The Alaska State Legislature has officially gone back into session, and I am excited to be down in Juneau again to work on the important issues facing our State.
Fairbanks – Representative David Guttenberg (D-Fairbanks) will host a constituent workshop Saturday focused on efforts to build a better broadband network in the Fairbanks area.
I’ve heard from many of you that you’re unable to get sufficient internet access. In response to language I put in last year’s budget, the Regulatory Commission of Alaska is holding a special public meeting to solicit public input on the state of broadband in Alaska. Please take a moment to call in tomorrow morning at 9:00am or email the RCA with your comments.
Open enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace is open until December 15, 2017. Rates have gone down this year and financial assistance and extra savings are available to many Alaskans who qualify. If you have questions or need assistance with the enrollment process, call 1-844-PLANSAK, or visit www.getcoveredalaska.org.
Late last night, my colleagues and I in the Alaska State House passed SB 54 after 3 days of amendments, 13 hours of public testimony and six days of work in Finance Committee. The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Coghill, now returns to the Alaska State Senate to agree on the changes.
Late Monday night around midnight the House passed SB 54, which was designed to fix SB 91, the crime and sentencing reform omnibus bill passed by the Legislature in 2016. I am glad that SB 91 was passed and for the most part it does what it was supposed to do. Although, in some areas we may have gone a bit too far. Overall, I believe that these bills will reduce crime and make Alaska a safer place.
On October 24th, I sent out notice for public testimony on Senate Bill 54, Crime and Sentencing. Thank you to those who were able to testify. There is another chance to testify today, Monday, October 30, from 5-9 PM this time in the House Finance Committee.
House Finance will be hearing SB 54: Crime and Sentencing tonight, the bill focuses on amending SB 91: Omnibus Crime Law & Procedure by providing judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement with more tools. If you want to know more about SB 54 and how it will help Alaska, go to the FAQ here.
