Protecting Your Rights: Serving West Anchorage

January 21, 2026

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

On Tuesday, we gaveled in for the 2nd Session of the 34th Legislature. 2026 marks my 12th year serving in the Alaska Legislature, and public service continues to be a true honor.

We hope you will stay engaged with our office throughout the legislative session. We look forward to working with you to make West Anchorage the best it can be.

The Legislature Convenes in 2nd Session

Senator Tilton and I had the honor of informing the House that the Senate was ready to do business. We were welcomed by our former House colleagues!

I look forward to continue working for West Anchorage and a better Alaska for all in the final session of the 34th Legislature.

Please reach out to our office with any questions or concerns.

Senator Tilton and Senator Claman informing the House that the Senate is ready to do business.

CAPSIS Reminder

This email is a reminder that CAPSIS submissions are due by 5:00 PM on February 20, 2026. To read more about the Capital Budget and CAPSIS, click here.

We encourage community members to work with their community councils to identify capital projects or get in touch with our office about specific capital projects.

For more information about when and where your community council meets, see our Community Events section below or visit the Federation of Community Council's website here.

Upcoming Legislative Events

This week, the Legislature expects to meet twice in joint session. Our first joint session is scheduled for Thursday, January 22nd at 9:00 AM. We will meet to consider overriding the Governor's veto of Senate Bill 113. SB 113 updates Alaska’s apportionment tax laws to reflect a world where consumers buy everything from food to clothing to computers online. I voted in support of SB 113 when it passed last year, and I will support an override.

On Thursday, January 22nd at 7:00 PM the Legislature will meet again in joint session for the Governor's annual State of the State address.

You can watch both joint sessions on either AKLeg or KTOO's Gavel Alaska.

Community Information

→ Online SNAP Applications

Last year, the Division of Public Assistance (DPA) launched the online application for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The mobile-friendly application is available on the DPA website.

To learn more about the online SNAP application or to apply, click here.

→ Youth Employment in Parks Opportunities

The Youth Employment in Parks (YEP) 2026 Summer Positions

are now open! These are great jobs where teens can make lifelong friends and

get paid to work outside.

Community Events

Anchorage Folk Festival

When: Thursday, January 22 - Sunday, February 1

Where: Wendy Williamson Auditorium (2533 Providence Dr) and various locations around Anchorage.

Anchorage Folk Festival includes performances and workshops from January 22 through February 1st.

The primary mission of the Anchorage Folk Festival is to operate and perpetuate an annual folk arts festival in Anchorage, featuring live performance by the broadest possible representation of community performers.

The Festival maintains a tradition of free public admission and encourages live performance by non-professional artist.

For more information and the full schedule, click here.

Ski 4 Kids

When: Saturday, February 7th, 1:30-4:30pm

Where: Kincaid Park (9401 Raspberry Rd)

This community fundraiser benefits Anchorage Youth. Over $130,000 has been given out in ski equipment grants over the program’s 20+ year history, providing a legacy of ski equipment and instruction to schools and youth organizations that far outlasts the day itself. Ski 4 Kids registration is free, but donations help make sure all kids, regardless of family income level, have access to cross-country ski programs and equipment.

Bib pickup for all registrants (online and in-person) will be on Saturday, Feb 7th from 1:30-2:30 pm

Activities from 1:30 - 3:30 pm

Race start time is 3:30 pm

The 3k on Mize Loop will start first, followed a minute later by the 1k Zoo Peek-a-Boo

The Zoo Peek-a-Boo course will be open before and after the race as well

For more information or to register, click here.