I didn’t mean to scare you with an “alert”. All is fine. Sort of. We have worked with Finance Committee Chairs to make it easier for you to testify on the budget. Here are a few budget facts for your consideration:
This isn’t my usual “Southeast Spotlight” newsletter (that will be coming to you in the next couple days). Instead, I wanted to send a quick heads up about an additional opportunity to testify on the operating budget. After expressing concerns that many Alaskans would be unable to testify during the scheduled times due to work obligations, I am pleased to report that the Committee Chair will be providing additional opportunities to testify by telephone in the evening hours
Additional time has been added to accommodate more public testimony on the Operating Budget. There will be a Statewide Off Net call in on Thursday, March 5th from 6:00 – 9:00pm. This meeting time will be for anyone that wishes to testify in any area of the state who did not previously testify. Please call 465-4648 or 465-6258 for the call-in phone number.
Everyone in the Legislature understands that the budget is the most important issue that we will consider this year. We are now 44 days into the 90 day legislative session, and you now have the opportunity to exercise your right to be heard on the budget. The Legislature is in the process of making tough decisions about government programs and services, the level at which we will fund programs and changes, and how to continue a strong state economy. Hearing from you about your thoughts and suggestions about the budget is always helpful as we continue to discuss and make decisions about the budget.
Dear Neighbors,
This week the House Finance Committee will be holding public testimony on the State Operating Budget. Anchorage has its own time slot scheduled for tomorrow. If you would like to share your concerns this will be your chance to be heard.
This week the House Finance Committee will be taking testimony on the state operating budget. I serve on three Finance subcommittees which passed recommended budgets for the University of Alaska and the departments of Revenue and Labor and Workforce Development. The Finance Committee has compiled the department budgets into one budget and will be taking testimony from across the state this week. Now it is your turn to make your voice heard on the budget. The Finance Committee will be taking testimony from Fairbanks from 1 to 4 pm on Wednesday (March 4) at the Fairbanks Legislative Information Office at 1292 Saddler Way.
