Moving forward after passage of Safe Children Act

To the editor:

I want to thank all the brave survivors who came to Anchorage from the Valley, Anchorage and other towns to testify on House Bill 44 in its original form. This was so hard for me to bring out my story of sexual abuse and domestic violence. I know your stories are just as important and should be heard.

I talked to Sen. Mike Dunleavy on Wednesday and said please reconsider, and I didn’t hold any animosity toward him as he was nice enough to wish me a happy birthday on June 10 when we talked. He said changes are being made.

And thank you to Sen. Anna McKinnon for your kind words and help on the bill and to all who helped, especially to Cindy and Butch Moore who were my support system. Now we all will try to move forward.

Betty J. Brickel

Wasilla