With plenty of energy (coffee helps!) for what is already a demanding, lively, and pivotal session, Rep. DeLena Johnson and I stand ready with our White House “First Ladies” mugs. Since it’s Presidents’ Month, allow me to note that the updated version of this cup will someday be embossed with some First Gentlemen too!
Friends and Neighbors,
As you likely are aware, I make a habit of what my favorite hashtag states: #Telling_it_like_it_is. My updates from the Capitol, Room 30 will not disappoint! I’ll start off by stating in this year’s initial newsletter report from Juneau that the session got off to a very tumultuous and troubling start in my view.
I’ll explain what happened in a moment but want to emphasize first that 1) I am working doubly hard to minimize the impact on you of what I believe were poor and inappropriate decisions by the Majority caucus; and 2) I’m moving onward, despite these occurrences, to do my part to promote policy in the best interest of Alaska.
Although I’ve proceeded forward, I do owe my constituents and other Alaskans an explanation and an update as to why I lost two committee chairmanships (Judiciary and Transportation), a seat on a committee (Joint Armed Services), and am functioning with two staff instead of four which I was previously allotted (especially challenging because the population of my senate district is the largest in the state based on recent data – and I arguably have one of the most engaged constituencies).
What was the ruckus the first week of session and why did it occur?
In a highly unusual move, the Senate Republican Majority leadership decided to reassign five chairmanships and numerous committee seats at the midway point of the 31st Legislature. This change, with a supporting vote of 6 Republicans and 7 Democrats, decreased the influence and representation of four senators: Senators Micciche, Reinbold, Shower and myself. There were 7 Republican votes in opposition.
This followed a decision six months earlier to decrease the influence and representation of Senator Costello when her Majority Leadership position was removed. The five senators impacted by the July and January decisions are all supporters of a fair and agreeable PFD.
To be fair, when it became clear afterward to some Democrats who also support a fair and agreeable PFD that this reorganization was targeted at Majority members who agreed on this same point, several expressed disagreement and frustration with what had occurred.
Some of the media reports misrepresented the reason for the changes: that the members who lost key roles had voted against the budget (when in fact none of us had) and thus we’d chosen these consequences. That is hogwash in my view.
What triggered the reorganization was actually a change midstream by leadership to the agreed upon rules and principles around which the Majority had formed the year prior. This midstream change required a Majority caucus member to vote to give half of each Alaskan’s PFD to government and to increase government spending – or lose a committee chairmanship. When some of us refused to vote against our districts, we lost not one but multiple chairmanships in addition to seats on other committees.
The reason for these “punishments” boils down to some believing that the PFD should be used first and primarily to close the fiscal gap, that Alaskans should start paying taxes to finish closing the gap, and that little if none can be reduced from the budget. Those who hold these beliefs so strongly, especially pertaining to the PFD, took action in an effort to move forward their policy agenda by removing those in opposition to their plan.
Now that action is behind us. What now?
Bear with me to briefly reflect on a couple numbers to catch a glimpse of the dilemma we face. Our fiscal gap sits at $1.5 billion. We have $2 billion in savings remaining.
Concerning, isn’t? This problem isn’t expected to go away either next year or the year after…..
What’s being pushed forward this session to solve the $1.5 billion fiscal gap? Reducing your PFD check and taxing you (an education head tax and a motor fuel tax for starters). That’s it.
That’s a one-pronged approach aimed at one source: Alaskans’ wallets. This plan to overburden residents is a plan doomed to fail.
As I stated on the Senate floor the day I and others were demoted and the power shifted away from fiscal conservatives and from those with a multi-pronged approach who were standing for the people: it is time for the Silent Majority to arise, the sleeping giant to awaken.
Alaskans from every region of our great state need to pause for just a few minutes of their busy lives and engage in what will be pivotal decisions. We need to alert our families and friends, our co-workers and neighbors, the people in line at the grocery store, the people we know in other parts of the state. The changes ahead will impact us all.
Over the last five years, I’ve written a number of pieces, in this newsletter series, in op-eds, in essay posts on Facebook; I’ve spoken before groups, on the radio, in pre-recorded videos and live video broadcasts about the need for a multi-pronged approach, one that doesn’t overburden our small population, one that best protects our economy, and importantly, one that fixes our far too high current constitutional spending cap; one that supports increasing the volume of oil in the pipeline (and thus incoming revenue), one that involves objective audits, one that gives the people a say; one that includes appropriate belt tightening without sacrificing essential services, one that does not neglect a fair and agreeable PFD, one that in the end may involve business contributing modestly and a reasonable and non-regressive sales tax with exclusions and with sunset provisions.
Many of you have agreed. Many of you have expressed support for such a multi-pronged approach. Maybe your ideas differ. Whatever they are, it’s time for Alaskans to speak up and answer questions such as these:
– Should we turn on a tax spigot before a meaningful spending cap is in place?
– Should the spending cap be in statute where it can be ignored or in the constitution where it must be followed?
– Is an objective audit that the legislature would be required to take up and act on a good idea?
– Should we focus on increasing the volume of oil in the pipeline?
– Do you think the budget is too large, just right, or too small?
– Should the statute be changed to give the government a larger share than the people’s PFD even if a referendum to overturn such a change would move forward?
– Should a fair and agreeable PFD be in the constitution so the matter is settled or should the formula be in statute only so the legislature can chose each year whether to follow or ignore the formula?
Before I “close this opener” and you browse this update, please scan the reminder bullets below! Please also know that I’m here for you and appreciate your input on issues. (This reminds me: be sure not to miss the second bullet. Coffee Chats in district this Saturday!)
- Be sure to catch my weekly Facebook Live: #Telling_it_like_it_is Monday at 6:30pm on my senator page (time/day subject to change – watch for notices). Hear what’s happening in Juneau and weigh in and ask questions. “Like” and “follow” my page so you’ll receive a reminder notification.
- Join me for a coffee chat on February 15. I’m making a quick trip back to get your input. Sunrise Grill in Palmer at 8am and Chugiak Cafe on the Old Glenn at 11:30am.
Working on your behalf,
Quotes from Constituents and Alaskans
Comments: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Thank you for your diligent and vigilant hard work to protect the rights of the Alaska people, especially us in Palmer. – Bea
I greatly appreciate your focus on reading instruction, and how much though has been put into the parts of the bill that can support a child before they start kindergarten. – Heather
Please know that class size matters. Teachers can do more with less kids. – Jesse
I am encouraging everyone to work together to solve our fiscal budget problems. – Kathy
You are so right that the sense of shame that our non-reading older students feel should not be marginalized. – Posie
Every is life is precious and it begins at conception. Thank you for supporting women, children, families, and ultimately our society! – Deborah
Please remember to support our Pioneer Homes, our ferry system, our police and fire departments. Alaska needs things even if it requires us to add an income tax. – Sandra
With our culture continually deteriorating and crime steadily rising, I believe Alaska could benefit from having a few more conservative judges on the bench. – Clara
The impact to students in my district would be difficult if retention is mandatory. – Heather
Thank you so much for your service. You are a blessing to so many! – Amanda
The Senate Education Committee met to hear Senate Bill 6 and Senate Bill 151 from the Governor, the “Alaska Reads Act”.
Alaska’s Future:
A Game Changer You Might Not Expect
Read by Nine Policy – Alaska Reads Ac
For almost four years, I have worked on legislation I entitled “The Education Transformation Act”. That bill last year was SB79 and its most recent draft version contained the “Read by Nine” policy. That reading policy is now in Senator Begich’s bill, SB6, and in a coordinated effort with Governor Dunleavy, is being promoted and moved through the legislative process.
Although I am concerned with other aspects of the bill which essentially add a new grade cohort (public preschool for 4 year-olds) to the already 13 grade cohorts (K-12) in our public school system, I support a strong reading policy for grades K-3. to require schools to use proven, science-based methods to ensure a child exiting third grade is a proficient reader.
Reading is core to all subjects from 4th grade to high school graduation. If a student is not a proficient reader entering 4th grade, the student will face an uphill battle in all subjects and be at greater risk of failing classes, dropping out of school, relying on public assistance as an adult, and being incarcerated. If the worst case scenario does not unfold for the child, the student’s struggle can still result in less learning, lower scores, more limited career opportunities, and less earning capacity as an adult.
Part of the debate at hand regarding the legislation is whether to implement a strong proficiency-based promotion policy (PPP) requirement. States that have not shied away from a strong PPP coupled with a comprehensive reading policy that includes multiple intervention strategies and requires science-based teaching methods have seen greater improvements and better results than states that haven’t. I will be offering an amendment to strengthen the PPP to give our students the best chance to excel and be proficient!
Board of Fish should put fish and Alaskans first
By Senator Shelley Hughes, Senator Bill Wielechowski, Representative DeLena Johnson, and Representative Chris Tuck
Anglers line the Knik River near the mouth of Jim Creek to fish for silver salmon on Thursday evening, August 7. (Stephen Nowers/Anchorage Daily News)
Few things bring Alaskans together more than sportfishing. When we stand next to each other in hip boots, casting lines into beautiful, glacial fed water, day-to-day controversial topics dissolve. Politics, race, and creed are irrelevant. We are simply Alaskans who love to fish in this exquisite playground provided by our Creator. The world sees Alaska as a model for management and open public process regarding decisions that impact the rivers and streams with which we are blessed.
That model has allowed Alaska’s fisheries to be an integral and significant part of our economy. At present, constituents are concerned about the health of the Cook Inlet fishery. Annually, hundreds of calls and emails from Alaskans seek the status of salmon runs. The reports in recent years have been dismal and concerning to Alaskans because they not only enjoy the thrill of catching fish, but more importantly, they rely on the high-quality protein to fill their freezers and sustain their families.
As pointed out in a recent editorial, the value of fish in the Cook Inlet region is maximized when the fish are made available directly to individuals. The idea that sportfishing is a hobby that provides merely a distraction from the hustle and bustle of an 8-5 job is misplaced. Alaskans don’t just love access to fishing – they need it.
Next month, the Board of Fisheries meets to make critical decisions affecting the future of fishing in Cook Inlet – from Kasilof to Mat-Su. This group of volunteers has the best interests of the state’s fisheries at heart, and we are grateful for their service. We encourage Alaskans to take advantage of this process by testifying in person at the Egan Center in Anchorage Feb. 8-9 (though we note, Alaskans with an interest in testifying will need to sign up before 3:00pm on Friday, February 7).
Emphasis should be placed on putting more fish into the rivers and streams of Cook Inlet. Salmon and other fish must be prioritized for the owners of the resource first, and later for commercial sale. This means increasing access to personal use fisheries, especially in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley which has struggled with low fish returns in recent years. Management practices must change to address this real and troubling problem.
It is only fair to ask the Board to enact policies that strengthen and share the important work of conservation among all users. One user group should not be charged alone with the work of conserving a commonly enjoyed resource; it is well past time to require all user groups to do their part.
The good news is the state has pioneered great tools that are at the Board’s disposal to address this issue. Paired restrictions have worked on the Kenai. Based on the ongoing problem, these should be stronger; in addition, this tool should be used in other areas of our state. Another tool, the conservation corridor in use in the Cook Inlet, has helped relieve pressure from the fleet and allowed passage of more fish to the Mat-Su. It also should be strengthened and expanded as science dictates.
It is our hope that the Board members will keep individual Alaskans in the forefronts of their minds as they make decisions regarding the best ways to manage this precious resource. They must remember that Alaskans who fish, are fishing for personal consumption.
We maintain that the most important fish in Alaska are the fish on Alaskans’ dinner plates.
“Alaskans first.” We’ve heard those words throughout our state’s history, and they remain a compelling call to action today. Hardworking Alaskans deserve priority access to the state’s fish. Just like our oil, which is held in common for the benefit of all citizens, our fish should be managed and sustained for the maximum benefit of the people: to feed our families and our spirits, now and for generations to come.
Lovely embroidery from constituent Karen Lackey – thank you, Karen! This Latin “slang” was a motto used by General Stilwell in World War II and by Barry Goldwater in his presidential bid in 1964. “Illegitimi non carborendum” “Ut fidem” Worth a google search to discover what it means! Karen, a former Colony High School teacher (who, by the way, had my children in school at one point), indicated that the mountains in the cross-stich signify strength, the fireweed stands for passion and persistence in the face of adversity. The forget-me-not flowers are to be a reminder that the folks back home will not forget their senator in Juneau! I’ve got the stitchery displayed where I notice it throughout the day. I’m tremendously grateful for this encouragement from District F.
Committee Assignments
- Education Committee, Vice-Chair (same)
- Judiciary Committee, Member (removed as chair)
- Transportation Committee, Member (removed as chair)
- Senate Bicameral Permanent Fund Working Group, Member (same)
- No longer has seat on Joint Armed Services Committee
Finance Subcommittees:
- Senate Transportation & Public Facilities (Fin Sub), Member
- Senate Public Safety (Fin Sub), Member
- Senate Law (Fin Sub), Member
Other Appointments:
- Alaska Criminal Justice Commission, Member
- State Agriculture & Rural Leaders, Alaska Delegate
- Mat-Su Legislative Delegation, Co-Chair
- National Conference of State Legislators, State Coordinator
- National Conference of State Legislators – Law, Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, Member
- National Conference of State Legislators – Task Force on Cybersecurity, Member
- Counsel of State Governments – Transportation Committee, Member
- Counsel of State Governments West – Canada Relations Committee, Member
Gathering on the Capitol steps to say a prayer for the unborn during the Pro-Life Rally on January 22.
Senate Joint Resolution 13
Human Life Constitutional Amendment
Senate Joint Resolution 13 proposes an amendment to the Alaska State Constitution, adding a new section that would provide clarity regarding Article 1 (specifically pertaining to the right to privacy and the right to equal protection) and Alaska’s ability to set public policy related to abortion.
Although the U.S. Supreme Court declared in Roe v. Wade (1973), and reaffirmed in Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992), that there is an alleged federal constitutional right to abortion, the federal courts have nonetheless held that states can still legislate related issues in a number of ways – e.g., by banning the use of public funds for abortions, requiring a parent to consent before abortion can be performed on a minor, and even disallowing certain abortion procedures (such as partial-birth abortion or late term abortion).
In Minnesota, both parents must be informed before a minor can have an abortion. In Illinois, one parent must be informed. There are 37 states that have laws requiring parental notification, and 21 requiring actual parental consent; additionally, 21 states have laws in effect that prohibit “partial birth” abortion, and 3 have laws that apply to post-viability (ability to survive outside of the uterus) abortions. In Alaska, we are unable to have any provisions in law related to these matters unless we fix our constitution.
In the past, the State of Alaska has brought forward similar legislation and ballot initiatives passed in other states that have been struck down by the Alaska Supreme Court. Laws that have gone through their due process but have been overturned at the bench have been subject to a series of decisions asserting the existence of a state constitutional right to abortion that protects abortion “more broadly” than does the U.S. Constitution. As a result, numerous laws regarding abortion that would be completely permissible under the federal constitution and exist in other states have been struck down by the Alaska courts. SJR13 would allow Alaska to be on par with other states. It would permit the decisions that Alaskans make to stand, for example regarding parents of minors, unborn babies, and public funding for abortion.
Even though the sponsor of this legislation wants our most vulnerable (unborn babies) protected, and at birth these precious children cared for and cherished by loving parents and families; and even though the sponsor of this legislation believes that one day Americans will look back on abortion like we do slavery: a barbaric act that has no place in a civil society; this constitutional amendment will simply allow Alaskans to decide what kind of policy we want in regard to abortion in our state.
Central Mat-Su Fire Department District Chief Michael Keenan stopped by to express the priorities of our brave firefighters in the Mat-Su area. Notice the badge of respect he is wearing to honor his fallen fellow firefighter, Roger Delongchamp, who sadly passed away while preparing to respond to a fire. My heart goes out to Roger’s family and friends, and I thank him for his sacrifice and service to keep our region safe.
The Key Coalition held an extremely information meeting with me. I am so incredibly inspired by those with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the adversities they overcome daily. Please read my Facebook post dated February 8, 2020 about what I learned from these fine folks and what I think we need to do.
Dave Mooney and Dave Littleton of the Laborers’ Local 341 flew in from home for an informative discussion. They both were also introduced on the senate floor!
Wonderful to see Peter House and Anita Halter from Deep Tree, a cybersecurity firm in Palmer!
Always great to see our friends from Mat-Su representing the Alaska Association of Realtors. Left to right: Margaret Billinger, Paddy Coan, and Elise Buchholz.
Don’t miss my upcoming Coffee Chats!
THIS SATURDAY
With my new staff Lisa Hart, and her husband Jim, the Vice President of the Mat-Su Borough School District School Board. They are constituents in Senate District F. I’m delighted to have Lisa aboard!
The Rest of the Story
I don’t hate ferries and I don’t hate the people of Southeast Alaska!
A quote of mine was pulled out of context and used in multiple publications when I didn’t vote to override $5 million for ferry operations. Oh my. Did it generate fury.
Here’s my quote from the floor debate: “We make lifestyle choices — that’s the unique and great thing about this state. We have diversity, a diverse place to live. When you choose to live on an island, there are things associated with that. When you choose to live where there are no roads, there are transportation issues.”
The context not provided was that I stated that I used to live in Southeast and have family now living in Southeast and understand the importance of the ferry. I stated that I was glad a working group will soon convene to come up with a durable solution. I also stated that I lived in rural Alaska where the only option to get in and out was by plane – that ferries and cars weren’t options. And that my choice to live where I live now sometimes gets me stuck in traffic for six hours on the Glenn Highway. There are unique transportation challenges in every region of the state.
As was stated in the context of the entire floor debate, I explained to a number of naysayers in the days following that I support the $5 million for operations AND the $12 million in the supplemental budget bill for maintenance that’s actually needed FIRST in order to provide service to the communities. The Department of Transportation would have had to sit on the $5 million if the veto override vote had passed and wait for the $12 million – so it wouldn’t have helped get service up and running any sooner. I shared with them that I actually support a better ferry system that would be possible under a public-private partnership (PPP), an entity that would be much more nimble and flexible to deal with community needs, not plagued with bureaucratic choke points. A PPP could possibly even offer more frequent passenger service on some routes. The PPP would be run by those focused on providing ferry service and making it work, not by those who have other responsibilities related to airports and roads. I explained that this is what I support and am fighting for – improved and sustainable ferry service for coastal communities. Most of the naysayers became yaysayers.
Quotes taken out of context often don’t tell the whole story. Always to good to remember this no matter what you’re reading. As always, I welcome Alaskans to reach out to me to share their concern and get the ‘rest of the story’ when they disagree with an isolated quote, rather than jumping to a conclusion that may be inaccurate.
Speaking with a reporter from the Juneau Empire. The media is in and around the Capitol building daily.
Serving You in These Roles
Current Senate Committees:
- Education Committee, Vice-Chair
- Judiciary Committee, Member
- Transportation Committee, Member
Finance Subcommittees:
- Senate Transportation & Public Facilities(Fin Sub), Member
- Senate Public Safety(Fin Sub), Member
- Senate Law(Fin Sub), Member
- Senate Judiciary(Fin Sub), Member
Other Appointments:
- Alaska Criminal Justice Commission, Member
- State Agriculture & Rural Leaders, Alaska Delegate
- Mat-Su Legislative Delegation, Co-Chair
- National Conference of State Legislators – Law, Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, Member
- National Conference of State Legislators – Task Force on Cybersecurity, Member
- Counsel of State Governments – Transportation Committee, Member
- Counsel of State Governments West – Canada Relations Committee, Member
My former aide, Aimee Bushnell, takes a bottoms-up approach to the Capitol building. Aimee was moved to Senator Coghill’s office after my chairmanships were stripped. I’m thankful she did not lose her job altogether and isn’t “out of the street” like she was when she took this photo. I wish her well and miss her greatly!
For information on bills I’m co‑sponsoring
click here.
For information on all bills filed during this session,
click here.
For additional information,
contact my staff:
Buddy Whitt
Chief of Staff
Buddy.Whitt@akleg.gov
907-465-5025
Lisa Hart
Legislative Aide
Lisa.Hart@akleg.gov
907-465-1172
Dawson Mann
Legislative Aide/Intern
Dawson.Mann@akleg.gov
907-465-3743
Passed Legislation
(Bills that are finished with the legislative process)
SJR11 – US Canada Railroad Presidential Permit Senate – PASSED and is awaiting a signature from the Governor. SJR11 urges the Secretary of State to issue a Presidential permit for a the cross-border rail link which would connect Alberta, Canada and Alaska – which would also connect us to the lower 48. The project is under development by business interests, involves no state dollars, and would provide an economic boost to our state. Western ports in the lower 48 are experiencing some congestion and an Alaskan route to several of our ports would provide new options to/from the Asian markets.
Legislation Update
(Shelley’s bills filed with your best interest in mind)
SB60 – Alaska State Defense Force Powers – Referred to State Affairs and then the Finance Committee. This bill would outline the duties of our state militia to allow consistency as administrations change. It also would ensure ASDF members the right to bear arms for constabulary duties. The ASDF has been extremely cost-effective during disasters and frees up troopers to perform their public safety duties.
SB79 – Virtual Education / Teacher Exam / Course Exam – The “Education Transformation Act” is now the foundation for a new bill sponsored by the Senate Education Committee, SB114. The legislation enables districts to open up slots in classrooms to students in other locations and from other districts via two-way videoconferencing or other distance learning methods via internet. A menu of classes and teachers with video samples would open up a larger variety of course offerings and teaching expertise to students statewide. The bill also requires the state to adjust PRAXIS scores for teacher certification periodically. Districts would be required to post the ratio of administrators to classroom teachers to students each year. Districts could roll forward savings for the next year (up to an amount equal to 15% of current year’s expenditures) without impacting the amount of state funds to be received the next year. High school students could receive course credit for activities outside of school hours that districts determine meet the education or physical activity of a course. The bill establishes a “Read by 9” policy to ensure improved proficiency of students in reading by third grade. This reading policy is now the core of SB6 which is working its way through the legislative process. Cooperative agreements are expanded to include efficiency partnerships between districts and businesses, non-profits, and local governments. When between districts, the cooperative agreement is to include at least one rural school district. SB114 also includes the language from SB30 College Credit for High School Students (related to districts providing middle college options) and SB53 University Reporting Requirements (related to accreditation accountability)
SB81 – Telephone Cooperatives; Telecommunications – Referred to Labor and Commerce. First hearing held. Dawson Mann did a great job with me presenting the bill! The legislation updates statutes so members may participate in meetings and vote via videoconferencing and other electronic means. The bill would also allow what is now a telephone cooperative to change its name to include the word “telecommunications.” Under current law, even though these cooperatives provide a wide array of telecommunications services (internet, cell service, television service), they cannot use the word “telecommunications” in their cooperative title. The bill had its first hearing in the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee meeting on Tuesday, February 11th and we expect a second hearing on the bill very soon
SB109 – Electronic Documents and Notarization – Has been referred to the Senate Judiciary and Finance committees. A request hearing will be submitted shortly. This bill modernizes the notary process by allowing documents to be notarized electronically. This allows for better efficiency and helps eliminate time delays by legally allowing the acceptance of electronic documents and signatures, and allowing documentation to be stored digitally. The House counterpart is HB124, sponsored by Anchorage Representative Matt Claman
SB113 – National Board Certification – Has been referred to the Senate Education committee. A hearing request was submitted. We hope that it will be scheduled next week. SB113 focuses on increasing the number of National Board-Certified teachers in Alaska, requiring schools to post who is certified, and creating a halo around the superlative certification, showing the value of it. This bill is the Senate version of HB128, by Sitka Representative Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins.
SB135 – Health Insurance Info; Incentive Program. Also know as the Alaska Health Care Consumers Right to Shop Act. (This bill was previously SB27 and was withdrawn due to potential ethics conflicts, that has since been fixed and we were able to re-file the bill now with no conflict!) The goal of this piece of legislation is to bring down the cost of healthcare over time by instituting full cost transparency and an incentive to shop for healthcare services that are below the average cost. This bill was referred to the Senate Labor and Commerce and Senate Finance Committees, and we hope a hearing on the bill will be scheduled soon.
SB171 – Many of you are aware that in 2018 I sponsored and the legislature passed SB6 allowing for the legalized growth and production of Industrial Hemp as an agricultural product in the Alaska. In late 2018 the US Congress passed the 2018 Farm Bill which made additional changes to the federal statutes regarding the production of industrial hemp. SB171 makes a few small changes in Alaska statute in order to conform to those federal changes. It was referred to the Senate Resources Committee and had its first hearing on Monday, February 11.
SJR13 – 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. Currently, the state of Alaska has some of the most progressive abortion statutes in the country. Each and every time that the legislature has passed legislation attempting to regulate in even the smallest and simplest manner the practice of abortion in the state, the courts have stepped in to call any restriction unconstitutional. The passage of SJR13 in the legislature and majority approval by Alaska voters will make it possible for the people to have a voice and express their will as it relates to abortion in our state.
– Let Your Voice Be Heard –
– Participate in Public Testimony –
Public testimony is available for every bill heard in a committee. Follow bills you have interest in on the Alaska State Legislature Page. To testify, go to your local Legislative Information Office (LIO) which you can find here. If you are unable to testify, written testimony can also be submitted by sending an email to the committee.
Public testimony times on bills
that might interest you:
Find it here!
For budget bills and Permanent Fund bills, please arrive 15 minutes early for sign-in process, and please arrive 15 minutes prior to the end of the allotted time or testimony may close early. Public testimony may be limited to two minutes per person, so it’s best to prepare concise comments.
HAVE A FEDERAL ISSUE???
Contact Alaska’s US Senators and Congressman
Lisa Murkowski – Senator
Anchorage: 907-271-3735
Mat-Su: 907-376-7665
Dan Sullivan – Senator
Anchorage: 907-271-5915
Mat-Su: 357-9956
Don Young – Congressman
Anchorage: 907-271-5978
Catch this night-before-session #Telling_it_like_it_is video from January 20 in Juneau if you missed it live.
Catch this first-of-the-session #Telling_it_like_it_is video from January 28 in Juneau if you missed it live.
Catch this February 3rd #Telling_it_like_it_is video from Juneau if you missed it live.
Catch our latest #Telling_it_like_it_is video from Juneau on February 10 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 or send an email to Sen.Shelley.Hughes@akleg.gov.
Buddy Whitt – Chief of Staff
Buddy.Whitt@akleg.gov
Lisa Hart – Legislative Aide
Lisa.Hart@akleg.gov
Dawson Mann – Legislative Aide/Intern
Dawson.Mann@akleg.gov
Juneau Office
Alaska State Capitol Rm 30
Juneau, Alaska 99801
907-465-3743
800-565-3743
Mat-Su Office (closed while in Juneau)
600 E. Railroad Avenue
Wasilla, Alaska 99654
907-376-3725
Chugiak Office (closed while in Juneau)
12641 Old Glenn Hwy, Ste 201
Eagle River, Alaska 99577
907-622-8963
Best regards,
Copyright © 2020 Office of Senator Shelley Hughes. All rights reserved.
