Arctic Executive Steering Committee Visits Fairbanks, Hospice Fundraiser

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Last week I had the opportunity to volunteer for the Fairbanks Memorial Hospital at their annual hospice benefit concert at the UAF Davis Concert Hall.  Each year the Far North Fiddle Fest takes place to bring awareness to this important program.  It was great seeing people from the community come out to help support interior hospice, as well as enjoy some of the country’s best fiddlers.

Healthcare remains a priority for me, and I continue to stand by the Governor’s choice to expand Medicaid.  Since the expansion, more than 1000 people have signed up for health coverage in the first two weeks of enrollment, and 20,000 more are expected to within the next year.

Rep. Guttenberg selling tickets for the annual Far North Fiddle Fest

Arctic Executive Steering Committee Visits Fairbanks

Earlier this month I met with former US Ambassador to Sweden Mark Brzezinski, who now heads President Obama’s Arctic Executive Steering Committee, and Dr. John Holdren, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy as well as Co-Chair of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. We talked together about the issues facing Alaskans, from melting permafrost to longer growing seasons, and how the effects of climate change will impact our future.

I was interested to learn what exactly it is that the Arctic Steering Committee has been tasked with, and was impressed by the earnestness with which Brzezinski communicated his intention to listen and learn from the people who actually live in the Arctic first, before initiating any policy changes. Together we talked with local scientists on the myriad ways UAF continues to lead the world in Arctic research. Although there don’t appear to be any clear answers yet on how we’re going to move forward in the face of a changing climate and a changing Arctic, it was encouraging to see that this monumental effort is being shouldered by such competent and compassionate people.

I look forward to continuing the conversations I started with Brzezinski and Holdren, and trust that the wellbeing of Alaskans will continue to be a priority for them as they return to their work in D.C.   

Alaska Liquefied Natural Gas Pipeline (AKLNG) Open House to Take Place in Fairbanks

Governor Walker recently announced his intent to call the legislature to a special session to tackle plans to build and operate the Alaska Liquefied Natural Gas Pipeline.  Alaska LNG is currently holding open houses around the state to get the public’s input, and on Tuesday, September 29th, they will be holding the Fairbanks open house at the Westmark Hotel and Conference Center downtown.  I encourage anyone who has questions or concerns about AKLNG to attend.

WHEN:     Tuesday, September 29th.
WHERE:  Westmark Hotel and Conference Center
TIME:       6pm-8pm

Thank you for reading and please feel free to call my office and share your ideas.