As we work our way through session, we have been fortunate to be able to visit with many constituents and advocacy groups. Thank you to those of you who have contacted us and come by our office. We appreciate hearing from you. Here’s where we find ourselves on the 35th legislative day.
Juneau – On Friday, Representative David Guttenberg (D-Fairbanks) filed legislation to celebrate the achievements of the peony industry by declaring the month of July to be Alaska Peony Month.
Juneau – Today, the Alaska House of Representatives passed legislation sponsored by Rep. Adam Wool (D-Fairbanks) to expand the popular Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge in Fairbanks. House Bill 70 passed by a vote of 37-1 and now goes to the Senate for consideration.
Juneau – Legislation to overhaul Alaska’s seldom used and outdated Code of Military Justice was introduced today in both the Alaska House and Senate. A recent non-partisan legislative research report detailed shortcomings in the Alaska Code of Military Justice and found that the leadership of the Alaska National Guard was largely unaware that the Code even existed. The legislation is sponsored by Senator Bill Wielechowski (D-Anchorage) and Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition Leader Chris Tuck (D-Anchorage).
Juneau – A new legislative research report requested by Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) shows that public education funding will fall behind inflation next school year, under either the GOP’s three year plan passed last year, or the Governor’s proposed revisions. A number of school districts will likely cut teachers and other educational staff under both proposals. These cuts come on top of the loss of over 600 staff in Alaska’s largest school districts in fiscal years 2011-2014.
