Celebrating our nation’s heritage as a proud American! Happy 245th birthday, USA!
I love this photo by constituent Elisabeth Griesmer Ahlvin taken early this morning: local patriotism at its finest – with the gorgeous backdrop of the land we call home.
Our country is not without challenges but I have hope that good Americans will uphold the principles of our republic and stand for what is right and true. We must. The next generation depends on it. Fundamental rights, core human rights depend on it. The world at large depends on it!
Please have a wonderful and safe July 4th weekend, all.
Enjoy some facts and trivia about July 4, 1776: click here.
Read words penned by our founders about our nation’s formation: click here.
For Fourth of July happenings in Mat-Su: click here.
For Fourth of July happenings in Chugiak / Eagle River: click here.
Friends and Neighbors,
Happy 4th of July weekend! As we think about the birth of our constitutional republic and celebrate the blessings we experience as Americans, I thought I should provide to you what’s happening here at home, at the state level.
You may have heard yesterday that Governor Dunleavy released his vetoes of the state budget passed by the legislature. You can review four documents about his budget decisions released by the Office of the Governor here, here, here, and here.
My initial take (and granted, more studying is ahead) is that a 25% veto to the per diem line item for the legislature is reasonable considering the prolonged sessions and the pitiful dividend in this post-pandemic recovery period even though the Permanent Fund had a banner year of growth. I also say, bravo, Governor Dunleavy, for vetoing the piddling PFD itself. We need to go back to the drawing board and not let government greed rule the day.
I don’t mind the veto of the $4 billion transfer of the earnings into the Permanent Fund corpus either. I’m tired of the piecemeal approach that has been used in recent years. We need to constitutionally and more fully protect the earnings into perpetuity and settle the PFD matter. Glad to see some other trimming and reductions. I will be reviewing in more depth the red-pen markings in the budget, but my first take is that it’s a better product than what was sent to the governor. As I’ve stressed in times past, we have a relatively small population and our state budget must be affordable lest we overwhelm families and our private sector economy’s health.
If you’ve been frustrated because the legislative work stretched into this summer, you are not alone. I am too. At the same time, I’ll take the blame. I work to build consensus and although I believe more than half the legislature is coalescing around solving the PFD constitutionally and on options to close the fiscal gap to set us on a pathway of certainty and stability, a few with considerable influence and in key roles remain outliers. August has been set aside as a special session to tackle these challenges.
If you tend to be a hopeful person, this is the time to have great hope that we get this work done. If you are a person who prays, this is the perfect opportunity to pray for wisdom and solutions. If you are a person who is good at holding others accountable, this is your season to step up and urge legislators statewide to do the right thing in the best interest of all Alaskans.
In the meantime, enjoy the updates in the sections below and get out and enjoy our glorious summer.
Remember, I am here for you and count on your input on issues to assist in the decision-making process. Please never hesitate to contact my office if you have any questions, concerns, or even just want to say hello. Hope to see you around District F!
Working on your behalf,
Alaska Veteran and Pioneer Home Annual Picnic
The annual picnic at Beach Lake Lodge in Chugiak was a welcome event for my aide, Lisa Hart, to attend while I was still in Juneau. She had an opportunity on June 9th to not only get together with wonderful folks from the Alaska Veteran and Pioneer Home in Palmer but also from the Anchorage Pioneer Home and enjoy lunch with live music courtesy of the musical group “Peas & Carrots”.
THOUGHTS ON PFD: The critical issue we must settle, along with closing the fiscal gap in the state budget, is the PFD issue. For more than 30 years, the PFD formula in statute was followed. That statute directed half of the draw from the Permanent Fund to PFDs and made the other half available for state services. When former Gov. Walker disregarded the PFD statutes in 2016 and the legislature essentially nodded in agreement (only a handful of legislators – I was one of them – wanted to go to the floor to override his action and follow the law), the problem began. A judge then decided the appropriation power granted in the constitution gave permission to the legislature to ignore the statutes and set the PFD each year at whatever amount it chose.
It has been legislative chaos ever since.
Although I and a few other legislators have been standing for following the law since that chaos began, the majority of the House and Senate were more interested in cutting the PFD to pay for government than trimming back the state budget. So year after year, the majority of the House and Senate members voted to cut your PFD.
The good news is that Alaskans statewide have been making it increasingly clear they are not supportive of this haphazard and unfair approach. The not-so-good-news is that although most of the 60 legislators now realize the PFD issue must be settled in the constitution so it is no longer a political football argued over every year, too many still want most of the draw from the fund each year to go toward government and just the “leftover amount” to go to the people’s PFD.
That’s where you come in. If Alaskans across the state want to put a fair and reasonable PFD constitutional amendment on the ballot and let their legislators know that they do, that will move the needle.
Alaskans should let their legislators know whether or not they support a constitutional amendment that would split the draw from the Permanent Fund evenly, with 50% directed to the PFD, and the other 50% available as revenue for the state budget.
We are at a point in time in which savings have dwindled. If we don’t settle this matter in the constitution, the Permanent Fund earnings will be eaten up next by government spending in the near future – which means the funds for paying a PFD would be totally eradicated in a few short years. This also means that the sum total of the Permanent Fund itself would be less. This is not a good prognosis.
I believe that the steady growth of the Fund and the survival of the PFD depends on a fair and reasonable 50-50 constitutional amendment passing the legislature because if it is not fair and reasonable, and tilted more toward government spending, it will fail at the ballot box.
Senate President Appoints
Majority Leader Senator Shelley Hughes
to Alaska Broadband Task Force
Senate President Peter Micciche selected Senator Shelley Hughes to the newly forming Broadband Task Force. She will join the governor’s appointees and the House Speaker’s appointee to address improving digital access across Alaska. Broadband infrastructure is critical in today’s world, and Alaska has the opportunity in the coming year to begin to close the access gap and meet the unique challenges due to our vast expanse, climate, and geography.
With considerable federal dollars available now and in the near future for broadband improvements, the task force will focus on maximizing those dollars to expand and fortify the broadband network in order to strengthen Alaska’s economy such as in the areas of education, healthcare, and commerce. The task force will be meeting monthly to prepare recommendations due October 1, 2021. Membership of the task force includes representatives from across the state (see the membership list in the press release below).
“Economic development and diversification are key.”
Hot tip: read all the way to the bottom of the article for the best part.
Economic development and diversification are key, and that’s the focus of HB192. This bill signed by Gov. Dunleavy on June 9th reauthorized the continuation of the Alaska Regional Development Organizations (ARDORs).
There are 9 ARDORs across the state which promote economic development in Alaska’s urban and rural areas. They enable the pooling of limited resources between entities to work together on economic infrastructure, workforce development, partnerships, and technical assistance to support local business and entrepreneurs.
In the past year, ARDORs were instrumental in getting funds to businesses and other private sector entities in communities throughout Alaska due to the pandemic. The ARDORs also helped steer federal dollars to critical infrastructure projects such as broadband expansion in underserved regions.
Rep. Jonathon Kreiss-Tomkins of Sitka sponsored the bill. The last time the ARDORs were up for reauthorization, I sponsored the bill, so was happy when asked this year to carry the legislation on the Senate floor where it passed unanimously. The bill has a $0 fiscal note.
Senator Mia Costello, Chair of Labor & Commerce and one of the strongest champions of economic development, and Representative Sara Hannan, Co-Chair of Community & Regional Affairs where SB192 was vetted in the House, also attended the bill signing. (Credits to The Office of Rep. Kreiss-Tomkins for the use of language in this post from the HB192 sponsor statement.)
And if you’ve read this far, you get to learn about a fun moment in this small bill-signing ceremony. Gov. Dunleavy teased that he was going to cross out “HB192” and insert “SJR6“. That is the constitutional amendment to ensure a fair and reasonable 50/50 split of the annual draw from the Permanent Fund, with half going to PFDs and half available as revenue for the state budget. Of course he didn’t switch out the bill numbers but oh, if he were signing SJR6 and we were on our way to putting together the full package to close our fiscal gap, the smiles would have been even bigger than what you see here!
Quotes from Constituents and Alaskans
Comments: The Good, the Bad, AND the Ugly
The will of the people of Alaska is not a $525 PFD. I ask you to represent the will of the people. – Rick
Please return to Juneau and work with colleagues to override the vetoes. – Bruce
Withholding any portion of the PFD not paid out under the statutory formula is a TAX, the largest individual state tax ever imposed on Alaskans. – Chris
First we were told we could not work for a year and now you want to say residents of Alaska only get $550 [$525]? – Joshua
So displeased with the budget you passed[.] Please preserve our statutory PFD and cut spending. – Kathy
Some are still saying we need to cut the budget–but that is insane. – Dianne
The state budget needs to be cut. If the house can waste money for a month trying to get organized for the last 2 sessions, the budget can be reduced. – Sharla
The staggering intrusion by the government into my life, my religion, my core values, my speech and my beliefs has got to stop. – Gary
Sitting in for a technical session for Senate President Peter Micciche in June awaiting the budget conference committee report.
Alaska is especially vulnerable to food shortages and supply interruptions as around 95% of food consumed in the state must be shipped here. Improving food security is good for Alaska, local businesses, our economy, and for our health.
House Bill 22 improves food security in Alaska by increasing safe access to raw milk and raw milk products through herd share programs. There was Department of Environmental Conservation regulatory language that permitted farmers to sell shares of their dairy animals to the public, and then the owners in turn receive a portion of the raw milk from the animal. However, this language was only in regulation, not statute, and therefore subject to change or elimination.
Farmers are always looking for opportunities to expand their operations. Through heard share programs, House Bill 22 will also allow for small dairy farms to provide Alaskans with healthy, safe value-added raw milk products, such as ice cream, butter, and cheese.
The bill was sponsored by Rep. Tarr shown in the photo above. On the left is Rep. McCabe, a fan of raw milk and co-sponsor of the bill. Sen. Hughes was the lead Senate sponsor as she appreciated raw milk in her diet while fighting and beating breast cancer a few years back. Her doctor advised her to avoid pasteurized milk as a way to keep hormonal levels in check to help inhibit the cancer. (Thank you to the office of Rep. Tarr for information used in this update.)
The Unangax People
During World War II are Honored
When the Japanese invaded the Aleutian Islands during WWII, the Unangax people (850 men, women, and children) were quickly removed from the Pribilof Islands and interned in Southeast Alaska. Some were sent to Killisnoo near Angoon; others were sent to Burnett Inlet; some were sent to other Southeast locations; and the rest were sent to Funter Bay near Juneau. They were given little notice and the villagers could take only what they could carry. It was hasty and traumatic. The Unangax settled into abandoned and overly crowded cannery bunk houses not built to protect against harsh winters. Entire families were sheltered in small cubicles that were separated by blankets. The living standards were poor and the food supply inadequate. Measles and flu swept through. The tough conditions resulted in the loss of loved ones who were buried in a cemetery the Unangax people set aside on land at Funter Bay.
HB10 protects the historical significance of the Unangax Cemetery located in Funter Bay. It provides an amendment of the management plan for the Funter Bay Marine Park with a transfer of the parcel of land that includes the Unangax Cemetery from the Department of Natural Resources Division of Land Mining and Water to the Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Recreation.
Rep. Sara Hannan (shown in photo above on the left) sponsored the bill. Martin Stepitin, a descendent of the Unangax who lived at Funter Bay, holds the bill after Governor Dunleavy signed it. On the right is Sen. Micciche, Sen. Kiehl, and Sen. Hughes. (Thank you to the office of Rep. Hannan for information used in this update.)
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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. If you desire follow-up, feedback, a response to a question, etc., it’s always best to call the office. Below are direct phone numbers for my aides, or you can call the general number at 907-465-3743. 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, SB 43, SB 102
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
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)
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. On Monday March, 8th, aide Buddy Whitt and Sen. Hughes presented SB 27 in a hearing before Senate Labor and Commerce Committee. On March, 15, the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee moved SB 27 out of committee and on to its next committee of referral: the Senate Resources Committee. Chief of Staff Buddy Whitt submitted a hearing request last week to the Senator Resources Chair, Sen. Josh Revak. On Friday, April 9th SB 27 was passed out from Senate Resources Committee and sent to its next committee of referral Senate Finance. On Monday, May 10th SB 27 was passed from Senate Finance Committee and sent to the floor the same day. SB 27 was unanimously passed on the Senate floor and has been transmitted to the House. On the last day of the regular session SB 27 was passed on the House floor and transmitted to the Governor for signage.
Legislation Update
(Shelley’s bills filed with your best interest in mind)
The final UPDATES on legislation for the 2021 regular session are highlighted in yellow. These bills are still “alive”. We expect activity on them to resume in the 2022 regular session which begins in January.
SB 41 – Health Insurance Info; Incentive Program. Also known 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 Finance Committees. Senator Hughes has met with the Director of the Alaska Division of Insurance, Lori Wing-Heier, to discuss possible improvements to the legislation. Meetings with major insurers (who operate in Alaska) and with Wing-Heier, Hughes and staff have taken place the last couple of weeks. We are working with Ms. Wing-Heir on language to improve the bill and look forward to requesting a hearing in Senate Labor & Commerce Committee once we have the new language. On Wednesday, April 7th, aide Lisa Hart and Sen. Hughes presented SB 41 in a hearing before the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee. Work is underway to make changes to the language in the bill to make it less burdensome to providers, yet still effective for consumers. On Friday, May 14 SB 41 will be heard again in the Senate Labor & Commerce committee with public testimony. Much work went into drafting a Committee Substitute but unfortunately, Legislative Legal did not get the final finishing touches complete in time for Friday’s Labor & Commerce’s meeting or Monday’s. Looks like we’ll have to pick this bill up to continue the work in January.
SB 42 – Virtual and Early Education, Reading- The “Education Transformation Act” (now merged into Senate Education Committee SB 111) 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. On Monday February, 15th, aide Dawson Mann and Sen. Hughes presented SB 42 in a hearing before Senate Education Committee. Sen. Hughes then engaged in a discussion with the Education Chair, Senator Roger Holland, regarding the possibility of his using much of the language from SB42 to draft a Senate Education Committee bill. Sen. Hughes believes the importance and scope of SB42 make it an appropriate bill for sponsorship by a committee that serves the entire senate, rather than just by one legislator. The Current Education Committee bill SB 111 also known as the Alaska Academic Improvement and Modernization Act (AIM) is largely based on the contents of SB 42. After adopting a number of amendments, SB 111 was passed from the Senate Education Committee to Senate Finance, its next committee of referral. HB 164 the House companion bill to SB 111 has had a number of hearings in House Education committee and we hope that it moves through that body with limited detrimental changes. We hope that next year we will be able to finally pass SB 111 and address the issue of the failing education system in our state. I admittedly am disappointed that the Senate Finance Committee chose to set this bill aside until next year. A cohort of children will miss out on its benefits due to the delay.
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 State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. SB 43 received its first hearing February 2 in the State Affairs Committee. The working draft of a committee substitute was adopted to narrow this bill to the subject of campaign financing related to ballot initiatives. The chair explained he planned to merge the section on ballot harvesting with another bill. The bill received its second hearing on February 16, 2021. The committee substitute was adopted and the bill was moved out. SB 43 was given a referral to the Senate Finance Committee due to an added fiscal note on February 22. Stakeholder groups have contacted Senator Hughes’ office regarding the legislation and their input is under consideration. This bill is on hold unless or until we are able to address a few issues.
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. 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 in Alaska have stepped in to call any such provisions unconstitutional. Interestingly, the same provisions exist in many other states, including in states considered very progressive. 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 Health & Social Services, Judiciary, and Finance Committees. The first hearing for SJR 4 was held March 16 before the Senate Health & Social Services Committee and public testimony was taken. On March 24, SJR 4 was passed from Senate Health & Social Services Committee on to its next committee of referral: the Senate Judiciary Committee. On Friday, April 23rd SJR 4 was moved from the Senate Judiciary Committee and sent to its next committee of referral Senate Finance. We look forward to having SJR 4 heard in Senate Finance Committee next session.
SB 102– Extending the Alaska membership in the Compact to advocate for an Article V Constitutional Convention for the purposes of advancing an amendment to the United States Constitution requiring a balanced budget. Alaska’s membership in this compact is set to expire this year, but with the passage of Senate Bill 102, Alaska would remain a member in the compact until 2031. I introduced this legislation on March 10 and requested a hearing before the State Affairs Committee. On Thursday, March 25th, my Chief of Staff Buddy Whitt and Intern Riley Nye did a wonderful job presenting SB 102 before the Senate State Affairs Committee. On Friday, April 9th. SB 102 was passed out from Senate State Affairs and sent to its next committee of referral. We look forward to a future hearing next session in Senate Finance.
SJR 13– Improve Broadband Internet Access by The Senate Community & Regional Affairs Committee. While this resolution is sponsored by the Senate Community & Regional Affairs Committee my office has the responsibility as Chair to carry the bill. It is well known that in many parts of the state, internet access is scarce at best. In regions such as the states unorganized regions, the internet can be extremely limited, slow, and prohibitive in terms of cost. In order for these regions to grow and organize to have greater autonomy, an economic base is fundamental. That is why the Senate Community & Regional Affairs introduced SJR 13. Passage of SJR 13 sends a strong message to Congress and the State Administration to support broadband deployment in the state, recognize the benefits of broadband, urge engagement with stakeholders, and specifically requests the United States Congress to include broadband in the 2021 federal infrastructure legislation. SJR 13 also calls on the Alaska delegation in Congress to advocate for flexible broadband funding parameters for our state. The first hearing on SJR 13 was held on Thursday, April 22nd at 3:30 in Senate Community & Regional Affairs and was passed out of the committee the same day. SJR 13 then had it’s referral to Senate Labor & Commerce committee waved by Chair Senator Mia Costello on the floor. On Monday, May 3rd SJR 13 passed on Senate floor on a 17-0 vote. On Thursday, May 14th SJR 13 will be heard in the House Community & Regional Affairs Committee. On Thursday May 13th, SJR 13 was moved from House Community & Regional Affairs Committee to the Rules Committee and is awaiting calendaring for a House floor vote. SJR13 pertains to language currently being drafted in Washington, D.C. in the infrastructure bill before Congress. Unfortunately, even though the legislation was ready for a floor vote in the House, the Rules Chair decided not to schedule SJR 13 before the end of the regular session. We are currently looking for options on how to move forward. We are in touch with the federal delegation, and if they continue to be concerned about the possibility of the federal bill containing restrictive language that would be detrimental to Alaska, we will urge the House to take up the resolution during the Special Session.
SB 140– An Act relating to school athletics, recreation, athletic teams, and sports. The goal of SB 140 is simply to maintain the rights women fought for and gained in obtaining Title IX status in 1972. Before Title IX, 1 in 27 girls played sports. Today that number is 2 in 5. Schools that receive federal funding are legally required to provide girls and boys with equitable sports opportunities. Girls and women deserve an equitable opportunity to advance and rank at the top of their sport. They deserve a fair and safe playing field. That is all this bill would ensure. Nothing would prohibit a school or a district from designating co-ed teams, and nothing in this bill would prohibit girls/women and transgender girls/women from participating on co-ed teams or on boys’/men’s teams if they chose. We plan to take this bill up first thing next session. We welcome input from Alaskans on SB140 in the meantime. Please send to Sen.Shelley.hughes@akleg.gov.
Catch our latest #Telling_it_like_it_is Facebook Live video from Juneau. Capitol Series #15 aired May 17th, 2021 at 6pm. Questions and comments from live viewers are always part of our format. Be sure to like my Facebook page so you’ll be notified of these opportunities for you to ask questions, weigh in, and hear the latest happenings in the legislature.
Because the regular session has adjourned, the schedule of weekly FB Lives has been suspended until the 2022 regular session begins in January. During special sessions and the interim period, we will schedule FB Lives on occasion when we are seeking your input and when we have news and information to bring your way.
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!
– 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.
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
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
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
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
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)
Best regards,
Copyright © *2021* *Office of Senator Shelley Hughes*, All rights reserved.
