Exciting news out of Alaska!

Legislation that expands access to affordable and quality childcare is now law. Alaska has been facing a childcare crisis, in part due to low wages, labor shortages, and a declining number of providers. Research has shown that high-quality birth-to-five programs can lead to better outcomes in education, health, social behaviors, and employment as an adult. This bill reflects our goal to ensure families have the support they need to access this care, which is critical during the early stages of a child’s life.

A bill aimed at increasing access to and participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) passed in the final hours of the legislative session. This bill mandates that Alaska adopt broad-based categorical eligibility for SNAP, a change that has been two years in the making, driven by extensive lobbying, coalition efforts, and grassroots engagement. Alaska faces severe food insecurity challenges, with some of the most food-insecure regions in the U.S. By making SNAP more accessible, the bill aims to increase program participation, reduce food insecurity, and ensure fewer children and families go hungry.

As we look forward to next year, we will be working on legislation to build a Nation of Lifesavers. This includes ensuring students know hand-only CPR prior to graduation. Giving all students the opportunity to learn CPR will create more qualified lifesavers in our communities.