With the 2018 session just around the corner, I’d like to make sure we have a chance to connect before I head back down to Juneau. Next Thursday, please join me for a discussion with state and local business leaders regarding Alaska’s economic outlook, as well as a chance to discuss your priorities for the year, face-to-face.
I hope this holiday season finds you well. I am looking forward to spending quality and peaceful time with family and friends in the coming weeks, while appreciating just how lucky we are to live in the greatest state in the greatest nation on earth.
After the 4th special legislative session gaveled in Monday, the House Judiciary Committee immediately took up SB 54, a bill to modify some provisions of criminal justice reform policy enacted with 2016’s SB 91. The committee took many hours of public testimony on Monday and Tuesday evenings and also consulted with experts from the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Law, and the Alaska Criminal Justice Commission.
This year I introduced HB 236, which would extend the Senior Benefits Program to the year 2022. Without action, modest monthly cash assistance to low-income seniors would end in June of 2018. Learn more about the bill and the program online here under the documents tab.
Yesterday, the legislature called itself into session, quickly passed the capital budget, and adjourned. I will go into detail on the capital budget and talk about my vote on it in a forthcoming e-newsletter, but I mostly wanted to remind you about our first “Gabbing with Gabby” of this year.
It’s that time of year again! I will be back home in Fairbanks this weekend and I want to see you and hear your ideas about the budget, education, and other important issues facing the Legislature. On Sunday (March 20), I will be holding my second annual Pad Thai and Politics lunch from 1 to 3 PM at Lemongrass Thai Cuisine (388 Old Chena Pump Rd) in Chena Pump Plaza. We had a great time last year, and this year should be even better! I will be providing Thai food, and I hope you will bring your ideas and concerns (and of course your appetite!).
The countdown is on to the end of session. The budget remains the largest issue for the Legislature this session. In this newsletter, I have included the final results from our constituent survey. Thank you to all who responded! I hope everyone has a great Passover and Easter weekend. And please be sure to vote in our local election!
Thank you to everyone who attended my Constituent Pizza Party last weekend with Senator Costello and Representative Vazquez. It was great to reconnect with many West Anchorage friends and neighbors. With 24 days left in the 90 day legislative session, we have lots of work ahead. The conversations from last weekend will help guide many of my decisions as your representative in the weeks ahead.
