I hope you have a relaxing Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends. This time of year reminds us of all we have to be thankful for and motivates us to give back, share love, and feel grateful. I’m feeling thankful for my life’s many blessings and the opportunity I have to serve our community and all of you.
Anchorage – Last week, the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services approved certificate of need requests from both the Alaska Regional Hospital and the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center for new treatment facilities for those struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues. Representative Ivy Spohnholz (D-Anchorage), Chair of the House Health and Social Services Committee, supported both certificate of need applications as a way to address Alaska’s worsening opioid epidemic and fill a need for behavioral healthcare in both Anchorage and the Mat-Su Borough.
Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the signing of the armistice between the Allied nations and Germany in 1918, marking the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and Nov. 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation to change the name to Veterans Day to honor those who served in all American wars.
The Alaska Federation of Natives held its 51st Convention in Anchorage this week, bringing thousands of people together to laugh, learn, and shop for the finest in Alaska Native arts. This year’s theme is “Strength In Unity.” The high point for me was witnessing the signing of a first-ever historic compact between the State and Alaska Tribes to improve the lives of Alaska’s children.
Anchorage – Representative Chris Tuck (D-Anchorage), the Majority Leader in the Alaska House of Representatives, is hosting a town hall meeting Saturday to gather input from constituents before the Fourth Special Session of the 30th Alaska State Legislature begins on October 23rd. Governor Bill Walker is calling lawmakers back to Juneau to consider additional criminal justice reform legislation and a revenue measure to help address Alaska’s projected $2.7 billion budget deficit.
Please join me and Representative Jason Grenn tomorrow, Thursday, October 19th from 6:00 – 7:30pm at Kincaid Elementary School (Cafeteria) for a public safety discussion with the Anchorage Police Department and other local leaders. We’ll be talking about how we can work together to make our community safer.
Earlier this month, as Chair of the Departments of Public Safety and Corrections budgets for the House Finance Committee, I held hearings to provide the public and legislators the opportunity to learn more about the impact of budget cuts since 2014 on law enforcement and incarceration. My colleague Rep. Jason Grennalso held hearings on the Public Defenders Agency in the Dept of Administration and the Dept of Law for state prosecutors. You can find all presentation materials online here.
Please join me this Thursday, October 19th from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., at Kincaid Elementary School (cafeteria). Representative Matt Claman and I will be hosting a public safety discussion with the Anchorage Police Department and other local leaders. We’ll be talking about how we can work together to make our community safer and we urge you to join us.
