Time to work across party lines, compromise

Hi, my name is Kenda Huling. I’m a private citizen born in the territory of Alaska and I have lived here my entire life. I care deeply that my state be run responsibly. This would include wanting lawmakers to work across party lines representing issues affecting all of us. Throughout my younger years I can remember many years of legislators working with everyone, no matter what their party. We were represented by many parties: Democrats, Republicans and Independents. They represented their constituents and maintained open communication, respected others and worked for the betterment of all Alaskans.

I believe Jayson Valentine’s letter to the editor printed May 29, 2015, in the Alaska Dispatch News says it clearly, and represents the views of many Alaskans.

It says:

“Dear Legislators;

Here is your to do list.

1. Pass a fully funded budget.

2. Expand Medicaid.

3. Pass Erin’s Law

4. Go home and spend time with loved ones.

Love, a bunch of mad Alaskans”

I agree with Jayson’s letter to the editor and would add a few additional comments.

I would like to see a fully funded budget passed for a full year. It wastes time to partially fund the budget and have to return to do it again in a couple months. Do so without tapping into the PFD. Yes, the financial outlook for the state is tough, however, we want all legislators to cooperate and get issues important to Alaskans completed. No fair moving money around to tie up currently available monies so you now have an excuse to raid the PFD. It appears this is being done so that the majority caucus does not have to work with those who will not vote their way.

I would like to see Medicaid expanded. There is plenty of evidence that expanding Medicaid and accepting federal dollars would make health care available to many currently uninsured Alaskans and bring additional revenue into our state. Everyone should have the opportunity to be free from worries of paying a medical bill. Valuable time has already been lost from our three years of full federal coverage. Expanding Medicaid now is the right thing to do.

I also support funding for education. Every Alaskan has the right to literacy, to quality education, and to be able to qualify for jobs that will support themselves. It is shameful that so many other states and countries have higher educational priorities and results than we do here in Alaska.

I would like you to pass Erin’s Law as it was originally written. Having “Opt-out” options removes education opportunities from those who need it most. Abusers want to keep their victims in the dark. The point of Erin’s Law is to provide awareness of abuse, to provide for recognition of abuse, to provide information to avoid abuse and to provide training in escape methods if one is in an abusive situation. Lack of knowledge hinders prevention.

I am uninterested in who gets credit for passing any bills. I am only interested in having legislators listening to all Alaskans and focusing on issues and priorities that Alaskans want. It seems we are only getting what legislators decide to give us. Do you think that closed-door sessions and refusing to allow non-caucus member bills to go forward for a vote are unnoticed? We do notice. Yes, I know this may come as a surprise to some of you, but even the minorities have valid issues to present to their constituents. Some of these bills may also solve issues for the Republican majority’s constituents. To some, the word “compromise” seems to be a dirty word. I see it as being part of a negotiation process. The process is not about how much the one side can keep the other from getting. I ask you to have respect for others, to really listen, to be honest, and yes, to compromise for the betterment of Alaska. There is no place for egos in tough negotiations. I ask all legislators to please do your job and pass bills and deal only with issues important to Alaskans and your constituents. These issues are too important to everyone. I am, and am sure many others are, watching and will be voting accordingly.

Kenda Huling lives in the Mat-Su Valley.