“It’s remained the same for years, how can you purchase the same service when you can’t pay for them?” she asked.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
Story also mentioned her intention to push for legislation that would switch the state’s current 401(k)-style defined contribution retirement to a hybrid defined benefit plan, which she said is both an affordable action and necessary one.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
“We’re not retaining people — we can afford this, it’s affordable to return to it,” she said.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
Some other priorities she outlined included increasing public safety opportunities for behavioral health and addiction, child care assistance and pupil transportation cost.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
Local sweets and salmon<\/strong><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t Each of Juneau’ three lawmakers had distinctly different spread of holiday foods and drinks. While Story was offering an assortment of meats, cheeses and other staples in a room across the hall from her office, Rep. Sara Hannan on the second floor arguably had the most impressive local sustenance with one staff (a former baker) serving up a chocolate mousse while a large smoked salmon also graced the table.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t “I expected to know everybody who showed up in the doorway,” Hannan said, occupying a space only a few doors down from the House Speaker’s office. “I have been happily surprised to meet so many new friends, a lot of them who’ve said it’s their first time visiting the Capitol building.”<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t Clarise Larson \/ Juneau Empire \n State Rep. Sara Hannan talks with constituents outside her office in the Alaska State Capitol during the Juneau legislative delegation’s holiday open house Thursday afternoon.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t She focused more on Christmas chatter than legislative lingo during the day than her colleagues, but still has her wish list for the new year and beyond. Mentioned first was reviving a tax on vaping products, the only form of tobacco in Alaska not taxed, which passed the Legislature last year but was vetoed. She said she is more optimistic about it becoming law during the coming session.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t “We’re going to talk more about the cost of not doing it,” she said. In addition, focus will be directed on the revenue it generates since “the governor for four years was saying we don’t need more revenue. Now the governor is saying we need more revenue.”<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t Aside from the buffet spread, the most imposing impression of Hannan’s office tour might have been her desk which happens to be at about chest height for the average person. Aside from it needing to be that high to get the best view out the window of downtown Juneau and the fjords beyond, she said she prefers a standing desk when possible.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t “I can’t sit in a chair all day,” she said, noting it’a carryover from her days as a teacher when being in a classroom meant always being on her feet. Plus “on the House floor you have to sit. In committee meetings you have to sit.”<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t Among the familiar faces who greeted Hannan was Duff Mitchell, managing director of Juneau Hydropower and commander of American Legion Auke Bay Post 25, who kept his chatter to offering well wishes to her and Juneau’s two other lawmakers for their efforts in issues ranging from veterans’ affairs to fighting a capital move.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t “It’s just a chance to say thanks for all you do,” he said.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t Fried foods and finances<\/strong><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t Sen. Jesse Kiehl is celebrating the holidays knowing his status and maybe, for a few days, his cholesterol level are rising.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t He spent the open house with his staff greeting visitors at his fourth-floor office, which he’s about to vacate by moving up<\/a> — literally and legislatively — to a fifth floor because of a new appointment to a seat on the Senate Finance Committee. While his current office has an impressive view of the Douglas landscape, the scenery from his new digs will be both more wild and more homely.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t![\"Clarise](\"https:\/\/www.juneauempire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/31391016_web1_Hannahgroup1.jpg\")
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