Last month, TCC Vice President Rhonda Pitka traveled to Juneau as part of the Alaska Regional Coalition (ARC) to meet with state lawmakers and advocate for issues impacting rural Alaska communities.
Chief Pitka shared the importance of supporting rural schools, protecting the Power Cost Equalization program, strengthening behavioral health services, and ensuring rural communities have access to essential services and infrastructure. The group also advocated for full funding of the Village Public Safety Officer program and continued support for Tribal involvement in education through the State-Tribal Education Compact process.
The visit highlighted the importance of ensuring rural and Alaska Native voices are represented in state policy discussions and budget decisions.