It’s more essential now than ever to cast your ballot. While the importance of voting has been hammered into your head since the day you turned 18, some of you probably still wonder, what’s the point? Your opinion matters and your voice needs to be heard. Election results can often come down to a select few who decided voting is worth the effort.   Not sure you’re registered to vote? ·        Head to https://www.vote.org/ to check your voter registration status. ·        If your information doesn't pop up, take a few minutes to register to vote @ https://www.vote.org/register-to-vote/  ·        If needed, request an absentee ballot@ http://www.elections.alaska.gov/Core/votingbyonline.php

Stay safe and protected from COVID-19 Remember, every vote counts. Be safe while being heard.

Property Tax Exemptions Did you know that because of State law, the Municipality of Anchorage has several types of property tax exemptions that could benefit you and/or someone you know? You could be eligible to exempt $50,000 (Residential Property Tax) and an additional $150,000 (Senior Citizen, Disabled Veteran) of the assessed value of your home. ·       Senior Citizen Exemption ·       Disabled Veteran Exemption ·       Residential Exemption ·       Military Service Widow / Widower Exemption ·       Disaster Exemption ·       Nonprofit Exemption ·       Business Property Exemption See the link below for full details: http://www.muni.org/Departments/finance/property_appraisal/Exemption/Pages/default.aspx

COVID-19 Legal Clinic Alaska Small Business/Nonprofit The Alaska Legal Service Corporation's COVID-19 Small Business/Nonprofit Legal Clinic is an opportunity for Alaska’s small businesses and nonprofits with 50 or fewer employees impacted by the COVID-19 crisis to receive free legal advice during a 45-minute remote consultation with a volunteer attorney. A link for small businesses to register for a free consultation can be found here (https://www.alsc-law.org/covid-small-business-clinic/).

Minimum Wage Increase The minimum wage in Alaska will increase slightly in 2021. ·    Current minimum wage = $10.19 ·    2021 minimum wage = $10.34 Alaska's minimum wage in adjusted annually to account for inflation thanks to a 2014 successful ballot initiative. Alaska's minimum wage is required to be at least $1 per hour over the federal minimum wage. Tips do not count toward Alaska's minimum wage. COVID-19: Mental Health Help The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services plans to distribute $750,000 in Federal relief funding to respond to the increased need for mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The money will be used to: Prevent suicide and substance abuse. Expand access to the statewide crisis call center. Train behavioral health providers.  Facilitate community planning and training.

Apple Harvest Season My constituents and neighbors, Matteo and Andres, picking apples from my apple tree. I'm always happy to share the abundance of apples the tree produces each year.

Anchorage's Performing Arts Organizations have come together during the COVID-19 crisis to create the new annual event, ARTWORKS Anchorage, celebrating the greater arts community in our city. Their goals are to raise support for the arts by increasing visibility for the numerous arts organizations and artists whose work enhances life in Anchorage, to build advocacy for the arts through community engagement, and share the importance of the arts in our community. Follow the link to see how you can show your support: anchoragepress.com/arts_and_entertainment

Interim: 1500 W. Benson Blvd. Room 328 Anchorage AK 99503 (907) 269-0174

Session: Capitol Building Room 417 Juneau AK 99801 (907)465-4930

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to my office at any time. L. Keith Bauguess Chief of Staff

I’m Senator Elvi, always..... "Listening and Representing Your Interests!”