Protecting Your Rights: Serving West Anchorage

October 3, 2025

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Nationally, the Federal Government shut down on Wednesday with Congress unable to come to a budget agreement. Essential government services and all state government operations will remain open.

Last week, Governor Dunleavy vetoed two bills, representing his 8th and 9th veto of legislation this year. Read more below.

Federal Government Shutdown

On Tuesday evening, Congress failed to pass a stopgap spending bill to keep the Federal Government open. Loss of key healthcare policies, including cuts to Medicaid and the expiration of healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act are at the heart of the disagreement.

Essential government services will remain operational. This includes the military, NOAA, air traffic controllers, the Postal Service, Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare. Federal workers will be asked to work without pay, and should receive backpay when the shutdown ends.

State departments remain open and operational. This includes the Permanent Fund Division and Department of Revenue, the Department of Health, and the Department of Public Safety and State Troopers.

Governor Dunleavy Vetoes Senate Bill 54 and Senate Bill 113

Last week, the Governor vetoed two bills: Senate Bill 54 and Senate Bill 113.

Senate Bill 54, sponsored by my office, would extend the statutory authorization for the Board of Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors (AELS Board), add Registered Interior Designers to the board’s jurisdiction, and make statutory changes requested by the AELS Board. This bill would allow the AELS Board to continue the important work of regulating design professionals in Alaska and add a qualified interior designer to the board. It is an important measure for streamlining regulation and ensuring that Alaska is open and ready for business. SB 54 passed the Senate 18-2 and the House 30-10.

Senate Bill 113 is a common-sense measure to ensure that online businesses that sell to Alaskans pay their fair share to support Alaska. Many of these companies doing online business in Alaska pay minimal or no corporate income tax due to our outdated tax laws. Under the current law, companies base their taxable income on the sales conducted in Alaska and the percentage of their property and payroll located in the state. But in today’s economy, many companies with no property or payroll in Alaska have a significant presence in Alaska through substantial in-state sales. It is not a new tax. SB 113 ensures that companies doing business in Alaska pay their fair share of Alaska’s corporate income tax.

SB 113 is estimated to raise between $25 million and $65 million each year. Some of the revenue would go directly towards education funding, including career and technical education and reading proficiency grants intended to support the Alaska Reads Act.

With a total of nine vetoed bills out of 33 that the Legislature passed, the Governor has now vetoed over 25% of all passed legislation, the highest proportion in our state's history.

As set forth in Article II, Section 16 of the Alaska Constitution, the Legislature may reconsider both SB 113 and SB 54 and decide whether to override the Governor's vetoes when we return for our next legislative session in January 2026.

Early Polling

on the Veto Override Threshhold:

Senate Joint Resolution 2

Senate Joint Resolution 2 would improve the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches in Alaska by lowering the number of votes needed to override a veto of an appropriations item. Currently, 45 out of 60 legislators must vote to override an appropriations veto, which is the highest number in the country. Only 40 votes are needed to override vetoes of other bills. To read more about the resolution, read our last newsletter here.

This summer, polling found that 50% of Alaska voters would strongly support or somewhat support this change, compared to 40% who would somewhat oppose it or strongly oppose it.

To find the full results of that poll, click here.

Community Information

→ Permanent Fund Dividends Arrive

The 2025 Permanent Fund Dividend is $1,000. The Alaska Department of Revenue Permanent Fund Division will start distribution of the 2025 PFD applications eligible for payment in two disbursements. The first disbursement will be issued on October 2 for eligible applicants who filed online and chose direct deposit as their payment. The second disbursement will be issued on October 23 for eligible applicants who filed by paper or chose paper check as their payment.

Monthly disbursements will continue as applications are put into an Eligible for Payment status. Please click here to view the full payment schedule.

myPFD Link

Community Events

Enlaces Community Health Fair

When: Saturday, October 4th from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Where: Our Lady of Guadalupe Church (3900 Wisconsin St)

Enlaces Community Health Fair - Bilingual Spanish/English + Blood Tests

This is a free community event, and everybody's welcome to attend. Bring your friends & family! Walk-ins are welcome! Set an appointment online - visit www.alaskahealthfair.org, - scroll down for schedule, click Make Appointment.

The Providence Mobile Mammogram will be at the event! Be sure to schedule an appointment with them at (907) 212-3151.

Featuring affordable comprehensive blood tests, health education, and local health and wellness resources.

Blood Screenings:

We work with leading certified clinical laboratories to bring you the most affordable high-quality blood tests in Alaska!

Your privacy is important to us. AHF does not share your information with anyone. Results are mailed directly to you. With questions please call (907) 278-0234.

Alaska Health Fair is a nonprofit organization, delivering health fairs and affordable blood tests statewide since 1980. AHF is a United Way member.

National Alliance of Mental Illness Peer-to-Peer Training

When: October 15th through December 3rd, Wednesdays 5:30 to 7:30 PM

Where: Virtual

NAMI Peer-to-Peer is a FREE, eight-session educational program for adults with mental health conditions who are looking to better understand themselves and their recovery.

Taught by trained leaders with lived experience, this program includes activities, discussions and informative videos. As with all NAMI programs, however, it does not include recommendations for treatment approaches.

What You’ll Gain:

NAMI Peer-to-Peer is a safe, confidential space. The course provides an opportunity for mutual support and growth. Experience compassion and understanding from people who relate to your experiences. This is a place to learn more about recovery in an accepting environment.

Registration is required, class size is limited. To learn more or register, click here.