Three Down, One to Go

September 20, 2021

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The third special session is over. So what's next? You guessed it - the fourth special session. Read on to find out what we did and what's still left.

PFD Take Two

First the good news: we passed a PFD. The House and Senate agreed on an $1,1100 PFD and the governor signed it into law. That's a relief, since he vetoed the PFD we passed in June, hoping to force a bigger one. The bill also restores some other essential funding the governor previously vetoed, including for public health nursing and Alaska Legal Services.

So what about the other pieces of the fiscal plan? Nothing else passed yet. We (finally) debated some pieces of the fiscal policy on the Senate floor, but there’s still a lot of work to do. The fourth(!) special session will gavel in on October 1 to take up the continuing debate on fiscal policy. As always, please reach out to my office with your thoughts and ideas. It’s really helpful.

"Sine die" usually means the legislature is done until January. In this case, it's until 10/1.

Stalled Out

So what happened with that healthcare bill? Remember late in the special session the governor introduced one to help hospitals staff up and to give Alaskans access to tele-health. The Senate tacked on a bunch of riders. The House Health & Social Services committee sent a good, clean version to the House floor (which largely matched the version the governor introduced). But just like on the Senate floor, the House tacked on amendments that make it harder for overstressed Alaska hospitals to safely provide care. Ultimately, those cause the House to send it back to committee.

It’s extremely frustrating we couldn’t get some basic help to exhausted, overloaded Alaska health care providers. Doubly so as case counts ride in the red around the state. On that note: I urge you to please get vaccinated. Even the governor is urging Alaskans to get vaccinated now. One of the COVID vaccines even has full FDA approval now. They're safe and effective. Please get it.

Road Trip!

Juneau’s done a great job putting in electric vehicle charging stations. The rest of the state is lagging behind (for a mix of valid reasons and inertia.) Unless the infrastructure is in place, it won’t be practical for most Alaskans to have an electric vehicle. This interesting proposa l from the Alaska Energy Authority would be a good start.

All my best,

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Events & Happenings Around District Q

Juneau Jazz and Classics

Fall Music Festival

Check out this in-person, live music event Sept. 29-Oct. 2. You’ll be serenaded by award-winning professional jazz & classical musicians! (If you don’t see Judy Carmichael, you’ll probably regret it forever!)

Spruce Root Work Readiness &

Soft Skills Workshop

Looking to change jobs? Learn new skills to advance in the one you have? Check out this workshop from Spruce Root. Sign-ups are due by Oct. 13.

Orange Shirt Day

Come learn about and remember indigenous children forced to attend boarding schools. Join us at 5:30 pm Sept. 30.

Capitol Tours

Our awesome friends at the City Museum are back giving FREE tours of the Alaska State Capitol! Learn about the buildings proud history and stop by my office (Rm 419) to say hi!

Haines Backcountry Games

Show off your skills during the Backcountry Games on Oct. 10. Part highland games, part Alaska wacky, it’ll be fun for competitors of all ages!

Skagway Pirate Day

Arr ye’ ready?! Its “International Talk like a Pirate Day” Sept. 19 – check out “Mango Languages” using your Skagway library card to get fluent!

Juneau Capital Brewfest

The 9^th Annual Brewfest hosted by Rotary is Sept. 25 – it’s a community favorite. Don’t miss out on local/statewide craft brews, food vendors, & supporting Rotary’s charitable work.

Juneau Heat Smart

From Sept. 15-Oct. 15 you can win cash prizes and more! All you have to do is fill out this survey about “Thermalize Juneau” to bring affordable heat to the capital city.