My five-year-old granddaughter practices her reading. The Alaska Reads Act moved out of the Senate Education Committee last week and will be heard in Senate Finance today. This bill sponsored by Sen. Begich in partnership with Gov. Dunleavy is based on my “read by nine” language in a bill I’d previously filed. Read my update below in the newsletter pertaining to important changes – as well as to my key amendment that unfortunately, for students’ sake, did not pass despite airtight data.
Friends and Neighbors,
There’s some plugging along and chugging away going on in your State Capitol. My staff and I are plugging away at a much heightened pace due to loss of staff and committee assignments – to ensure your representation is as robust as possible despite these challenging changes. At the same time, committees are chugging away, hearing bills left and right, at a fairly rapid clip.
I expect the motor fuel tax to be on the Senate floor soon. It has the votes to pass. Although our tax is currently the lowest in the nation, our base price for gas is not. The bill will double the tax from 8 cents to 16 cents.
Our constitution does not allow taxes collected to be earmarked for something in particular, so although fuel taxes can be marked on the ledger for transportation purposes, there is no guarantee they will be used this way. In addition, the Chugiak and Mat-Su areas will pay more – disproportionately – into this “tax bucket” per capita than other regions of the state. We put more miles on our vehicles due to the fact that many of our residents commute and the destinations (such as schools, stores, churches, sporting events, etc.) are spread out.
It’s important to point out too that there is no requirement that the fuel taxes collected be used to maintain transportation infrastructure in the area where they are collected.
Bottom line: our area residents will carry the heaviest tax burden in the state via this measure without the assurance the funds collected will be used in the Chugiak-Mat-Su area.
Based on the above reasons and due to the fact that we have not updated the extremely high spending cap in the constitution, and no other solutions are on the table to close the $1.5 billion fiscal gap other than taking it from Alaskans’ wallets, I will be opposing this legislation. I understand that a motor fuel tax is more fair and more broad-based as far as taxes go and would be preferable to penalizing productivity and targeting only a portion of the population like an income tax, but turning on a tax spigot when we don’t have a handle on spending, let alone a plan to get a handle on spending, I cannot support raising this tax at this time.
Speaking of the need for a spending cap, the legislature is unfortunately not pursuing a constitutional fix. SB104, a proposal for a statutory spending cap has lost momentum. It was problematic, however. First, the cap was too high for government operations; secondly, the bill treated the PFD as government spending rather than as a dividend paid out of earnings from the Permanent Fund. Thirdly, and most importantly, a statutory spending cap could be blown through by future legislatures with no objection from the courts. The higher cap in the constitution would reign supreme.
Before I close these opening remarks, I’d like to point out that I’ve got great reports in this newsletter regarding forward movement of my bills – be sure to scroll below to see what interests you. Today, in fact, my constitutional amendment related to abortion, SJR13, is will be heard at 1:30pm in Senate Health and Social Services. Scroll down to see how you can participate and testify.
I also filed my long-awaited audit bill, SB221. It is a work in progress but the “Alaska Sunset Commission” is modeled after a similar entity in Texas. My bill received three committee assignments, and because I always am #Telling_it_like_it_is, you should know that referrals in triplicate make it very difficult to get a bill through the process, and I do not expect it to pass this session. I introduced it to get a necessary conversation started in Alaska – a conversation I hope carries into the next legislative cycle.
Without an objective and thorough audit of our state government, how are we going to know the appropriate baseline for state spending? When we have a $1.5 billion fiscal gap and savings are almost out, it is vital we know the appropriate level of spending to ensure essential services. The outcry by special interests last summer did not convince me that we cannot reduce another dime.
As I stated on the Senate floor the day I and others were demoted and the power shifted away from fiscal conservatives and from those with a multi-pronged approach who were standing for the people: it is time for the Silent Majority to arise, the sleeping giant to awaken.
I will ask the same questions I posed in the last newsletter because they are still before us all, and will be until we have a plan to close the fiscal gap.
– Should we turn on a tax spigot before a meaningful spending cap is in place?
– Should the spending cap be in statute where it can be ignored or in the constitution where it must be followed?
– Is an objective audit that the legislature would be required to take up and act on a good idea?
– Should we focus on increasing the volume of oil in the pipeline?
– Do you think the budget is too large, just right, or too small?
– Should the statute be changed to give the government a larger share than the people’s PFD even if a referendum to overturn such a change would move forward?
– Should a fair and agreeable PFD be in the constitution so the matter is settled or should the formula be in statute only so the legislature can chose each year whether to follow or ignore the formula?
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 appreciate your input on issues. (This reminds me: be sure not to miss the second bullet. Townhalls coming up in March!)
- Be sure to catch my weekly Facebook Live: #Telling_it_like_it_is Monday at 6:30pm 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.
- Provide your input at upcoming townhalls on Saturday. March 21. The Mat-Su Delegation Townhall will be at 10am at the Palmer Senior Center. The Chugiak Eagle River Delegation Townhall at the Chugiak Senior Center begins at 1:30pm.
Working on your behalf,
Quotes from Constituents and Alaskans
Comments: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
You do way more that I like, than dislike. That makes you an excellent senator in my book. – Paul
I appreciate all you are doing for Palmer and for Alaska. – Amanda
Making a law cannot change the unalienable, natural right to life. – Tom
Stand tall, Senator, and know that we believe in you and your integrity. – William
I appreciate your tremendous legislating and high moral values. – David
If men and women are not allowed to make our own decisions on family planning, what will be the next attack on our rights? – Diana
We need to focus on legislation that will bring Alaskans together to solve our budget crisis. – Martha
Legislators are not competent enough to deal with our perfectly working law that regulates the PFD! – Judith
Climate change is the greatest threat to our planet and to humanity. And yet, you continue to invest state pension funds’ in fossil fuels. – Kathie
Red flag laws are simply the first steps in a slippery slope for gun control. – Jesse
Thank you for your efforts to create policy that can have a positive impact on student reading outcomes. – Jacob
I don’t support government taking away a woman’s right to choose what to do with her body. – Mary
Alaska hurts itself with entitlement ideas. Companies will not invest in Alaska until the budget is under control. – Bob
Alaska’s Future:
A Game Changer You Might Not Expect
Read by Nine Policy – Alaska Reads Ac
SPECIAL DISCUSSION UPDATE:
SOCIAL PROMOTION VS PROFICIENCY-BASED PROMOTION POLICY
For almost four years, I have worked on legislation I entitled “The Education Transformation Act”. That bill last year was SB79 and its most recent draft version contained the “Read by Nine” policy. That reading policy is now in Senator Begich’s bill, SB6, and in a coordinated effort with Governor Dunleavy, is being promoted and moved through the legislative process.
Although I am concerned with certain aspects of the bill which essentially add a new grade cohort (public preschool for 4 year-olds) to the already 13 grade cohorts (K-12) in our public school system, I support a strong reading policy for grades K-3, to require schools to use proven, science-based methods to ensure a child exiting third grade is a proficient reader.
Reading is core to all subjects from 4th grade to high school graduation. If a student is not a proficient reader entering 4th grade, the student will face an uphill battle in all subjects and be at greater risk of failing classes, dropping out of school, relying on public assistance as an adult, and being incarcerated. If the worst case scenario does not unfold for the child, the student’s struggle can still result in less learning, lower scores, more limited career opportunities, and less earning capacity as an adult.
SOCIAL PROMOTION VS PROFICIENCY-BASED PROMOTION POLICY
Part of the debate at hand regarding the legislation has been whether to implement a strong proficiency-based promotion policy (PPP) requirement. States that have adopted a strong PPP, coupled with a comprehensive reading policy that includes multiple intervention strategies and science-based teaching methods, have seen greater improvements and better results than states that have not adopted a strong PPP.
Prior to the bill being moved from committee, I offered an amendment for a strong PPP to give our students the best chance to excel. This amendment would have stopped the social promotion of students from grade to grade. The data is airtight that a strong policy is best for students, that they are better prepared for success as adults upon graduation. When we spend more than $1 billion in public funds on education, it is our duty as the appropriators to ensure the best outcomes possible for our students.
Reviewing 16 years of state test scores across the nation for low income fourth graders, the states with a comprehensive, science-based reading program and a strong promotion policy averaged a 10-point gain (equal to one school year difference in achievement). The states, however, that had excellent programs but weak policies, averaged only a 1.5 point gain, which is actually lower than the U.S. average gain of 2.5 points!
In fact, of the states with comprehensive science based reading programs, the only states with scores that decreased were those with weak promotion policies.
Because Alaska actually needs to climb 18-points up just to reach the U.S. average, shouldn’t we join the states with a strong proficiency-based promotion policy? Shouldn’t we want to be in the group that averaged a 10-point gain rather than in the group that averaged a 1.5 point gain and included some states where scores actually decreased?
A case in point worth highlighting is Mississippi. Six years ago, Mississippi’s low income fourth graders ranked 43rd in reading proficiency among the 50 states plus District of Columbia. Today, their low income fourth graders are 3rd in the nation. Mississippi has a strong proficiency-based promotion policy coupled with a comprehensive science-based reading program. In 2019, Alaska ranked 51st. Shouldn’t we couple the reading program in SB6 with a strong proficiency-based promotion policy?
Those in opposition to my amendment referenced old research, that “retention is harmful” and that it “increases the drop-out rate” – which is accurate when considering schools where a comprehensive science-based approach with acceleration classes after retention is NOT in place.
New research, however, which analyzes data for students who are retained in schools where a science-based comprehensive reading program and strong promotion policy IS in place, where retention is the very last resort after multiple interventions, where acceleration classes are mandatory for a retained student, shows that retention is not harmful and that drop-out rates do not increase as a result. In fact, the students in these schools who are retained earn higher GPAs as they move up through the grade levels. When these students walk across the graduation stage, their diplomas are far more meaningful and represent greater learning and achievement. These students are much better equipped to enter adulthood than their counterparts in states with weak policies.
In the end, the strong and sensible promotion policy I offered – the policy that would have helped our Alaskan students be more successful – failed to be adopted by the Senate Education Committee. The Alaska Council of School Administrators opposed the amendment as did the bill sponsor, Sen. Begich.
Although I am extremely disappointed that there was not the support for this key amendment among my other colleagues on the committee, I wish to thank Dr. Goyette and Dr. Bishop, superintendents of the Mat-Su and Anchorage school districts, for their agreement with the strong policy I offered. Two small districts also indicated their agreement off the record with this policy; I am grateful too for their support and the insight they offered. Numerous others called in and expressed support for a strong PPP policy. I appreciate as well the data and research provided by Bob Griffin with the Alaska Policy Forum. Thank you to each of you.
Here are two changes I offered which were incorporated into the bill.
- The birthday eligibility date was changed from September 1 to June 1 for 4, 5, and 6 year-olds for entrance respectively to pre-K, kindergarten, and first grade. This allows students to be more mature at each grade level which will increase their likelihood of success. The date change will also help teachers achieve better student outcomes, including increased reading proficiency rates.
- Based on certain criteria, teachers who improve reading proficiency rates will receive special recognition each year. The Department of Education and Early Development is responsible for determining the criteria and process for recognition.
During Senate Education Committee, I gave a shout out to all the school children around the state exchanging paper valentines. I was blessed to run into some little sweethearts as they explored the Capitol; it reminded me of the incredible importance of education. When we moved the Alaska Reads Act out of committee, we made major steps towards closing the dire achievement gap in Alaska. While no legislation is perfect, it is essential that we do whatever we can to equip our next generation for Alaska’s future.
Cybersecurity Lunch & Learn
Representative Chris Tuck and I hosted a very well-attended and attention-grabbing Cybersecurity Lunch & Learn here in Juneau. The presenter, Robert Kleppen from Tanium, shared information about cybersecurity attack attempts against state and local governments, including a discussion of the recent breach experienced by the State of Colorado. Three days prior, I’d experienced a personal attack which brought home the importance of protecting against cybersecurity attacks. Due to fraudulent online access and withdrawals, I had to close my 33 year-old bank account. The arduous process to convert all the automatic deposits and payments from the old account to the new account is certainly painstaking!
Reentry Lunch & Learn
My office also had the pleasure of co-hosting a lunch and learn with the office of Representative Zack Fields. This event featured a presentation and conversation with Anchorage-based Partners Reentry Center that provides support to previously incarcerated individuals as they transition back into the community. Those supported through a reentry phase are more apt to become ex-offenders rather than repeat offenders. This is important as we work to increase public safety and reduce crime and the number of victims in Alaska.
Turn Up the Volume: Part I
By Senator Shelley Hughes and Steven Cinelli
We find ourselves locked in yet another year of the fiscal crisis. While solving the budget gap merits the most serious discourse, it has to date been characterized by prejudice and focus on just two aspects by most legislators: oil taxes and PFD reductions. Scrambling to preserve every penny in the budget, the treasury will be depleted shortly. Upcoming decisions will determine our future and fortunes. Now is the time for the most consequential debate since the Permanent Fund’s creation.
Photo credit to unknown author licensed under CC By-NC.
This matter requires Alaskans’ utmost attention. The silent majority in Alaska must wake up and engage. To avoid trouble, we had better.
In June 2014, oil prices began a precipitous drop from over $100 down to $50 per barrel. In a mere eight months our most significant economic driver lost half its value. Layoffs, deficit spending, recession, and population decline followed.
Perhaps the most substantial event was the diversion of a portion of the PFD away from the people, an action that has affected every Alaskan. Despite obvious warnings, these events caught Alaskans by surprise. Rather than responding to this prudently, Alaska chose abdication and ambivalence. Six years later we are still paralyzed by division and misinformation.
The prevailing arguments have been prosecuted by insatiable special interests and myopic political idealists. Most legislators appear to be surprised that the pragmatic minds of Alaskans are reluctant to embrace their views. These legislators fail to grasp they have not offered an efficacious solution.
Those few who are beholden to government spending contend that their interests are indispensable. Clearly if government spends just one more dollar, all our ills will be cured. Those who simply see cutting government as the counterpoint have failed to develop persuasive arguments and underestimate the considerable political influence of their antagonists.
Unleashing our sovereign wealth would certainly solve our short-term problems. As of December 31, 2019, the Alaska Permanent Fund value was $66.9 billion. That’s a lot of money, but if history tells us anything, the legislature has missed few opportunities to squander staggering sums. Only a rube would suggest that it would be wise to allow politicians to be the sole guardian of our treasure.
Promises of salvation through new revenues are equally impotent. While we do not know the details of the final budget, we are indisposed to believe that the deficit will be less than $1.5 billion. Placing a high tax burden on the backs of 730,000 Alaskans is unrealistic. By simple division, a tax burden of $2,050 per person is untenable. Fellow Alaskans, do you believe that the average working family of four earning $75,000 per year can relinquish $8,200 to government? Few families can spare $685 per month.
Cutting the budget would no doubt solve the fiscal crisis. Oil prices ascended during 2005, and spending exploded in staggering fashion. Despite claims of draconian cuts, the fact remains that Alaska has spent $14 billion in recent years. Alaskans elected a majority of legislators who ran on budget restraint, but some softened. The firm conservatives are outnumbered. Sadly, it is doubtful that significant reductions are likely.
So, what is needed now to change the trajectory of our state? It’s something few are discussing. A big part of the answer to our woes – declines in state revenue, job losses, shrinking population, and the impoverishment of our citizens – is increased oil production.
Unless we turn the tide of production decline, Alaska will no longer exist as we know it. Yes, that’s a blunt statement. It is however, a very true one. Declining oil production is the existential threat we are ignoring.
The silent majority cannot afford to ignore this threat. If Alaskans don’t speak up, households will be heavily burdened with taxes and an ever-dwindling PFD.
A statewide focused discussion about a responsible spending cap and more oil in the pipeline is critical. This is the first installment in a series of fierce polemics to address the latter: how increased TAPS production will help vanquish our dilemma.
Replanting old ground with untenable crops (high taxes and PFD cuts) is a field destined for a paltry harvest (a weak and damaged economy). Increasing the volume of oil is the necessary path forward. Wake up and engage if you care about Alaska – and your wallet.
Steven Cinelli is a 25-year Alaskan. He has worked in consulting engineering, spent ten years in the telecom industry, and retired from the oil industry in 2016.
Committee Assignments
- Education Committee, Vice-Chair (same)
- Judiciary Committee, Member (removed as chair)
- Transportation Committee, Member (removed as chair)
- Senate Bicameral Permanent Fund Working Group, Member (same)
- No longer has seat on Joint Armed Services Committee
Finance Subcommittees:
- Senate Transportation & Public Facilities (Fin Sub), Member
- Senate Public Safety (Fin Sub), Member
- Senate Law (Fin Sub), Member
- Senate Judiciary (Fin Sub), Member
Other Appointments:
- Alaska Criminal Justice Commission, Member
- State Agriculture & Rural Leaders, Alaska Delegate
- Mat-Su Legislative Delegation, Co-Chair
- National Conference of State Legislators, State Coordinator
- National Conference of State Legislators – Law, Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, Member
- National Conference of State Legislators – Task Force on Cybersecurity, Member
- Counsel of State Governments – Transportation Committee, Member
- Counsel of State Governments West – Canada Relations Committee, Member
I Had Way too Much Fun on the Senate Floor!
A special birthday message to a dear friend and colleague, Senator Mike Shower.
Senate Joint Resolution 13
Human Life Constitutional Amendment
Senate Joint Resolution 13 proposes an amendment to the Alaska State Constitution, adding a new section that would provide clarity regarding Article 1 (specifically pertaining to the right to privacy and the right to equal protection) and Alaska’s ability to set public policy related to abortion.
THIS LEGISLATION HAS A HEARING TODAY! SEE DETAILS IN YELLOW BOX BELOW TO PARTICIPATE AND TESTIFY.
Although the U.S. Supreme Court declared in Roe v. Wade (1973), and reaffirmed in Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992), that there is an alleged federal constitutional right to abortion, the federal courts have nonetheless held that states can still legislate related issues in a number of ways – e.g., by banning the use of public funds for abortions, requiring a parent to consent before abortion can be performed on a minor, and even disallowing certain abortion procedures (such as partial-birth abortion or late term abortion).
In Minnesota, both parents must be informed before a minor can have an abortion. In Illinois, one parent must be informed. There are 37 states that have laws requiring parental notification, and 21 requiring actual parental consent; additionally, 21 states have laws in effect that prohibit “partial birth” abortion, and 3 have laws that apply to post-viability (ability to survive outside of the uterus) abortions. In Alaska, we are unable to have any provisions in law related to these matters unless we fix our constitution.
In the past, the State of Alaska has brought forward similar legislation and ballot initiatives passed in other states that have been struck down by the Alaska Supreme Court. Laws that have gone through their due process but have been overturned at the bench have been subject to a series of decisions asserting the existence of a state constitutional right to abortion that protects abortion “more broadly” than does the U.S. Constitution. As a result, numerous laws regarding abortion that would be completely permissible under the federal constitution and exist in other states have been struck down by the Alaska courts. SJR13 would allow Alaska to be on par with other states. It would permit the decisions that Alaskans make to stand, for example regarding parents of minors, unborn babies, and public funding for abortion.
Even though the sponsor of this legislation wants our most vulnerable (unborn babies) protected, and at birth these precious children cared for and cherished by loving parents and families; and even though the sponsor of this legislation believes that one day Americans will look back on abortion like we do slavery: a barbaric act that has no place in a civil society; this constitutional amendment will simply allow Alaskans to decide what kind of policy we want in regard to abortion in our state.
Public Testimony Opportunity for SJR 13
“Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to abortion”.
Wednesday, Feb 26 at 1:30 PM (S)Health & Social Services
BUTROVICH 205
Call In Numbers:
(907) 563-9085– Anchorage
(907) 586-9085– Juneau
(844) 586-9085– All Other Callers
Email Testimony:
shss@akleg.gov AND Sen.Shelley.Hughes@akleg.gov
It’s always a pleasure to talk with our friends at Alaska Primary Association about issues pertaining to Medicare and Medicaid, healthcare, workforce, behavioral health and medical access.
Special thanks to constituent Kirsten Vesel Director of AC&R, formerly with the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, who stopped by for a quick hello while in Juneau.
Special thanks to constituent Kirsten Vesel Director of AC&R, formerly with the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, who stopped by for a quick hello while in Juneau.
Special thanks to constituent Kirsten Vesel Director of AC&R, formerly with the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, who stopped by for a quick hello while in Juneau.
Don’t miss my upcoming Townhalls!
Special Thanks to all of those who attended my most recent Coffee Chats!
My legislative intern/aide Dawson Mann (right) and I met with NEA President Tim Parker (left) regarding The Alaska Read’s Act SB6 and SB113 regarding recognizing national board-certified teachers. An interesting little tidbit: Tim Parker was Dawson’s journalism teacher at Lathrop High School in Fairbanks!
Lovely embroidery from constituent Karen Lackey – thank you, Karen! This Latin “slang” was a motto used by General Stilwell in World War II and by Barry Goldwater in his presidential bid in 1964. “Illegitimi non carborendum” “Ut fidem” Worth a google search to discover what it means! Karen, a former Colony High School teacher (who, by the way, had my children in school at one point), indicated that the mountains in the cross-stich signify strength, the fireweed stands for passion and persistence in the face of adversity. The forget-me-not flowers are to be a reminder that the folks back home will not forget their senator in Juneau! I’ve got the stitchery displayed where I notice it throughout the day. I’m tremendously grateful for this encouragement from District F.
Speaking with a reporter from the Juneau Empire regarding SJR 13 a Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to abortion.
Serving You in These Roles
Current Senate Committees:
- Education Committee, Vice-Chair
- Judiciary Committee, Member
- Transportation Committee, Member
Finance Subcommittees:
- Senate Transportation & Public Facilities(Fin Sub), Member
- Senate Public Safety(Fin Sub), Member
- Senate Law(Fin Sub), Member
- Senate Judiciary(Fin Sub), Member
Other Appointments:
- Alaska Criminal Justice Commission, Member
- State Agriculture & Rural Leaders, Alaska Delegate
- Mat-Su Legislative Delegation, Co-Chair
- National Conference of State Legislators – Law, Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, Member
- National Conference of State Legislators – Task Force on Cybersecurity, Member
- Counsel of State Governments – Transportation Committee, Member
- Counsel of State Governments West – Canada Relations Committee, Member
SB 113 Presentation by Dawson Mann, Legislative Intern/Aide and Senator Shelley Hughes
For information on bills I’m co‑sponsoring
click here.
For information on all bills filed during this session,
click here.
For additional information,
contact my staff:
Buddy Whitt
Chief of Staff
Buddy.Whitt@akleg.gov
907-465-5025
Lisa Hart
Legislative Aide
Lisa.Hart@akleg.gov
907-465-1172
Dawson Mann
Legislative Aide/Intern
Dawson.Mann@akleg.gov
907-465-3743
Passed Legislation
(Bills that are finished with the legislative process)
SJR11 – US Canada Railroad Presidential Permit Senate – PASSED and is awaiting a signature from the Governor. SJR11 urges the Secretary of State to issue a Presidential permit for a the cross-border rail link which would connect Alberta, Canada and Alaska – which would also connect us to the lower 48. The project is under development by business interests, involves no state dollars, and would provide an economic boost to our state. Western ports in the lower 48 are experiencing some congestion and an Alaskan route to several of our ports would provide new options to/from the Asian markets.
Legislation Update
(Shelley’s bills filed with your best interest in mind)
Updates from previous newsletter highlighted in green.
SB60 – Alaska State Defense Force Powers – Referred to State Affairs and then the Finance Committee. This bill would outline the duties of our state militia to allow consistency as administrations change. It also would ensure ASDF members the right to bear arms for constabulary duties. The ASDF has been extremely cost-effective during disasters and frees up troopers to perform their public safety duties.
SB79 – Virtual Education / Teacher Exam / Course Exam – The “Education Transformation Act” is now the foundation for a new bill sponsored by the Senate Education Committee, SB114. The legislation 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. This reading policy is now the core of SB6 which is working its way through the legislative process. 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. SB114 also includes the language from SB30 College Credit for High School Students (related to districts providing middle college options) and SB53 University Reporting Requirements (related to accreditation accountability)
SB81 – Telephone Cooperatives; Telecommunications – Referred to Labor and Commerce. The legislation updates statutes so members may participate in meetings and vote via videoconferencing and other electronic means. The bill would also allow what is now a telephone cooperative to change its name to include the word “telecommunications.” Under current law, even though these cooperatives provide a wide array of telecommunications services (internet, cell service, television service), they cannot use the word “telecommunications” in their cooperative title. As of Tuesday, February 25th, the bill has been moved out of Senate Labor & Committee to the Rules Committee. It now awaits a vote on the Senate floor.
SB109 – Electronic Documents and Notarization – Has been referred to the Senate Judiciary and Finance committees. A request hearing will be submitted shortly. This bill modernizes the notary process by allowing documents to be notarized electronically. This allows for better efficiency and helps eliminate time delays by legally allowing the acceptance of electronic documents and signatures, and allowing documentation to be stored digitally. The House counterpart is HB124, sponsored by Anchorage Representative Matt Claman. As of Friday, February 21st, SB109 has been replaced with a sponsor substitute to align it with its companion in the House, HB124.
SB113 – National Board Certification -Referred to Senate Education. First hearing held. Dawson Mann did a wonderful job with me presenting the bill! SB113 focuses 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 is the Senate version of HB128, by Sitka Representative Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins. The bill had its first hearing in the Senate Education Committee meeting on Tuesday, February 18th. We expect a second hearing on the bill. Stay tuned.
SB135 – Health Insurance Info; Incentive Program. Also know as the Alaska Health Care Consumers Right to Shop Act. (This bill was previously SB27 and was withdrawn due to potential ethics conflicts, that has since been fixed and we were able to re-file the bill now with no conflict!) 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, and we hope a hearing on the bill will be scheduled soon.
SB171 – 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. SB171 makes a few small changes in Alaska statute in order to conform to those federal changes. Senate Bill 171 was moved out of the Senate Resources Committee last week. We have requested a hearing in the Senate Finance Committee and hope it will be scheduled soon.
SJR13 – Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to abortion. Hearing scheduled this Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 1:30pm in Senate Health and Social Services Committee (see how to testify here). 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 SJR13 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.
NEW THIS WEEK!
SB221 – I introduced Senate Bill 221 on Monday, February 24th. The Alaska Sunset Commission is modeled after the Texas Sunset Commission and is my proposal to help answer the questions regarding the size and scope of government. The Alaska Sunset Commission will be tasked with reviewing and auditing every department, division, corporation, board and commission in the state on a periodic basis and making statutory recommendations to either save money, increase efficiency or perhaps end an entity altogether should those services either not be needed or be absorbed into another agency. I believe a thorough and objective review and audit of the make-up of our state government is vital when we have a large fiscal gap and considerations are underway to tax Alaskans to fill that shortfall. The bill is structured so that the legislature, because of the “sunset” feature, could not ignore the audit reports but would take them up each legislative session and decide whether to take action. The commission would be made up of CPAs and Alaskans with business operations and financial management expertise. If passed, SB221 would be transformative for Alaska. We could better ensure our state government is being run effectively and efficiently, that essential services are being performed appropriately according to statutes, that the departments are meeting their constitutional obligations, and that public funds are being used prudently – and ultimately, that Alaskans are being well-served.
– 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!
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.
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
Catch this February 17th #Telling_it_like_it_is video from Juneau if you missed it live.
Catch our latest #Telling_it_like_it_is video from Juneau on February 24th if you missed it live.
Join Shelley on Facebook Live each week to ask questions and give input.
We typically broadcast Mondays at 6:30 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!
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/Intern
Dawson.Mann@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 © 2020 Office of Senator Shelley Hughes. All rights reserved.
