Beautiful Day In Our Neighborhood

February 12, 2022

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

It didn't rain much today. I hardly know what to do with a weekend like this, so I came to the office. I hope you're enjoying it!

Featured in the Capitol: Art from school kids is back! I love these birds by students at Sít' Eetí Shaanáx̱ - Glacier Valley Elementary!

Good Neighbors

Two regional groups stormed the Capitol this week. The first was Southeast Conference, the group first formed just a little after statehood to push for a ferry system. Nowadays they work on other economic drivers, too: the growing mariculture industry, energy, and tourism, to name a few.

I spoke as part of a Senate panel Tuesday with Sen. President Micciche and Anchorage Sen. Josh Revak. We spent a lot of time talking about ferries, but also touched on the state’s overall economic picture and prospects for the future with the federal infrastructure bill.

The other group was the Pacific Northwest Economic Region. It’s made up of legislators from Alaska South to Oregon, and east to Alberta and Montana. Uniquely, it includes both Canadian provinces and American states.

I got some serious energy policy training from PNWER last year, and I've recommended a couple of my colleagues take the same course. Better-educated folks make better policy.

PNWER's connections will help us work on transboundary issues like mines and clean water. It's also opening some lines of communication on border issues - our district includes half of Alaska's international border crossings, and they play a really key role in the economy and culture of Haines, Skagway, and Yukon. Stay tuned for more on that topic in the coming weeks!

Speak Up For Clean Water

The coming week is big for bill hearings! On Wednesday, the Senate Resources Committee is hearing SB 121, my PFAS bill. PFAS are a group of chemicals used in some types of firefighting foams (along with a gazillion other things.)

There’s PFAS poisoning drinking water around the state, including in Gustavus. Most of it comes from federally required tests of firefighting foams at airports. The state has a responsibility to make sure Alaskans have clean drinking water. My bill stops new spraying in the environment, requires testing near old PFAS spills, and starts getting rid of old stockpiles.

You can testify in support on Wednesday at 3:30 pm. The legislature needs to hear from you! Come in person to the Capitol (masks required) or call 907-586-9085 from a Juneau-based phone or 844-586-9085 from a non-Juneau phone.

Safety First

The Senate State Affairs Committee hears my bill on address confidentiality Thursday. SB 115 would create a safe mailing address for survivors of domestic violence, along with members of law enforcement, to keep their private addresses off official documents and out of public records.

The state would provide a central post office box to put on property tax records and court documents. The program would forward mail from there to where a survivor actually lives or picks up mail.

There’s no public testimony on the bill this Thursday afternoon, but I look forward to discussing it with the committee. It's an important step to protect privacy and keep Alaskans safe.

Sen. Johnny Ellis

A Sad Farewell

Sen. Johnny Ellis was a character. He was a leader. He was a mentor. He died Wednesday.

Johnny worked 24 years in the Alaska State Legislature. He volunteered in his community and advocated ceaselessly for Alaskans with disabilities, for health care, justice, and Alaskans who struggle. He pulled no punches on the issues, even as he worked avidly across the aisle.

I can't sum up his service. There's no way to do it justice.

He was witty, quick, and friendly. He would work with anyone, but took garbage from nobody. Johnny was a master of rhyming nicknames and quippy slogans. He also had a penchant for boiling the issues down 'till they'd fit on a button. That way everyone knew what he was pushing for. (I have a button sitting in a drawer that spelled out what legislative Democrats wouldn't end one early 2000's session without. It says "Kids, Vets, PCE")

A tribute to him could run for pages and never capture the person Alaska lost. I won't even try. Thanks for letting me spend a few paragraphs of your time honoring a great public servant and a really nice guy.

All my best,

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Events & Happenings Around District Q

Juneau Pawlentines

The day of love is coming up–so remember your four-legged friends this weekend while you do some pet-friendly shopping downtown. Treats and belly rubs (for the dogs) available!

Juneau Pour the Love: Cabin Fever

The four Juneau breweries are joining forces in another bid to bring goodwill and support community projects! All through February, stop by and enjoy special brews to help build a new public use cabin at Eaglecrest.

Juneau Wearable Art Extravaganza!

A community staple is back and this time they’re wading in deep. The theme is “Oceanic Overtures.” Don’t miss out on this whimsical runway show happening Feb. 12^th and 13^th.

Haines Winterfest

Feb. 26^th the winter games return! The Olympics will be over, but we’re talking about fun at the Southeast Alaska State Fairgrounds – games followed by a cookoff and potluck!

Haines Discovery Kits

Get to the Haines Library and check out your discovery kit to open up a world of fun!

Haines River Talk

Come listen to stories on the theme “Lost and Found.” Seven speakers, seven stories, seven minutes, 7:00, for $7. Plus live music and more -- happening Feb. 17^th at the Chilkat Center for the Arts.

Haines Blind Dates

The Haines library has books and movies in mystery wrappers for the month of February. Check one out, read or watch it, and if you submit a review you can win fabulous (chocolate) prizes!

Gustavus Mending

Fix it, repair it, upcycle it – bring your clean items, tools, and whatchamacallits. Experts will be at the Gustavus Community Center to help on Feb 19^th. (The chainsaw sharpening workshop is 2-3 pm!)