Protecting Your Rights: Serving West Anchorage | | |
Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan
Address the Legislature
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This week, Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan addressed the Legislature.
Senator Murkowski spoke about recent Federal firings and cuts. She emphasized that "our biggest resource is our people" and that many of the firings and cuts are being made without a full understanding of the impacts. “These terminations are indiscriminate and many, we’re now learning, are unlawful." Senator Murkowski and her team are working to elevate the concerns of Alaskans to the Trump administration.
She also voiced her support for maintaining Medicaid. 38% of Alaskans are enrolled in Medicaid, including 43% of Alaska's children and 13% of our seniors. Cuts to Medicaid will result in countless Alaskans paying higher premiums when health care costs are already very high.
In response to a question about an Alaska natural gas, Senator Murkowski spoke to the recent announcements from President Trump about Japan buying Alaska natural gas. As these talk progress, Senator Murkowski emphasized the importance of keeping Alaskans' needs for affordable gas at the forefront of the conversation.
And finally, Senator Murkowski addressed the conflict between Trump Administration and the courts. She emphasized the importance having independent and strong legislative and judicial branches of government to balance a strong executive branch. "We've got to stand up and make sure that it is understood that we are all separate but equal branches of government," she said. "When the people no longer believe that the system of justice is there for them, what do we have in this country?"
Please see the video below for highlights of Senator Murkowski's address. To watch her full speech, please click here.
| | Senator Murkowski remarked on the Federal firings, Medicaid, Alaska natural gas, and the balance of power in government. | | New Department of Agriculture Voted Down | | |
On Wednesday, the Legislature voted to disapprove Governor Dunleavy's Executive Order 136 establishing an Alaska Department of Agriculture. The Division of Agriculture will remain in the Department of Natural Resources.
Food security is an important issue for Alaska. There are over 1,200 farmers in Alaska, but only a fraction of our food comes from Alaska. Alaskans depend on food shipped by barge, truck, and plane from the Lower-48. Supporting local food and farmers is important.
The Governor's Department of Agriculture proposal was estimated to cost about $2.7 million and would have added substantial administrative bureaucracy with no guarantee for improved services. A better route to create a new Department is by introducing a bill, so Legislators can meaningfully amend the proposal and work for a consensus. When considering an executive order, Legislators can only vote to approve or disapprove - they cannot amend the proposal.
The resolution to disapprove the executive order passed the Legislature sitting in Joint Session by 32-28. All 14 members of the Senate Bipartisan Majority Caucus voted to reject the proposal.
Moving forward, I support efforts to support food security in Alaska in addition to a balanced budget.
| | Anchorage Sales Tax Fails | |
This week, the Anchorage Assembly voted against placing a sales tax proposal on the ballot for voters in September. Their vote to postpone the issue indefinitely marks the end of months of debate.
-> To learn more about the proposal, you can read this previous e-news.
-> To read my commentary in the ADN, click here.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the robust community dialogue on this issue.
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Mt. Spurr Eruption Preparedness
Today, the Municipality’s Office of Emergency Management is stepping up the potential Mount Spurr eruption to a Level Two activation status (of five possible levels) as they continue to monitor, coordinate, and share information about the potential Mount Spurr eruption.
Mount Spurr’s official alert level has not changed since October 16, 2024, when the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) elevated it to Yellow/Advisory status due to increased activity. On March 12, however, the AVO released a statement that rising gas emissions mean they consider an eruption similar to those in 1992 and 1953 to be “the most likely outcome” of the current unrest. This statement has increased communication and press coverage, generating the need for more capacity to coordinate, prepare, and respond to community questions.
If there is an eruption, AVO scientists predict the most significant impacts experienced in Anchorage could be around a quarter inch of ashfall, similar to 1953 and 1992, depending on wind and weather conditions. Volcanic monitoring has significantly improved over the last thirty years, and the AVO closely monitors and measures Mount Spurr by local seismic, infrasound, web camera, and satellite networks along with regional infrasound, lightning networks, and satellite data. That should mean plenty of time and warning in advance of an eruption or its effects.
As part of its public health response, the Office of Emergency Management recommends:
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Mayor's 2025 Arts Grants
Mayor LaFrance invites community members to apply for the 2025 Mayor's Art Grants. The application period will be open from March 17 to April 14, 2025.
Historically, the Mayor's Art Grants recognized and uplifted the work of presenters, producers, and community-based arts organizations that are 501(c)(3) nonprofits that offer visual art, theater, dance, music, and poetry in the Municipality of Anchorage. This long-standing local grant tradition supports organizations contributing to the municipality's wellness through beautifying public space, preserving and enriching cultural heritage, sparking community dialogue, and empowering local artists.
A total of $175,000 will be awarded to two types of projects this year. First, nonprofit organizations working in arts and culture will be awarded $75,000. They are seeking project proposals with a clear public engagement component. Projects could include performances incorporating audiences, programming open to the public, art accessible to the public, and beyond.
Second, and new this year, $100,000 will be awarded jointly by the Municipality and the Anchorage Community Development Authority (ACDA) to Beyond the Beige proposals. They are seeking proposals by two or more organizations working together for projects that bring color to a neighborhood or neighborhoods. Projects could include murals, alleyway projects, façade improvements, and beyond.
The application will open March 17 at 9 a.m. and close April 14, 2025, at 5 p.m.
For more information, click here.
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Anchorage Municipal Election Information
The Anchorage Municipal Election is Tuesday, April 1st.
-> Voting by Mail
Anchorage Elections are conducted by mail. The Municipality sent the ballots out last week, and everyone will receive their ballot in the mail. After you fill out your ballot, make sure to sign the envelope. You can return your ballot in the mail with first-class postage or to one of 18 secure Municipal ballot dropboxes. There are three dropboxes in West Anchorage:
- Dimond High School
- Spenard Community Rec Center
- West Anchorage High School
You must deliver your ballot to a dropbox by 8 PM on Tuesday April 1st. Or you can send your ballot through the mail with first class postage. If you send your ballot through the mail, it must be postmarked on or before Tuesday, April 1st.
-> Voting in-person
If you don’t want to vote by mail, you can still vote in-person on election day. There are three locations to vote in-person:
- Anchorage City Hall
- Loussac Library
- Eagle River Town Center
In-person voting is open:
Weekdays, March 25–31, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 29, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Election Day, April 1, 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
-> Voting at a temporary address
If you will be away and unable to receive your ballot at your registered mailing address before Election Day, you may request that the Municipal Clerk send your ballot to a temporary address by completing the Application to Vote at a Temporary Address. Applications to vote at a temporary address must be received by the Municipal Clerk's Office by 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 25, one week before Election Day. You can find that application here.
-> Additional information
For questions, the Anchorage voter hotline is 907-243-VOTE (8683).
You can find more information about the election, including how to vote as well as candidate and proposition information, on the Anchorage Municipal Website: muni.org/elections.
To learn more about the candidates and ballot propositions, click here.
When Alaskans vote, Alaska wins!
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Empty Bowls Project
When: Saturday, April 5th at 11:30 am
Where: Dena'ina Convention Center
Mark your calendars. Save the date. The Empty Bowl Project is being held on April 5, 2025! This event is Bean's Cafe’s largest fundraiser and a much-loved community event. During this special gathering, we raise awareness and funds to combat hunger and remind everyone of the empty bowls in our community and the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors: those experiencing hunger, food insecurity, and homelessness. The event symbolizes the importance of what one bowl of soup can mean to someone concerned that they will not have enough to eat that day.
After adapting to the challenges posed by COVID, we are thrilled to announce that the Empty Bowl Project will return to the Dena’ina Center in its full-scale model this year! This special event, which has historically brought our community together, is set to significantly impact our community once again.
Winner of the Alaska Business Monthly Community Event of the Year in 2019 and 2020, we are excited to be back!This year you can expect....lot's of soup, to-go soup, silent auction, raffle tickets, kids activities, merchandise, live entertainment from PAMYUA and you will take home a beautifully handcrafted ceramic bowl created by our partners Turnagain Ceramics, local artists, and even students of Anchorage Community School District!
Don't miss out on your chance of fun with Bean's Cafe! Learn more about the event here: https://beanscafe.org/emptybowlproject2025/
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First Responders Appreciation Day
When: Saturday, April 12th
Where: Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
They answer the call when we need them most—now it's our turn to say thanks! Join us on Saturday, April 12th for AWCC's First Responder Appreciation Day—a wild day of heroic recognition and animal fun at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. In partnership with the Anchorage Police Department and Anchorage Cops for Community, humans and animals alike are honoring Alaska’s first responders at AWCC with a mix of meet-and-greets, emergency vehicles, family fun, free admission for first responders, and of course wildlife experiences!
We’re celebrating police, state troopers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, 911 dispatchers, chaplains, ski patrol, and search & rescue teams—basically, anyone who keeps our communities safe (and runs toward danger instead of away from it).
What’s in Store?
- Meet & Greets – Shake hands with Alaska’s everyday heroes. Emergency Vehicles – Climb inside the rigs that keep us safe.
- Wildlife Fun – Watch our foxes leap, our wolves prowl, and marvel at our mighty moose! With over 120 animals across 16 different species, you're sure to say hello to some of Alaska's most beautiful wildlife in their natural habitat.
- Food Trucks – Because even superheroes need snacks.
- Family Fun – Kid-friendly activities, photo ops, and more!
A Little Extra Support:
First responders get FREE admission—because saving lives is hard work. Both sworn and unsworn positions get in free! Please bring your badge or work ID.
$3 from all other admissions goes to Anchorage Cops for Community; helping strengthen the bond between law enforcement and our whole community.
So come show your appreciation, enjoy a wild day with AWCC's incredible animals, and say THANK YOU to the people who keep us safe!
For more information, please click here.
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CONTACT INFORMATION
(907) 465-4919
Sen.Matt.Claman@akleg.gov
State Capitol Bldg. Rm 429
Juneau, Alaska 99801
https://www.alaskasenate.org/matt-claman/
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CONTACT THE GOVERNOR
(907) 465-3500
550 West 7th Ave. Suite 1700
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
STATE OF ALASKA
State Info: (907) 269-5111
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CONTACT THE ADN
Write a Letter to the Editor
Submit your letter to the Anchorage Daily News via email or web form.
attn: Letters to the Editor
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