before I sign off…
And, as always, I look forward to meeting more of you in the following months locally when I’m back in district as well as here in Juneau when any of you come for a visit. My responsibility to you is always front and center, whether I am on the Senate floor, drafting policy, in a meeting, out and about in our community, or communicating with you. I will strive to be available in multiple ways to hear from you and what concerns you most. I am on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at AKShelleyHughes. You can also email me at Sen.Shelley.Hughes@akleg.com or call my office (907)465-3743 (Session) or (907)376-3725 (Interim) to get in touch.
As I state on my Facebook Senator page, mention in live broadcasts, and tell many of you in one-on-one conversations, with the volume of contacts I receive daily (multiple hundreds), my staff and I work hard to read and listen to everything so I can understand what you, our district, and the rest of the state is thinking. If you would like to ensure you receive my feedback on your issue and ideas, please call my office 907-465-3743 to set up a phone call with me or come by one of my constituent meetings so we can connect in-person. Hearing your input continues to be a top priority to me!
Working on your behalf,
Longtime friend and Palmer resident, Holly Steiner of New Life Midwifery, stopped in to visit and advocate for the extension of the Board of Pharmacy. Holly’s husband Paul is the pastor of Tree of LIfe Church in Palmer.
AGENet Executive Director Eric Gurley, and advocates Deni Monkelien, Dorian Gurley, Paul Ostblean, and Brenda Sheldon discuss their legislative priorities pertaining to seniors in Alaska
Cindy Wolfe and Rosetta Alcantra (of Palmer) met with Senator Hughes on behalf of the Alaska Association of Realtors.
Troy Larue and Ryan Marlow with the aviation section at the Department of Transportation met with Senator Hughes to update her on their work related to Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). James Parrish with the Alaska Center for UAS Integration (ACUASI) at the University of Alaska – Fairbanks accompanied them. The three were on their way to meet with Governor Dunleavy who is advocating for the industry.
Senator Hughes was the first policy maker in Alaska to work with the UAS industry to promote it. More than 10 years ago, when other states were contemplating banning UAS, Sen. Hughes saw their potential as an aviation tool in the right hands and advanced Alaska as a promising test site which it later was awarded. Alaska has been a UAS leader since then, and the industry has grown.
Alaska is becoming the premiere pioneer of UAS flights “beyond the line of slight”, commercial UAS flights, and UAS flights transporting cargo, thanks to the diligent vision and work of the ACUASI team.
SO YOU’D LIKE TO KNOW…
An issue currently rising to the top in Juneau.
Why is Lady Justice’s blindfold slipping in Alaska?
And what can we do about it?
We all want our judges to be honest, fair, intelligent, and experienced persons who uphold the constitution and the law without bias. Although some individual judges in our state meet this description, why are an increasing number of Alaskans concerned about our judicial branch? Is Lady Justice’s blindfold slipping? Are her scales are no longer balanced?
The people’s concern is not without reason. Alaskans have observed how the process of judicial selection prescribed in our Alaska State Constitution has become more and more… Click to Continue Reading
Mayor Josh Verhagen and Nicole from the City of Nenana stopped in to discuss a land issue related to the Alaska Railroad.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU TO WEIGH IN THIS WEEK
Public Testimony
Below is list of bills scheduled to be heard in various committees this week. If you’d like to provide public testimony, enter the bill number (for example “HB 22”) into the search bar here to learn the date and time. Scroll down toward the bottom of this newsletter or view the highlighted bill images to find the public testimony call-in phone numbers.
Below is a sampling. Click here to see the full list of bills.
Click on the “News from Hughes Alerts” below to view the referenced bill.
🔎Hearings That May Interest You
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- Presentations
heard by House Ways & Means Committee
Ocean Pasture Restoration: February 27th, 6:00pm.
Carbon Capture/Sequestration: February 27th, 6:00pm.
Opportunities for Revenue Generation from Alaska’s Resources: February 27th, 6:00pm - Carbon Offset Program on State Land
heard by House Resources Committee
March 1st, 1pm.
- Presentations
CONFIRMATION HEARINGS
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 9:00am
SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE
Consideration of Governor’s Appointees:
Commissioner-Designee for Revenue: Adam Crum
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1:30pm
HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE
Consideration of Governor’s Appointees:
Commissioner-Designee for Revenue: Adam Crum
Darcy Lucey of Matsu Midwifery & Mary Yanagawa of Valor Midwifery are eager for the Board of Midwifery extension bill to be filed and pass the legislature. Darcy and Mary expect the bill to propose changes to the make-up of the board and align the practice standards with their national association.
Shelly Erickson from Homer popped into the office to meet the senator and express her support for Senator Hughes and her positions. Shelly watches the Monday evening “Telling_it_like_it_is Facebook Lives and conveyed her appreciation for both our Facebook and email updates.
Here’s a chance to honor outstanding volunteers in your community. Let them be recognized by fellow Alaskans for their positive contributions and impact in our state.
For details, visit https://gov.alaska.gov/first-lady-volunteer-awards/ or scan the QR code.
Mabel Quilliam and Joshua Gilmore of the Sunshine Community Health Center in Talkeetna dropped by the office to update Senator Hughes on the Alaska Primary Care Association’s priorities.
Assemblymembers Stephanie Nowers of Mat-Su Borough District (MSB) 2 and Rob Yundt of District 4 dropped in to update Senator Hughes on MSB priorities.
Senator Hughes was happy to spend some time with this little Alaskan, her 6-month granddaughter, over the weekend!
Senate Assignments:
- Special Committee on World Trade
- Food and Farm Caucus, Co-Chair
- Law Finance Subcommittee
Other Appointments and Assignments:
- Alaska Food Security and Independence Task Force (Est. by Gov. Dunleavy, expires Feb. 27, 2023)
- Alaska Food Strategy Task Force (Est. by legislature, launched Feb 16, 2023)
- State Agricultural and Rural Leaders, National Board Member
- Article V Phoenix Correspondence Commission, National Commissioner
- NCSL Cybersecurity Task
- CSG-West Canada Relations
| HOT TIP OF THE WEEK!
Did you know? Floor sessions and committee hearings can be viewed or listened to live or on-demand online, and through apps, television, and radio broadcasts? |
For information on bills I’m co‑sponsoring
click here.
For information on all bills filed during this session,
click here.
Bills I’ve Filed on Your Behalf
Health Insurance Info; Incentives/Agreements
Alaska Sunset Commission
Constitutional Amendment: Abortion/Funding
Keep up with updates, notices, news, and photos throughout the week and live broadcasts every Monday evening at 6pm.
Join Shelley on Facebook Live each week to ask questions and give input.
We typically broadcast Mondays at 6:00 pm, but watch for a notification on Facebook as the day/time is subject to change.
Be sure to “like” the “Senator Shelley Hughes” Facebook page www.facebook.com/AKShelleyHughes
so you’ll get a heads-up each time we air!
WATCH OUR MOST RECENT BROADCAST BELOW
& THEN JOIN US LIVE TONIGHT AT 6PM!
MORE TIPS TO STAY IN THE LOOP✏️
More important than ever!
#1
Alaska State Legislature web site is the place to track bills, locate and contact your legislators, and access committee information. Questions? Try the help wizard or call 1-800-478-4648.
#2
SMS Bill Tracking! Once you know what bill(s) you want to monitor, here’s a convenient way to track what’s happening. Text any bill number (ex: SB1) to 559-245-2529 to enroll in text alerts for that particular piece of legislation. You’ll receive an enrollment confirmation as well as instructions on how to unsubscribe.
#3
How to Get in Touch with Shelley! Give our office a call at 907-465-3743 or 800-565-3743 or send an email to Sen.Shelley.Hughes@akleg.gov. If you need assistance, want a response, or need other follow-up, please call rather than email.
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Gaby Gonzalez Staff Intern Gaby.Gonzalez@akleg.gov 907-465-3743 |
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Stephen Knouse Legislative Aide Stephen.Knouse@akleg.gov 907-465-1172 |
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Anneliese Roberts Chief of Staff Anneliese.Roberts@akleg.gov 907-465-5025 |
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| Juneau Office Alaska State Capitol Rm 7 Juneau, Alaska 99801 907-465-3743 800-565-3743 |
Mat-Su Office (closed while in Juneau) 600 E. Railroad Avenue Wasilla, Alaska 99654 907-376-3725 |
HAVE A FEDERAL ISSUE???
Contact Alaska’s US Senators and Congressman
| Lisa Murkowski – Senator Anchorage: 907-271-3735 Mat-Su: 907-376-7665 |
Dan Sullivan – Senator Anchorage: 907-271-5915 Mat-Su: 907-357-9956 |
| Mary Peltola – Representative Anchorage: 907-921-6675 |
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