Dear Friends and Neighbors,

In this week’s newsletter, I am sharing some news highlights from the last two weeks. Since the legislature adjourned, I have attended many community events, met with neighbors around our community, and am working to hear from as many West Anchorage residents as possible. If you have an event you would like me to attend, or would like to meet with me in person, please let us know!

Voting Rights Act

This week is the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act. When President Lyndon Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act into law it is one of the most popular and effective civil rights laws in American history. Centuries of slavery, segregation, and discrimination had kept African-Americans from having any real voice in the nation’s politics. Under this law, black voter registration and turnout soared, as did the number of black elected officials.

Recognizing its success, Congress has repeatedly reaffirmed the act and expanded its protections. Just Wednesday, afederal appeals court ruled that a strict voter identification law in Texas discriminates against blacks and Hispanics and violates the Voting Rights Act. Open access to voting is one of the most fundamental rights we share as Americans.

PFD Voter Registration Ballot Initiative

Alaskans consistently support efforts to increase voter turn-out and voter participation. As an elected representative, I am always concerned when local elections have less than 30% voter participation and would welcome 100% voter participation. A proposed ballot initiative aims to increase the number of registered voters in Alaska. The ballot initiative would allow Alaskans applying for their Permanent Fund Dividend to register to vote in the same application. Most Alaskans are diligent about signing up for their PFDs and reapplying every year. But many are less dutiful about registering to vote. Elections officials think that tens of thousands Alaskans are eligible for dividends, but are not registered to vote. Because of the strict residency standard to receive a dividend, those same people probably qualify to vote as Alaskans. Voter registration does not mean the same thing as voter turnout, but it expands the opportunity to increase Alaska’s voter base. I’m interested in hearing your thoughts about the proposed PFD-Voter initiative.

Former Commissioners Support Medicaid Expansion

Over 150 different organizations support Governor Walker’s decision to expand Medicaid. We’ve heard from many constituents who support the Governor’s decision. In a commentary in the Alaska Dispatch News, Dermot Cole notes: “Eight of the commissioners (Department of Health and Social Services) who served from 1984 until 2010 under both Democratic and Republican governors, have said they support the expansion of Medicaid. John Pugh, Myra Munson, Ted Mala, Margaret Lowe, Karen Purdue, Jay Livey, Joel Gilbertson, and Bill Hogan all say it will help thousands of Alaskans who aren’t protected by health insurance, largely paid for by the federal government.”
Sharp Shooters!

Last week, Grayson Davey, who is also known for his lifesaving survival bracelets, earned two gold medals in trapshooting at the National Junior Olympic Championships in Colorado. Steve Brown and Ann Lord also won silver medals. Congratulations to Grayson, Steve, and Ann!

As always, please let us know if you have suggestions or concerns.

Sincerely,

    Rep. Matt Claman

    P.S. follow me on Facebook and Twitter

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