Start of the 31st Legislature

Welcoming the 31st Legislature

Dear Neighbor,

Thank you for the honor of representing you in the state legislature. I plan to send regular newsletters, starting with this one.

House organization : At the time of writing, there is not a majority in the House of Representatives. Like many of my colleagues, I strongly support a bipartisan majority that will work toward a balanced budget, protection of the Permanent Fund and a sustainable Permanent Fund Dividend, and core services including public safety, schools, and programs for vulnerable Alaskans. We should work across party lines toward these goals.

Sponsored/Co-sponsored Bills: I have sponsored or co-sponsored bills to close loopholes related to prosecution of sexual assault, including the infamous "Schneider loophole," and to strengthen penalties for vehicle theft. I'm working on draft legislation related to protecting the Permanent Fund, and energy efficiency and cost savings for consumers.

Swearing in at the Alaska State Capitol.

Inlet View Elementary School: Many of our neighbors were concerned to learn that there was an Anchorage School Board agenda item to study "consolidation" of Inlet View Elementary School, which would mean closure of the school and relocation of students to Central Middle School. Senator Begich and I wrote to Superintendent Bishop and the School Board urging investment in Inlet View, and to reject any proposals for closure. I was pleased that the Superintendent wrote back and clearly stated the administration's support for keeping the school open and investing in maintenance upgrades. Thank you to volunteers on the PTA who continue to work with us on this critical district and local issue.

Safe, Pro-Business Streets: The Anchorage Economic Development Corporation, Downtown Partnership, and all our Community Councils have asked for safer street designs that reduce traffic speeds in our neighborhoods and improve access for pedestrians, people using wheelchairs or walkers, and bicyclists. Senator Begich and I met with state Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Staff and community organizations to advocate for these priorities, including for the forthcoming Midtown Congestion Relief project.

Meeting with Governor: Before coming down to Juneau, I met with Governor Dunleavy to discuss my legislative priorities. I urged the Governor to restore municipal revenue sharing funding to support public safety and adequate staffing of the Anchorage Police Department. I also emphasized the importance of Medicaid funding that funds addiction treatment. We cannot address our public safety crisis without critical addiction treatment funding from Medicaid. Finally, I asked the Governor to consider how we as a state can do a better job improving kids' and maternal health through reducing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES).

Constituent meeting in Fairvew Rec Center:

Thank you Les Gara for your service.

Budget Wrecking Ball : Unfortunately, the Governor has hired an Outside budget adviser named Donna Arduin to visit Alaska and propose draconian budget cuts. Based partly on her guidance, the Governor is preparing a $1.6 billion budget cut, which is approximately 1/3 of the state budget. Cutting that much from state government is simply impossible unless Governor Dunleavy wants to close the University of Alaska, lay off thousands of state employees, and throw our state into unprecedented economic chaos. I hope Governor Dunleavy reconsiders the reckless proposals of Ms. Arduin.

I am honored to be serving as our district’s representative in the Alaska State House. I'll be calling into Community Council meetings during the legislative session, and please stay in touch to share your legislative priorities.

-Zack

P.S. I'll be in the neighborhood this weekend. Please stop by!