Trump
Dear Editor: I think I’ve figured it out. Donald Trump is to the Republican Party what ISIS is to the Islamic religion.
Ron Rau, Sitka
Restored Funding
Dear Editor: The most recent legislative session had the promise to be more daunting than usual for our budget at Sitkans Against Family Violence. It’s unfortunate that in the times of such dire budget constraints we still have the needs for funds to address the needs of people who are impacted by interpersonal violence and sexual assault.
This year, the programs that were to be cut were some of the peripheral direct services for the children and moms who have left unsafe relationships ($140k statewide). There was also $200k scheduled to be cut for batterer’s programs, though this doesn’t directly affect Sitka.
Those legislators in the minority were able through negotiations to bargain to get those funds restored, thereby allowing a seamless continuation of the moms and children’s services here at SAFV.
I’d like to extend heartfelt gratitude on behalf of these survivors to Representative Jonathon Kreiss-Tomkins and his colleagues who were responsible for securing these funds. It’s important as we continue to address the trauma some have endured to know we have legislators supporting this family and community issue. Hopefully, additional funding will allow us to proceed with the Primary Prevention movement SAFV has committed to for the last decade, and the need for these services will diminish significantly.
Vicki D’Amico
Executive Director
Sitkans Against Family Violence
