Protecting Your Rights: Serving Sand Lake, Spenard and Turnagain

March 17, 2020

In this issue:

• COVID-19 Updates

• Operating Budget Public Testimony

• Anchorage Election

• Constituent Survey Results

• Community Events

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The World Health Organization has officially characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic. Moving forward, we will continue to post periodic updates on developments related to COVID-19. We are continuing work in Juneau to approve a budget, address COVID-19, and consider essential legislation.

COVID-19 Updates

Last week, the legislature passed the Mental Health budget, which allocates $4.1 million in state funding and $9 million in federal funding to prepare for COVID-19. We are also considering measures that will support those who will experience economic hardship (such as the visitor and fishing industries) due to impacts of the global pandemic.

Alaska State Capitol Closure

While legislative work here in Juneau is continuing, we decided to help decrease the spread of COVID-19 by limiting capital access to lawmakers, staff, administration officials, and credentialed press. All LIOs are practicing social distancing and are closed to in-person assistance. LIO staff are still available by phone, email, and chat.

These unprecedented steps, while temporary, are necessary to protect the health and safety of Alaskans and ensure the legislature is able to finalize budgets and other important matters.

Please continue to participate in the public process by following Gavel Alaska, AKL.TV, and through written and telephone testimony.

Read more on Alaska's response to COVID-19.

Operating Budget Public Testimony

This week, the Senate Finance Committee will be taking public testimony on the operating and capital budgets.

While there will be no in-person testimony, all members of the public may testify telephonically or via email.

The Senate Finance Committee will accept written testimony at: finance.committee@akleg.gov

Time limit for public testimony may be set.

Anchorage residents are encouraged to call in on Wednesday, March 18 at 1:00 PM. Sign up no later than 2:30 PM.

Vote By Mail (at Home!)

The Municipal Clerk's Office confirms that plans for the April 7, 2020 Regular Municipal Election by mail are on schedule, in spite of the COVID-19 emergency.

This Tuesday, March 17, 2020, the MOA will mail approximately 215,000 ballot packages to qualified registered voters. Voters can anticipate receiving the ballot package in the mail by Tuesday, March 24, 2020.

To stay safe, the Clerk's Office encourages voters to Vote at Home! Because current events are dynamic and constantly changing, voters are encouraged to vote the ballot and return it as soon as possible.

If a voter loses, damages, or does not receive a ballot package in the mail, the voter is asked to call the Voter Hotline at (907) 243-VOTE(8683) to request a replacement ballot package. The Voter Hotline hours of operation are Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

For more election information, please visit muni.org/elections.

Constituent Survey Results

Last week, we shared the results from our annual constituent survey!

Thank you again to everyone who took the time to participate and share your thoughts.

If you missed the results from our constituent survey, click here.

Community Events

West Anchorage Candidates Forum - CANCELED

A message from the event hosts:

"In order to keep our community safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19, we are canceling our forum. We hope to have information out soon from candidates relating to West Anchorage. Please stay safe out there!"