SESSION UPDATE – April 24, 2023
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Hearing joyous reports of rhubarb, tulips, and peonies making budding appearances back in the district. Farmers are getting busier by the day, but many in the Mat-Su will still find time for the annual Drive Your Tractor to Work next Monday in Palmer. The capital city is showing signs of life too with hints of green as we finish out April (how on earth did this month go so fast!?).
Not to be upstaged by what’s happening outdoors, legislators and staff are definitely not in hibernation mode but are busy back and forth between offices attempting to figure out how to close an $850 million operating and budget gap. Session ends May 17. To put it lightly, the legislature is between a rock and a hard place.
Between a Rock and a Hard Place
The legislature has a constitutional duty to pass a balanced budget. Printing money or racking up debt like the federal government does is not an option. At present, the shortfall for the operating and capital budget stands at $850 million. Efforts for major reductions have been met with resistance (i.e., there are not the votes although yours truly has consistently been a vote to lower spending). Tax bills have been introduced. Bills to increase spending by hundreds of millions are before the legislature. The battle over the PFD amount is underway for the 8th year in a row.
The lack of fiscal certainty is hurting our economy. We need a long-term fiscal plan. Via a super short survey (takes about one minute), the Alaska Senate Minority is asking you how to address the four fiscal plan components for our state: a spending limit, the PFD, revenues (taxes), and reductions…. [continue to survey]
Winnable With Your Action by Thursday: Protecting Girls’ Sports in Alaska
The legislature may be at loggerheads when it comes to ensuring boys aren’t in girls’ bathrooms and locker rooms in our schools and whether or not sex education and conversations about gender identity should begin in kindergarten, but we are actually within striking distance of protecting girls’ sports.
In one week, the Alaska Schools Activities Association Board of Directors will be voting on a bylaw change to ensure girls’ sports is limited to biological females.
We will only score this win if Alaskans speak up to support the Board to adopt the bylaw change.
The deadline to get in the queue is 12 noon this Thursday, April 27 and testimony is limited to three minutes. Send an email to board@asaa.org by this Thursday at noon…. [continue reading]
Next Shot at A Long-Term Fiscal Plan
The House decided to pass and move the operating budget bill to the Senate last week after reaching an agreement for fair play regarding the handling of the capital budget bill. It would have been an opportunity too for the House to insist the Senate Majority begin to move the fiscal plan pieces, but another opportunity for that will soon be coming around the corner… [continue reading]
Wobbly Premise for EV Acceleration
The recently announced goal by the Biden administration that 50 percent of new vehicles be electric by 2030, his “EV Acceleration Challenge”, is unaffordable, unrealistic, and irresponsible. And it’s all based on a shaky premise. As your District M Senator, I cannot… [continue reading online]
Untapped Source: Part of Solution to Workforce Shortage
It started last year. Nearly every single person who streamed into my office, no matter the sector, no matter the industry, no matter the region of the state, each was singing the same tune, and it was the blues. Everybody was moaning about the workforce shortage in Alaska. The reasons were… [continue reading online]
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.
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. I always appreciate the great input and robust discussion at these in-person meetings!
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,
P.S. Don’t be a stranger
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IMPORTANT – SEE BELOW!
Your input is vital. Short and quick to complete.
If you haven’t already done so, please complete the short Fiscal Plan Survey from the Alaska Senate Minority. It only takes about a minute. Click below!
Articles that are still relevant and very much worth reading!
It’s Our Job to Keep Their Feet Warm: Alaska School Activities Association
Board mustn’t fall prey to bullying and get cold feet as vote to protect girls’ sports.
The Cart Before the Horse = A Runaway Horse
Trouble in River City: runaway taxes coupled with runaway spending.
Pooling Option Picks Up Steam
We’re not talking “hot springs and geysers”. We’re talking about SB110 that ultimately could help students.
SB 77 Undermines Principle of Property Right Protection
Putting Alaskans at risk of losing their property is the opposite of what we should be doing.
Sitting on the Sidelines is Not an Option
We need to rally for public accommodation sanity.
Pay raises for legislators? Flawed process and policy
In response to the 67% pay raise proposal, I filed SB 111 “Rejecting Legislators’ Salary Increase”.
The Key Point is the Key Point in Email Traffic
I am seeing recurring themes in my inbox, some of which may surprise you.
How can we make sure we’re getting the most bang for our buck in state government operations?
With all the tax talk, it’s more important than ever to support SB 9.
SB 52: Rewrite is not yet truly student-centered or teacher-focused
The bill is not yet focused on improving student learning.
SB88 Pension “Pill”: Better reading the warning label
Some are touting the pension bill as a cure but is it really?
Tax Measures Absent: a Comprehensive Fiscal Plan Will be DOA
An isolated tax package is not a long term fiscal plan.
Directing more dollars to classrooms with funds districts already have
We can increase dollars for classrooms without one new penny.
Enough is enough! Healthcare costs are breaking the bank
Four solutions await your advocacy.
Why is Lady Justices’ blindfold slipping in Alaska?
Something has changed since statehood. What can we do about it?
“National Popular Vote” isn’t what it’s cracked up to be:
It’s bad for Alaska, bad for nation.
Hemp Saga: Effort to repeal ag crop statutes creates stir
Putting the crop under the Marijuana Control Board would be a mistake.
Thanks to Alaska Board of Education for Title IX Work
Safe and fair for all Title IX-related resolution passes.
Hold Onto Your Socks – And Your Hat: Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Stunning news about emissions few are discussing.
Time For a Wake-Up Call: Renewables And Mining
Whoa. Of the 50 minerals critical to US, Alaska has 49. But if they’re buried…
Let’s Extend This Significant Day Throughout the Year
It won’t cost a penny but the returns will be invaluable…
The Perfect Pitch: An Honor to Keynotes Competition Event for Entrepreneurs
Being an entrepreneur is about taking risks – and humor along the way.
During Senate floor session last Monday. Senator Hughes listens as Senator Robb Myers gives a speech on National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week – a good reminder as road construction season begins.
You have until Thursday 12 noon, April 27, to email the Alaska School Activities Board board@asaa.org to kindly and respectfully ask them to protect girls’ sports by limiting girls’ sports teams to biological females to ensure fairness, safety, and opportunities. Remind them to stick to logic and reason and not fall prey to emotional persuasion. Thank them for their proposed solution which ensures all students will have safe and fair opportunities. See It’s Our Job to Keep Their Feet Warm for more information.
“So the same year that legislators voted themselves a 67% raise we have a 600 million dollar deficit and it’s going to fall on the backs of the people?”
“Something that would save money for the state… …would be moving the capital to Anchorage… which has already been voted on by the people.”
“The evidence is clear that more Alaskans would pay more under a statewide general sales tax than a state income tax…”
“…change implementation and success in regards to drugs needs to start with championing Family Values vs destroying and interfering (state has better things to vs interfering parental rights! We had strong families (substance abuse was not a concern) in the 60’s. Although, once the government started injecting control our society has crumbled.”
“Let’s cut more pork and save more steak…”
“Thank you for your service. Keep at it. Great ideas result from opposing ideas. 2024 election is on the way.”
“Never had problems with men in the ladies room till lately. Non sense pushed in the schools for the last 20 years is having its intended effect.”
“There certainly is a lot of emotion in that diatribe of yours against anyone who disagrees with you on trans rights.”
“All I know is I want the government’s hands off the people’s pfd.”
“Education sucks the very blood out of families with our outrageous property taxes. Feed your kids or pay your taxes? Shameful.”
“I prefer separation of church and state. Find a new location if you want my participation.” [regarding the April constituent forum]
OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU TO WEIGH IN THIS WEEK
If you’d like to provide public testimony for any bill, 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 the button below to see all public testimony opportunities
occurring within the next seven days.
MONDAY, APRIL 24, 1:00pm
HOUSE RESOURCES COMMITTEE
Consideration of Governor’s Appointees:
Board of Game: David Lorring, Stanley Hoffman
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 1:30pm
HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE
Alaska Oil & Gas Conservation Commission: Brett Huber
Regulatory Commission of Alaska: Robert Doyle
TUESDAY, APRIL 25, 3:00pm
SENATE STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Consideration of Governor’s Appointees:
Department of Corrections: Jen Winkelman
Alaska Public Offices Commission: Eric Feige
The end of session is near when the sun shines, flowers pop up in the front of the Capitol building, and waterfront activities pick up in downtown Juneau!
The Senator had some visitors from Juneau Douglas High School Track and Field who were in the building during a free period selling raffle tickets
Check out articles from our senators as we post them, take surveys, and more by clicking the picture above.
Then check out and follow our social media platforms
for even more up-to-the-minute info!
FACEBOOK | X (TWITTER) | INSTAGRAM
Click/Tap the image or scan the QR code to read the full press release online.
7th Annual DRIVE YOUR TRACTOR TO WORK DAY
Celebrate the kickoff to the growing season and all of our amazing Alaska Farmers on the first Monday of May.
May 1, 2023
Click/Tap the image to see the event details online.
In the rest of the United States, National Agriculture Day is on March 22. Since the ground is still frozen in Alaska, we celebrate Ag Day on the first Tuesday of May.
May 2, 2023
Be sure to thank an Alaskan farmer!
Space is extremely limited. If you or someone you know qualifies, apply early!
Senate Assignments:
- Senate Minority, Ranking Member
- 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:
- NCSL Law and Public Safety Committee, Vice Chair
- 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🔥 COMPANION BILLS These are pieces of legislation that are introduced in each side of the legislative body. Though assigned different numbers, they are usually identical in wording. To see if a bill has a companion (or other bills of a similar vein) click “Similar Subject Match” or “Exact Subject Match” at the bottom of a bill’s page on BASIS. |
For information on bills I’m co‑sponsoring
For information on all bills filed during this session,
Bills I’ve Filed on Your Behalf
Health Insurance Info; Incentives/Agreements
Alaska Sunset Commission
Constitutional Amendment: Abortion/Funding
School/University Employee Health Insurance
Rejecting Commission’s Recommendation to Raise Salaries
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!
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.
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.
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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Anneliese Roberts Chief of Staff Anneliese.Roberts@akleg.gov 907-465-5025 |
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Stephen Knouse Legislative Aide Stephen.Knouse@akleg.gov 907-465-1172 |
| 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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