May 17, 2017

The Coalition working for you

NEWS: Lawmakers Must Use the First Special Session to Focus on Alaska’s Fiscal Future

May 17, 2017

Juneau – The First Regular Session of the 30th Alaska State Legislature ended tonight with clear differences between the Alaska House Majority Coalition and the Alaska Senate Majority on the need for a comprehensive fiscal plan to address the ongoing recession and the $2.7 billion budget gap. Both majority organizations wanted the ten-day extension allowed for in the Alaska Constitution, but the House Republican Caucus refused to provide enough votes in favor. In response, Governor Bill Walker is calling the Alaska Legislature into a Special Session to start on Thursday.

NEWS: Alaska Legislature Passes Update to Criminal Justice Reform

May 17, 2017

Juneau – Today, the Alaska Legislature continued ongoing criminal justice reform efforts by passing a bill containing vital improvements and clarifications to recent statutes. Senate Bill 55, carried in the House by Representative Matt Claman (D-Anchorage), is the next step in a process that began four years ago during the Parnell administration when Alaska began actively reevaluating the way we handle crime.

NEWS: Legislation to Improve Foster Care System and Implement Caseload Standards Passes the Alaska House of Representatives

May 17, 2017

Juneau – Today, the Alaska House of Representatives passed comprehensive legislation sponsored by Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) to improve Alaska’s foster care system. House Bill 151 establishes new training and workload standards for case workers in the Office of Children’s Services. Lower caseload levels are widely recognized to lead to better outcomes for children and families. HB 151 has broad support from children’s advocacy groups and adopts national best practice standards.

NEWS: Alaska Legislature Honors the Late Rep. Al Adams by Naming the House Finance Committee Room in His Honor

May 17, 2017

Juneau – The members of the Alaska House of Representatives and the Alaska State Senate have voted unanimously in favor of a resolution dedicating the House Finance Committee Room in the Alaska State Capitol to the late Representative Albert “Al” P. Sikkiagruk Adams. House Concurrent Resolution 13, sponsored by Rep. Bryce Edgmon (D-Dillingham), moved through both the House and Senate in just two days.

NEWS: Alaska House Passes Legislation to Protect Wolves Adjacent to the Denali National Park

May 17, 2017

Juneau – Today, the Alaska House of Representatives approved legislation to prohibit wolf hunting and trapping in two areas adjacent to Denali National Park and Preserve. House Bill 105, sponsored by Representative Andy Josephson (D-Anchorage), seeks to ensure healthy wolf populations so that park visitors can see wolves in the wild.

NEWS: Alaska House Responds to Increased Vessel Traffic in the Bering Sea

May 17, 2017

Juneau – Tonight, the Alaska House of Representatives responded to increased vessel traffic in the Bering Sea by passing a resolution sponsored by Representative Dean Westlake (D-Kiana). House Joint Resolution 19 urges the Governor of Alaska and the congressional delegation to include Arctic Marine Safety Agreements in international agreements with Alaska’s coastal neighbors. Arctic Marine Safety Agreements can include additional spill prevention measures and vessel monitoring requirements.

Contact Info:
Graham Judson Press Secretary
(907) 465-5284
120 4th St, Juneau, AK 99801