From Juneau to You! July 31, 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 Turning Pain Into Progress During this Covid19 pandemic, we are all striving to stay safe by protecting not only ourselves, but others too. Unfortunately, at the same time, we are dealing with the issue of Police Brutality. Unlike communities across the country, our cities are fortunate because there are no issues of the “George Floyd” magnitude within our State. But, nonetheless, we must take a stand to maintain the safety of our citizens and especially the most vulnerable. I am honored to have worked alongside the Anchorage Police Department officers and other staff over the years and applaud them for their service to our community. As a State Senator, I welcome that same relationship with the Alaska State Troopers. But the ugly face of systematic racism is in the front front and it is long overdue that it be addressed - now. That is why I plan, with support from my Minority Caucus, to introduce legislation that will formally ban choke holds along with a series of other bills that will bring reform in public safety to the State of Alaska. The package of reform bills is titled “Turning Pain Into Progress" (TPIP). Prior to submitting the Bills during the pre-filing process in December, I will bring the stakeholders to the table to review the proposed bills in an effort to bring everyone on board so that we can, as a community, show we are serious about eliminating systemic racism. Our staff is diligently researching and working with the Department of Public Safety Staff to assist us in bringing forward legislation that will "truly" enact change and progress. I know, firsthand, that when we are dealing with racial issues “Anger Inhibits Progress.” The ultimate goal is to find solutions so we can finally make a difference. I remain hopeful. *********************************************************************** “We never gave up. We didn't get lost in a sea of despair. We kept the faith. We kept pushing and pulling. We kept marching. And we made some progress.” Representative John Lewis “Nonviolence means avoiding not only external physical violence but also internal violence of spirit. You not only refuse to shoot a man, but you refuse to hate him.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In Memoriam I was saddened to hear of the passing of Representative Gary Knopp earlier today. It is a massive loss to his family, friends and to the people of Soldotna and the State of Alaska. Getting to know him, was one of the highlights of my first session as a Senator. He was always so kind and caring and will be sorely be missed. 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 at risk. But you don’t have to go to the polls to vote. Anyone, for any reason, may request an absentee ballot to vote by mail. To stay safe and protected from COVID-19, I encourage you to request an absentee ballot to vote by mail. To request an absentee ballot online, visit www.elections.alaska.gov and fill out an online application. Contact the Division of Elections at [email protected] or call (907) 270-2700 or for toll-free at (877) 375-6508 if you have questions or if you would like an absentee ballot application mailed to you. The application period is open now, and it takes two minutes to apply. If you are already registered to vote, your absentee ballot application must be received by August 8 for the Primary election on August 18, 2020. Vote Safe, Alaska. Vote By Mail.  #VoteSafeAlaska #VoteByMail Mayor signs Emergency Orders EO-15 and EO-13 v2 Today, Mayor Ethan Berkowitz signed Emergency Order EO-15 to preserve the health and safety of the Municipality of Anchorage from COVID-19. Anchorage just experienced our worst week of the epidemic as measured by new cases, active cases, and cases per day. New local cases are being found at more than double the rate of last week. The number of cases has exceeded the Anchorage Health Department’s capacity to rapidly trace and monitor every known case. More people are in the hospital with COVID-19 in Anchorage now than at any point in the epidemic, and modeling from the University of Alaska Anchorage shows a deteriorating situation in which Anchorage exceeds hospital ICU capacity by mid-September if we don’t act immediately to flatten the curve. EO-15 mandates a “four-week reset” through limitations for individuals, gathering sizes, bars and nightclubs, restaurants and breweries, and bingo halls and theaters. The four-week reset intends to curb the widespread community transmission and ongoing increase in COVID-19 cases in the community. EO-15 will take effect on Monday, August 3 at 8:00 a.m. and will remain in effect until Sunday, August 30 at 11:59 p.m. EO-15 enacts the following regulations: Individuals shall limit outings and contact with people outside of their household and wear a cloth face covering or mask in public. At-risk individuals are recommended to take even greater precaution by staying at home and minimizing all in-person interactions. Requirements for individuals likely to be contagious with COVID-19 include: people with symptoms shall stay home except for medical care and testing; people who traveled outside Alaska must self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival or follow exceptions as detailed in EO-11; household members of those who are possibly contagious should isolate to the maximum extent possible; and, individuals contacted by health authorities should quarantine as directed by public health professionals. Gathering limitations restrict indoor gatherings to 15 people or fewer, outdoor gatherings involving food or drink to 25 people or fewer, and outdoor gatherings that do not involve food or drink to 50 people or fewer. Masks are required to be worn at all gatherings. The gathering limitation does not include farmers markets, outdoor food-truck events, drive-in events where groups remain in separate vehicles and maintain physical distancing, and day cares, day camps, or educational institutions for grades K-12. Remote work shall be required when work can be accomplished remotely without significantly impeding business operations. Bars and nightclubs closed to dine-in service and encouraged to offer takeout, curbside, and delivery service. Restaurants and breweries closed to indoor dining. Bingo halls and theaters closed. Retail and other public-facing businesses are encouraged to prioritize telephone and online ordering; increase offering of curbside and delivery services; and implement reserved hours for at-risk populations. 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 our service provider Sent by [email protected]