Hello again. As 2020 winds down and elevated numbers of Covid-19 cases continue throughout the state, we received the encouraging news that a shipment of more than 35,000 doses of Pfizer’s vaccine arrived in Alaska on Sunday, Dec. 13. Distribution of the initial batch of doses began the next day.
As you may be aware, this initial vaccine supply is limited, with first doses available to:
- Hospital-based front-line health care workers at highest risk for COVID-19 infection
- Long-term care facility residents and staff (defined to include skilled nursing facilities, assisted living homes, and Department of Corrections infirmaries providing care that is similar to assisted living)
- EMS and fire personnel providing medical services
- Community Health Aides/Practitioners
- Individuals who are required to perform vaccinations
The Pfizer vaccine requires two doses spaced three weeks apart to achieve effectiveness. Those of you who get the vaccine will receive a reminder to return for your second dose.
A coronavirus vaccine candidate from Moderna may win approval from federal authorities later this week and be available in Alaska soon after. Additional vaccine candidates are also being studied and could be headed north in the coming weeks and months.
The Alaska COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Committee will continue to categorize additional groups to receive vaccination. Hopes are that by spring enough vaccine doses will be available throughout the country for everyone who wants to be vaccinated. I assure you that vaccinations will not be mandatory, but anyone who wishes to be vaccinated against COVID-19 will have the opportunity to do so.
More information about the COVID-19 vaccine and Alaska’s distribution plan can be found at covidvax.alaska.gov.
I recommend talking to your healthcare provider if you have questions and concerns about the vaccines and their potential side-effects.
The governor’s FY 2022 budget
On Friday, Dec. 11, the governor unveiled his initial budget proposal for next year. Dubbed “a Path Forward,” the operating, mental health, and capital budget totals $4.3 billion in Unrestricted General Funds, a reduction of $294.6 million.
The budget also includes:
- $950 million in Designated General Funds
- $948 million in Other State Funds
- $4.1 billion in Federal Funding.
The proposed budget also funds K-12 education with no changes to the existing per-student funding formula; increases public safety funding by $13.5 million; funds the Alaska Psychiatric Institute to operate at full capacity; and restores school construction financing to FY20’s level.
The governor is also proposing what he calls an “Express Capital Budget” that includes an additional Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD), as well as funding to address the sexual assault case backlog; fisheries, wildlife and resource projects; construction and maintenance projects; and statehood defense.
A $300-350 million infrastructure bond proposal is also in the works. The bond is intended to provide state funding for renewable energy projects and public transportation projects. The governor hopes to bring the bond package before voters in a special election next spring.
Of course, this initial proposal is just the starting point in the budget process. Both legislative bodies will thoroughly debate the budget before it is returned to the governor. You can expect to see many changes along the way.
Throughout the budget’s development, I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure that core services important to our communities, such as the ferry system, Fish and Game and education, are treated fairly.
I welcome your input on the budget and any other matters coming before the legislature. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me or my office.
The 33rd Alaska Legislature is set for Juneau
The new legislature will convene Tuesday, Jan. 19 at the Capitol in Juneau. At this time, it appears likely lawmakers will remain in Juneau to conduct our work, with the goal of getting the budget passed in 90 days.
The Capitol is unlikely to reopen to the public until COVID-19 vaccines are readily available and distributed. However, committee meetings and floor sessions will be available through public television and the internet.
Constituent help
Senate District P’s offices remain closed to foot traffic, but we are available to assist you with State of Alaska matters. Please give us a call.
- You can reach the Capitol office in Juneau at 907-465-4925 or toll free at 800-821-4925.
- My Homer office can be reached at 907-235-0690.
- You can contact the Kodiak office at 907-486-4925.
- You can also email me at sen.gary.stevens@akleg.gov.
My interim address is:
Sen. Gary Stevens
305 Center Ave, STE 1
Kodiak, AK 99615
Thank you for reading this edition of the Interim Report. My session column, the Capitol Report, will return in late January.
On behalf of myself, my family and the Senate District P Staff, I wish you all a happy and safe holiday season.
