SESSION UPDATE – May 8, 2023
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Nine days and counting. Unless the legislature votes to extend for ten days, May 17 is the final day of the regular session. It’s all about the budget and the ever-elusive fiscal plan. I have awakened today like I did all last week and will continue this week with this well-known declaration: “Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
I have urged the legislature – for years now – to settle on a fiscal plan: a real, comprehensive fiscal plan. I don’t know if the “due season” will be soon or not. I do know that it took 44 years for William Wilberforce to achieve a much more important goal, the abolishment of slavery from the British Empire. I do know that the conversation about a fiscal plan began in the mid-90’s or earlier, so it’s been multiple decades. I do know it’s my job to urge the legislature to buckle down and adopt one to avoid a worse scenario in the near future.
Train About to Leave Station: Choose Right Destination
We are at the critical juncture where we absolutely must understand how what we do now with the PFD will make a huge difference – as different as night and day – in the type of state we have in our future. What we do at this pivotal point will impact our livelihoods, our economy, the very culture of Alaska.
We should not move forward blindly, oblivious of the situation we are setting up, unaware of the future consequences of decisions. I don’t make the habit of directing you to read columns written by others, but in this case, I am. There is no need to reinvent the wheel. The article by economist Ed King encapsulates so well what we all need to understand about the PFD and how it relates to the days and years ahead. Whether you’re a PFD lover or hater, it’s time to get on board with a ticket for the right destination. Time to read this column. [read online]
SB 107 Falls to Deliver: A PFD Cut Is Not a Fiscal Plan
SB 107 cuts the PFD and sets Alaska on a pathway to decimate the PFD altogether. Its proponents had the audacity to claim the bill was a “fiscal plan” which I and my fellow Senate Minority members aptly refuted with solid logic and facts.
Add to that, the Senate Majority has indicated it supports a spending level that will eliminate the PFD in approximately five years and require new and high taxes in years following. SB 107 does not pass the common-sense test. [continue reading]
Victory Still Eludes Female Athletes
I applaud all the men and women who have stood up to support and protect girls’ supports. Please know that I am by no means a male-basher but when two biological males, such as Constant and Rivera, threaten the Alaska School Activities Association if it doesn’t allow biological males on girls’ teams and in their locker rooms, showers, and sleeping spaces when traveling — it does NOT sit well with me.
Males who are okay with discriminating against women? Males who are okay with robbing girls of their rights, their athletic opportunities, their dignity in private spaces? Excuse me, this is not okay. [continue reading]
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!
I hope to see you soon when I get back to district. I always appreciate the great input and robust discussion when we meet face-to-face. If we’re not on the Senate floor this evening, I’ll join you by Facebook Live (scroll way down for the link) this evening at 6pm to give you the latest update.
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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Articles that are still relevant and very much worth reading!
When You Boil It All Down: Sap to Syrup
Time to reduce down like sap to syrup what is being proposed in Juneau.
Next Shot at A Long-Term Fiscal Plan
The House will have another opportunity soon to press the Senate Majority.
Pooling Option Picks Up Steam
We’re not talking “hot springs and geysers”. We’re talking about SB110 that ultimately could help students.
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”.
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?
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.
Senator Hughes had an excellent meeting with executives from several Alaskan resource development focused organizations.
From left to right are Rebecca Logan (CEO of Alaska Alliance), Karen Matthias (Executive Director of the Council of Alaska Producers), Alicia Amberg (Executive Director of the Associated General Contractors of Alaska), Leila Kimbrell (Executive Director of the Alaska Resource Development Council), and Deantha Skibinski (Executive Director of the Alaska Miners Association).
Discussion centered on SB 114, the oil and gas tax bill, and the budget item for the 404 state primacy provision related to wetland permitting.
Blast from the past! Some friends from the lower 48 dropped in to visit – from many moons ago in Hoonah where Senator Hughes spent part of her youth. She joined these longtime friends and several dozen others who had flown in for a celebration-of-life weekend in Hoonah honoring James Joseph Carey who passed away at age 100. Husband, father of 7, grandfather to 30 grand, great grand, and great, great grandchildren, World War II Navy Veteran, and accomplished artist, Jim was a legend beloved by many.
Legislators, staff, and Juneau residents came together to observe this year’s National Day of Prayer. Senator Hughes was one of the invited legislators to pray over the “seven mountains” of influence. She prayed over the education system, teachers, and students of all ages. Thankfully, the day was sunny, and warm enough that participants didn’t have to bundle up as they stood across the street outside the capitol.
“God help us all. Sanity has left the building.”
“Thank you for looking out for the people of Alaska.”
“Thank you Senator!! Very well said!! Reduce the spending. Dig in to reduce the budget and hold your ground!”
“This is about kids not all fitting into a cookie cutter mold. This about choice. This is not about an attack on public school, but rather empowering parents and students to have the choices we say they do.”
“We want our full statutory PFD. Use fiscal restraint.”
“Thanks Senator Hughes for keeping us informed and fighting for our benefit.”
“Who are the “Senate Majority Leaders” that need to hear from Alaskans that we demand a realistic fiscal plan and to stop taking our PFD?”
“Saw you, Mike and [R]obb hitting hard! Good job even knowing the [outcome] was a no on all-out Amendments.”
“You’re seemingly okay with Males and Females mutating and robbing girls (but mostly boys) of their genitalia, breasts, rights, athletic opportunities, dignity, and health, but you’re afraid of being called transphobic? Perhaps you should grow a pair (*pun intended), or resign from office. The last thing we need is more cowards protecting our children!”
“The muni and the alphabet soup mafia can kick rocks. A boy who thinks he is a girl is still a boy and can either participate in sports with boys or not at all. Better yet crate a 4th category or sports. Men’s, women’s, special, and mental.”
“Great job! Fight on with your insight and determination! Thank you so very much!”
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, MAY 8, 3:15pm
HOUSE LABOR & COMMERCE COMMITTEE
Consideration of Governor’s Appointees:
Alcoholic Beverage Control Board: Dana Walukiewicz
Alaska Workers’ Compensation Board: John Corbett, Jonathon Dartt, Anthony Ladd, Lake Williams
Board of Barbers & Hairdressers: Breanna Hardy, Glenda Ledford
Board of Nursing: Danette Schloeder
Board of Social Work Examiners: Stacy Stone
Board of Dental Examiners: Megan Ferguson, Jesse Hronkin, Newell Walther
Marijuana Control Board: Ely Cyrus
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.
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🔥 HAS IT PASSED? If you want to see what legislation has been passed so far, visit the Passed Legislation page on the legislative website, under the Bills & Laws tab. All bills and resolutions that have been passed will be listed there and whether it has passed the House, the Senate, or both. |
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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