LETTER: We’re lucky to have a leader like Lisa Murkowski

To the editor:

As a woman who has lived in Alaska for the majority of my life, though I didn’t always agree with Senator Murkowski on policy issues, her commitment to Alaska and her strength in being a woman in the political world is admirable. She managed to become a political figure in her own right, especially with her most recently taking a stand against the current attempt to repeal the ACA, and defund programs like Planned Parenthood and Medicaid. I think it’s clear that the ACA does have flaws, but it was one of the first steps Washington took towards every family having stable, consistent care.

I feel so fortunate to have grown up in Alaska. My parents gave me an amazing opportunity by moving up here from the south when I was young. Alaska has shaped me to love nature, to be independent, and to push through whatever the world throws at me, but I can’t say that growing up here was always easy. My parents and I did not have health insurance when I was young, it wasn’t until I got to college that I had coverage under the ACA, and even then Planned Parenthood was still the cheapest and most comfortable option for me.

It’s very fortunate that we have a politician that understands the struggles of everyday Alaskans, especially with regards to healthcare. I never had to fly or take a boat to get healthcare like many other Alaskans, but there were still financial barriers to my access when I was younger. I remember being sick with strep throat and not wanting to go to the doctor to get help because I knew the financial burden would be hard on my family. We were never well off enough to have insurance but we were fortunate enough not to qualify for Medicaid. Even with the introduction of the ACA, my parents still don’t have access to insurance.

It’s clear that Murkowski understands the fact that the healthcare legislation going through Washington is not sufficient to meet the needs of the nation, but is especially insufficient for Alaska, since we have the most expensive healthcare in the nation. Our system cannot stand to lose resources like Planned Parenthood and Medicaid. I’m thankful that Senator Murkowski understands the needs of the average Alaskan and is willing to stand up for us in Washington on this issue. I’m very proud to have a strong woman like her on my side.

— Jordan Martin

Anchorage