February 1, 2018

‌ It has been such an exciting week! Today on the floor we swore in the newly appointed Representative John Lincoln from District 40. It was a beautiful ceremony attended by many of his family members and close friends. Welcome to the legislature, Representative Lincoln. In committees we are working full steam ahead to address the serious problems ss Representative Lincoln being sworn in by Speaker Edgmon Jan. 31st, 2018 facing Alaskans: Health and Social Services Committee heard a bill that would add addiction warnings to opioid prescription bottles Education Committee heard a presentation on the Alaska Education Challenge effort to improve student success and reviewed the department's budget Energy Committee heard a presentation about trying to bring natural gas to the interior from the North Slope to lower energy costs and improve air quality I have also cosponsored HB 287 to provide early funding for education. This bill prevents sending out layoff notices for teachers while we continue to work on the rest of the budget. It is a great bill that I am proud to co-sponsor with many of my colleagues.

Student Shadows

My friend Victoriah Haackensen came to visit from Anchorage this week. She is a sophomore at South Anchorage High School, and is considering a degree in political science. She spent part of her time here shadowing me, and part of her visit serving as a guest State House page. During her stay, Victoriah was able to sit in on some of my day-to-day meetings and committee meetings. It was a great learning aaaaaa Rep. Spohnholz with ASD Student Victoriah Haackensen, Jan. 30, 2018 opportunity for both of us! If you know a high school or college student who would like to shadow me for a day, please reach out to my office at (907) 465-4940, or email me at rep.ivy.spohnholz@akleg.gov.

February Constituent Coffee J oin me for coffee and doughnuts next month. We will talk about goals for the session, and some of the other legislation I am working on. I will answer answer any questions you have about the session. When: Saturday, February 10th, 10-11 a.m. Where: Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 2311 Pembroke St. Bring your questions, concerns and ideas! RSVP Here.

Next week there is going to be a transportation fair in Anchorage. This is a great place to go if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas about how transportation works in Anchorage. When:             Thursday, Feb. 8, 2018, 3 to 7 p.m. Where:           Alaska Airlines Center Auxiliary, 3550 Providence Drive Via Bus:         Routes 10, 20, or 55 Web:                http://anchoragetranspofair.blogspot.com/ They will have a lot of great information about using the bus system, car seat safety technicians, information about bike lane projects, and improving those midtown intersections that tend to get backed up. Make sure to check it out!

Vote by Mail This is a reminder that the next Anchorage election is scheduled for Tuesday, April 3rd . Vote by Mail means that this year you will receive the your next ballot in the mail at the address on your voter registration. If you have not received a post card on Vote by Mail you should update your voter registration soon. The deadline to update your voter registration is 30 days before the election . Update Your Voter Registration Click Here

Vote by Mail: Quick Questions How do I get help with voting questions? For help with voting questions please: Call the Voter Hotline at 907-243-VOTE; Visit the MOA Election Center at 619 East Ship Creek Avenue, Entrance D on the east side of the building; or  Visit an Accessible Vote Center. Remember, a complete list of frequently asked questions and answers can be found here .

Upcoming Community Councils

Russian Jack Community Council (RJCC) RJCC meets at 6:30pm on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. The meeting is held at Wonder Park Elementary located at 5101 E 4th Ave. The next RJCC meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 14th, 2018. More information can be found at the RJCC website .

University Area Community Council (UACC) UACC meets at 7pm on the 1st Wednesday of each month. The meeting is held at University Baptist Church at 4313 Wright Street. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 7, 2018. Visit the UACC Website for more information.

Northeast Community Council (NECC) NECC meets at 7 p.m. on the 3rd Thursday of each month at the Muldoon Community Assembly Youth Facility at 1005 North Ermine Street.  The next NECC meeting is scheduled for this Thursday, February 15 at 7 p.m. You can always find the agenda for the meetings at the NECC website.

To learn about other upcoming events and meetings, follow me on Facebook and Twitter . You can also check my website for past newsletters and updates on legislation. Keep in touch!