Dear Neighbor,

The House Education Committee will be hearing HB 65, the bill to increase the Base Student Allocation formula funding for education. Now is your chance to weigh in with public testimony, Tuesday 3/21, beginning at 5:15 PM. Call 907-563-9085 and ask to testify on HB 65. Or, call toll-free at 844-586-9085.

If you can't make Tuesday's hearing, you can also email public comments to committee members:

• Co-Chair Rep. Justin Ruffridge - Rep.Justin.Ruffridge@akleg.gov
• Co-Chair Rep. Jamie Allard - Rep.Jamie.Allard@akleg.gov
• Rep. Mike Prax - Rep.Mike.Prax@akleg.gov
• Rep. CJ McCormick - Rep.CJ.McCormick@akleg.gov
• Rep. Thomas McKay - Rep.Thomas.McKay@akleg.gov
• Rep. Rebecca Himschoot - Rep.Rebecca.Himschoot@akleg.gov
• Rep. Andi Story - Rep.Andi.Story@akleg.gov

Child care continues to be a focus of committees I'm on. Rep. Julie Coulombe’s HB 89, which I co-sponsored at introduction, had its first hearing Monday. HB 89 would increase the income threshold for families to accept subsidies for child care. This proposal is in line with many states that have made similar changes already, and it stands to improve access to funding for child care by expanding eligibility.

HB 46, which recently passed Labor and Commerce, is scheduled for its first hearing in Health & Social Services Committee on Tuesday 3/21. I'll let you know when both bills are scheduled for public testimony next.

Rep. Armstrong’s non-discrimination bill HB 99, of which I’m a cosponsor, has its first hearing in Labor & Commerce on Friday this week. This bill has would give state-wide protections to LGBTQ people and families for the first time. Anchorage and Juneau already have these protections in local code. I hope we can move this bill out of committee quickly.

Thank you to everyone who emailed, called in, and attended in person to support my bill, HB 90, to set the Permanent Fund Dividend at $1000. The 1982 formula that paid out dividends for 30 years is no longer sustainable in the current fiscal environment. My bill would ensure we can fund services and a PFD long into the future.

Do you need help paying your utility bill in Anchorage? For older Alaskans, Anchorage Aging & Disability Resource Center can help. Funds are available to pay a variety of utilities including gas, electric, water & wastewater, heating oil, & propane. You can call 907-343-7770 for more information.

Zack

Representative Zack Fields - House District 17

Serving Downtown, South Addition, Forest Park, North Star, and Fairview