Dear Friends and Neighbors,

On Tuesday, my colleagues and I convened the 2nd session of the 34th Legislature in Juneau. This year, the legislature is focusing on the budget, natural gas pipeline, election reform, and education. Governor Dunleavy’s proposed budget has a $1.8 billion dollar deficit, and my colleagues and I are looking at ways to close that gap and balance the budget.

During a second session, bills that were introduced last year are still up for consideration - and more bills are being introduced. Read more details below about the issues in front of us this year.

I want to hear from you!

Last month, I mailed neighbors of East Anchorage my annual constituent survey. Thank you to those who have already mailed and submitted survey responses. Please feel free to submit responses online at SenatorBill.org or mail us back the hard copy through February 22.

Save the Date! Please join me, Rep. Ted Eischeid, Rep. Donna Mears for a Senate District K Townhall on Saturday, February 7, at 2:00 PM. This will be held at STREAM Academy, located at 7801 E 32nd Ave, in Anchorage.

SB 113 Veto Sustained

A joint session was held this week to consider overriding Governor Dunleavy’s veto of SB 113, my bill to modernize Alaska's corporate tax structure to ensure out-of-state corporations pay Alaska, instead of their home states. This bill would not cost Alaskans anything, would not raise corporate tax rates at all, and would actually help Alaskan businesses.

Unfortunately, the override failed by a vote of 35 to 25. Per the Alaska Constitution, 45 votes were necessary to succeed. My speech is linked in the above video. It was shocking to me that a commonsense bill, passed by 36 other states with conservative support, failed to get the support necessary to bring up to $65 million in funding that could have paid for reading grants and career/technical education programs.

With a $1.8 billion deficit, I think we should be looking for revenue from outside tech billionaires before we take more money from Alaskans' PFDs or start a sales tax. It doesn't make sense to tax everyday working Alaskans like you before we modernize our corporate income tax structure. I will continue working on this issue.

Energy Priorities

The liquified natural gas (LNG) pipeline is one of the biggest energy projects in the world that could cost up to $80 billion to build. I want to make sure Alaskans are getting the maximum value out of our natural resources to the benefit of all Alaskans. As a member of the Senate Resources Committee, I am also reviewing ways to reduce high-energy costs for you, our community, and our businesses. 

Meet my staff!

Left to right: Maxine Laberge, David Dunsmore, myself, intern Phoebe Pepper, Mercedes Colbert, and Tatum Buss

Community Councils

Scenic Foothills Community Council's next meeting is Thurs, Feb 5, 6:30 to 8:30 PM, in person at Congregation Beth Sholom (7525 E. Northern Lights) and Zoom. Learn more here.

Russian Jack Community Council's next meeting is Wed, Feb 11, 6:30 to 8:30 PM, in person at the Village Rec Building (4430 Reka Dr) and Zoom. Learn more here.

Northeast Community Council's next meeting is Thurs, Feb 19, 6:30 to 8:30 PM, in person at Creekside Park Elementary Gym (7500 E. 6th Ave) and Zoom. Learn more here.

Please feel free to drop me a line via email, Facebook, or phone (465-2435). The Legislative Information Office has staff available to the public during session, but do reach out to us to schedule a meeting if you find yourself in Juneau through May. Keep an eye out for more townhall opportunities in the district.

Warmly,