SESSION UPDATE – March 20, 2023
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Trying to think of something clever to say resembling March Madness to kick off this edition and everything popping into my head is going the wrong direction: March mayhem, March menace, March malady. Whoa. Let’s concentrate and try again: March miracle, March marvel, March melody. Ahhh. Much better.
P.S. Don’t be a stranger
Let’s leave that first batch behind and go with the second as we start a new week. It’s a great day then to start a new and positive habit. Don’t be a stranger. Visit the Alaska Senate Minority often. Your choice on the menu:
How can make sure we’re getting the most bang for our buck in state government operations?
Chatter about raising old taxes and implementing new ones is beginning to pick up in the Capitol building. My reaction is different than some who engage in this conversation: they are excited about the prospect – they salivate at the thought of more and new revenue. Do you know what thoughts the talk of more and new taxes triggers in me? [continue reading online]
“National Popular Vote” isn’t what it’s cracked up to be
It’s bad for Alaska, bad for nation
I’m barely (by one year!) old enough to remember when The Last Frontier became America’s 49th state. It was a big deal. Alaska is still a big deal in a class by itself. Our state ratified the Constitution in 1959, and every day since, the electoral college safeguarded our unique voice and influence in presidential elections. It secures our borders against vote spillover and election irregularities from anywhere else. Until 2006 states could take this for granted. But then [continue reading online]
Thanks to Alaska Board of Education
Safe and fair to all Title IX-related resolution passes
Many of you have been begging me to file my bill from last year to protect girls’ sports (SB 140). Oh, did I ever want to because I knew the matter of safety and fairness for all students needed to be settled. But I also knew [continue reading online]
Welcome back for a second helping!
Putting fiscal house in order may gain traction
Spending cap, PFD, and SB9 should be first – not taxes
Discussion among leadership and the governor ensued last week about the need for a fiscal plan (sooner rather than later) after a conversation about what our fiscal situation will look like in just… [continue reading]
SB 52: Rewrite is not yet truly student-centered or teacher-focused
The new version calls for funds for additional years and for more reporting. What the bill doesn’t do yet is focus on students and teachers, on targeting funds… [continue reading]
SB88 Pension “Pill”: Better reading the warning label
Members are touting the bill to reinstate pensions for public employees (rather than the current 401K type retirement system adopted in 2006) as a cure .. [continue reading]
Enough is enough! Healthcare costs are breaking the bank
Four solutions await your advocacy
No one likes being in last place, but this time, oh how I wish we were. Alaska is number one among the 50 states for what we spend on healthcare. Brace yourself, because… [continue reading]
Why is Lady Justices’ blindfold slipping in Alaska?
And what can we do about it?
We all want our judges to be honest, fair, intelligent, and experienced persons who uphold the constitution and the law without bias. Although some individual judges in our state meet this description, why are… [continue reading]
Stay in touch!
And, as always, I look forward to meeting more of you in the following months locally when I’m back in district as well as here in Juneau when any of you come for a visit. My next coffee chat is this Saturday, March 25 from 1:30pm to 3:00pm at a brand new location on the western side of District M. Scroll down to the flyer for details.
As I state on my Facebook page and mention in live broadcasts Mondays at 6pm, 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 coffee chats.
My responsibility to you is 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 strive to be available to hear 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 to get in touch.
Keep scrolling, my friends!
Don’t miss the quotes by Alaskans giving me input—always insightful and varied. Lots of great info and photos of friends and neighbors await you below. Be sure to click on “view entire message” at the bottom, so you don’t miss out on what may be relevant to you
Working on your behalf,
Neil and Lindy Moss from AlaskaYESS (Youth Education in Shooting Sports) and the 7th Summit Shooting Park are two of the most dedicated and hard working people Senator Hughes knows. They spoke with her about upcoming projects to continue the work to build the park. 7th Summit sits on 200 acres of land north of Wasilla. When completed, 7th Summit will facilitate training youth in clay target shooting sports, but will also include archery, biathlon, camping, among other various outdoor activities.
Senator Myers brought some members from his district down to visit. April Smith, Fairbanks North Star Borough School District (FNSBSD) Board Member and Chrya Sandersen, FNSBSD President. Both passionate about ensuring students learn and are successful, Chrya had success working in a high school turning around a group of students expected to drop out.
Our ALASKA SENATE MINORITY FACEBOOK is live!
Check out our priorities, proposed solutions, viewpoints, video clips, press releases and more by clicking the image above.
Your “one-stop shop”!
Bookmark the site and check for updates as they happen!
“I am for education, but we must get back to the basics. The indoctrination that is being pushed must stop.”
“It was nice to see you at your coffee chat a couple weeks ago. It was my first time being to one of those and I think it is very wise of you to do those sort of meetings.”
“I think the push is on to reduce government’s power over us, because government has shown that is populated by the elite and least trustworthy among us!”
“Thanks for listening to our desperate cries for help when almost no one else does or did.”
“Your [sic] almost dead, and by the time our lakes and rivers are all contaminated by the choices you and the governments make, your future generations will suffer. Please use your actual brain.”
“My wife and I totally support you. We can tell you sincerely work hard for all people.”
“Of course, whatever you propose likely won’t make it far, as you’ve been marginalized yet again thanks to your principles.”
“Few can hold to their principles and stay true to their word like you do and still work very effectively with their colleagues, including those across the aisle. Luv how you do this Shell[e]y!”
“You’re an imbecile and shouldn’t be a senator. Take an aptitude test. You’re obviously not a genius in any way.”
“Excellent coverage. Thanks so much Senator Hughes!”
“[W]ow she knows more about St. [P]atty[‘]s day than how much the willow project is going to destroy the planet 🙃”
An issue currently rising to the top in Juneau.
How Can We Make Sure We’re Getting
The Most Bang for Our Buck
in state government operations?
Chatter about raising old taxes and implementing new ones is beginning to pick up in the Capitol building. My reaction is different than some who engage in this conversation: they are excited about the prospect – they salivate at the thought of more and new revenue.
Do you know what thoughts the talk of more and new taxes triggers in me?
It makes me think of paying more for something than what I’d hoped when I’m not sure whether or not I should make the purchase.
Maybe it is high quality. Maybe it isn’t…Continue Reading Online
Senator Hughes speaking at the SB 9 Alaska Sunset Commission hearing before the Senate State Affairs Committee along with aide, Stephen Knouse, in the second hot seat. The Chair, Sen. Kawasaki, was gracious to let Senator Hughes give a full (albeit abbreviated) presentation despite the hearing running overtime.
On the back monitor were Brian Francis, Executive Director, and Steven Ogle, Deputy Director / General Counsel from the Texas Sunset Commission who testified about the success they have had increasing efficiencies in the state government due to the audit work of the Commission and the fact their legislative has passed 80% of their recommendations since it was established in 1977. Former Lt. Governor Mead Treadwell also was invited testimony and spoke in favor of SB 9.
The bill hearing generated considerable interest in the Capitol building as a potential component of a fiscal plan. Be sure to read the article about SB 9 Alaska Sunset Commission!
CEO Michelle Overstreet and Communications Director Isaac Smoldon from MYHouse visited with Senator Hughes to highlight and express support for current legislation on the topic of human/sex trafficking.
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.
The following “News from Hughes Alerts” are highlighted bills for this week.
🖱️ Click on the image to view the referenced bill.
Click here to see all public testimony opportunities
occurring within the next seven days.
SB 91 TELEHEALTH: MULTIDISCIPLINARY CARE TEAM
SPONSOR: Senator Claman
heard by Senate Health & Social Services Committee
March 23rd, 3:30pm
SB 104 CIVIL LEGAL SERVICES FUND
SPONSOR: Senator Dunbar
heard by Senate Judiciary Committee
March 20th, 1:30pm
SB 51 CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE DATA: EXEMPT VETERINARIANS
SPONSOR: Senator Tobin
SB 93 FISHERMEN’S FUND: VESSEL OWNER CLAIMS
SPONSOR: Senate Labor & Commerce
heard by Senate Labor & Commerce Committee
March 24th, 1:30pm
SB 68 PUBLIC NOTICE FOR WATER RIGHTS
SPONSOR: Senator Geissel
SB 90 EXTEND ALASKA MINERALS COMMISSION
SPONSOR: Senator Bishop
SB 87 LUMBER GRADING PROGRAM
SPONSOR: Senator Bjorkman
SB 72 NATIONAL RESOURCE WATER NOMINATION/DESIGNATION
SPONSOR: Senator Geissel
heard by Senate Resources Committee
March 24th, 3:30pm
SB 46 BRAIN INJURY AWERENESS MONTH
SPONSOR: Senator Tobin
heard by Senate State Affairs Committee
March 23rd, 3:30pm
HB 17 CONTRACEPTIVES COVERAGE: INSURANCE; MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
SPONSOR: Representative Carrick
heard by House Community & Regional Affairs Committee
March 21st, 8:00am
HB 69 RECLASSIFICATION OF FIRST CLASS CITIES
SPONSOR: Representative Cronk
heard by House Education Committee
March 20th, 8:00am
HJR 11 ADDRESS AIR POLLUTION IN FAIRBANKS
SPONSOR: Representative Stapp
HB 103 EXPEDITED TIMBER SALES
SPONSOR: Representative Cronk
heard by House Resources Committee
March 20th, 1:00pm
HB 81 VEHICLES/BOATS: TRANSFER ON DEATH TITLE
SPONSOR: Representative Rauscher
heard by House State Affairs Committee
March 21st, 3:00pm
🔎Hearings That May Interest You
- HB 65 INCREASE BASE STUDENT ALLOCATION
heard by House Education Committee
March 22nd, 8:00am - HB 50 CARBON STORAGE
HB 49 CARBON OFFSET PROGRAM ON STATE LAND
heard by House Finance Committee
March 24th, 1:30pm. - HB 78 OBSERVE DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ALL YEAR
heard by House Community & Regional Affairs Committee
March 14th, 8:00am. - HB 68 CRIME OF SEX/HUMAN TRAFFICKING
heard by House Judiciary Committee
March 20th, 22nd, & 24th, 1:00pm. - HB 56 CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE DATA: EXEMPT ANIMAL RX
heard by House Labor & Commerce Committee
March 20th, 3:15pm. - SB 63 LIMITATIONS ON FIREARMS RESTRICTIONS
heard by Senate Community & Regional Affairs Committee
March 21st, 1:30pm. - SB RELATING TO THE PERMANENT FUND DIVIDEND
heard by Senate Finance Committee
March 21st, 9:00am. - HJR 10 NATIONAL PARK SERVICE: HUNTING IN PRESERVES
SJR 8 NATIONAL PARK SERVICE: HUNTING IN PRESERVES
heard by Senate Resources Committee
March 20th, 3:30pm. - SB 90 EXTEND ALASKA MINERALS COMMISSION
SB 49 CARBON STORAGE
heard by Senate Resources Committee
March 22nd, 3:30pm.
CONFIRMATION HEARINGS
MONDAY, MARCH 20, 3:30pm
SENATE RESOURCES COMMITTEE
Consideration of Governor’s Appointees:
Department of Natural Resources – Commissioner-Designee: John Boyle
Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission: Brett Huber, Greg Wilson
Regulatory Commission of Alaska: Robert Doyle
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 3:00pm
HOUSE STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Consideration of Governor’s Appointees:
State Commission for Human Rights: Sheila Cernich
Alaska Public Offices Commission: Eric Feige
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 3:30pm
SENATE STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Consideration of Governor’s Appointees:
ALaska Police Standards Council: Rebecca Hamon (King Salmon), Steve Dutra (North Pole), Daniel Carothers
Lieutenant Governor Successor: DEC Commissioner Jason Brune
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 1:00pm
HOUSE RESOURCES COMMITTEE
Consideration of Governor’s Appointees:
Department of Natural Resources – Commissioner-Designee: John Boyle
THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 3:00pm
HOUSE HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE
Consideration of Governor’s Appointees:
Department of Health – Commissioner-Designee: Heidi Hedberg
FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 8:00am
HOUSE EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Consideration of Governor’s Appointees:
University of Alaska Board of Regents: Dennis Michel, Bethany Marcum, Joey Crum, and Paula Harrison
FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 3:15am
HOUSE LABOR & COMMERCE COMMITTEE
Consideration of Governor’s Appointees:
Board of Pharmacy: Sara Rasmussen
Alcoholic Beverage Control Board: David Koch
Marijuana Control Board: Chris Jaime
FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 3:30pm
SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Consideration of Governor’s Appointees:
University of Alaska Board of Regents: Dennis Michel, Bethany Marcum, Joey Crum, and Paula Harrison
Professional Teaching Practices Commission: Mary Carlson
Senator Hughes met with Dustin Morris, Area Director for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
We have a venue! Be sure to share this event with your friends and colleagues. I look forward to meeting with you then!
Attend the meeting closest to you and find out more about the project.
Senate Assignments:
- Special Committee on World Trade
- Victims’ Advocate Selection Committee
- Food and Farm Caucus, Co-Chair
- Law Finance Subcommittee
Other Appointments and Assignments:
- Alaska Food Security and Independence Task Force (Est. by Gov. Dunleavy, expires Feb. 27, 2023)
- Alaska Food Strategy Task Force (Est. by legislature, launched Feb 16, 2023)
- State Agricultural and Rural Leaders, National Board Member
- Article V Phoenix Correspondence Commission, National Commissioner
- NCSL Cybersecurity Task
- CSG-West Canada Relations
- CSG Interbranch Committee
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🔥HOT TIP🔥 PRACTICE YOUR TESTIMONY Many hearings by committee are limited on time due to multiple bills being heard or longer invited testimony. Public testimonies are usually limited to 2 minutes per person, so make sure you hit your main points within that time! If the committee wants more information on a point, they will ask you to clarify after your testimony has been given. |
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!
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.
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Gaby Gonzalez Staff Intern Gaby.Gonzalez@akleg.gov 907-465-3743 |
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Stephen Knouse Legislative Aide Stephen.Knouse@akleg.gov 907-465-1172 |
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Anneliese Roberts Chief of Staff Anneliese.Roberts@akleg.gov 907-465-5025 |
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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 |
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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