Items of Interest in this E-News:
  • Recent Capitol Visitors
  • Second Saturday Constituent Coffee
  • Sobriety Awareness Month
  • Alaska Pioneer Homes
  • Health & Social Services (HSS) Committee Hearing: Alaska Psychiatric Institute (API)
  • Upcoming Community Council Meetings in District 16
Recent Capitol Visitors
Some of the highlights of this past week include meeting with Elizabeth Larson and Haley Kniceley from Close Up, David Banks of the Alaska Behavioral Health Association, and Tammy Satterfield and Dirk Shumaker of Kids Corp. Inc. Elizabeth, David, and Tammy live in District 16.

If you're a District 16 resident and want to talk but can’t make it to Juneau, let’s schedule a call at your convenience. If you're coming to Juneau, be sure to schedule a visit. Either way, I look forward to hearing from you!
Second Saturday Constituent Coffee
Come join me for District 16's 2nd Saturday constituent coffee this weekend. At this monthly event, we'll talk about the budget, healthcare, education, the economy and upcoming legislation. Bring your questions, concerns, and input--I'll bring the snacks!

RSVP here at  this link.
Alaska Pioneer Homes
Governor Dunleavy's proposal to increase rates at Alaska Pioneer Homes by 40-138% is rash, unjustified, and far less than what our seniors deserve. By proposing these extreme cuts, the governor creates unneeded fear and anxiety over what may happen to these important facilities.

If you're interested in hearing more about the proposed cuts to Pioneer Homes, you can watch the HSS Finance Subcommittee hearing from March 5th, 2019.

The Juneau Empire reported on the rate increases and had some great information as well--check out this link to read the article!
Sobriety Awareness Month
March is Sobriety Awareness Month in Alaska. Sobriety Awareness Month recognizes and celebrates Alaskans who choose to live a sober lifestyle and provides an opportunity for Alaskans to promote sobriety through activities and celebrations throughout the state.

I'm proud to celebrate my sobriety of 17 years and can say that a sober life can be fun, interesting, and full of joy. To learn more about sobriety as a choice visit  Recover Alaska .
Health & Social Services (HSS) Hearing:
Alaska Psychiatric Institute (API)
I co-chaired a HSS Committee hearing on the proposed privatization of API yesterday, Thursday March 7th from 3:00 PM to 6:20 PM. Deputy Commissioner of the Dept. of HSS, Al Wahl and representatives from Wellpath testify in front of the H&SS Committee on their plans for API. The committee meeting was recorded and archived and is available on Gavel to Gavel at  this link if you have not had a chance to watch the hearing yet.
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, March 13th, 6:30 pm at Wonder Park Elementary School.

  • Northeast - Third Thursday of the month, next one is March 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 April 3rd, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the University Baptist Church on Tudor Road.
I'll 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!
Phone Number: (907) 465-4940