From Juneau to You! February 14, 2020 ‌ ‌ ‌ Session: Capitol Building Room 417 Juneau, AK 99801 (907) 465-4930 Interim: 1500 W Benson Blvd. Room 328 Anchorage AK 99503 (907) 269-0174 Legislative Update As we approach the halfway mark of February, I want to update you on some of the work I have been up to this Session. One of the most important tasks that we have as a Legislature is to work for the good of Alaska and pass a responsible budget that includes support for education from Pre-K to the University of Alaska (UA), a robust ferry system, a sustainable PFD and protects Medicaid and other services for our most vulnerable Alaskans. As we build toward the final product of the operating budget, I will continue to serve on three Senate finance subcommittees: Health and Social Services Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development Labor and Workforce Development Last week, I had the honor of meeting with youth from Jack and Jill of America’s Anchorage Chapter to answer questions related to my legislative priorities for this session which include creating a sustainable fiscal plan, keeping communities safe, and maintaining infrastructure. During the budget subcommittee process, I will dive into department budgets to assure that Alaskans are receiving adequate services at a responsible cost. Health and Social Services is of particular importance, as it is the largest department and contains the division of Medicaid Services. Over the past year, I have received a lot of feedback from Alaskans across the State that testified as to how vital Medicaid is to their livelihood, including a meeting I had with the Key Coalition last week. Advocating for the rights and autonomy of people experiencing disabilities, the Key Coalition explained to me the importance of the home and community-based services (HCBS). These waivers allow for recipients to receive services at home rather than in an institution. HCBS are about a third of the cost of institutionalization; however, the wait list for these services has grown from 535 in FY16 to 702 in FY19, while only 50 are drawn from the list per year. I would like to see at least 100 selected from the list in order to make sure that people experiencing disabilities and their families are able to live the rewarding and fulfilling lives they deserve. During this session, I will also continue to serve on my regular Committee assignments: Labor and Commerce Community and Regional Affairs Special Committee on Railbelt Electric Systems Labor and Commerce is sometimes referred to as the workhorse of the Committees, but I serve one of the most dense commercial districts in the State, so I enjoy the work. Many of you have reached out to me about the possibility of new revenues this year, so it is fitting that the first bill Labor and Commerce heard this year was SB 50, “Employment Tax for Education Facilities.” This legislation is based on the annual employment head tax that was collected to fund schools from 1919 to 1980. At the time of its repeal, it was $10 per person which is now equal to $30 today. The tax would be collected from the first paycheck of the year and is deductible from an individual’s federal income tax. The revenues generated are estimated to be about $13 million per year and are specifically designated to pay for the growing maintenance and construction needs of Alaska’s schools. Although these generated revenues are rather modest, the needs of our 14 schools in District I are substantial, and these funds would be warmly welcomed. Toward the end of last year’s session, I was assigned to the Special Committee on Railbelt Electric Systems. Currently, the Committee and its counterpart in the House, are considered legislation that reflects the Regulatory Commission of Alaska’s (RCA) 2014 recommendations to improve effective and efficient electrical transmission among the six interconnected utilities in the Railbelt Region. This Legislation would create an “electric reliability organization” which would write and enforce common standards for safe and reliable operation of the interconnected utilities. There are still fine details that are currently being ironed out, but the bottom line is that this legislation could go a long way toward making Alaska’s energy more affordable and cleaner. Last week, the Governor put forward his supplemental budget request, which totaled $262 million. About $128 million is to go to Medicaid to cover the cuts that the Administration made without federal authorization and $110.5 million is to go for the cost of last year's forest fires and the cost of this year's expected fires. There is also about $12 million for the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) which is critical infrastructure to not only coastal Alaska, but to the many other stakeholders that rely on the goods and services that are delivered by the ferry system. Although the supplemental budget often goes overlooked, this year's high amount is a testament to how important it is to pass a realistic and responsible budget, rather than make cuts that cannot truly be achieved. Bettye Davis Room Today, I had the honor of carrying HCR 12 on the Senate floor which dedicates Capitol Room 106 as the "Bettye J. Davis Committee Room." Senator Davis was an amazing advocate for education, children, and Chaired the Health and Social Services Committee that meets in the room now named in her memory. I am so excited to see the Legislature honor the legacy of a true stateswoman and mentor. Please stay tuned for the celebrations that we have planned to mark the occasion over the next few months in both Juneau and Anchorage, including the Second Annual Bettye Davis African American Summit which is taking place this year on Feb. 29th at Bartlett High School from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Constituent Meetings On February 22, I will be in Anchorage for the town hall meeting known as the Anchorage Caucus, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Loussac Library Assembly Chambers, 3600 Denali St. After the Anchorage Caucus meeting, I will be at another event from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Anchorage Legislative Information Office with my District I counterparts in the House, Representatives Harriet Drummond and Andy Josephson, as well as Representative Matt Claman. On March 7th, I will hold a constituent coffee at Black Cup, 341 E Benson Blvd. from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Come enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, my treat, and share with me what you would like to see in the Legislature. Real ID announcement It is expected that there wait lines in this fall will be especially long, so I recommend getting your Real ID earlier. For more information, visit: [link removed] I’m Senator Elvi, always..... “Representing Your Interests!” ‌ ‌ ‌ Jacob Tatum Chief of Staff Phone: 907-465-4930 [email protected] L. Keith Bauguess Legislative Aide Phone: 907-465-4930 [email protected] Megan Lukmak' Warren First Alaskans Fellow Phone: 907-465-4930 [email protected] Alaska Senate Democrats | Capitol Building, 4th Avenue & Main Street, Juneau, AK 99801 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | About Constant Contact Sent by [email protected]