On Wednesday, the Senate passed its version of the operating budget. The House did not concur with the changes made, and a conference committee is being appointed to resolve the differences between the House and Senate budgets. The conference committee’s version will likely blend together ideas from both versions, and then it will go back to the House and Senate for a final vote before it goes to the Governor for final approval.

We’re working hard to get the budget finalized – it’s now in the Senate for hearings and deliberations. Thanks to all of you who have voiced your thoughts and concerns on the budget throughout this session. You can still send written comments by emailing the Senate Finance Committee at finance.committee@akleg.gov

After many hours of deliberation on the House Floor this week, the House passed its version of the operating budget. It now goes to the Senate for consideration. I am hoping that they maintain full funding of education like the House, and prioritize public safety, and maintain the House’s addition of prosecutors. While some cuts were made, I believe the House budget protects our economy from significant private and public job losses, and provides stability to our communities.

To me, our state budget resources our mission and reflects our priorities. This week, the House Finance Committee worked through over 100 amendments to the operating budget, and today they moved the bill from committee. As with any piece of policy or legislation, there are parts of a bill you like and parts that you don’t. My priorities have been: build safer, healthier communities; create and preserve public and private sector jobs; balance the budget in a way that protects critical state services; strengthen educational opportunities for all Alaskans; and help to stabilize Alaska’s economy so businesses will invest in and grow Alaska.

While the nation watches our elite university basketball teams tip off, here in Juneau we’re following the “brackets” of legislation. There’s wins and losses in the two bracket system as bills are heard in committees in the House and Senate and move closer to the finish line, which is the Governor’s desk.

I hope you’re all feeling well. I unfortunately was out sick for the first three days of the week. Thankfully we are blessed with incredible technological support and coverage of the legislative process, so I was able to watch and stay caught up on committee hearings. It’s been a busy couple days back.

I am getting many comments on the governor’s proposed budget. Thank you for reaching out! I know it is difficult with the uncertainty laid out in his budget proposal, but please know that I and many legislators are gravely concerned. We are working to pass a budget that doesn’t drastically cut state jobs, keeps our ferries running, and provides a quality education for our children, among other important priorities.

Well, this was a big week in the Alaska Legislature. On Wednesday, the governor released his proposed FY2020 budget, and on Thursday I was pleased to see the House organize with a bipartisan coalition.

Tuesday marked my third week on the job being your representative to the Alaska Legislature. I am not pleased that the House is still unorganized, but know that I am working daily to form a durable House organization that can 1) govern effectively and 2) adhere to the values and priorities I’ve heard from many of my neighbors: great education for our children, improved public safety, reliable and efficient public services, and a robust and perpetual PFD.

Things have been busy this week at the Capitol as I’ve been meeting with constituents, community groups, and working towards a House organization.
Governor Dunleavy addressed the House and Senate on Wednesday. I’m glad he has expressed that public safety is a priority, and I anticipate seeing more details in his budget and legislation of how he plans to carry that out.