Greetings and Salutations Friends, Neighbors, and Alaskans!

Last week marked the close of the 3rd failed special session of the Alaska legislature. While both bodies were able to pass an inadequate PFD of $1,100, we are nowhere close to properly addressing the financial woes and political divides of our state. After months of hard work, the plan outlined by the bipartisan Comprehensive Fiscal Plan Working Group went largely ignored by many in the legislature to the direct disservice of Alaska’s citizens.

During the most recent special session my office submitted SJR 301 (which you can read more about below) in concurrence with the recommendations of the bipartisan Comprehensive Fiscal Plan Working Group but was unfortunately not able to get traction within the Senate Finance Committee to receive a hearing.

As we gear up for the 4th (and hopefully final) special session of the year, I want Alaskans to know that I share in their frustration regarding the lack of action undertaken by this legislature. I will continue to work through hell or high water to find a PFD and budget solution that works for all Alaskans.

Always advocating on your behalf,

Robb

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To watch my floor speech regarding the size of the dividend provided in HB 3003 click the image above.

Bill
Updates

SJR 301 CONST. AM: APPROP LIMIT - SJR 301 is a proposed amendment to the constitution that establishes and defines annual appropriation limits on state government. My office submitted this legislation as a companion to Representative Kaufman's HJR 301 and worked with the recommendations of the Alaska Comprehensive Fiscal Plan Working Group which advocated that the legislature evaluate state spending limit reform.

SJR 301 was initially based upon a five-year average of Alaska's real gross domestic product (GDP) for private industries. This proposal would set a percentage that applies to the real GDP that shall be established by law except that the percentage shall be not more than fourteen percent. Thus, the proposal provided a meaningful expenditure limitation as a constitutional provision yet allows for flexibility in the case of unforeseen risks. The proposed spending limit was tethered to the state’s private industries GDP and ensures the growth of governmental budgets regarding state expenditure that does not outgrow the private sector that it is meant to support.

In Senate Judiciary Committee SJR 301 was amended to be based instead on a five-year average of individual personal income in the state minus the PFD and the income of state and local employees. It is a different measurement, but it still ties the government to the performance of the private economy. The resolution was also amended to provided exceptions for certain large scale capitol projects in the future. SJR 301 was moved from Senate Judiciary Committee during the third special session and was held in the Finance Committee till the end of the session.

Committee Updates

Senate Judiciary Committee: the Senate Judiciary Committee met during the third special session to discus SB 53 and SJR 301.

Initially, SB 53 was a bill from the governor to calculate the PFD on the 50/50 POMV model in statute rather than in the constitution and provide for an advisory vote. We had dropped this bill a few months ago in favor of going strictly with the constitutional amendment instead (SJR 6).

With the goal of moving towards a 50/50 PFD placed into the constitution, the committee amended the law so that it reflects that rather than the current statutory formula which we haven't paid out since 2016. The committee also temporarily amended the POMV draw in the bill so that we can take a little extra to balance the state's books over the next couple of years as a new tax (or increase on an existing tax) ramps up. Rather than have an advisory vote, we tied the bill to the passage of SJR 6 so that if the constitutional amendment fails next year, the formula snaps back to the current statute, effectively switching out an advisory vote for a binding one. SB 53 was moved from Senate Judiciary to Senate Finance where the bill was drastically changed to a state which is unworkable for many in the legislature. It was tabled on the Senate floor and has not passed.

For Information on past and present bills in Senate Judiciary Committee click here.

For information on all the committees, I serve on click here.

Staff Highlight

In this edition of Robb’s report, I wanted to spotlight the newest addition to my staff Dawson Mann. Dawson is a lifelong Fairbanksan who previously worked for Senator Shelley Hughes as committee aide for Senate Community & Regional Affairs before joining our team. Dawson is also the “Mann” behind the Robb’s Report Newsletters and works the front deck in our Fairbanks LIO office.

Community Updates

FNSB Community Spotlight >>

Meet My Awesome Staff!

For further information, responses and feedback please contact my office anytime. Below you can find contact info and committee/bill assignments for each member of team Myers.

Michaella Anderson- Chief of Staff

- Senate Transportation Committee Aide
Legislation: SB 105, SB 136, SJR 301
Michaella.Anderson@akleg.gov
907-451-2212

Theresa Woldstad- Legislative Aide

-Senator's Aide for Senate Judiciary Committee
Legislation: SB 129, S B 138
Theresa.Woldstad@akleg.gov
907-451-2910

Dawson Mann- Legislative Aide

- Senator's Aide for Community & Regional Affairs Committee
Legislation: SB 90
Dawson.Mann@akleg.gov
907-451-2157

About Me

Senator Robert Myers was born in Fairbanks, Alaska. He spent much of his young childhood at the Salchaket Roadhouse which his parents owned. Growing up, Robb developed a passion for Alaska. He attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks where he studied philosophy, political science, and history. During college he drove for a tour company where he was able to share Alaska with countless people. He currently drives truck and travels the haul road frequently. He ran for office because he wants an Alaska his children will choose to make their home down the road. When Robb isn’t working, he enjoys reading, history, board games, and spending time with his wife Dawna and his five kids.

Follow me on Facebook for regular legislative and community updates.

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Office of Senator Robert Myers · 1292 Sadler Way Ste 340 · State Capitol Room 510 · Fairbanks, AK 99701-3172 · USA