State of Alaska Archives: on Drugs
Bill Walker:
Misuse of alcohol and drugs contribute to child abuse
Domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse are pandemic in Alaska.
Misuse of alcohol and drugs is a major contributing factor.
Source: 2014 Governor campaign website, WalkerMallottForAlaska.com
Nov 4, 2014
Bill Walker:
Let states continue to experiment with pot
Attorney-General Sessions is opposed to legal marijuana, and Walker joined the governors of Washington, Oregon and Colorado in an April letter to Sessions. That letter asked Sessions to leave existing marijuana policy in place. "As
governors of states that have legalized marijuana in some form, we ask the Trump Administration to engage with us before embarking on any changes to regulatory and enforcement systems," that letter began.
Source: Juneau Empire on 2018 Alaska Governor race
Aug 16, 2017
Christopher Kurka:
The only real solution to addiction is Jesus Christ
Ultimately this is really not a problem the government can solve. The only real solution to addiction is Jesus Christ, the one who came to testify to the truth and set the captives free.
Only He can save us from all our unrighteousness, failures and addictions.
Source: Anchorage Daily News on 2022 Alaska Gubernatorial race
Aug 5, 2022
Dan Sullivan:
Opposed pot legalization; but willing to support voter will
We had our referendum in 2014, state referendum. I got asked about it a lot. I was not supportive. Well, it passed with really strong numbers. So my view on that was "Look, I'm a believer in the 10th amendment
and constituents strongly supported a referendum," and I was going to try to be supportive of the federal elements that you could execute it on.
Source: Homer News on 2020 Alaska Senate race
Mar 21, 2019
Dan Sullivan:
Co-sponsored SAFE Banking Act for cannabis businesses
The SAFE Banking Act would enable banks and credit unions to do business with cannabis-related businesses in states where marijuana is legal. Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) introduced the SAFE Banking Act in the Senate alongside Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.).
Gardner joins Alaska senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, along with Kentucky's Rand Paul and North Dakota's Kevin Cramer, as the five Republican co-sponsors.
Source: OpenSecrets.org on 2020 Alaska Senate race
Jun 7, 2019
Dan Sullivan:
Co-sponsored bill directing VA to research medical marijuana
The first Senate marijuana bill of the new Congress, introduced by Sens. Jon Tester (D-MT) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK), would direct the VA to conduct clinical trials on the effectiveness of medical marijuana in the treatment of conditions common
among military veterans. Sullivan said, "Many of our nation's veterans already use medicinal cannabis, and they deserve to have full knowledge of the potential benefits and side effects of this alternative therapy."
Source: MarijuanaMoment.net on 2020 Alaska Senate race
Jan 18, 2019
Joe Miller:
Mandatory prison for drugs, with substance-abuse treatment
Q: Do you support programs that provide prison inmates with substance abuse treatment? A: Yes.
Q: Do you support mandatory prison sentences for selling illegal drugs?
A: Yes.
Source: Alaska Congressional Election 2010 Political Courage Test
Sep 9, 2010
Kelly Tshibaka:
Linked drugs with witchcraft, demonic possession
Tshibaka also made a connection between illicit drugs and witchcraft by writing about the etymology of the word "pharmacy.""There is a link between drugs and witchcraft. Our word 'pharmacy,' for example, comes from the Latin word pharmakon, which
means 'magic charm' or 'poison.' Perhaps this explains why many people who have used illegal drugs experience demonic oppression," she wrote, though she mistakenly says "pharmakon" comes from Latin. The origins come from pre-Greek languages.
Source: CNN KFile, "Twilight," on 2022 Alaska Senate race
Apr 27, 2021
Les Gara:
Maintain database documenting sale of alcoholic beverages
The governor today signed two alcohol-related bills. Senate Bill 128 is aimed at preventing bootleggers from ordering alcohol from numerous package stores in violation of local option.
SB 128 requires the ABC Board, in conjunction with package store licensees, to maintain a database documenting the sale, distribution, and purchase of alcoholic beverages, ordered in writing, from people living in damp local-option communities.
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 18-1-1 on May/16/07; passed House 37-1-2 on May/16/07;
State Rep. Les Gara voted YES; signed by Gov. Palin on Jun 25, 2007.
Source: Governor`s P.R. 07-156, on Alaska Voting Records SB 128
May 16, 2007
Les Gara:
Fine parents who allow underage drinking party
The Governor also signed House Bill 118, sponsored by Representative Kevin Meyer. The bill closes a gap in statute by making it a non-criminal violation to permit underage people to possess alcohol in your home.
Under current law (AS 04.16.050), a parent who allows their own child to possess alcohol is not subject to the violation because they are allowed to provide alcohol to their children.
Under HB 118 however, a person throwing a party where an underage person possesses alcohol, even if they were not responsible for providing the alcohol, would face a $500 fine.
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 19-0-1 on May/13/07; Passed House 39-0-1 on May/14/07; State Rep. Gara voted YES; signed by Gov. Palin on Jun 25, 2007.
Source: Governor`s P.R. 07-156, on Alaska Voting Records SB 118
May 14, 2007
Lisa Murkowski:
Legalizing recreational marijuana is public health risk
In 2014, Alaska considered Ballot Measure 2, which would legalize the sale and use of marijuana for recreational purposes. Murkowski explains in this opinion piece why she plans on voting against this measure. She argues that "marijuana--like tobacco
and alcohol--is big business. Like alcohol and tobacco, the costs of marijuana to public health, public safety, our youth and lost productivity are similarly high. Therefore Measure 2 is less about freedom than it is about profit at the expense of
public health."Murkowski notes that the risks include addiction, impaired cognitive functioning and impaired driving. She also stresses that "research provides some support for longstanding fears that use of marijuana may be a gateway to use of
other drugs with even greater known adverse health effects. Whether the mechanism is chemical, cultural or some combination of the two is less well known, but no evidence is cited to suggest that marijuana use keeps young people away from other drugs."
Source: News-Miner OpEd by L.Murkowski for 2016 Alaska Senate race
Oct 21, 2014
Mary Peltola:
Maintain database documenting sale of alcoholic beverages
The governor today signed two alcohol-related bills. Senate Bill 128 is aimed at preventing bootleggers from ordering alcohol from numerous package stores in violation of local option.
SB 128 requires the ABC Board, in conjunction with package store licensees, to maintain a database documenting the sale, distribution, and purchase of alcoholic beverages, ordered in writing, from people living in damp local-option communities.
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 18-1-1 on May/16/07;
passed House 37-1-2 on May/16/07; State Rep. Mary Peltola (nee Nelson) voted YES; signed by Gov. Palin on Jun 25, 2007.
Source: Governor`s P.R. 07-156, on Alaska Voting Records SB 128
May 5, 2007
Mary Peltola:
Fine parents who allow underage drinking party
The Governor also signed House Bill 118, sponsored by Representative Kevin Meyer. The bill closes a gap in statute by making it a non-criminal violation to permit underage people to possess alcohol in your home.
Under current law (AS 04.16.050), a parent who allows their own child to possess alcohol is not subject to the violation because they are allowed to provide alcohol to their children.
Under HB 118 however, a person throwing a party where an underage person possesses alcohol, even if they were not responsible for providing the alcohol, would face a $500 fine.
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 19-0-1 on May/13/07; Passed House 39-0-1 on May/14/07; State Rep. Mary Nelson voted YES; signed by Gov. Palin on Jun 25, 2007.
Source: Governor`s P.R. 07-156, on Alaska Voting Records SB 118
May 14, 2007
Matthew Corey:
Decriminalize medical marijuana
Chenault indicates support of the following principles concerning crime.- Support programs to provide prison inmates with vocational and job-related skills and job-placement assistance when released.
- End parole for repeat violent offenders.
-
Implement penalties other than incarceration for certain non-violent offenders.
- Decriminalize the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes.
- Minors accused of a violent crime should be prosecuted as adults.
Source: VoteSmart Alaska 2002 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2002
Mike Dunleavy:
Comprehensive approach including prosecution & interdiction
Public safety, I think, has got to be job No. 1 for this next administration, my administration. Even if that solution takes a generation, like Mothers Against Drunk Driving did.Our statistics are terrible. It's affecting a lot of Alaskans.
It's impacting many businesses. I don't think there's an Alaskan that's either not been impacted by crime or knows somebody that's not been impacted by crime. So we're going to have to increase our trooper numbers.
Prosecuting attorneys, we have to have the right number of prosecuting attorneys. We have to have the courts opened on Fridays. We have to have a comprehensive approach to dealing with this issue, including dealing with the opioid issues,
the heroin issue and making sure that we're working closely with the federal government to prosecute and interdict drugs coming into the state.
Source: Anchorage Daily News on 2018 Alaska gubernatorial race
Aug 16, 2018
Mike Dunleavy:
More enforcement but also more drug treatment
We will provide the focus & the resources necessary to combat the scourge of opiates and other illicit drugs driving up our crime rates and ruining lives: additional State Troopers, and more prosecutors.For those Alaskans who have made a mistake and
have gotten involved with opiates or other drugs and want help, we are a compassionate people. Therefore, as part of our public safety approach we will provide ways for you to break this habit and get back into society and be productive individuals.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Alaska legislature
Jan 22, 2019
Sarah Palin:
Highway fatalities down because of strict drunk driving laws
Keeping Alaskans safe on our highways is a top priority of my administration. I'm pleased to report highway fatalities in Alaska are down this year. Since July 28, Alaska has recorded 34 fatalities for the entire year of 2008, and that number is below
the decade-average of 46 at this point in the calendar year. Strict enforcement of laws regulating drunk driving, reckless driving and seatbelt use have contributed to this positive news.
Source: Alaska Governor's Office: August 2008 Newsletter
Aug 20, 2008
Sarah Palin:
Maintain alcohol sale database; bar giving alcohol to minors
The governor today signed two alcohol-related bills. Senate Bill 128 is aimed at preventing bootleggers from ordering alcohol from numerous package stores in violation of local option. SB 128 requires the ABC Board, in conjunction with package store
licensees, to maintain a database documenting the sale, distribution, and purchase of alcoholic beverages, ordered in writing, from people living in damp local-option communities. The Governor also signed House Bill 118, sponsored by Representative
Kevin Meyer. The bill closes a gap in statute by making it a non-criminal violation to permit underage people to possess alcohol in your home. Under current law (AS 04.16.050), a parent who allows their own child to possess alcohol is not subject to the
violation because they are allowed to provide alcohol to their children. Under HB 118 however, a person throwing a party where an underage person possesses alcohol, even if they were not responsible for providing the alcohol, would face a $500 fine.
Source: Governor`s P.R. 07-156, on Alaska Voting Records SB 128
Jun 25, 2007
Mike Dunleavy:
Increase penalty for fentanyl deaths from 20 to 99 years
I'll be introducing legislation that declares war on those who are recklessly dealing fentanyl and fentanyl-laced drugs in our communities. I'll introduce legislation to increase the penalty for a dealer who sells poison that results in the death of
anyone. Right now this act can only be charged as manslaughter with a maximum sentence of just 20 years. Under my legislation, we'll increase this penalty to second-degree murder with a sentence of up to 99 years. These people deserve nothing less.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Alaska legislature
Jan 23, 2023
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023