Juneau – Earlier today, House Bill 81, which expands the list of eligible entities who can apply for loans from the Alaska Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund (AEERLF), passed the Alaska House of Representatives by a vote of 35-1.
The pace here in the Legislature has picked up considerably with only a little over a week to go. With the passage of the operating budget from both houses, and establishment of the operating budget Conference Committee, we are now under the 24 hour rule which means committees can schedule bill hearings with 24 hour notice. We have also started having floor sessions into the evening, working our way through bills and resolutions. Some major pieces of the “end game” are in play including the capital budget, the education bill and the natural gas pipleline bill. There is still some question about whether we will be able to complete our work before the statutory session deadline of April 20th.
Today Rep. Pete Petersen (D-Anchorage) was awarded a Soupy Award for his work to pass legislation to ensure that children with autism can receive the treatment they need. Soupy Awards are given annually by Stone Soup Group, an Alaska nonprofit that helps families of children with special needs, to recognize businesses, individuals, and organizations that have made a difference for children with special needs.
