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Protecting Your Rights: Serving Sand Lake, Spenard, and Turnagain |
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August 31, 2018
Dear Friends and Neighbors, With kids back in school and the colors beginning to change, we reflect on the origins of Labor Day and the accomplishments of our nation’s workers. Celebrating Labor Day
Labor Day originated amid nationwide economic depression and labor unrest in the United States. In the late 1800s, at the height of the Industrial Revolution, American workers faced long hours, small wages, and dismal working conditions. During this time, labor unions became more vocal and began organizing strikes and rallies to protest the poor conditions and urge employers to renegotiate hours and pay. On September 5, 1882, 10,000 workers in New York City took time off to march from City Hall to Union Square, holding the first Labor Day parade. The idea of a workers’ holiday caught on, and many states passed legislation recognizing it. Twelve years later, in 1894, Congress passed an act designating a federal holiday on the first Monday in September: Labor Day. Governor Signs Workers’ Compensation Bill We continue to work for workers’ rights today. Last week, Governor Walker signed House Bill 79, legislation modernizing Alaska’s workers’ compensation system. The key provisions of the bill establish an improved definition of “independent contractor.” As House Judiciary Committee Chair, I worked with diverse groups including the National Federation of Independent Businesses, the Alaska Truckers Association, AFL-CIO unions, and the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to craft an improved definition that all supported. HB 79 both helps businesses remain competitive in the marketplace and protects worker’s rights. The bill also reduces administrative costs and allows for electronic filing. We were pleased to work with bill sponsor Rep. Josephson to strengthen Alaska’s workers compensation system.
Community Events Mark your calendar for these upcoming events: Alaska Outdoors: Weekly Monday Night Hike Get outside and enjoy the changing fall colors! Alaska Outdoors hosts weekly When: Monday, September 3rd, from 6:30 – 8:00 PM. 5th Annual Alyeska Mountain Bike Festival Come celebrate another great summer of biking at Alyeska. The 5th annual Mountain Bike Festival will offer four days of riding and competition the Alyeska Bike Park. Events will include the tractor pull, the downhill championship race, the Alyeska Enduro, and the infamous Pond Crossing. For more information and the complete schedule of events, visit the resort’s event page.
When: Friday - Monday, August 31st - September 3rd, from 12:00 – 6:00 PM. Free Children’s Immunization Clinic The first Saturday of every month Kohl’s Cares sponsors a free immunization clinic for children under the age of 19 at the Children’s Hospital at Providence. Providence's walk-in clinic is open from 10 am - 1 pm. Immunizations are free to children who are Medicaid eligible, uninsured, or are underinsured. When: Saturday, September 1st, from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Community Councils Spenard Community Council Turnagain Community Council Sand Lake Community Council As always, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
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