February 17, 2023

Dear Friends and Neighbors:

Yesterday it was an honor to celebrate Elizabeth Peratrovich Day. Elizabeth Peratrovich’s legacy continues to inspire all of us and I was grateful for the opportunity to celebrate her with fellow legislators and community members in Juneau.

Valentine’s week included meetings with stakeholders from the rapidly growing mariculture industry, the Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education, labor union leaders, and Juneau- and Sitka-based foreign exchange students. It was an honor to meet with so many people this week and I look forward to continuing to learn from stakeholders and constituents alike in the months to come. As always, our office will find time for any constituent who is able to make the trip to Juneau – please call ahead if you’re planning a visit so we can set up a time for a meeting!

Committee meetings were double time this week with the usual standing committees (Education, Community and Regional Affairs, and Fisheries) and the addition of budget subcommittees (Department of Education and Early Development, Corrections, Public Safety and Fish and Game).

You are always welcome to email me at rep.himschoot@akleg.gov, or call my office at (907) 465-3732, with a question, suggestion or concern. I am eager to hear from my friends and neighbors in District 2.

Visit with me in Sitka this Saturday!

I look forward to catching up with my friends and neighbors in Sitka this weekend.

I will be at the Highliner Coffee Shop on Saturday, February, 18th, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Please stop by to chat!

Resolution Addressing the Wild Fish Conservancy Lawsuit

Thanks to excellent testimony and letters of support from Craig to Yakutat, HJR 05, ALASKA FISHERIES; TROLL FISHERIES, was heard and moved from committee during the House Fisheries meeting on February 14, 2023. It is rare for a bill or resolution to move from committee during the first hearing and it is a powerful statement that my colleagues on the House Fisheries Committee all supported the resolution with a “Do Pass.” Next the resolution goes to the House Floor for consideration and then on to the Senate. I am hopeful that both the hearings on the resolution and the resolution itself will continue to bring attention to this critical issue for Southeast Alaska and the state as a whole.

It should be mentioned that the legislature is following in the footsteps of municipalities, non-profits and businesses across the region, from Hoonah to Port Alexander, who have passed resolutions and written in support of the troll fishery, and generously donated to the legal defense fund for the trollers.

House Coalition Press Availability

On February 14, the House Coalition held its first press availability. I joined the Coalition leader, Representative Calvin Schrage (Anchorage) as well as Representative Dan Ortiz (Ketchikan), and Representative Maxine Dibert (Fairbanks) to discuss the priorities of the House Coalition. For the coalition, education is top of the list, with an increase to the Base Student Allocation our utmost priority. The House Coalition is also committed to addressing some of the deferred maintenance needs of school facilities, funding pupil transportation, increasing childcare options, and supporting early learning and career technical education. In addition, my colleagues and I discussed the need for a long term, durable fiscal plan that provides both government services and a sustainable Permanent Fund Dividend. I look forward to your input regarding the House Coalition priorities.

Exchange Students

As a former exchange student, and host parent, it was an honor to introduce AFS exchange students on the floor and hear from them over pizza in my office. The AFS exchange program is always looking for host parents. To learn more visit the AFS website at: https://www.afsusa.org/host-family/.

What You Can Do

Host an exchange student!

See the information above.

Apply to be Appointed to a State Board or Commission

The Governor’s Office of Boards and Commissions is always looking for new applicants to fill vacancies on state boards and commissions. Serving on a board or commission is a great way to contribute your expertise and be part of the public process. Visit the Office of Boards and Commissions website to learn more.

Watch the House Education Committee Meeting on Monday to Learn More about Three Important Education Bills

On Monday, February 20^th, at 8:00 am the House Education Committee will consider three bills.
HB 9 ADD FACULTY MEMBER UNIV BOARD OF REGENTS
HB 31 AK PERFORMANCE SCHOLARSHIP; ELIGIBILITY
HB 65 INCREASE BASE STUDENT ALLOCATION

If you are interested in any of these pieces of legislation you can watch the meeting live at 8:00 am on Monday or view an archived recording following the meeting. Please note that the committee will not be taking public testimony on any of these bills on Monday.

Follow the Legislature and Comment

You can always monitor the legislative calendar for hearings that might interest you. If there is a bill you care about, you can submit written testimony to members of the committee hearing the bill, or contact the Juneau Legislative Information Office or the legislative information office in your community to give verbal testimony.

If there is a bill or resolution you want to follow, you can get an email update every time action is taken on the legislation with the Bill Tracking Management Facility.