Alaska Senate District M
NEWS FROM HUGHES
SESSION UPDATE — January 30, 2023
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The gavel came down January 17th to kick off the 33rd Legislature, and already there’s been a steady whirl of activity in our senate office on your behalf! As a member this year of the Senate Minority, my role has certainly shifted, but my ability to impact policy positively and promote solutions is still very alive and well. Although a majority of Republican senators were elected (11 out of 20) this past November when 65% of voters chose a Republican for state Senate, a left-of-center majority organization was formed instead when 8 of those 11 chose to caucus with 9 Democrats. Sen. Mike Shower, Sen. Robert Myers, and I are now part of a 3-member Senate Minority, which is considered “unrecognized” because it is fewer than 5 members.
In the past, Senate Majorities have granted such unofficial Minorities seats on standing committees and permitted a recognized Minority Leader, although the rules did and do not require this. The Senate Majority unfortunately has decided not to follow that precedent this year and is not granting us those privileges.
Despite this setback, as I’ve told reporters, we remain in an unusually great position as Minority members to impact the outcome of this legislature session. We have a longstanding, excellent and strong relationship with both the members of the new House Majority and with Governor Dunleavy. The Senate Majority is not presently in this position. Our Mat-Su Senate District M is also in a fantastic position as a result of the Republicans taking back the gavel and control in the House after six years. Our two representatives for the two House districts (25 and 26) within Senate District M have the most powerful positions in the other chamber: Rep. Cathy Tilton (26) is the Speaker of the House; Rep. DeLena Johnson (25) is the Finance Co-Chair overseeing the operating budget. I am very proud of our two reps! An additional advantage for Mat-Su: Rep. George Rauscher in the Sutton district north of Palmer (29) is in House leadership as Majority Whip. In addition, other Mat-Su House members hold important committee chairmanships.
What occurred in the House organization definitely and nicely counters the situation in the Senate, both for Mat-Su and for the entire state. Add to all these recent developments the fact that the members of our Senate Minority have a clear track record of working well in the past with members of the Senate Majority on both sides of the aisle as we led a number of major policy accomplishments for Alaska, including the repeal of SB 91, the Alaska Reads Act, the initial steps in improvements to our sexual assault criminal statutes, and wins in agriculture policy to put us on a path toward increased food security.
The recent changes in the make-up of the Senate have also put us in a position to be of aid to the new House Majority — including a shift of office personnel. My chief-of-staff for more than six years, Buddy Whitt, as of today is working for Rep. Kevin McCabe to bring his strengths to the House Majority as an experienced staffer with vast institutional knowledge. He will be mentoring and training House Majority staff new to running committees and bills. We will greatly miss Buddy as he has been a tremendous asset to our district in service to constituents and Alaskans overall. The good news is that he won’t be far away and is working for a member of our Mat‑Su delegation.
Today we are welcoming Annaliese Roberts to my office as our new chief-of-staff. Her education and background in the private sector, time in local government, her strong capacity for policy analysis as a quick-study, and her organizational skills put her in a great position to serve our district and state well. We are honored too to have Stephen Knouse as a new legislative aide; his strong communication and writing skills along with his IT and graphics expertise will lend well to our work at hand. A huge part of the role of a Minority is to be a voice for those not represented by, or in agreement, with the direction of the Majority. Stephen is already helping us get out the word and we appreciate his talents. Last but certainly not least, we are excited to have our University of Alaska intern, Gaby Gonzalez, on our team. With her international background and fresh set of eyes, she brings a welcome perspective to our office. She’s already been hard at work analyzing reports to brief me, helping constituents, staffing me on the Food and Farm Caucus, and managing my schedule – an ever important task as the gatekeeper!
This first stretch has been packed full of meetings and following the overview presentations in committees. Some of the meetings, luncheons, and connections include with Alaska Oil and Gas Association, the DOC Acting Commissioner, the DPS Commissioner, Alaska Chamber of Commerce, Alaska ReEntry Partnership, and numerous legislators.
We also broadcasted our first Facebook live of the session last Monday evening. If you haven’t followed us yet, I encourage you to do so and watch the video. Buddy and I were able to respond to some of your comments and questions before I signed off to attend Governor Mike Dunleavy’s State of the State address. Scroll down to see last week’s broadcast at the link, and tune in tonight at 6pm for the next latest and greatest update!
We received our first district visitors last week from Palmer High School. The varsity girls’ basketball team spent some time with Rep. DeLena Johnson and me in the Butrovich Committee Room at the Capitol. After discussion of the legislature and some of the issues at hand, each of the team members shared with me a brief glimpse of their post-high school plans. It’s exciting to contemplate the opportunities ahead these young women will pursue. As a senator and decision-maker, I always keep our children and youth in the forefront of my mind when it comes to policy direction. Ensuring opportunities for Alaskans, especially for young people, is vital for a strong economy, healthy communities, and a great future.
Be sure to scroll down to learn more about the hot issues this session, to see photos of visitors to the Capitol you may know, to explore bills that are filed and moving, to learn what bills I’ve filed on your behalf, and to find out opportunities to testify before committees.
And speaking of young people, the big topic this week for public testimony? Education funding. Do you think we should increase it or not? Do you think it’s time for academic accountability when Alaska’s test scores rank 49th and 50th compared to other states and when we’re investing more than $1 billion in state dollars each year into education? Call and weigh in this afternoon or on Wednesday to the Senate Education Committee (scroll down for details).
Another hot topic this session is whether to reinstate defined benefits for public employees, and you can testify on this issue Tuesday morning (scroll down in newsletter for details). Due to the high cost and unfunded liability, the legislature had moved away from defined benefits to defined contributions a number of years ago. There is a push to return to defined benefits. Can the state afford this or will it break the bank? When all workforce sectors, public and private alike, are struggling to recruit and retain workers, is this really the panacea some think it is? Let the House Community & Regional Affairs Committee know what you think.
We had our first Coffee Chat this session this past weekend and thanks to the 20+ that dropped by and shared important concerns. I look forward to meeting more of you in the following months at future Coffee Chats and Town Hall meetings as well as here in Juneau when some of you come for a visit. My responsibility to you is always front and center, whether I am on the Senate floor, drafting policy, in a meeting, out and about in our community, or communicating with you. I will strive to be available in multiple ways to hear from you and what concerns you most. I am on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at AKShelleyHughes. You can also email me at Sen.Shelley.Hughes@akleg.com or call my office (907)465-3743 (Session) or (907)376-3725 (Interim) to get in touch.
As I state on my Facebook Senator page, mention in live broadcasts, and tell many of you in one-on-one conversations, with the volume of contacts I receive daily (multiple hundreds), my staff and I work hard to read and listen to everything so I can understand what you, our district, and the rest of the state is thinking. If you would like to ensure you receive my feedback on your issue and ideas, please call my office 907-465-3743 to set up a phone call with me or come by one of my constituent meetings so we can connect in-person. Hearing your input continues to be a top priority to me!
Working on your behalf,
One of my most important roles as a Senate Minority member is to be a voice for the people of Alaska on the Senate floor.
The Palmer High School Girls’ Basketball team stopped by to visit at the Capitol Building while they were in Juneau for games. It was a pleasure to speak with them and hear some of their plans for post-graduation. Before they left, we snapped a photo together in front of the Senate Chamber doors.
Alaska State Chamber members representing a variety of businesses and industry stopped by my office to convey the Chamber’s top priority for 20 years. What is it? A sustainable fiscal plan for our state budget! We discussed the important point that fixing the spending cap and settling the PFD issue in the state constitution are the bookends needed initially, the first steps to be taken to institute a sustainable plan. Once these items are in place, the legislature must then determine (if there is not enough revenue to cover current levels of spending) whether to reduce spending, raise more revenue, or do a combination of both. Meeting with me last week were (left to right) Brendyn Shiflea, Bob Maier, Michael S. Ferris, Tim Sullivan, and Dan McCue.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU TO WEIGH IN THIS WEEK
Public Testimony
Below is list of bills scheduled to be heard in various committees this week. If you’d like to provide public testimony, enter the bill number (for example “HB 22”) into the search bar here to learn the date and time. Scroll down toward the bottom of this newsletter or view the highlighted bill images to find the public testimony call-in phone numbers.
Below is a sampling. Click here to see the full list of bills.
UA Interns from Mat-Su! Interns work in legislative offices, assist constituents, learn how policy-making happens, and help with the process, all while earning college credit! Almeria Alcantra (left) of Palmer is working in Senator Donny Olson’s office. Gaby Gonzalex (right) of Wasilla is working in our office.
Ideas re: Parks bypass around Wasilla? Weigh in and let your voice be heard. Comments due THIS WEEK, Friday, February 10!
The comment period for input on the preliminary alternatives for the Parks Highway Alternative Corridor PEL Study closes at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 10, 2023. Submit your comments on the preliminary alternatives using the online survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/DKYTFBB.
Governor Dunleavy Casts Vision for Alaska
STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS
Governor Mike Dunleavy gave his fifth annual State of the State address on January 23rd to a joint session of the 33rd Legislature. His remarks instilled hope and vision for tangible and achievable opportunities that we can realize if the legislature is willing to partner together with his administration.
I believe many of the “destinations” he mapped out in the course he charted are not only viable ones, but are the right ones to ensure a good future for our children and the generations to follow. I look forward to working with him and with the legislature to advance much of his vision into reality.
Governor Dunleavy, prior to summarizing his prior work with the legislature to achieve specific goals and casting his vision for his term and years ahead, he first took time to commend several individuals who had gone above and beyond during the last year in their work for their local communities and the state of Alaska. He also expressed the desire to see Alaska protect and expand resource development and economic stability, as well as to improve the overall mental and physical health of our state’s residents.
He thanked the legislators (including – to my surprise – a mention of my name and only one other sitting legislator, Sen. Kiehl during his speech) who began the work to tackle the egregious sexual assault problem last session. He encouraged all legislators this year to continue the work.
The Governor called for bipartisan cooperation as we pursue legislation to reverse pervasive drug issues, sex trafficking, domestic violence, and federal overreach. He called on the legislature to work together to improve education and ensure opportunities for our youth; he challenged the legislature to resolve the PFD issue once and for all; he urged the legislature to consider opening doors to new economic pursuits in addition to oil and gas production, including in agriculture, timber harvest, kelp, and carbon markets (note: I have numerous cautionary questions about this last proposal). He said, “I believe that what we do now, in the next four months, will set Alaska’s course not just for the next four years, but for the next Generation. …We can either seize this moment together, or we can let it pass us by as individuals.”
As he expressed the positive momentum of the previous year, there was anticipation in furthering of legislation to bring about a healthier and safer state where we can live and grow and prosper. He also stated, “We have a right to exist on equal footing with the rest of the 49 states.” He later went on to say, “For too long, we’ve allowed others to tell our story. …Now is the time to share our story – not [extremists’] fairy tales – with the rest of the world…”
Near the end of his address, the Governor summarized his goals when he said he was “a pro-life Governor” wishing to “make Alaska the most pro-life state in the entire country.” He expanded on this, stating that he would advocate for and enact policies and initiatives that are pro-children, pro-mothers, pro-fathers, and pro-families. He stated that, “…there is no tomorrow [for Alaska] without more people.” To secure Alaska’s future, he asserted that Alaska needs more people in jobs, in schools, creating wealth, and solving problems facing Alaska and the world.
You can read the entire State of the State speech here or view the broadcast below.
View Governor Dunleavy’s full State of the State address on YouTube
We were able to participate in the Sanctity of Human Life rally held on the steps of the State Capitol last week with other legislators, staff, and community members.
Is HB172 the culprit that allowed
the wrongful custody hold
of the school principal to occur?
No, it is not.
Is there work to do to prevent a recurrence?
Yes, there is.
Many residents have raised concerns, some have jumped to erroneous conclusions, and some have contacted my office asking about the recent news report and the social media post regarding a Colony High administrative staff being taken into custody from her home by Alaska State Troopers on January 18th for a mental health evaluation at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. Often a bill passed last year, HB 172, is part of the conversation.
My office has been working diligently since the event occurred to learn details and to serve somewhat as a liaison between the various agencies involved to help sort though and get the truth out: that an error was made. While this is a continuing investigation, this is what I know and would like to share with you:
- The custody hold event should not have occurred. Mistakes were made and the Dept. of Public Safety Commissioner Cockrell has humbly taken responsibility and apologized for the errors that occurred.
- The bill, HB 172, passed last year to help improve the protection of the civil and constitutional rights of individuals suffering a mental health episode, did not permit what happened on January 18, 2023 in Palmer. The event on that day could have happened had HB 172 never existed, had never been filed, or had never passed. The unfortunate occurrence could have taken place in years prior to HB 172 passing.
- Much misinformation is circulating on social media blaming HB 172 as the culprit and the reason the January 18th custody hold occurred. This is blatantly false. What did HB 172 do?
– It ensured individuals are not held in jail 5-6 days when they have not committed a crime awaiting a mental health evaluation and services. It ensured individuals are not isolated in a hospital for 5-6 days awaiting the same.
– It authorized the option of an outpatient clinic to be set up for the evaluation and coordination of services on day one. This less restrictive environment would be available to individuals who could come voluntarily. This same clinic would also be available to the tiny fraction who are in crisis of danger with a life/death safety risk exhibiting observable signs of a mental health episode and are brought on an involuntary basis. In both cases, the individuals could be accompanied by family, friends, a pastor, or other advocate, a scenario not possible in a jail and sometimes not always permitted in a hospital setting. The statute changes helped protect individual liberties and require a more humane response for individuals suffering a mental health episode. We do not yet have one of these outpatients set up in Mat-Su. - Alaska State law does not allow for persecutory or retaliatory use against anyone who may hold opposing political or religious views/beliefs from another.
– During the HB 172 bill process, I purposefully put on the public record that a mental health custody hold could not be for a person’s political or religious beliefs. This was confirmed by legal experts, attorneys, and the Dept. of Public Safety — also on the record. Because of concerns of constituents regarding this issue, I put this on the record five times: twice in the Senate Health & Social Services Committee, twice in the Senate Judiciary Committee, and once on the Senate floor.
– When discussions like these occur in the legislature on the record, this information can be used effectively in court to clarify the intent of the law. - Evidence has surfaced suggesting that documents used to initiate the events on January 18 may have been forged or misrepresented. The judiciary branch has made a statement that they did not issue an ex parte order in this case to permit an involuntary custody hold for a mental health evaluation.
- The Director of the Alaska State Troopers is continuing to review the incident, and the DPS Commissioner has assured the public that steps will be taken within the department to prevent a repeat occurrence.
- My office will continue to follow the details of this matter to completion. Please understand that because of the separation of powers between the legislative and judiciary branch, my office will not interfere with any legal proceedings or initiate contact with courts on this matter. I do, however, hope for a swift and satisfactory resolution for all individuals involved.
- To ensure a similar incident is not repeated, I will be looking for ways we can shore up our laws as well as will be monitoring how the Department of Public Safety shores up its procedures.
- I have asked Senate Judiciary Chair, Senator Matt Claman, if he would be willing to hold a hearing to help us figure out what we as the legislature can do to deter the possibility of a future incident.
Gaby Gonzalez (left) from Mat-Su is our UA intern in our office this year. Allan (Pi) Riordan-Randall is a new legislative aide for Rep. Stanley Wright in the House Majority. Pi also hails from Mat-Su, in fact from District M. (Rep. Laddie Shaw is peeking around the back, possibly attempting a photo bomb, but since we love Rep. Shaw, we decided to include this image regardless!)
Senate Assignments:
- Special Committee on World Trade
- Food and Farm Caucus, Co-Chair
Other Appointments and Assignments:
- State Agricultural and Rural Leaders, National Board Member
- Article V Phoenix Correspondence Commission, National Commissioner
- NCSL Cybersecurity Task
- CSG-West Canada Relations
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HOT TIP OF THE WEEK! As the volume of daily contacts I receive has increased exponentially over time, my staff and I continue to work to review all the letters, emails, voicemails, calls, texts, social media messages,and comments* you direct to me. If you need follow-up, feedback, or response, etc., it’s always best to call the office 907-465-3743. *Please note that my staff and I may not see your social media comments directed to me but made on other pages where one of my posts may have been shared. If you want to ensure I see your comment, be sure it is on my Senator page or call my office to share your input. |
For information on bills I’m co‑sponsoring
click here.
For information on all bills filed during this session,
click here.
Bills I’ve Filed on Your Behalf
Health Insurance Info; Incentives/Agreements
Alaska Sunset Commission
Constitutional Amendment: Abortion/Funding
Keep up with updates, notices, news, and photos throughout the week and live broadcasts every Monday evening at 6pm.
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!
WATCH OUR MOST RECENT BROADCAST BELOW
& THEN JOIN US LIVE TONIGHT AT 6PM!
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: 907-357-9956 |
| Mary Peltola – Representative Anchorage: 907-921-6675 |
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MORE TIPS TO STAY IN THE LOOP✏️
More important than ever!
#1
Alaska State Legislature web site is the place to track bills, locate and contact your legislators, and access committee information. Questions? Try the help wizard or call 1-800-478-4648.
#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.
#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. If you need assistance, want a response, or need other follow-up, please call rather than email.
| Anneliese Roberts – Chief of Staff Anneliese.Roberts@akleg.gov 907-465-5025 |
Stephen Knouse – Legislative Aide Stephen.Knouse@akleg.gov 907-465-1172 |
| Gaby Gonzalez – Staff Intern Gaby.Gonzalez@akleg.gov 907-465-3743 |
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| Juneau Office Alaska State Capitol Rm 7 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 |
