February 21, 2019

Items in this E-news: Capital Visitors Anchorage Caucus An Update on Healthcare Price Transparency Alaska Healthcare Transformation Project Alaska Psychiatric Institute The Governor's Proposed Budget Russian Jack Springs Park Master Plan Second Saturday Constituent Coffee Upcoming Community Council Meetings for District 16

Recent Capital Visitors

Last week was a big week in Juneau. We elected a Speaker of the House and had a doozy of a budget dropped on our laps. One of the highlights of the week were visits from constituents Nelta Edwards (top left photo) and Mike Williams (top right photo). They came to Juneau to talk with legislators about the importance of education and a stable budget. Representatives from the Alaska Human Rights Commission including Chair and constituent Brandon Nakasato, Commissioner Kathryn Dodge, and Executive Director Marti Buscaglia also came by. Their mission is to eliminate and prevent discrimination for all Alaskans. We had a great discussion about how we can continue to fight discrimination in Alaska though public outreach and education. If you are a District 16 resident and want to talk but can’t make it to Juneau, let’s schedule a call at your convenience. Reach out to me at (907) 465-4940 or Rep.ivy.spohnholz@akleg.gov and we’ll set it up. If you are coming to Juneau, be sure to schedule a visit. Either way, I look forward to hearing from you!

Anchorage Caucus

Part I of Anchorage Caucus will take place on  Saturday, February 23rd from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM  at the Education Center on Northern Lights. Part II will take place on Saturday March 2nd from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM at East Anchorage High School. Your elected officials will give you an update on the Legislature, and open up the opportunity for public testimony. I will be at Part I this coming Saturday--I will be working in Juneau during Part II. Senator Bill Wielechowski, Representative Gabrielle LeDoux, and myself with have pizza and drinks for our Eastside constituents, and our breakout session will run until 1:30 PM . I hope to see you there!

An Update on Healthcare Price Transparency

Our office has been in touch with the Department of Health & Social Services (DHSS) and their process for implementing the health care cost transparency bill that formally became law in January. DHSS is behind in implementing health care price transparency but has taken initial steps in drafting regulations. After the draft has been finalized, DHSS will begin publicly sharing the draft regulations and gather public comment. I will be sure to keep you updated on the process as it comes along!

The Alaska Healthcare Transformation Project

The Alaska Healthcare Transformation Project is an effort aiming to improve the overall healthcare system in Alaska. It involves stakeholders from a myriad of organizations, working together to achieve a common goal of lowering health care costs and fostering a healthier Alaska. I have served on the Project Management Committee for this project for the last two years. Not only does this project work to positively impact the healthcare system, but it also incorporates systematic, strategic planning in order to better maximize the healthcare system for all Alaskans. If you want to learn more or get involved in this project, visit the Alaska Healthcare Transformation Project's website here !

Alaska Psychiatric Institute

I hosted a hearing on a move to privatize Alaska Psychiatric Institution (API) on Wednesday February 13th. Commissioner Adam Crum and Deputy Commissioner Albert Wall gave Representatives a presentation on their plan to privatize management of API and API's challenging history. Bringing additional resources through a short-term contract to solve API’s management and leadership challenges may be a good idea. Privatizing API is not. We’ve already looked at privatizing API and found it wouldn’t save money or improve outcomes. Here is a link to that report. I co-wrote an opinion piece with Rep. Matt Claman for the Anchorage Daily News where I called for increased investment in and improved oversight for API . Let’s invest the resources to make sure that our friends, family and other loved ones are cared for properly.

The Governor's Proposed Budget

In the last four years, Alaska has lost more than 13,000 jobs. Economists at the Institute for Social and Economic (ISER) at UAA analyzed the job losses produced by different strategies to address our fiscal situation. They estimate that the $1.6 billion in budget cuts proposed by the Governor would cost Alaska 15,000 to 20,000 in both private and public sector jobs. It would severely negatively impact local small businesses. That’s a cost we simply cannot afford. This budget would gut Alaska's education, health care and transportation systems. It would spur additional population loss as people leave the state for higher education—we know that the majority of those who leave Alaska for college don’t come back to work and live--or for more stable economies. Count on me to fight for a budget that ensures vibrant education, robust public safety and protects the economy.

Russian Jack Springs Master Plan

Russian Jack Springs Park is one Anchorage's oldest and most popular parks. Anchorage Parks and Recreation is planning on updating the park plan in order to make sure this recreational area is best suited for the community. They want your input so are hosting a public workshop on  February 27th at Williwaw Elementary School from 6-8 PM .  Your feedback will help the Parks and Recreation Department identify priorities to be addressed in the master plan update. You can also fill out a survey in order to share your thoughts. Feel free to access the survey  here .

Second Saturday Constituent Coffee

Upcoming Community Council Meetings in District 16

The most local form of government we have in Alaska is the  Community Council. We have three in our district. You can find the agendas and more information on the individual community council websites we have linked below. If you don't know which one is yours, call our office at (907) 465-4940 and we will help you figure it out! Russian Jack - Second Wednesday of the month, next one is next month, Mar. 13th, 6:30 pm at Wonder Park Elementary School. Northeast - Third Thursday of the month, next one is tonight Feb. 21st, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Muldoon Community Assembly Youth Facility, 1005 North Ermine St. University Area - First Wednesday of the month, next one is next month Mar. 6th, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the University Baptist Church on Tudor Road.

I will send out email updates fairly frequently during the legislative session. Please let me know if you want to know about anything that I don't cover in the updates. You can reply to this email or give me a call! Keep in touch!

‌ ‌

Email:  rep.ivy.spohnholz@akleg.gov Phone Number: (907) 465-4940