Operating Budget Update

Hello again from Juneau! We are getting closer to the 100 day mark and it's clear now 120+ day session is in the cards. This week we finished our work on the Operating Budget (HB 39) and we passed and advanced the budget to the other body. If you were watching (via Gavel to Gavel) the floor session, you know that the budget passed along straight caucus lines.

During debate, I rose on the floor to explain why I would be a no vote. While there are a number of important items in this budget, I couldn't support this bill because it relies on a deficit of over a half billion. As crafted, it requires drawing nearly 25% out of our dwindling savings account (CBR). In addition to the deficit, this budget did not include support for what I view as top priorities for the families of Fairbanks including, early childhood education, a permanent BSA increase, solutions for the childcare crisis, efforts to slow the rising costs of housing and energy, and fixing the retention and recruitment crisis suffered by our schools and public safety institutions. While the budget ignores our greatest needs, it still requires a huge draw from our savings. I know that we can do better and craft a budget that meets many of these priorities and still pays a large and sustainable PFD, one that can be paid out for generations.

I will say it again. My priorities have not changed since I was sent here to represent you. I will continue to advocate for solutions to the childcare crisis and for teacher retention & recruitment problems. I will advocate strongly for a significant boost in the BSA with inflation adjustment. I will continue to advocate for Fairbanks families, and especially for those who are having a tough time making ends meet given the high energy and housing costs. And finally, I will continue advocating for responsible resource development in our state--development that generates good paying local jobs.

Representative Dibert with honorable members of the House Resources Committee, listening to public testimony on HB 95, the Tier III waters act.

A former student of Representative Dibert, Mackenzie Englishoe. She spoke eloquently in opposition to HB 95.

Emerging Leaders Visit the Capitol

Tanana Chiefs Conference Emerging Leaders group visited the Capitol a few weeks back. While they were here, they met with legislators, observed floor sessions and committee work, and participated in public testimony. For more information on the Emerging Leaders and to apply for the program or the youth advisor council, look here.

Tanana Chiefs Conference Emerging Leaders program visiting the Interior Delegation

Public Testimony Update

Thank you to all who have given public comment on bills and issues that you are concerned about. Alaskans being part of the public process is what democracy should look like. No matter your opinions, legislators need to hear from citizens. Remember, as this session progresses, you can track Upcoming Public Testimony Opportunities. New to testifying? Review these Tips for Testimony. Check in with the Fairbanks LIO if you have specific questions regarding public testimony. Of course you can also send emails to the respective committees, to individual legislators, or submit public opinion messages through the AKLEG POM page. You can text a bill number (eg. HB65 or SB52) to: 559-245-2529 to enroll in text alerts. You will then receive an enrollment confirmation and subsequent updates as well as instructions on how to stop receiving the alerts if you so choose.

Testimony Opportunities:

On Monday 4/24 at, 8am, there are opportunities to make your voice heard on education bills. If you have an opinion on these pieces of legislation, please dial in at: 844-586-9085 or walk in to your local LIO (the Fairbanks LIO is located at 292 Sadler Way # 308, across from Home Depot). If you call, tell the operator that you want to be routed to House Education for testimony on HB 105, HB 106, or HB 111. These testimony schedules are subject to change so always check the committee links to confirm.

* HB 105 On Monday 8:00am (this is the third public hearing)

Fairbanks visitors Shondiin Mayo and Sarah Obed

Representative Maxine Dibert with Laura Norton-Cruz after viewing the film,

"At Home / In Home: Rural Alaska Childcare in Crisis," which Laura wrote and produced.

Childcare Crisis

Alaska's families and its workforce are hurting. Childcare problems were made worse by the pandemic and our families, especially working moms, are really struggling to find suitable and affordable childcare. Many Fairbanks constituents have let it be known that they are facing a true crisis. Clearly not enough licensed childcare providers are available across the state, and those providers that do exist have huge waitlists and are unaffordable to many. These problems are compounded in rural Alaska. Watch the poignant short film: "At Home / In Home: Rural Alaska Childcare in Crisis," and see the tragic realities for yourself. I am committed to working hard to find solutions to these shortages and to this crisis.

Representative Dibert visiting with the Alaska Regional Coalition (ARC)- ARC is comprised of four Alaska Native regional non-profits and one regional tribe. They are a consensus organization that supports state policy where their mission and programs intersect with state government, i.e., health and social services, education, rural public safety, child welfare, tribal recognition and compacting, natural resources, and regional budget equity. They represent 100 communities and approximately 65,000 constituents.

From the Desk of Commissioner Munoz at the Department of Labor & Workforce Development:

The Commissioner writes:

Employment and training services are available through the Alaska Job Center. Alaska’s Job Centers can help you overcome barriers that may have prevented you from finding sustainable, rewarding employment.

At an Alaska Job Center, you have access to the following at no cost:

Aptitude, skill, and interest assessments
Funding for training and support services using state and federal grants with ongoing case management
Occupational skills training
Short-term training to upgrade or enhance your current job skills
Apprenticeship opportunities with key trades
On-the-job training with private employers
Relocation assistance for full-time permanent employment
Support services during training or to obtain/maintain employment
Workshops to enhance your job search, resume, and cover letters
Resource rooms that provide easy access to computers, copiers, fax machines, and phones
Internet access to current jobs listings that exist locally, statewide, and nationwide
Assistance from trained staff with your job search activities

Referrals to Community Partner Services for:

* Adult education and GED services

* Young Alaskans age 14-24

* Mature Alaskans Seeking Skills Training (known as MASST for workers age 55 and older)

* English language learners

Our programs are for everyone! We also have programs specifically for people exiting incarceration, youth transitioning out of foster care, Veterans, people experiencing disabilities, Alaskans whose industry has been impacted by an economic downturn – such as the cancelation of a commercial fisheries opener, and more!

If you are interested in learning more about job training, and the free resources that exist to help you find or advance in your career, contact the Fairbanks Job Center at (907) 451-5901, or in-person at 675 7th Avenue, Station B.

Representative Dibert with Cathy Munoz, Commissioner of Labor & Workforce Development

Legislative Update

My bill, HB 147, "An Act relating to teacher certificates for retired teachers."

Will be scheduled for first hearing in Labor and Commerce this next week. If you have thoughts on this bill, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am looking forward to my first hearing. I will update folks on the time and place for any public hearing or invited testimony that may be scheduled.

My Legislative Bill Sponsorship Update

I am currently sponsoring the following bills:

Prime Sponsorship:

HB 147 RETIRED TEACHER CERTIFICATE

Cosponsored Bills

HB 28 ACCESS TO MARIJUANA CONVICTION RECORDS

HB 44 CULTURAL EDUCATION PROGRAM

HB 46 CHILD CARE PROVIDER COLLECTIVE BARGAINING

HB 56 CONTROLLED SUB. DATA: EXEMPT ANIMAL

HB 65 INCREASE BASE STUDENT ALLOCATION

HB 78 AK COMMUNITY HEALTH AIDE APPRECIATION DAY

HB 89 DAY CARE ASSIST./CHILD CARE GRANT PROGRAM

HB 93 LUMBER GRADING PROGRAM

HB 136 REJECT COMPENSATION COMM

HB 163 FAFSA RAFFLE

HB 167 MINORS IN FACILITIES OUTSIDE AK

HCR 1 JOINT TASK FORCE: LABOR, RETENTION, TRAIN

HJR 4 HONORING THE ALASKA-KOREA RELATIONSHIP

HJR 9 CONST AM: PERMANENT FUND; POMV;EARNINGS

HJR 11 ADDRESS AIR POLLUTION IN FAIRBANKS

Representative Maxine Dibert with Emily Anderson of the Alaska Wild Salmon Center

The Polaris Building Demolition &

Debris Removal Project is Underway!

After years of neglect by the owners and an eventual takeover by the City of Fairbanks, the Polaris Building, a blight on downtown Fairbanks, is finally coming down! The work on taking down the annex will begin very soon and that site will then be used for staging to take down the main structure. The main tower demolition will begin next October, with hopes that the site will be clear by the new year. All parties including the federal government, the City of Fairbanks, and the State of Alaska are working to finalize the demolition project and remove the remnants once and for all. I had a chance to thank Mayor David Pruhs for his focus on the issue this past week here in Juneau.

Mayor David Pruhs meeting with Representative Dibert this week

regarding the demolition of the Polaris Building in Downtown Fairbanks

Rally for Alaska's Future and Student Learning

Hundreds of Alaskans came together on the Capitol steps this past Thursday to show their support for raising the Base Student Allocation for our schools.

Given the input my office has received to date, it is quite clear that most Alaskans support a permanent increase to the Base Student Allocation. The huge majority of public testimony heard so far has urged the legislature to take bold and substantive steps to save our schools and help our communities by increasing education funding inside the BSA. As one education leader was heard saying: "Thursday’s rally was another example of the power of our collective voices and action." Alaskans marched and chanted and sang so that the legislators inside the building could hear their voices loud and clear!

We sang:

"Education built the nation,

increase the Base Student Allocation!

Pass this legislative test

and give our kids the best"