Dear friends and neighbors, We presented a legislative citation to Dr. Diane Hirshberg, retiring director of the Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER) at UAF. Dr. Hirshberg has done great work leading that significant research entity. I was honored to sponsor this recognition with Sen. Wielechowski and Rep. Mears.
Gas Pipeline, Seward Highway, Education, and lots more! Read More »
Easter is this coming Sunday and the Legislature has a long-held tradition of taking a brief break to spend time with family. It means that we will have a short week of legislative hearings and I will be back in Fairbanks to host another Town Hall meeting with my colleagues Rep. Ashley Carrick and Rep. Maxine Dibert. While we have this break to meet with the public, there are a lot of things moving very quickly for which we would like to hear public support or public opposition.
Easter Weekend Let us Break Bread and Discuss The Key Issues. Read More »
Last year, Senate Bill 43 achieved an important milestone by formally recognizing the month of March as Women’s History Month in Alaska. This is more than symbolic, it is a meaningful way to honor those who came before us, those who inspire us today, and the next generation of young women leaders being raised in
Elvi’s Updates – April Newsletter 2026 Read More »
Hello! Last week the Senate voted to pass the final version of Senate Bill 64, designed to strengthen and better secure Alaska’s elections. Under the new requirements in SB 64, people who are voting or registering to vote must provide a driver’s license, passport, birth certificate, or federally recognized tribal identification in order to confirm their identity. Hunting
On the Kenai: Weekly Legislative Update for March 31 Read More »
The Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER) has been informing Alaskans for 65 years. Sen. Tobin sits down with ISER Director Diane Hirschberg to talk politics and public policy.
The Empty Office Podcast – Season 4, Episode 11 Read More »
While the legislative session is always a busy time, this week was especially productive in the Senate. This is a quick recap on business moving through the legislature.
Session Halftime Update Read More »
Dear Friends and Neighbors, This week, the Legislature approved an elections reform bill to ensure all eligible Alaska voters can vote. The Legislature also approved a final supplemental budget for FY 2026 after negotiations between the House and Senate.
Legislature passes election reform measure Read More »
Dear friends and neighbors, As of March 24, 2026, Juneau has officially recorded a historic snowfall year. At midnight, the Juneau International Airport measured 201.2 inches of snow—surpassing the previous record of 197.9 inches set during the 2006–07 season.
Gas Pipeline, Elections Bill Passes, Supplemental Budget, and lots more! Read More »
The midway point of the session passed last week, and the remaining two months will move very quickly. House Bills and Senate Bills are exchanged as they go through the bicameral legislative process. I will try to keep folks updated back home through social media and these e-newsletters. I am also hosting an upcoming Town Hall event in Fairbanks! If you have an immediate question, comment, or suggestion, you can always contact me directly at the office at 907.456.7423!
Join Us: Upcoming Town Halls in Fairbanks! Read More »
Hello! Spring is here, and things are really heating up in Juneau. You see it already on the Kenai too! Construction crews out, equipment moving, action happening. The Sterling Highway Safety Corridor east of Soldotna is finally getting the attention it deserves. It’s long overdue.
On the Kenai: Weekly Legislative Update for March 23 Read More »
