Dear friends,

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.

This coming session, both bodies of the Legislature will be held by bipartisan coalitions comprised of Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. Very few other states use this organization structure, and it is a privilege to be able to work with my fellow legislators in this way.

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Coalition leadership includes Senate President Gary Stevens (R-Kodiak), Majority Leader Cathy Giessel (R-Anchorage), and Rules Chair Bill Wielechowski (D-Anchorage). The priorities for the Senate Coalition continue to be lowering energy and healthcare costs, improving public education funding, reforming elections, and retaining teachers and public employees. The coalition will be focused on ensuring stability for both rural and urban Alaska.

Fall Harvest at Peña Place Market

The Senate Coalition has appointed me to chair the Senate Health and Social Services Committee. This committee, abbreviated to SHSS, deals with issues crucial to Alaskans’ lives. Healthcare, prescribing practices, health education, and more cross the desks of legislators sitting on this committee.

Below is a full list of committee chairs:

· Community & Regional Affairs: Sen. Kelly Merrick (R-Eagle River)

· Education: Sen. Löki Tobin (D-Anchorage)

· Health & Social Services: Sen. Forrest Dunbar (D-Anchorage)

· Judiciary: Sen. Matt Claman (D-Anchorage)

· Labor & Commerce: Sen. Jesse Bjorkman (R-Nikiski)

· Resources: Sen. Cathy Giessel (R-Anchorage)

· State Affairs: Sen. Scott Kawasaki (D-Fairbanks)

· Transportation: Sen. Jesse Bjorkman (R-Nikiski)

· Legislative Budget & Audit: Sen. Elvi Gray-Jackson (D-Anchorage)

Special committee co-chairs include Sen. Gary Stevens and Sen. Cathy Giessel for Arctic Affairs and World Trade. Full committee memberships will be finalized on the first day of session.

My current list of legislative priorities includes promoting housing development, limiting payday loans, ensuring consumers can repair their own property, encouraging fair wage practices, and increasing access to mental health care.

More legislation will be added to this docket as this legislature progresses. If you’re passionate about any of these issues, please send us a letter of support! Additionally, if there is an issue in your community that could be improved with legislation, please reach out to my office.

Respectfully,

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This past week I was honored to receive the “20 Under 40” award from the Council of State Governments.

This award is given to twenty notable up-and-coming elected and appointed state officials from across the country who exemplify strong leadership skills and a true commitment to serving the citizens of their state/territory.

I was honored to be included and remain to driven to working towards the betterment of my district. 

Healthcare Open Enrollment

It is healthcare enrollment season right now. If you have any issues enrolling in Medicaid, Medicare, or if you are a State of Alaska employee encountering issues getting enrolled in your healthcare plan, my office can help. Please reach out to sen.forrest.dunbar@akleg.gov with details about your issue.

Medicaid Open Enrollment (November 1 - January 15)

Apply online through Healthcare.gov or directly at my.alaska.gov under “ARIES-Public Assistance.” For more information, visit the Alaska Department of Health's Medicaid page here.

State Employees Healthcare Enrollment (Deadline: December 18)

State employees can enroll or make changes to their healthcare plans through the Alaska Division of Retirement and Benefits. 

Visit the Employee Health Benefits site to access your account and sign up.

The winner of Anchorage Park of the Year 2025 is Scenic Park!

Scenic Park is outside of my district, but a beloved part of East Anchorage at large. Throughout 2025, the Anchorage Parks Foundation will highlight the stories of great features that make Scenic Park a favorite in Anchorage. Artist Valisa Higman will be taking on the challenge of celebrating Scenic Park with a custom design that will be revealed later in the spring. Stay tuned for further celebrations of this East Anchorage gem.

 

Office of Senator Dunbar | Anchorage Legislative Office Bldg 1500 W Benson Blvd, Ste 428 907-465-6944 | Anchorage, AK 99503 US