Letters to the editor

The Mat-Su Reentry Coalition program

To the editor:

My name is Barbara Mongar, and I am the Mat-Su Reentry Coalition Coordinator. The Mat-Su Reentry Coalition is a partnership of community members, public and nonprofit agencies, faith-based groups, and businesses, all committed to reducing recidivism among returning citizens in the Mat-Su community. The Mat-Su Reentry Coalition, along with the Mat-Su Reentry Program, is housed within Valley Charities, Inc. Our Mission is to promote public safety by identifying and implementing strategies that increase formerly incarcerated individuals' well-being within the community and reduce the likelihood of their return to prison.

The Mat-Su Reentry Coalition and its partners provide hands-on support for Alaskans leaving incarceration and successfully returning to their communities. We help them get employment, housing, and access to treatment and healthcare.

Many of the individuals we work with do not have health insurance when they leave incarceration and can benefit from the enhanced premium tax credits.

Health insurance is essential for individual’s returning the community and workforce from incarceration. If a person cannot afford health insurance, they risk going without and relying on more costly forms of health care, such as hospital emergency rooms, Medicaid, and public health programs.

The enhanced Premium Tax Credit (ePTC) helps hourly workers, individuals that are self-employed, and small business owners. The current ePTC will expire at the end of 2025. If these tax credits are not extended, monthly premiums could double for people, and individuals that have tight budgets might not be able to afford the higher monthly premium costs.

I think it is important to support affordable health insurance for Alaskans by extending the enhanced Premium Tax Credit, so individuals releasing from incarceration can get back on their feet and become contributing members of their communities.

Barbara A. Mongar

Mat-Su Reentry Coalition Coordinator

Valley Charities, Inc.

400 N. Yenlo Street, Wasilla