From the Desk of
Senator Johnny Ellis
Representing the neighborhoods of Campbell Park, College Village, Downtown, Fairview, Geneva Woods, Government Hill, Midtown, Rogers Park, Spenard, South Addition, Tudor and Waldron

e-mail: Senator_Johnny_Ellis@legis.state.ak.us
On the web at www.akdemocrats.org
Toll free: 1-888-330-3704

Dear Neighbor,

Here's a quick update from Juneau.

State Operating Budget

The Murkowski Administration and the Alaska Legislature were off to a very slow start but that all changed on March 5th when Gov. Murkowski unveiled his budget. Among other things, he wants deep cuts in school funding, an end to the Longevity Bonus for Seniors and Alaska Public Offices Commission and numerous public service cuts and many tax increases. If you would like to let the Governor's office know how you feel, his Anchorage office number is 269-7450.

I will carefully evaluate the Murkowski-Leman proposals and can assure you that I will not be a rubber stamp for anything not in the public interest. My goals for this session are: good jobs, better schools and a safe and healthy community. I will work with the new governor whenever possible and hold him accountable when necessary.

Affordable Heath Care

I was recently asked to join the board of the Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center. I have long been a supporter of ANHC and some years ago secured funds for their previous expansion. Saturday evening I attended the Celebrity Roast fundraiser where we roasted Mike Gordon, owner of Chilkoot Charlie's as well as former Senator Arliss Sturgulewski and former Governor Tony Knowles. We raised $30,000, which is sorely needed as Gov. Murkowski has proposed eliminating the Anchorage Human Services Block Grant, meaning a loss of $130,000 to the Center's budget.

Town Hall Meeting

I will join other Anchorage legislators in a Town Hall Meeting on Saturday, March 15th, 12:30-4:30 pm, at the Loussac Library. Everyone is welcome to testify or just listen. I am anxious to hear what folks think of Gov. Murkowski's taxing and spending proposals.

Please let me know if I can be of assistance to you.

Best regards,

Senator Johnny Ellis

P.S. Visit me on the web at ellis.akdemocrats.org.