Back in Action!

July 1, 2022

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Happy 4^th of July! Don't forget the sunblock when you spend time with family and friends this weekend. And if you’re in Gustavus, enjoy the pie! (If you're not in Gustavus, go. If you can't, go get some pie & enjoy that.)

Sorry it’s been a while since I sent an e-newsletter. We finished session on time for once, and I've been doing post-session wrap-up, traveling our district, and helping some family members through COVID since then.

Catching up on everything would take a while. Instead, read on for some of the latest.

One of many fun days working for Sen. Dennis Egan.

Remembering the Boss

I was pretty new to Juneau when Dennis Egan was mayor. We were acquainted, but I didn't really get to know him until he was appointed to replace Sen. Kim Elton in 2009.

Dennis was a compromise between then-Gov. Palin and local Democrats. They'd come almost to blows over the appointment. He turned out to be a fantastic choice, and not just because he kept me employed.

Unlike many legislators, Dennis had managed people for roughly four decades. That made him an excellent boss to work for. He also had the benefit of having watched his father work as governor, then serving as an assemblymember and mayor himself. Those experiences made him a skilled legislator, no training needed.

Dennis was a political junkie who watched Gavel to Gavel in his spare time. So he knew the issues, the people who worked on them, and which things needed work—all from his first day in the Senate. He got right to work for our state, with his focus always on Southeast.

And he had a mischievous streak his whole life. By the time he was a Senator it didn't involve breaking any laws, but it never went away. When he'd show pictures of his grandkids he always included the one of an adorable little girl in pajamas innocently holding up the band-aided boo-boo on her middle finger. (Just that one finger...)

Talking with people Dennis switched seamlessly from gruff to joking and back in a way that put folks at ease. He genuinely liked and cared about people. And those qualities all made him a really good friend.

I don't usually claim to speak for others. But I think I'm safe saying all Alaskans will miss the heck out of him. (Though talking about Dennis, I should probably choose a stronger word than "heck.")

I got to join Rep. Story at Celebration, presenting a citation honoring the great work of the Tlingit Culture Language & Literacy Program.

Spending, Saving, and Vetoing

We passed a pretty good budget this year. With oil prices high we were able to put some savings in the bank. We also invested in essential services: increasing funding for K-12 and school major maintenance, a significant boost to our ferries, investing in those who care for seniors and folks with disabilities, and working on some of our crumbling infrastructure. And we'll begin a slow statewide rollout of universal voluntary Pre-K. These all bring long term benefits (especially the last one!) We also increased the size PFD and gave some extra cash for energy relief in a year with rising inflation and brutal gas prices—without breaking the bank.

Unfortunately, the governor still made some disappointing vetoes. He cut funding for important senior and disability services, Meals on Wheels, and child care programs. He undid large chunks of our maintenance money—for schools, the University, and state buildings. He also reduced investment in the Southeast economy: eliminating a grant to Sealaska Heritage Institute for workforce training, and whacking the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute.

Despite these short-sighted vetoes, for the first time in years the budget is adequate. We still have a lot of work to do—particularly when it comes to building a long-term stable financial future for Alaska. Today, the price of oil is high. Anyone who's lived here knows, that only lasts so long.

Rep. Hannan & I honored Phil & Deborah Smith, presenting citations in their memory to their daughter Moira. Longtime Juneauites, Phil & Deb did so much for this community. We miss them greatly.

Great to (Finally) See You!

Getting together in groups is back! It’s been great seeing so many people the past few weeks. Summer means outdoor community gatherings, and with a little virus protection, indoor ones, too:

The return of Celebration was a joy! I loved seeing neighbors from around the region.
The competitors at Gold Rush Days were amazing, as always. (No thanks to those who suggested I sign up. I demurred, instead going home with all limbs and digits intact.)
We celebrated Juneteenth with good friends, top-notch food, and a fundraiser for the Black Excellence Scholarship Fund supporting local high school grads.
The Pride picnic let us celebrate one another, particularly at a time when equal rights are increasingly threatened.

I also got to hold town halls and office hours around the district. Folks in Juneau can always come up to the Capitol (Please do. I’d love to see you!) But it was extra great to meet in person with folks in Haines, Gustavus, & Klukwan. (I had to postpone Skagway to make soup for some ill family members, but I’ll be there soon!)

Wherever you live in our district, I want your thoughts, questions, and feedback. There’s a lot going on in Alaska and I need to hear from you.

Rep. Story & I honored the athletes on the JDHS cheer team for their second straight state championship!

Hanging By A Thread

I don’t normally write about federal issues here. But I can’t fail to mention the radical decision of the U.S. Supreme Court to eliminate the right for every American to make their own healthcare choices. The decision is not just unconscionable because it deletes a fundamental liberty. It also puts a huge number of other rights at risk.

The way the Court wrote the ruling, if something wasn't a widely recognized right in the late 1860's, the 14th Amendment doesn't protect it. Unchecked, that reasoning will remove your rights to birth control, marrying a person of a different race or the same sex, desegregated schools, and other basic freedoms.

Alaska's Constitution still protects everyone's right to control their own bodies. Our right to privacy is strong. But we can’t take that for granted. There’s a push to call a constitutional convention, and the question is on the ballot this November. That would be incredibly dangerous. There have long been efforts to amend the constitution legislatively—to limit your right to privacy and bodily autonomy. We need to defend our Constitution—I've done that in the legislature. We all need to do it at the ballot box.

Please welcome the newest member of our team, Ella Adkison!

Goodbye & Hello

Finally, I want to thank Edric Carrillo for his four years of dedicated work in my office. He's off to the Marine Exchange of Alaska, and I can't wait to see the amazing work he does next.

I also want to welcome Ella Adkison to the office. A Southeasterner to the core (despite a stint living in Fairbanks,) she's already doing great work. We're lucky to have her!

All my best,

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Events & Happenings Around District Q

Juneau-Douglas 4^th of July

Along with the fireworks at 11:59 pm on the 3^rd and the parade, there are loads of activities in Douglas. Happy 4^th!

Juneau Bugs

Take the kids to learn about the amazing world of the small and crawly! Join the Jensen-Olson Arboretum July 17^th, from 1-3pm for activities and exploration.

Juneau Bonfire

Join the SEACC on July 21^st from 6-8pm for beach bonfire and good conversation.

Juneau Fresh Air Market

Support local business outside the JACC July 30^th from 10am-1pm.

Juneau Silent Auction

A Mask-Fur-ade ball to support Juneau Animal Rescue July 30^th from 6-9 at Centennial Hall. Also featuring music, food, and libations. (21 and over.)

Skagway Native Youth Olympics

A day-long deep dive into Traditional Native Youth Olympic games. Learning and fun for the 10-18 set, including sewing their own yo-yo! It's July 5 at the Skagway School Gym.

Skagway BBQ

Bring the family for an evening of music, magic, balloon animals, comedy and, of course, delicious food. Hosted by the Skagway Arts Council July 16^th from 4-11pm at the Dedman Stage.

Skagway Walkathon

The Fran DeLisle Cancer walk from Dyea (or the half-walk from Long Bay) is a scenic walk to support community members. It's July 23^rd from 8am-1pm. Proceeds fund cancer screenings and help locals who’ve been diagnosed with cancer.

Haines 4^th of July Run

Enjoy your 4^th & support Haines Huts and Trails with this 9 mile run! Start at Letnikof Harbor, trot over Riley, and finish downtown! Register online or day of from 7-7:45am at the downtown Harbor.

Haines Southeast State Fair

Four days of all the fun you could ask for! Stop by the fair July 28^th-31^st from and enjoy the parade, music, rides, exhibits and much more!

Gustavus Pie

Swing by the Gustavus Community Center from 9am-12pm for the best way to kick off the holiday: Pie for breakfast! (And if you can, please donate one on the 3^rd after 5pm or the 4^th before 8:30am.)

Gustavus Kid’s Night

Come to the K-5 hang out, with food and fun games! Jump in at the Gustavus Community Center on July 6^th from 4-6pm.

Gustavus Painting

Kids K-6 are invited to register for a Paint Along at the Gustavus Community Center. They'll create their own acrylic painting to take home!