Spohnholz Standard
Updates from Representative Ivy Spohnholz
Representing District 16 in East Anchorage including College Gate, Northeast Anchorage, Nunaka Valley, Russian Jack and Reflection Lake neighborhoods.
November 6, 2017
Rep. Spohnholz discusses amendments with other legislators on Saturday, 11/4/17.
Work on SB54 on the House floor continues today.

SB 54 makes updates to sentencing including the following:
  • allow for jail time for first time C-felony penalties,
  • increases misdemeanor penalties for crimes like shoplifting,
  • make violations of conditions of release an arrest-able offence, and
  • updates sex trafficking laws.

In the last two days, we have considered over a dozen amendments and adopted eight of them, so far, after over 18 hours of floor debate.

SB54 is an important piece of legislation that will revise some sections of SB91--criminal justice reform. However, I voted against an amendment to SB 54 that would result in a nearly full repeal of SB91 because there are many critically important parts of that legislation that are designed to prevent people from becoming repeat offenders. You can see my explanation of the important elements found in SB 91 here.

A Fiscal Plan is the Most Important Way to Protect Public Safety

Passage of SB 54 is important, but let's not forget that public safety and the law are essential government services that should be fully funded to keep our communities safe. Without resolving our fiscal situation, crime will continue to rise regardless of any work we do on SB 54 or SB 91.

I feel so strongly about this that I recently submitted a Letter to Alaskans to the Alaska Dispatch. I encourage you to read it and let me know what you think. Reach out to me anytime at (907) 269-0123 or rep.ivy.spohnholz@akleg.gov.

During this Special Session, we will be examining Governor Walker’s flat payroll tax . I encourage you to review the Governor’s proposal and send me your thoughts about it and how I should represent the District on this issue. 

I am here to work for you!

Best,
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