From Juneau to You! Dear Friends, Happy New Year! Here’s to feeling thankful for the year behind and enthusiastic for the year ahead. I hope that everyone stays healthy and prosperous. I look forward to a productive 33rd Legislative Session! Governor's Budget  Governor Dunleavy released his FY24 Budget. I'm grateful that he didn’t propose significant cuts to the budget. Some of the highlights are: o $6.4 million to fund the second year of the Alaska READS Act o $9.5 million for the Healthy Families Initiative, to include: Alaska Tuberculosis Elimination Plan Elimination of Congenital Syphilis Extend Postpartum Medicaid coverage o $2 million Pilot Program for a new Daycare Facility in the Mat-Su Borough. o $127 million State match for $1.25 billion in federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding for transportation infrastructure. o An increase of $3.3 million in the Department of Public Safety for 30 new jobs. o $2.5 million to modernize the Alaska State Defense Force. o A full statutory PFD in 2023 - $3,800. See the full budget here Priorities The Senate Majority, comprised of 8 Republicans and 9 Democrats, will focus on lowering Alaska’s high energy costs, improving education, and revitalizing Alaska’s economy. My priorities will be establishing a comprehensive and sustainable fiscal plan, public safety, infrastructure and, of course, a focus on Education which means "doing the right thing" for our children. Additionally, the bills I plan to pre-file are the following: Chokehold Ban Use of Force Registry Mental Health in Schools Juneteenth Paid Holiday Charitable Healthcare Filipino Heritage Month Additionally, I will serve as Chair of the Legislative Council and will have the following committee membership assignments: Labor and Commerce Community and Regional Affairs I also anticipate, once again, serving on the following Finance Subcommittees: Health and Social Services Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Senate Finance subcommittee Labor and Workforce Development If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to my office at: Besse Odom Chief of Staff 907 269-0174 (Interim) During Session: (907 465-4930) Harlyn Andrew Legislative Staff During Session: 907 465-4930 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] Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected]