What people say matters. What leaders say matters. What the President of our country says matters. What Martin Luther King Jr., said, that people should not be “judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character,” matters.
Yesterday Governor Walker signed an administrative order that declares the abuse of opioids a major public health issue and includes a directive for the Department of Public Safety to ramp up screening and enforcement methods to stop the trafficking of illegal drugs in our communities. The order also directs all state departments to apply for federal grants that can help in the battle against the epidemic.
ANCHORAGE – Representative Dan Ortiz (I-Ketchikan) will be attending the Southeast Conference Annual Meeting next week in Prince Rupert, British Columbia. The meeting will feature researchers, business owners, and political leaders from across Southeast Alaska and Western Canada.
FAIRBANKS – Representatives David Guttenberg (D-Fairbanks), Scott Kawasaki (D-Fairbanks), and Adam Wool (D-Fairbanks) are holding a town hall meeting to discuss the current state of affairs during the first Special Session of the 29th Alaska Legislature. Topics will include the budget, education funding, senior benefits, and Medicaid reform an expansion. Lawmakers will also provide the opportunity for constituents to weigh in on spending priorities and cuts that should be considered.
Last Thursday, I voted to keep the Legislature working so we could pass a fully funded budget, provide access to affordable healthcare to all Alaskans through Medicaid expansion, and meet our constitutional duty to adequately fund public education. Instead, the House and Senate Majorities passed resolutions by straight party line votes that allow the Legislature to take a recess until May 12th. Senate and House Finance Committees will continue to meet, but the Legislature will not convene a floor session until May 12th.
Thank you to everyone who attended my Birthday Fundraiser at HooDoo Brewing Company and legislative update at Raven Landing. It was great to reconnect with many Fairbanks friends and contribute to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska.
Dear Neighbors, As we approach the final days of the first session of the 29th Alaska Legislature major decisions are being made at a rapid pace and I want to make sure you are kept informed about your right to be heard.
Thank you to everyone who attended my Constituent Pizza Party last weekend with Senator Costello and Representative Vazquez. It was great to reconnect with many West Anchorage friends and neighbors. With 24 days left in the 90 day legislative session, we have lots of work ahead. The conversations from last weekend will help guide many of my decisions as your representative in the weeks ahead.
