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9 hours ago

House committee hears bill to modernize Joint Armed Services Committee, add AFN and AML seats The House Special Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs held a first hearing on House Bill 382, which would update the statute governing the Joint Armed Services Committee (JASC), give the Alaska Federation of Natives and the Alaska Municipal League separate seats, assign roster management to the Legislative Affairs Agency and include a 2036 sunset for review.

A new bill aims to modernize Alaska's Joint Armed Services Committee by giving the Alaska Federation of Natives and the Alaska Municipal League their own seats, sparking a debate on representation and accountability.

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1 week ago

DMVA details search-and-rescue missions and large evacuations after Typhoon Halong; 11 declared disasters this year DMVA officials told the subcommittee the State Emergency Operations Center handled 11 declared disasters and 123 incidents this year, and that the Alaska National Guard supported large evacuations tied to Typhoon Halong, moving more than 1,100 people in staged transfers.

Alaska's Emergency Operations Center has been in overdrive this year, responding to 11 disasters and executing historic evacuations after Typhoon Halong.

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#AK #CitizenPortal #EmergencyResponse #AlaskaVeterans #CommunitySupport #DisasterManagement

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2 weeks ago

Resolution urges Congress to set veteran apprentice hiring goals on DOD construction projects House Joint Resolution 20 asks Congress to require DOD construction projects to set hiring goals of at least 10% apprentices and to ensure 10% of apprentice slots are filled by veterans; multiple veterans and union representatives testified in favor, citing workforce shortages and strong veteran outcomes in apprenticeships.

A new resolution aims to boost veteran employment in the skilled trades by ensuring 10% of apprentices on Department of Defense projects are veterans—could this be the key to solving workforce shortages?

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3 weeks ago

Rep. Louise Stutes seeks to let patriotic clubs serve members of other posts and allow spirits at events At a March 12 hearing, the House Special Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs considered House Bill 363, which would allow established patriotic organizations to serve alcoholic beverages to members of other veteran posts and permit spirits at permitted special events; supporters said the changes will aid fundraising and community programming. No vote was taken.

Rep. Louise Stutes is pushing House Bill 363 to allow patriotic organizations to serve spirits at events, aiming to strengthen community support for our veterans!

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Citizen Portal News Alaska

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1 month ago

Lawmakers press DMVA on veteran service officers and the Alaska State Defense Force Committee members questioned DMVA about statewide availability of veteran service officers (VSOs), the State Defense Force's role in disasters, and whether more operating resources are needed; DMVA described grant‑funded VSO placements and said the State Defense Force is volunteer‑based and funded during activation by the disaster relief fund.

Alaska lawmakers are pushing for better veteran service coverage and exploring how the State Defense Force can enhance disaster response in rural areas.

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#AK #RuralSupport #CitizenPortal #VeteranServices #AlaskaVeterans #DisasterResponse

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1 month ago

House Finance hears DMVA disaster funding request as Halong bills mount Department of Military and Veterans Affairs officials told the House Finance Committee they are covering Halong response costs now but will need additional state funds later this fiscal year; DHSEM said FEMA has provided about $35 million so far and the state is paying roughly $4 million per month for hoteling survivors.

As the costs from the Halong storm continue to rise, Alaska's military and veterans officials reveal the urgent need for additional state funding to support displaced residents.

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Citizen Portal News Alaska

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1 month ago

House Finance subcommittee hears Department of Military and Veterans Affairs FY27 budget overview, disaster-relief request The House Finance Subcommittee received an overview of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs FY27 governor's budget request on March 2, covering federally funded staffing requests, a veterans cemetery project outside Fairbanks with an estimated future operating need, and disaster-relief funding requests tied to Typhoon Hai Long recovery; no formal action was taken.

The Alaska House Finance Subcommittee is discussing a crucial budget request that includes plans for a new veterans cemetery and disaster relief funding in the wake of Typhoon Hai Long.

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1 month ago

Alaska committee hears bill to expand veterans’ sentencing alternatives and encourage treatment Lawmakers, court officials and veterans advocates debated House Bill 299, the Veterans Justice Act, which would create a statutory veteran sentencing program to identify veterans early, offer misdemeanor‑based treatment pathways and allow courts to set aside or reduce convictions after successful completion; witnesses praised the model but warned about resources and prosecutorial discretion.

Alaska is taking a bold step to support veterans by proposing a bill that aims to transform how justice is served, offering therapeutic sentencing and a chance to clear their records after treatment.

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1 month ago

Senate committee hears bill to expand veteran sentencing options, cites Minnesota model A first hearing on SB236 would create a Veteran Sentencing Option (VSO) to allow probation, treatment and veteran‑specific case plans up to class C felonies; supporters said it expands access where Alaska has only two veterans treatment courts, while committee members raised Miranda and equal‑protection questions.

Senator Tobin's Veterans Justice Act aims to revolutionize the sentencing of veterans by prioritizing treatment over incarceration in Alaska, making "thank you for your service" truly meaningful.

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2 months ago

House labor panel hears HJR 20 urging federal hiring goals for veteran apprentices on DOD projects At a Jan. 23 first hearing on HJR 20, Representative David Nelson urged Congress to adopt hiring goals that would set at least 10% apprentices on Department of Defense construction projects and reserve at least 10% of those slots for veterans; union and veterans' advocates testified in support.

A new resolution aims to create apprenticeship opportunities for veterans on DOD construction projects, pushing for at least 10% of the workforce to be veterans—could this be the key to smoother transitions into civilian life?

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10 months ago

Representative Rauscher's HB 17 aimed at supporting disabled veterans in Alaska HB 17 facilitates access to retirement benefits for disabled Alaskan veterans with limited employment.

House Bill 17 aims to transform the retirement landscape for disabled veterans in Alaska, ensuring they receive the benefits they've earned after their service.

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10 months ago

Texas legislators discuss extending loan protections for veterans and service members Lawmakers propose bill to protect veterans from predatory loan practices after military service.

Alaska lawmakers are debating crucial legislation that could protect veterans from predatory payday loans, a move that could reshape the financial landscape for many.

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10 months ago

Secretary Collins defends Veterans Crisis Line staffing amid Senate scrutiny Secretary Collins addresses staff cuts and backlog improvements for Veterans Crisis Line services.

Secretary Collins faced tough questions in the Senate about the Veterans Crisis Line's staffing and the ongoing fight against veteran exploitation.

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11 months ago

Alaska confronts workforce shortages with proposed universal licensure portability plan Alaska addresses professional shortages through a new proposal for universal licensure portability.

Alaska's urgent workforce shortage is prompting a bold proposal for universal licensure portability to attract skilled professionals from across the nation.

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#AK #LicensurePortability #EconomicGrowth #CitizenPortal #AlaskaVeterans #WorkforceDevelopment

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11 months ago

Alaska officials confront veteran suicide crisis amid DEA and FDA drug scheduling delays Doctors express urgency over veteran suicides linked to treatment delays for PTSD and depression.

Alaska's Senate Task Force is racing against time to tackle the alarming veteran suicide crisis linked to mental health treatment delays—can they find a way forward?

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#AK #MentalHealthCrisis #CitizenPortal #PsychedelicTherapies #AlaskaVeterans #VeteranSuicidePrevention

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11 months ago

House Committee advances resolution for expedited special immigrant visa processing Committee approves HJR 13 urging U.S. officials to expedite special immigrant visa applications.

The Alaska House Committee is pushing for urgent action to expedite special immigrant visas for Afghan allies, highlighting a backlog of over 130,000 applications.

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1 year ago

Alaska Senate considers SB 39 to protect veterans from payday lending Senate discusses extending lending fairness protections for veterans through SB 39.

Alaska is taking a bold step to protect its veterans from predatory lending practices, potentially reshaping financial security for those who served.

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1 year ago

Alaska committee hears veteran testimony on disability ratings and life expectancy Members discuss the impact of disability ratings on veterans' life spans during testimony.

Alarming statistics reveal that permanently disabled veterans face a drastically reduced lifespan, igniting urgent discussions in Alaska's legislature about the support they desperately need.

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#AK #DisabilityRatings #VeteranSupport #AlaskaVeterans #QualityOfLife #CitizenPortal

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1 year ago

Alaska National Guard highlights new veterans benefits and drug interdiction efforts Alaska National Guard announces veterans benefits success and successful drug enforcement activities.

The Alaska Legislature's recent meeting revealed heartwarming veteran support stories and critical drug interdiction efforts, showcasing the remarkable impact of the National Guard on community safety and welfare.

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#AK #MilitaryReadiness #PublicSafety #AlaskaVeterans

Citizen Portal News US

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1 year ago

Congress considers land selection extensions for Vietnam veterans in Alaska Chairman Onupouk discusses land benefit timelines for Vietnam veterans and heirs.

Congress is grappling with urgent decisions on extending benefits for Vietnam veterans, while time is running out for those who served our nation.

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