Session is Here!

My office is back in Juneau, and we are officially back in the swing of things as the legislative session gets underway. My team and I are preparing for a busy session filled with important policy discussions and meetings with colleagues and stakeholders. I remain focused on advancing policies that support our district and address the needs of Alaskans across our great state. 

On January 20^th, 2026, I was honored to introduce a pillar of the Anchorage community.

Celeste Gowden is the President and CEO of The Alaska Black Caucus, an institute that is non-partisan, and serves as a shining example for advocacy, education, and empowerment. Celeste has been a constant voice for so many who otherwise would be left unheard. Through her leadership, Celeste has created space for celebrating culture with pride, and I want to thank her for allowing me to introduce her to my Senate colleagues. 

During session it is important to stay informed about what is going on. Here are a few helpful ways to follow along:

Alaska State Legislature Website

• This website allows you to access your legislator’s office contact information, committee schedules, and current and past legislation, along with daily calendars and public meeting notices.

Bill Tracking

• Want updates on a bill? Just text the bill number (like SB 41) to (559) 245-2529 to get alerts sent straight to your phone. You can also sign up on this website.

My Newsletter

• If you know someone who would like to stay informed and engaged, please consider forwarding this newsletter to them. You can send this link here.

Gavel Alaska

• Watch live unedited coverage of the House and Senate committee meetings and floor sessions

Legislative Updates: Progress on Key Bills

My staff has already submitted multiple hearing requests for several of my bills to keep an eye on this session, including SB 6 Asian American/Pacific Islander Program, SB 20 CPR Curriculum, and SB 41 Public Schools: Mental Health Education.  I remain committed to working on legislation that will benefit Alaskans now and in the future.

If you are interested in providing testimony on specific legislation, please find the information below:

Call in numbers for testimony:

• Juneau prefixes: 907-586-9085
• Anchorage prefixes: 907-563-9085
• All other callers: 844-586-9085

The Legislative Budget & Audit Committee held its first meeting of the session on Tuesday, January 20. During the meeting, members considered and approved a contract award for Pegasus-Global Holdings, Inc. This consulting support will help strengthen legislative oversight and provide timely analysis of the Alaska LNG project. As Alaska considers investments and long-term commitments, it’s especially important to keep a close eye on risk, costs, and transparency so Alaskans and the State Treasury are protected as the project moves forward – Pegasus will help.

The Committee’s next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 5, and will include a presentation on “Top Audit Issues, Part 2” -- a follow-up focused on corrective actions and agency progress. Part 1 highlighted several high-impact findings, including internal control gaps in the State’s Medicaid system, delayed reimbursement requests for FEMA disaster grant costs, significant errors identified through statewide procurement testing, and more. Part 2 will give members and the public an update on how these issues are being addressed and what steps may still be needed to protect public funds and improve accountability.

Engaging with Advocates & Organizations

The legislative session is one of the busiest times of the year. In addition to committee meetings and bill hearings, I continue to meet with stakeholder groups from across the state.

• The Taiwan Economic Cultural Office, Alaska Commercial Fishing and Agriculture Bank (CFAB), Zonta Club, and The Department of Health are just some of the meetings I have had over the past few weeks. 

Left to right: Honalee Elkan (UAS), KJ Janeshek (UAW-UAF Alumni), Charlie Banks (UAA-also my constituent!), Lia Ferguson (UAF), Kyra Bornong (UAF - President of Grad Worker's Union, AGWA), and David Parsons (UAW).

On January 28th,2026, I met with the Coalition of Alaska University Staff for Equity (CAUSE-UAW), a group representing staff across the University of Alaska system looking to form a union. We had a productive conversation on issues impacting university employees and matters relevant to the current legislative session.

On January 29th, 2026, I was honored to meet with Director Pamela King and Superintendent Jessica Parker from the Little Mountain Movers Academy in Anchorage. We had an informative discussion regarding childcare and the concerns they are currently facing.

Commitment to Alaskans

I am proud to be back in Juneau, working diligently to represent my constituents and Alaskans throughout the State. Alaskans’ voices matter! Please stay informed and engaged in the process!

Your input and engagement are vital to the legislative process. Please feel free to contact my office if we can be of any assistance.

As always, it is my honor to work for you!

Staff contact:

Clark Bickford

Chief of Staff

907-465-4068

Jamie Bagley

Legislative Aide

907-465-6853

Denali Zantop

Intern

907-465-4930

Jeff Stepp

Legislative Budget & Audit Committee Aide

907-465-3721

Chantil Bergmann

Legislative Budget & Audit Committee Staff

907-465-3711

Proud to be joined by my capable staff for the 2nd session of the 34th Legislature. Left to right: Denal Zantop (Legislative Intern), Jamie Bagley (Legislative Aide), Clark Bickford (Chief of Staff), Jeff Stepp (Legislative Budget & Audit Committee Aide, and Chantil Bergmann (Legislative Budget & Audit Committee Staff).