Week thirteen of the Alaska Legislature. Reduced-price meal bill moved out of committee, the budget is moving, and a number of actions are expected next week on the Floor.
Week twelve of the Alaska Legislature. The operating budget is on the House Floor, school nutrition bills are heard, and more food bills are scheduled for hearings next week.
Week eleven of the Alaska Legislature. The operating budget passes out of finance, an ag land leasing bill is heard, and there were several fisheries items of interest.
Week ten of the Alaska Legislature. Fisheries product tax and farm tax assessment bills move out of committee, RHTP reso passes the House.
Week nine of the Alaska Legislature. A cold start to spring, and we’re over halfway done with the AKLeg session!
Week eight of the AK Legislative session
Week seven of the AK Legislative session, with more budget public testimony next week in House Finance
Week six of the AK Legislative session and a slew of new bills introduced
Food is basic infrastructure. This was a key message to our legislators. As important as roads and runways, food security is critical for a thriving state. And while a lot of good work has been done, there is much left to do.
Access to affordable land is one of the biggest hurdles facing farmers nationwide. In Alaska, this is magnified due to the limited quantity of land that is acceptable for agricultural production. Creating a workable leasing system for agriculture would lower barriers for new farmers, support existing farms in expanding, and help keep Alaska-grown food affordable.