Tourism operators and farmers‑market advocates ask House Finance to protect marketing budgets and SNAP incentive funding

Business owners and community leaders told the House Finance Committee that state investments in tourism marketing and farmers‑market incentive programs support rural economies and keep Alaskans employed.

Allison Steed (San Stevens Glacier and Wildlife Cruises) said statewide tourism marketing is vital for small communities and asked for reinvestment to remain competitive, noting tourism’s contribution to the state economy. Teal West (Sitka Lighthouse Company) said marketing pulls visitors to rural destinations that cannot be reached by road and cited tourism figures (visitors, statewide economic impact) to underline the importance of directing state marketing dollars to bring people to rural communities.

Evelyn Trefon (Alaska Farmers Market Association board) asked the committee to support capital funding to double SNAP/BIC/senior incentives at farmers markets, saying the pilot program increased SNAP purchases and helped small farms keep Alaskan dollars in-state. She testified the pilot produced measurable sales increases and expanded market participation.

Why it matters: Testimony tied marketing and market-incentive funding to jobs in rural communities and food-security outcomes for low‑income Alaskans. No formal decisions were made in this hearing.