Dear {Insert Name},

Over the past few weeks, I have heard from many of you about the clunky and unclear roll out of the AK CARES Small Business Grant Program. This program, funded through Alaska’s allocation of federal COVID-19 relief funds, was meant to reduce economic uncertainty and stabilize our economy. Clearly, while it has served a small number of businesses, it has also exacerbated the challenges we face. As of June 29, 167 applications out of 1,947 applicants have been approved for a total of $6.28 million of the approximately $300 million allocated for AK CARES Small Business Grant program. The State of Alaska has indicated its intent to revise the program eligibility requirements, though this revision is now being challenged in court. Unfortunately, our small businesses are already suffering significant damage, and the legal challenge creates more uncertainty. The Alaska Senate Democrats and I have consistently asked that the Legislature return to Juneau to erase this uncertainty. To date that advice has not been followed.

As a result of the Administration’s failure to adequately vet the program before submitting it to the Legislature, many Alaskan businesses have been left to fend for themselves. This is unacceptable. It is the Legislature’s constitutional responsibility to draft and thoroughly vet legislation before it heads to the Governor’s desk. We must do this as soon as possible to remove ambiguity from this effort. Further, we must return to address the expiring of rental and mortgage relief. We thought the virus would die down in the summer. It hasn’t. Here in Alaska, and all across America, the coronavirus numbers are spiking. The CDC this week even suggested that cases in the United States could reach as many as 100,000 a day. We must return to ensure we don’t add to a growing homeless problem with unnecessary evictions and loss of housing.

Despite the Alaska Senate Democrats call to return to Juneau, we are six of 60 lawmakers and do not control the entire legislative process. Our constitution requires two-thirds of the whole legislature to agree to call themselves back into session or that the Governor do so. We have renewed our call that either the Legislature reconvene on their own – and our six support that – or that the Governor call us back.

While I am unsure of what exactly will happen over the coming weeks, please know I will continue to advocate and work on behalf of all Alaskans. It is what I was elected to do and what I will continue to do.

In this newsletter, you are going to hear more about the AK CARES Grant Program. You will also get information about how to vote-by-mail and stay safe during the upcoming elections. And, if you haven’t already, please complete your Census. It only takes 10 minutes.

As we near the July 4th holiday, I encourage you all to stay safe, keep up your social distance and continue to wear your mask.
All my best,
Senator Tom Begich
Senate District J

Voting is important to our democratic process. It is our civic duty and a critical component to ensuring your voice is heard. As Alaska continues to see an increase in COVID-19 cases, it is essential to stay safe. Going to a polling location may be risky and could put your family and friends in danger of exposure to COVID-19.

To stay safe and protected from COVID-19, I encourage you to request an absentee ballot from the Division of Elections here: https://absenteeballotapplication.alaska.gov

You may also contact them at [email protected] or (907) 270-2700 or toll free at (877) 375-6508 if you have questions or if you would like an absentee ballot application mailed to you.
Adopt a Precinct
The Division of Elections is looking for folks to help staff voting precincts during the Alaska State Primary and General Elections. Without staff, voting precincts will have to close. For additional details or to learn how your civi group can Adopt a Precinct, visit the Election Workers and Registrars website.
Small Business Update
Small business owners continue to be among the hardest hit during this public health emergency, and unfortunately, most small businesses were denied much-needed assistance from the State. When the legislature reconvened in May to approve Governor Dunleavy’s CARES Act funding plan, we did so with haste. The Senate Democrats were disappointed by the process and advocated to slow down and do it right. Because of this haste and not having the ability to modify the Governor’s plan, the legislature overlooked the proposal's flaws. This has caused frustration and confusion surrounding the AK CARES Grant Program for small businesses.
 
When the Governor submitted his plan, a business owner was ineligible for the AK CARES Grant Program if they applied or received assistance through the federal Paycheck Protection Program or Economic Injury Disaster Loan. But as many of you told legislators and the Governor, assistance received from those programs was not nearly enough to keep businesses afloat. The Senate Democrats advocated returning to Juneau to appropriate the federal dollars properly – which is our constitutional duty. The Governor’s team decided to change the eligibility requirements without legislative approval. Our non-partisan Legislative Legal department said the Governor’s unilateral changes were not legal and sets a dangerous precedent that he can change any of these programs any time without legislative approval. That’s why last week, an injunction was filed to stop the distribution of the small business relief program until the legislature approves the changes.
 
I am hopeful the legislature will resolve this soon so businesses can get the relief they need to pay the bills, pay their employees, and keep their doors open safely.
 
Please continue to reach out to me if you have questions or concerns during these unprecedented times.
Every Alaskan Counts
Alaska currently has the lowest Census response rate in the United States. This means our state may miss out on billions of dollars in federal funding over the next decade. Please, complete your 2020 Census today to help fund schools, roads, and public services.

Additionally, results from the 2020 Census are used to determine political representation at all levels of government. This has a direct impact on regulations influencing your neighborhood and laws governing Alaska.
 
Visit My2020census.gov to complete your Census report– it will only take 10 minutes.
Contact Me!
(907) 465-3704 (Juneau // session)
(907) 269-0169 (Anchorage // interim)