SESSION UPDATE – February 20, 2023
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Hope you are feeling Influential and masterful this February 20th! Why, you may ask? Well, I figure feeling a bit presidential on Presidents’ Day might be a fitting way to celebrate the holiday! I have come to realize that our impacting people, situations, and issues for good and using skills we’ve mastered for positive change—this is the power we have. When we do this, we, in our own small way, are being presidential in our sphere of influence.
Presidents’ Day
And while we’re being presidential today, it’s also a fine time to reflect on the reason the Post Office, federal and state agencies (all but the legislature!), and some banks are closed today. Although the holiday spurs reflection on all our presidents since our nation’s founding, George Washington’s and Abraham Lincoln’s February birthdays are at its origin, and no wonder why. These two greatly impacted our USA, helping lay the foundation for our becoming the strong nation and world leader we are today. Rather than reviewing their accomplishments in office, I’d like to point out a few intriguing factoids that shed light on who they were outside of their presidency.
Did you know the first president was the very first mule breeder? George Washington is credited with creating the mule stock that powered agriculture in the South for generations. He also bred hunting dogs for speed and gave them names including Sweet Lips, Venus, Tippler, Drunkard and Madame Moose.
What about President Lincoln? Although Abe was tall and lanky and perhaps didn’t look particularly tough physically, he was. Lincoln’s feats in the ring as a young man earned him an “Outstanding American” honor in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. And the tall hat he wore? He sometimes kept important documents under it.
Scroll down to see more fun facts about these two and other presidents. I compiled the list to help remind us all (me included!) that presidents are ordinary people too—so that we as ordinary people can realize we have the capacity too to be a bit presidential, to impact our world for good with the unique skills we each have.
So we’ve talked about the holiday today but what about last week and this coming week in your state legislature?
Disabled Vet Bill Passed Senate
Last week, we passed the first bill of the session on the floor, SB 10 Disabled Vets: Hunting/Fishing/Trapping 20-0 which I co-sponsored. The bill, sponsored by Senator Kiehl, provides service-disabled veterans, along with active National Guard and reservists, a free trapping license to add to the free hunting/fishing license already available to them.
Food Security Priority
Last week was Food Security Week 2023. We enjoyed visits from the Alaska Farm Bureau and others intent on increasing food production and processing in Alaska. With 95+% of our food coming from the lower 48, we’ve got work to do to become more food independent. It will take a comprehensive approach for the long haul; it will take coordinated efforts, including infrastructure (Power 3 generation, slaughter facilities, processing facilities, roads, etc.) to fully make use of existing ag lands, open up new areas to ag, and get products to market. Farmers have indicated that to scale up, they will also need an export market in order to make their upfront investment economically feasible.
On Wednesday, I was appointed to the Alaska Food Strategy Task Force along with Senator Click Bishop, and Representatives George Rauscher and Donna Mears. This Task Force will continue the work begun by the Food Security and Independence Task Force convened by Governor Dunleavy which will sunset shortly. We are also glad to see we now have a new Director of the Division of Agriculture, Bryan Scoresby, of Palmer. Thanks to all the excellent applicants for this position. I hope these individuals will consider presenting to the Food & Farm Caucus as well as provide input to the new Task Force. Increasing food security is certainly going to be a joint effort! Read more about this topic by scrolling down in this newsletter.
Senate Law Finance Subcommittee
Senate Finance Subcommittees are underway. My subcommittee assignment is the Department of Law. Thursday we had an overview. An adequate number of prosecutors are important to ensure our communities are safe, so that is a focus area for me. It looks like the governor’s proposal for $10 million for statehood defense (whether the work is performed by the Department of Law, the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Fish & Game, or the Department of Environmental Conservation) is an item some in the Senate Majority don’t support. I do support it.
Statehood Defense is Necessary
Here’s why.
The Tenth Amendment of our US Constitution says that the federal government only has those powers delegated in the Constitution. Those powers are laid out in Article I, Section 8. If the power isn’t listed, it belongs to the states or to the people. (With the 27 powers delegated to Congress come implied powers too, as stated at the end of Article I, Section 8: “To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers”.)
The 27 powers are limited and pertain to raising and maintaining armed forces, declaring war, instituting taxes, establishing post offices, regulating commerce, constituting tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court, coining and borrowing money, punishing counterfeit, punishing piracy and felonies on the high seas, and issuing patents. I have included the full text of Article I, Section 8 for you (scroll down to see).
When you think of the myriad of laws passed by Congress over 247 years, how many of them don’t fall under one of these powers? For instance, what grants Congress the authority to make laws pertaining to education and our public schools? To establish the Environmental Protection Agency and impose its regulations within our state’s borders? To require other federal permits in order for us to develop our resources? To stop us from building a road? The list goes on.
Washington, D.C.’s overreach is clear. I adamantly support taking legal and other actions whether land surveys, wildlife counts, water test, etc. to push back from the federal government’s encroachment on our state’s rights. I also support pursuing an Article V constitutional convention for the purpose of restoring the balance between the states and the federal government. The federal government will not on its own relinquish the power it has taken unconstitutionally from the states. We don’t yet have the 34 states required in Article V to call a convention, but we can at this point work to regain Alaska’s rightful powers through our departments and the courts.
Support for Willow Project
Speaking of this overreach when it comes to resource development in Alaska, we expect movement of HJR 6 and SJR 7 this week supporting the Willow project on the North Slope. The Biden administration is under pressure to delay or stop the project. Your legislature will be sending a message to Congress that there is bipartisan support for this responsible project which will increase domestic oil production in Alaska, will bring $9 billion in private sector investment to our state, and will provide 2500 jobs during the construction phase.
Coffee Chat Saturday, February 25
Our Coffee Chat this month is this weekend, Saturday February 25, 10:00 to 11:30 am at Sophia’s Café on the Palmer-Wasilla Highway between Trunk and 49th State Street. Come with your ideas, concern, and questions!
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!
Keep Scrolling, My Friends!
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!
Working on your behalf,
Senator Hughes introducing Liz Jackson from Palmer on the Senate floor.
In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation declaring February 22nd a day of celebration honoring the first president, George Washington. Celebrated as a federal holiday starting in the 1880s, in 1968 the holiday was adapted to also honor the birth of President Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and moved to the third Monday in February. Presidents’ Day is considered by many to be a celebration of all U.S. presidents.
Lou-Ann Tisdale from the Upper Su Food Bank and Milena Sevigny from Food Bank Alaska visited with Senator Hughes.in her office.
SO YOU’D LIKE TO KNOW…
An issue currently rising to the top in Juneau.
Food Security and Independence Priority for Alaska
What happens if something catastrophic happens to the Port of Seattle of the Port of Alaska? One late ship from Tote or Matson causes disruptions, but compound that by two or three or four late ships—it would be devastating. With only about a 2-week supply on our store shelves, our full dependence on food being brought in-state is not wise. Having a reliable outside supply chain is critical for Alaska but what if it were to fail at some point? How can we encourage increased production of Alaskan foods? We won’t ever be 100% self-reliant, but shouldn’t we improve our status? Shouldn’t we work to remove barriers that will encourage and expand existing and future agricultural businesses?
Growing more fresh foods in-state will help Alaska economically and nutritionally—but it won’t happen overnight. Now is the time to learn from past mistakes (no more ag boondoggles by the government!), understand the challenges those in the ag industry face in Alaska, and be patient and persistent in our pursuit of food security and independence.
I was appointed this past week to the Alaska Food Strategy Task Force along with Senator Click Bishop, Representative George Rauscher, and Representative Donna Mears. The Task Force is picking up where the earlier task force is leaving off. The Alaska Food Security and Independence Task Force was created at the beginning of 2022 by Governor Mike Dunleavy under Executive Order 331 and 334 and expires February 27, 2023. The new legislative task force kicked off last Thursday, February 16, 2023.
Alaska Food Strategy Task Force
LEGISLATIVE INTENT.
It is the intent of the legislature to establish the Alaska Food Strategy Task Force to:
- Develop a comprehensive statewide food strategy
- Strengthen the state’s diverse food systems
- Improve food security for all residents of the state; and
- Grow the local food economies of the state.
I am one of the 9-member executive board which will be working with 27 other stakeholders. We are purposed with increasing food security, strengthening local economies, and lessening Alaska’s dependence on external foods and supply chains.
A sufficient food supply is one of the highest needs of Alaska. We currently rely on more than 95% of imports for our food supply, costing approximately $2.5 billion on an annual basis. That means less than 5%—despite the vast amount of land and resources available—is grown in our beautiful state. We have 365 MILLION acres across Alaska with only 850,000 acres in farmland, a startling small amount. The good news is that we have access to unused farmable acres in Pt. MacKenzie and Delta as well as many more acres of excellent soils for agriculture in Alaska where we don’t yet have the roads and power infrastructure. Much work is ahead!
“California should not be the ‘carrot capital’, Alaska should. Our carrots are sweet and crisp, due to our colder temperatures and soils—and much better than the relatively flavorless varieties grown in the lower 48!”
Senator Shelley Hughes
The Alaska Food Strategy Task Force will take advantage of our strengths and provide sound, data-driven policy recommendations to grow our food system by providing policy, legislation, and implementation strategy recommendations for strengthening Alaska’s food systems in seven integrated focus areas:
- ① sustainably growing the agriculture industry;
- ② sustainably growing markets for locally grown, locally harvested, and locally processed foods;
- ③ enhancing the climate for food and beverage processing or distribution businesses;
- ④ minimizing food waste and diverting it from the waste stream;
- ⑤ improving connectivity, efficiencies, and outcomes in state-run programs affecting food availability and access;
- ⑥ ensuring food security in all communities in the state, including those that are and are not connected to the main road system of the state; and
- ⑦ improving transportation and infrastructure to transfer and deliver food in the state.
Continued in Part 2 below . . . .
Senator Hughes applauded Alaskan military leadership in a Special Order on the Senate floor in regard to recent aerial activity over Alaska and the US. She called on our national leaders to once and for all understand Alaska’s incredibly strategic global position and that we are truly the first line of defense, the gatekeeper, for not only the United States but arguably also for North America.
She pointed out that we cannot ignore these times of escalating tensions and concerns with China, Russia and North Korea, and that it is time considerations be made in Washington, D.C. to increase military assets in Alaska, including perhaps even a naval base.
Members of the Alaska Future Farmers of America Association (FFA) and the Alaska Farm Bureau (AFB) stopped by to speak with the Senator. From left to right are Kevin Fochs, Briar Piper, and Torrey McClain of FFA, along with Ken Hoffman and Don Berberich of AFB.
The visitors urged that UA ramp up its agricultural research to allow farmers to focus on production rather than experimentation.
The rest belong to the states, to Alaska!
📜
THE TENTH AMENDMENT
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
ARTICLE I SECTION 8: POWERS OF CONGRESS
The Congress shall have PowerTo lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defense and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;
To borrow Money on the credit of the United States;
To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes;
To establish a form Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States;
To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures;
To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting the Securities and current Coin of the United States;
To establish Post Offices and post Roads;
To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries;
To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court;
To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offenses against the Law of Nations;
To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;
To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years;
To provide and maintain a Navy;
To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces;
To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;
To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;
To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of particular States, and the Acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards and other needful Buildings;-And
To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof.
Food Security and Independence Priority for Alaska
Part 2
A Real Live Alaskan Farmer
My guest speaker for Facebook Live last week and at a recent Lunch & Learn in the State Capitol building was Scott Mugrage, a local farm owner from Delta Junction and the President of the Alaska Farm Bureau. His cattle operation provides local beef to multiple communities in Alaska.
Interesting to note, Scott produces the majority of the feed required for his cattle. Excellent soils in Alaska produce a quality of barley, according to Scott, that you won’t see elsewhere. He believes there is a plethora of opportunity in Alaska that we need to harness, but it will require more farmers, access to slaughter facilities, and an understanding that we will need an export market if we want Alaskan farms and ranches to fill our own store shelves within the state.
He believes it is necessary for Alaska to develop a marketing campaign to promote what we have (much like was done with salmon and seafood). He is confident that our pristine environment will help sell our farm products. He pointed out there are challenges to overcome but those in the ag industry persist until they figure out solutions. Members of the Alaska Farm Bureau are advocating that the University of Alaska ramp up their ag research to help farmers avoid pitfalls and find solutions.
Food Production Lunch and Learn
There were three separate Lunch and Learn events last week pertaining to Food Security Week 2023. It began with Local Food and Local Retailers, hosted by Rep. Rauscher, followed by Improving Access to Food in Alaska, hosted by Rep. Mears, and finally Food Production in Alaska hosted by yours truly. It was a great turnout with presentations by the Alaska Farm Bureau and the Alaska Farmland Trust and included a discussion of innovative farms across Alaska who are leading the way in enhancing Alaska’s food security. Speakers included the following:
- Amy Seitz, the Executive Director for the Alaska Farm Bureau and third-generation farmer.
- Amy O’Connor, the Executive Director of the Alaska Farmland Trust Corporation and owner/operator of Crooked Fence Farm.
- Phoebe Autry, the Farmland Conservation Director of the Alaska Farmland Trust Corporation and local vegetable farmer.
- Scott Mugrage, President of Alaska Farm Bureau and owner of Mugrage Hay & Cattle in Delta Junction.
Did You Know?
- ✓ The number of Alaska farms grew 44% over the past 5 years. The national trend is just 3%.
- ✓ Alaska continues to be #1 in the nation for new farmers. (Note that 46% of Alaskan farmers have less than 10 years of experience.).
- ✓ Alaska is #1 in the nation for beginning farmers
- ✓ The value of food sold directly to consumers in Alaska grew from $2.2M in 2012 to $6.1M in 2022
- ✓ Agricultural workforce is projected to be the highest growth occupation over the next decade – 89.4% between 2019-2030.
We’re beginning to take steps in the right direction, and that is good news. Yes, it certainly is, but there’s much more to do. With rising costs, regulations, and an aging agricultural workforce, we could find ourselves going backward if we aren’t careful. We need to reduce barriers for agricultural businesses, be a farm-friendly state, ensure access to existing ag lands and also to new areas over time, and along the way, see that needed infrastructure is provided for and in place. It’s not inexpensive starting up or maintaining a farm. It’s not easy to turn a profit. It takes grit, determination, and hard work — and when you think about it, that pretty much describes farming and a farmer in a nutshell!
Continued in part 3 below…
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
- Carbon Offset
heard by Senate Resources Committee
Forestry Panel: February 20th, 3:30pm.
Financial Questions: February 22nd, 3:30pm. - Update on Broadband Equity, Access, & Deployment (BEAD) in Alaska
heard by Senate Finance Committee
February 24th, 9am.
CONFIRMATION HEARINGS
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1:30pm
SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE
Consideration of Governor’s Appointees:
Alaska Police Standards Council: Bryan Barlow – Anchorage
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 3:15pm
HOUSE LABOR & COMMERCE COMMITTEE
Consideration of Governor’s Appointees:
Alaska Workers’ Compensation Board: Steven Heidemann, Marc Stemp
Real Estate Commission: Devon Thomas Durand
A lot of red for Valentine’s day last week! Teresa Holt (AARP Alaska State Director), Becky Stoppa, and Liz Jackson. Becky and Liz are from the Mat-Su Valley.
Visitors from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). From left to right is Owen Lee, Julius Matthew, and Rob Stamm. They provided a list of major capital project priorities.
Senator Hughes discussed the importance of establishing the framework for a sustainable fiscal plan via the first two component being put before the voters (fixing the spending cap and settling the PFD in the constitution) so the legislature could then tackle the other two components (reductions and revenue).
Once a fiscal plan is in place, she stated that the legislature could better plan and appropriate funds for needed infrastructure.
ABOUT OUR U.S. PRESIDENTS
- Our first president ruined his teeth cracking walnut shells, but he never had wooden teeth. George Washington was variously fitted with false teeth made from ivory, brass, gold, and both cow and human teeth.
- Abraham Lincoln was the first president to be photographed at his inauguration. John Wilkes Booth (his assassin) can be seen standing close to Lincoln in the picture.
- America’s 10th president, James Tyler, had 15 children — the most of any president.
- At 5’4″, James Madison was our shortest president. Abraham Lincoln was the tallest at 6’4″.
- William Taft got stuck in the White House bathtub the first time he used it. A larger one was ordered to better fit his hefty 332-pound frame.
- Popular speculation had President Grover Cleveland, age 49 and single, paired off with older ladies but he defied the rumors when he married Frances Folsom, age 21. He was the only president to be married in the White House.
- Rutherford B. Hayes banned beer, wine, or any other type of alcohol at the White House. At official functions Mrs. Hayes was known as “Lemonade Lucy.”
- The second president, John Adams, and third president, Thomas Jefferson, both died on July 4, 1826 —50 years to the day after the approval of the Declaration of Independence.
- James Monroe, the 5th president, was the last president who served in the American Revolution. He once defended himself with fire tongs after a disagreement with his secretary of treasury.
- William McKinley was an enthusiastic hymn-singer and the first president to ride in an automobile. After his assassination, Congress assigned the Secret Service the duty to protect the president.
Food Security and Independence Priority for Alaska
Part 3
Welcome to Our New Division of Agriculture Director
Bryan Scoresby
Congratulations to Bryan Scoresby, the new Division of Agricultural Director. Scoresby and his wife, Mary, reside in Palmer. (Woohoo! Let’s hear it for Palmer!) They have five children and seven grandchildren. They raise steers and have a large garden every year. He enjoys hunting, fishing, and has served as a Cub Scout Den Leader in his church, working with Webelo Scouts.
Bryan brings a wealth of knowledge and background experience to the position which is important as we look to the agricultural community to expand production in order to increase food security and decrease our dependence on the lower 48 – as well as to diversify our economy.
The Department of Natural Resources put out the following press release.
Today, a longtime Alaskan is named as the new permanent director of the Alaska’s Division of Agriculture. Bryan Scoresby will take over his leadership duties with the 30-person Division on Tuesday, Feb. 21.
Mr. Scoresby served as the State Executive Director for the United States Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency in Palmer from 2017 to 2021. As Executive Director, Mr. Scoresby approved farm loans and guided staff in overseeing programs as required by statute and agency directive. He also previously served as the District Director in the Alaska State Office of the Farm Service Agency for five years in the mid-1990s.
“Bryan Scoresby is the right leader to continue the Division’s mandate to promote and support Alaska’s agriculture industry,” said DNR Commissioner-designee John Boyle. “His extensive experience in agriculture and other senior roles will complement the State’s focus on food security for Alaskans.”
Additional industry and government experience:
- Current member, Board of Agriculture and Conservation
- Chair, State Food and Agriculture Council for 2 years
- Commissioner, Mat-Su Port Authority Board from 2017 – 2023
- Commissioner, Mat-Su Energy Commission from 2013-2014 • Past president and board member, Palmer Kiwanis Club
Mr. Scoresby also worked in the mortgage business, financing homes for Alaskans for 21 years.
Mr. Scoresby earned a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education from Utah State University and a master’s degree in Agribusiness Management from Brigham Young University. He was born and raised on a small dairy farm in Idaho and moved to Alaska in 1992.
DNR thanks the Board of Agriculture & Conservation for their partnership during the Division of Agriculture hiring process. The Board reviewed applications, interviewed five candidates, and forwarded three high-quality finalists to DNR for consideration.
Food Security: Children and Hunger
My reference to food security and independence not only includes the availability of food produced in Alaska but also applies to children and households. Children sadly can be in poor situations through no fault of their own in which their access to food is limited. Childhood hunger affects every part of the nation and Alaska isn’t immune. Juneau, for example, ranks #30 in the state with the lowest child food insecurity rate, while Anchorage is #21 and the Mat-Su is #19. The nonprofit, Feeding America, describes food insecurity as “a lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life.” The USDA estimates that more than 5.5 million children lived in a food-insecure household in 2021.
In last week’s Facebook Live I touched on the old adage: Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. I suggested a similar concept in relation to food banks in Alaska. Viewers expressed overwhelming support. (Some even sent emails with suggestions afterward—keep ‘em coming!)
My ideas included giving a portion of a community garden to each food bank recipient for which they will be responsible. Teach recipients to garden, raise livestock, make jam, grow herbs on their windowsill. Help them give back to their community. It would provide a sense of ownership and productivity, an opportunity to learn valuable skills and improve their circumstances.
We need to foster food security not only as a state but for households. Every one of us can hit hard times and need help but for those who aren’t disabled and elderly to the point where they’re physically unable, the help needs to be “attached to a fishing pole” so the person can begin to secure food on their own.
Senator Shelley Hughes
There are certainly details to iron out, but this is not an impossible feat. What do you think? Should we work toward this goal?
Senator Hughes hosted a Lunch and Learn with members of the Alaska Farm Bureau and the Alaska Farmland Trust on Wednesday to share information on the issues and ideas surrounding the sustainability and growth of food production in Alaska.
The speakers were Amy Seitz (Executive Director) and Scott Mugrage (President) of the Alaska Farm Bureau along with Amy O’Connor (Executive Director) and Phoebe Autry (Conservation Director) of the Alaska Farmland Trust.
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.
Kate Quick and Pete Praetorius from United Academics (UNAC) stopped in to chat. They would like to see less funding directed to administration in the UA system and more allocated to instruction. They also would like to see a faculty seat added to the UA Board of Regents. Pete is from the Mat-Su Valley.
Members of the Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce visited. Chris Darrah, Juliet Shepherd, Brenna Schaake, and Marc Hammon. They expressed the need for more workforce in Alaska, and together we discussed several out-of-the box ideas on training new entrants to fill jobs.
Their conversation also included an acknowledgment of many young Alaskans choosing to move out of state and the importance of reaching high school students to help connect them with careers in Alaska.
Looking forward to meeting you
closer to the Palmer side of District M this time!
The location is along the Palmer-Wasilla Hwy
between Trunk Rd and 49th State St on Frontage Rd.
Legislative Intern Gaby Gonzalez and Chief of Staff Annelise Roberts met with the Governor’s Counsel on Disabilities and Special Education to discuss bills and initiatives presented to the legislators. From left to right is Tom Crafton, Heidi Lieb-Williams, and Jena Crafton.
Advocates representing Alyeska Pipeline stopped in to chat with Chief of Staff Anneliese Roberts and Legislative Intern Gaby Gonzalez. Senator Hughes is grateful for smart and capable staff who can take meetings on her behalf when she is unavailable! From left to right is Finn Rye, Julia Redington, Di Amsden, Katie Pesznecker. Gaby is front center and Annaliese is by the window on the far right.
Members from the Violent Crimes Compensation Board met with Anneliese to discuss current funding and staffing barriers as well as bringing increased awareness of their services to Alaskan residents who may need their assistance. Pictured from left to right are Bob Urata, Victoria Shaklin, and Greg Bringhurst.
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!
Want a bill to pass Reach out and communicate your thoughts to members of the committee where the bill has been referred. Also reach out to your two legislators (your Representative and your Senator). Really want to have an impact? Reach out by both email and phone plus testify when the bill is scheduled for public testimony. |
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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