Sen. Dunleavy should listen to Alaskans

To the editor:

At the weekly Senate majority press conference March 9, Sen. Mike Dunleavy of Wasilla was quoted as saying “I’ve not had one individual not associated with an organization that would benefit from (Medicaid) expansion. But just in everyday Alaskans, I have not had one come to me and say, ‘Please expand Medicaid.’”

This is an interesting observation by the senator, as Anchorage Faith and Action Congregations Together — a federation of 15 local churches and congregations — sent a team of 14 to Juneau, March 9 and 10 to share stories from our faith communities about the very people Sen. Dunleavy has not heard from.

The senator was unable to spare 15 minutes of his time to meet with “everyday Alaskans” from our diverse faith communities. Yet, he found time recently to co-sponsor a luncheon presentation from the Foundation for Government Accountability, a national conservative group campaigning against Medicaid Expansion and partnered with Americans for Prosperity, an organization financed by the Koch Brothers.

I would hate to think that the siren song of Outside interests is drowning out the voices of the marginalized for Sen. Dunleavy.

Kim Watsjold

Eagle River