Dear Alaskans,
I hope you all had a safe and enjoyable Labor Day Weekend. September is in full swing, and I have been busy traveling our state and hearing directly from Alaskans on the issues that matter most to them. I periodically send these newsletters to keep you up-to-date with my work on behalf of Alaska. I hope you will take a moment to read my newsletter and share it with your friends and family. As always, should you have questions or concerns you would like to share with me, do not hesitate to contact my office.
Sincerely.
Don Young
Congressman for All Alaska
Relief for Alaska's Fishermen
Help is on the way for fishermen adversely impacted by China’s retaliatory seafood tariffs. Alaska's seafood industry is central to our economy and way of life. Our fishermen and processors depend on the ocean to keep food on their families' tables, and they deserve a fair and open global marketplace to do business. Unfortunately, not every country has played by the rules, and China's retaliatory tariffs have impacted our country's fishing sector. Our dedicated fishermen and processors are already trying to keep their businesses afloat amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and these retaliatory tariffs only make matters worse.
I am very pleased to see the USDA make relief funding available to Alaska's fishermen through the Seafood Trade Relief Program. This funding is welcome news for the hard-working mariners who bring Alaskan salmon, halibut, and countless other seafood to market. I am grateful to President Trump and Secretary Purdue for recognizing the Alaska seafood industry's urgent need in these uniquely difficult times. Click here to learn more and find out how to apply for relief.
Combating Domestic Violence
The U.S. Department of Justice Office of Violence Against Women has awarded $320,000 to the Kenaitze Indian Tribe, and $243,619 to the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. Every year, women and girls around the country survive rape, domestic abuse, and other forms of tragic violence, and sadly, many of these heinous crimes are more prevalent in Alaska Native communities. Alaska often ranks first as the state with the highest rates of women killed by men, and Alaska Native women are ten times more likely to experience domestic violence than other women in the United States. This funding will go a long way toward keeping our children and families safe. We must always promote a culture of zero-tolerance for domestic violence, and I am grateful to the Department of Justice for recognizing the urgent need for these crucial resources. Click here to read more.
Native Village of Eyak
It's always good to travel around our great state! I'm grateful to have met with leaders from the Native Village of Eyak recently to discuss some of the most pressing issues before Congress. I appreciated the productive discussion on a range of topics, including CARES Act funding, improving health care delivery in the community, and expanding access to affordable housing in the area. Alaska Natives are central to Alaska’s history and way of life, and I look forward to continuing to fight for them in Congress. I want to thank these passionate community advocates for hosting me and for facilitating a wide-ranging discussion!
Meeting with the Alaska Energy Authority and AIDEA
The Alaska Energy Authority and the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) do critical work on behalf of our state’s infrastructure and energy economy. Last week, I met with Alaska Energy Authority Executive Director Curtis Thayer and Alan Weitzner from AIDEA to discuss several issues important to our state, including our hydropower sector, CARES Act funding, rural power infrastructure, and more. This was a very productive meeting and I’m looking forward to our continued work together on behalf of Alaskans.
Safe and Affordable Housing
I recently had the great pleasure of virtually meeting with the Association of Alaska Housing Authorities (AAHA). The dedicated advocates at AAHA work hard to make the development and funding of affordable housing a reality for countless families in our state. Our discussion was very productive, and covered a range of topics such as reauthorizing the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act, ensuring the Indian Community Development Block Grant program's long-term success, and securing the construction of affordable housing units through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. I have been a long-time supporter of these vital programs, and I am grateful for AAHA's partnership on behalf of Alaskans. COVID-19 has caused financial strain on too many families, which makes AAHA's work more crucial than ever. I look forward to our continued work together in the years ahead. Thank you to all the attendees for a great meeting!
Alaska's Aquaculture Economy
Our state's aquaculture operations represent tremendous potential for our economy. While I was recently in Cordova, I met with Tommy Sheridan, the Prince William Sound Aquaculture Corporation's General Manager and CEO. I have been a long-time advocate of mapping our ocean, which is especially crucial for aquaculture. Alaska's marine economy relies on comprehensive ocean data to keep our waterways safe and navigable. This Congress, I have been a strong advocate for ocean mapping operations performed by the scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). I will continue pushing for the resources necessary to get a complete picture of the unique life and geography that lie beneath our waters.
Fully-mapped oceans aren't the only issue of importance to our state. We must also ensure that our waters can remain healthy and free of marine debris. This Congress, as Co-Chair of the House Oceans Caucus, I was proud to help pass the COAST Research Act -- legislation I authored with my friend and Oceans Caucus Co-Chair, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), to monitor ocean debris and combat ocean acidification. I'll keep fighting on all fronts to ensure that businesses like the Prince William Sound Aquaculture Corporation can succeed well into the future. Tommy, thank you for a great tour and a productive conversation!
Making Sure All Alaskans Count
The deadline for the 2020 Census is right around the corner! I recently sent a letter to Census Bureau Director Dr. Steven Dillingham, urging him to reverse plans to move up the field data collection deadline to September 30th from its original date of October 31st. In order for Alaska to be well-represented over the next decade, a full and accurate count is essential. Funding for schools, infrastructure, health care, and other vital programs depend on Alaskans coming together and filling out the Census in person, online, or over the phone.
Read my full letter here.
Don't forget to take the 2020 Census here.
Town Hall in Cordova
During my stop in Cordova, I spent time meeting with Alaskans and elected officials to discuss their legislative priorities. Diversifying our state's energy portfolio will be essential for our long-term success. Cordova runs primarily on hydropower, making them a model for cities across our country looking to expand into renewables. I am especially grateful to Cordova Mayor Clay Koplin and Members of the Cordova Assembly for hosting me at their publicly noticed town hall. These Alaskans brought great questions. Our conversation spanned a range of topics such as the health of our fisheries, COVID-19 relief, keeping our tourism economy afloat, and Alaska's impressive mariculture sector. I'm fighting hard in Congress to ensure that Cordova – in addition to the countless communities in our state that depend on a strong tourism economy – have the support needed to come out of these unprecedented times stronger than ever.
Supporting Alaska's Working Families and Their Children
Now more than ever, 21st Century Community Learning Centers play a critical role in supporting our children through academic enrichment and access to engaging and safe learning environments. Normally, the program focuses on initiatives that occur after school, but these are anything but normal times. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way our children learn, and we must ensure that this critical grant program can adapt. Educators, administrators, and the students they teach need and deserve funding flexibility so that learning can continue during this public health crisis.
I recently introduced the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Relief Act with my colleague, Congresswoman Susan Wild (D-PA).
This crucial legislation takes the steps necessary to ensure that the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program works for students in Alaska and across the country. As Co-Chair of the House Afterschool Caucus, I will continue fighting to ensure that children, parents, and teachers have the support needed to come out of this stronger than ever before. Click here to read more about our legislation.
Federal Grant Roundup
Tens of millions in federal funding has been invested in Alaska over the past few months, and it could be coming directly to your community! Take a moment to catch up on these investments by clicking the headlines below to read the original news releases.
