Dear Friends,

The session has been great, especially for the Senate working together within our bi-partisan majority. We are officially halfway through the Legislative session with today marking the 73rd day - we will definitely be in session for the constitutionally required 121 days.

April marks Alcohol Awareness, Celebrate Diversity, and Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Alaska is a national leader in per capita alcohol consumption statistics, with rates of alcoholism that greatly exceed the national average. In fact, the percentage of binge drinkers in Alaska is 38% of Alaskan men and 13% of Alaskan women. These numbers are extremely high, as they represent over half of the Alaskan population that has been binge drinking just over the past month.

Alaska is the 12th most diverse state in the country, Mountain View, a northeast Anchorage neighborhood, boasts the most diverse census tract in all of America. It's clear that diversity makes Alaska unique. You can explore every facet of our community by exploring Mountain View and the rest of Anchorage!

In addition to high statistics for diversity, unfortunately, Alaska has high statistics for Sexual assault. Alaska saw the highest rape rate in the United States in 2020, with 154.8 rapes per 100,000 inhabitants. This is over four times the national average. It's evident that we have work to do in this arena. One of the many tasks that we have is to eradicate stigma. If you or someone you love has been sexually assaulted, please reach out for help. Consider calling the Standing Together Against Rape crisis line: (907) 276-7273.

Community Engagement

Earlier this month, I presented my first citation of the session. Silk Restaurant has been a staple within Midtown Anchorage for over a decade. They serve a plethora of Asian dishes that include Mongolian beef, sushi, and various soups. Above is a photo of Silk Restaurant owner, Song Cha Kim

My bill, Senate Bill 43 was heard for the first time on March 1st in the Senate Education Committee chaired by Senator Tobin. Here I am joined by the amazing students from Teen Council and Planned Parenthood staff. Senate Bill 43 would allow sex education to be taught in schools.

Tanana Chiefs Conference came by to discuss their legislative priorities for the session. It was great being able to meet with such a dynamic group of folks, who work hard to ensure equity and justice for Alaska Native people.

Base Student Allocation

The House Education Committee reported HB65 in support of raising the Student Base Allocation (BSA) out of Committee. The BSA is the amount Alaska pays k-12 schools per student. The House proposed an increase totaling $680 and an additional $120 next year. The bill now advances to House Finance for consideration. In contrast, the Senate has proposed an increase of $1,000 this year and another $348 the following year. SB 52 now awaits a hearing in Senate Finance.

If you have missed the opportunity to provide testimony, consider sending it to [email protected]

Bill Updates

My bills have been gaining momentum! Several of my bills have had hearings and are headed to the House for further consideration:

Senate Bill 22, which would make Juneteenth a paid state holiday, will be heard in Senate Finance on April 4th. In an effort to avoid a costly Fiscal Note, a proposal to swap Seward's Day for Juneteenth will be considered.

Senate Bill 23, which requires use of force reporting to the FBI database is in Senate State Affairs awaiting another hearing.

Senate Bill 24, which encourages schools across the state to implement mental health education was heard in Senate Health and Social Services on March 23rd and the bill now awaits a second hearing.

HB23, a companion bill to SB30, recognizing Filipino Heritage Month in State Statutes was unanimously approved by the House on March 31^st. HB23 will be the moving bill and will be introduced on the Senate floor next week.

Senate Bill 32, which would limit the use of chokeholds is in Senate State Affairs awaiting transmittal to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Senate Bill 43, which would implement sex education in schools remains in Senate Education after a hearing in the committee on March 1st.

Finance Committee Progress

The House Finance Committee is working on the budget with highlights on addressing the Permanent Fund distribution options and the Base Student Allocation. It is anticipated that the Budget will be on the House floor for a vote next week. Once the House votes on the budget, it will be sent to the Senate for consideration.

Municipal Voting

Anchorage Vote Centers are Now Open!

March 27, 2023

Anchorage Vote Centers Open! The MOA Elections Team announces three Accessible Vote Centers (AVCs) open beginning today for the following services:

· in-person voting,

· replacing a lost or damaged ballot, providing a ballot to voters who didn't receive a ballot,

· dropping off a mailed ballot,

· receiving voter assistance or other voter services.

The AVCs are located at Anchorage City Hall, Loussac Library, and Eagle River Town Center. The AVCs are open the following days and hours:

Weekdays, March 27 – April 3, 9AM – 6PM

Saturday, April 1, 10AM – 4PM

Sunday, April 2, 12PM – 5PM

Election Day, April 4, 7AM – 8PM

The locations of the Accessible Vote Center can be found on the interactive map at muni.org/elections/AVC.

Request a Replacement Ballot! The MOA Elections Team members are standing by to answer calls to the Voter Hotline from voters who didn’t receive a ballot in the mail. Voters are encouraged to call the Voter Hotline at 907-243-VOTE (8683) or email [email protected], but be sure to call before the deadline to request a replacement ballot - Tuesday, March 29 at 5PM!

Other Options for Voting. There may be other options for you to vote – call the Voter Hotline at 907-243-VOTE (8683).

For additional Municipal Election information, please visit muni.org/elections, call 907-243-VOTE(8683), or email [email protected].

Contact:

Jamie Heinz | MOA Election Administrator

[email protected]

907-243-VOTE (8683)