Alaska House Finance members listen to a comparison of bills (HB 224, 245, 305) that would affect the Permanent Fund and its dividends, Feb. 22, 2016. Left to right are Reps. David Guttenberg, D-Fairbanks, Lynn Gattis, R-Wasilla, Bryce Edgmon, D-Dillingham, and Cathy Munoz, R-Juneau. (Photo by Skip Gray/360 North)
This week, residents around the state have the chance to tell legislators what they think of proposed cuts to the state operating budget. The House Finance Committee will hear public testimony for most of the week. Haines, Skagway and Klukwan residents can participate by phone.
Since Upper Lynn Canal communities don’t have legislative information offices, they are considered ‘off net’ sites. Testimony from off net sites is scheduled for Tuesday from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m. and Thursday from 4:15 to 6 p.m.
The Haines Public Library will have a video stream of the House Finance hearings set up from Monday through Thursday starting at 1 p.m. The library will also have a phone which residents can use to testify during the times allotted for off net sites. Public testimony is limited to two minutes per person.
To get a call-in number to participate in the testimony, call 465-4648 before 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.
For those not able to testify during the designated times, written comments can be sent to lhscfin@akleg.gov.
