Despite voting for democratic candidates and platforms across the board, I remain a fan of Rep. Cathy Muñoz and would like to encourage voters from both sides of the aisle to keep her in the Legislature as a strong advocate for Juneau for another two-year term.
I have known Rep. Muñoz for over 20 years and can say she is truly a devoted public servant. She is a bridge builder and good communicator. I have discussed a wide range of topics with her and she is consistently attentive, pleasant and open-minded.
Rep Muñoz is not afraid of hard work. She has used her influence as a member of the House Finance Committee to move forward legislation that benefits Juneau. For example, she took a lead role in HB 143, which passed last session, giving authority to use bond funding for a hydro project at Sweetheart Lake, which will create more than 125 construction jobs and provide a 25 percent increase in new electrical generation. Additionally, this hydro power will allow Kensington Mine to access clean, renewable energy, displacing 7,000-9,000 gallons of diesel daily.
Rep Muñoz also persisted for years, and finally prevailed, in streamlining some cumbersome land exchange policies, which rendered doing what’s best for Juneau very difficult, by helping develop HB 274, which is poised to pass in 2017.
She was also involved last session in HB 234, which requires medical insurers to reimburse medically necessary help provided via tele-medicine.
She also worked on legislation to protect trained volunteer child car-seat installers from civil suits, as well as legislation providing immunity for access and delivery of Naloxone, a life-saving medicine that can prevent opiate overdose death.
She further worked on legislation that improves the lives of Alaskan foster children, and also on a law that calls for the diversification of the board composition for the University of Alaska system.
Rep Munoz also helped pass a new law (the ABLE Act) which allows disabled Alaskans to set up tax free savings accounts for education, housing, transportation or other disability related expenses. As I look over Rep Muñoz’s accomplishments, what strikes me is the focus of her work: improving the lives of all Alaskans, which to be meaningful and successful must prioritize protecting our most vulnerable citizens such as children, the elderly and the disabled. Thank you, Rep. Muñoz!
Dr. Emily A. Kane
Juneau