On Thursday I had an excellent meeting in my office with agriculture advocates as they updated me on topics such as Future Farmers of America, sheep and goat domestic vs wild issues, the state veterinarian’s role, and agri-tourism possibilities.
Pictured here is Alaska FFA Association Adviser, Kevin Fochs of Palmer; FFA state president and recent graduate from Hutchison High School in Fairbanks, Troy Whiteside; board member of Mat-Su Farm Bureau, Ted Pyrah of Palmer and Pyrah’s Pioneer Peak U-Pick farm; and Alaska State Farm Bureau board member, Carol Kenley.
Friends and Neighbors,
As much as I’d like to report that budget agreements are progressing well, I must report that some of the same issues that stalemated the process the last couple of years are re-surfacing once again. It’s times like these that I wish I had a magic wand, but alas, I don’t. But I won’t give up hope either that we can ‘git ‘er done!
Here’s the scoop. Prior to the session, the House Speaker had indicated at a Commonwealth Luncheon before a large audience that there was little appetite for an income tax or raising oil taxes in the House this year.
That was music to my ears at the time – as those have been two major sticking points in recent years. Because the Senate has been in opposition to this tax approach, these differences have put us not only past the 90-day statutory limit but also into the 120-day constitutional limit and on into multiple special sessions.
The music in my ears, however, has recently switched to dissonance unfortunately as House Majority members have returned to their insistence on taxes. Here we go, around the same mountain.
This time though, with less funds in the Constitutional Budget Reserve, the question of the day is – does the pro-tax camp have leverage to push the anti-tax camp into a corner when it comes to their votes for the two majorities’ shared approach of using a stream of earnings reserve funds to help pay for government?
I, for one, believe the Senate will not cave.
I also believe that some of those who have advocated for a restructuring and POMV approach may get cold feet. (Note that all proposals currently would reduce the PDF significantly over time based on the current formula in statute.) After all, this is an election year.
Cold feet too may result from information swirling that referendum planning is underway if the legislature were to take such action that would reduce PFDs. If a referendum were to overturn such a bill passed by the legislature, the statute change could not be altered for two years.
Those who want to avoid taxes must be concerned about the ramifications of such a referendum. And those who want robust government spending must be concerned too about the same.
Because of this pesky problem, I believe we all need a reality check. We need to be honest with ourselves: the legislature has only reduced 3% over 3 years of the daily operations of the departments and state agencies. Instead of fighting about new revenue, why don’t we focus on the spending side this year and do what the people of Alaska have implored us to do FIRST the last several years: truly begin to bring the budget in line with what our private sector can afford.
After all, there’s more than one way to close a fiscal gap.
That’s it for now, folks. Before you proceed to the rest of this newsletter – which we work hard to make relevant for you – please note the bullets below.
- Be sure to catch my weekly Facebook Live: #Telling_it_like_it_is Tuesday at 7pm on my senator page. It’s a chance to hear what’s happening in Juneau without the filter of the media and also a chance for you to weigh in on the issues. Like and follow my page so you get a reminder notification each week.
- Also mark your calendar for THIS Saturday, February 24 to connect with me in-person at one of two town halls that day (scroll down for the details).
Working on your behalf,
So what is UP with
the Senate District E replacement?
The wild ride
When Senator Mike Dunleavy of Wasilla resigned on January 15th of this year, it kicked off a process to determine a replacement. It’s been quite the process, to say the least – and some would say, quite the drama. Quite the wild ride. Hang on to your seats.
By law, the Governor has the authority to appoint any resident of the relevant district as long as they are from the same party as the previous member. Then that person must be approved by the majority of members in the Senate of the same party. The longstanding tradition is that the Alaska Democrat Party or the Alaska Republican Party (depending on the party of the departing member) submits a list of three names selected by the district to the sitting governor for consideration.
Typically, the governor appoints one of the people from the list.
When former Governor Sean Parnell chose a replacement for a Republican and then later chose a replacement for a Democrat, he stuck to and honored the respective lists.
When Governor Walker chose Randall Kowalke, Mat-Su Borough Assembly member, however, he picked someone who wasn’t on the list.
When Senate Republicans failed to confirm Kowalke for the seat last week, the governor quickly chose another name, this time from the list: Tom Braund. Mr. Braund withdrew his name shortly thereafter, citing personal reasons – to take care of a loved one. The district supplied a new name: Vicki Chaffin Wallner. The governor then indicated that he was officially rejecting the other two names on the list: Rep. George Rauscher and Todd Smolden. The district then sent a new list which included Christopher Kurka, Mike Shower, and Doyle Holmes.
LATEST NEWS!
Governor Walker’s newest choice, announced today, is Mike Shower of Wasilla, a Fed-Ex pilot and retired USAF Lt. Colonel. I look forward to speaking with Mike soon and for the Senate Republicans to meet this week to discuss the appointment.
I know District E will be glad when this replacement is settled – and as the senator from the district neighboring District E, I will be too. The contacts I’ve had, as well as meetings, emails, phone calls regarding an appointment to fill the vacant seat have been numerous to say the least! It’s been a wild but a good ride as I’ve worked to be attentive to the people back home in District E!
Enjoyed meeting constituent Ginger Baim – who used to be a legislative aide a number of years ago – and learning more about and supporting the work of Alaska Children’s Trust. Great meeting too with ACT Executive Director Trevor Storrs, and board member Marcus Wilson. A side note here: Mr. Wilson is also the principal at North State Elementary School in Anchorage, and is spearheading innovative family engagement practices to improve student education – which I believe is one of the keys needed to close the achievement gap for our children across the state. I learn so much from the people with whom I meet!
The Microphone is Yours
UPCOMING IN-PERSON OPPORTUNITIES
For You to Be Heard
Saturday, February 24, 2018
Two upcoming town halls for your calendar!
Mat-Su Delegation Town Hall
Saturday, February 24, 2018
10:00 a.m. to Noon
Mat-Su Senior Services (Palmer Senior Center)
1132 S. Chugach St
Palmer, Alaska 99645
Chugiak / Eagle River Delegation Town Hall*
Saturday, February 24, 2018
2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Chugiak-Eagle River Senior Center
22424 N Birchwood Loop
Chugiak, Alaska 99567
*A public safety meeting at 4:00 p.m. will immediately follow the town hall.
Palmer Carrs Safeway was awarded the “Golden Carrot” for their outstanding displays, work, and success promoting Alaskan Grown products as part of the $5 Challenge. The award was featured during this year’s Alaska Grown Reception at the governor’s mansion.
Our office was a big supporter of the $5 Challenge effort which was underway in 2017 throughout the state at various grocery stores and markets; we were delighted to promote the challenge through our newsletter and social media.
A relevant side note: the annual Alaska Grown Reception is always a favorite and well-attended. Why? I believe the first and most important reason is the menu and the fact that we as Alaskans appreciate our farmers! (The delicious Alaska Grown products are featured in every hors d’oeuvre.) The second reason? People enjoy checking out the governor’s mansion where it is held!
On Tuesday I had the pleasure of meeting with Borough Assembly members Mathew Beck and Jim Sykes of Palmer.
Serving You on Committees
Please note that my committee assignments have changed due to my exit from caucus.
- Senate Education — Member
- Unmanned Aircraft Systems Legislative Task Force — Co-Chair
- Alaska Commission on Post-Secondary Education — Member
- Senate Law Finance Subcommittee
All out red on Valentine’s Day! James Brooks with Juneau Empire in red suit, and check out the red chair, red carpet, and red flowers. Rocking the red!
For additional information,
contact my staff:
Buddy Whitt
Buddy.Whitt@akleg.gov
907-465-5025
Aimee Bushnell
Aimee.Bushnell@akleg.gov
907-465-3743
I love helping those who have challenges and choose to live independently. On Tuesday I had a meeting with members from the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC): Justine Fine and Krista Squire from Wasilla, and David “Buddy” Kutch of Chugiak.
For information on all bills filed by others,
click here.
For information on bills I’m co-sponsoring,
click here.
The past weekend I attended the Salute to the Military by the Armed Services YMCA at the Egan Center. Tremendous young people from all branches were honored that night. I was thrilled to be present to recognize them. Pictured above with Captain Provencher and Command Sergeant Major Dillingham of US Army Alaska (USARAK).
Legislation Update
Bills I’m Sponsoring
Click on bill number for more info. Detailed descriptions are also available in previous editions of newsletters which you can find here.
SB6 — “Industrial Hemp Production” — Unanimously passed Senate last year, and the House this past Monday morning. This bill allows new economic opportunity for farmers. Livestock ranchers interested in hemp as an easy-to-grow, nutritious crop for feed. The bill awaits a concurrence vote in the Senate for minor changes that occurred as the bill traveled through the House.
SB16— “Digital Assets Act”— My office began work on bill in 2016, but in odd twist, the House version passed (I provided the language for it). Unanimous, it has been signed into law. Online tools designating who gets your electronic assets after you die will now be recognized by the state. If you’d like to give your photo, social media, email, music or other electronic assets or accounts to particular people, your wishes will be carried out. If your will designates who will get them, Facebook, iTunes, Shutterfly, etc. now must comply.
SB32 — “Interchangeable Biological Products” — Passed Senate. Awaits 2nd hearing in House Finance, its final committee referral. Will increase access to affordable biosimilar medications (made from living cells rather than chemicals) by allowing substitutions in some cases, similar to generic medications.
SB96 — “Alaska Education Transformation Act” — As former Education Committee Chair, my office worked with both chambers and all caucuses to draft this bill. Goal is to bridge achievement gap, to employ technology – not for technology sake – but to improve student success, to partially address teacher retention/shortage problem, to streamline administrations, to promote collaboration between districts. Awaits 2nd hearing in Senate Finance Committee.
SCR4 — “Task Force on Unmanned Aircraft Systems” — Passed unanimously. Task Force met Dec. 7. Updated on industry and worked on privacy solutions. Rep. Neal Foster is my co-chair.
SB111 — “Alaska State Defense Force Powers” — Awaits State Affairs, Finance Committee hearings. Restores right-to-bear arms to state militia. Eliminates changes from administration to administration.
SB119 — “Alaska Health Care Consumers Right to Shop Act” — Awaits a Labor & Commerce hearing (which we hope will be next week), followed by Finance hearings. Would allow consumers with health insurance to receive a check for a portion of savings if they chose a provider who charges less than average cost for procedure. Requires providers and insurance companies to readily provide cost information, including out-of-pocket costs, to consumers.
SCR15 — “Proclaiming March 27, 2018, as Alaska Education and Sharing Day.” — Has been referred to the Education Committee. Aligns with proclamations issued by every U.S. president since 1978 at the request of members of the Jewish faith. The resolution emphasizes the importance of values and morals as part of a complete education, preparing students to become responsible and engaged citizens.
SB194 — “An Act relating to disorderly conduct; and relating to indecent viewing or photography.” — Awaiting a hearing in Senate State Affairs, this bill is designed to protect your right to privacy in regard to drones. Because the FAA has jurisdiction over airspace above private property and the operation of aircraft, this limits the approach a state can take to address privacy issues. This bill addresses these issues from the standpoint of loitering over private property. The bill was filed as a placeholder and is a work in progress. Sen. Hughes expects the bill to go through a number of changes prior to its completion and passage. The work and concept behind the bill was initiated by the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Legislative Task Force co-chaired by Sen. Hughes and Rep. Foster.
SB195 — “Victim Restitution Act” — The senate version of HB216. Awaits a hearing in Senate Judiciary. This bill would make victim restitution payments the first priority from permanent fund dividends when criminal offenders are ineligible to receive their PFDs. The funds would be routed through the Violent Crimes Compensation Board. Any remaining monies left in an offender’s PFD would be directed to the operation of domestic violence and sexual assault programs, mental health services and substance abuse treatment for offenders, and incarceration costs.
I had the pleasure to meet with the Alaska Professional Design Council. Pictured from left to right is Fred Nelson, Region 8 American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Governor assigned to Alaska; Torr Anderzen of Palmer, civil engineer with ASCE and Alaska section Vice President; Connor Eshelman, Vice President of UAA Chapter of ASCE; and Stacia Casio, UAF ASCE member.
Constituent Quotes
“Thank you for your hard work! In regards to k-12 funding I believe that the administration is over funded and overstaffed. Teachers deserve their fair wages.”
“Oil is now climbing above $70 per barrel. Our problem is excessive government spending.”
“I want the blame game to stop. I want my Senator to work hard, be honest, be transparent & come up with a compromise package to fix this budget. Create an infrastructure in the Mat-Su valley & the commuter traffic might become less.”
“Make a constitutional amendment that prevents any attempt to withhold any amount or portion of the Permanent Fund illegal. This fund is the people’s.”
“I strongly oppose the Senate Caucus Rule. Senators must be free to vote the will of the voters and not be forced to abide by the determination of the internal senate leadership especially if the outcome of the vote can be predetermined. Shame.”
“A large portion of the Mat-Su is without a Senator. If possible, push for an appointment as soon as possible. Press on. Good job last year, hope you can hold the line again this year.”
“Medicaid needs to be a temporary assistance program, not a lifestyle. Drug test recipients and deny benefits to anyone who tests positive.”
“My senator is Shelley Hughes. I hope she does her job this year, stops obstructing progress based on some mythical budget shrinkage (shrinking the budget = lost jobs = smaller population = smaller economy = smaller tax base = recession) and pass a sales tax.”
“Thank you, Sen. Hughes, for pointing out every chance you get that in the last 3 years, only 3% of the daily operations budget of departments and state agencies has been cut. It is NOT time for Alaskans to pay taxes and it is NOT NECESSARY to reduce PFDs (using some of the earnings of the fund is fine). And tell all those people blaming the struggling economy on state budget reductions that #1, that those reductions have been minimal so far, and #2, the struggling economy is due to lower oil prices NOT the state budget. Thank you for helping people understand that pulling money from the private sector is the worst thing we could do right now to prop up a budget that clearly is too high.”
Industrial Hemp
Now Classified as an Agricultural Crop in Alaska!
On Monday morning, Senator Hughes’ bill on Industrial Hemp Production, SB6, passed the House unanimously. That makes unanimous floor passage in both the House and Senate. SB6 now awaits concurrence in the Senate for minor changes made in the House, and then it’s on to the governor to sign into law.
Pictured above is Senator Hughes and Representative Drummond with their aides, Patrick Fitzgerald (left) and Buddy Whitt (right), after presenting SB6 to the House Finance Committee. Rep.Drummond carried the House version of the bill and was instrumental in ensuring SB6 made it to the House floor with widespread support. Sen. Hughes had worked with Sen. Johnny Ellis to promote his hemp bill three years ago before his retirement, and was happy to re-introduce the bill after local farmers in her district advocated for the reclassification of hemp as an agricultural crop.
So what does SB6 do? It redefines hemp as plants with less than .3% THC and as an agricultural product in Alaska, allowing for the commercial farming of hemp in our state. The bill removes hemp from the jurisdiction of the Marijuana Control Board, from the marijuana statutes, and from being subject to marijuana taxation.
Industrial hemp was grown on American soil for several centuries, starting when the first European settlers arrived in the early 1600’s, but the industry was stymied in 1934 when it was included in the Marijuana Tax Act, and halted when it was classified as an illegal drug in the Controlled Substance Act in 1970. Because hemp does not have psychoactive properties, the Farm Bill in 2014 by Congress opened the door once again for the farming of hemp – and it was time to fix state law here in Alaska.
It’s interesting to note that hemp was a major agricultural crop in the beginning days of our nation. In fact, an early draft of the Declaration of Independence was penned on hemp paper. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams grew hemp and advocated for its commercial production. Hughes remarked, “I find it quite fitting that our hemp bill passed on Presidents’ Day – a tribute to our founding fathers!”
Hughes also pointed out that Canada and Norway, locations with climates similar to Alaska, have successful hemp industries that are steadily growing.
The commercial possibilities of hemp are numerous and versatile. Hemp can be used for fiber products such as clothing and paper. It can be used for building materials and oil spill clean-up; farmers have used it for livestock feed and bedding; and hemp oil continues to be researched for its medical possibilities including treatment for those suffering from epilepsy and other diseases. The list goes on – up to 50,000 uses of hemp have been reported at this point in time.
Industrial hemp is now an option for Alaskan farmers, ranchers, and entrepreneurs. Senator Hughes is thankful for the unanimous support for SB6 and for all those who contributed to the effort.
PRESIDENTS’ DAY IS PAST BUT ENJOY THIS MEME REGARDING SB6!
– 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, tax bills, and Permanent Fund bills in the Finance Committees, 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.
Supporting Alaskans’ fundamental right to access our great outdoors to hunt, fish, and recreate with 4-H youth at the Alaska Outdoor Council banquet before heading to a themed fundraiser (late 50’s, early 60’s!) to support the intellectually and developmentally disabled – another very important cause (thanks to Anchorage Petroleum Women for supporting The Arc).
Also be sure to look out for the new Capitol Quick Clips. These don’t have a schedule, rather they are made as a hot topic comes around!
Watch our most recent Capitol Quick Clip, No. 2 #ShelleysStraightScoop Crime restitution and your privacy rights when it comes to drones.
Join Shelley on Facebook Live each week to ask questions and give input.
We typically broadcast Tuesdays at 7pm, 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!
#Telling_it_like_it_is Missed Live FB broadcast? Latest on Governor’s appointment to Dunleavy’s old seat, the supplemental budget trick, out-of-control Medicaid spending, to bond or not to bond, the education funding bill without funds, plus your questions and feedback. #NoFilter
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 in Juneau or (907) 376-3725 or (907) 622-8963 in district or send an email to Sen.Shelley.Hughes@akleg.gov.
Buddy Whitt – Chief of Staff
Buddy.Whitt@akleg.gov
Aimee Bushnell – Legislative Aide during session
Aimee.Bushnell@akleg.gov
Mat-Su Office (closed while in Juneau)
600 E. Railroad Avenue
Wasilla, Alaska 99654
907-376-3725
Chugiak Office (closed while in Juneau)
12641 Old Glenn Hwy, Ste 201
Eagle River, Alaska 99577
907-622-8963
Best regards,
Copyright © 2018 Senator Shelley Hughes. All rights reserved.
