The two items on the call for this special session are the governor’s payroll tax proposal and SB 54 making adjustments to criminal justice reform. Both bills will be heard in House Finance this week and next.
Before heading to Juneau for this special session on crime, I wanted to experience first-hand what it’s like to have boots on the ground in Anchorage’s streets, working to protect the public safety. It is important to learn from our front-line officers who are burdened with the additional responsibility as a result of the recent uptick in crime.
Around our state, crime is on the rise. People feel scared and that fear is warranted. As a father of three, public safety is my highest concern. I know you’ll agree with me that quick action is needed to find solutions that protect our families and our neighbors. Everyone deserves the right to feel safe in their community. And we need to protect victims and individual rights.
Juneau – The House Health and Social Services Committee will hold a hearing Thursday afternoon related to the Alaska Legislature’s ongoing efforts at criminal justice reform. Specifically, the committee will examine the implementation of provisions in last year’s omnibus crime bill to reinvest savings into resources to help those struggling with substance abuse.
We are on day three of the 4th special session and I wanted to remind constituents that they can follow committee meetings and download committee documents at akleg.gov by looking under the committee tab and selecting either the video or the document tab.
