My staff is one hardworking team, putting in long hours to do what’s right for Alaskans. In addition to budget work, our focus has been our Judiciary Committee work to reduce crime (including SB91 repeal, toughening penalties for sexual crimes, and changes behind the bars to reduce number of repeat/habitual offenders).
We were wearing purple the day this photo was taken in remembrance of Ashley Johnson-Barr, the ten-year old girl from Kotzebue who was kidnapped, sexually abused and murdered last September. Real people like Ashley motivate us to do our best to get our criminal statutes right.
Friends and Neighbors,
Challenges Alaskans face are front and center in my office. There have been a flood of contacts (thousands weekly) on the budget, education, transportation, senior benefits, PFD, the dairy farm, sales tax, and income tax, and other concerns. Although you may not have heard back from me personally, please know I’m reviewing each message either directly or via a thorough briefing by my staff. I value your input tremendously.
I’m keeping my commentary short this week here in my opening because the articles below are chock-full of great information, and I don’t want to keep you from the updates I hope you find helpful. I do want to point out quickly though that if you’ve heard we could fill much of the $1.6 billion fiscal gap by a simple removal of a “per barrel credit” in our tax structure and that we are being horribly shortchanged by the oil industry, please listen to my Facebook Live video at the -19:20 mar (video clip is also at the bottom of this newsletter).
…And before you move onto the rest of this newsletter, please scan the couple of reminder bullets below AND know that I’m here for you and appreciate your input on issues!
- If you were affected by the earthquake and filled out an application at ready.alaska.gov, did you know you also need to apply through FEMA by March 31st? To learn more, call 800-621-3362 (TTY users may call 800-462-7585) or visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Don’t forget to file for your PFD! Deadline March 31st.
- Be sure to catch my weekly Facebook Live: #Telling_it_like_it_is Monday 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 and ask questions. “Like” and “follow” my page so you’ll receive a reminder notification.
Working on your behalf,
Kiana, an 8th grader from Academy Charter in Palmer, competed in the Poetry Out Loud competition against high school students. She was the youngest competitor in 17 years! I was able to see her compete at the KTOO TV station in Juneau. Kiana preformed ‘Beautiful Wreckage’ by W.D. Ehrhart, ‘I Remember, I Remember’ by Thomas Hood, and ‘Crossing the Bar’ by Alfred, Lord Tennyson.
Judiciary Committee Update
by Buddy Whitt
Chief of Staff and Judiciary Committee Aide
The Senate Judiciary continues to work on the Governor’s crime bills. The process in the committee has been thorough and methodical as the members carefully analyze all of the proposed changes to Alaska’s statutes effecting crime in our state. Currently in committee, we have heard Senate Bill 34 relating to Probation and Parole and Senate Bill 35 relating to Sex Crimes. The committee hopes to have completed work on these two very important and very complicated bills and have them moved out of committee within the next couple of weeks.
This week the Committee is also considering Senate Bills 23, 24 and 89. Senate Bills 23 and 24 are bills from Governor Dunleavy concerning the payment of past PFD amounts to Alaskans. As you may recall, in 2016 Governor Walker cut the amount of the PFD through use of his veto pen. Since then, each year’s PFD has been less than the statutory amount. Senate Bills 23 and 24 seek to pay back the amount that was cut from each of those three years PFDs, but spread those payments out over a three year period. The Senate Judiciary Committee will have their first hearing on that bill on Friday, March 22nd.
Senate Bill 89, sponsored by the Senate Rules Committee, seeks to correct mistakes made in the passage of HB44 last year. If you have watched and kept up with the challenges I have had this year, you already know that the ethics rules changes that were passed last year have had unintended consequences, including inhibiting free speech of constituents (legislators are unable to take meetings with constituents or other Alaskans on topics related – even indirectly – to their or a family member’s line of work) and preventing legislators from fully representing their districts on matters of importance (certain bill topics are off limits for certain legislators due to their or a family member’s line of work). In fact, in order to be in compliance with the law I had to withdraw a healthcare bill I had sponsored to help lower healthcare costs for Alaskans, plus discharge one of the Governor’s SB91 repeal bills out of my committee because of a slight connection to the therapeutic court system. It is my hope that we pass Senate Bill 89 this session in order to bring back common sense in our ethics laws so that Alaskans can be fairly represented once again.
Be sure to tune in to Gavel to Gavel or 360North.com every Mon., Wed., and Fri. at 1:30pm to see committee proceedings.
On Friday I met with a group of students from Alaska Youth for Environmental Action. We got a chance to talk about legislation important to them and how the work in Juneau will impact their futures. These students represented Palmer, Wasilla, Fairbanks, Galena, and Brevig Mission.
Transportation Committee Update
by Aimee Bushnell
Transportation Committee Aide
The Senate Transportation Committee has had some excellent hearings of interest to Alaskans lately. The committee heard an update and proposals for operating our ferry system, the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS), from the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF).
The ferry system serves 10-15% of the state population and last year cost $86 million in state unrestricted general funds (UGF). Statewide, the maintenance of operations of highways and airports combined cost $63 million last year in state UGF. With the state facing a $1.6 billion shortfall, the administration is exploring a major restructuring of the ferry system, with possible privatization of services.
The business enterprise and development manager for AMHS discussed several service proposals for residents in communities along the ferry route. The Chair of the Marine Transportation Advisory Board and part of the AMHS Reform Committee, discussed the option of a public corporation which could privatize routes that make economic sense and set up governance by a board made up of private sector members with business, finance, and marine expertise. Sen. Hughes also attended a Transportation Finance Subcommittee focused on the Alaska Marine Highway System.
The following week the committee heard Senator John Coghill’s bill on Alaska Railroad Corporation Land Transfers, SB54. This bill fixed a small error in the amount of land near Otto Lake in Healy that could be sold based on legislation passed last year. This correction will allow the transfer of this property for sale. The bill has been referred to the Finance Committee.
This week the transportation committee heard SB75, Commercial Vehicle Licensing Requirements by Senator Mia Costello. The bill does two things: it changes the minimum age from 19 to 18 years old for a commercial vehicle license when driving commerce within the state, and changes the minimum age requirement for an interstate Commercial Driver’s License to 18 if the federal law regarding interstate commerce is also changed. SB75 was heard on Tuesday, March 19, and will be brought up again on Tuesday, March 26. On Thursday, the committee will not be meeting at its normal time because they will be joining the Senate Finance Committee at 9:00 am for a presentation on the Port of Alaska (Anchorage).
The committee then will be taking a couple of days off to allow Senate State Affairs the committee time and room to review and take public testimony on Senate Joint Resolutions related to the Governor’s constitutional amendments, SJR4, SJR5, and SJR6, relating to income tax, the permanent fund, the PFD, the budget reserve, and establishing a savings reserve fund. (By the way, these resolutions will move to Senator Hughes’ Judiciary Committee next.)
We’ll be back on a roll afterward and hear SB84, Naming Trooper Gabe Rich Memorial Bridge by Senator John Coghill’s office. Gabriel Rich was an Alaska State Trooper who was shot and killed with his partner while conducting an investigation in the summer of 2014. You can read more about Trooper Rick on the Officer Down Memorial Page.
Be sure to tune in to Gavel to Gavel or 360North.com Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:30pm to see committee proceedings.
Senator Shelley Hughes poses with Representative DeLena Johnson and pups and constituent Mark Stigar from Mat-Su Search & Rescue on March 14. This all-volunteer organization, which provides a tremendous service statewide, came asking not for money, but for first dibs on used and discarded state equipment.
This team helped locate the 10-year old girl kidnapped and murdered in Kotzebue last September. They also participated in the search for the missing Pettigen couple, snowmachiners who died during an excursion in Big Lake in December.
Education Committee Update
by Shiela Morrison
Legislative Intern and Education Committee Aide
On March 14, the Senate Education Committee heard SJR9, a constitutional amendment requiring the legislature to pass and convey a budget to the governor to early fund education by the 45th day of each regular session. You can review the meeting here or see documents and the audio/video on Basis. The bill was held in committee; stay tuned for updates on Senate Joint Resolution No. 9.
On March 19, the committee heard SB74, which is an Act relating to funding for Internet Services for school districts to allow an increased speed to 25 megabits versus 10 megabits currently in legislation under AS 14.03.127(a). The national recommended megabits for schools is 100 megabits so this bill is a baby step in the right direction. The Senate Education committee is well aware of the need for faster and more broadband in Alaska. You can see all the bill information on Basis or watch the meeting. The bill has been held in committee; stay tuned for updates.. By the way, this bill is a great complement to Senator Hughes’ SB79 The Education Transformation Act which I’ll be introducing to the committee with her this coming Tuesday, March 26 at 9:00 a.m.
Also on March 19, the committee heard SB64, which is an act repealing state aid for costs of school construction debt; and providing for an effective date. This bill puts 100% of debt repayment onto municipalities and boroughs, which would likely mean increased property taxes for many communities. In the Mat-Su, this bill would mean an additional $18 million in debt. With an ever-growing population and an average of one new school being built each year, the potential cost at the local level is considerable for Mat-Su residents. Anchorage would incur an additional $41 million in debt payments.
Sen. Hughes has heard from residents on this issue, particularly concerned because some areas of the state, the unorganized areas, are not impacted by this legislation and will continue to enjoy 100% of their school construction debt paid for by the state. You can see all the bill information on Basis or watch the meeting. The bill has been held in committee; stay tuned for updates on Senate Bill No. 64.
Be sure to tune in to Gavel to Gavel or 360North.com Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:00 am to see committee proceedings.
Christy Herrera, Bethany Marcum, Senator, Larry Barsukoff 3-12-19
Serving You in These Roles
Senate Committees:
- Judiciary Committee, Chair
- Transportation Committee, Chair
- Education Committee, Vice-Chair
- Joint Armed Services Committee, Member
Finance Subcommittees:
- Judiciary Subcommittee, Member
- Law Subcommittee, Member
- Transportation & Public Facilities Subcommittee, Member
- Public Safety Subcommittee, 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
Chaplin Duncan, DOC employee & Philip Licht, Set Free Alaska – Drug and Alcohol Advisory Board visit Senator Hughes.
For information on bills I’m co‑sponsoring
click here.
For information on all bills filed during this session,
click here.
Legislation Update
(Shelley’s bills filed with your best interest in mind)
SB27 – WITHDRAWN due to potential ethics conflicts – Health Insurance Info; Incentive Program.
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. 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 – Referred to the Education Committee and then to the Finance Committee. This bill is scheduled to be heard in Senate Education this Tuesday, March 26 at 9:00 a.m.The legislation would enable 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 required for teacher certification to be equal or higher to the most stringent minimum level established by another state. Districts would be required to post the ratio of administrators to teachers to students each year. Districts could roll forward savings for the next year (up to an amount equal to 25% of current year’s expenditures) without impacting the amount of state funds to be received for that 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.
SB81 – Telephone Cooperatives; Telecommunications – the bill 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.
For additional information,
contact my staff:
Buddy Whitt
Chief of Staff & Judiciary Committee Aide
Buddy.Whitt@akleg.gov
907-465-5025
Aimee Bushnell
Transportation Committee Aide
Aimee.Bushnell@akleg.gov
907-465-3743
Regina Largent
Judiciary Research Attorney
Regina.Largent@akleg.gov
907-465-3743
Shiela Morrison
Legislative Intern – Education Aide
Shiela.Morrison@akleg.gov
907-465-3743
On Friday I met with Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) who came to Juneau to learn more about the legislature and improve their leadership skills.
Their group was so large I had to meet with them in the hall! From this group, Rhys, Robert, and Sherie Vieira were from my district.
Time to Testify on the…
Your choice – Your voice:
Increase or Decrease?
Increase or decrease PFDs?
Increase or decrease the size of government?
Increase or decrease the state budget?
Increase or decrease the chance
of an income tax?
Increase or decrease the chance
of other taxes?
If you live elsewhere in Alaska, please click here
for dates/locations of additional House Finance meetings.
The (Very Long) Process Continues
(repeating this article for those who missed it earlier)
Nothing in the Capitol is getting as much attention this session as the budget bills. On February 13 Governor Dunleavy unveiled his budget proposal to the public. His approach to balancing our budget and closing our fiscal gap is to avoid new taxes and avoid draining our savings. As you may recall, during past sessions, I did not believe that legislators were taking our fiscal problems seriously enough. Because pulling from our savings and not addressing our spending levels for operations year after year put our state on an unsustainable trajectory that would require overbearing taxes in Alaskans, I ultimately decided to vote against the budget and leave the Senate Majority Caucus two years ago. We should have been nudging the budget down each year to allow gradual adjustment. Too few legislators agreed with this approach. The former Governor preferred new taxes and limited cuts but lacked support for his tax plan – and here we are today.
The Governor’s proposed budget, while shocking to many, shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone. He has stated numerous times that one of his priorities is to align state spending with state revenues. His budget proposal does exactly that. Dunleavy proposes a total of $1.51B in reductions from Walker’s proposal for this coming year, FY20.
Every department and every Alaskan will feel the effects of these reductions in one way or another if they are adopted. As the legislature analyzes the numbers, please remember this proposal is the first step in a thorough process. The Legislature is the appropriating branch of government. It will craft its budget based on what the majority of members believe is appropriate. The Governor, however, does hold a line-item veto pen and it takes three-fourths of the combined House and Senate to override any vetoes – so hang on for the ride!
Constituent meetings are the best way to start out the week! Mondays are hard to make free time, but Daniel Cheyette and I were able to sit down after 5 p.m. to discuss his concerns regarding Pebble Mine, and to talk a little about our schools, the work underway on our criminal statutes, and the challenge to neighborhoods on the Springer system due to the gravel train blocking access regularly during the warmer months.
What does the
Governor have
in mind?
Statewide Community Meetings Outlining
A Permanent Fiscal Plan for Alaska
Governor Dunleavy has announced he will conduct a series of community focused discussions and meetings to outline a permanent fiscal plan for Alaska, including a vision behind his FY2020 budget proposal and a package of constitutional amendments meant to address the state’s long-term fiscal stability. An organization has offered to host the in-person meetings which are open to the public.
Location details for the Governor’s discussions are as follows:
Anchorage – Tuesday, March 26, 2019
Associated General Contractors (Members Only)
10am – 11am: Talk of Alaska with Lori Townsend
Alaska Public Media Network – More Information
Alaska Support Industry Alliance
Anchorage Chapter Event (Members Only)
4pm: The Dave Stieren Show
KFQD – Listen Live
5pm: The Mike Porcaro Show
650 KENI – Listen Live
6pm – 8pm: 49th State Brewing Company
717 W. 3rd Avenue
(Free and open to the public event with AFP-Alaska and Alaska Policy Forum. Based on space availability, guests are encouraged to register in advance)
Register Online
Mat-Su – Friday, March 29, 2016
6 pm – Public Event at Everett’s
1850 E. Bogard Road
(Free and open to the public event with AFP-Alaska and Alaska Policy Forum. Based on space availability, guests are encouraged to register in advance)
Register Online
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
– 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.
Catch this #Telling_it_like_it_is video from March 18th in Juneau if you missed it live.
Join Shelley on Facebook Live each week to ask questions and give input.
We typically broadcast Mondays 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!
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, Judiciary Committee Aide
Buddy.Whitt@akleg.gov
Aimee Bushnell – Transportation Committee Aide
Aimee.Bushnell@akleg.gov
Regina Largent – Judiciary Research Attorney
Regina.Largent@akleg.gov
Shiela Morrison – Legislative Intern, Education Aide
Shiela.Morrison@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
Chugiak Office (closed while in Juneau)
12641 Old Glenn Hwy, Ste 201
Eagle River, Alaska 99577
907-622-8963
Best regards,
Copyright © 2019 Senator Shelley Hughes. All rights reserved.
