Dear Delta Discovery,
I wanted to send a big “thank you” to the Bethel community for hosting the Seattle Seahawks in mid-July. It was made possible by the generous contributions from Alaska Airlines, Calista Corporation, Arctic Chiropractic, Lions Club, Subway, Alaska Commercial Co., and our local hosts Darrell and Crystal Garrison, Annie Cochrane, Eula David, John Hastie Jr., Lucas Vanasse, and Seahawk fan club, our local Native dance troupe, and wonderful food provided by many!
The local kids will have many fond memories, and a healthy attitude promoted by Jordan and Joey. Go Hawks! Quyana.
Sundi Hondl (Elliott) and the MatSu Boosters
Palmer, AK
Mandatory Voting
Recently I had an interesting conversation about how Australia has promoted more representative political candidates. Mandatory voting! When more citizens participate in electing paid officials, centrist candidates are more likely to prevail.
Our country, and our state, are in desperate need of not being further polarized. Extremist views have much more potential to do harm than centrist views. Something I deeply appreciate about Bill Walker and Byron Mallott as a team is their common interest in what is right for Alaska. They have crafted a working relationship, beyond partisan, which is benefiting all Alaskans. The Walker and Mallott policies have been formulated with clear-headed principles, starting with a balanced budget. Against many odds as the price of oil plummeted, they managed to preserve allocations for infrastructure, education, and social services without cutting jobs. These gentlemen have demonstrable respect for our cultural and natural treasures. Because they act from the knowledge that we, the people of Alaska, are our greatest resource, their policies will continue to benefit of all Alaskans.
I’m disappointed the Democratic Party has endorsed Begich. I have voted “D” my whole life, but not this time, because “political party” is not nearly as interesting as “true value.” Respectfully submitted…
Dr. Emily A Kane
Juneau, AK
Thank you for your efforts
We’ve got a few things to cover this afternoon (Aug. 2nd, 2018). First things first — thanks to all of your efforts, we did it! We crushed our July fundraising goal. And that’s not all we accomplished, either.
In July, we were able to:
Open a statewide campaign office
Lay out a detailed plan to reduce crime
Proudly receive the endorsement of Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest and Hawaii
So thank you, for the time, money and elbow grease you put in to make all that possible. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.
Next order of business — big things are happening in the beginning of August. We’re within 100 days of the Election, and we can’t waste a single second.
I’d love to have the chance to meet and thank you in person. So if you can please come to an upcoming event! Here are a few to put on your radar:
Rural Alaska Telephone Townhall
Tuesday, Aug 7th @ 12pm
Dial-In Number: 1 (515) 604-9513
Access Code: 220720
If you can’t make it to these, don’t worry! There will be plenty more opportunities to get involved, and we will make sure we let you know.
Thanks for all your efforts. With you on the team I am 100% confident we can win in November and get Alaska back on the right track.
Mark Begich
Anchorage, AK
Volunteers Needed For AARP Foundation Tax-Aide
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest volunteer-run tax preparation service.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is looking to expand its team of volunteers for the upcoming tax season. Tax-Aide, now in its 51st year, offers free in-person preparation and assistance to anyone, especially those 50 and older, who can’t afford a tax preparation service. Volunteers make a difference in their communities by assisting many older, lower-income taxpayers, and their families, who might otherwise miss out on the tax credits and deductions they’ve earned.
Since its inception, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide has served more than 68 million taxpayers. The program is seeking volunteer tax preparers, client facilitators, those who can provide technical and management assistance and interpreters. Every level of experience is welcome. Volunteer tax preparers complete tax preparation training and IRS certification.
Last year in Alaska, 118 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers helped more than 8,600 people file their federal and state tax returns. The program is offered at approximately 25 sites in Alaska, including senior centers, libraries and other convenient locations. Volunteers are especially needed on the Kenai Peninsula.
In 2018, Alaskan taxpayers who used AARP Foundation Tax-Aide received more than $6.8 million in income tax refunds and $1.5 million in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs).
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide has grown since its inaugural team of just four volunteers in 1968. The program now involves 35,000 volunteers and serves over 2.5 million taxpayers annually at nearly 5,000 sites nationwide.
Taxpayers do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use Tax-Aide.
To learn about our volunteer opportunities, visit aarpfoundation.org/taxaide or call 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277). AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered in coordination with the IRS.
About AARP Foundation
AARP Foundation works to end senior poverty by helping vulnerable older adults build economic opportunity and social connectedness. As AARP’s charitable affiliate, we serve AARP members and nonmembers alike. Bolstered by vigorous legal advocacy, we spark bold, innovative solutions that foster resilience, strengthen communities and restore hope.
To learn more about AARP Foundation visit aarpfoundation.org.
Daryl Royce, AARP
Chris Herman, AARP
Anchorage, AK
