While it appeared that spring had arrived in Juneau, there is now fresh snow at the base of the mountains, which does not bode well for spring here in the Capital City. However, for those who enjoy outdoor winter activities, the recent snowstorm in Anchorage probably means you can enjoy these activities a little longer.
7:30 to 8:30 p.m. – Committee members will hear from residents of Anchorage and other communities. Anyone who was unable to participate in an in-person hearing over the weekend should travel to the Anchorage LIO to provide testimony.
The House of Representatives organized in February and legislation has been actively moving through the House. I am the Chair of the House Special Committee on Military and Veterans’ Affairs, Co-Chair of the House Labor & Commerce Committee, and Vice Chair of the House Judiciary Committee. I am also a member of the House State Affairs Committee and the Joint Armed Services Committee.
Reminder! Hope to see you Saturday!
The House has elected Speaker Bryce Edgmon (Dillingham) and we are full steam ahead. As a member of the House Bi-partisan majority (8 Republicans, 2 Independents, 15 Democrats), I look forward to working with our coalition to support a full PFD, improve public safety and protect education, health care, seniors and veterans.
I’m back in Juneau and though the House is not yet organized (that means we have not agreed on leadership or committee chairs), I am encouraged by the act of consensus shown last week. We elected Rep. Neal Foster (Nome) to serve as our Speaker Pro Tem which then allowed us to swear in Rep. Sharon Jackson, the new member from Eagle River. This example of compromise is the first step towards completing the organization of the House.
Merry Christmas and happy holidays! May this special time be spent with family and friends, and celebrated in good health and good spirits.
I also want to wish you a happy New Year! I am looking forward to a positive year, and a productive legislative session.
Anchorage – Today, Representative-elect Zack Fields (D-Anchorage), Rep. Andy Josephson (D-Anchorage), Rep. Geran Tarr (D-Anchorage), and Rep. Gabrielle LeDoux (R-Anchorage) announced they would pre-file legislation for the upcoming 31st Alaska State Legislature to address the significant increase in vehicle theft across Alaska. Last year the rate of vehicle theft spiked by nearly 40 percent compared to 2016. The pre-filed legislation will require mandatory minimum jail time of at least 120 days for vehicle theft, with lengthier sentences for aggravating factors.
