Lyman Hoffman facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lyman Hoffman
Majority Leader of the Alaska Senate
In office July 9, 2019 – January 19, 2021
Preceded by	Mia Costello
Succeeded by	Shelley Hughes
Member of the Alaska Senate
Incumbent
Assumed office January 16, 1995
Preceded by	George Jacko
Constituency	District T (1995–2003) District S (2003–present)
Member of the Alaska House of Representatives from the 39th district
In office January 18, 1993 – January 16, 1995
Preceded by	Constituency established
Succeeded by	Ivan Ivan
Member of the Alaska Senate from the M district
In office January 21, 1991 – January 18, 1993
Preceded by	John Binkley
Succeeded by	Rick Halford
Member of the Alaska House of Representatives from the 25th district
In office January 19, 1987 – January 21, 1991
Preceded by	John Binkley
Succeeded by	Ivan Ivan
Personal details
Born	(1950-02-13) February 13, 1950 (age 74) Bethel, Territory of Alaska, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Other political affiliations	Republican (caucus)
Spouse	Lillian
Children	2
Education	University of Alaska, Fairbanks (BA)

Lyman F. Hoffman (born February 13, 1950) is a Yup'ik politician and registered Democrat who caucuses with the Republicans in the Alaska Senate. He represents the S district since 1995, and from 1991 through 1992 previously. He was a member of the Alaska House of Representatives from 1986 through 1990, and from 1993 through 1994.

In January 2019, Hoffman became the longest-serving member in the history of the Alaska Legislature, surpassing the tenure of Jay Kerttula, the previous record holder.

Republican affiliation

Hoffman is the only registered Democrat to caucus with the Republicans in the Senate. He endorsed Republican nominee Dan Sullivan over Senator Mark Begich during the 2014 U.S. Senate race.

Ethics violations

Hoffman was found guilty of violating financial disclosure laws by the Senate Committee on Legislative Ethics. Hoffman hid about $500,000 in income from his business interests in a company that primarily contracts with a state-funded agency. From Alaska Public Media, "The committee found that Senator Hoffman "knowingly" prepared and filed incomplete disclosures, leaving out a "substantial" amount of income."

Alaska's fiscal crisis

Hoffman is the chair of the Senate Finance Committee, whose plan to address the fiscal crisis focuses on cutting services and capping the Permanent Fund Dividend. Critics note that the hardest hit areas from slashing the PFD are in Hoffman's district. The Senate Majority has failed to pass a plan to address the fiscal crisis since it began.