Rev. Phil Cannon Urges Alaska Officials to Protect Vital Assistance Programs

In a heartfelt plea, Rev. Phil Cannon, pastor at Mountain View Hope in Anchorage, calls on Alaska’s congressional delegation—Rep. Nick Begich, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, and Sen. Dan Sullivan—to reject proposed cuts to crucial assistance programs in a reconciliation bill currently progressing through Congress.

Having served for 20 years in ministry, Cannon highlights the struggles of families, particularly Alaska Natives, who face challenges such as rising costs and limited job opportunities. He emphasizes that programs like SNAP and Medicaid are lifelines for thousands. The proposed legislation threatens these vital services, with estimates suggesting that 6,000 adults in Alaska could lose access to SNAP, while another 14,000 families with school-age children may see reductions in their benefits.

“For many Alaskans, SNAP is the difference between feeding your kids and going to bed hungry,” cannon states. He warns that the bill imposes new bureaucratic barriers that will disproportionately affect those with irregular or seasonal jobs, which are common in Alaska’s unique economy.

As birth rates decline across the state, Cannon argues for policies that genuinely support families. He points to the effective Child Tax Credit (CTC), which significantly reduced child poverty when temporarily expanded in 2021. The current proposed increase of just $500 to the CTC lacks meaningful provisions for low-income families and risks pushing them further into poverty.

Cannon concludes by urging Alaska’s leaders to prioritize the needs of working families and champion real support measures that promote stability and health in the community.

The views expressed are those of the writer and are not necessarily endorsed by the Anchorage Daily News.