Dear District 18 Resident:

Things have been moving quickly down here in the Capitol this week, and I wanted to update you with some very good news and what is still left to accomplish.

First, the good news. After more than four years of working with District 18 residents and community councils around the state, HB 133 has been passed by both the House and the Senate! The House will concur today with some changes made to the bill in the Senate. HB 133 will protect our Local Road Service Areas from being swept up by the Municipality. Now, our local control of our roads will not go the same way as the police issue! I'd also like to send a big thank you to all the community councils in District 18 for their tireless work in supporting this important measure for local control through many committee hearings. Thank you!

Three other bills of importance to District 18 and Alaskans around the state are also on their way to the Governor for signature. HB 105 will require that speech pathologists are licensed and will ensure that they are providing services that are up to national standards. HB 121, my Dental Patients Bill of Rights, allows consumers to choose any dentist they wish to see, including a specialist; prohibits insurers from reimbursing care at a different rate because of the person's choice of dentist; and gives people the right to receive full information regarding their care options. HB 236 provides parity in retirement plans to part-time teachers. And HB 318 will allow those who find property on state land (that is legal for them to own), and who turn it in to the Troopers, to claim that property if the owner can't be found after one year.

We are still hoping to adjourn by the middle of next week. The major issues that have yet to be decided include the capital budget and separate House and Senate versions of a bonding bill for capital projects. The Senate has rejected the House plan to fund the University of Alaska for the next two years. However, the Senate plan to add $8.5 million to the University budget is still alive in the budget conference committee. We are also still working on the funding for state employee contracts.

As always, I appreciate your input on these and other issues before the Legislature. If you have any comments, concerns, or questions, please get in touch with me. I will be happy to assist you.

Sincerely,

Con

PRIVACY POLICY: All addresses are "blind" for your privacy. A strict "no spam" policy is observed. If you don't wish to receive "Legislative Update", just let me know. If you know a friend or neighbor in District 18 who has not received "Legislative Update" but would like to be included, I will be glad to include them if they contact me. Your replies, comments, questions, and/or suggestions are welcome. Constituent comments on legislation and policy issues may be tabulated, shared with other legislators, or quoted in speeches. Names, however, will be kept private.

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