Hello friends! It is hard to believe the fall season is upon us and winter is fast approaching. During this time of year when the leaves change, the weather grows cold and kids head back to school, we in the legislature gear up for our return to Juneau.

In November I will travel to San Diego with four other legislators and staff to attend a child welfare conference sponsored by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). As a current member and past chair of the Health, Education and Social Services Committee (HESS) the topics addressed at this conference will improve our understanding and response to child welfare financing challenges, as well as provide ideas that will promote permanency and stability in the lives of our children trapped in the welfare system.

The State of Alaska was chosen to participate in the child welfare conference because of its action and commitment to better the lives of young Alaskans confined by unfortunate and some times unforeseeable situations. I anticipate this conference will send us back to Juneau with new ideas to tackle child welfare problems in our state. All of us are very much looking forward to this conference and sharing what we learned with you.

The 2005 State of Alaska Statewide Medicare Volunteer Counselor Training was held in early September. Legislative staff were invited to participate in the three day conference to learn how to help senior citizens better understand the new Medicare Prescription Drug Plans slated to begin January 1, 2006. Officials from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the U.S. Administration on Aging, State of Alaska Senior Care Senior Services and state and regional social security offices conducted the training. The objective of the conference was to return every volunteer to their community informed, knowledgeable and ready to counsel Medicare recipients. I could not pass up the opportunity to send a member from my staff.

America's Legislators Back to School Week is fast approaching and I will be participating in this program in some of our Valley schools. This program is past of NCSL's Trust for Representative Democracy and is held annually in the fall. State legislators from across the nation go into classrooms and auditoriums to answer questions, share ideas, listen to concerns and impart a great understanding of the legislative process. Alaska has consistently been in the top ten states during Legislators Back to School Week with at least fifty percent of state legislators participating.

Saturday November 19th I will be hosting my annual shopping event at my home in conjunction with the Mat-Su Republican Women. This is an opportunity for local residents to come together to shop, visit and learn more about the Republican Party and Platform. In the past several local vendors have participated and sold hand made or local arts and crafts. Last years event drew a record number of vendors and shoppers. If you are interested in helping with this event or would like more information on being a vendor please contact me at 376-4654.

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