From Juneau to You! Dear Friends, Women’s History Month started off as a week-long celebration in 1982 but continued to pass joint resolutions in Congress. In 1987 it was designated as a month-long celebration in March. This designation states that each president should proclaim March as Women’s History Month, and each president has done so. These proclamations give notice to the contributions women have made to the United States and many of the achievements they have made. I am proud to be a woman making a change in the Legislature and setting the path for girls who want to be in politics. National Disability Awareness Month was first declared in 1987 by former President Ronald Reagan. It creates awareness and understanding, and encouragement to help persons with disabilities have fulfilling lives. Everyone wants and deserves an excellent quality of life. As you might not know one of my bills passed in the 32nd Legislature—Senate Bill 47 which relates to special registration plates for vehicles owned by persons with disabilities. The bill expedites the process for those experiencing disabilities to receive a plate. Just a week ago, Senator Murkowski came to the Capitol to address the Legislature. Meetings with the Community I continue to meet with constituents and other folks representing different organizations regarding their priorities. I continue to work with other legislators regarding our priorities and ways to support our priorities during this session. o Healthcare- I have met with All Alaska Pediatric Partnership, Naturopathic Doctors, Jen Opsut the CEO of Alaska Regional Hospital, and various ER Doctors from Anchorage. They all have similar priorities, whether it is funding, compact bills, and licensing. o Education - I also met with several School district personnel and superintendents throughout the State and heard testimony from more than 50 different school districts with all supporting SB52 which increases the BSA by $1,000. These children have visited all 5o state Capitols. It was a joy to meet them here at our Alaska Capitol! I recently met with the principals of Fire Lake, Stellar, and Dimond! Legislative Council  On February 21st, I was formally nominated and elected by my peers on Legislative Council to serve as Chair of the Committee. During the organizational meeting, the Committee approved measures that help the Legislature perform efficiently so we can better serve the public. We approved the 2023 Manual of Legislative Drafting, and reviewed the Council’s budget and forwarded it to the Finance Committee. We also received a presentation on the annual audit of the Legislature, which was a clean report. I am looking forward to working with Vice Chair Kevin McCabe and other members of the Legislative Council, including Senate President Gary Stevens and Speaker of the House Cathy Tilton. FAFSA Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a critically important step for students seeking to pursue educational opportunities and training after high school and, unfortunately, Alaska's FAFSA completion rate is very low, year after year. Alaska's students must have clear and equitable resources to complete the FAFSA and gain access to education funding opportunities FAFSA makes available. We know that through FAFSA completion and its subsequent funding sources, students have higher rates of enrollment, persistence, and completion in education after high school. Ultimately, this results in an educated and prepared Alaska workforce. In response to the need for Alaska's students to successfully complete the FAFSA as a vital step in their postsecondary education planning, ACPE leads the Alaska FAFSA Completion Initiative (AFCI), which is a partnership with a variety of postsecondary institutions and organizations across the State. Through our cross-sector collaboration, Alaskans gain awareness and access to the guidance needed to complete the FAFSA. Click Here for More Information Do You Need Assistance 2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember number that you can call to obtain free and confidential information and connections to community, health, and human services. The call center is open from 8:30 am-5:30 pm Monday to Friday. Alaska 2-1-1’s comprehensive statewide database offers individuals and professionals access to over 8,000 programs and services. You can search the 2-1-1 database 24/7 using various criteria, including service category, agency/organization name, or keyword. Services offered include: Food and housing support Mental health and substance misuse resources Legal assistance Youth programs Public benefits Health Insurance Job training opportunities Household items And much more! Visit the Website Here If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to my office at: Besse Odom Chief of Staff 907 465-4930 Harlyn Andrew Legislative Staff 907 465-4930 Jeff Stepp Legislative Council Aide 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]