On the Issues

Resources

Alaska is blessed with an abundance of natural resources, including oil and gas, fish, timber, minerals, and our Great Land’s natural beauty itself. Our economy depends heavily on natural resource development, which provides an abundance of jobs, and funds a large share of State government. To attract investment and maintain a vibrant economy, we must strive to: 1) promote resource development, 2) diversify our economy, and 3) ensure that our State presents a fair, competitive and positive business environment. As Eagle River’s State House Representative, I will continue to promote pro-business and free market principles and responsible resource development.

Our fish and timber resources need to be managed to ensure sustainable harvest and balance with environmental impact, personal use, and tourism. These industries are a vital part of Alaska’s heritage and a way of life for many Alaskans, and must be managed in a fair, balanced, and responsible way.

Our mining industry and its economic impact on the State are growing. This trend is important to the diversification of our economy, and we must be vigilant to ensure that mining activity is done responsibly, productively, and with minimal environmental impact. I believe that current State and Federal laws create this balance.

Today, the oil and gas industry dominates resource development activity and drives the Alaskan economy. Quite simply, Alaska would not be what it is today without this vital industry. Since completion of Trans Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) in 1977, Oil and Gas revenues have contributed more than 85% of the State’s unrestricted revenue, and the industry provides more than 40,000 direct and indirect jobs.

With North Slope oil production on decline, and approaching 30% of peak capacity, Alaska faces an uncertain and challenging future. The State must take positive steps to expand oil and gas development on the North Slope, reverse production decline and secure a brighter future for Alaska.

During the 28th legislature I co-sponsored HB 4 that promotes construction of an in-state Alaska gas pipeline. The project will provide a long term, low cost, and secure energy source to fuel Alaska’s economy for decades to come. As your legislator, I will work tirelessly to ensure development of Alaska’s gas resource becomes a reality!

A favorable business climate will bring investment, development, production, jobs and revenue to fuel the economy of the State of Alaska for decades to come.

Education

With over 10 years of experience as a substitute teacher, I understand the many challenges of being in the classroom and deeply respect those who choose education as a career. As a State, we need to ensure our teachers are given the necessary tools and support to educate our children and that resources reach the classroom and are not wasted in bureaucracy.

There is no question that quality education is the foundation of a great society. Education explains the world around us, builds self-esteem, and provides students the tools to become productive and responsible members of society. For America, for Alaska, and for our children we must strive to improve the quality of education for Alaskans.

I oppose the implementation of the Common Core initiative in Alaska’s schools. Common Core requirements are not age-appropriate, lack reliable evidence of success, and do not accommodate the unique needs of Alaska’s students and communities.

We have many great teachers in the State of Alaska and numerous programs that have proven successful, including language immersion programs, engineering pilot programs, and gifted programs. However, there is room for improvement. The graduation rate in the Anchorage School District, at around 70%, is unacceptable.

All stakeholders need to be involved, and open to new strategies as we strive to improve our graduation rates while containing costs. Alaska is the land of opportunity and we have the ability to equip our youth with an education that prepares them for a brighter future.

As Vice Chair of the House Education Committee, I am working closely with all stakeholders to improve the educational system in Alaska. As your State House Representative, I will make education a priority. We should settle for nothing less than the best in education!

Healthcare

Having worked in the healthcare industry for almost 15 years, I bring to the table a comprehensive understanding of healthcare issues facing Alaska.

It is vital that we work to ensure that all Alaskans have access to high quality affordable healthcare. Patients and their providers need to be able to make the decisions that are best for each individual without government or insurance companies dictating care.

I am very concerned with the Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”), which may be the most impactful legislation in America’s history. Healthcare reform should be patient centered and market based.

Prevention is the key to improving the health of Alaskans. Preventative measures include improvements to community water, sanitation and housing standards, access to vaccines and healthcare screening, and public education about obesity and domestic violence.

We must continue to develop, implement, and fund statewide comprehensive health and education programs to address the devastating problem of alcohol and substance abuse, suicide, and child abuse and neglect. Telemedicine is an important option to make care more accessible in rural areas of the state.

Alaska faces critical shortages of health care professionals in both rural and urban settings. This must be addressed now to avert a future crisis as it takes years to train medical personnel.

Military

My Dad was the Site Manager for the Ballistic Missile Early Warning System in Clear, Alaska, and my Father-in-Law was an Orthopedic Surgeon in the US Air Force. Living in communities where the military was a major part of our lives, my husband and I grew up with both a deep appreciation for our armed services and an understanding of the unique challenges that service members often face.

Members of the armed forces have families and children, and ensuring that they have safe, stable, and productive communities to grow up in is a top priority.

As your State House Representative, I will continue to fight to make Eagle River, and all of Alaska, a better place to live and to recognize our Veterans.