Dear Friends and Neighbors,

It’s post-election and the holiday season!  I wanted to take this opportunity to send along a season’s greetings and to let you know what I’ve been up to since elections.

Recently I returned from a trip to D.C., where I had the opportunity to meet with staff from the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) in regards to the challenges our state faces with broadband connectivity, as well as legislation I’m working on as a solution.

Last session I introduced HB 346, an Act Creating the Alaska Broadband Corporation and Establishing the Alaska Broadband Task Force.  HB 346 leverages federal universal fees to build out the infrastructure necessary to close the middle mile gap and improve the quality of broadband throughout our state.

During the fall I conducted a survey in the Fairbanks area and found that nearly 60% of respondents do not have broadband.  Of those who reported not having broadband, a staggering 87% reported that it was unavailable, while the other 13% found it either too slow, or too expensive.  This is a clear illustration of a significant problem. 

Thank you to everyone who took the time to fill out my survey. I urge you to reach out to our representatives in D.C. to let them know how you feel about broadband in Alaska.  I will continue to make this a priority as we go forward this session, and I also welcome any feedback you may have. 

Physicians for National Health Program Annual Conference

Besides meeting with the FCC while I was in D.C., I also had the opportunity to attend the annual Physicians for National Health Program conference.  It was amazing to see so many great minds coming together to have a conversation about how to bring quality health care to every person in our country.

Doctors from across the United States, met to discuss a singly focused effort to deliver healthcare in a more cost effective way.  This group was founded 30 years ago, but their cause is more relevant than ever as healthcare has become exceedingly expensive and premiums have increased beyond what is practical for the average American— and especially for Alaskans.

I was delighted to be a part of the annual conference and interact with concerned professionals about current issues, and how to deliver medical care to the public in an efficient and affordable way. 

OCS is Looking for Proposals

The Department of Health and Social Services, Office of Children’s Services is soliciting for proposals from qualified offerors in the FNSB area to provide recruitment, training and support to Parent Navigators who will work with parents who are involved with the Child Welfare System.

For any questions regarding this solicitation please contact James Ackerman at james.ackerman@alaska.gov or call 907.465.1625. 

I hope your holidays are fun and safe.  Please stay tuned for information regarding an upcoming constituent meeting I will be holding at UAF.  There will be more details to come! As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or my staff with any of your concerns.

I look forward to hearing from you,