A plan. And the absence of one.
May 1, 2020
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Dear Friends and Neighbors, |
Happy May Day! Enjoy this spring sunshine (and if you need some ideas, see the bottom of the newsletter.)
I can sum up my week in three words: meetings, meetings, meetings. Some were pretty productive. Others, not so much... Read on for more.
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Rep. Hannan and I were socially distanced holding virtual town halls this week with Haines, Klukwan, Skagway, & Gustavus. We missed being in each community, but we had great conversations with everyone who called in. Thanks! |
It's a Start
A quick refresher from the last newsletter: the federal government is sending Alaska more than a billion dollars to deal with the impact of COVID-19. The money going to programs that already have some federal funding can move fast: the Legislative Budget & Audit committee can approve the extra non-state dollars. The rest of the money needs to be appropriated because the constitution says so.
LB&A took up the first set of increases today. You can read the details here. It came to about $125 million, including $44.9 million for a limited set of operating expenses (not bond debt,) $41.8 million for school nutrition, $5 million for the University, and $29 million for transportation (including around $10 million for AMHS.)
The committee will do some more next week. The executive branch sends new requests as they figure out exactly how they want to spend the money and what the federal rules allow. But we need a legislative plan, and fast, to get the vast majority of the money out to Alaska communities, non-profits, and local businesses to deal with the snowballing economic impacts of this virus.
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I went old-school and filled out the Census on paper. If you haven't done yours yet, now's the time.
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Not a Plan
Yesterday I listened in to the third meeting of the governor's Alaska Marine Highway Reshaping Work Group. You can find minutes of the meetings and listen to the audio recordings here. I'm glad nine folks are working on the long-term future and health of our ferry system—instead of just crisis management—but the early meetings haven't given me a lot of hope.
A couple members of the group seem to think we should just abandon smaller communities. Others are pretty clearly focused on how to run a better system.
I'm reserving judgement for now. I'll keep close track of their work as they go. If the group finds better ways to run AMHS, I'm more than game to look. But if their only "idea" is to cut the budget by tossing small communities to the sharks, we'll have a fight on our hands.
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Quarantine Commencement
This has been a weird semester for students. So let's take a moment to recognize the hard work and perseverance of this year's UAS graduates. They've finished their degrees and certificates in uncertain times, using brand-new tools, and they graduate into an uncertain world. But the skills they've learned will serve them well in their careers and as members of our Southeast community. You can watch this year's virtual graduation "ceremony" online on Saturday.
I love the UAS commencement. I haven't missed one in years. It's inspiring to see folks who've earned everything from certificates in diesel mechanics or accounting to PhDs in fish science. This year it won't be in person, but it'll be great.
Rick Caulfield is retiring as Chancellor, and I'm hoping for a farewell address. Khrystl Brouillette is the student speaker, Emily Edenshaw gives the commencement keynote address, and the school will award Clark Gruening an honorary doctorate. They'll also give meritorious service awards to Sharon Gaiptman and Todd Hunt, so you know it won't be dull!
Congratulations to all the graduates!
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Did someone forward you this newsletter?
Did you fall into it through the series of tubes? Want more?
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It’s not summer yet—but it sure feels like it! Here are some things you and your family can do outside while staying safe! |
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Get outdoors! Most of us have spent a lot of time indoor s—it’s time to get out and enjoy the splendor!
Go biking. Nothing better than getting some fresh airflow as you cruise around.
Not much of a landlubber? No worrie s—plenty of things to do in or around the sea. Tide-pooling is fun for those of us without a boat.
No luck catching those double uglies or finding the starfish? Put that effort into a good ol' fashioned rock skipping competition! |
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If you want to take a more leisurely approach to the great outdoors we have plenty of options.
Or you might work in your own yard. Maybe it's time to build the Japanese Rock Garden you didn’t know you needed?
There’s many things to see/listen to while outsid e—dig up some worms, listen to the fine tunes of an American Robin, and maybe host a small picnic with your quarantine partner(s). |
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Is there an event in our district I should know about? Please call or email!
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Visit Me!
Alaska State Capitol
Room 419
Juneau, AK 99801
800 550 4947
907 465 4947
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Contact My Staff:
Edric Carrillo
907 465 6419
Cathy Schlingheyde
907 465 6827
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