Between the ongoing threat of COVID-19 and the State's budget challenges, we have quite a hill to climb for the work ahead. However, I feel privileged to continue representing my home district in the Alaska House and have rolled up my sleeves to get to work.

Late last week, Representative Louise Stutes from Kodiak was elected to serve the 32nd Legislature as Speaker of the House. I am honored to be a member of the bipartisan coalition who voted for Speaker Stutes. Congratulations to my friend and colleague, Rep. Stutes! I'd also like to take a moment to say quyana, thank you, to Rep. Bryce Edgmon of Dillingham for his incredible service as Speaker of the House these past four years. As the first Alaska Native speaker in the Legislature, Rep. Edgmon has been a wonderful mentor in our shared goal of protecting rural Alaska and expanding the state's relationships with Alaska Tribes.

This week the House also adopted the Committee on Committees report, a critical step in organizing our chamber and moving the legislative process forward. I will continue to Co-Chair the House Health & Social Services committee and Chair the House Special Committee on Tribal Affairs. I will also continue serving as a member of the House Education and Energy committees.

I am grateful various COVID-19 precautions have been implemented around the Capitol complex, but remain cautious and concerned about the continued risks to the health and wellness of everyone working here. Whenever possible, my staff and I will conduct our business virtually to limit in-person contact. Please reach out to my office if you'd like to schedule some time with us!

While vaccines continue to be distributed throughout Alaska, we are not out of the woods of this pandemic. Continue to remain vigilant with safety precautions recommended by infectious disease experts, including wearing a mask around anyone who does not reside in your household, limiting non-essential travel, social distancing and practicing routine hand hygiene.

Please do not hesitate to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns. All of our contact details can be found at the bottom of this e-newsletter.

I continue to closely monitor the situation in Tuluksak, following the devastating fire at the water treatment plant and washeteria. Every Alaska community, regardless of where they are, deserves reliable access to clean drinking water. I would like to acknowledge and thank YKHC for their leadership in helping to coordinate aid for the community following this disaster.

My office has worked diligently with agencies at the state and federal levels to urge immediate response, to cut through bureaucracy, and identify available funding sources for short, mid and long-term solutions. On Feb. 8, alongside House and Senate Bush Caucus members, I sent a letter to Governor Dunleavy urging immediate State action – including issuing a formal disaster declaration, allocation of funding to leverage federal resources, and deployment of the Alaska National Guard – so residents have full access to every available resource to provide relief amid the depths of winter, a global health crisis, and to provide the critical infrastructure. You can read the letter here.

I appreciate the Governor’s long-overdue decision to authorize a disaster declaration and will continue to watch response closely to ensure Alaskans living in Tuluksak receive the essential services they need to stay healthy and safe.

A well-deserved congratulations to Aniak musher Richie Diehl on his 2021 K300 championship! Although many K300 fans (like me!) enjoyed the race virtually this year, the event was still exciting to follow. Quyana to the K300 Race Committee for working hard to ensure COVID-19 precautions were implemented to keep mushers, the public, and YK Delta communities safe.

I would love to hear from you if you have a suggestion for a legislative citation of importance to District 38!

What is a citation? It is an official document expressing commendation, condolences, appreciation or congratulations to an individual or group.

There are two types of citations:

"Honorarium" recognizes a person, organization, or special occasion.

"In Memorium" honors someone who has recently passed away.

Please feel free to call or e-mail my office if you have any questions.

907-465-5141

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