Join Us for Fairview Votes GOTV

 You're invited to join other neighbors for Fairview Votes GOTV. We'll meet at 1pm, Sunday November 6th, at 910 E. 17th Ave (corner of 17th and Juneau St in Fairview).  I'll have maps and literature, with a goal of being able to finish your area within an hour.  If you'd like to attend please let me know (907-201-2895) so I can have the right amount of literature.  Thanks!

New Shoes

I've worn out two pairs of shoes door-knocking this election cycle, but fortunately there's a local, and locally owned shoe store downtown where I could pick up some new ones.  Thanks to everyone who's shared what's important to you when I've come to your door.

If I've missed you when I visited your house, or if you live in a multi-family unit that's not canvassable, don't hesitate to call me (907) 201-2895 to talk about the issues that are important to you before voting in November.

A Win for Caregivers!

This year I worked closely with Liz Snyder, Tiffany Zulkosky, Ivy Spohnholz, and Liz Snyder to add $32 million in funding for caregivers.  The need for this increased funding came after our neighbor Parry Grover, who volunteers on the Board of Hope Community Resources, met with me and described how a multi-year decline in funding had left Hope and other non-profits unable to hire caregivers...and therefore Alaskans in need weren't getting care.  We listened, and we helped fix the problem with what translates into a 10% wage increase for caregivers. We had a picnic recently celebrating the wage increase, and thanks to everyone who attended.

Thank you to abortion rights demonstrators at July 4 parade!

 Thanks to everyone who joined an impromptu demonstration of abortion rights at the July 4 parade!

Rally Celebrating Caregivers

This year the legislature appropriated $32 million in additional funding for caregivers whose wages have stagnated for years.  Caregivers celebrated with a rally in Anchorage and I was honored to be there.  Let's keep investing in core services that make Alaska a better place to live for people of all ages.

Fundraiser Wednesday, December 15th at 6:00pm

Thanks to all my neighbors for co-hosting this fundraiser. Invitation for the Zoom event forthcoming soon, and in the meantime feel free to donate on the "donation" page of this site.

 

2020 Election

We face serious challenges going into the 2021 legislative session. Even with a $0 PFD, we will likely face a $500-$600 million deficit. We are out of rainy day funds to fill this deficit, and have no responsible choices except to raise additional revenue to balance the budget.

I am categorically opposed to draining the Permanent Fund. If we were to fill the deficit by over-drawing the Fund, we would lock ourselves into a fiscal death spiral of ever-declining revenue, rising class sizes, shrinking public safety capacity, and elimination of the marine highway and much of the University of Alaska system.

In contrast, we absolutely can survive this fiscal crisis and have a thriving economy in the future if we raise modest additional revenue and take a PFD holiday until oil prices stabilize and we can once again afford to pay a dividend.

Nobody filed to run against me in the primary or general election this year, but there are important steps you can take for our community if you live in House District 20.

First, make sure you've filled out the Census: https://2020census.gov/
This ensures our district has its fair share of political representation in the legislature, and ensures that Alaskans receive our fair share of federal funding for transportation, health care, and other programs that are essential for our economy.

Second, request an absentee ballot: http://www.elections.alaska.gov/Core/votingbymail.php
The COVID pandemic continues to expand, including in Alaska, and I want you to be able to vote from home safely.

Third, please consider how you can support legislators who have done the right thing and fought to protect Alaska's economy, the Permanent Fund that sustains essential services, health care, public safety, Pre-K and K-12 education, and the Marine Highway. Give me a call if you want to talk about how you can help.

Finally, I will be doing a Get Out the Vote effort this fall to make sure our district is represented. You can contribute here to support that: https://zackforalaska.blogspot.com/p/donate.html