From Juneau to You! Dear Friends, It's been a long 121 days, but it pleases me to announce that the session formally ended (sine die) at midnight on May 18th. Although, we are no longer in Juneau, I look forward to continuing the work on behalf of you, my constituents and the citizens of Alaska! Budget Finalized As you may already know, the FY2023 budget passed on the last day of the session. This year's budget puts roughly $1.5 billion into savings, provides nearly $200 million for School Debt Bond Reimbursement - which means property tax relief, invests hundreds of millions in federal funds all across Alaska to improve our infrastructure, fixes many of our deferred maintenance needs and increases education funding by over $60 million. Additionally, below are some crucial points regarding the budget: The vote to take $420 million from the CBR failed. Since the vote to take out $420 million from the CBR failed, the amount of the energy relief check has been reduced. Included with the $2,600 PFD will be an energy relief check of $650 per Alaskan. This means Alaskans will be receiving approximately $3,250. Fully funds school bond debt reimbursement Fully funds the Base Student Allocation Fully funds and increase Senior Benefit and Disability Benefits Provides funding to increase pay for Personal Care Givers Funds deferred maintenance to all Pioneer Homes Funding for the Port of Alaska Funding to complete the Northern Lights Sound Barrier I look forward to Governor Dunleavy using his veto pen lightly because the budget is one of the best we've had in years and addresses concerns in many areas and, in particular, provides assistance to our most vulnerable citizens. Senate Minority Accomplishments The Alaska Senate Democrats organized around a set of common interests and goals: recover Alaska’s economy, protect safe and healthy neighborhoods, and provide quality public education to all Alaska's children. To accomplish these goals, all members of the Alaska Senate Democrats sought to work closely with their colleagues across the aisle to put Alaska back on a path of sustainability, bolster Alaska’s infrastructure, and fulfill the needs of Alaskans. Some of these accomplishments include: My bill requires the publication of peace officers’ policies and procedures to build a stronger relationship between the public and law enforcement. Campbell Park Area Traffic Calming Study for future funding to Design and construct an elevated bike/pedestrian bridge over Lake Otis Blvd to connect the east and west portions of the Campbell Creek Trail. Forest Health and Park Safety: Clean up efforts are still needed for areas of forest impacted by the 2012 windstorm event. Additionally, the recent infestation of spruce bark beetles in Southcentral Alaska will result in significant loss of spruce trees and will require mitigation to reduce fire danger and ensure public health and safety. Also, invasive species along greenbelts are impacting native vegetation and riparian/stream health. House Bill 114, amended unanimously by the Alaska Senate to include the Alaska Reads Act that was sponsored by Senate Education Committee and Senator Begich, provides a path for universal, voluntary pre-K to become part of the Base Student Allocation (BSA), a strong reading intervention program, and the first (BSA) increase in six years. Construction of the Alaska Long Trail Northern Lights Sound Barrier Fence Phase III and Median Landscaping: Several years ago, the Late Senator Johnny Ellis began the crucial work of securing funding for the Northern Lights Boulevard Sound Barrier Fence. The first and second phase of the sound barrier has been completed. The funding request is for completing the third and final phase of the project- which will provide long-lasting benefits to the surrounding neighborhoods. Lessening the noise from Northern Lights will mean quieter, safer neighborhoods for residents to raise their families. This project has garnered support from the local neighborhoods, including Rogers Park and the Municipality of Anchorage. Anchorage traffic and safety calming Updated Alaska’s “consent” law to reflect “no means no.” Alaska Black Caucus Equity Center: The Center will provide office space and centralized services and programs in support of our BIPOC community. Building on seed money from the Anchorage Assembly, and a volunteer-led campaign raised donations to match grant funds provided by generous community partners. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to my office at any time: Besse Odom Chief of Staff 907.269.0174 Harlyn Andrew Interim Legislative Staff 907.465.0155 Send us an Email Follow Me on Facebook Follow Me on Twitter I’m Senator Elvi, always..... "Listening and Representing Your Interests!” Alaska Senate Democrats | Capitol Building, 4th Avenue & Main Street, Juneau, AK 99801 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected]