It was great to visit with so many Fairbanks neighbors and friends this week in Juneau as they advocated for their priorities, including early education, local government support, smoke-free workplaces and the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Between meetings, I have been working to ensure that we get our goals accomplished and adjourn on time.
Today marks day 39 of session and the close-out of our budget subcommittees. I chair the University of Alaska, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED), and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) House Finance Subcommittees.
I want to hear from you, so I can serve you better in the Alaska Legislature! Come for a legislative update and have an opportunity to discuss issues and ideas on how we can improve services for our neighborhoods and state.
The budget process during session begins with a host of Finance Subcommittees each taking responsibility for a particular department and Governor Walker’s proposals for their funding. After weeks of combing through the department’s various divisions and their programs and services, the subcommittee can make recommendations of its own, through adoption of amendments to the governor’s funding plan. Once those recommendations are complete, the subcommittee “closes out”—forwarding a summary of its work to the full Finance Committee and then closing down for the year.
One of the best parts about session are those weekends that I get to go home to see you! Tomorrow, Saturday, February 24th, Senator Begich and I will be in town to host a constituent meeting and a pizza party for….
The past week has marked highs and incredible lows for our state and our nation. As finance subcommittees continue steady progress toward a budget, discussion in Juneau has turned to how to prevent future tragedies like the shooting in Parkland, FL. During her address to the legislature, U.S. Senator Murkowski acknowledged the need to have tough conversations about gun violence. My office is taking a lead in these discussions and the House Judiciary Committee will be considering a gun violence protective order bill next week.
