On February 1st, I had the honor to presided over a technical Senate floor session, filling in for Senate President Peter Micciche. To view the technical session, click here.
Greetings, Alaskan Friends and Neighbors:
As February is already upon us, it’s time you know “wazzup” as far as the business of the 32nd Legislature! The first committee hearings and the annual State of the State are front and center in my #Telling_it_like_it_is report to you this week. You will also find out what’s upcoming on the schedule to see if anything piques your interest or yanks your chain.
This year’s State of the State address was unlike any other in Alaska’s history; then again, we certainly are living in a time that is different than any other in Alaska’s history! While the governor delivered his speech virtually and very matter-of-factly, I sensed optimism and noted practical solutions, not just pie-in-the sky proposals.
Due to our pandemic experience paired with low oil prices, the Governor’s emphasis on the state’s self-reliance was sensible. I agree with increasing our food security (a significant role for the ag sector in our area!), the need for innovation to diversify our economy (brought to mind our office’s past work to open up unmanned aircraft and hemp production opportunities), and leveraging natural surroundings to develop our energy sector, whether a gas pipeline led by the private sector or renewable energy development. Gov. Dunleavy proposed that the regulations lifted during the pandemic be permanently lifted to reduce the burden on businesses. He also proposed a $350 million bond package for capital projects, both to shore up our infrastructure and help stimulate our economy.
To improve educational outcomes, the Governor plans to establish a temporary office of reading instruction and proposes adjusting the funding for public correspondence/homeschool. I look forward to working with the Governor and offer my education bill, SB42 “The Education Transformation Act” as a vehicle to get these ideas to a vote. To hear or read other topics Gov. Dunleavy covered, click here.
The scorching hot topic in recent and upcoming hearings pertains to election integrity. Articles below should help clear up misperceptions erroneously being reported as facts and provide you with information so you can make your own judgment call – and then let me know what you think. One of the bills is mine (SB43) and is up for a hearing today at 3:30pm in State Affairs.
Why Gov. Dunleavy and Comm. Crum believe a limited extension of the disaster declaration is necessary (SB56) is also up for discussion in the Health & Social Services Committee today and Thursday at 1:30pm.
Before I “close this opener” and you browse this update, please scan the reminder bullets below! Please also know that I’m here for you and count on your input on issues to assist in the decision-making process. (This reminds me: be sure not to miss the second bullet. Townhall coming up in March!)
- Be sure to catch my weekly Facebook Live: #Telling_it_like_it_is Monday at 6:00pm on my senator page (time/day subject to change – watch for notices). Hear what’s happening in Juneau and weigh in and ask questions. “Like” and “follow” my page so you’ll receive a reminder notification.
- Plan ahead to provide your input at the Mat-Su Townhall on Saturday, March 27, details TBA.
Working on your behalf,
Legislative Assignments
Senator Shelley Hughes
Senate Majority Leader
Committee Assignments
- Community & Regional Affairs Committee, Chair
- Health & Social Services Committee, Vice-Chair
- Rules Committee, Member
- Judiciary Committee, Member
- Education Committee, Member
- World Trade Committee, Member
- Legislative Council Committee, Alternate
Other Appointments:
- State Agriculture & Rural Leaders, Alaska Delegate
- Mat-Su Legislative Delegation, Member
- National Conference of State Legislatures, State Coordinator
- National Conference of State Legislatures – Law, Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, Member
- National Conference of State Legislatures – Task Force on Cybersecurity, Member
- Council of State Governments – Transportation Committee, Member
- Council of State Governments West – Canada Relations Committee, Member
As a member of Senate leadership, one of my responsibilities this year is to participate in press briefings to answer questions important to Alaskans. Click here to see the Senate Majority Press availability following the Governor’s State of the State on January 28th.
Here are some wonderful, snowy day pictures of downtown Juneau after the winter storm on February 1st.
Why I Filed SB43 on Your Behalf
and
What It Does
SB 43: Elections, Voting, and Campaign Finance
Senate Bill 43 improves transparency and accountability in campaign finance laws pertaining to ballot initiatives and offers solutions to help secure the integrity of our election system in Alaska to prevent the possibility of what has been commonly referred to as “ballot harvesting.” This bill is nonpartisan and provides no advantage or disadvantage to one political party over another. The goal is to prevent dark money in all elections in our state and to prevent a person with a conflict of interest from being involved with the ballot-casting process by another individual.
In regard to the “dark money” provisions, the bill applies the provisions in the recent Ballot Measure Two (passed in November 2020) to ballot propositions in future elections. For instance, SB 43 requires those who contribute more than $2000 to an independent expenditure group in a calendar year to report that contribution within 24 hours; any campaign receiving more than $2000 from an independent expenditure group must also report that contribution within 24 hours. In addition, anonymous contributions, or a contribution made under a fictitious or another person’s name to an independent expenditure group is prohibited. These provisions would help Alaskans know the true source of contributions to ballot measures, including whether a contribution is from an in-state source or from an out-of-state source. This bill effectively shines light on dark money pertaining to ballot measures and drives the shadows out of Alaska.
SB 43 also makes amendments to statute to prevent the possibility in Alaska of what is commonly referred to as ballot harvesting. SB 43 details who may and who may not assist a voter in completing and submitting an absentee ballot. A person who has a conflict of interest cannot help a voter fill out or be in possession of a ballot that is not theirs. The legislation includes some teeth: it makes unlawful assistance by such a person a crime punishable by up to one year of jail and a fine of up to $10,000. Other states have closed this loophole that would allow a bad actor to take advantage of a voter; it is time for Alaska to close it as well.
The elections and voting sections of this bill clarify language to provide consistency in application, which in turn provide Alaskans with assurance and confidence. Elections are a cornerstone to our constitutional representative republic and help ensure our American form of government can continue. Because of this, during election season, we as legislators must ensure transparency and untainted funding in regard to ballot initiatives; secondly, for the individual casting a ballot, we must ensure protection against interference by those with a conflict of interest.
You can read SB 43 here. And, as always, let me know what you think!
A wonderful gift from my multi-talented staffer, Dawson Mann. Dawson created this decorative teapot call “Political Circus” during one of his classes at UAF last fall and donated it to the art collection of our office.
Quotes from Constituents and Alaskans
Comments: The Good, the Bad, AND the Ugly
Your statement – to uphold our freedoms, to spend our tax dollars responsibly, not to overspend so that we have to constantly fill the coffers of the government – is why I voted for you. – Steve
I trust in you implicitly. I think your hard work and integrity are unmatched! Thanks for all you do! – Lila
At present I have no confidence in the legislature to really help Alaskans and stop the crap. – Gary
I hope you truly take that oath seriously. This is not a time for popularity, this is a time for a leader for the people. Leave a legacy of greatness, not lies and deceit like those before you. If you do that, you will have the support of the people. – Joseph
You are every bit a leader and I know you will shine in that position. You will never receive adequate thanks and compensation but know that you have people praying for you and supporting you. – Kat
State of Alaska COVID-19 Coronavirus Information (Click Here)
State of Alaska COVID-19 Health Orders (Click Here)
State of Alaska COVID-19 Vaccine Information (Click Here)
A Bill, a Purpose,
an Accusation, and a Speech
Misrepresentations and Rebuttals:
SB 39 Ballot Custody/Tampering; Voter Reg; Mail
One person, one vote. It is the basis of our Constitutional Republic. Objective vote counts and secure accountability instill faith in our system. That system makes each of us equal in power and influence at the most basic level.
A BILL
Recently, a bill addressing this topic came under fire in the media – very undeservedly in my opinion. As you know, my catch phrase and favorite hashtag is #Telling_it_like_it_is. I’m going to do just that. You can then make your own judgment call: is the legislation worthy of pursuit?
A PURPOSE
SB 39 was filed by Sen. Mike Shower to protect the sanctity of the election process and provide a chain of custody for each vote. This bill provides consequences to those who would undermine our voting system and election process.
AN ACCUSATION
Contrary to what some claim in news reports, on social media, and in mass e-mails to legislators, SB 39 is NOT voter suppression. It does NOT disenfranchise minority voters. SB 39 is the culmination of BIPARTISAN conversations and work that began back in 2018. The bill’s filing has NOTHING to do with the Biden/Trump voting results. NOTHING in SB 39 favors one party over another. NOTHING in SB 39 restricts an Alaskan 18 years or older from registering to vote as part of their PFD application. The bill does NOT prevent Anchorage or Juneau from conducting municipal vote-by-mail elections.
The misrepresentation and misperceptions of the above items that have been circulating are very unfortunate. Those who confused and continue to confuse Alaskans should be ashamed.
Without studying the bill and at minimum, speaking to the sponsor, for a person to assume that the bill is against one party because the bill sponsor is of another party is at minimum dreadfully irresponsible, partisan, and divisive.
Because the words “racist” and “white supremist” have been attributed to the sponsor of the bill by some spreading erroneous information about SB 39, I think it is important for you to know that the bill sponsor’s staffer who did much of the work on the legislation is Alaska Native and has family in rural villages. I think it’s important too for you to know that the bill sponsor has another staffer with a different non-Caucasian ethnicity.
SB39 has nothing to do with anyone’s race, so it is both alarming and disturbing to learn that the Anchorage NAACP executive director accused the sponsor of racism. SB39 ensures accuracy and security to uphold the very essence of voter rights no matter a person’s race, gender, religion, creed, disability or any other aspect of identity, and yet the ACLU called the bill an “attack on voter rights”? This is troubling, Alaskans.
A SPEECH: POWERFUL REMARKS BY SENATOR DAVID WILSON
Thankfully, Senator David Wilson, an African American senator from Wasilla, provided a powerful and personal account on Civility and Understanding in response to the false accusations hurled at Senator Shower. Wilson’s 5-minute speech took place on the Senate floor on Friday, January 29, 2021. This is an absolute “must watch” in my book, so I urge you to watch and listen at the 9:59 mark at this link.
AND BACK TO THE BILL
To learn more directly yourself and hear specifics about SB 39, to understand the work behind it, the goal of the sponsor, and why certain components were included, I encourage you to watch this SB 39 overview before the Senate State Affairs Committee. Once you do, if you would, please let me know what you think about the bill. I’d love to hear especially from those who have been skeptical about SB 39.
Finally, please know that this bill is at the beginning of its committee process journey. The bill undoubtedly will change and improve. Expect problematic pieces to be amended or removed. Expect good sections to be made even better. If you have any suggestions for the bill, please let me know.
Bills this Week
Click links for dates and times. Click here (or if your email program doesn’t recognize anchor links, scroll down to final section of this newsletter) for information on how to receive text updates when action is taken on a bill of interest to you. The texts are occasional, and you can unsubscribe anytime.
Tues Feb 2, 1:30PM
SB 56 Extending COVID 19 Disaster Emergency – (S)Health and Social Services – invited testimony followed by public testimony
Tues Feb 2, 3:30PM
SB 43 Elections, Voting, Campaign Finance – (S)State Affairs
SB 25 State Government Finances: Website – (S)State Affairs
SB 39 Ballot Custody/Tampering; Voter Reg; Mail – (S)State Affairs
Weds Feb 3, 3:30PM
SB 14 Selection and Review of Judges – (S)Judiciary – invited testimony
Thurs Feb 4, 3:30PM
SB 53 Permanent Fund; Advisory Vote – (S)State Affairs
SJR 6 Const. Am: Perm Fund & PFDs – (S) State Affairs
SJR 5 Const. Am: Approp Limit; Budget Reserve – (S)State Affairs
SJR 7 Const. Am: State Tax; Voter Approval – (S)State Affairs
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As the volume of daily contacts reaching out to my office has exponentially increased over time, my staff stands by, ready to assist you. Below you will find a full list of my bills along with a listing of the contact info and committee/bill assignments for each staff member. Please reach out to them anytime. |
For additional information,
contact my staff:
Buddy Whitt- Chief of Staff
-Senator’s Aide for Senate Rules Committee
-Senator’s Aide for Majority Leadership
Legislation: SB 27
Buddy.Whitt@akleg.gov
907-465-5025
Lisa Hart- Legislative Aide
-Senator’s Aide for Senate Judiciary Committee
Legislation: SB 41, SJR 4
Lisa.Hart@akleg.gov
907-465-1172
Dawson Mann- Legislative Aide
-Senate Community & Regional Affairs Committee Aide
-Senator’s Aide for Senate Education Committee
Legislation: SB 42
Dawson.Mann@akleg.gov
907-465-1173
Riley Nye- Legislative Intern
-Senator’s Aide for Senate Health & Social Services Committee
Legislation: SB 43
Riley.Nye@akleg.gov
907-465-3743
Serving You in These Roles
Current Senate Committees:
- Community & Regional Affairs Committee, Chair
- Health & Social Services Committee, Vice-Chair
- Rules Committee, Member
- Judiciary Committee, Member
- Education Committee, Member
- Legislative Council Committee, Alternate
Finance Subcommittee Assignments:
- Senate Transportation & Public Facilities (Fin Sub), Member
- Senate Administration (Fin Sub), Member
- Senate Judiciary (Fin Sub), Member
Other Appointments:
- State Agriculture & Rural Leaders, Alaska Delegate
- Mat-Su Legislative Delegation, Member
- National Conference of State Legislatures – State Coordinator
- National Conference of State Legislatures – Law, Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, Member
- National Conference of State Legislatures – Task Force on Cybersecurity, Member
- Council of State Governments – Transportation Committee, Member
- Council of State Governments West – Canada Relations Committee, Member
For information on bills I’m co‑sponsoring
click here.
For information on all bills filed during this session,
click here.
Passed Legislation
(Bills that are finished with the legislative process)
Stay tuned. As bills pass, they will be listed here.
Legislation Update
(Shelley’s bills filed with your best interest in mind)
NEW THIS WEEK!
SB 27 – Industrial Hemp Program; Manufacturing- Many of you are aware that in 2018 I sponsored and the legislature passed SB6 allowing for the legalized growth and production of Industrial Hemp as an agricultural product in the Alaska. In late 2018 the US Congress passed the 2018 Farm Bill which made additional changes to the federal statutes regarding the production of industrial hemp. SB 27 makes a few small changes in Alaska statute in order to conform to those federal changes. This bill was referred to the Senate Labor and Commerce and Resources Committees.
SB 41 – Health Insurance Info; Incentive Program. Also know as the Alaska Health Care Consumers Right to Shop Act. The goal of this piece of legislation is to bring down the cost of healthcare over time by instituting full cost transparency and an incentive to shop for healthcare services that are below the average cost. This bill was referred to the Senate Labor and Commerce and Senate Finance Committees.
SB 42 – Virtual and Early Education, Reading- The “Education Transformation Act” enables districts to open up slots in classrooms to students in other locations and from other districts via two-way videoconferencing or other distance learning methods via internet. A menu of classes and teachers with video samples would open up a larger variety of course offerings and teaching expertise to students statewide. The bill also requires the state to adjust PRAXIS scores for teacher certification periodically. Districts would be required to post the ratio of administrators to classroom teachers to students each year. Districts could roll forward savings for the next year (up to an amount equal to 15% of current year’s expenditures) without impacting the amount of state funds to be received the next year. High school students could receive course credit for activities outside of school hours that districts determine meet the education or physical activity of a course. The bill establishes a “Read by 9” policy to ensure improved proficiency of students in reading by third grade. It also establishes cooperative agreements are expanded to include efficiency partnerships between districts and businesses, non-profits, and local governments. When between districts, the cooperative agreement is to include at least one rural school district. SB 42 also includes language focused on increasing the number of National Board Certified teachers in Alaska, requiring schools to post who is certified, and creating a halo around the superlative certification, showing the value of it. This bill was referred to the Senate Education and Senate Finance Committees.
SB 43- Elections, Voting, Campaign Finance- “An Act relating to campaign finance and initiatives; relating to elections and voting; and relating to unlawful interference with voting”. SB 43 is about improving transparency and accountability in Alaska’s campaign finance laws as well as securing the integrity of Alaska’s election process. This bill was referred to the Senate Labor and Commerce and Senate Finance Committees, and we hope a hearing on the bill will be scheduled soon. SB 43 will receive its first hearing February 2, at 3:30 in the Senate State Affairs Committee. To watch live (Click Here).
SJR 4 – Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to abortion. This bill will allow for the question of abortion to be decided through legislation or voter initiative. Currently, the state of Alaska has some of the most progressive abortion statutes in the country. Each and every time that the legislature has passed legislation attempting to regulate in even the smallest and simplest manner the practice of abortion in the state, the courts have stepped in to call any restriction unconstitutional. The passage of SJR 4 in the legislature and majority approval by Alaska voters will make it possible for the people to have a voice and express their will as it relates to abortion in our state. This bill was referred to the Senate Labor and Commerce and Senate Finance Committees
– Let Your Voice Be Heard –
– Participate in Public Testimony –
Public testimony is available for every bill heard in a committee. Follow bills you have interest in on the Alaska State Legislature Page. To testify, go to your local Legislative Information Office (LIO) which you can find here. If you are unable to testify, written testimony can also be submitted by sending an email to the committee.
Public testimony times on bills
that might interest you:
Find it here!
Public Testimony OFF NET Numbers
Anchorage: 907-563-9085
Juneau: 907-586-9085
Everywhere else: 844-586-9085
For budget bills and Permanent Fund bills, please arrive 15 minutes early for sign-in process, and please arrive 15 minutes prior to the end of the allotted time or testimony may close early. Public testimony may be limited to two minutes per person, so it’s best to prepare concise comments.
Remotely-operated cameras broadcast the Senate floor session. Typically the floor sessions are held Monday and Wednesday at 11:00am and Friday at 10:30am. Check the schedule and view the sessions here. 360 North (Gavel to Gavel television) broadcasts the House and Senate floor sessions statewide as well as some of the committee hearings.
Catch our latest #Telling_it_like_it_is Facebook Live video from Juneau. Capitol Series #2 aired February 1st, 2021. Questions and comments from live viewers are always part of our format.
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!
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: 357-9956
Don Young – Congressman
Anchorage: 907-271-5978
TIPS TO STAY IN THE LOOP
More important than ever!
TIP #1: The Alaska State Legislature web site is the place to track bills, locate and contact your legislators (session), and access committee information. Questions? Try the help wizard or call 1-800-478-4648.
TIP #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.
TIP #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.
Buddy Whitt – Chief of Staff
Buddy.Whitt@akleg.gov
Lisa Hart – Legislative Aide
Lisa.Hart@akleg.gov
Dawson Mann – Legislative Aide
Dawson.Mann@akleg.gov
Riley Nye – Legislative Aide/Intern
Riley.Nye@akleg.gov
Juneau Office
Alaska State Capitol Rm 30
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
Best regards,
Copyright © 2021 Office of Senator Shelley Hughes. All rights reserved.
