Dunbar-Newsletter

Come chat about state government over coffee at Denny’s on March 8th!

As we open up this 34th Legislature together, I’m honored to once again be seated here in Juneau serving and representing Senate District J. As I’ve been settling into the start of the legislative session and the different daily routine of life here in Southeast Alaska, my neighbors of East Anchorage have been at the top of my mind. Each day, I find myself incredibly grateful for the ongoing support, ideas, and encouragement that my team and I receive from our wonderful community. 

The Alaska State Division of Elections certified election results on November 30th, including my re-election to the Alaska State Senate. I’d like to thank the people of District J for their trust, and I am excited to return to Juneau and continue working for East Anchorage.

I regret to inform you that Governor Mike Dunleavy has vetoed approximately $225 million worth of projects statewide, at least $3 million of which would have gone directly to Senate District J.

I am pleased to invite you to a Town Hall Meeting for Senate District J, taking place today, Thursday, June 13th, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM.

I am pleased to invite you to a Town Hall Meeting for Senate District J, taking place today, Thursday, June 13th, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM.

I know I said that I would get back to you in a few weeks with a more comprehensive update, but things at the Legislature sometimes move faster than expected, and the Governor’s veto of SB 140, which would have been the largest one-time increase of education funding in the State’s history, necessitates another response.

I wanted to give you a quick update on what occurred during the Joint Session yesterday when we took up a vote on all 12 of the Governor’s Executive Orders, centered around eliminating and consolidating the powers of boards and commissions. In the end, we passed resolutions to block 8 of these orders, while 4 were allowed to pass.

It has been a busy last couple of months at the Capitol. We have been working hard to address a multitude of urgent issues including education funding, power line upgrades in the Railbelt, the impending Cook Inlet natural gas shortage, and the consideration of the governor’s Executive Orders that would shutter several popular boards and commissions. Here’s a brief update on what my office has been doing. As always, my door is always open. Please feel free to give our office a call if you have any questions or concerns.

I am hoping you and your family had a peaceful holiday, and are hanging in there through the snow and rain. In this newsletter, I have two significant topics to discuss: our road conditions and the coming shortage of Cook Inlet Gas. Additionally, it is healthcare open enrollment season through January 15th.