Hello again from the Capitol. It is a very active time in Juneau as the Legislature enters the final weeks of the 2019 session. Of course, the big issue is the Fiscal Year 2020 budget. It is still too early to project what the final budget will look like as much work remains before we get to that point. I will continue to update you in future Capitol Reports.
Next steps for the budget
The Senate is expected to receive the House’s version of the budget bill (HB 39) by mid-April. Once it does, HB 39 will undergo further debate by the Senate Finance Committee, before going to the floor for a vote by the entire Senate.
With Senate amendments to the budget highly likely, differences between the two bodies’ versions of HB 39 will need to be ironed-out by a conference committee comprised of three Senators and three Representatives. Ultimately, this compromise plan will be the budget that is transmitted to the governor. We hope to conclude this process by mid-May.
Public comments welcome
Throughout the process, Alaskans will have the opportunity to offer direct input on the budget during the Finance Committees’ public testimony periods.
Please contact the Legislative Information Office (LIO) near you for more information on the Senate and House Finance Committees’ hearing schedules.
- The Cordova LIO can be reached at (907) 424-5461.
- The Homer LIO can be reached at (907) 235-7878.
- The Kenai LIO can be reached at (907) 283-2030.
- The Kodiak LIO can be reached at (907) 486-8116.
Senate Bill 61 on the move
The Senate Finance Committee passed SB 61 out of committee on Monday, April 1. The bill would allow the Commercial Fishermen’s Fund (CFF) to pay the full deductible, up to $5,000, when a claim for benefits is made to both the CFF and private Protection and Indemnity policy insurance.
The CFF was created in 1951 to provide for the care of sick and disabled fishermen working in Alaska’s fishing fleet.
SB 61 is currently in the Senate Rules Committee, its final stop before a Senate floor vote.
For more information on SB 61 and any of my personal legislation, please contact my office.
Board of Fisheries appointments
The governor has made two appointments to the Board of Fisheries with connections to Senate District P.
Marit Carlson-Van Dort of Anchorage, a former legislative staffer, has many years of experience in salmon seining. She currently serves as director of external affairs for NANA Regional Corporation and has several relatives in Kodiak.
Currently an Eagle River resident, Gerad Godfrey has deep roots in Kodiak, including more than a decade of commercial fishing in the area. Gerad has worked for Afognak Native Corporation since 2009, recently becoming the vice chair on the board of directors. Previously, he was Governor Walker’s senior policy advisor on rural affairs and served for many years as the chairman of the Violent Crimes Compensation Board.
Kodiak Town Hall Meeting
Thanks to the City of Kodiak, the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce and to all who joined me and Representative Louise Stutes, R-Kodiak, on Saturday, March 30 for a town hall meeting on the budget in Kodiak. I appreciate hearing from you.
Cordova Town Hall Meeting
I will be joined by Representative Stutes in Cordova for town hall meeting on Friday, April 12, also focusing on the budget. We are still working on some of the details, but we expect the meeting to run from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the City Council Chambers, or a nearby location.
Tracking the Alaska Legislature
You can follow the work of the Senate on the Internet at: alaskasenate.org/2020
The site provides information on the majority’s goals and membership.
Alaska’s public television system produces Gavel Alaska, which broadcasts live and recorded coverage of floor sessions and committee hearings. The programming is also on the Internet at: 360north.org.
AlaskaLegislature.tv offers live coverage of meetings from all of the Capitol’s committee rooms. This service is provided by the legislature.
You can also access information on any bills and resolutions introduced during the 30th Alaska Legislature through the Bill Action and Status Inquiry System (BASIS) on the Internet at: akleg.gov/basis.
Dial 211 for assistance
Alaska 2-1-1, operated by the United Way, offers free and confidential information on legal assistance, health care, energy assistance, parenting help, child care, veteran services and more. To take advantage of this service, just dial 211, or call 1-800-478-2221. You can also access their web page at alaska211.org.
Contact Information
You can reach me in the Capitol at 1-800-821-4925. E-mail me anytime at: sen.gary.stevens@akleg.gov.
Thanks as always to Senate District P’s media for helping me keep you informed on the Legislature’s work this year, and to you for reading this edition of the Capitol Report.
