SB 74 deserves a committee hearing

To the editor:

I wanted to take a little time to express my frustration at what appears to be an abuse of power in Alaska’s House of Representatives. This year, Senate Bill 74 has gained ground and is now awaiting a final committee hearing before going to the floor for a full vote in the House. This bill would provide health insurance coverage for individuals diagnosed with autism.

At this point it has cleared the Senate, and not only did it receive support in the House, but more than 65 percent of House members actually signed on as cross-sponsors. Whether you are for this bill or against, the frustration is in how it is being handled.

As Alaskans, we do not want a strong central state government. “Less government is better” is the usual mantra heard. But we also do not tolerate abuse of power or the few holding power away from the rest. In this particular case, even with all the support this bill has, it may never be up for a vote. It may never even be discussed in the House.

In fact, one person — Rep. Wes Keller — is denying the bill from moving at all. I understand streamlining the process, vetting bills, etc. That is responsible government. But when a bill has passed the Senate and has the support of more than 65 percent of the House, it is the duty of the chairperson to allow the bill to be heard in committee.

Do we really have a democracy if one person can hold the voters of this state hostage? Is this what the state constitution is set up to do? Do we really want legislation dictated to us by one person?

Maybe I am wrong and maybe Rep. Keller has a plan for his constituents, but to not even allow this bill to be discussed is an unconscionable abuse of power that only serves to further erode the people’s faith in the legislative process

Rep. Keller, please do the right thing and schedule a hearing for SB 74.

Thank you for your consideration.

Seth Kelley

Big Lake