Dear Friends and Neighbors,

This week marked the beginning of the second regular session of the 32^nd Legislature. Alaska is facing many important questions, but I remain committed to continue working on my legislative priorities beyond the budget. I continue to focus on universal, voluntary pre-K for our youngest Alaskans as well as improving education outcomes for all Alaskans.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted and exacerbated the nursing shortage in Alaska. At the same time, there is a hundreds-long person backlog for UAA School of Nursing. I am proposing using federal funding and a greater state commitment to expand the School of Nursing’s staff and infrastructure to end this backlog.

Things may begin to move quickly as the session begins and I hope to keep you updated on what is happening in Juneau as we progress. Included in this email are all the ways you can stay abreast and stay connected with your elected officials. As always feel free to reach out to my office with any issues or concerns you have at (907)465-3704 or email [email protected].

All my best,

Senator Tom Begich

Senate District J

Introducing My Staff

Mercedes Colbert, Chief of Staff

As Chief of Staff, Mercedes continues to serve as caucus liaison for the Senate Minority, as well as manage the office and lead in budget priorities. This is her ninth regular session since 2009 and her 3^rd year in the Office of Senator Begich. Feel free to contact her at [email protected] or (907) 465-5038.

Löki Gale Tobin, Policy Director (she/her)

Born and raised in Nome, LGT oversees the development and progression of Senator Begich’s legislative priorities and assists with constituent relations. Feel free to contact her at [email protected] or (907) 465-1164.

Trevor Bailly, Legislative Aide

Trevor is the first face you see when you walk into the office. This is Trevor’s first full year in the Office of Senator Begich, after spending last year as an intern is Senator Wielechowski’s office. Trevor is finishing up his undergraduate degree in History at the University of Alaska Fairbanks before he heads off to law school. Feel free to reach out to him at [email protected] and (907) 465-3704.

What does that mean

(Legislative Terms & Abbreviations)

What’s more frustrating than jargon that you just don’t understand? Visit the Glossary of Legislative Terms to figure out exactly what people are saying.

Heard an abbreviation or acronym that has you scratching your head? Take a quick gander at the Legislative Abbreviations & Acronyms to find out what’s being discussed.

Legislative Publications

Available on akleg.gov, the Publications tab is chalk full of useful information and documents that will get you well on your way to figuring out who is who and what is what. Staff favorites include the Citizens Guide to the Constitution, Committees and Members, and Legislature & Staff Contacts List.

Bill Tracking

To find out more about a specific piece of legislation, visit akleg.gov and simply type the bill number (e.g. SB 10) into the search bar at the top.

You can also enroll in SMS Bill Tracking by texting a bill number (e.g. SB 17) to 559-245-2529. You will receive enrollment confirmation and instructions on how to stop receiving alerts.

Public Testimony

Are you interested in providing public testimony on a specific piece of legislation? There are several ways to send your thoughts to your legislator or to a committee.

Submit an Alaska State Public Opinion Message: https://www.akleg.gov/poms/
Submit an email to your legislator or to a specific committee.
Call in during an open public testimony opportunity (use the call-in information below).

Dear Friend or Neighbor,

I hope all is well with you and that you had a great series of holidays.

I’m writing this on the first day of the session and I have a few “beginning of the session” items to mention.

There are several jobs still open: House and Senate floor staff (pages). It’s a fun, easy, and temporary job usually worked by young people, but anyone over 17 is eligible. We do have one retiree. Applicants need to be able to stand for long periods of time, drive, and be 18 or over. Let me know if you have more questions about what they do. Next year, you can send a resume and an Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles driving record (found at http://doa.alaska.gov/dmv/ako/record.htm) to:

Micaela Bradner Romo Marasigan

House Sergeant at Arms Senate Sergeant at Arms

[email protected] [email protected]

These jobs have benefits including medical, retirement, and paid leave, but there is no overtime pay. The State does not pay for, or provide, housing or transportation to or from Juneau.

Anyone of any age can be a guest page (no pay or benefits) with the request of their legislator. The job, be it a day or a week, comes with tasks as assigned and an education about the legislature. I’m sure the 3-year-olds and under get a little less education, but still a lot of positive attention.

The other thing I’d like to say is that following along with what’s going on down here is pretty easy. Public radio and TV (Gavel to Gavel channel 15) broadcast the floor sessions and some of the committee meetings. You can write, email, or call your legislator with thoughts about legislation or if you need their help. The contact information for Senator Begich is 888-330-3704 (toll-free) or [email protected]. Anything else, including contact information of other legislators, bills by sponsor or subject, getting the status of specific bills or notified of what’s happening with them and more, is all available online. The website is alaska.gov and click on “The Alaska Legislature” in the right-hand column. If you can’t find what you are looking for you can call this office or call the Legislative Information Office (907) 269-0111. It’s gratifying to have people interested in what happens here, so know your questions will be appreciated.

That’s it for now. I hope your winter gets easier and spring is here sooner than expected. Each day we have a little more light and that’s always a pleasure.

Enjoy life but stay safe,

Kayla

Contact Me!

(907) 465-3704 (Juneau / session)

(907) 269-0169 (Anchorage / interim)

[email protected]