News from Hughes » April 3, 2023

[vc_row type=”vc_default” css=”.vc_custom_1711141788543{background-color: #0f204b !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1711142420421{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”20″ css=”.vc_custom_1711142497958{margin-right: -25px !important;margin-left: -25px !important;background-color: #ffc400 !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”2524″ img_size=”full” alignment=”right” css=”.vc_custom_1711142534341{margin-right: -25px !important;margin-left: -25px !important;background-color: #04204b !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”20″ css=”.vc_custom_1711142497958{margin-right: -25px !important;margin-left: -25px !important;background-color: #ffc400 !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1716931261494{margin-right: -25px !important;margin-left: -25px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;background-color: #04204b !important;}”]

SESSION UPDATE – April 3, 2023

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20″ css=”.vc_custom_1711142497958{margin-right: -25px !important;margin-left: -25px !important;background-color: #ffc400 !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”20″][vc_column_text css=””]Dear Friends and Neighbors,

It’s really April! Can you believe it? The month derives its name from the Latin word “aperio” meaning “to open or to bud”. Although we are in the far north and must be a bit more patient, we are no less anxious to see green sprout up. We’re naturally less anxious for tax day on the dreaded April 15^th date and of course would rather celebrate National Jelly Bean Day on April 22^nd. And this week? Many of us will celebrate Passover and Easter, holy days which help us focus on what is important and transcends time.

Speaking of such subjects, yesterday is a day worth discussing all year long, Education and Sharing Day.

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1716931373440{margin-top: 35px !important;}”]Let’s Extend This Significant Day Throughout the Year

If we truly care about, love, and are concerned about our children and youth growing up in our world today, we must carry forward what this day symbolizes until it comes around again in 2024. It won’t cost us a penny and won’t eat up enormous amounts of time, but it will be impactful, long lasting, and valuable. “Education and Sharing Day is set aside each year to remind us that it is our duty as parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, community members and leaders to teach our children values and morals by which they can aspire to become contributing, caring, service-minded adults. [continue reading online]

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1716931408727{margin-top: 35px !important;}”]Sitting On the Sidelines Is Not an Option:
We Need To Rally For Public Accommodation Sanity

I received a report this weekend, and I will state right up front, as of this writing, it is not a verified report. But it doesn’t need to be because the situation, if it did not occur on Friday in the Mat-Su, it will at some point in the near future. A woman reached out to me concerned for the privacy and safety of women and young teenage girls who work out at health and fitness clubs and gyms and use the locker rooms. She reported a man had entered the women’s locker room this past Friday at one of these facilities in the Valley and “undressed and showered to the shock and embarrassment of the women in that locker room”. We need to draw a line in the sand sooner rather than later. [continue reading online]

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1716931452401{margin-top: 35px !important;}”]The Key Point Is the Key Point in Email Traffic

I try my best to keep up with the hundreds of emails I receive. Admittedy, it is getting more and more challenging, and there are not enough hours in the week – nights and weekends included – to respond to each. What I do see are recurring themes in the messages that arrive in my inbox. I’m receiving a steady stream… [continue reading online

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1715374321643{margin-top: 35px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”]Keep scrolling, my friends!

Don’t miss the quotes by Alaskans giving me input—always insightful and varied, sometimes startling and sometimes amusing. See what bills are up for public testimony this week. Lots of great info and photos of friends and neighbors await you below. Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom, so you don’t miss out on what may be relevant to you.

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1715374364060{margin-top: 35px !important;}”]P.S. Don’t be a stranger

Visit us. Like us. Love our posts. Comment and share.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Alaska Senate Minority Facebook Page” style=”custom” custom_background=”#2780a3″ custom_text=”#ffffff” shape=”round” align=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1715125672684{margin-top: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Faksenateminority%2F|target:_blank”][vc_btn title=”Alaska Senate Minority Website” style=”custom” custom_background=”#008b8b” custom_text=”#ffffff” shape=”round” align=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1715125664223{margin-top: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Falaskasenateminority.com%2F|target:_blank”][vc_empty_space height=”10″][vc_empty_space height=”12px” css=”.vc_custom_1711394191343{margin-right: -25px !important;margin-left: -25px !important;background-color: #46b5ff !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”24″ css=”.vc_custom_1711394223254{margin-right: -25px !important;margin-left: -25px !important;background-color: #a3d5f7 !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1716931600857{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-right: -10px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;margin-left: -10px !important;padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #005272 !important;}”]

Previously Published but Still Pertinent!

Take another look at a previous article…

[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1716932780563{margin-right: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”3350″ img_size=”full” alignment=”right” css=””][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text css=””]Pay raises for legislators? Flawed process and policy

In response to the 67% pay raise proposal for legislators, I introduced Senate Bill (SB) 111 “Rejecting Legislators’ Salary Increase” last week. Not only is … [continue reading][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1711395273070{margin-top: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1716932780563{margin-right: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”3350″ img_size=”full” alignment=”right” css=””][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text css=””]Tax measures absent a comprehensive fiscal plan will be DOA

The Senate Majority is holding hearings on their new SB 114 to increase the revenue-take from the oil and gas industry. Floating tax proposals in isolation without work to produce a super majority (14 votes) to both fix the spending cap and settle the PFD issue in the constitution, and without an efficiency component like SB 9 Alaska Sunset Commission to address the reduction piece, will get them nowhere fast. At some point, they hopefully will wake up to the fact that a long-term fiscal plan does not mean an isolated tax package. [continue reading][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1711395273070{margin-top: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1716932780563{margin-right: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”3350″ img_size=”full” alignment=”right” css=””][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text css=””]Directing more dollars to classrooms with funds districts already have

The issue of school funding is a big focus this year in Juneau. Few are talking about one way we can increase dollars for classrooms without one new penny. And it’s not chump change either… [continue reading][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1711395273070{margin-top: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1716932780563{margin-right: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”3350″ img_size=”full” alignment=”right” css=””][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text css=””]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… [continue reading][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1711395273070{margin-top: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1716932780563{margin-right: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”3350″ img_size=”full” alignment=”right” css=””][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text css=””]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][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1711395273070{margin-top: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1716932780563{margin-right: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”3350″ img_size=”full” alignment=”right” css=””][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text css=””]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][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1711395273070{margin-top: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1716932780563{margin-right: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”3350″ img_size=”full” alignment=”right” css=””][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text css=””]Hemp saga: Effort to repeal ag crop statutes creates stir

After working for more than seven years to promote hemp as an agricultural crop farmers could produce and successfully carrying legislation to ensure by law hemp would not fall under the supervision of the Marijuana Control Board and instead the Division of Agriculture, you can imagine my reaction .. [continue reading][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1711395273070{margin-top: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1716932780563{margin-right: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”3350″ img_size=”full” alignment=”right” css=””][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text css=””]Thanks to AK Board of Education: Safe and fair for 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][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1711395273070{margin-top: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1716932780563{margin-right: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”3350″ img_size=”full” alignment=”right” css=””][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text css=””]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][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1711395273070{margin-top: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1716932780563{margin-right: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”3350″ img_size=”full” alignment=”right” css=””][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text css=””]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][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1711395273070{margin-top: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1716932780563{margin-right: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”3350″ img_size=”full” alignment=”right” css=””][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text css=””]“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…[continue reading]

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][vc_empty_space height=”24″ css=”.vc_custom_1711394223254{margin-right: -25px !important;margin-left: -25px !important;background-color: #a3d5f7 !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”12px” css=”.vc_custom_1711394191343{margin-right: -25px !important;margin-left: -25px !important;background-color: #46b5ff !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1716926896506{margin-top: 20px !important;}”]Stay in touch!

As always, I look forward to meeting you when I’m back in district as well as in Juneau if you come for a visit. Hope to see those of you on the eastern (Palmer) side of Mat-Su on April 15 (scroll down for flyer). Senator Mike Shower will be joining me and possibly Rep. George Rauscher and Rep. DeLena Johnson depending on their schedules.

My responsibility to you is front and center, whether I am on the Senate floor, drafting policy, in a meeting, or out and about in our community. If you would like my feedback on your issue, please call my office (907) 465-3743 to set up a phone call with me or come by one of my coffee chats.

Working on your behalf,[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2351″ img_size=”medium”][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][vc_empty_space height=”32″ css=”.vc_custom_1711398197257{margin-right: -25px !important;margin-left: -25px !important;background-color: #04204b !important;}”][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”3356″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1716933948162{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1716933962975{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”]

Students from the 4-H Youth In Governance program came to chat about their experiences and the impact of their program.

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Mark Lackey, Executive Director of CCS Early Learning, came by with student parents and grandparents to talk about education funding for three and four-year-olds.

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Our ALASKA SENATE MINORITY SOCIAL MEDIA profiles are live!

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM

Check out posts and articles from our senators as we share them and more by clicking the links above.

Then check out our website for even more info!

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“I say we Alaskans need some bang for our buck with schools. NO MORE MONEY, until you get off the bottom of the list for reading and math. Every year the school system begs for more and we get nothing for it. It’s time to stop giving and start getting something for our money.”

“Our money is not being spent wisely, and now we are scrambling to fix the mess at the expense of our most impressionable constituents.”

“Have a nice day, Princess. Thanks for nothing.”

“Other states with a defined benefit retirement system are having the same hiring and retainment issues Alaska has. Defined benefit is not going to fix the problem.”

“I just want to express my support for the governor’s crime bills, including the one on sexual and human trafficking.”

“tl;dr;* anti-MAGA Bush RINO”
*too long; didn’t read;

“[I]ncrease the allocation even more, as we know it barely accounts for inflation and the rising costs that our schools face.”

“Adding additional spending to public schools has shown not to impact the final results for some 25 years in Alaska. So vote no on any increased spending, unless you tie the spending to recordable improved performance.”

“Simply a horrid decision and only supported by horrible people.”
[regarding Willow Project]

“So many ignorant comments…made by people who have never even been to Alaska…all while holding their phones…loaded with elements extracted from the land…while looking down their noses through their plastic lenses…eating an avocado that grew halfway across the world and had to be flown to their location…”
[regarding Willow Project]

“Thank you Senator Hugh’s [sic] for fighting for Alaska and good governance. No raise at this time. We need accountability and working together for Alaskans not against us.”

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An issue currently rising to the top in Juneau.

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Education and Sharing Day
let’s extend this significant day throughout the year

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Education and Sharing Day is set aside each year to remind us that it is our duty as parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, community members and leaders to teach our children values and morals by which they can aspire to become contributing, caring, service-minded adults.

Sunday, April 2, 2023 was officially “Education and Sharing Day” as proclaimed by Governor Mike Dunleavy, President Joe Biden, and multiple Alaskan mayors as well as by governors and mayors in other states.…Continue Reading Online

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The 4-H Youth in Governance team who are visiting in Juneau hosted a waffle breakfast at the Capitol building for legislators and staff.

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU TO WEIGH IN THIS WEEK
Public Testimony
🎙️

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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.

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The following “News from Hughes Alerts” are highlighted bills for this week.
🖱️ Click on the image to view the referenced bill.

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Click the button below to see all public testimony opportunities
occurring within the next seven days.

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🔎Hearings That May Interest You

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HB 69 RECLASSIFICATION OF FIRST-CLASS CITIES
HB 123 ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION FOR ANCSA CORPS.
heard by House Community & Regional Affairs Committee
April 6th, 7:30am
HB 148 AK PERFORMANCE SCHOLARSHIP; ELIGIBILITY
heard by House Education Committee
April 3rd & 5th, 8:00am.
HB 58 ADULT HOME CARE: MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
HB 59 MEDICAID ELIGIBILITY: POSTPARTUM MOTHERS
heard by House Finance Committee
April 4th, 1:30pm.
HB 115 NATUROPATHS: LICENSING; PRACTICE
HB 96 LICENSING: DRUGS/DEVICES FOR HOME DIALYSIS
heard by House Health & Social Services Committee
April 6th, 3:00pm.
HB 120 HUNT/FISH LICENSE FOR NONRESIDENT STUDENT*
HB 95 NATIONAL RESOURCE WATER NOMINATION/DESIGNATION
HB 104 EXPEDITED TIMBER SALES
HB 125 TRAPPING CABINS ON STATE LAND
heard by House Resources Committee
April 3rd, 1:00pm. *(HB 120 also heard on April 5th)
SB 74 PHYSICAL THERAPY LICENSURE COMPACT
SB 75 AUDIOLOGY & SPEECH-LANGUAGE INTERSTATE COMPACT
heard by Senate Finance Committee
April 4th, 9:00am.
HB 103 EXTEND ALASKA MINERALS COMMISSION
SB 78 HUNT/FISH LICENSE FOR NONRESIDENT STUDENT
heard by Senate Resources Committee
April 3rd, 3:30pm.

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1711479567318{padding: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_inner css=”.vc_custom_1711479606529{padding: 20px !important;background-color: #404040 !important;border: 7px double #a0a0a0 !important;}”][vc_column_text css=””]CONFIRMATION HEARINGS

MONDAY, APRIL 3, 3:30pm
SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Consideration of Governor’s Appointees:
University of Alaska Board of Regents: Joey Crum

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 3:30pm
SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Consideration of Governor’s Appointees:
University of Alaska Board of Regents: John Jepson

MONDAY, APRIL 3, 1:30pm
SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE
Consideration of Governor’s Appointees:
State Commission for Human Rights
Alaska Police Standards Council

MONDAY, APRIL 3, 3:30pm
SENATE RESOURCES COMMITTEE
Consideration of Governor’s Appointees:
Board of Fisheries: Stanley Zuray
Big Game Commercial Services Board: Larry Kunder, Michael Flores

TUESDAY, APRIL 4, 1:30pm
SENATE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
Consideration of Governor’s Appointees:
Board of Marine Pilots: Edward Sinclair

MONDAY, APRIL 3, 8:00am
HOUSE EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Consideration of Governor’s Appointees:
Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education: Mary Carlson
Alaska Board of Education and Early Development: James Fields

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Looking forward to meeting with you. Click the image to see the details on Facebook.

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Space is extremely limited. If you or someone you know qualifies, apply early!

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Serving You in These Roles🏛️

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]Senate Assignments:

Alaska Food Strategy Task Force, Chair
Food and Farm Caucus, Co-Chair
Special Committee on World Trade
Victims’ Advocate Selection Committee
Law Finance Subcommittee

Other Appointments and Assignments:

State Agricultural and Rural Leaders, National Board Member
Article V Phoenix Correspondence Commission, National Commissioner
NCSL Cybersecurity Task Force
CSG-West Canada Relations
CSG Interbranch Committee

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🔥HOT TIP🔥
OF THE WEEK!

KNOW WHICH BILLS & TOPICS ARE BEING HEARD
EACH WEEK!

While I bring bills and topics to you that I think may be relevant to my constituents, you can always see the full list of bills and topics being heard by visiting the Daily Schedule on Akleg.gov and selecting the day(s) you wish to view.

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For information on bills I’m co‑sponsoring

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For information on all bills filed during this session,

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📜

Bills I’ve Filed on Your Behalf

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SB 3

Health Insurance Info; Incentives/Agreements

The bill includes the Alaska Health Care Consumers Right to Shop Act as well as authorizes Direct Primary Care Agreements. The Right to Shop Act would, through natural market forces, nudge down the cost of healthcare in Alaska by introducing competition. A consumer would receive a shared savings check if the consumer chose a provider who charged less than the average going rate. If the insurance is provided by an employer, the employer would also receive a shared savings check. The Agreement provision in the bill allows a healthcare provider to offer access to a patient to a set of agreed upon services for a regularly scheduled payment (such as monthly). The bill has been referred to the Senate Labor and Commerce and Judiciary Committees. A request for a hearing in the first committee of referral has been submitted – and so far ignored. Send your support for SB 3 to Sen.Shelley.Hughes@akleg.gov and Senate.Labor.and.Commerce@akleg.gov.

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SB 9

Alaska Sunset Commission

SB 9 establishes the Alaska Sunset Commission as an apolitical, independent, and objective entity charged with reviewing, via detailed and robust audits, each department by division in the state on a rotating schedule. The Commission will make recommendations to the legislature pertaining to the mission, duties, performance, structure and costs of executive agencies. To prevent a division from sunsetting and its statutory duties falling to the department’s office of the commissioner, the legislature will need to take up and act on the audit report. The bill has been referred to Senate State Affairs, Judiciary, and Finance Committees. A request for a hearing was granted by the Chair of the first committee of referral. The bill was heard in Senate State Affairs last March 14. Senator Hughes and aide Stephen Knouse presented the bill. Please email your support to our office at Sen.Shelley.Hughes@akleg.gov and to Senate.State.Affairs@akleg.gov and ask the Chair to move the bill out of committee.

SJR 2

Constitutional Amendment: Abortion/Funding

This proposed constitutional amendment will prevent judges from ruling that statutes that protect babies in the womb are unconstitutional. The amendment reads: “To protect human life, nothing in this constitution may be construed to secure or protect a right to an abortion or require the State to fund an abortion. SJR 2 has been referred to the Senate Judiciary and Health & Social Service Committees. A request for a hearing has been submitted to the Judiciary Chair, Sen. Matt Claman. Email your support for SJR2 to Sen.Shelley.Hughes@akleg.gov and to Senate.Judiciary@akleg.gov (and ask Sen. Claman to schedule a hearing for SJR2).

SB 110

School/University Employee Health Insurance

School districts across Alaska are facing increasing costs of healthcare which diverts funds away from classroom instruction. SB 110 gives districts the option to participate in the state employee health plan, AlaskaCare. If passed, Senate Bill 110 could ease the financial burden of school districts and give the State of Alaska more leverage to negotiate with healthcare providers, improving services for participating Alaskans. SB 110 would allow millions of dollars statewide to be directed to the classroom to help improve student learning. Senate Bill 110 is a companion legislation to House Bill 21. E-mail your support for SB 110 to Sen.Shelley.Hughes@akleg.gov and to Senate.Education@akleg.gov. SB 110 will be heard in the Senate Education Committee on Monday, April 3 at 3:30pm. If you’d like to call in to support the bill, please call my office beforehand: 907-465-3043. Thank you!

SB 111

Rejecting Commission’s Recommendation to Raise Salaries

SB 111 rejects the recent recommendation in the Alaska State Officers Compensation Commission report to raise legislators’ salaries by 67%. With looming deficits and the absence of a long-term fiscal plan, a pay raise of this scope is unwarranted. In addition, it is a direct conflict of interest for sitting legislators to give themselves a salary increase even if the mechanism is passive acceptance of the report. The process is flawed. SB 111 rejects the salary increases and provides a vehicle for changes to the compensation commission process. Email your support to Sen.Shelley.Hughes@akleg.gov and to Senate.Finance.Committee@akleg.gov (and ask Senator Olson to schedule a hearing for SB 111).

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Keep up with updates, notices, news, and photos throughout the week and live broadcasts every Monday evening at 6pm.

www.facebook.com/AKShelleyHughes

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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!

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MORE TIPS TO STAY IN THE LOOP✏️
More important than ever!

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TIP
#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.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”1″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1716930105062{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”]

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.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”1″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1716930119918{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”]

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. If you need assistance, want a response, or need other follow-up, please call rather than email.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1715374222683{margin-top: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”]

	Gaby Gonzalez Staff Intern Gaby.Gonzalez@akleg.gov 907-465-3743		Stephen Knouse Legislative Aide Stephen.Knouse@akleg.gov 907-465-1172
		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

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HAVE A FEDERAL ISSUE???

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Contact Alaska’s US Senators and Congressman

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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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You can watch senate floor sessions, typically Mondays and Wednesdays at 11:00 am and Fridays at 10:30 am online or on your local 360North television channel.

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Best regards,

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News from Hughes » April 3, 2023

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