Whatever Remains Must Be the Budget
May 21, 2021
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We're officially in overtime. With a down-to-the-wire finish Wednesday, we adjourned the regular session.

The only things left are the budget and a long-term fiscal plan. The latter is impossible before the August special session, so what remains is...
Thank U, Next
We finished the regular session Wednesday, gaveling out a few seconds before the midnight deadline. We gaveled in to the first special session Thursday morning.

The budget passed both the House and Senate before our photo finish Wednesday. But in two very different versions. Now the whole shebangoperating budget, capital budget, mental health budget, and PFDare in a conference committee for negotiation.

When the conference committee report comes back, we can't amend it. You vote it up or down, so there had better be a deal good enough to get 3/4 of both the House and Senate, or things get ugly. Remember a couple of years ago when college-bound Alaskans got letters saying their Performance Scholarships wouldn't be paid? Stay tuned.
Sens. Kawasaki, Revak, Begich & I talk before the budget debate on the Senate floor.
Lightning Strikes Twice
Remember last week when the U.S. Senate unanimously pressed 'pause' on some federal rules so Alaska can have a partial cruise tour season while Canada is closed? This week the U.S. House passed it unanimously too.

That means there’s real hope for some ships this summer. We might be talking about one ship a day in August and September. But with fully vaccinated passengers and crew sailing under the CDC’s special rules, our neighbors who make their living serving tourists can stay COVID-safe. And they won't have to try and survive two full years without customers.
The People vs. the PFD
So why didn’t we finish the budget during the regular session? Late-breaking rules on how to use federal COVID relief funds didn't help. But the big reason this year was the big reason since 2017: the PFD.

The Senate passed a roughly $2300 dividend Wednesday night. That’s more than we can afford. The debate about it got weird, too. There was a lot of talk about ‘the people versus government.’ That makes as little sense as ‘the people versus the PFD.’

The Alaska Constitution starts out "We the people," just like the U.S. Constitution. But ours goes farther just two sections later: "All political power is inherent in the people. All government originates with the people, is founded upon their will only, and is instituted solely for the good of the people as a whole." To paraphrase Walt Kelley's Pogo: "We have met the government and he is us."

Paying for government means paying for essential services Alaskans count on. Schools, troopers, ferries, biologists, and the PFD are all ‘for the people.’

Rather than propose either cutting those services or raising any taxes, those who voted for the very large PFD decided to fund it by spending about 7% of the value of the Permanent Fund this year. They argued the markets are up, so the cash is handy. But if you burn through more than 5% in the good years, you won't have enough value to use 5% in the lean years. Pulling out 7% this year means the real value of the Fund won't stay permanent.

Because the House version of the budget deferred the PFD question, the size of this year’s check is up for debate this special session. Any number between $0 and $2300. I support a PFD Alaskans can count on. But we need one our grandkids can depend on, toowithout shutting down what Alaska's people need from our government.
Speaking during debate on the budget.
Where They Stand - or Sit
With regular session over, most bills are frozen in place until January. Here's where the bills I sponsored stand now:

  • SB 37 would give teachers & public employees the choice to earn a pension.
  • Status: In the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee

  • SB 65 protects Alaskans' health care by clarifying our laws so your provider can keep getting the best information from their colleagues.
  • Status: Passed the Legislature
  • Ready for Governor's signature
  • Special thanks to my UAS intern, CJ Harrell, who worked on this bill!

  • SB 76 gives service-disabled veterans the same free trapping license we provide for senior citizens.
  • Status: Moved out of Resources
  • Now in the Senate Finance Committee

  • SB 79 helps you deal with abandoned vehicles dumped on your property 5 months faster.
  • Status: Passed the Legislature
  • Ready for Governor's signature

  • SB 115 creates an address confidentiality program to protect survivors of domestic violence and members of law enforcement.
  • Status: In the Senate State Affairs Committee

  • SB 121 sets low enough standards for PFAS chemicals in drinking water to protect health. It also limits new PFAS contamination.
  • Status: In the Senate Resources Committee

  • SJR 9 urges the federal government to temporarily pause federal laws so we could have a shot at a cruise season while Canadian waters are closed to large ships.
  • Status: Passed the Legislature
All my best,
Did someone forward you this newsletter?
Did you fall into it through the series of tubes? Want more?
Events & Happenings Around District Q
Juneau New Worlds
Wearable Arts 2021 is almost over! "Intergalactic" has just a few events left. Don’t miss out! 

Juneau Theatre in a Park!
Prophecies, royals, and bloody ambition: Theater Alaska is hosting Shakespeare’s Classic Macbeth. It’s free for all ages playing in a park near you until May 23rd!

The Classics in Juneau
Juneau Jazz and Classics is back! In-person and virtual concerts abound in this seven-day event – starting May 24th. Join in the fun and listen to some world-renowned artists here in Southeast!
 
Juneau Maritime Festival
Juneau’s 11th Annual Maritime Festival is happening June 19thit’s a great way to catch up with neighbors, enjoy live music, delicious seafood, and much more. Free and open to all ages!

Haines Motorcycle Rodeo
The Ugly’s of Haines and the Panhandlers MC invite everyone to see some hot wheels and enjoy some BBQ cooking. Happening Memorial weekend May 29th – 31st!
International Relay
The Kluane Chilkat International Bike Relay is going virtual this yearride between one and eight of the 30-kilometer legs. Do it individually or by team. Complete the challenge between June 12th-20th!

Skagway Tonight Only!
The one and only Taylor Vidic is back at the Red Onion in Skagway for one night only tonight (May 21st) with special guest Kelsey Riker! Tune in and don’t miss the fun.

Think Skagway
Skagway invites you to join them Memorial Day Weekend (May 28th -31st) to hike the trails, camp in Dyea, catch a yoga class, or forest bathe. Replenish for the year ahead. 

Klukwan Taking Pride
Chilkat Indian Village is hosting a clean-up MONTH that started on Earth Day and continues until May 31st. Pick up litter big and smallIt’s not too late to make Klukwan extra clean from this long winter!
Is there an event in our district I should know about? Please call or email!
Snail Mail?

Alaska State Capitol
Room 419
Juneau, AK 99801

Call:

800 550 4947
907 465 4947


Contact My Staff,
the people who power my work:

Edric Carrillo
907 465 6419

Cathy Schlingheyde
907 465 6827