From Juneau to You! June 11, 2020 ‌ ‌ ‌ Session: Capitol Building Room 417 Juneau, AK 99801 (907) 465-4930 Interim: 1500 W Benson Blvd. Room 328 Anchorage AK 99503 (907) 269-0174 Uniting Alaska Dear friends and neighbors,  The last few weeks have been trying times for our nation. As we continued to strive for some normalcy in eradicating the spread of COVID-19, we then publicly witnessed the death of a man at the hands of the Police in Minneapolis, MN. George Floyd was that man. The World responded. Peaceful protests from our State, the Country, and around the Globe, sought to bring decades-long reform to failed police practices and the criminal justice system in the United States. In the coming weeks, and months, we will work hard to bring that change. As we enter into the next phase of reopening, please stay safe. On Sunday, June 7th, Alaskans celebrated the first annual Walter Harper Day in recognition of the Athabascan-Irish man who, on June 7, 1913, became the first person to stand atop Denali – North America’s tallest mountain. Senate Democrats Decry Institutional Racism and Inequality “We all come from different backgrounds and cultures. We live in communities that have a strong and vibrant diversity. We want our communities safe throughout the nation. But we, as a nation, weep for equity and justice. We need all of our national leaders to stand up and seek an end to racial violence in our country once and for all.” - Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson Alaska Senate Democrats Press release Please see the link below: [link removed] I recently shared my own personal statement about the senseless and unnecessary killing of Mr. George Floyd. You can find the entire statement below. [link removed] Housing Help for Alaskans A new grant program from the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) gives Alaskans a chance to get help to cover rent and mortgage payments. The grants of up to $1,200 will be determined by a lottery. Payments will be made directly to landlords or mortgage lenders. AHFC anticipates giving out over 8,000 grants. The grants will come out of the $10 million in CARES Act funding given to AHFC. The application period opens on June 15 and closes on June 26. Eligibility: Applicants must have lost income due to COVID-19 and be earning less than 80% of the median income for their community. Details are available at AlaskaHousingRelief.org World Refugee Day Goes Virtual World Refugee Day is celebrated globally on June 20th! It is a time to honor the resilience, talents, and positive impact of refugees around the globe and here in Alaska. Traditionally, Alaska has honored this day with a community celebration with speeches, dancing, and food. With the safety of Alaskans in mind, the traditional event has been canceled. We welcome you instead to join us for a virtual World Refugee Week from June 19, 2020 – June 26, 2020. Zoom Community Conversations Sign up for virtual conversations about refugee resettlement in Alaska featuring local leaders and community members. We hope you'll join us to discuss issues around resettlement in Alaska and how our community can continue to welcome and support refugees. Friday, June 19, 2020: Welcoming Anchorage 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Guests: Mara Kimmel, Mayor Ethan Berkowitz, Rachel Peric, Hayat Khalaf and more Tuesday, June 23, 2020: Catholic Social Teachings and Refugee Resettlement 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Host: Archbishop Andrew E. Bellisario Thursday, June 25, 2020: 40 Years of Refugee Resettlement in the U.S. 5:30-6:30 PM Co-Hosts: Issa Spatrisano & Lisa Aquino Sign Up and Learn More Voting Should be Safe and Easy In a controversial decision, Alaska Lieutenant Governor Kevin Meyer has ordered primary elections in August to continue without major changes. Poll workers will be issued protective equipment. Voters will have access to masks and gloves if they don't bring them to the polls. Alaskans are asked to vote absentee or use early voting opportunities. I would strongly encourage those who can to cast an absentee ballot by mail to avoid unnecessary crowds at polling stations. You can request an absentee ballot and find more information on voting by mail at the Alaska Division of Elections Website. I’m Senator Elvi, always..... “Representing Your Interests!” ‌ ‌ ‌ Jacob Tatum Chief of Staff Phone: 907-465-4930 [email protected] L. Keith Bauguess Legislative Aide Phone: 907-465-4930 [email protected] Is the content of this email relevant to you? Yes Select No Select Alaska Senate Democrats | Capitol Building, 4th Avenue & Main Street, Juneau, AK 99801 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | About Constant Contact Sent by [email protected]