Delighted to be back in the Mat-Su office during the current reprieve from Juneau before heading back next Monday to address HB111, the oil tax credit bill. The highlight the last few days? A visit with four members of the No Ka Oi 4-H Club.
Jason, Selina, Samara, and Tristan presented an informative invitation to their livestock auction at the Alaska State Fair on September 2. They shared about their work raising their pigs and how it helps them learn various skills such as dedication, time management, record-keeping, and responsibility. Such impressive young 4-H’ers!
Alaskan Friends and Neighbors,
On the eve of 4th of July, I wish you all a happy and safe Independence Day! Before I make an usual tie between Alaska and our nation’s holiday, I’d like to remind us of the powerful words in the Declaration of Independence (formally adopted by Congress on July 4, 1776, followed by the alarm for freedom sounding by the Liberty Bell at Independence Hall):
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”
With that first sentence of the text in mind, I’d like to reflect on an incident in Alaska that occurred in 1945 because a woman understood we were “created equal,” because she had freedom of speech, because she believed in our constitutional representative republic, and because strength and independence – based on our nation’s foundation – inspired her to fight to fix a wrong.
Despite the sadly prevailing attitude of the day, Elizabeth Peratrovich’s testimony to the Senate turned the tide in Alaska. In a community where signs, such as “No dogs or Natives allowed” were common, her powerful words impacted the vote that gained the passage of the Territory of Alaska’s 1945 Anti-Discrimination Act (the first in the nation – 19 years prior to 1964 Civil Rights Act).
Her famous quote before the Senate: “I would not have expected that I, who am barely out of savagery, would have to remind gentlemen with five thousand years of recorded civilization behind them, of our Bill of Rights.”
It is fitting with Independence weekend upon us that the United States Mint has released candidate designs for a $1 coin. Included among them are designs to commemorate Alaska Civil Rights Leader Elizabeth Peratrovich and Alaska’s Anti-Discrimination Law. The coin will be released in 2020. Credit for photos to Alaska State Library: Historical Collections and Office of the Governor.
Along with historical reflections, here’s a little light reading on current history-making. To see the latest regarding the special session (focused on HB111, the oil tax credit bill), see Hot Topics #1 and #2. Don’t miss the “bear” essentials as well as a glimpse into my week with visitors at the office and visitors at my house. Of course, considering that the 4th of July is upon us, be sure to check out the patriotic happenings convenient to Senate District F.
Of course, like I hope you do every newsletter, please be sure too to view the photos to learn more about what’s happening – you may even see someone you know and/or learn about a new development on an issue you’re passionate about! Constituent quotes await you as well – always interesting to know what others are saying.
Stay tuned for my next Facebook Live. If I’m at a place where I can broadcast this evening at 7pm, I’ll look forward to your input and questions. If not, please note that I am planning to broadcast next Monday from Juneau.
Happy 4th of July!
4th of July Festivities
Convenient for Senate District F
Hope to see you at one of these events!
– Eagle River Lions Club Community Park –
- 5:30pm Vendors, music, games begin
- 6:00 – 7:30pm Sundogs play (adult area)
- 8:00pm. Opening ceremony including Savanna Simpkins singing national anthem
- 8:30 – 11:30pm Locomotion plays (main area)
- 12:00am Fireworks
– Wasilla –
- 11:00am Annual 4th of July Parade (new route: Wasilla High to Valley Performing Arts)
- 1:00-3:00pm Community Mayors Picnic (free) at Iditapark
- 3:00 – 9:00pm Carnival at Menard Center
- 11:00pm Fireworks Spectacular at Wonderland Park
– Old Glenn Hwy (Latimer Station to Chugiak Elementary) –
- 1:00pm Parade (Theme: Thank God for Our Veterans)
- All are welcome to march in the parade! Sign up at noon at 17124 Old Glenn Highway.
- Sponsored by Chugiak Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, Chugiak Area Business Association and Chugiak Lions Club.
– GRATEFUL FOR FEEDBACK –
FROM CONSTITUENTS & OTHER ALASKANS
Input has continued to pour in due to articles this past week regarding my vote against the budget. I’m overwhelmed and thankful for the hundreds of Alaskans who’ve reached out in support. Below is another small sampling to add to last week’s.
(Click here for Alaska Public Media article. Click here for Anchorage Daily Planet article.)
“I want to say THANK YOU for your vote on the budget! I support you and your decision to take a tough stand on this issue. I commend you for standing up and doing what is difficult but necessary to protect all Alaska’s not only in your district. Please continue your work to get the states spending under control. I am pleased that I voted for you and am proud to support you.”
“You certainly earned my respect. Thank you for standing tall.”
“Thank you Shelley for standing up for us. I think like you do. Our state government needs an overhaul and and we need people like you who will work for the people in your district and not do things just because others are doing it.”
” I really didn’t know you until now. Impressive strength and truthful. Thank you!”
“Thank you for voting right.”
“I’m proud to say that I know you Shelly!…This state need someone with the kind of wisdom, character, and strength that you possess!…”
“Thanks for sticking to your word.”
“There are many of us here who support you and are willing to do what we can to save our State. Congratulations! You are our hero.”
“Thank you for voting the way we asked you to vote.”
“Senator Hughes, when you first got into office I thought you were just going to go along with the majority and coast like so many others do. Thank you for taking a strong position and standing up for what the people in your district want. You have earned my respect!!!”
“You’ve got guts, integrity, and common sense. Well done Senator Hughes.”
“[It’s] great to see Senator Hughes stand up and vote the way the people who elected her wanted her to. I think it is time for all our elected officials to vote and speak with the voice of those they represent and not for the caucus. That is why they are elected to represent them. If they did that we would be in a better position. There does need to be deeper cuts to the budget so we can balance the budget and stop this out of control spending.”
“Thank you for your vote on this Senator. You did good, and I am proud.”
“Thank you for taking a stand to oppose the majority vote. I stand w/you and agree spending must be cut, Permanent Fund remains in place and a Sales Tax should be initiated.”
“Right on Shelly. You go on with your bad self. We like it.”
At the date of this writing, out of the hundreds of contacts since my vote, only three were not supportive. I ran quotes by two last week. Here’s from the third:
“Your negative vote is the type of action that legitimizes the distrustful divide in our polity rather than coming together to work on our problems. As a senator you are less frequently answerable to voters, which is not to say you should ignore them, but you should do what needs to be done and then prove over time that was the right thing to do. You have lost any basis for claiming you are a ‘stateswoman,’ and proven your colleagues correct to brand you a Bill Stol[t]ze populist.”
My fuzzy shot of a grizzly while enroute home last Monday, somewhere between Haines and Palmer. Practicing bear safety is of prime importance and a good tabletop conversation to have with your family and friends this year, with the high number of incidents and sitings. Here are a few sites from which you can glean life-saving tips:
http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/?adfg=livingwithbears.bearcountry
http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/safety/bears.htm
http://www.alaska.org/advice/alaska-bear-safety
Now here’s a real shot. Below is a photo I posted on Facebook of a family friend’s brave and quick-thinking son, Elliot, at age 11. Two weeks ago he shot this brown bear charging him on a trail to a fishing hole not too far from his home (and my parents’ home) near Hoonah, Alaska. Because of my post, this story was picked up by the Juneau Empire (see story here) which resulted in it also getting picked up by national and international news agencies.
– Hot Topic #1 –
Second Special Session Update
A quick reminder: unlike during the regular session, only items put on the call by the governor can be addressed during the special session.
The operating budget, HB 57, and the opioid bill, HB 159, passed on Thursday. June 22. On Friday, June 23, Gov. Walker added HB 111 to the call. The governor can add other items to the special session call, including bills he’d removed earlier to narrow the focus on the budget. I’ve included those bills and their status in the update below.
1. HB 57 Operating Budget – In Conference Committee
NO LONGER ON CALL – ITEM COMPLETED
The conference committee met last week, methodically adopting points of agreement, line item by line item. Around noon on Thursday the committee completed its work and moved the Conference Committee Report out of committee. The Conference Committee Substitute for HB57 was received back that evening from Legislative Finance and Legislative Legal Services with changes incorporated and put on members’ desks on the floor shortly before the vote. The Senate adopted the Report on a vote of 16 yeas and 1 nay; the House followed suit with a vote of 31 yeas and 8 nays. If you would like to view meetings and discussions that occurred in the conference committee, please click HERE.
2. HB 111 Oil Tax Credits – In Conference Committee
CURRENTLY ON CALL
The HB111 Conference Committee has met once, on June 9. Conversations continue and press statements were issue last week by both the Senate Majority (click here) and House Majority (click here) regarding this bill. See Hot Topic #2 for more information on the bill. Because the special session ends July 15, members are returning to Juneau to address HB111 next week. The House and Senate versions of the bill both end the use of refundable (cash) credits for oil and gas companies, but the House version includes an effective tax rate increase in the $60 to $90 barrel per oil range, while the Senate version does not. There are a few other differences, including the interest rate and ring-fencing. Members are Rep. Tarr (Chair – lead), Rep. Josephson, and Rep. Talerico, Sen. Giessel, Sen. Stedman, and Sen. Olson.
3. SB 26 Permanent Fund Restructuring – In Conference Committee
NOT ON CALL BUT COULD BE ADDED BACK
The conference committee for SB26 did not meet during the first or second special session, so there have been no changes or compromises presented. Members of the conference committee for SB26 are Sen. MacKinnon (Chair – lead), Sen. Egan, Rep. Foster (Chair), Rep. Seaton, and Rep. Thompson.
4. SB 23 Capital Budget – Awaits Senate Concurrence
NOT ON CALL BUT COULD BE ADDED BACK
This bill will be brought back up to be dealt with at a later date. It is expected that the Senate will not concur with the House version (it currently contains an operating budget in it that differs from the one passed last week!). The capital bill would then go to conference committee. Because federal match funds pertain to SB23, the bill could pass as late as this fall, prior to the start date of the federal calendar on October 1.
5. HB 60 and SB 25 Motor Fuel Tax – In House and Senate Finance Committees
NOT ON CALL BUT COULD BE ADDED BACK
Both versions are in their respective Finance Committees. The governor may add this bill back to the call for consideration now that the operating budget bill has passed.
6. SB 12 Income Tax – In Senate Labor & Commerce
NOT ON CALL BUT COULD BE ADDED BACK
The Governor had included in the first special session call an act that would create a broad-based tax. In his “compromise plan”, the governor proposed SB 12 be used as the broad-based tax. The monetary impact on working Alaskans is smaller than the earlier income tax bill, HB 115, but the SB 12 tax is still bracketed, based on income. It is possible the governor may add this bill to the call now that the budget bill has passed.
7. HB 159 and SB 79 Opioid Prescriptions – Passed Legislature
NO LONGER ON CALL – ITEM COMPLETED
The House concurred with the Senate’s changes on Thursday. HB 159 has passed the legislature and will head to the governor’s desk for his signature.
PLEASE NOTE: We are still under the “24 Hour Rule” which allows committee meetings to be scheduled just a day in advance. As things progress each week, I will update this list, but to receive the most up-to-date information you can sign up for text alerts (see below) or can click on the links for each bill within this newsletter.
If you want to stay on top of the scheduling, a short text alert can keep you informed. It’s easy to sign up. Text a bill number (ex: SB23) to 559-245-2529 to enroll. You’ll receive an enrollment confirmation and instructions on how to stop receiving the alerts.
For those only wanting legislative news, please skip! For those wanting a glimpse into the life of a legislator, read on!
During my few days home this week, grandchildren have been a focus. My grandson, Owen (in the orange shirt) underwent a successful heart surgery to correct an atrial septal defect. Thanks to modern medicine, the surgeon was able to use a device up through his leg – much less invasive than open heart surgery. Now to keep a lively 5-old from being active while the patch secures (he turns 6 tomorrow – on the 4th of July!).
BTW, his brother, Noah (in green shirt) underwent open heart surgery at 3 months old for Tetralogy of Fallot. Such a major and traumatic event for an infant. We’re so thankful both boys now have healthy hearts, and we’re thankful for all those who prayed them through these challenges!
On the right is my granddaughter, Avelyn, scooting around my kitchen after Mimi (that’s me) braided her hair. Her older brothers, Keithan and Caden, hung out with us too – such a joy to have grandchildren spending the weekend with us!
Wondering what’s happening with a certain bill? A short text alert can keep you informed. It’s easy to sign up. Text a bill number (ex: SB1) to 559-245-2529 to enroll. You’ll receive an enrollment confirmation and instructions on how to stop receiving the alerts.
– Hot Topic #2 –
Great Explanation of Oil Tax Credit Debate Between House and Senate Versions of HB111
Why Ending Cashable Credits Is Paramount
Walker Administration White Paper
Click here to read a good summary of the differences in the highpoints of the House version of HB111 and the Senate version, as well as a discussion of the importance of ending the cashable credit system sooner rather than later.
My desk on the Senate floor. A good cup of coffee is always helpful, especially with a bill packet this size. This photo was taken 3 weeks ago.
Serving You on Committees
Please note that my following committee assignments will be changing due to my exit from caucus at an upcoming Committee on Committees meeting (date to be announced).
- Senate Finance — Member
- Senate Resources — Member
- Senate Education — Member
- Senate Labor and Commerce — Vice-Chair
- Unmanned Aircraft Systems Legislative Task Force — Co-Chair
- Joint Armed Services — Member
Serving You on Finance Subcommittees
My seats on these subcommittees are also subject to change.
- Department of Education and Early Development
- Department of Law
- Department of Administration
- Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
For additional information, contact my
Chief of Staff: Buddy.Whitt@akleg.gov
907-622-8963 (Eagle River office)
907-376-3725 (Mat-Su office)
For information on bills I’m co-sponsoring, click here.
For information on all bills filed by others, click here.
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.
***Please note that due to the close of the regular legislative session, the earliest any of the following bills (which have not yet passed) will see action will be January 2018 when the legislature reconvenes in regular session.***
• SB6 — “Industrial Hemp Production” — The bill had its second hearing in House Finance two weeks ago but was not moved out of committee nor scheduled for a floor vote prior to the end of the regular session. This means the bill will not be passed in 2017. When the next regular session begins in January 2018, I am hopeful the bill will move to the House floor for a vote.
• SB16— “Digital Assets Act”— Even though my office began work on this bill last August, the House version of the bill leapt ahead and passed. (My office provided the language to Rep. Claman about 3 months ago, so I’m happy with the language in his HB108 obviously!) I carried HB108 on the floor and am proud to say that it passed the Senate unanimously. It awaits the governor’s signature.
• SB32 — “Interchangeable Biological Products” — The House Finance Committee held an initial hearing on the bill. We await scheduling for a second hearing and public testimony. Because the regular session has ended, the earliest this can now occur is January 2018.
• SB96 — “Alaska Education Transformation Act” — Senate Education Committee Bill Relating to Education and School Districts is in the Senate Finance Committee. I am hopeful SB96 will continue to move through the committee process in 2018.
• SCR4 — “Task Force on Unmanned Aircraft Systems” — Passed unanimously both the House and Senate, and awaits the governor’s signature.
• SB111 — “Alaska State Defense Force Powers” — Introduced and assigned to State Affairs and Finance Committees. I am hopeful SB111 will receive hearings in January.
• SB119 — “Alaska Health Care Consumers Right to Shop Act” – Introduced and assigned to Labor and Commerce as well as Finance. I am hopeful SB119 will receive hearings in January.
– 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.
Join Shelley to ask questions and give your input on Facebook Live Monday evenings at 7pm at www.facebook.com/AKShelleyHughes.
(Please note that schedule is subject to change. Look for updates on our Senator Shelley Hughes Facebook page for latest information.)
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 send an email to Sen.Shelley.Hughes@akleg.gov.
If you are looking to get in contact with a specific legislative aide:
Buddy Whitt – District Director, Legislation
(907)622-8963 – Buddy.Whitt@akleg.gov
Joshua Banks – Research, Legislation
(907)376-3725 – Joshua.Banks@akleg.gov
Best,
Copyright © 2017 Senator Shelley Hughes. All rights reserved.
