Alaska House Majority Coalition

I never would have expected so many people would come up to me and complain about the PFD over the last year. I get it: Since the Governor is burning down our state for $600 additional dollars in a PFD, many Alaskans have turned against the PFD itself. But the reality is we can have both a healthy economy AND a large PFD...provided we generate reasonable revenue.

Vetoes, Pioneer Homes Rate Increases, and the Loss of A Colleague On Tuesday, after having taken significant actions last week, the legislature adjourned the second special session of 2019. Just yesterday, with the ball in his court, the governor acted, vetoing nearly $35 million in projects and programs from the capital budget. Along with the Pioneer Home rate increases approved by the administration this week, and the great loss of Senator Birch, it was a week for contemplation and decisions on how to move forward.

On Tuesday, August 6 at 11:59 PM, the second special session ended after the legislature voted to restore essential programs and services. On Thursday, August 8, Governor Dunleavy signed the capital budget, Senate Bill 2002, into law. But the governor included more than $30 million in line item vetoes to SB 2002, including cuts to homeless services, drug treatment, and public safety.

We lost a great Alaskan Wednesday with the passing of Senator Chris Birch. Chris and I were colleagues in the Alaska House of Representatives before he moved over to the Senate. Senator Birch will be remembered as a forceful advocate for his constituents and a man of principle. I will remember Chris for his sense of humor as we faced stressful political times. As Alaskans, we should grieve the loss of Senator Birch while cherishing his work and memory.