The state Senate voted to pass House Bill 76 which would ensure Alaskans impacted by COVId-19 continue to receive the millions of dollars in federal relief. House Bill 76 would extend the January 15, 2021 governor’s disaster declaration and, in doing so, would provide for a financing plan in accessing federal stabilization funds. House Bill 76 originally passed the House of Representatives in March and was approved with changes by the Senate on Wednesday.
Sen. Natasha von Imhof spoke on HB 76, “It does not put into place any statewide mandates. There is no statewide mask mandate. There is no statewide business closures or restrictions. Passing House Bill 76 will not force vaccinations, testing or quarantine. There is no statewide mandatory testing at the airport. This bill will not close schools. On a local level, if this bill passes, no community is forced to declare a local state of emergency or enact local emergency orders. So what will passing House Bill 76 do then? More importantly, how can this bill help us along the path of recovery. A statewide emergency disaster declaration gives both local municipalities and the state administrative departments the tools they need to work together in the event any need arises such as an isolated outbreak in a small community. It allows the state to take advantage of additional federal dollars available during these last waning months of the pandemic to help us get to full recovery. Number 3, it gives the governor a choice as to whether to continue this disaster declaration or to end it immediately and simply give the commissioner of health and social services specific duties defined in this bill.”
The Senate passed HB 76 by a vote of 14-6. During an evening floor session, the House voted 25-15 to accept the Senate’s changes and send the bill to Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s desk. If Gov. Mike Dunleavy signs the bill into law, HB 76 will enact several policies:
- Protecting $8 million in monthly federal food assistance to COVID-19 impacted Alaskans;
- Ensuring the state is eligible for future federal aid and reimbursement for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) costs;
- Limiting the governor’s ability to spend federal funds without legislative approval;
- Continuing the legal operation of off-site testing and vaccination sites and waivers to care for patients telephonically; and
- Allowing healthcare and mental health providers to ensure the delivery of telehealth services to Alaskans.
More on House Bill 76 can be seen here.
(transcribed audio courtesy of KTOO 360TV)
