Keeping you informed about happenings at the State Capitol Building. Be sure to check out the photos and expand the newsletter at the bottom to see more. You may see someone you know!

SESSION UPDATE - February 19, 2024

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

No snail mail today on Presidents Day which is good timing because with the freed up few minutes you now have, you can browse two-weeks' worth of photos below (there are tons - see if you know anyone!). We prepared and scheduled our February 12 newsletter to go out to you bright and early a week ago, but due to conflicts between the newsletter service and security measures on our legislature's domain, the publication failed to send.

After a few days of figuring out the problem with our great IT team here, we determined the best solution was to switch to a different newsletter service - and we've done exactly that. We likely will have a few bugs to work out as we transition. I appreciate your patience in advance, as well as feedback on how it's working on your end.

So, today is Presidents Day . . .

Before we delve into matters in Juneau, let's think about George and Abe for a moment. Not without idiosyncrasies and flaws, these presidents were pivotal to the nation we love; that is why we honor and celebrate them. President Washington provided steady and calm leadership when the greatest experiment since the world's foundation of any government was birthed: our constitutional republic. President Lincoln strategically and wisely led us through the most tumultuous years our nation has faced: the test of the strength of our constitutional republic. Both presidents were victorious in their efforts. The leadership of each served us well at the time as they navigated the challenges before them.

As individuals, as parents, as leaders, as mentors, let us emanate their qualities, calm and wisdom, whether we are stepping into new territory or building unity where there are differences.

Emanating those qualities

I wouldn't be surprised if you're thinking at this point that those words above are certainly a good maxim for those of us here in Juneau! Yours truly does indeed strive to weave in these qualities of Washington and Lincoln in my work. Whether it's building consensus to target funding to improve student outcomes under the education formula, dispelling partisan thinking when it comes to school safety, introducing the new concept of a separate department to support and grow agriculture, forestry, and mariculture (our "surface" resources as distinguished from our subsurface resources), or figuring out how best to harness an emerging AI frontier for our benefit, not our harm, I look to the examples of these great presidents!

Kicking in now: our constitutional obligation

Based on chronically low student performance across our state (except for some wonderful pockets of excellence sprinkled in both urban and rural regions), a constitutional duty must now be met by the legislature and the state.

Very few are discussing it and are aware. The media failed to cover it when I pointed it out on the Senate floor last May or have discussed it since. You likely will be among the first to know as you read this. In a nutshell: to meet our constitutional duty, it is time for the legislature, for the state, to take a more directive role to ensure basic learning and proficiency attainment are occurring for a substantial majority of Alaska's students.

The language from the 2007 Moore v State of Alaska spells it out nicely. (I've added the highlights, italics, bold font, underlining, and capitalization for you for emphasis.)

"There is "no silver bullet" in education, and as the evidence regarding Bering Strait School District clearly demonstrated, there is a benefit in experimentation and in according to local school districts the opportunity to direct their funds in the manner that they believe will best meet the needs of students within their district, particularly given the great diversity within this state. But the Alaska Constitution sets some limits. If generations of children within a school district are failing to achieve proficiency, if a school or a district has not adopted an appropriate curriculum to teach language arts and math that is aligned with the State's performance standards, if basic learning is not taking place for a SUBSTANTIAL MAJORITY of a school's children, then the Constitution places the obligation upon the Legislature to ensure that the State is directing its best efforts to remedy the situation. Here, the evidence has persuasively demonstrated that more funding is not the answer. FOR THE STATE TO FAIL TO TAKE A CONSIDERABLY MORE DIRECTIVE ROLE IN THE FACE OF CHRONICALLY POOR PERFORMANCE … AMOUNTS TO AN IMPERMISSIBLE "LEGISLATIVE ABDICATION" OF THE STATE'S CONSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITY TO MAINTAIN PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN THIS STATE."

When you hear me insist that we target any increases in school funding to improve academic outcomes, this is why (along with the fact that I love kids and want them to be well-equipped when they graduate!).

In two days, the House is expected to debate SB 140, the education bill designed to help our students. More than 80 amendments have been drafted to the bill which currently includes increased funding to the base student allocation and pupil transportation; policy and funding changes to support teacher recruitment and retention as well as correspondence programs, and a new pathway for public charter school certification.

The debut: #1 recommendation for increasing food security

Whoa. What? Shelley Hughes is supporting this? A separate department for agriculture?? But isn't she all about right-sizing and limiting government?

Yes, folks, I am, but this is not about big, overstepping government. It's about providing more streamlined government to support the private sector under one roof instead of spread between multiple departments. It's about deliberate and cabinet-level focus to allow the ag industry to attain its potential; it's about keeping some of the more than $3 billion spent annually on food outside the state here; it's about food independence and the ability to withstand supply chain disruptions.

If we want to truly increase food security in Alaska, it is time to have this conversation. This past week, as Chair of the Alaska Food Strategy Task Force, in our presentations before the House and Senate Resources Committees on our legislative recommendations, we started that conversation, rolling out our white paper "Why a Department of Agriculture Makes Sense for Alaska". You can see the presentation of all our recommendations here and the white paper specifically about establishing a department here.

Highlight: SB 173 is not a left versus right issue

It has been sad to watch some die-hard partisan folks fall into the trap of assuming a piece of legislation is always designed to support a partisan agenda from one side of the aisle or another. My bill, SB 173 The Safe Schools Act, would save lives, period. It has absolutely nothing with being pro-gun or anti-gun. An anti-gun parent might wish no one had guns, but they still would want someone on-site to stop a deranged gunman from shooting their child. Some of the key media outlets have been misleading, biased, and purposefully divisive about the bill to appease their readership which is certainly a tremendous shame when it comes to a life-saving piece of legislation.

SB 173 was thoughtfully crafted with input from superintendents, teachers, and law enforcement. To better understand the proposed policy, please find my article about the bill below in the list of recent article links or here.

Speak up Silent Majority and Support SB 173! Click HERE or below!

If you support SB 173, please help protect our students and school employees and send a quick email to Sen.Shelley.Hughes@akleg.gov and SLAC@akleg.gov and SJUD@akleg.gov or sign the petition here. If we don’t outnumber the opposition, the bill will likely stall. Think about it: your action and you getting your friends to take action could save lives in a school shooting incident. Take a moment and take action to support SB 173!

See the YouTube channel interview on SB173 HERE or below.

Blow the dust off the dam project already!

I'm tired of short-term solutions that are getting us nowhere fast. See my new article this week, Blow the dust off the dam project already. At a later date, we'll discuss the fantastic new technology: clean-burning coal plants. Hydro and coal are the cheap energy solutions we desperately need to revitalize our economy, and they're right under our nose.

Call to action: your voice matters

If you don’t browse anything else in these newsletters I send you, I suggest you check out the bill section. There could be a bill on a topic that could significantly impact you, and your testimony could change the outcome for the better.

Too often a relatively small group of activists who call up, show up, or write, steer the ship in your state capital. The policy and budget outcomes passed in Juneau should reflect a majority of Alaskans, not just a select few. But if the silent majority is, well, silent, then the activists will have their way.

Upcoming Attractions

Be sure to tune in to our Facebook Live tonight at 6pm, where we'll delve into hot happenings and topics here in the Capitol building. My next Coffee Chat will be Saturday, March 2, 2024. Look for the flyer with details to appear on my Facebook page and in next week's newsletter.

Until We Meet Again

My responsibility to you is always front and center, whether I am on the Senate floor, drafting policy, in a meeting, out and about in our community, or communicating with you. I will strive to be available in multiple ways to hear from you and what concerns you most. I am on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at AKShelleyHughes (links at bottom of email). You can also email me at Sen.Shelley.Hughes@akleg.com or call my office (907)465-3743 (Session) or (907)376-3725 (Interim) to get in touch.

As I state on my Facebook Senator page, mention in live broadcasts, and tell many of you in one-on-one conversations, with the volume of contacts I receive daily (multiple hundreds), my staff and I work hard to read and listen to everything so I can understand what you, our district, and the rest of the state is thinking. If you would like to ensure you receive my feedback on your issue and ideas, please call my office to set up a phone call with me or come by one of my constituent meetings so we can connect in-person. Hearing your input continues to be a top priority to me!

Working on your behalf,

CLICK HERE or the image to the left TO SIGN THE PETITION TO PROTECT OUR CHILDREN AND SCHOOL STAFF IN THE EVENT OF AN ACTIVE SHOOTER!

Senator Hughes was invited to speak before the Senate Finance Committee alongside Senator Kawasaki to support the Committee Substitute for SB 170 which removes the sunset date from the senior benefits statutes. Sen. Hughes had introduced similar legislation: SB172.

Senator Hughes emphasized the importance of helping our older seniors - who are our treasure - to live with dignity and respect after a lifetime of service and work in our communities. She noted that our elderly residents are at a stage in life when they are unable to secure a job for added income. She believes that an Alaskan senior should not have to choose between keeping the heat and lights on and buying food and medicine.

Although Senator Hughes stressed the importance of family, churches, and charities stepping up to help our seniors, she indicated that some individuals don't get the help they need. She stressed that a safety net provided by the state is appropriate, unlike in some other countries where poverty stricken elders lack basic support. "This is America. This is Alaska. We support our low income seniors."

SHELLEY'S ARTICLES THIS WEEK🗞️

As Gas Shortage Looms for Railbelt…

Blow The Dust Off The Dam Project Already

📰

Previous Week's Photos 📷

Because of the technical glitches, last week's email did not go out, but we didn't want to skip mentioning any of our visitors, so here they are...

Dr. Randi Traini of the Mat-Su Borough School District stopped in to update Senator Hughes on district priorities. Inflation proofing pupil transportation would be particularly helpful considering the miles and miles of bus routes in the borough.

The option for a school to switch to a 4-day week with longer hours per day is also a requested statute change. Sen. Hughes had worked on an amendment to make this change but the accounting for PERS/TRS retirement was problematic for the Department of Administration and is yet to be resolved.

This option would allow students to miss less class time due to sports games and trips on Fridays. The schedule appeals to many teachers and students as well as would save funds, for example: one day less of bus service, janitorial service, and cafeteria service.

Remembering Tom

The following tribute was composed for the February 12 newsletter which was not distributed due to a technical glitch, so we are re-sharing it this week.

* * * * *

Speaking of determination and a come-back, my friend and former legislator, Tom Anderson, lived with that mindset. I think that is why I was so stunned and saddened to hear of his death this weekend. My heart and prayers go out for his family. He passed away peacefully with them at his side after bravely contending with an illness. A vivacious fellow, full of life and energy, Tom's time on earth was cut short at age 56.

He served four years in the Alaska House of Representatives from 2003 to 2007 followed by a few years in prison in Oregon after a federal corruption probe and conviction. I met Tom a year or two after his release when he was rebuilding his life and starting his marketing business. He came from behind, was focused and upbeat, and didn't shy away from hard work or detailed and long conversations to figure out the best path forward. I can hear him now telling a story and after weaving in some humor to his tale, his loud chuckle. I will miss him. Condolences and love to his family and all who knew him.

Senator Hughes met with members of the Mat-Su Chiefs Association to talk about the present status of fire and emergency services and priorities.

She was sure to let them know how grateful she is for the service they provide."As I've always said, we can all rest at night knowing we're in good hands due to our first responders looking out for us around the clock. They are our local heroes!" explained Senator Hughes.

Pictured (L to R) Chad Cameron, Michael Shipton, Michael Keenan, and Rich Boothby.

Patti Farren; principal of American Charter School in the Mat-Su Borough School District, met with Senator Hughes to talk about the great success of her public school. Principal Farren made the points that many low income children make up their student enrollment and that daily bus service is an important element of their charter school.

It was sad to hear public charter schools being pitted against public neighborhood schools in recent testimony on the education bill, SB 140. A recent Harvard University study put Alaska's charter schools at the top in the nation for academic performance.

While our schools overall in Alaska are struggling as evidenced by our 49th and 50th ranking in the nation in academic outcomes, we should be embracing and expanding the charter model as it is a wonderful option for many students.

Members of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, & Two-Spirit Alaska Working Group visited with Senator Hughes to talk about efforts to solve the tragic problem of missing and murdered indigenous people. The intersection of human trafficking and MMIWG2S was a main topic of discussion.

Pictured (L to R) are Kai Monture, Charlene Apok, Sabrina Dunphrey, Rick Garcia, and Heather Gurko.

Senator Hughes and staffer Stephen Knouse pictured with Megan Raanes (NASSP Alaska State Coordinator Mat-Su and Principal of Valley Pathways) attended a reception hosted by the Alaska Council of School Administration that highlighted artwork created by students across the state.

Some of the art displayed behind them in the glass case was from students in the Mat-Su. There were other student pieces (not pictured here) that were up for silent auction as well. Senator Hughes bid on a piece created by a Mat-Su student and is proudly displaying the framed red octopus in her office.

Principal Raanes also stopped by our office later in the week to visit with the senator.

AARP volunteers stopped by to discuss their 2024 priorities for older Alaskans which included extending the Senior Benefits and support of Senator Hughes' bill, SB 172.

Pictured (L to R) are Becky Stoppa, Liz Jackson (from the Mat-Su), and Teresa Holt.

Senator Hughes met with Janet Weiss (FASD and constituent), Mary Katasse, Michael Jeffery (AK PHE Partnership and former judge), and Teri Tibbett (AK Prenatal Alcohol Partnership). Discussion topics included FASD challenges and priorities as well as the recidivism reduction pilot project in Mat-Su and Homer.

Members from the Ukraine Relief Program visited with Senator Hughes to talk about the brief history of their busy organization that was formed after the start of the Ukraine-Russia war.

These dedicated women have roots in Eastern Europe, work with the war refugees who've arrived in Alaska, and have the added benefit of being able to communicate with the refugees in their native tongue.

Chaplain Nancy Campbell (left of Hughes) pastors at White Field Church with her husband alongside Larisa Fonov (left) and her husband, and happened to stop by the office when the picture was being taken.

Other members of the Ukraine Relief Program are (L to R) Zori Opanasevych, and Valeriya Parieiev.

"Thank you, Shelley for trying to be fair and give everyone a chance to share their opinion with you. No matter how much time it takes you to keep up with it all."

"Bad guys with guns are stopped by good guys with guns. Gun free zones in fact are killing zones."

"One should ask themselves, why are the school districts and teachers' union against this [SB 140] Answer: MONEY. That's all they care about. They have absolutely no interest in student achievement or choice."

"[Regarding SB173] People carry everyday everywhere else. Why only have one special designated person?"

"Why not just hand out a participation trophy to every student starting school in Alaska and call it good. It would be about the same as continually adding more money to the budget and getting no results."

"Senator S Hughes I want you to know I am 1000% behind you...I wish all states would adopt this [SB173] Bill."

"AS for the Teachers carrying, if they are Vetted to the max, why not? the place that should be most protected these days is least protected. Banks, federal offices get security but our kids do not?"

"I expect better from my elected representatives, and I won't hesitate to hold you accountable if you continue to ignore the voices of those you're supposed to represent."

"I sure don't favor an increase in BSA funding until there is some accountability and school districts are consolidated. There is too much overhead on administration."

"Are you nuts?! That's one of the dumbest and most reckless things I've seen coming out of our legislature - even from a Palmer Republican. Get a life...maybe start with a brain."

"There used to be rifle and shotgun teams in most schools. strange how when responsibility and respect were taught, there were no school shootings despite guns in school every day in the hands of kids."

"So you think we need to put amateur gunmen in schools enrolling 95+ percent of Alaska schoolchildren in case the tiny, tiny number of schools that troopers can’t reach in an hour are attacked? Ridiculous"

O P P O R T U N I T I E S F O R Y O U T O W E I G H I N T H I S W E E K

If you’d like to provide public testimony for any bill, enter the bill number (for example "HB 22") into the search bar here to learn the date and time. Scroll down toward the bottom of this newsletter or view the highlighted bill images to find the public testimony call-in phone numbers.

The following "News from Hughes Alerts" are highlighted bills for this week but please note that this is not an exhaustive list.

🖱️ Click on the image to view the referenced bill.

Click the button below to see all public testimony opportunities occurring within the next seven days.

Public Testimony Schedule

SB186

SB187

SB188

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 3:00pm

HOUSE HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE

Consideration of Governor’s Appointees:

Board of Examiners of Optometry: Ethan Arndt

Honor the outstanding volunteers in your community. Let them be recognized by fellow Alaskans for their positive contributions and impact in our state.

For details, click the image above or visit

https://gov.alaska.gov/first-lady-volunteer-awards

Check out articles from our senators as we post them, take surveys, and more by clicking the picture above.

Then check out and follow our social media platforms

for even more up-to-the-minute info!

FACEBOOK | X (TWITTER) | INSTAGRAM

Serving You in These Roles🏛️

Senate Assignments:

Senate Minority, Ranking Member
Alaska Food Strategy Task Force, Chair
Food and Farm Caucus, Co-Chair
Special Committee on World Trade
Victims’ Advocate Selection Committee
Law Finance Subcommittee

Other Appointments and Assignments:

NCSL Law and Public Safety Committee, Vice Chair
State Agricultural and Rural Leaders, National Board Member
Article V Phoenix Correspondence Commission, National Commissioner
NCSL Cybersecurity Task Force
CSG-West Canada Relations
CSG Interbranch Committee

Bills I've Filed on Your Behalf 📜

Click the bill code in green to see more details and follow the individual bill's progress online.

SB 3

Health Insurance Info; Incentives /Agreements

The bill includes the Alaska Health Care Consumers Right to Shop Act as well as authorizes Direct Primary Care Agreements in order to nudge down the cost of healthcare in Alaska by introducing competition and free market principles.

SB 9

Alaska Sunset Commission

SB 9 establishes the Alaska Sunset Commission, an independent entity charged with meticulously reviewing each state agency to make recommendations to legislature to improve the efficacy of, or disband, that agency. The agency auto-sunsets if legislature doesn't take up recommendations in bill form. S State Affairs heard SB 9 March 2023. H Ways & Means Committee filed companion HB 190 May 2023 and held a hearing on the bill this past Wednesday.

SJR 2

Constitutional Amendment: Abortion/Funding

This proposed constitutional amendment will prevent judges from ruling that statutes which protect babies in the womb are unconstitutional. A hearing request was submitted March 2023 to Senate Judiciary Chair Matt Claman.

SB 110

School/University Employee Health Insurance

SB 110 gives districts the option to participate in the state employee health plan, AlaskaCare. If passed, Senate Bill 110 could ease the financial burden of school districts and give the State of Alaska more leverage to negotiate with healthcare providers, improving services, and leaving more funds for classroom use. Senate Education hearings held April 2023.

SB 111

Rejecting Commission's Recommendation to Raise Salaries

SB 111 rejects the recent recommendation in the Alaska State Officers Compensation Commission report to raise legislators' salaries by 67%. It rejects the salary increases and provides a vehicle for changes to the compensation commission process. Hearing request submitted to Senate Finance March 2023.

SB172

Extending the Alaska Senior Benefits

This bill would extend senior benefits in Alaska for one decade to June 30, 2034 to prevent the program from expiring. Our office has submitted hearing request to Sen. Olson, Senate Finance Co-Chair. A similar bill, SB 170 passed out of Senate Finance Friday that removes the sunset date of June 20, 2024.

SB 173

Safe Schools Act

We must not wait until an active shooter tragedy occurs in one of our schools to start the policy discussion on how to protect lives. This bill requires districts to assign one or more highly trained, stable and responsible individuals to conceal-carry on school grounds and coordinate with local law enforcement. Every second makes a difference. An on-site immediate response will save lives. Hearing held Wednesday, January 24 by Senate Labor & Commerce. Expert testimony was superb. A second hearing may be scheduled within the next week or two and likely will include time for public testimony.

SB 177

Artificial Intelligence

This bill works to protect individuals from potential harm due to use of artificial intelligence by state entities, regulates personal data storage and collection, and use of deepfakes in political media. First hearing was in front of Senate State Affairs February 1st with quite a line-up of expert testimonies. Another hearing may be scheduled soon.

For Information on bills I'm co-sponsoring

Click Here

For information on all bills filed during this session

Click Here

BILLS NEED 3 READINGS

A bill can't become law unless it has passed three readings in each legislative body (Senate and House) on three separate days - unless the body hearing the bill concurs by 3/4 vote to pass it from their second to third reading on the same day.

Keep up with updates, notices, news, and photos throughout the week and live broadcasts every Monday evening at 6pm

https://www.facebook.com/akshelleyhughes

Join Shelley on Facebook Live each week to ask questions and give input.

We typically broadcast Mondays at 6:00 pm, but watch for a notification on Facebook as the day/time is subject to change.

Be sure to "like" the "Senator Shelley Hughes" Facebook page www.facebook.com/AKShelleyHughes

so you'll get a heads-up each time we air!

WATCH OUR MOST RECENT BROADCAST BELOW

& THEN JOIN US LIVE TONIGHT AT 6PM!

Alaska State Legislature web site is the place to track bills, locate and contact your legislators, and access committee information. Questions? Try the help wizard or call 1-800-478-4648.

SMS Bill Tracking! Once you know what bill(s) you want to monitor, here’s a convenient way to track what’s happening. Text any bill number (ex: SB1) to 559-245-2529 to enroll in text alerts for that particular piece of legislation. You’ll receive an enrollment confirmation as well as instructions on how to unsubscribe.

How to Get in Touch with Shelley! Give our office a call at 907-465-3743 or 800-565-3743 or send an email to Sen.Shelley.Hughes@akleg.gov. If you need assistance, want a response, or need other follow-up, please call rather than email.

Anneliese Roberts

Chief of Staff

Anneliese.Roberts@akleg.gov

907-465-5025

Stephen Knouse

Legislative Aide

Stephen.Knouse@akleg.gov

907-465-1172

Juneau Office

Mat-Su Office

(During Session)

Alaska State Capitol Rm 7

Juneau, Alaska 99801

907-465-3743

(closed while in Juneau)

600 E. Railroad Avenue

Wasilla, Alaska 99654

907-376-3725

HAVE A FEDERAL ISSUE?

Contact Alaska’s US Senators and Congressman

Lisa Murkowski - Senator

Anchorage: 907-271-3735

Mat-Su: 907-376-7665

Dan Sullivan - Senator

Anchorage: 907-271-5915

Mat-Su: 907-357-9956

Mary Peltola - Representative

Anchorage: 907-921-6675

You can watch senate floor sessions, typically Mondays and Wednesdays at 11:00 am and Fridays at 10:30 am online or on your local 360North television channel.

Best regards,

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