Rep. Louise Stutes

I just submitted this letter as public comment for the Board of Fisheries Special Meeting tomorrow. Such consequential Board-generated proposals should not be considered in an online Special Meeting with no opportunity for oral testimony. The meeting is only supposed to last a few hours! That is not nearly enough time to consider testimony and recommendations from stakeholders and experts, much less resolve the numerous complications and complexities associated with forcing an entire fishery to switch to a new gear type mere months before the opening! This is unacceptable.

I am grateful to my colleagues in the House for unanimously passing our bill easing some regulations on patriotic organizations such as the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Veterans. These organizations are nonpartisan, not for profit organizations committed to preserving, promoting, and celebrating national pride and advocating for veterans, soldiers, and their communities. Patriotic organizations provide a unique place for soldiers, veterans, their families, and their guests to socialize by providing a community space for like-minded Alaskans. They also offer programs and activities that strengthen their communities such as sponsoring youth sports programs, advocating for patriotism and honor, promoting national security, and continued devotion to fellow service members and veterans.

Our bill (HB 363) focuses on making patriot organizations more congenial and welcoming places for active military personnel, veterans, and their guests to congregate by allowing patriotic organizations to sell alcoholic beverages to members of other patriotic organizations. It also allows patriotic organizations to serve liquor in addition to beer and wine, on premises, under a special events permit. The impetus for HB 363 came from the American Legion Post 5 in Seward, Alaska.

Thank you to the bill's co-sponsors Representative Dan Saddler, Representative Andy Josephson, and Representative Jeremy Bynum for helping to get it across the finish line in the House! Now it is headed to the Senate.

Information on the bill can be found here: https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/34?Root=hb363

Veterans of Foreign Wars VFW, AMVETS, The American Legion

It was great to spend some time with these fantastic constituents, and members of the Alaska Marine Highway Operations Board! Thank you Wanetta Ayers, Glen Gardner Jr., and Dorinda Kewan for your hard work keeping the ferry system operational!