SESSION UPDATE – May 15, 2023
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Midnight Wednesday is quickly approaching, but things are in gridlock. The 120-day legislative session clock is about to expire, and the House and Senate have no agreement on the budget. I know it is frustrating for you to read this, and I’m guessing you cringe when you hear the news reports. I am not at all happy about it either. If it were up to me, we would be done – but of course it is not as there are 60 legislators.
What’s Next?
It’s doubtful there will be the votes to extend the session ten days which is permitted under the constitution. It is more likely that the governor will call the legislature into a special session. That’s when another clock begins to tick. The government shut-down clock. If agreement isn’t reached to pass a balanced budget before the new fiscal year begins on July 1, only critical operations will continue (troopers, correctional officers, etc.) until one is.
Oh, the Rift
What’s the rift? In two words (well, a word and an acronym): the PFD. The Senate Majority wants a small PFD and ongoing access to the PFD for government spending without a spending cap. The House Majority wants a moderate PFD and a fiscal plan set in motion which includes a spending cap and settling the PFD once and for all.
The Senate Majority promised House leadership, as well as told the press, that it would not cook up a “turducken” by stuffing the capital budget into the operating budget. When it didn’t get the House to agree to its lower PFD, however, the Finance chefs headed to the kitchen and did it anyway. The House is tired of what they view as unfair play by the Senate, the seventh year to boot. Normally the operating budget begins in the House and is passed over to the Senate, while the capital budget begins in the Senate and passes over to the House. This year, however, the Senate never passed the capital budget to the House. The “turducken” bill doesn’t give the House a chance to vet and amend the capital budget as they see fit.
The “turducken” bill is expected to be taken up today in the Senate and will be sent to the House for an up/down vote, a take it or leave it vote. This approach does not allow the House the ability to make any changes to the capital budget. I objected to and voted against the adoption of the “turducken” committee substitute along with my Senate Minority members as it removes the check and balance of the House to the Senate as intended in the constitution. All Senate Majority members voted to adopted the “turducken” version so it is the bill currently before the Senate.
Wish They Knew it Really Is All About the Children
Lots of bills moving but probably the most significant bill last week in the Senate was the education bill SB52. I proposed amendment after amendment to direct school funds to improving student outcomes by directing the dollars specifically to teachers and classroom instruction, but despite the few brave souls (including both minority and majority members) who stood with me, the amendments failed.
Even though proficiency rates in all grades and all subjects hover around only 30% statewide, too many senators turned a blind eye to a golden opportunity. To address the funding but not address the system failure is an abdication of legislative constitutional duty according to the 2007 Moore v. State of Alaska ruling.
Anyone who just cares about the dollars and not the system, cares more about the overall adults in the district system than the students and the teachers tasked to help them. I’ve got news for anyone reading this: I’m all about the students and am not a lackey for the NEA. Teachers and families, I want you to know that I fought for you. Although I am heartsick there weren’t the votes to take the bull by the horns for the sake of our most precious resource, our children, I’m not giving up – and this song keeps running through my head: “I get knocked down, but I get up again. You’re never gonna keep me down.” (“Tubthumping” by Chumbawamba)
Yes, These Topics Are Germane to Education
I offered two amendments on the Senate floor last week to SB 52 which had a title that began with the words: “An act relating to education”. My two amendments (Amendment #7 and Amendment #8) pertained to education, but they were ruled out of order. One was about school interscholastic program policy, and one was about district policy and curriculum.
Rulings are to keep order and prevent chaos and should be based on proper interpretation of rules. They should not be made for political purposes. They should not be made to avoid an uncomfortable vote. They should not be made because there’s disagreement with the policy in the amendment. They should not be made because it will extend the floor session a little longer. [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
Visit us. Like us. Love our posts. Comment and share.
Articles that are still relevant and very much worth reading!
Train About to Leave Station: Choose Right Destination
This is a critical juncture. What we do with the PFD will determine Alaska’s very essence in our future.
SB 107 Falls to Deliver: A PFD Cut Is Not a Fiscal Plan
SB 107 sets Alaska on a pathway to decimate the PFD; it does not pass the common-sense test.
Victory Still Eludes Female Athletes
I applaud men and women who support girls’ sports, but when two males threaten ASAA, it’s not okay.
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.
Les and Shanna Chamblee met with Senator Hughes, advocating for term limits for members of Congress.
Aoibheann Cline, ESQ. State Director for NRA (pictured above) is working with Sen. Hughes on her Safe Schools bill. The Senator is hoping to have the bill read across the floor before the end of this year’s session, but as of right now it’s still being drafted. When it is read on the Senate floor for the first time, it will be assigned a bill number that you can follow.
Ms. Cline was also working with the Speaker, Rep. Cathy Tilton on her bill, HB 61 Limitations on Firearms Restrictions. The bill has been calendared for a vote in the Senate.
“Thank you for always fighting hard for us.”
“The PFD so should have been put into the constitution! The statutory PFD.”
“This legislature is requiring a 75/25 for the pfd. Yet won’t require 70/30 for instruction spending for the Education funding formula. Zero credibility.”
“My daughter’s school doesn’t have enough desks for all students. Why shouldn’t schools be able to use this increase for classroom supplies and furnishings?”
“I don’t think more money will help… we keep [pouring] down the hole… no better results.”
“Please! Reduce the spending!💲”
“Fix the tax disparity… …first. The problem is not that some are not paying enough…the problem is that so many are paying nothing.”
“Just imagine if money went to smaller class sizes (hiring more teachers), and not to more administration and the ever-changing curriculum. I think our students would thrive.”
“High school sports cost us a-lot of money. People don’t realize it!”
“Respectfully, I urge you to contemplate resigning from your position and appointing a successor who aligns more closely with conservative principles. It is my opinion that your current actions and affiliations suggest a lobbying influence that deviates from the conservative values expected of your role as a senator.”
“[Senator] Hughes, I appreciate you and all you are fighting for!”
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 but please note that this is not an exhaustive list.
🖱️ 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.
NONE THIS WEEK
Joint session held last week to approve
Governor Dunleavy’s appointments.
CHECK BACK NEXT SESSION!
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.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mat-Su is seeking volunteers for their program. If you would like to pour into a youth in our community, please give them a call or apply online by scanning the QR code above or visiting bbbsak.org.
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
For information on bills I’m co‑sponsoring
For information on all bills filed during this session,
|
🔥HOT TIP🔥 IS IT DEAD NOW? Because Alaska legislative sessions span two years, any bills that have not been passed at the end of this year (2023) will continue on next year (the second year of the 33rd Legislative Session). If the bill is not passed at the end of the second session year, then that bill will “die” and need to start the process all over again in the following year’s new (34th legislative) session as a new bill. |
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.
 |
Anneliese Roberts Chief of Staff Anneliese.Roberts@akleg.gov 907-465-5025 |
 |
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 |
|
