Keeping Connected
With daylight saving behind us, spring is on the horizon! Although the winter can be a dark and gloomy time of the year awaiting for spring, I feel energized after connecting with Alaskans as I’ve traveled across the state. An added bonus to spending time in the state was getting to celebrate the end of winter at Fur Rondy and the Iditarod. The Iditarod represents true grit, determination, and drive as the mushers and their teams travel across some of the most treacherous terrain in Alaska for the Last Great Race on earth. I was fortunate to be in Anchorage for the ceremonial start to see the teams off --- I wouldn’t have missed it for the world!
Out and About in Alaska
At the Capitol
During the last state work period I had the opportunity to give my annual address to the Alaska State Legislature in Juneau. We’ve accomplished so much this year and have good reason to be optimistic about Alaska’s economy, but we still have a lot of work ahead of us.
Click here to watch my full address to the Alaska State Legislature.
With state Senate Pages.
Extraordinary Alaskan Athletes
It’s been quite a year for our Alaskan athletes! The world’s two longest sled dog races are complete, with veteran Alaskan musher, Allen Moore bringing home his third Yukon Quest win and Joar Ulsom becoming our 2018 Iditarod champion. We had a record number of Alaskans competing in the 2018 Winter Olympics and Anchorage local, Kikkan Randall brought home the gold in the women’s cross-country team sprint race. Paralympian, Andrew Kurka, of Palmer became the first Alaskan athlete to ever medal at the Winter Paralympics, bringing home the gold in the downhill and silver in the super giant slalom. And it was an honor to attend the 2018 Special Olympics Alaska Winter Games to get to cheer on the strong, inspiring competitors.
Yukon Quest 2018 winner Allen Moore hugging his dogs.
Iditarod 2018 winner Joar Leifseth Ulsom.
Kikkan Randall, Gold Medalist in the women’s cross-country skiing team sprint freestyle race at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea.
Andrew Kurka, who earned the gold medal in the men’s downhill and silver in the super giant slalom at the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea.
Enjoying time with the athletes, volunteers, and supporters at the 2018 Special Olympics Alaska Winter Games.
Healthy and Sustainable Communities
I held a roundtable in Ketchikan with the Forest Service Chief, which focused on the opportunities to improve access to the Tongass and how to build a more sustainable and diverse economy in southeast Alaska.
Touring the Juneau Housing First Facility which provides housing and healthcare to the chronically homeless.
Speaking at the Alaska Innovation Summit in Juneau.
In Juneau visiting booths at the Innovation Summit.
Investing in Alaska’s Future
Touring the Alaska Laborers Training School in Chugiak.
Future Alaska laborers.
In Chugiak I had a chance to tour the Alaska Laborers Training School, an apprenticeship training facility where Alaskans are beginning the journey to join Alaska’s workforce. We frequently focus on the need to develop new jobs within our state, but it’s equally important to have job-ready individuals to fill them.
Discussing school safety with a student government class on a tour of Eagle River High School.
Meeting with leaders of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District to discuss educational focuses and community concerns.
Connecting with Alaskans
Honored to host the Armed Services’ YMCA “Salute to the Military” event in Anchorage, where the community honors our military family for their service and the military honors our community for its outstanding support. We were honored to have General Lori Robinson, USAF, Commander of the US Northern Command (NORTHCOM) and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) as our keynote speaker. General Robinson is one of only two female four-star generals in the U.S. Air Force.
Thanking the State Library and Archives Museum for their contribution to the arts and celebrating their being selected as one of the nation’s 10 best museums by the Institute of Museum and Library Services in Juneau.
Enjoying good company and good food at the Filipino Community Celebration in Juneau.
A warm welcome from the staff of the newly opened Brew 602 in Soldotna.
Celebrating the “Year of the Dog” at the Chinese New Year Celebration at East High School.
Work in D.C.
Working on Solutions
- STOP School Violence Act: Like many across the nation, I was horrified by the school shooting in Parkland, Florida. The growing violence in our country is difficult to both explain and understand. There is no one, simple fix for addressing acts of violence, but a focus on prevention is an imperative.
- I am a cosponsor of the STOP School Violence Act, which aims to help schools implement evidence-based programs that stop school violence before it happens. By equipping individuals with the tools, knowledge, and skills needed to identify warning signs, as well as implementing anonymous reporting systems for how to notify the proper authorities with potential threats, we are taking a step in the right direction. I recognize that this is just one small piece of the puzzle, but by being proactive, we all can be part of the solution and help keep our students and teachers safe.
- Ice Breakers: We are making headway with the acquisition of a new polar icebreaker and are now advancing to a new phase where Navy and Coast Guard personnel can proceed with a request for proposal (RFP) for detail design and construction of a heavy polar icebreaker. When it comes to our country’s commitment to the Arctic and much-needed infrastructure like icebreakers and ports, we are woefully behind.
(Click here watch me discuss cybersecurity and infrastructure)
Fulfilling Promises
- ANCSA Improvement Act: In 1971, Congress passed the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) to settle the aboriginal land claims of Alaska Natives. During an Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing, I spoke about the bill Senator Sullivan and I introduced, the ANCSA Improvement Act, which will finally fulfill the promises Congress made to Alaska Natives almost 47 years ago.
(Click here to watch me discuss the ANCSA Improvement Act)
- Filipino WWII Vets: Alongside my colleague Senator Brian Schatz from Hawaii, I introduced the Filipino Veterans Fairness Act, which restores the U.S. government’s promise to Filipino World War II veterans and ensures those surviving are receiving benefits they deserve. After the Philippines were annexed by the United States during World War II, many from the area served our nation and defended our freedoms, but they have not received the recognition they deserve for their contributions. It’s time to recognize these brave veterans for what they are – veterans of the United States.
- Military Hunger Prevention Act: Too many men and women who serve in our military come back home and face a challenge of providing food for themselves and their families. This is simply unacceptable. I’m proud to work with Senators Tammy Duckworth and Tom Udall in introducing the Military Hunger Prevention Act, legislation that will help eliminate the barriers that prevent many military families from being able to access the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and school meal programs.
Alaskans Visiting D.C.
With Wasilla locals Rachel and Dan Kennedy. I was proud to nominate Rachel to the Air Force Academy, where she graduated in 2014.
Alaska Broadcasters Association members in town for their annual national conference.
Speaking to the National Indian Education Association and interacting with Alaskans who were attending.
Speaking to the NCAI Winter Session where I was awarded for my involvement in supporting and expanding Tribal Courts.
Meeting with members of the Alaska Food Bank to discuss food programs critical to so many Alaskans throughout the state.
In the News
