SPECTRUM: Reporting back from the special session

As you’ve probably read, the House and Senate concluded their work on SB 54 and our colleagues in the Senate adjourned sine die. However, the House Majority has chosen to “run out the clock” for no other apparent reason than to be obstructionist and waste further state dollars in the form of additional per diem for those members who’ve chosen to remain. After the Senate took its course of action, I happily returned home the next day.

SB 54

A heavily amended version of SB 54 passed the House on Nov. 6. In the four days prior to that, the House debated dozens of amendments. Two, of note, were my amendment #11 which would have repealed as much of SB 91 as the call for special session allowed (in order for an amendment to be germane, in this case, it must fall within in the limits of the call for special session as dictated by Alaska’s Constitution); and amendment #12 introduced by Rep. Reinbold, which increased penalties for class C felonies.

In both circumstances, the members of the Mat-Su and Chugiak-Eagle River delegations stood firmly together voting for both amendments. Unfortunately, amendment 11 failed by a vote of 13-27. What was encouraging was that four members of the House who had previously voted to pass SB 91, joined in voting to now repeal it. Fortunately, amendment No. 12 did pass. While I voted for it and believe it was a good and necessary amendment, this is the one that has caused the final version to be described as “constitutionally flawed”. There has been an argument made that the amendment, as structured and adopted, creates “due process” problems and the Alaska ACLU is planning to litigate it. The various severability clauses should protect most of the bill in the event that the courts rule that amendment as unconstitutional.

While the final version that the House voted on included some very solid amendments that went to great lengths to strengthen or improve SB 91, I didn’t believe it went nearly far enough. Because I’d heard from so many of my constituents who wanted a full repeal in order to “start over”, I offered the repeal amendment and ultimately was one of the eight members who voted against the final version of SB 54.

SB/HB 4001 – Payroll Tax

Both House and Senate Finance Committees had hearings related the Governor’s proposed employment or “payroll” tax. However, early on the Senate Majority made it abundantly clear they had little interest in entertaining a broad based tax and it became very evident that SB 54 was consuming most of the Legislature’s attention.

With approximately ¾ of the Legislature now home from Juneau, this tax has functionally died with a whimper. My position hasn’t wavered, I will not support ANY broad based tax or dividend reduction before we’ve reduced spending further.

Upcoming constituent meetings

As we near the holiday season and the end of 2017, I am working with my colleagues in the Mat-Su and Chugiak-Eagle River to arrange times when we can visit with you prior to departing for Juneau in early January. Currently, the Mat-Su delegation is considering an “Open House/Q&A” at the LIO sometime during the first week of January (likely Jan. 4th or 5th). Once I’ve coordinated with my Mat-Su colleagues and have a hard date/time/location, I’ll send a follow up email and advertise it on social media.

In addition, I’m working with all of our local governments (MSB, Cities of Houston, Palmer and Wasilla) to host a joint meeting to discuss their legislative priorities and what the Mat-Su delegation can reasonably expect in the upcoming session. The target for that meeting is Thursday, Dec.14 at the Mat-Su LIO. If we’re able to make all the necessary arrangements, the local governments will also be noticing the meeting at least 10 days prior.

Coffee with Cathy

I’ll be hosting two different coffees during December as another opportunity to hear from you before leaving for Juneau.

Saturday, Dec. 9

9 a.m.

Espresso Café – Wasilla (1265 S Seward-Meridian Pkwy)

Saturday, Dec. 16

8 a.m.

Chugiak-Eagle River Senior Center (22424 N Birchwood Loop)

Of course, you can always contact me directly to request a one-on-one meeting. I’m happy to meet with you as my schedule allows.

I always appreciate hearing from you and look forward to assisting you in the future.

Cathy Tilton is the Alaska State Representative for District 12, serving Butte, Chugiak, Eklutna, Fairview Loop and Peters Creek.