Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The 34th Legislature convened on Tuesday and we're off and running!

Those of us who won elections in November are thoroughly sworn in for our terms, and committees are under way. Now it's on to the work at hand!

This year's Senate Majority caucus is large, bi-partisan, and diverse. I'm excited to work with these fine Alaskans.

My wife, Karen, joined me Tuesday when I took the oath of office.

PFAS-Free Pipeline

Regular readers know that after six years of work, Alaska finally requires PFAS-free firefighting foam. While most folks are switching as we speak, my bill gave a longer time for the oil and gas industry.

When the bill passed, PFAS-free foams weren't yet burly enough to handle the most intense fires on the planet. The pipeline terminal in Valdez was the perfect example of a potentially super-intense fire that just wasn't ready for the switch.

I'm thrilled to tell you that's not true anymore! Fluorine-free foams have advanced so much, Alyeska Pipeline Service Company has already changed to PFAS-free foams in one of the two Valdez tanker berths. They'll change the other one next year and are starting work on the pump stations up and down the 800-mile Trans Alaska Pipeline. They're leading the US oil & gas industry on this. For context: California won't require tanker terminals and refineries to go PFAS-free for another three-and-a-half years. Alyeska deserves our thanks.

I'm grateful to all the folks, from airport firefighters to TAPS, doing the hard work of removing toxic foams from our state. This is how we stop the next spill from entering Alaskans' drinking water.

Our team on the first day of session, ready to put in the work! left to right: Cathy, Cole, Ella, and Aurora

Who You Gonna Call?

The legislature moves pretty fast, so we work on a lot of things at the same time. I'm pleased to say I have a first-rate team who makes keeping up that pace easier than I deserve. If you have questions or ideas, there are folks in my office who can help:

Aurora Hauke, working her 26th legislative session (just her third in my office,) staffs me on the Judiciary Committee and Legislative Council. She's also the point person on pensions and is fine-tuning two bills I'll introduce soon.

Ella Adkison is our education committee guru and is working on my address protection bill. She's also the team's lead on the legislative fisheries task force, among other issues as she begins her third legislative session.

Cathy Schlingheyde has tolerated me the longest. Beginning her seventh legislative session in my office (her eighth overall,) she staffs me for the Finance Committee. She's the one to talk to with budget questions.

Our newest team member is Cole Osowski. Cole is a University of Alaska/Ted Stevens Foundation intern. He has lived in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Wrangell, & Sitka, but this is his first stint in Juneau. I'm thrilled to have him in the capital city! Cole is studying political science and journalism, and he plans to go to law school after graduation. He enjoys reading legal thrillers and watching history documentaries in his free time.

Cole will have the lead on the Transportation Committee and is carrying a new-ish bill I'll be writing about soon. I initially worried a little about whether someone so interesting would fit in with our office full of policy wonks, but this afternoon we found him watching committee hearings from last session on Gavel just because the subjects caught his eye. He's going to work out just fine...

I'm lucky to have such a high-functioning team of smart, experienced people helping me work for Southeast Alaska. And they're nice, too! If you have legislative questions or ideas—or if my office can help—please just reach out.

Tele-Town Halls

The legislative session's pace, coupled with our region's winter weather, make travel pretty tough. Rep. Story & I are trying something new this year for constituents outside of Juneau. We're hosting virtual town halls where we teleconference between the Juneau library and libraries around the district.

Come join us (virtually) to hear how session is going and to ask your questions.

First up is the Skagway Library on Saturday Feb. 1 at 12:30pm

Then comes the Gustavus Library on Saturday Feb. 1 at 2pm

Third is the Haines Library on Saturday Feb. 8 at 2pm

I hope to see you there! As always, if you can't make it on that date you can call or email me any time.

Thanks to the Black Awareness Association of Juneau, who organized the Martin Luther King Day supply drive for AWARE and the Glory Hall. Lifting up our neighbors is a fitting way to honor Dr. King's legacy.

A Safer State

In other news, I already have the first hearing scheduled for a bill I’ve worked on in the past—SB 31, the Address Protection bill.

In the last legislature, this was SB 12. The new bill number does the same thing: creates an address protection program for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, along with peace and correctional officers. The bill lets them use a substitute address when they get a driver’s license, register to vote, or generally participate in public life—things everyone should be able to do without fear. For anyone escaping an abuser, those things carry significant risk. Alaska is one of just six states that don’t take this essential public safety step. It's past time to fix that.

Last year's bill was two steps from passing when the clock ran out. I’ll keep you up to date as I work to push this across the finish line.

Reps. Hannan, Story, & I briefed the Juneau Assembly on state issues impacting the capital city at a breakfast meeting Thursday.

Juneau Alaska Theater Festival

From Jan. 31-Feb. 2, join the fun with the Alaska Theater Festival! Listen to live plays (including new group-written plays by Juneau high school students performed by professional actors) either on the radio, or get in-studio tickets. 

Juneau Jazz Fest

There’s music all around from Feb. 5-8 for Jazz & Classics' Juneau Jazz Fest. From free brown bag concerts to symphonies, dances, kids shows, and workshops—there’s something for everyone!

Juneau Fireside Lecture

On Feb. 7, learn from a maritime archaeologist about the tragic 1908 Alaska shipwreck of the Star of Bengal.

Skagway Book Club

On. Jan. 26 join a great discussion about this month’s book: Snow Falling on Cedars.

Skagway Tea Tasting Party

On Feb. 9, bring your favorite tea (and a teapot if you have one) to sample teas from your neighbors!

Skagway Children’s Author

Bring the kids on Feb. 5 for a fun day at the library talking with the author of All Aboard the Alaska Train and the Littlest Airplane!

Haines Piano Time

On Jan. 28, bring the kids to learn piano at the library!

Haines Armchair Traveler

Ever been to Havasu Canyon? Here’s your chance to see its beauty with the Armchair Travelers on Jan. 29.

Haines Winterfest

Join all the fun from Feb. 7-9 with Haines Winterfest! There’s fireworks, skiing, winter games, and more!

Klukwan Game Night

Head to the library on Monday night for fun and games!

Gustavus Gallery Opening

On Feb. 7, come to the reception to open this very cool gallery show. It’s art from the parents of Gustavus residents!

Gustavus Open Mic

Bring your instruments for open mic night on Feb. 15!

Gustavus Maker Meeting

Come to the library Wednesday evenings to work on art projects, get inspiration, and socialize with other makers!

Is there an event in our district I should know about? Please call or email!

Want to Send Snail Mail?

Alaska State Capitol

Room 514

Juneau, AK 99801

You Can Call:

800 550 4947

907 465 4947

Or Email Me!

Contact My Staff,

the people who power the work:

Aurora Hauke

907 465 5051

aurora.hauke@akleg.gov

Ella Adkison

907 465 6419

ella.adkison@akleg.gov

Cathy Schlingheyde

907 465 6827

cathy.schlingheyde@akleg.gov

Cole Osowski

907 465 4947

cole.osowski@akleg.gov