I hope everyone has been having a good summer so far. Who can believe we’re more than half way through August!?! And that school started today!?! After those special sessions in Juneau, I am glad to be back home in our great community.
Late last Saturday night, the House and Senate formed a compromise on HB 111 to eliminate cash credits to oil companies. The House passed the bill by a vote of 33-6 and Senate passed it 18-0. After weeks of negotiating, the bill is estimated to save the state about $200 million per year by ending the cash subsidies retroactively to July 1, 2017 over 10 years. With some limitations, companies can instead claim tax deductions when they start producing oil.
In observance of the holiday, my office will be closed on July 3rd and 4th. I wish you a happy and safe Fourth of July!
It’s been a very exciting couple of weeks here in Juneau! As the chair of the House Education committee, I’ve been deluged with visits by students, parents, school board members and superintendents from every corner of Alaska.
Nothing about my first legislative session has been “normal.” I came to Juneau to fill the seat vacated by the passing of Rep. Max Gruenberg, my first day of work was a 20 hour budget floor session, and now we are on day 116 of a 90 day session as we are working to fill in a $4B deficit. I expect that the legislature will make headlines with some historic decisions in the coming weeks, but today I want to update you on a few key issues.
This Saturday, February 28, I will be returning to Anchorage to host my annual constituent meeting and legislative update at the Elim Café. I hope you will be able to join me for snacks, refreshments, and interesting conversation. Your thoughts and concerns will provide me with the guidance I need to better represent you in the Alaska Legislature.
This past week Governor Walker began the process of making good on his campaign promise to accept Medicaid expansion and help provide coverage for vulnerable Alaskans. As many of you know I, along with many other individuals and organizations, have been out-spoken supporters of Medicaid expansion and I could not be more pleased with the actions of our new Governor.
The budget continues to be the largest driver this legislative session. Every department is being carefully scrutinized, and legislators are asking tough questions about the effectiveness of each program. I am taking a common sense approach and looking for cost savings for the state. Please let me know if you have thoughts or suggestions regarding the budget or any other issue.
