Representing Juneau during the 26th Alaska Legislature has been an honor.

Our victories came in numerous packages. Nearly $70 million in direct capital appropriations, no hearings on capital move legislation, a new Alaska Class ferry, passage of legislation that will end federal litigation with the cruise industry leading to a direct revenue stream of $5 per passenger in state fees for Juneau, resolution of correctional officer contracts, and passage of numerous legislative priorities.

Landmark Energy Legislation includes funding for emerging technologies, development of alternative energy infrastructure, a Southeast energy fund, statewide energy policy and $250 million in AHFC bonding for energy efficiency upgrades for public buildings.

Although we had unanimous support in the House, the Mental Health Trust building failed to clear Senate Finance. We did, however, secure $5 million for planning and design of a new Juneau State Office Building – location to be determined.

While progress was made on state retirement policy, several legislators desired an analysis of the five year period following passage of SB 141 which established the new defined contribution system. I have asked Legislative Counsel to initiate a cost comparison analysis, and I will continue to work for fair retirement compensation, and funding for area-cost differentials.

Successful sponsored and co-sponsored legislation: tax credits for postsecondary educational infrastructure investments, expansion of Medicaid nursing home and in-care services for low income senior citizens, nurses over-time bill, professional student exchange incentives, gun rights legislation, establishment of the Southeast State Forest, postsecondary scholarship, strengthening of the Initiative Process with better financial disclosure, funding for Alaska Youth Courts, and establishment of the Arctic Policy Task Force.

Thank you for all of your calls, emails and letters. I enjoy working with you, and appreciate very much the opportunity to serve my hometown community. I will follow up with a mailed newsletter with a more thorough review of the past legislature’s accomplishments.

Sincerely, Cathy Munoz

Capital Budget List.pdf (38.63 kb)