Items of interest in this e-news:

  • Recent Capitol Visitors
  • Second Saturday Constituent Coffee
  • Committee Assignments
  • Kicking of House Resources Committee
  • House H&SS Committee Hearing: Alaska Psychiatric Institute
  • Sobriety Awareness Month
  • Anchorage Caucus
  • Upcoming Community Council Meetings for District 16
Recent Capitol Visitors
I have had so many wonderful visitors in my office recently. People that I have had the pleasure of meeting with include members of the Alaska Primary Care Association and Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center, youth with 4-H, and members of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce. My office also had the chance to speak with Anny Cochrano with Alaska Youth Advocates and meet "Jellybean." On Friday, I received some beautiful artwork from the students of Ptarmigan Elementary School and Principle Kelly Ramey. Finally, I met with members of the AARP Wednesday and had had a great discussion about some issues that older Alaskans are currently facing.

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 [email protected]  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!
Second Saturday Constituent Coffee
Committee Assignments
House committee assignments were assigned last week for the 31st Legislative Session. I am excited to announce that I will be co-chairing Health and Social Services, and serve as a member of Resources, Energy, Legislative Budget and Audit, and the Joint Armed Services Committee.

The daily schedule of the House and its committee meetings are posted on the Alaska Legislature's website at this link here .
Kicking Off House Resources Committee
This session I am excited to serve on the House Resources Committee, which kicked off with its first meeting this Monday. This week, we heard from The Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). We will also have our first confirmation hearing for the new DNR Commissioner Designee, Corri Feige. I look forward to ensuring that we get the maximum value of our resources for the people of Alaska.
House Health & Social Services Committee Hearing: Alaska Psychiatric Institute
I will be cohosting a House Health and Social Services hearing on the potential privatization of API Thursday March 7th from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. We have invited Deputy Commissioner Al Wall, representatives from Wellpath, and advocates for those who experience mental illness to testify in front of the H&SS Committee and speak on their plans for API. If this sounds like something you may be interested in, be sure to tune in to gavel to gavel at this link .
Sobriety Awareness Month
Did you know? 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. Last year, I worked with Senator Berta Gardner on a bill that permanently established March as sobriety awareness month. SB 208, which was signed into law on August 29th, now permanently designates the month of March as Alaska's month to commemorate living a sober life. I have been proudly sober for about 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 .
Anchorage Caucus
Thank you to the hundreds of people who came to testify at Anchorage Caucus last weekend. We heard you loud and clear--you don't like the governor's reckless budget cuts to education, public safety, and health care.

If you were unable to attend, don't worry! You will get another chance to make your voice heard this Saturday, March 2nd from 2-4:30 PM at East Anchorage High School.
I wont be able to make it (I was there last week) but there will be many other Anchorage area representatives. Please go and testify! Your elected officials want to hear from the public about Governor Dunleavy's budget.
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 March 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:   [email protected]
Phone Number: (907) 465-4940