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Earlier this summer, I presented a legislative commendation award sponsored by Rep. Coulombe and I to Fred Voss. His outstanding initiative and leadership in the Hunter Information & Training Program won him the Annual Instructor Award this year. Thank you for your invaluable contribution to our community, Fred!
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September 27, 2024
Hard to believe that fall is already here. Seems like I blinked and half the trees are well into losing their leaves! I’m sure like most of you, the summer was a busy one. After a busy and successful session, things really haven’t slowed down.
In addition to statewide wins like a balanced budget and education funding, the 2024 session ended with some big accomplishments for the Abbott Loop, Huffman/O’Malley, Lower Hillside neighborhoods: I passed 6 common-sense bills and secured close to $2 million for some of our district’s biggest capital project priorities. As of the beginning of this month, all my passed bills are now law and contracts are being drawn up for the distribution of the capital funding.
To help keep this newsletter a reasonable length, I will dig into each of the bills and the upcoming projects in two different e-newsletters in the coming week. Read on for the first installment and keep your eye on your inbox!
As always, if you have any questions just give me a call or send me an email! You can reach me anytime at 907-465-4949 and keep up with day-to-day things on my Facebook page.
Regards,
JK
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Protecting Alaskan’s Access to Our Land
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For decades, the Citizens’ Adivsory Commission on Federal Areas, also known as CACFA, monitored federal rules and actions taken on federal land in Alaska and ensured that individual Alaskans had a place to go to understand and engage constructively with those federal decisions that affected them. It was a source of institutional knowledge on the major laws that govern how our land is used, it helped Alaskans navigate federal permitting processes, and most importantly, was an entity focused on constructively advocating for Alaskans to policy makers on the federal level. Unfortunately, the commission sunset in 2021.
The importance of the Commission led my team and I to take up the bill to reinstate the commission last year. After two years of collaboration with stakeholders and my colleagues, the Legislature overwhelmingly supported my SB 34 and CACFA was reauthorized on August 29th.
In the coming weeks, the Governor, the Speaker of the House, and Senate President will appoint members to the Commission. Once everyone is appointed, they will hire an Executive Director and their work will begin.
If you want to learn more about how CACFA served Alaskans, you can visit its archived website (it will be updated again once the Commission gets up and running again):
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Protecting Your Private Data
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The last few years have seen several high-profile data breaches (both in Alaska and nationally). My Senate Bill 134 came about because I, like you, am greatly concerned about the safety of our personal data.
I worked with the Division of Insurance and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to craft legislation that will protect your data stored by insurance companies. The bill was modeled after the best practices in other states but also included specific provisions that cater to Alaska’s unique market.
Recognizing the critical need for better safeguards, this law mandates that insurance companies in Alaska conduct a full risk assessment of their internal and external threats, and then develop, implement, and maintain an information security program based on those threats.
Senate Bill 134 became law on August 29th! Reach out if you have any questions!
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Expanding Access to Live-Saving Mammograms
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One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and it is the second deadliest cancer among women in the US. When detected early, breast cancer is treatable. However, while screening mammograms are fully covered by insurance, follow-up diagnostic mammograms are not, posing a cost barrier to those at a higher risk of cancer.
During the vetting process of SB 134, we were presented with the opportunity to address a gap in how state health insurance companies cover the costs of supplemental mammograms.
SB 134 passed with language that ensures supplemental mammograms are covered (at no cost to the insured) under applicable state health insurance plans. Regular mammograms save lives, and this bill removes a substantial barrier for women who need them the most.
I am proud to have championed this legislation that works towards enhancing the data security position of the insurance industry as well as removing the costs of mammograms for the insured. Please reach out if you have questions and stay tuned for more updates!
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$1.9 Million for Priority Projects in our District
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The above reflects the final projects and totals after the Governor’s vetoes were announced. Please reach out if you have any questions about projects that were vetoed.
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For the first time in many years, I worked to secure significant direct funding for our capital project priorities. In total, $1,940,000 is headed toward various pedestrian safety and road improvement projects that will take place over the course of the next year or two. In this newsletter and the next two, I will highlight more specifics of these projects so you will know what to expect in the coming months.
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Safe Pedestrian Crossing for O’Malley Elementary at Rockridge Drive - $400,000
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This money will go toward installing a safe pedestrian crossing at Rockridge Dr. and O’Malley Rd. to ensure children that attend O'Malley Elementary, along with their families, can safely cross the busy thoroughfare.
Children and families in the neighborhoods across from O’Malley Elementary have long crossed O’Malley Rd. at Rockridge Dr., which provides a straight shot onto school property. When the full plans for the O’Malley Road Reconstruction project were announced, parents noticed with reasonable concern that the Alaska Dept. of Transportation expected children to walk up to the nearest light (at Birch Road) and back down to the school (a half mile total).
When these plans were announced in 2023, I received hundreds of calls and emails from parents who recognized how dangerous it would be for any child looking to cut down on their walking time. In response, I worked with the Hillside and Huffman/O’Malley community councils to put together a capital project request.
I am excited to report that $400,000 has now been granted to the Municipality to work alongside the O’Malley Reconstruction Project to install a safe pedestrian solution at Rockridge Dr. and to make some other needed repairs to Rockridge.
The specifics and timeline of the project are still under development, so I will keep you posted. Reach out if you have questions!
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Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Improvements for Elmore Intersections at 84th Avenue & Coventry Drive - $300,000
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The South Anchorage Hillside Intersections Study of 2015 identified a need for a solution to the pedestrian danger at the Coventry Dr. and 84th Ave. intersections with Elmore. These intersections (especially Coventry Dr.) are main access points to the popular Abbott Loop Community Park and Far North Bicentennial Park. Heavy traffic on Elmore Rd makes crossing the road extremely dangerous for children and families who use the park.
In addition to the pedestrian dangers, residents exiting Coventry and 84th have long waits during rush hour traffic and winter drivers attempting to turn off of Elmore have (on several occasions) crashed into fences and yards that border the intersections.
This funding will go toward developing an updated plan and cost estimate for all of the needed changes, and hopefully the beginning of a full solution. When they are complete, these changes will vastly improve the safety of pedestrians going from neighborhoods to the park and the ability of cars to safely and efficiently exit the neighborhood.
This project has been at the top of the Abbott Loop Community Council’s capital project priority list for years and I am excited that we are finally beginning to make some headway on it. Please reach out if you have questions or would like to see the studies and plans from 2015.
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Are you concerned about a road safety issue?
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The first step is to reach out to your Community Council. Once it is on their priority list, I can work on requesting in a future state capital budget.
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Get Ready for Winter Snow
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Whether we like it or not, winter is fast approaching. The last two winters have been marked by frustration at the slow (and often ineffective) snow removal response from both State and Municipal transportation departments.
Last week, Anchorage Assembly Transportation Committee held a special meeting to get an update from Municipal and State departments on their snow removal plans for this year, and specifically how they are working to improve their response.
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September: Suicide Prevention Month
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If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, dial or text 988 to find judgment-free support for mental health, substance use, and more. It is free, confidential, and available 24/7.
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Service Student is Fighting for Suicide Prevention
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Waaqa, I am Arianna (Ari) a Yupik, Peruvian, African-American artist. My mission is to raise awareness for important issues, such as suicide in our state. I hope my earrings can help speak for those currently battling with suicidal thoughts and those who are survivors of this issue.
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Arianna is a senior at Service who designed and made these beaded earrings for the State of Alaska's 988 Create Youth Arts Campaign for Mental Health. Arianna was selected as one of ten students to be part of the The Youth Alliance for a Healthier Alaska. These earrings will now be part of a year-long campaign by the State of Alaska to support mental health in teens.
I want to thank Arianna for using her talent to raise awareness for suicide prevention. It is always inspirational to see our young people getting involved in the big issues facing our state.
And a big shout out to Service High art teacher, Ms. Siobhan O'Hara, who shared Arianna’s work with me!
Every voice makes a difference.
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College Students:
Come Work in the Legislature!
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As always, I want to hear from you! Whether you have an opinion you would like to express or if you need help with anything government-related, please reach out via email or phone call and I will do the best to assist you.
Reach out!
By Phone: Monday-Friday, 9am to 5pm
P: 907-465-4949 | E: Sen.James.Kaufman@akleg.gov
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Find Your Community Council
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Abbott Loop Community Council Meeting
Thursday, September 26, 6:30-8:30pm
Trailside Elementary School at 5151 Abbott Rd
Also available on Zoom: Zoom Link | Meeting ID: 834 4646 7426 | Passcode: 673499
Full agenda wil be available here >>
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Hillside Community Council Meeting
Wednesday, October 2, 6:30-8:00PM
Alaska Conference of Seventh-day Adventists State Headquarters building (NOT the church itself) at 6100 O'Malley Road
Also available on Zoom: Zoom Link | Meeting ID: 865 9049 3825 | Passcode: 372912
Full agenda will be available here >>
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Huffman/O'Malley Community Council Meeting
Thursday, October 17, begins 7:00PM
In-person at Huffman Elementary School at 12000 Lorraine St
Also available on Zoom: Zoom Link | Meeting ID: 941 5287 1929 | Passcode: 320438
Full agenda will be available here >>
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Hillside Home & Land Owners (HALO)
Check online for meeting dates, typically 7:00PM
HALO Website >>
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