Valley Interfaith Action hosts meeting to discuss budget cuts

On Sunday, July 7, more than 100 people attended a public meeting convened by Valley Interfaith Action (VIA) at Trinity Lutheran Church. We learned from both residents and agency leaders how severely the budget vetoes will affect the quality of life for Mat-Su Borough residents.

Powerful testimony was presented on the effects of cuts to Medicaid, education, housing, and senior benefits. A parent of an adult child with a disability, who relies on Medicaid funding to provide in-home care, has lost that support. Agencies shared that they are being torn apart by cuts to core programs. Tears were shed as collectively we lamented the loss of humane safety nets that Alaskans have worked so hard to create over decades – safety nets that ensure people have what they need to thrive.

Every person who spoke at the meeting was deeply concerned for the well-being of all Alaskans. The budget vetoes seem to value a PFD formulary over the lives and livelihoods of people who depend on a healthy Alaskan economy, and a healthy economy includes essential human services.

VIA is a faith-based community organization that values the inherent dignity of every person. Our faith values guide our conclusion that these budget vetoes diminish opportunities for upholding dignity, particularly for those who are most vulnerable in our communities. Our congregations contribute to the care of the most vulnerable. Non-profit agencies make it their mission to care for the vulnerable, but they cannot bear the full burden without the support of state and federal funding.

Our legislators have been working hard to resolve the budgetary issues we face. We implore our legislators to hear the outcry for mercy and to act in the best interest of all Alaskans by developing a compromise that does not devastate our beloved community.

Jennifer Barge, Trinity Lutheran Church; Katherine Bishop, St. Michael’s Catholic Church; Kathleen Hammacker, St. Michael’s Catholic Church; Patricia Haugom, St. Michael’s Catholic Church