Transitioning to Juneau, community events, and the elephant in the room.
Taking a "yes and" approach to investing in the future of Alaska.
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
In less than two weeks, the 34th Legislature will convene, and I am eager to roll up my sleeves and get to work.
During the past interim, I participated in several fellowships and learning opportunities, including conferences and workshops that increased my knowledge of energy infrastructure, adolescent brain development, good governance, effective leadership, and student loan borrowing. I enter these next two years equipped with examples of sound public policy—such as reducing suicide by firearms in red states and advancing therapeutic courts for veterans in blue states.
I have engaged in hundreds of conversations with residents about their struggles, ranging from issues with bad tenants to delayed access to benefits for their children with disabilities. These discussions have provided me with valuable insights into the challenges facing our community, and I am committed to addressing them. I have also attended numerous community meetings focusing on our neighborhoods' transportation corridors and the difficulties our frontline educators face in the classroom.
My commitment to serving you is unwavering. I have recently completed another 600-level course as I work toward my PhD in Indigenous pedagogy, and I have read several books on leadership, community, and the value of public institutions. This ongoing education and preparation reflect my dedication to our community.
As Abraham Lincoln stated in his Gettysburg Address, this is a "...government of the people, by the people, for the people..." Your input, insight, and passion for your fellow Alaskans are not only appreciated but are also integral to my work. Your voices strengthen our collective efforts.
As my office prepares for the transition to Juneau, I understand that this experiment in democracy is fragile, and we must fight to protect it. We are working towards building a more perfect union, and while this process has been and continues to be messy and non-linear, the results are worth all our efforts.
It is my honor and privilege to serve as your state senator. I am deeply grateful for your trust and support. Thank you for investing in Alaska and the future of our state.
With gratitude,
Löki Gale Tobin
A message of gratitude and taking a "yes and" approach to investing in the future of Alaska
As we move into the new year, I want to share the guiding values of my office once again. Integrity and clarity of mission are essential components of any successful elected representative’s office. It is my responsibility to foster a culture of accountability and ensure transparency for myself and my legislative team.
In revisiting our office values, my team and I reaffirm our commitment to true inclusion, radical kindness, relentless positivity, and collective action. We recognize and honor the leaders whose efforts have paved the way for us, and we extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Senator Johnny Ellis, Senator Tom Begich, our longtime Assembly member Christopher Constant, our new Assembly member Daniel Volland, and all the community council presidents, past and present, for their tireless advocacy for our neighbors and our community.
In light of my team's commitment to transparency and clarity, recent public comments have prompted me to express my personal views on the Permanent Fund Dividend clearly. I share this response with you, knowing that your input and insights will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Alaska. Together, we continue to build a better Alaska.
I firmly support a robust and growing Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD). This vital tool shares Alaska's wealth directly with its people and has proven to lift thousands out of poverty, particularly seniors and children.
Growing up in Nome, my family relied on the PFD for heating fuel during harsh winters and to maintain connections with our East Coast relatives. Here in Anchorage, I see neighbors using their PFDs for healthcare and housing, while many save for their children's education. During my time at the Alaska Community Foundation, I heard powerful stories of generosity from those who chose to donate their PFDs to important community causes.
The evidence is clear: the PFD provides real income for Alaskans, many of whom use it to sustain subsistence lifestyles. I am proud to have worked with Representative Cliff Groh, who was instrumental in establishing the PFD and continues to fight for its long-term stability today.
We must also demand increased funding for public education and essential state services. In the upcoming session, I will continue to advocate for a significant increase in the Base Student Allocation (BSA) and a growing PFD that guarantees our wealth is shared appropriately.
Let’s be clear: Alaska's fiscal uncertainty is NOT the fault of low-income Alaskans, struggling families, or small-business owners who rely on the PFD. They are not responsible for the chronic underfunding of our education system or the deterioration of essential state services.
We need to stop using the PFD as a political tool and instead create a fair system for all Alaskans while ensuring the long-term viability of the Alaska Permanent Fund. It’s time for elected officials to prioritize collaboration and for voters to challenge misinformation.
Alaska is rich in resources, and we have everything we need to invest in our future and support our communities. Let’s get to work.
Save the date for Season 3 of the Empty Office Podcast, which kicks off Monday, January 19th. Join hosts Mike Mason and Löki Gale Tobin as they feature an eclectic lineup of fascinating local voices and policy experts.
Upcoming Community Events
Alaska Railroad Annual Print Release with Alaskan artist Scott Clendaniel
Saturday, January 11, 10 a.m. to 12:30 pm at Anchorage Historic Depot (411 W 1st Avenue). Learn more at https://www.alaskarailroad.com/ArtPrint
Meet the Alaska Beacon Staff
Thursday, January 16, starting at 6 pm at Fairview Recreation Center (1121 E 10th Avenue).
Seward to Glenn Connection Study
The Seward to Glenn Highway Connection PEL Study has a new round of “revised alternatives” for public review. Learn more and submit your comments by January 23. Learn more at https://fairviewak.org/projects/reconnecting-fairview/
Add your community council meeting schedule to your calendar. Learn when they meet at https://www.communitycouncils.org
Löki, I’m so proud of you and your work in Juneau! I’m totally behind you as you strive for your goals for the betterment of democracy and all Alaskans!