Our future depends on education that focuses on the fundamentals. I believe a strong vocations program should be part of the Alaska education system; our kids deserve schools that will prepare them for Alaskan jobs.
I am committed to education funding, protecting school programs, increasing Career Technical Education (CTE) opportunities, and fostering teacher development. Ensuring adequate and stable long-term funding for education is essential for our community’s future; this includes a permanent increase in state funding, which is crucial to provide consistent support for our schools.
Protecting teachers and educational programs, including activities, art, and music, is vital, as they form the backbone of student engagement, leading to better outcomes. New teachers are the future, and we must focus on ensuring they have opportunities for growth and development within our schools. Experienced teachers play a key role in mentoring and supporting our new teachers, fostering long-term stability in our local teaching workforce.
We should be investing in and advocating for increased access to CTE and similar programs. This will offer students practical pathways to in-demand jobs, addressing workforce needs in Alaska. CTE programs create a direct pipeline from education to advanced training opportunities and employment, preparing students for careers in high-paying jobs.
Stable funding ensures these programs can thrive, benefiting students and the local economy. By focusing on these areas, we can build a robust educational system that supports teachers, engages students, and meets our state’s future workforce demands.
I will keep working to ensure that housing is a priority, as it directly impacts our ability to keep families in our community, influences our economy by attracting and retaining workers, and improves the quality of life for everyone. I will support legislation that invests in infrastructure for roads and utilities to open up areas where the state has fallen short, such as selling land without access. We need investment in unfinished subdivisions like Mud Bight, Mountain Point, and other areas throughout our communities. By addressing these critical infrastructure needs, we can unlock the potential for new housing development, ensuring that more families can find affordable and suitable homes.
Our building industries are key to solving our housing challenges, given the opportunity to access buildable land and develop ways to lower shipping costs. The state can help the local community by reducing barriers and investing in infrastructure to gain access to these areas. By providing access to land, our local builders and developers can be more efficient and provide cost-effective housing that benefits everyone in our communities.
This investment not only benefits our residents but also strengthens our local economy by making all our communities more attractive places for businesses to thrive. Investing in infrastructure related to housing is essential for the long-term growth and prosperity of our community and will pay dividends for future generations.
The Permanent Fund belongs to the people and must be safeguarded to ensure it benefits all Alaskans equally.
The amount of the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) each year should be determined with a primary focus on the long-term sustainability of the fund, ensuring it remains a lasting resource for future generations. This requires utilizing our resources and applying sound financial principles in legislative development that adopts a balanced approach to setting the dividend amount, ensuring a fair distribution to residents while preserving the fund’s real value. We should prioritize meeting our constitutional obligations, investing in meaningful capital projects, and ensuring that operational programs effectively support our communities.
This balanced approach minimizes disputes and secures the sustainability of the Permanent Fund and the Dividend for the benefit of all Alaskans.
In our communities, senior services play a vital role in maintaining the well-being and quality of life for our elderly population. As the number of seniors continues to grow, the need for comprehensive senior housing and support programs becomes increasingly important.
Senior housing options provide a safe and supportive environment where seniors can live independently while having access to essential services. These facilities offer a range of amenities, including medical care, social activities, and assistance with daily tasks, ensuring that our seniors can enjoy their golden years with dignity and comfort.
Support programs are equally crucial, offering services such as meal delivery, transportation, and in-home care. These programs help seniors maintain their independence and stay connected to the community. We need to ensure that the sense of community and support is strong, so that seniors are not left isolated or without assistance.
Additionally, leveraging veteran services for our senior veterans can provide tailored support that acknowledges their unique experiences and needs. These services can include specialized medical care, mental health support, and community programs that honor their service and contributions.
Investing in senior services not only improves the lives of our residents but also strengthens the fabric of our communities. By prioritizing senior housing, support programs, and veteran services, our communities will be places where all generations thrive.
The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) is a vital lifeline for Alaska, connecting communities and driving economic growth across the state. For Southeast Alaska, the AMHS serves as the primary highway, linking us to the rest of the state and beyond. Its benefits reach far beyond our region, impacting all of Alaska.
The AMHS is essential for businesses, facilitating the transport of goods and services, and providing residents with access to critical resources. However, recent service reductions have negatively affected our communities, underscoring the urgent need to restore and strengthen the system for Alaska’s future prosperity.
As an advocate for the AMHS, I believe it’s crucial to explore every opportunity to restore the southern connection, vital for maintaining affordable transportation links to the lower 48. Additionally, we must clearly communicate a long-term vision for our shipbuilding plan and routes. Our vision for moving people will guide our shipbuilding and infrastructure efforts, ensuring we have the necessary vessels and systems to meet our communities’ needs. By championing this approach, we can secure the future of the AMHS, keeping Alaska connected, resilient, and prosperous.
My top energy goal is to ensure that we are making capital investments into existing facilities while also investing in future technologies that will lead to Alaska's energy independence. Alaska has a tremendous amount of underutilized water power resources that could be harnessed to create alternative fuels and power for our communities. By fully utilizing these resources, Alaska can become a world leader in the net export of energy.
In the short term, it's essential that we effectively and strategically use our legacy energy sources, such as oil and gas, to bridge our energy needs until newer technologies are widely adopted. Additionally, we must ensure that there is effective and adequate transmission of existing resources throughout regions of Alaska. This includes strategically making connections where possible to build a stronger framework and network of interconnected communities.