Sitka – The Alaska State Council on the Arts (ASCA) and Representative Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins (D-Sitka) are pleased to open public voting for Alaska’s Artistic License.
First off, I want to wish everyone a Happy Easter! Secondly, the agenda for this e-news is: an update on fisheries bills, followed by some Kodiak and Yakutat student artwork, and finally an update on budget issues.
Greetings from Juneau this 77th day of session. Our coalition remains committed to working toward a fiscal solution that is fair and balanced for all Alaskans, is sustainable over time, and addresses the whole deficit. The finance committee put in many hours this week working on HB 115, the State Revenue Restructuring Act. Thank you to everyone who participated in the second round of public testimony. It is clear that many Alaskans have put time and energy into understanding the issues and solutions facing our state. The work continues today and tomorrow as we address technical and policy amendments.
Greetings from Juneau this 63rd day of session. Last week the House spent the majority of our time on the floor debating the budget. 134 amendments were submitted; in the last 15 years we have seen no more than 32 floor amendments to the budget. A few of the amendments were adopted. Many of those that failed were proposed cuts to budget allocations without acknowledging the effect the cuts would have, such as reducing substance abuse services.
JUNEAU – The Alaska Young Democrats and the Canvas invite you to the 32nd annual charity fundraiser, The Sham Jam, on Saturday March 11th at 8:00 p.m. at the Canvas Art Studio at 223 Seward Street, Juneau.
JUNEAU – Are you a kindergartener with an eye for color? Are you a professional artist looking for opportunities in an unusual medium? Are you an Alaskan looking to gain fame and recognition in both visual art and vehicular transportation?
The budget and the legalization of recreational marijuana continue to be big themes this legislative session. The Legislature is waiting for Governor Walker’s detailed budget so we can start discussions and make decisions about program funding. Look for a survey in your mailbox that asks questions like, “What should be the Legislature’s top priorities in funding governmental services?” In the meantime, feel free to call or email me with your comments and suggestions.
I’m excited to announce a hearing on the coastal management initiative. Read below for more information.
I’m also including links to a couple of guides for you – one for citizen participation in government and another of frequently called numbers.
Thank you for reading my newsletter. I enjoy hearing from you, so please stop by the office, call, write or email.
