Friday, January 24, 2020 Items of Interest in this E-News:

Welcome to Session Vote to override vetoes to ferries and school bond debt reimbursement API Governance Board Legislation File for Your 2020 PFD Constituent Coffee - February 8th

Welcome to Session

Tuesday was the first day of the second legislative session. This year brings on new challenges and opportunities, including taking on a new role as the Chair of the House Labor and Commerce Committee. I look forward to passing a budget that protects essential state services like public education, transportation, health care and public safety, and passing bipartisan legislation to reduce the cost of health care.

Vote to Override Vetoes to Ferries and School Bond Debt Reimbursement

Today, on day four of the legislative session, the House and Senate convened in a joint session to vote on overriding Governor Dunleavy's vetoes to the Alaska Marine Highway System and the school bond debt funding. The Governor's veto of the school bond debt funding means that local communities and tax payers will have to make up the $50 million in lost state funding. In Anchorage, this equates to an increase of $200 for the average property tax payer. Unfortunately, our effort to override these two line item vetoes was unsuccessful. Now, we must continue to work for a budget that covers essential services like the Alaska Marine Highway System, education, and public safety.

Above: The final votes on overriding Governor Dunleavy's vetoes of Alaska Marine Highway and school bond debt reimbursement funding. "Y" means override.

API Governance Board Legislation

I have introduced legislation to create an independent governance board for the Alaska Psychiatric Institute, (API). Last year, Governor Dunleavy called for the privatization of API, despite a 2017 study showing that full privatization will be more expensive and may lead to worse patient outcomes. Instead of handing our care over to an outside company, I propose a transparent, independent governance board to oversee the API. This will help make API a place we can send our loved ones for the care they deserve. People who experience dementia, schizophrenia and other serious mental health issues are Alaskans who deserve a safe, supportive environment in which to heal. I will continue to dedicate the time, energy, and resources to ensure that our loved ones get the care they need.

File for Your 2020 PFD

It's time to file for your 2020 Permanent Fund Dividend! The deadline to file is March 31, 2020. The easiest way to file for your PFD is online at pfd.alaska.gov. You can also file a paper application at the following locations:

Anchorage Dividend Information Office 655 F Street 269-0370 Anchorage Senior Center 1300 East 19th Avenue 770-2000 Loussac Library 3600 Denali 343-2975 Muldoon Branch Library 1251 Muldoon Rd, Ste 158 343-4032

Red Apple Market 131 Bragaw St. 279-2367 Mountain View Community Center 315 N Price St 338-2582 Mountain View Neighborhood Library 120 Bragaw St 343-2907

If you need help with your application, you can always visit the Dividend Information Office in Anchorage at 655 F Street or call (907) 269-0370.

Anchorage Transportation Plan

The Municipality of Anchorage has been working on a plan to improve the public transportation options in Anchorage. The draft short-range transit plan is now open for review and public comments. The goal of the plan is to improve People Mover, AnchorRIDES, and RideShare. Public comments are being accepted through January 31.

Join Me for Coffee!

Please join me for coffee on February 8th from 10:00 am to 11:00 am to discuss the budget, legislation, and your ideas to make our community and our state the best we can be. You can RSVP on Facebook, and feel free to invite your friends and family! If you have extra shelf stable goods, please bring them for the Immanuel Presbyterian’s food bank. I'll bring the coffee - you bring the questions!

As always, keep in touch!

Email: rep.ivy.spohnholz@akleg.gov Phone Number: (907) 465-4940

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